TENNESSEE FIREWORKS ASSOCIATION
ABOUT US
The Tennessee Fireworks Association is a member driven association organized in 2007 as a 501(c)6 non profit corporation, registered in the state of Tennessee, funded by tax deductible membership dues, dedicated to the advancement of fireworks use and safety in the state of Tennessee.
All fireworks personnel working with retailers, seasonal retailers, display providers, distributors, manufacturers, operators, contractors, hobbyists, municipalities and schools are invited to be members of the Tennessee Fireworks Association.
To learn more about our organization please peruse the information on our web site including the sections on Operations, Organization, Charter and Bylaws. We welcome input from any fireworks enthusiasts, please read our non-discrimination statement below.
"The Tennessee Fireworks Association (TFA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, genetic information, political beliefs, or reprisal." We are prejudice toward fireworks, their beauty, fascinations, pure enjoyment, loud reports and high bursting shells.
The following excerpts about TFA are from an article interviewing Association President, Ernest Clevenger, written by Elizabeth Musselshite and appearing in the FIREWORKS BUSINESS magazine, February 2009 issue. The interview has been updated since its printing.
FB: What is the Tennessee Fireworks Association (TFA) about? What are the goals/aims of the association?
EC: The TFA is a statewide non-profit member driven association promoting fireworks for both 1.3g and 1.4g vendors, municipal and educational users and individual hobbyist. Our goal is to enhance the safe use and enjoyment of fireworks.
FB: Why was the Association formed?
EC: Some members of the Tennessee State General Assembly, while talking with several fireworks vendors about changes in the Tennessee Code Annotated Fireworks Laws, let it be known they were tired of multiple constituents constantly bringing small changes and requests for the use and sale of fireworks in closed areas of the state. They said in effect, “If you want effective action by representatives you need to establish an association to develop a consensus to bring to us rather than coming one a time.” They further said, “If an organization is not formed we will draft legislation to our liking rather than that of the industry.” Several of us in the industry recognized this as a mandate to organize.
FB: Can anyone in the fireworks industry join?
EC: All fireworks retailers, seasonal retailers, display providers, distributors, manufacturers, operators, contractors, hobbyists, municipalities and schools are invited to be members of the Tennessee Fireworks Association. Does someone have to be a professional in the trade? No. Or can they just be an enthusiast/hobbyist? Yes, we already have some members who are hobbyist.
FB: How often do you meet and where?
EC: Our bylaws require one Annual Meeting a year. We have entered into an agreement with Lipscomb University in Nashville, a central location in the state, to use meeting facilities on their campus and we held the 2009 & 2010 Annual Meetings there in January. The bylaws also provide for regional meetings to be held in other cities as scheduled by the Board of Directors; specifically named are Memphis, Chattanooga and Knoxville.
FB: What are the advantages of joining the TFA?
EC: Some of the many membership advantages are: more effective representation of the fireworks industry to government and consumer, early notice of projected changes in the state fireworks laws, tracking new laws as they are filed, stronger media promotion of safe and legal use of all types of fireworks and joint defense against media misinformation, to serve as a clearing house for fireworks information and technical exchange, encourage and provide adequate training for professionals, and to advocate for fireworks as a year around art form.
FB: How much are membership dues and what does that cover (e.g., insurance, newsletters, lobbying efforts, etc.)
EC: The Tennessee Fireworks Association is principally supported by membership dues. Full members must be at least 18 years of age, known to be law abiding responsible citizens to the membership of the TFA. Memberships are not transferable. Membership dues are $35 per year per person. Members and friends of fireworks are invited to make personal contributions to the Association's Political Action Committee which works with the Tennessee State Legislature in the development and enforcement of sate fireworks laws.
Info: clevengerea@comcast.net