PRESIDENT'S REPORT

STEVE A. MUNCY

BY STEVE A. MUNCY AFSA President

The Best From the Best

It is a sad fact that the majority of companies that install fire sprinklers do not belong to either national association. Generally speaking, most of the "non-joiners" are smaller companies that are so busy staying one step ahead they think they don't have the luxury of joining the Association, or they want to take advantage of the labor of others in expanding and improving the industry. What they don't realize is that AFSA will help them stay informed and improve their bottom line. Active AFSA members represent the very best in this industry, and they haven't hesitated to share their knowledge to the betterment of the industry.

Joining AFSA isn't a luxury – it is a good business move. By participating in AFSA, a company opens doors to learning the best from the best – the best methods of training, the best installation practices, the best insurance practices, the best safety practices, and the best management practices. Companies benefit from the many years of shared experiences in all phases of this industry.

During the AFSA Convention & Exhibition in Phoenix, attendees will benefit from a wide variety of seminars designed to improve your company and keep you up-to-date. You will learn about how to build an inspection team, job costs and estimating, contractor liability, corrosion, CPVC compatibility issues, field supervisor training, cash flow management, and technical issues related to a number of NFPA standards. All of this information is offered by some of the best minds in the industry with years of experience to add a practical side.

It's all about community....

Sure, in an attempt to stay on top of changing technology and acquire business skills, non-members can buy books, browse the Internet or subscribe to management services. But in most cases these resources are not specific to the fire sprinkler industry – they are not based on the hundreds of years of combined experience that is shared through AFSA.

What sets AFSA apart from other services and resources is community – the sharing of knowledge and experience for others. AFSA members work together to improve their companies and improve their industry. Those who choose not to participate in AFSA are outsiders looking in. They are not a part of the cooperative community that participates on standards-making committees that determine the practices of the industry, or develops materials to be used in everyday company operations or fights restrictive fitter licensing laws.

For many years, AFSA has provided a community that is in the business of sharing knowledge and practices. We continue to stay on top of a changing industry. Can anyone doubt that members of AFSA represent the best of the fire sprinkler industry? If you are a member, you maximize the value of your membership by actively participating – so get involved! If you are not a member, you are invited to help yourself and your company by joining with others in AFSA to share the best of what this industry has to offer.

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Sprinkler Age is devoted to the professional development of the Fire Sprinkler Industry. Deadline is 5th of the month, two months preceding month of publication.

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ABOUT AFSA MEMBERSHIP

AFSA annual membership dues are a sliding scale for Contractors and Associates and a flat fee for Authorities Having Jurisdiction. (Members receive a free subscription to Sprinkler Age.) Write or call AFSA for membership information. See AFSA's Web site at firesprinkler.org.