March 14, 2023
Jeff Lignugaris (second from right) receives the Exemplary Service Award at The ARA Show 2023 in Orlando
During The ARA Show™ 2023 in Orlando, Jeff Lignugaris, president, Northside Tool Rental, Atlanta, was recognized as the recipient of the 2022 American Rental Association (ARA) Exemplary Service Award.
The Exemplary Service Award recognizes an individual or group that has made a significant contribution in a defined area of association service (such as government affairs, education, technology or workforce development).
Lignugaris has been an active member of ARA and the ARA of Georgia for more than 20 years. As a result of his years-long active and direct involvement in legislative advocacy to help equipment rental operators in his state, Lignugaris was crucial to getting legislation passed in Georgia in 2022 — which offers expanded property tax relief to more equipment and event rental companies. He was involved with the first initiative, which secured relief for those owning equipment over 5,000 lbs. and was recently successful in lowering this weight limit to 1,500 lbs.
Lignugaris continually went to great lengths to make himself available to help with this legislative initiative. He was frequently asked to write and send letters of support, meet with ARA staff as well as ARA’s lobbyist and testified repeatedly on behalf of the measure. He provided names and contact information for other members in targeted counties who needed to be heard in order to persuade various legislators of the need for this relief. His knowledge and relationship with other members provided invaluable assistance.
“I was truly surprised and honored to receive this award,” Lignugaris said. “I’ve never done volunteer work with ARA, whether it be running the ARA of Georgia or doing the local and national legislative work, with any thought of recognition. Although I am the one receiving this award, I’ve always had great people helping me with these initiatives. A big thanks to everyone that volunteers with ARA — it’s important work.”
