Hello, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Two members.
Spring has arrived here in the mid-Atlantic and I know that we are all looking forward to the upcoming rental season.
I would like to first offer my thanks and congratulations to my predecessor, Mike Fitzwater of Special Events Entertainment in Portsmouth, Va., on his outstanding leadership in our region as well as the association. Mike recently concluded his three-year term on the ARA board.
Mike has worked tirelessly for our association, helping to steer us through some of the most difficult and trying times our industry has ever faced. I look forward to continuing the efforts that Mike and all previous Region Two directors have made in promoting ARA and the benefits of rental.
Although we were unable to participate in ARA’s National Legislative Caucus in Washington, D.C., again this year due to security protocols at the Capitol, the work of our association continues through ARAPAC, ARA’s political action committee.
As a former chairman of ARA’s Government Affairs Committee, I have seen up close the great works ARAPAC has and continues to do in supporting pro-business candidates regardless of party affiliation. Our legislators make policy decisions every day that impact our businesses. Supporting ARAPAC is another way you can help further the industry and make ARA the leading voice for rental. ARAPAC is free to join, and I hope you will sign up today. You can get more information and join ARAPAC here.
I am happy to inform you that ARA has announced two exciting new projects:
First, the new ARA Certified programs launched in March. These are a series of certification programs covering essential training for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) on both trainer and operator sides, and sales and service certification programs for people in the equipment rental segment.
Second, a new solution for ARA members’ group health care needs will launch May 1. This is an initiative ARA has been working on for a long time. Now it is coming to fruition.
Find more information about these programs inside this edition of In Your Region.
Speaking of resources that can benefit your employees, don’t forget to check out these courses available in RentalU — ARA’s online education platform — in the Human Resources section of both the Event and Equipment catalogs: “Onboarding: Introduction to Rental” (for staff) and “Onboarding Course for Managers.” Both will be great resources for any new staff members that you hire.
Finally, I would like to thank you, the membership of ARA Region Two, for your support as I start my term on the ARA board of directors. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns or if I can be of any assistance.
Best wishes on the upcoming season.
Brian Richardson, ARA Region Two director
L & A Tent Rentals
Trenton, N.J.
609-584-0054
brian@latents.com