Hello, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Nine members,
Welcome to 2022. The outlook is very good for everyone in rental, no matter what side of the aisle you serve. That is the exciting part. The challenge is handling all this business while also dealing with a competitive labor market and supply chain issues. That means we have to be even more creative and use all the resources we can get to help our staff avoid burnout.
One vital resource to use is 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 finding qualified talent, this platform can help.
Another incredible resource is ARA’s RentalU, which offers a whole host of training options for you and your staff. Employees want to stay at operations that invest in their development. This resource offers the courses to achieve that. ARA continually adds training modules to this platform, too, so check it out and see how it can help you and your team.
The ARA Foundation also can help in this effort 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.
ARA also has been offering some incredible conferences. There was the Leadership Conference for state chapter leaders that took place in November. In January, there was the Young Professionals Conference and the Women in Rental Summit, both so popular that they sold out rather quickly.
Closer to home, it was great to see so many of you at the California Rental Association’s Rental Rally that took place in Las Vegas during January. It is always so great to connect with other rental operators.
I know the ARA of California will be planning many events this year, so watch your email for updates. Connecting with your rental peers, whether just for a social outing or an important educational meeting, offers value, both personally and professionally.
In addition, don’t forget the $128,500 in scholarships offered by the ARA Foundation and its affiliate partners, including the ARA of California. 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.
I can’t believe it, but this is my last message to you as Region Nine director. It truly has been an incredible honor to serve in this role. I know these past couple of years have been so hard for so many, what with the wildfires and the pandemic. Those of us who made it through the worst of both know the value of connection, shared ideas and just plain mutual support. That is what your association — at both the national and state levels — has offered. I hope I have helped in some way to demonstrate that value and encourage you to get more involved, whether by attending a meeting or connecting to the ARA and ARA of California Facebook pages, etc. We have a fantastic region. To be the strongest we can be, we need everyone to come together and let their voice be heard.
Know that I am not leaving you in the lurch. Alberto Pianelli, who will take over the reins in March, will do a fantastic job as your next regional director. Just as I was here to listen to your concerns and take them to the ARA board, I know Alberto will do the same. He knows the industry and he cares about the people who make a living in it. Welcome him as you so generously welcomed me.
Thank you. Until later.
Tony Murray, ARA Region Nine director
American Rentals, Long Beach, Calif.
562-630-5896
tmurray@american-rentals.com