Nafca Information

Three years ago a group of fence professionals who were excited by the need they saw in the fence industry for education and an ethical standard got together and formed the North American Fence Contractors Association. They chose a mission statement that encompasses these goals while embracing the roles of both contractors and vendors in keeping the fence industry strong and healthy. From the beginning, the organization has stressed education to improve the industry. NAFCA has held a national fence installation school each year of its existence, along with numerous gate operator schools for beginners and more advanced installers. Each school is taught by industry professionals with decades of success in the industry, and allows students to learn first hand in real world conditions. NAFCA has always stressed affordability and access in its educational opportunities, keeping tuition at a fraction of what is available elsewhere, and offering training to members and nonmembers alike. A large part of the ethical base of NAFCA is expressed through the many service projects that have been accomplished. Annual service projects at Arlington National Cemetery have allowed NAFCA members and supporters to “give back� to those who gave it all by replacing worn, aged fencing. The fencers who participate in these as well as the many local, regional service projects that NAFCA members participate in reflect the community spirit that the North American Fence Contractors Association has embodied from the start. In order to make NAFCA affordable, it is an entirely volunteer effort, with no permanent, full time staff. With annual dues of just $250, the organization offers a lot of “bang for the buck�. Member benefits also include the Biennial Fence Expo, regional educational and networking events, member discounts at some member vendors, and access to the dynamic new website with featured member spotlights and new features coming soon including “round table� forums and a member directory. Starting with just 12 members in the spring of 2011, it has grown to over 60 members in just three years. In an era when membership in professional organizations is on the decline, NAFCA is seeing phenomenal growth.