November 7, 2023
Maureen Harkness, CERP
Hi to all my fellow American Rental Association (ARA) Region Seven members. Maureen Harkness, ARA of Arizona president, here. I am excited to share the latest updates from our region and on the national front.
First, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to all who voted for the slate of 2024 nominees to the ARA board of directors. I can’t tell you how honored I am to have been elected your new ARA Region Seven director. Big thanks go to Andrew Heesacker, our current regional director. We couldn’t have asked for a better regional director. He has provided outstanding service to all of us and will be leaving big shoes to fill.
I look forward to taking on this new role at the conclusion of The ARA Show™ this February in New Orleans. I want to be accessible and learn from you, our members in Region Seven, regarding how ARA can better partner with you and help your businesses see even more success.
Speaking of the show, registration opened last month. If you haven’t registered already, I strongly encourage you to do so. I know it is a little bit of a trek, but what you get out of it is so worthwhile. If you are in rental, this is the place to learn, network with your peers, connect with exhibitors and purchase equipment. For those in event rental, take advantage of EventsU, which will take place Feb. 17 and then stay through the end of the show on Feb. 21. Be sure to register for the regional reception, too. If you go, you will be able to connect with different members of our region. That is a great way to see old friends and meet new ones. In addition, don’t forget the Women in Rental Breakfast and the Young Professionals Network Reception. Both are great ways to build and strengthen current and emerging leaders in your business.
Regarding developing leaders in your organization, the ARA of Arizona will offer an Emerging Leaders and Women in Rental holiday dinner Nov. 30 in Phoenix. It will be a great way to help strengthen the leaders in your business and offer mentorship to your up-and-coming leaders.
Last month, the ARA of Arizona held a Diamondbacks baseball event. It sold out and was super-fun. It was awesome to see so many from our state gather.
The ARA of Colorado also has been busy. That state chapter just held an important event covering the latest Department of Transportation regulations. Those types of gatherings are valuable to those in both equipment and event rental.
If you are in Colorado, don’t miss your state chapter’s holiday party Dec. 6, which will be held at Topgolf in Denver. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to kick back and have fun. For both the ARA of Arizona and the ARA of Colorado events, watch your email for registration details or go to the ARA Calendar of Events.
These peer connections through social and educational meetings offered by our state chapters can help our businesses in so many ways. It also can help you and your team hone skills and see what is happening in your area. If you haven’t attended a state chapter event in a while, I invite you to do so. I know you will get a lot out of it. If you do not have an ARA chapter in your state, know that you are always invited to attend an event in a neighboring state.
You can receive even more benefits when you step up and become a state chapter board member. You are on the ground floor of what is happening and make friendships that can last a lifetime. I have gained so much by getting involved in this way. I would like everyone to have that similar experience. You will grow personally and professionally. I can attest to that.
In closing, I hope everyone has a great rest of the year. I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans this February.
Maureen Harkness, ARA of Arizona president
Cre8ive Event Rentals
Tempe, Ariz.
480-840-0202
maureen@cre8iveevents.com
