Hello, Region Two members.
The ARA Show™ in Las Vegas was a tremendous event to take part in as we try to get back to normal. Congratulations to the American Rental Association (ARA) staff for planning another first-class show that was truly Clean, Safe, and Essential. It was great to see those who traveled to Las Vegas and reconnect with many vendors we have not seen since the Orlando show in 2020.
The importance of your ARA membership and your network of rental friends has gotten stronger over the past 18 months. Not a day goes by that I am not speaking with another friend in the rental business, seeking and giving advice on the new issues we face.
I also look at the ARA Facebook groups for Event Rental and Equipment Rental that were formed during the early days of the pandemic. These groups provide all with an opportunity to help or be helped through interaction with other rental professionals. ARA has become the place to find answers during these ever-changing times.
At the show in Vegas, I was pleased to see ARA officially launch its newest effort to promote careers in the equipment and event rental industry: a new membership category for students in post-secondary education programs. The student membership is free and provides access to ARA’s Young Professional Network, the ARA Blog, ARARentalWorks.com and the ARA Job Board. For more information on this new student-focused category of ARA membership and how it can help address labor shortages in our industry, contact Keith Pearson, ARA director of rental industry workforce development.
Region Two events are beginning to happen again. The ARA of Virginia and the ARA of Pennsylvania have already held events, and many others are planned for November and December. Check out your state’s Facebook page for details and look for emails to sign up. I hope to see you soon at an event.
Michael Fitzwater, ARA Region Two director
Special Events Entertainment
Portsmouth, Va.
757-485-1212
mike@virginiaspecialevents.com