Wow, what a year 2021 was. Welcome to 2022, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Four members!
Speaking with many rental operators in our region, I discovered that a number of them had a great year while others who struggled with the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic have now seen significant rebounds in business activity. The reopening in 2021 most certainly had a positive impacted on our event industry, which is wonderful to see.
What we found at the end of last year after having to do more with less is continuing this year. Whether the competitive labor market is making it hard to attract new employees or supply constraints on products are causing delays in delivery, we are all making the most of what we have.
I would be remiss if I didn’t take the time to remind you about the ARA’s new hiring platform, the ARA Job Board. As a member of ARA, you can receive five postings for free. You also have the ability to access the TalentBoost Upgrade, which distributes your job posting to a network of more than 1,000 national, niche and local job boards for 30 days. If you need help acquiring new talent, this platform can help.
Many of our Region Four members took advantage of personal and professional development offered through the Young Professionals Conference and the Women in Rental Summit that took place in Texas at the end of January to sold-out audiences and the Leadership Conference for state chapter leaders that took place in Chicago during November. That is great to see.
Boosting the skills of your employees always is important. The ARA Foundation can help you achieve that and save you money, too, through its Employee Training Assistance Program. This program can pay for 50 percent of the costs associated with the types of training that will build your employees' skills and keep your operation competitive. ARA members may apply for up to $2,500 in assistance. Learn more by clicking here.
Plus, don’t forget the $128,500 in scholarships offered by the ARA Foundation and its affiliate programs, including the ARA of Arkansas, the ARA of Oklahoma and the Texas Rental Association. Make sure those in your operation who want to pursue an education for a career in the industry apply today. Application deadline is March 7, 2022.
The ARA continues to provide competitive products and opportunities for the rental industry. Whether you are looking for education, talent acquisition and retention, market awareness, business insurance or networking opportunities, ARA offers it. Membership has its perks! Feel free to reach out if you ever have any questions about how to maximize your ARA membership.
Bryce Puckett, ARA Region Four director
Kirby-Smith Machinery
Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas
817-937-0581
bpuckett@kirby-smith.com