Hello American Rental Association (ARA) members. Event rentals are in full swing this summer at my operation, for which I am extremely grateful. I hope you are experiencing the same pace of rental activity and not going too crazy with the continuing labor and supply chain issues.
I know all these issues make running a rental operation more challenging, but we don’t have to navigate them alone. ARA is helping us with the hiring process through the ARA Job Portal. As an ARA member, you can receive five free job postings. You have nothing to lose, so try it out. To help retain your existing staff, turn to ARA’s RentalU. It offers so many courses and quick, easy-to-digest videos, from the latest ARA Certified courses to the animated Prioritize Safety shorts. Check them out.
Another important offering that could help in the recruitment and retention of employees is the new ARA Healthcare Solution, a partnership with Allstate Benefits and Hub International. Get a quote and see whether this program will work for you and your staff.
Along with that, I want to underscore what we all know: We are in business to make a profit. Now is the time to make a make a profit in Region Five, folks. That means you can’t be afraid to charge rental rates that reflect the dollar amount that is going to serve you and your bank account as well. We have employees and their families who depend on us. We have to be proactive and do what is necessary.
Our state associations have been offering excellent educational and networking events these past few months. The ARA of Indiana hosted two speakers who addressed “Navigating the new employment world.” The ARA of Wisconsin hosted a session on Department of Transportation issues. The ARA of Chicagoland offered its always fun golf outing, and the ARA of Kentucky hosted a legislative meeting about strengthening the state’s theft of services statute for rental as well as a fun day at the races. I had the privilege of attending both of Kentucky’s events. They were great. Read more about all these events in this issue.
Also in this newsletter, learn more about how Dan St. Peters’ family moved into rental and has been serving their surrounding communities for 75 years and how Tony Ehrbar ended up operating in a very unique location.
Several from Region Five have been awarded ARA Foundation and affiliate scholarships. Read the story in this issue and then offer your congratulations. These scholarships are a great way to help those who plan to make a career in the industry pay for the education they need.
In addition, ARA recently announced that both the Young Professional Network (YPN) and the Women in Rental conferences will take place Nov. 29-30 in Arizona. Great keynote speakers are scheduled for both events: Galen Emanuele will address “Transforming Impact: Next-Level Leadership, Culture and Feedback” at the YPN event and Sara Frasca will address “The Three Core Mindsets of Innovation” at the Women in Rental session. Attendees of both events will benefit from a few combined activities too. Registration will open in August. Watch your email for details so you can be part of the activities.
And don’t forget to book your hotel room now for The ARA Show™, set for Feb. 12-15 in Orlando. This will be a fantastic show. You won’t want to miss this event.
Remember that if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me. If the pandemic taught us anything it’s that we have to be in this together to keep all our businesses strong.
Dean Miller, CERP, Region Five director
Miller’s Party Rental Center
Akron, Ohio
330-352-2107
cdm@millersparty.com