Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council elected its officers October 13 at the AFSA Convention & Exhibition in Phoenix. Tim Freiner of Potter Electric Signal Company, St. Louis, Missouri was elected as chairman of the Council and Randy Lane of Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation, Standish, Michigan was named vice chairman of the Council.
Michael Mottice of Tyco Building & Fire Protection in Lansdale, Pennsylvania will fill an empty seat available to Tyco as a device manufacturer. Derek Allen of HD Supply Fire Protection in Hayward, California was elected to serve a three-year term. Chuck Kitts of System Sensor in Lansdale, Pennsylvania was re-elected to the System Sensor seat. All members are anticipating a year of making a great difference on the council. Derek Allen, who has served on the AFSA Apprenticeship & Education, Membership, and Convention committees in the past, is especially thrilled to be a part of the M/S Council. “I had sat in on a number of M/S Council meetings as an observer and quickly realized the impact of this group,” says Allen. “As a member of a large national distributor, I wanted to contribute. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this association and the people that dedicate their time to this industry.”
Buck Buchanan announced that he will step down from serving on the Council as a representative of the device manufacturer Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation. In his place, Lane has been designated to represent Globe. AFSA is grateful for Buchanan’s service to the M/S Council. “His insight, tenacity and desire to make this association strong came through with each meeting,” says Marlene Garrett CMP, M/S Council staff liaison. “His service to this council will always be a reminder of how members of AFSA make an impactful difference.”
The Council, established in 1983, is a national council representing member companies who produce fire sprinkler system components and supply materials and services to the industry. The M/S Council was created to represent the interests of all associate members that make and supply products in the industry, and assist AFSA’s Board of Directors in meeting the goals of AFSA.
“For the past six years I have been privileged to serve on the M/S Council,” says Freiner, chairman of the Council. “Throughout that time, I have become increasingly impressed with the dedication of each member and the companies they represent. All parties involved bring a level of industry knowledge that helps to better serve the AFSA as well as our M/S membership. I would challenge our membership to get involved with the committee and benefit from the influence offered to them.”
The 2015-2016 M/S Council members are: Chairman Tim Freiner; Vice Chairman Randy Lane; Derek Allen, HD Supply Fire Protection, Hayward, California; Debbie Bien, Quality Fabrication & Supply, Sanford, Florida; Mike Bosma, The Viking Corporation, Hastings, Michigan; Mike Dooley, Flexhead Industries, Holliston, Massachusetts; John Durik, Tyco Building & Fire Products, Lansdale, Pennsylvania; Michael Fee, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Elmsford, New York; James Golinveaux, Tyco Building & Fire Protection, Lansdale, Pennsylvania; Chuck Kitts, System Sensor, Lansdale, Pennsylvania; Michael Mottice, Tyco Building & Fire Products, Lansdale, Pennsylvania; Bill Phair, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Passaic, New Jersey; Phil Schechinger, Anvil International, Exeter, New Jersey; and Chris Stason, Victaulic Company, Temecula, California.
The M/S Council is comprised of both appointed and elected representatives. Each appointed individual device manufacturing company that holds AFSA membership at level A-6 or above is allowed one seat, with the representative to be appointed by the individual company. There are seven elected representatives, and persons serving in these positions may represent any supplier or manufacturer company that includes, but is not limited to, suppliers, other manufacturers, or manufacturer’s representatives as long as the company is an AFSA member in good standing.
AFSA members are encouraged to contact M/S Council representatives with questions or ideas. If you are interested in becoming more involved with AFSA, the council encourages you to do so! Consider investing in the future of your industry by getting more active; please also consider the time and financial commitment required to attend meetings and work on AFSA programs. Members interested in serving on the Council or other committees should contact Marlene Garrett CMP, M/S Council staff liaison, at mgarrett@ firesprinkler.org or visit firesprinkler.org.
