August 8, 2023
Kirk Edwards
Hello, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Five members. My name is Kirk Edwards, owner of Kit-Mo Rental & Supply Co. in Paducah, Ky. I also serve as ARA of Kentucky president.
Business at my operation has been good. It is up from last year, which was our best in 10 years. While this is great, those of us in rental must continue allowing our voices to be heard on issues that impact our businesses.
Those of us in Kentucky have been pushing for a definition change to our state’s theft of services statute. Currently, the statute does not specify equipment and event rental. We want to change it to state that any damage to the equipment be covered. We had a good push during the last legislative session, but we didn’t quite make it to the floor. The ARA of Kentucky plans to hold a luncheon in Frankfort for all legislators to put this issue in front of them. The wheels of legislation grind very slowly, but we are determined. Kentucky members, stay tuned to see how you can assist in this effort.
Also, on Aug. 15, our state chapter is hosting an important meeting on employment law. If you are a manager or owner, this is one you won’t want to miss. Check out ARA’s Calendar of Events for registration details.
Michigan members, take note that ARA has learned the State of Michigan Department of Agriculture, Division of Weights & Measures is sending inspectors to investigate “improper fuel distribution” and issuing citations for systems that are not certified to measure out gallons. ARA wants to learn the extent of these visits and the nature of those inspections. Please take part in a brief survey offered by ARA. Know that all your information will be kept confidential and only referred to in the aggregate.
Those of us who serve as state chapter presidents are privileged to work with a great group of board members. We couldn’t offer events without them. Here in Kentucky, we are saying goodbye and thank you to Ian Goff, CERP, owner of Goff Tents & Events in Nicholasville, Ky., and Pete Bottom, owner of Job Master Rental in Danville, Ky. Both have been so dedicated to our board and the members in our state. We welcome Tyler Martin with Green River Rentals in Bowling Green, Ky., Frank Thomason with Rent & Rave in Louisville, Ky., and Jordan Mitchell with Encon Equipment in Nicholasville, Ky., as they join our ranks. The ARA of Ohio said goodbye and thank you recently to J.P. Fritz, president of Lasting Impressions Event Group, based in Columbus, Ohio. The ARA of Illinois also said goodbye and thank you to Scott Allen, owner of Paxton Hardware and Rental in Paxton, Ill. Joining the Illinois board is Robert Levar with American Crane & Aerial in Morton, Ill. Please thank these board members for their service and know that if you would like to become more involved, you can contact your state chapter president or ARA’s Chapter Leadership Relations at state.association@ararental.org. We can always use the help.
The ARA Foundation recently announced it awarded a total of $123,500 in scholarship funds to 44 students for the 2023-2024 school year. Please offer your congratulations to those from Region Five who received scholarships:
- Rafael Alvarez Jr., First Place Rental, Oswego, Ill., who received an ARA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship worth $2,000 and an ARA of Illinois Scholarship worth $1,000 for a total of $3,000.
- Nathan Bennett, St. Peters Hardware & Rental, Alton, Ill., who received an ARA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship worth $3,500 and an ARA of Illinois Scholarship worth $1,000 for a total of $4,500.
- Mason Booms, Booms Rent-All, Bad Axe, Mich., who received an ARA of Michigan Scholarship worth $1,000.
- Kristin Chose, Ideal Crane Rental, Madison, Wis., who received an ARA Foundation Graduate Scholarship worth $3,000 and an ARA of Wisconsin Scholarship worth $1,000 for a total of $4,000.
- Adeline Edwards, Kit-Mo Rental & Supply Co., Paducah, Ky., who received an ARA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship worth $3,500 and an ARA of Kentucky Scholarship worth $1,000 for a total of $4,500.
- Jay Evers, Village Hardware, Leipsic, Ohio, who received an ARA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship worth $3,500 and an ARA of Ohio Scholarship worth $1,000 for a total of $4,500.
- Daniel Groves, Canton Chair Rental, Canton, Ohio, who received an ARA Foundation Graduate Scholarship worth $3,000 and an ARA of Ohio Scholarship worth $1,000 for a total of $4,000.
- Luke Kandel, Hartville Hardware, Hartville, Ohio, who received an ARA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship worth $1,000 and an ARA of Ohio Scholarship worth $1,000 for a total of $2,000.
- Kurt Kaufmann, Jon P. Kaufmann d/b/a Fun Services, Bellevue, Mich., who received an ARA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship worth $3,500 and an ARA of Michigan Scholarship worth $1,000 for a total of $4,500.
- Nicoletta Nadolski, Sun Rental, Mentor, Ohio, who received the Fred Dupy Scholarship worth $4,000 and the ARA of Ohio Scholarship worth $1,000 for a total of $5,000.
- Delaney Noonan, Noonan True Value Rental and Party Plus, Springfield, Ill., who received an ARA of Illinois Scholarship worth $1,000.
Nancy Hernandez-Vazquez
As a father of one of the recipients, I know how important these scholarships are to both the student and the parents. Remember to tell those in your operation who are thinking of going on to school to build a career in the industry to check out these scholarships. They mean a lot.
One Region Five member, Gina Glas, CERP, managing director of A Classic Party Rental in Indianapolis and ARA of Indiana treasurer, went the extra workforce development mile by establishing a scholarship for high school seniors in her area. Click here to read why she decided to go this route and the difference it has made to the recipient.
Before I close, I would like to encourage everyone to nominate a deserving rental operator for one of the ARA Industry Awards. Submit your nomination(s) at ARArental.org/Industry-Awards by Aug. 11.
Thank you and have a great rest of the year.
Kirk Edwards, ARA of Kentucky president
Kit-Mo Rental & Supply Co.
Paducah, Ky.
270- 443-8243
kirke@vci.net
