January 10, 2023
Angie Venekamp
Hello, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Ten members.
Well, we all made it through another year. Despite agonizingly long wait times for new equipment, just about everyone in our industry seems to have had a really strong 2022.
This past year has been a rejuvenation for ARA of Canada. First, we have had some very strong meetings and networking events. Some of these have been online, like April’s “Safety Matters” webinar, which covered the new ARA Certified equipment rental certification programs, safety meeting requirements across various provinces and other safety topics, and December’s webinar that offered tips on protecting our businesses in today’s cybersecurity threat landscape.
It was exciting to get together face-to-face with so many members back in June at Cooper Equipment Rentals in Richmond, British Columbia, for dinner, a presentation on the latest offerings from ARA and general reconnecting. The in-person meeting that followed at the Canadian Rental Mart in Ontario in September was also a great time. I’m looking forward to more networking opportunities like these in 2023.
Next, big news came our way last year with the introduction of the new partnership between ARA and Westland Insurance, offering a comprehensive insurance package to members across all Canadian provinces. Check out what that means for your rental business here.
And then, an ARA of Canada Task Force was created to help continue the forward momentum of ARA’s initiatives in Canada. The task force includes some engaged Canadian members. Please let me know if you have any questions about or ideas for offerings that can benefit ARA members here in Canada.
As you may have noticed, this newsletter is being offered to you in a new format — a more user-friendly version that leads you to the new-and-improved Rental Management website for industry news. To help you stay connected with your rental colleagues and events happening in your region, these newsletters will be arriving in your inbox every month, with a rotation of special guests providing the welcome message. Enjoy it as you stay in the know.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Orlando in February at The ARA Show™. Remember that a Canadian Happy Hour will be held at the Hilton Orlando David’s Club & Grill on Sunday, Feb. 12, from 4 – 6 p.m. Come enjoy some cocktails, bites and invaluable conversations with fellow ARA members from Canada. A ticket is not required; you just need to present your ARA Show badge to attend.
Here’s to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2023!
Angie Venekamp, ARA Region Ten director
Rental Network
Squamish, British Columbia
604-892-8200
angie@rentalnetwork.ca
