November 7, 2023
Michelle Nelson, ECP-ST
Aloha, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Nine members! My name is Michelle Nelson, president of MK Equipment Corp. in Honolulu, who also serves as president of the ARA of Hawaii Task Force. Thank you for the opportunity to share with you again this month.
Can you believe it’s already November? The ARA of California just wrapped up its Topgolf Trifecta events — three locations throughout the state all at the same time. I hear that all the venues had a great turnout. It was a big hit, offering something for everyone — golf, networking and great food.
The California state chapter has another big event coming up on Nov. 18. It is the Fresno State vs. New Mexico Tailgate and Game. Check the ARA Calendar of Events for registration details.
Some of the ARA members who gathered at one of the three locations for the ARA of California’s Topgolf Trifecta event
Soon it will be 2024. Have you registered for The ARA Show™ in New Orleans yet? Registration is now open for the world’s largest equipment and event rental trade show, to be held Feb. 18-21 with EventsU taking place Feb. 17. Whether you are in the event or construction rental industry, or both, this is the show of the year. Find more information and register by clicking here.
Here in Hawaii, the ARA of Hawaii Task Force has been busy focusing on the island of Maui. The best thing anyone can do for Maui right now is to visit. Plan your vacation to Maui and respectfully appreciate all that the land has given to its people and visitors from all over the world. Make an effort to plan your corporate events there and support the local small businesses on Maui. Monetary donations will help the people for a day, but a revived economy will allow their families to stay on the islands for generations to come.
A step toward a revived economy is educating our politicians about our industry. We want to thank ARA’s John McClelland and Alysia Ryan for helping us through the government affairs program. They put us in touch with a seasoned lobbyist who has the local and state connections we need to effectively voice our concerns. We were also able to meet with Congresswoman Tokuda’s staff to describe how the fire has specifically impacted the local event and equipment industry. And these relationships will help us in the years to come as we build a stronger presence. I would encourage all of you to get involved in some way with ARA’s government affairs program, including ARAPAC, ARA’s political action committee. It’s not about the politics, but rather about the strength we have when we come together at the local, state and national levels to advocate for our industry.
So from all of us in Hawaii, we bid you a fond aloha from the 50th state. Don’t forget to check out the ARA Calendar of Events and register for upcoming events in your own state!
Mahalo,
Michelle Nelson, ECP-ST, president
MK Equipment Corp.
Honolulu
808-847-2965
michelle@mkequipment.com
