June 13, 2024
John Scott, ARA Region Three director
Greetings, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Three. Summer has arrived and as business heats up along with the temperatures, I encourage you to keep an eye on your email inboxes for invites to some of the spectacular state-level events being planned. If one is happening near you, I hope that you and your staff will take part — you will get so much out of the interactions with your fellow rental operators and industry vendors who will be there.
You can also stay up to date on what’s happening locally at ARA’s Calendar of Events.
I don’t have to remind you that as rental activity increases, so does the risk of accidents in the yard and on the road. What’s the best way to reduce the risk of injury and property/equipment damage? Training.
ARA’s Professional Driver Education Program and Box Truck Training program can make all the difference as far as rental-related transportation is concerned. These rental segment-specific driver training programs exist to help ensure our teams operate safely in every aspect of their jobs and cover everything from safety checks to driving skills. Check them out and consider how they can keep your drivers, your customers, your equipment and others on the road safe.
The dates are set for this year’s ARA Women in Rental (WIR) and Young Professional Network (YPN) conferences, and they are taking place right here in our region — in Nashville, Tenn. Sending key staff members to these events is a great way to keep them engaged in the industry and, by extension, your business. WIR will take place Oct. 21 – 22 with YPN to immediately follow on Oct. 23 – 24. Registration opens July 2, and I encourage you to not let registration slip past you amid the frenzy of summer. These events sell out quickly and early registration is a must to secure your spot. You can find full details on both conferences and registration information here.
This is the time of year when ARA gathers nominations for its annual Industry Awards — including the Rental Hall of Fame and a variety of Industry Contributor Awards. Do you know someone in the equipment and event rental community who has gone above and beyond to help the industry thrive? You can help ARA give that individual the recognition they deserve. All it takes is a nomination from you. Visit ARArental.org/Industry-Awards to learn more and submit your nomination(s). The deadline is Friday, Aug. 9. Recipients selected will be honored at The ARA Show™ 2025 in Las Vegas.
Finally, I want to acknowledge Selena Keck of Sunbelt Rentals in Burlington, N.C., who recently stepped up to serve on the ARA of North Carolina state chapter board of directors. Thanks, Selena, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to give back to the industry.
Wishing you a safe and successful summer.
John Scott, ARA Region Three director
First Source Equipment Rentals
Burlington, N.C.
336- 227-6275
john@firstsourceequipment.com
