December 12, 2023
Andrew Heesacker, ECP-SM
Hi, American Rental Association (ARA) members in Region Seven. Andrew Heesacker, ECP-SM, your regional director, here. Wow, I can’t believe December is already here.
For our operation and from what I hear from other rental operators in our region, 2023 has been a good, solid year. While hiring is still a challenge, it has been exciting to see the supply chain starting to ease. Yes, interest rates and pricing have been disruptive, but I feel our region will see more moderate growth next year. To check out more of my outlook for next year as well as what other ARA regional directors are anticipating, be sure to read this month’s issue of Rental Management.
It has been exciting to see all the activity at the state level. There will be plenty more in store for 2024 on both the state and national levels.
The ARA of Arizona just offered an Emerging Leaders Dinner on Nov. 30. It was a great opportunity for rising stars in the industry to learn ways to enhance their leadership skills while growing professionally. It was a wonderful gathering at the very cool Vinum 55 in Scottsdale.
On Dec. 6, the ARA of Colorado offered its holiday party at Topgolf. It was so much fun to connect with so many from the Colorado rental industry, enjoy great food, take in some golf, including some crazy side bets, and have the chance to win some wonderful prize drawings. I had a blast.
I know both state chapters will be offering more events in the coming year. Watch your email for event and registration details or check out the ARA Calendar of Events.
On the national front, the big industry event, The ARA Show™, will be in New Orleans, Feb. 18-21, with EventsU taking place Feb. 17. You don’t want to miss this one. With all the education, the keynote address, the trade show, the networking and special events, including the Region Seven Reception, I promise you won’t leave without taking home valuable information that will benefit you and your business. The connections alone are worth the price of admission. Register today by clicking here.
Also at the show, you will be learning about all of ARA’s new initiatives, including the new ARA Certified Forklift Train-the-Trainer and Operator Training offerings, which will be available early next year. This will be a great program that you have been asking for, so attend and learn all about that and other ARA services that can benefit your business.
The conclusion of the show also ends my tenure as Region Seven director. It has been quite the run. I can’t thank all of you enough for your support and friendship. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many of you throughout my time as regional director. That has been such a wonderful benefit of serving in this role. We are blessed with great members.
During my time, I have seen how our state chapters in Arizona and Colorado have continued to grow and provide members a wide array of quality educational and social events. I also have had the fulfilling opportunity to meet engaged members in New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. That has been awesome. Thank you for making my time as your regional director so wonderful. It truly has been an honor to represent all of you on the ARA national board.
I am leaving you in great hands. Maureen Harkness, CERP, with Cre8ive Event Rentals in Tempe, Ariz., will be a great Region Seven director. I know you will offer her the same hearty welcome that you gave me. I look forward to seeing all the great things she will accomplish during her term.
I have benefited immensely from volunteering at the state and national levels. If you would like to become more involved, contact me. Whether it is attending an event, helping with an event or sitting on the board, you gain so much. I know I have reaped so much personally and professionally. My business has benefited, too.
In addition, I just want to let you know that our regional newsletters will be moving to a quarterly distribution next year. If you don’t want to miss out on any regional news before the next one comes out in March, click here. We’ll make sure you receive the latest in your email feed.
Before I close, I want to wish everyone a joyous holiday and a toast to 2024. I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans.
Andrew Heesacker, ECP-SM, Region Seven director
Arvada Rent-Alls
Arvada, Colo.
720-280-5773
aheesacker@arvadarentalls.com
