November 10th 2020 Chapter Minutes

Virginia Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Regular Meeting Minutes

November 10, 2020 Meeting #149
Meeting was called to order by President Bob Beckwith at 2:14 pm.
AFSA Members and Guests present:
Bob Beckwith-United Sprinkler
Tom Klecka-FLSA
Jeff Lewis – VSC
Jason Gill – Crews & Gregory
Michael Christensen-Executive Director
Elaine Christensen-Guest
Jack Medovich – FLSA
John Denhardt, PE – AFSA National
Dennis Wech-Johnson Controls/TYCO
Chris Born – Clark Nexsen
Josh Shapiro – Reliable Sprinkler
Craig Smith – Ferguson
Ben Johnson – Viking Supply Net
Jake Lehmann – SouthTek
David Mackin – FLSA
Darren Palmieri – Viking Supply Net
Chris Pickford – Victaulic
Tom Self – United Sprinkler
Rob Sell – Viking Supply Net
Mohamed Sesay – FLSA
Mike Meehan – VSC
Brad Thompson – FLSA
Chad Waldridge – Core & Main
Brian Welteroth – FLSA

Bob Beckwith had everyone introduce themselves.

Committee Reports
Treasurer: Craig Smith reported the operating account has a balance of $20,185. The investment
account balance at the time of the meeting is $48,933.

Legislative: Bob reminded everyone that the Virginia licensing change goes into effect
07/1/2021.

Programs: Tom Klecka stated that the NFPA 14 & 20 training event is still tentatively planned
for May 10, 2021 at the Chesterfield training center. We will ask AFSA National to provide a
trainer for that date.

Social Media and Public Relations: Hooper Loscomb not in attendance due to COVID19.

Apprenticeship: Griff Brinkley not in attendance. It was stated that he is looking for more
online training. National is currently upgrading the apprenticeship program.

Education: Jeff Lewis said that he is waiting until January 2021 to contact public schools.

Membership: Bob stated that for a recruitment incentive we are offering a $100 Amazon gift
card for referrals that join the Chapter.

Golf: Jack Medovich said the 28th Annual Golf Tournament has been scheduled for Wednesday,
October 13, 2021 at the Williamsburg National Golf Club and a contract was been signed.

NextGen: Josh Shapiro stated he will arrange an event for spring of 2021 which will be funded
by a grant from AFSA National.

Inspector Licensing: Bob reminded the contractors to get their applications in and that the fee is
$130 with the state.

Community projects: Jeff Lewis said he is working on setting up a burn demonstration with the
State Fire Marshals Office. The trailer will include a riser, valves, switches and a compressor.

Program: John Denhardt, PE gave his presentation on all of the education, leadership training,
financial support, technical advice, safety resources, professional development opportunities and
member benefits that the AFSA National has to offer.

Vendor presentation: Ben Johnson and Darren Palmieri with Viking Supply Net provided the
presentation.

The 50/50 raffle was conducted with Michael Christensen winning the raffle for the 3rd time in a
row. He donated the money back to the Chapter.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:35 pm.
Following the meeting we had a Recruitment Social and had 19 members remain until it ended at
6 pm.

Summary: We had a very successful meeting with 24 persons in attendance along with a good
presentation by John Denhardt, PE from AFSA National. This seemed to be a good turnout since
some of our members weren’t able to participate due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Respectfully submitted. If anyone has any corrections, please let me know.
Michael Christensen, Executive Director