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Associations play a valuable role, whether it be professional development, business growth, networking, or creating or changing the standards that impact the industry. Whatever the reason, becoming a member of an industry-specific association offers numerous opportunities that positively impact your professional development and the success of your business. Associations provide …

Happy New Year! 2024 is going to be an exciting year for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) and the standards development process. AFSA has formed a Technical Advisory Council (TAC) to establish AFSA positions on technical changes to the documents that affect the sprinkler industry. The TAC is comprised …

TRADITIONAL AND HYBRID LEARNING SCHOOLS OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT Design School is back for another year! The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Beginning and Intermediate Design Schools have become a favorite within the industry and have seen year-over-year success. These training courses can help those wanting to become designers and professionals …

NOMINATIONS FOR AFSA’S HIGHEST AWARDS ACCEPTED ONLINE The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is accepting online nominations for its top honors: the Henry S. Parmelee Award, the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Award, and the Young Professional of the Year Award. Awards will be presented during AFSA43: Convention, Exhibition …

THREE COURSES ADDED TO CURRICULUM Newly designed training courses have been developed to kick off the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) new year! With its popular educational webinars, training workshops, and maintenance programs, AFSA is a well-known training expert within the fire sprinkler industry. There are three new ITM courses, …

DEDICATED INDUSTRY VETERAN SUPPORTED THE NEXT GENERATION Members and staff of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) were saddened to learn that Past AFSA Chair of the Board, Joe Heinrich, Bamford Fire Sprinkler Company, Salina, Kan., passed away peacefully in his home on Nov. 23, 2023, after a private battle …

FIRE SPRINKLER FITTER TAKES FIRST PLACE AT AFSA’S 30TH ANNUAL NATIONAL APPRENTICE COMPETITION The 30th Annual National Apprentice Competition (NAC) at the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s AFSA42: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in Orlando,  Fla., Sept. 6-9, 2023, showcased top apprentice talent in the fire sprinkler industry. Spectators gathered in …

The sprinkler industry is similar to many trades with regard to the “dumbing down” of our employees. While I do not state this with a mean intent, I do want us to realize what we are doing. Understanding the issue will help us to adjust our approach and ensure our …

Welcome to 2024! I hope everyone had a great holiday season, and we’re all looking forward to yet another year of good health and prosperity for our industry! I’ve learned the one thing that’s guaranteed in our lifetime is change. Each New Year’s celebration brings hope and a new start …

I hope everyone had a safe, healthy, and fun-filled Christmas and New Year! Sadly, I start off remembering Joe Heinrich, who passed away in November 2023. Joe was Chair of the AFSA Board of Directors from 2013-2015 and was instrumental in developing the NextGen committee. He had a keen understanding …