ARA spearheads new coalition to help struggling businesses

May. 18, 2021

The American Rental Association (ARA) is continuing to advocate for those in the party and event rental industry who are still struggling with the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To help push for much needed relief, ARA and 11 other associations have formed the Economic Bridge Coalition to ask Congress and the Biden Administration to help them recover and re-hire so they can again play important roles in the economy and serve their many customers.

Some hard-hit sectors — like airlines, restaurants and theater venues — have received targeted federal aid, but others, also drastically impacted by government mandated lockdowns and the lingering reluctance of many people to attend large gatherings, have been left out. The goal of the Economic Bridge Coalition is to educate policy makers on the facts so they can enact additional relief before it is too late to save thousands of businesses and jobs dependent on in-person activities.

The founding members of the coalition include ARA; the Live Events Coalition, representing businesses that produce and service live events; the American Society of Travel Advisors, representing travel agencies and advisors; IAAPA, representing theme parks, family entertainment centers, museums, water parks, aquariums, and other attractions; the International Council of Airshows; the Outdoor Amusement Business Association; the International Association of Fairs and Expositions; the Professional Photographers Association; the American Horse Council, representing the $122 billion U.S. horse industry; the Specialty Equipment Market Association; the Performance Racing Industry; and the National Ski Areas Association.

“Our members are mostly family-owned and bring jobs and economic activity to every part of the country. They have borrowed, used up savings, even mortgaged their homes to stay afloat, but many are about to lose everything. The hard-working members of our coalition partners are facing the same bleak fates. That’s why we’ve joined together to ask for expansion of pandemic relief programs to those who have been left out,” said John McClelland, Ph.D., ARA vice president for government affairs and chief economist.

The Economic Bridge Coalition has sent a policy paper to members of Congress and will begin working on legislative proposals. A press release also has been released to help generate awareness about the need for additional support. Any ARA members with questions are encouraged to contact McClelland at 202-306-0769 or john.mcclelland@ararental.org.

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