A message from your regional director
By Connie Lannan
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A message from your regional director

Hello, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Five members,

As we all know, 2021 ended on a very tragic note with the tornadoes that ripped through parts of Illinois and Kentucky. One rental business was leveled and so many people lost their lives. If your rental business or your employees were severely impacted by these horrific storms, apply for the Disaster Relief Grants from the ARA Foundation. Learn more about these grants in this issue.

On a happier note, it looks like 2022 will be very busy for everyone in our region. While this is exciting, we all know the competitive labor market and supply chain issues will continue to pose challenges. To help you on the labor front, check out the ARA Job Board. It is here to help you.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Region Five’s Scott Irwin, president, Delux Rental, Ypsilanti, Mich., who will assume the role of president of the ARA board in March. He has given so much to our industry. We know he will accomplish a lot during his tenure.

I also want to thank state chapter leaders who took part in ARA’s Leadership Conference this past November as well as those who participated at the end of January in the sold-out Young Professionals Conference and Women in Rental Summit in Texas.

Our state chapters also have been going all-out with their events. The ARA of Illinois had a very successful in-person event at the United Center in November of last year. Members enjoyed all the amenities of the Penthouse Suite while cheering the Blackhawks on to victory. The ARA of Michigan just wrapped up another great Winter Conference, complete with dynamic speakers who addressed timely topics, valuable networking and just plenty of fun for everyone. The Greater Cincinnati Tool Rental Association (GCTRA) and ARA of Kentucky also offered valuable tabletop events. Both were healing balms after such a tough end to last year.

There’s more on the horizon. The ARA of Wisconsin will host its annual Milwaukee Bucks game event and educational meeting Feb. 15. Make sure you take part. 

While many of us are in our slower season, now is the perfect time to take advantage of all the educational resources offered by RentalU. ARA continues to update this incredible resource with more educational content, so check it out and see how these tools can help you and your employees.

The ARA Foundation also can help in this effort through its Employee Training Assistance Program. This program can pay for 50 percent of the costs associated with the types of training that will build your employees' skills and keep your operation competitive. ARA members may apply for up to $2,500 in assistance. Learn more by clicking here.

Plus, don’t forget the $128,500 in scholarships offered by the ARA Foundation and its affiliate programs. Make sure those in your operation who want to pursue an education for a career in the industry apply today. The application deadline is March 7, 2022.

ARA is here to help you. Use the resources that can help train your employees and make your business more successful.

Dean Miller, CERP, ARA Region Five director
Miller’s Party Rental Center
Akron, Ohio
330-753-9104
cdm@millersparty.com

Connie Lannan

Connie LannanConnie Lannan

Connie Lannan is special projects editor for Rental Management. She helps plan, coordinate, write and edit ARA’s quarterly regional newsletters, In Your Region. She also researches, writes and edits news and feature articles for Rental Management, Rental Pulse, supplements, special reports and other special projects. Outside of work, she loves to bake for others, go for walks with her husband and volunteer for her church and causes she believes in.

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