Hello, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Six members. Where has the year gone? Here we are in mid-October and while cold weather knocks on the door, most rental operations are still bustling with activity. That’s wonderful to see, but don’t get so busy that you neglect some important items coming up soon that can impact your business.
Registration for The ARA Show™ 2023 in Orlando opens Tuesday, Oct. 18. It seems like forever, with everything that has happened in the world since the last “pre-COVID” show was hosted in Orlando in February 2020, doesn’t it? Orlando is a hugely popular destination for the show, and I know everyone is excited about going back there and focusing on the future of our businesses and the industry. Check out everything show-related — and get registered — at ARAshow.org.
November means election season and while we might be getting tired of seeing and hearing all the campaign commercials, I think you’ll agree that the upcoming midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 8, are a big deal. All 435 U.S. House of Representative seats and 35 of the 100 U.S. Senate seats are on the line. In fact, every race in the election — at the local, state or federal level — is important and can impact jobs, communities and daily life. That is why you should vote and encourage others in your business to do the same.
One handy resource to help navigate the uncertainties around voting is ARAvotes.com, ARA’s Voter Resource Center. Just type in your address and you will find personalized voting information like important election dates, information on how to register to vote, polling locations and details on the various ways to cast a ballot. The ARA Voter Resource Center also offers information on top issues, elected officials and the latest political news. Check it out and share it with your staff.
My travels around Region Six continued during the late summer and early fall. Terrific education and social events were hosted by ARA of Minnesota (the annual Summer Cruise and a Topgolf social) and the ARA of Missouri (a summer weekend gathering at Margaritaville resort in Lake of the Ozarks). And then, a hands-on session for the new ARA Certified MEWP (mobile elevating work platforms) Train-the-Trainer program was hosted by Rushmore Equipment in Blackhawk, S.D., in September. Thanks to all the volunteers who organized these beneficial programs! There is more to come, so watch your email for details.
Finally, I would like to congratulate Ben Blood, vice president, Big L Rentals & Sales, Garden City, Kan., who was selected from our region as one of the young rental professionals profiled in the “12 to watch under 40” section in the September issue of Rental Management. Read more about Ben in this issue.
Have a wonderful fall season.
Doug Haas, ARA Region Six director
Crown Rental
Burnsville, Minn.
952-894-7368
doug@crownrent.com