After an extensive search, the American Fence Association Board of Directors has selected Michael Reed to be its next executive director. Reed succeeds Tony Thornton, who retired in March after nearly eight years leading the organization.

Michael Reed is a founding partner of BlochReed Association Advisors. Michael served as a valued partner to volunteer and staff leaders by helping design and implement strategy initiatives, increase governance effectiveness, and strengthen the leadership experience. He has extensive experience collaborating with contractors and suppliers to construction trades. Prior to founding BlochReed, Michael was with The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (now PHTA) where he partnered with industry leaders on workforce development, certification, and other membership initiatives.

“On behalf of the AFA Board of Directors, I could not be more excited to announce Michael Reed as AFA’s next Executive Director. Michael is a trusted and experienced association expert, he has a deep understanding of AFA’s culture and will help AFA deliver a valuable member experience,” said AFA’s President Sam Williams.

Michael Reed added, “The fence industry makes the world safer and more beautiful, and it is an honor to join AFA and be part of its 60 years of successful fence industry leadership. I am excited by the opportunity to work with grassroots chapter leaders, a visionary board of directors, and industry suppliers who are all dedicated to growing the industry.”

Michael may be contacted at michael@americanfenceassociation.com or (512) 431-5360.

The American Fence Association’s annual PRO Awards are back to recognize members in 16 different categories and present the top overall project with the “best of the best” award. Have you installed an innovative project this year, or know a fence industry professional who has? Nominate them for a PRO Award!

AFA Contractors can nominate their projects for multiple categories by simply completing a new form for each nomination. AFA Suppliers can sponsor their customers' projects and have their names recognized with the winner! Winners will be awarded at FENCETECH 2023 and will receive a PR media kit and have their project featured in Fencepost magazine. The PRO Awards categories are: 
 
Commercial or Residential: 

• Multi-use (combined categories of 2 or more) 
• Access Control 
• Chain Link 
• Deck and Railing 
• Farm/Ranch/Agriculture 
• Ornamental Vinyl 
• Wood 

To enter, visit www.AmericanFenceAssociation.com/awards.  
Deadline to submit: January 11, 2023. 

Booth draw for companies who exhibited in FENCETECH/METALfab 2022 took place the week of May 23rd. Now, exhibit space and sponsorship sales are open for everyone! Don’t miss your chance to reach the fence professionals you need to talk to! You can find more information on the FENCETECH 2023 website. Or, to reserve your space today, contact Jim Hawarden, Director of Exhibits & Sponsorships at (214) 264-3818.

The American Fence Association (AFA) is pleased to announce the 2023 Call for Volunteers to serve on our Board of Directors, on a Committee, or at the local level via a Chapter. Whether you’re new to the AFA or are a seasoned member, we need YOU to help us help the industry!  

By volunteering with the AFA you will:  

• Enhance your communication, collaboration, and planning skills
• Grow your professional network and make new friends in the industry 
• Help shape the future of AFA at the local and national level  

We invite you to apply and help shape the future of the fence industry today!  

Questions? Visit https://www.americanfenceassociation.com/volunteer or contact us at memberservices@americanfenceassociation.com.

The Memphis Tri-State Fence Association would like to thank all sponsors and attendees of the 36th Annual Golf Tournament! Fom its humble orignis in 1986, the event has risen to become one of the must-attend events for the perimeter proection industry. 

The Tournament offered a wonderful opportunity to socialize, enjoy some time on the green, and support the efforts of the MTSFA to invest back into the industry and surrounding communities. Over the last six years, the MTSFA has supported many organizations with proceeds from this event, including the AFA Education Foundation, AFA School Scholarships, fellow AFA chapters, Saint Jude Children's Hospital, and other local charitable organizations.

Follow MTSFA on Facebook for photos and updates on future events.

Q: I missed the last issue of Fencepost. Is there a digital archive of past issues?

A: Excellent question! You can access digital copies of Fencepost magazine, our annual Fence Industry Directory, monthly Across the Fence e-newsletter, and The VOICE FENCETECH Show Guide through your MyAFA Portal! You can find instructions on how to access all our AFA publications here. 

What: Fence Contractor Business Summit
When: July 10-13, 2022
Where: Shangri-La Resort, Monkey Island, OK

The Fence Contractor Business Summit is a two-and-a-half-day training program held several times annually throughout the country. This summit brings together the best peers in the industry that have been there, done that and proven their success.
The event provides an all-in experience for a business owner or business management personnel, with instruction by industry professionals who have proven track records in their respective areas of expertise.
The attendee will leave with more knowledge than they ever expected and will have access to the TFCG consultants for follow-up. For more information and to register, visit https://fenceconsultinggroup.com/super-summits.  

Exhibitor and attendee registration is now open for the WASA (Western Access Systems Association) 2022 Door and Gate Show. This is the longest running trade show on the west coast focused exclusively on the door/gate operator, and access control industry. This year’s event will be held at Morongo Hotel & Casino, in Cabazon, CA from September 29-October 1st, 2022.

Join manufacturers and industry professionals from across North America in presenting your products and services at the largest West Coast event of the year. Network with installers, distributors, and manufacturers at the Bowling Tournament on September 30th. Take advantage of education with several training seminars from manufacturers and IDEA certified training and testing programs. The event is free to attend! For more information and to register, visit WASAOnline.org.

LockeyUSA, a specialty supplier of high-quality perimeter security and gate hardware products for a wide range of commercial and residential applications, is pleased to announce the launch of the GBS2000 gate box.The industry-changing gate box does not require welding and is a finished product, eliminating the need to paint or apply a powder coat, reducing installation time in the field. 

“This product was designed with the installer in mind and is a game-changer in the industry. With just two cuts to the gate, the upper and lower housing of the GBS2000 easily slides together onto the frame to create a gate box,” said Scott Wojcik, National Sales Manager at LockeyUSA.

The patent-pending GBS2000, made from cast aluminum and powder coated black, follows the release of the patented 2835-Adapter for installing the 2835 on vinyl and ornamental gates. It is weather-resistant for any exterior application. More details at LockeyUSA.com.

Common Ground Alliance
A national public opinion survey of homeowners conducted in early March by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) revealed that 58% of American homeowners personally plan to complete a home improvement project involving digging in the next 12 months – and unfortunately, 49% of them, or approximately 34.9 million Americans, will take a risk by not contacting 811 beforehand. The most popular planned projects cited among surveyed homeowners who plan to dig include:

• Planting a tree or shrub: 80%
• Building a fence: 25%
• Building a deck or patio: 21%
• Installing a mailbox: 11%
• Installing a pool: 3%
• Something else: 19%

 Read the full article here.

As companies across America gradually return to their offices after two years of working from home or remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, site security and safety are top of mind. 

To keep work sites safe and secure against potential threats, companies rely on gate operators to control and manage access. The question is, which type is right for your situation: a hydraulic gate operator or a variable speed operator?

We dive into this subject in our May/June issue of Fencepost magazine. Read the article here.

We are pleased to announce our newest supplier program with Discount Tire.

Discount Tire Fleet provides unmatched service and, value, helping to reduce the total cost of ownership for our customers in over 1,100 of our corporately owned and operated stores across the country.

Now your company can take advantage of our group purchasing agreement through our Member Savings Program. Register for our new Discount Tire Savings Program.

Back by popular demand! Take $10 off select Duracell Procell batteries

Did you know?
Changing out batteries over and over can cost 7x the amount of the batteries themselves. Let’s fix that. By partnering with Batteries Plus and switching to powerful, long-lasting Procell batteries, your organization will save time and money.

Our experts can help with a customized plan for your organization. As an added bonus, now through June 30, 2022, membership accounts can get $10 off instantly on case packs of Duracell Procell or Procell Intense. Limit 2 cases per customer. Learn more here.

Savings applied instantly when you purchase using your membership agreement. Shop in-store with your Member ID to gain access to your special pricing. Not sure what your Member ID is? Email member@batteriesplus.com.