Hello, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Nine members! Summer is here, and I hope everyone is busy, making money and ensuring rental works for customers. I know our operation has been very busy.
Yes, the continuing labor and supply chain issues have made it more challenging, but there is help. The ARA Job Portal can assist us on the hiring end. As an ARA member, you can receive five free job postings. You have nothing to lose, so try it out.
To help retain your existing staff, turn to ARA’s RentalU. You will find so many onboarding tools to help you bring on new employees or sharpen and retrain veteran rental employees. ARA has set the standard. No matter what you are looking for — service, driving, risk management and sales — you can find it on ARA’s education platform. You’ll find so many courses and quick, easy-to-digest videos. Check it out, including the latest offerings, the ARA Certified courses and the animated Prioritize Safety shorts.
Speaking of the ARA Certified courses, there is the new mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) train-the-trainer training that satisfies OSHA requirements and the new American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A92 standards. It involves self-paced classroom portions that you complete before attending the hands-on training. The others are the ARA Certified Service and ARA Certified Sales. Upon completion, your staff members will earn a professional designation, ECP-ST (ARA Certified Service) or the ECP-SM (ARA Certified Sales).
Another important ARA offering that could help in the recruitment and retention of employees is the new ARA Healthcare Solution, a partnership with Allstate Benefits and Hub International. Get a quote and see whether this program will work for you and your staff.
Recipients of ARA Foundation and affiliate scholarships, including the ARA of California Scholarships, were announced in June. Two students from California were awarded scholarships. Read the story in this issue and then offer your congratulations. These scholarships are a great way to help those who plan to make a career in the industry pay for the education they need.
The ARA of California also has been busy offering member events. The state chapter offered Department of Transportation (DOT) training before enjoying the game between the Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans. On June 25, Northern Californians saw the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds. Coming up Aug. 16, those in Southern California will be able to see the Los Angeles Angels take on the Seattle Mariners. These are great opportunities that you don’t want to miss.
Be sure to check out the member profiles in this issue too. Trust me. You will gain valuable insights from each one.
In addition, ARA recently announced that both the Young Professional Network (YPN) and the Women in Rental conferences will take place Nov. 29-30 in Arizona. Great keynote speakers are scheduled for both events: Galen Emanuele will address “Transforming Impact: Next-Level Leadership, Culture and Feedback” at the YPN event and Sara Frasca will address “The Three Core Mindsets of Innovation” at the Women in Rental session. Attendees of both events will benefit from a few combined activities too. Registration will open in August. Watch your email for details so you can be part of the activities.
And don’t forget to book your hotel room now for The ARA Show™, set for Feb. 12-15 in Orlando. This will be a fantastic show. You won’t want to miss this event.
Also, if you have any questions or concerns for the national board, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Alberto Pianelli, ARA Region Nine director
F & B Rentals
Santa Ana, Calif.
949-307-8301
alberto@fbrentals.com