October 10, 2023
Paul Hester
Hello and welcome to fall, fellow American Rental Association (ARA) Region Three members. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Paul Hester, branch manager of the Oxford, Miss., location of Thompson Machinery/The CAT Rental Store. I’m honored to serve as president of the ARA of Mississippi this year and to have this chance to share some industry news with you.
First, I want to thank all of you who recently took action on approving the nominees who will join the ARA Board of Directors next year. As a member-driven association, it’s important that we take part in this process each year. Robert H. Pedersen from A Tool Shed in Santa Cruz, Calif., will become ARA president-elect and Marti Wenzler of Chicago-headquartered Lawson Products will become an ARA associate member director next spring. Join me in welcoming them to our association’s leadership team.
A great time was had by the folks from across Mississippi who made it to our Mississippi Braves vs. Biloxi Shuckers baseball outing back in August. It was such a blast connecting with everyone who came. Next up in our region are the sold-out ARA’s Women in Rental and Young Professional Network conferences in Clearwater Beach, Fla., later this month. I’m looking forward to hearing about these from my rental friends who are taking part.
Even more educational and social events are on the horizon for ARA members in our region. Watch your email and the ARA Calendar of Events for what’s coming up near you and plan to take part — you’ll be glad you did!
Things are about to kick into gear in a big way for The ARA Show™ 2024 (Feb. 18-21) in New Orleans. Registration for the show opens Oct. 17. You’ll want to register as early as you can not only to take advantage of the lower incentive rates, but also to make sure you secure tickets to some of the limited-capacity events that tend to sell out. Learn more at ARAshow.org.
Readers of Rental Management will know that in recent issues, the magazine has profiled a variety of rental software providers. The series has been insightful as it allows vendors to discuss their software platforms and how their products benefit rental operations. These features are now compiled online in one all-inclusive channel. Check out this month’s issue of In Your Region to learn more about this rental software channel and how to access its content.
Best wishes for a safe and prosperous autumn!
Paul Hester, ARA of Mississippi president
Thompson Machinery/The CAT Rental Store
Oxford, Miss.
662-371-4440
paul.hester@tmcat.com
