CHAIR’S MESSAGE

AFSA’s 44-year history is a testament to the importance of having a mother ship to turn to for all the latest industry news. Our new podcast, “The K-Factor,” at firesprinkler.org/podcast/, is a new way for everyone in the fire protection industry to feel connected and represented. Where do you turn for training designers, apprentices, and foremen? AFSA, of course! In 2023, we rolled out the Virtual Instruction Program (VIP), which offers LIVE virtual apprenticeship instruction with expert trainers! AFSA is the ONLY place you go to for this state-of-the-art training. I would like to encourage owners and senior management to be advocates and encourage 100% participation to make this program a success. It takes all of us to make these programs a success. The VIP is a requirement for my apprentices. Currently, Fire Tech Systems has eight apprentices enrolled. Their feedback about the program has been extremely positive. This program enhances the commitment between management and the team, adding value to their opportunities within the company through advancement, better quality of life for them and their family, and, above all, partnership. What a win-win for all! Enroll your apprentice today and WIN!

Your Board and committees met in February and hit the ground running. Here is a highlight reel. Last year, the NextGen Initiative, chaired by Katie Meehan, requested funding for two NextGenners of Category 1 and 2 contractors to attend AFSA43 for the first time. It was a huge success and very impactful for the recipients. Networking opportunities and AFSA programs gave them a broader perspective, creating a new level of engagement in the industry. This is another “WIN! WIN!” for all. Due to that win, more recipients, five in fact, will have the opportunity to attend AFSA44. Accept this as a call to all NextGenners to submit their application to attend our convention for the first time: https://fs8.formsite.com/AFSA/4auvmzlcue/index. Entries are accepted from May 1 to July 1, and entrants must be under the age of 40 at the time they apply.

The NextGen Initiative is also developing guidelines for chapters to create their own NextGen. This is due to the many requests from chapter leaders/boards to continue building the future industry members—the NextGenners. Madison Wolf, Meaghan Wills, and AFSA staff Meda Merritt and Nate Williams have graciously volunteered to develop this parallel with chapter guidelines. THANK YOU!

The Convention Committee and its Chair, Jay Strickland, have been working their magic to create four days of back-to-back seminars. Over 60 presentations, breakfasts, lunches, networking opportunities, and social activities will happen within the magnificent Gaylord National space in Washington, D.C. The NextGen Initiative will once again host the Welcome Party on Oct. 15; add it to your calendar! For more details on AFSA44, see page 12 of this issue.

Our commitment to strengthen our partnerships with NFPA, NICET, NASFM, CFSI, and FSI continues. Bob and I are honored to be invited as AFSA representatives at the Fire Sprinkler International (FSI) Conference April 2-3 in Salzburg, Austria. Bob will present an NFPA 13 update seminar. This conference allows us to share our gold fire sprinkler standards in the USA with many European countries. Yes, another “WIN! WIN!”

Thank you all for being a part of this amazing association. Remember, this is your association! Use it to access all the TOP-NOTCH training, education, staff, and members. Make connections with your chapter committees and boards, and then look at offering your service to the national Board. I wish you all a blessed and Happy Easter!