The American Rental Association's (ARA) state chapters are set up to deliver education and networking events, as well as state-specific legislative support, to members throughout the state. These activities are driven by members who graciously volunteer their time and expertise to better the industry. But first and foremost, potential volunteers need to be identified and recruited into the association’s leadership framework.
On Wednesday, May 19, the ARA of New Hampshire hosted an “Emerging Leaders Dinner” designed to build its bench of future leaders. The dinner was held at the Puritan Backroom Restaurant in Manchester, N.H., where up-and-coming leaders within ARA-member organizations in New Hampshire were invited to learn about what it means to serve on the ARA of New Hampshire board of directors.
“The purpose of our get-together was twofold,” says Jerry Smith, sales/marketing manager, NED Diamond Blade and Bit Co., Oxford, Mass., and an ARA of New Hampshire board member. “We wanted to introduce the ARA of New Hampshire to some new members who may not have known we existed or what we do as a state association. We also were hoping to persuade a few new recruits to join our board. We were successful on both fronts.”
Participants who answered the call received dinner, information on the rich tradition of the state association and details on why getting involved can be beneficial to them.
“We went over the general purpose of the ARA of New Hampshire and its proud history. We stressed that it is a very friendly association, that members have always rallied to help all be successful and that the social/cocktail hour prior to our meetings is often where people exchange ideas, get advice, form friendships and glean knowledge,” Smith says.
From the perspective of a newcomer who attended the dinner, longtime participants’ statements about the ARA of New Hampshire’s inclusiveness proved to be more than just words.
“I had never been to a state chapter event before — I was a total newbie — and I was surprised at how pleasant and open everybody was,” says Allie McIntosh, operations manager, Taylor True Value Rental, Concord, N.H. “They were inclusive and asked for more involvement. They really wanted to help [attendees] be part of the team and wanted to know what we wanted to see from the chapter. Although I didn’t know anybody there when I arrived, I made connections, traded business cards and have been in contact with three of them since that evening.”
Smith, on behalf of the ARA of New Hampshire board, says the state association was pleased with the outcome of the event. “The gathering was positive. Almost all the participants were interested in becoming involved both officially and in supportive roles. We also had a great deal of interest from members who could not attend because of prior commitments. I think the ARA of New Hampshire is poised to undergo a renaissance,” he says.