Hello, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Six members.
It was another long winter for many of us, but spring is in the air, and we have lots to look forward to.
After two years in the making, ARA has released the ARA Certified programs. 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.
Then, 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.
I have been passionate about and eagerly awaiting the arrival of ARA Certified and the health benefits program for years, and I’m sure you have too. We all are fully aware that finding and retaining quality employees is getting more and more difficult, so these benefits will directly make us more competitive in the marketplace. Learn more about these incredible new programs inside this edition of In Your Region.
Speaking of finding and retaining employees, remember to utilize the ARA Job Posting Portal to both find people looking for work in our industry and to post job openings in your own business. Be aware that ARA also offers a free student membership that can help get students more involved and invested in equipment and event rental as a possible career. All high school and higher-level education students are eligible to participate as an ARA student member.
We should all be taking advantage of RentalU — ARA’s online education platform — and encouraging our staff to take training programs available there. I am particularly impressed with RentalU’s new onboarding module titled “Onboarding: Introduction to Rental.” Try this out with new staff who come on board as you enter the busy season.
We are also facing some challenges in the political arena. On that end, I would ask you to join ARAPAC, ARA’s political action committee. ARAPAC supports pro-business Congressional candidates — regardless of party affiliation. It costs nothing to join, and by joining you can stay updated on current issues facing our industry while supporting the cause of making the rental industry’s voice heard.
Here’s to a fantastic 2022 season!
Doug Haas, ARA Region Six director
Crown Rental
Burnsville, Minn.
952-894-7368
doug@crownrent.com