The meeting in San Antonio ended up becoming a remarkable event for Texas Fence Association members. On Friday, September 14th many enjoyed what San Antonio had to offer – the Riverwalk. Some went on a refreshing yet cool walk throughout the Riverwalk while others enjoyed socializing at local pubs, bars and restaurants. Those who had rooms in the higher floors at the Hilton Palacio Del Rio were given an amazing view of the downtown San Antonio skyline.

Saturday morning seemed to roll around quicker than the late night before. Though early, those attending the Board Meeting were treated with a nice breakfast at the Pavilion just across the street from the hotel. Saturday brought a day of business, member involvement, teaching and learning backed by the American Fence Association.

Jon Stiles, an American Fence Association director, taught a class on many key areas for fence installations (before, during and after the project) as well as safety (personal and private). He extensively noted the importance of helping others in the industry that would help to better the industry itself and for this reason Jon was the keynote speaker for the General Meeting at the Texas Fence Association September Meeting. His enthusiasm for the working in the fence industry was rewarding for us listening; it gave us a feeling that we should all excel in our business and as individuals as well.

Soon after the meeting at the Pavilion the men went to play at the La Cantera Golf Club just on the edge of northwest San Antonio (near Six Flags) and the women went to enjoy themselves in downtown San Antonio. The opportunities of networking and connecting with others in the fence association is truly rewarding – it is a priceless commodity.

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The Texas Fence Association weekend in Arlington, Texas started off strong with an in-person tour through the Texas Rangers Stadium in the early afternoon on June 15th. TFA members learned about many great aspects about the organization and its’ stadium, especially its’ renewing use of water that is drained below, filtered and injected into the ponds outside of the stadium – being green.

Once everyone settled into the Hilton we set off to the stadium to watch a great game…Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros. Nothing like all-you-can-eat food and drinks! Though, the atmosphere was hot it was still good to sit back, relax and talk to other TFA members. As a welcome the Texas Ranger Stadium displayed the “Texas Fence Association” on their screen and once we noticed it there were hollers and woo-hoos of excitement.

The early morning on June 16th made way for the TFA board meeting. Everyone were still trying to be alert from the baseball game the day before, but all were geared for the TFA agenda. David Culbreth, Jr., the Texas Fence Association President, convened the meeting. Throughout the meeting many directors voiced their opinions and voted on various issues. There were no tense moments, but many praises, especially when the idea about providing a fence to a wildlife refuge as well as other ideas for community involvement – a key aspect as a TFA member. Once the meeting was adjourned, attendees of the American Fence Association testing began reviewing for their upcoming AFA exam.

The all-members meeting and lunch began at 11 AM in Capitol Three at the Hilton. Fine dining was on the menu…salads, sirloin steaks and cream cheese slices of cake. Billie Ball, a tour guide at the Texas Rangers Stadium was the keynote speaker. Her enthusiasm for her job was very inspiring. From a spider bite to losing her foot to becoming a tour guide at the Texas Rangers Stadium to many other great opportunities, Billie gave the TFA members a wonderful speech with room for questions about the organization, stadium, Nolan Ryan and players. It was a memorable TFA event.

After the lunch had finished, many attendees of the American Fence Association test were ready to take their exams for nearly the next 4 hours. During that time other TFA members enjoyed their stay in Arlington from Six Flags to Justin Boots in Justin, Texas to the Fort Worth Stockyards to just about everything Dallas/Ft Worth has to offer.

The Texas Fence Association and its’ members make it a great opportunity for anyone in the Texas Fence Industry to network, learn and just have some great family-fun. It is a priceless commodity!

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It’s true, Membership in the Texas Fence Association is truly a priceless commodity as we had geared up for our March 17, 2012 Meeting at the Omni Hotel in Houston, Texas with entertainment followed thereafter to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo to watch Brad Paisley.

David Culbreth Jr. (TFA President) had taught a Certified Installer Program Class to nearly 20 members in the early morning on Saturday, March 17th. The class’ objectives included Preparation at the Shop and Preparation at the Job Site with key points, such as Verify Site Plan, Job Specifications and Requirements, Site Characteristics, Mark Fence Lines and Layout Material. In addition to learning the key areas, attendees were eager with answers to questions which concerned them. This class gave a very well insight on how installers should prepare themselves before, during and after each an every job.

Soon after the Certified Installer Program Class, a luncheon was scheduled in the Palm Court area at the Omni Hotel. Fine dining was on the menu! After the invocation, David Culbreth Jr. called the meeting to order and began to speak about the new TFA website developed by Geekinit in addition to explaining to members about the benefits of utilizing the Resource Center on the American Fence Association‘s website as well as other TFA-related news and information. David then went on to introduce Dick Hudgins, who is a member of the Board of Directors for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, to speak to TFA members about the history and how the Houston Livestock and Rodeo serves the Youth and Community.

All in all, the Texas Fence Association March Meeting was a blast. Learning, great fine dining and awesome entertainment! Indeed, a priceless commodity.