Welcome to 2022, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Seven members,
All signs indicate that this year will be busy for everyone in our region. That is exciting news, yet we still will be dealing with the continuing challenges of a competitive labor market and supply chain issues. It won’t be easy to navigate, but by reviewing our procedures to increase efficiency, connecting with our rental peers to see what is working in their operations and using the resources of the ARA, including the ARA Job Board, we won’t be navigating alone.
Speaking of the job board, as an ARA member you can receive five postings for free. You also have the ability to access the TalentBoost Upgrade, which distributes your job posting to a network of more than 1,000 national, niche and local job boards for 30 days. This resource is here to help you. Make use of it.
I had the opportunity to network with so many from our region at recent ARA events. Our area had great representation at the Leadership Conference in November with Maureen Wendelberger and Mandy Martin from the ARA of Arizona and T.J. Hermesman and Meagan Priest from the ARA of Colorado. We also had many from Region Seven attend the ARA Young Professionals Conference at the end of January in Texas. It was great to connect with everyone there. I had a blast. Then there was the Women in Rental Summit, which also took place during January in Texas. Those from our region who attended gave that a big thumbs up, too, which is awesome.
The ARA of Colorado hosted a very successful holiday party in December. The state chapter wasn’t able to have this gathering in 2020, so that made it even more special this time. The party offered a great opportunity to network and just have fun. I know I did.
Be on the lookout for the next ARA of Arizona event. I know the board is reviewing ideas. The state chapter is rebuilding with Maureen Wendelberger stepping up to the president’s role and Shaun Brown joining the board. If you live in the state and would like to help your state chapter grow, let me know. I know the board would love to have you join them in this effort.
This time of year also is great for training. The ARA Foundation can help you do that and save you money, too, 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 partners. Make sure those in your operation who want to pursue an education for a career in the industry apply today. Application deadline is March 7, 2022.
Whether it is scholarships, networking opportunities, assistance in hiring and retaining employees, market awareness, business insurance or educational resources for you and your employees, ARA has it for you. Check them out at ARArental.org.
Andrew Heesacker, ARA Region Seven director
Arvada Rent-Alls
Arvada, Colo.
720-280-5773
aheesacker@arvadarentalls.com