| August 30, 2023
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Get ready! Registration opens for FENCETECH January 23-26, 2024 in Nashville in late September!
More information will be coming soon, so keep an eye on your email inboxes for registration announcements.
Check the FENCETECH website to sign up for show alerts, and visit AFA's website and Facebook page for regular updates.
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FENCETECH 2024 will be rolling into Nashville in just five months! Are you ready to meet your prospects and current customers on the show floor? Your competition might be. Check out the current floor plan and exhibitor listing to see which of your competitors are already exhibiting!
To reach your target audience at FENCETECH 2024, reach out to fencetech@americanfenceassociation.com today! Of, if you’re ready to sign up now, visit the Exhibitor Booth Sales Page and select the “Continue” button under the words “I Need Space!”
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AFA University will take place November 5-11 in Arlington, TX!
Registration opens September 5.
FIS – November 5 - 10 (all 5 disciplines)
FCBS – November 5-10 (optional testing November 11 8am-12pm)
STS – November 8 - 10
GAIS – November 5 – 10 (optional testing November 11 8am-12pm)
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AFA is committed to providing you with the tools necessary to achieve your professional goals. We understand that communicating your credentials in an ever-expanding online marketplace can be challenging. That is why we have partnered with Credly to provide you with a digital version of your credentials called a digital badge.
If you have earned your CFC, CGAT, CGAD, or COM designation, or if you have completed FIS, FCBS, GADS, GATS, OMS, or STS, you will receive an email soon from Credly inviting you to claim your credential. This digital badge will contain information describing your credential and will allow you to easily share your achievement to LinkedIn and other platforms.
There is no fee for this service – only added benefits.
What are the benefits of a digital badge?
- Easily manage, share and verify your learning achievements
- Secure verification adds credibility to your achievement
- Market your skill and expertise to potential customers and grow your business
What happens next?
- You’ll receive an email from Credly inviting you to accept your badge
- Click the button in the email
- Create and confirm your Credly account
- Accept your badge and start sharing!
We hope you take advantage of this benefit and enjoy the professional recognition afforded by our badging program. If you have questions, or if you do not receive an email from Credly by August 31 (check your spam folders), please contact sara@americanfenceassociation.com.
Don’t have your credential yet and don’t want to miss out? We’re here to help! Apply for certification here or register for an upcoming school here!
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AFA is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the new Approved Education Provider Program! An AFA Approved Education Provider is an organization that has registered with AFA to provide education that meets the recertification standards for AFA’s credentialing programs.
There are many benefits related to this new program, designed to connect education providers with certificants looking for continuing education opportunities:
Benefits to Education Provider:
- Promotion of Education Provider’s approved courses to all certified individuals on a regular basis
- Listing of Education Provider’s approved courses on AFA’s website with links to register
Benefits to Certificants:
- Provides continuing education opportunities in one central location, with easy-to-find hours for recertification
- Reduces reporting burden on certificants – all hours earned through Accredited Education Providers will be directly reported to AFA and applied to certificants’ online profiles for use in recertification applications
More information will be coming in early September as the program officially launches.
If you are part of an organization that provides education and/or training on topics related to fence (installation, materials, standards, etc.), gate operators/access control (installation, design, standards, etc.), or business (sales, leadership, operations, efficiencies, etc.) and would like more information on this program, please contact sara@americanfenceassociation.com.
If you are a current CFC, CGAD, CGAT, or COM, please watch your email in September as we begin listing available continuing education opportunities through this program.
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Circle the date and join your chapter family for these upcoming September - October events!
September 18
Northeast Chapter Golf Tournament
Crestwood Country Club · Rehoboth, MA
September 29
Midwest Chapter Golf Tournament
Shangri-La Resort · Monkey Island, OK
September 29
Northern Ohio Chapter Clay Shoot
Hill N Dale Club · Medina, OH
October 12
Rocky Mountain Chapter Meeting
Three Bear Lodge · West Yellowstone, MT
October 19 - 20
Texas Chapter Meeting and Casino Night
Hilton Dallas Rockwall · Rockwall, TX
October 21
Texas Chapter Golf Tournament
Buffalo Creek Golf Club · Rockwall, TX
Stay up to date with all of AFA's upcoming association, chapter and education events at www.americanfenceassociation.com/events.
Contact AFA staff with questions at memberservices@americanfenceassociation.com.
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2 weeks until this FIS and GADS schools, followed by the Carolinas Chapter By the Sea event. Register for a school and save $50 when you register for By the Sea!
AFA U – September 13-14
Carolinas By the Sea – September 14-16
Contact memberservices@americanfenceassociation.com with questions.
Thank you to our sponsors:
D&D Technologies
Wood Defender
Master Halco
Doorking
Controlled Products Systems Group
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Contractors and supplier/manufacturers are working with clients to provide complete outdoor living space designs based on current trends and preferences in the market.
"Our clients think of their fences as more than just structural barriers. They want to make a statement, while complementing the architecture of the yard."
- Jeff Aronson, CALCO Fence and Deck
"Teak and exotic hardwoods have become trendy, and there are many manufacturers now selling IPE patio furniture sets. Benches with built-in low-voltage lights are also popular."
- Tim Sandlund, Fortress Building Products
Read the full article for more insights: Beyond the Fence: Landscape, Hardscape, and Lighting Designs for Contemporary Outdoor Spaces
Miss an issue (or three)? Click here to access the full Fencepost digital archive.
Have a story you'd like to share in a future issue of Fencepost? Email editor@americanfenceassociation.com.
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In July, Miller Edge held a live webinar with UL Solutions on ANSI/CAN/UL 325: 2020, the Standard for Door, Drapery, Gate, Louver, and Window Operators and Systems, the new safety Standard in Canada, which was published in 2017, and went into effect for CSA Certifications on March 1, 2023.
The webinar, titled “ANSI/CAN/UL 325: 2020, Safety Essentials for Your Door or Gate Business,” focused on the Standard’s regulatory landscape, history, and key differences between the new and old standards. Attendees also gained insights into how the new Standard can effectively contribute to business growth.
The webinar can be viewed on demand on Miller Edge’s YouTube channel. More information about the adoption of UL 325 in Canada can be provided by Miller Edge Canada-based International Sales Manager Amancio Sanchez: asanchez@milleredge.com.
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AFA would like to welcome the new members who have recently joined the association.
We're glad you're part of the family!
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AFA would like to give a shout-out to our members celebrating anniversaries with the association.
We're honored to mark another year in our partnership!
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SLA BATTERIES: THREE OPTIONS FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS
Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) batteries have been a reliable energy storage solution for various applications over the years. Their robustness, cost-effectiveness, and maintenance-free operation have made them popular in both consumer and industrial settings.
SLA batteries come in different types, each catering to specific applications and offering distinct advantages. Here's our rundown of Good, Better, and Best options.
1. Good: Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries. AGM batteries are an excellent entry-level choice for users seeking a dependable power source without breaking the bank.
2. Better: Gel Batteries. Gel batteries represent a step up in performance compared to AGM batteries. They utilize silica to turn the electrolyte into a gel-like substance, enhancing the battery's durability and cycle life.
3. Best: Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries. These batteries offer a higher energy density, longer lifespan, and faster charging times compared to other batteries.
Selecting the right type of battery depends on the specific requirements of your intended use. Batteries Plus can help you determine which is the best choice for your operation - and at substantial savings. Register for your savings through our AFA Member Savings Program at www.batteriesplus.com/gpo/msp.
CONSUMER FINANCING THAT HELPS YOU INCREASE SALES
Offer financing for 6, 12 or more months - grow sales %20
Why offer financing? Research shows that the average ticket price of a first purchase is much higher for customers who use a consumer credit card.
Register to find out why so many AFA Members are using Synchrony and receive a $300 incentive.
For more information on all MSP savings opportunities, visit our one-stop registration page or contact Mark Schiavone at (303) 963-6441 or mark@membersavingsprogram.com
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