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HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • MAY 2016
Christine will continue in the position
until her successor is named.
Terry Turner, CERP, owner, All Occasions
Party Rentals, Knoxville, Tennessee, and
ARA President, thanked Christine.
“Chris has effectively led our association
to excellence. The board is very proud
of the vast achievements provided to
members and the industry during her
service. Chris led ARA through the
years of business consolidation, the 9/11
attacks, the devastation of Hurricane
Katrina and the economic recession
along with many critical industry and
association issues,” Terry said.
“Her astute association management and
leadership skill, along with her ability to
work so well with volunteer leaders and
staff members really made a difference.
As a result, ARA is well positioned for the
future,” Terry said.
“We appreciate all Chris has
accomplished as CEO. She implemented
an annual strategic planning process
directed by the board of directors that
continues to create opportunities and
notable results for ARA members. ARA
Wehrman to retire from ARA
Christine Wehrman, CEO and executive vice president of the American Rental
Association (ARA), Moline, Illinois, has announced her retirement from ARA to the
ARA board of directors after 15 years of service to the organisation.
membership is now at a record high. ARA
developed an entire industry research
program with the ARA Rental Market
Monitor and industry performance
standards with ARA Rental Market
Metrics, complimented with the ARA
Rental Penetration Index,” he said.
“ARA’s government affairs program
advanced markedly with our work at
the federal and state level, and ARA’s
political action committee, ARAPAC,
strengthened within it. The Rental Show
continued to be reinvented annually
to deliver a first-class industry event of
education, networking and equipment.
Rental Management magazine and Rental
Pulse e-newsletter achieved market
leader standing. with awareness of the
value of ARA Insurance.
"Insurance safety and risk management
focus was elevated. Reactivation of the
ARA Foundation took place along with
their valuable program work. The Young
Professional Network was created to
engage the next generation to continue
flow of volunteer leadership," Terry said.
"ARA also came into the age of
technology, with education, programs and
services delivered online to meet member
demands. Volunteers are active in the
state/local/provincial associations and
ARA expanded our working relationship
with the Canadian Rental Association
and our joint membership in Canada.
Collaborative working relationships
have been strengthened with peer
industry associations. Global awareness
became integral within ARA with the
establishment and administration of the
Global Rental Alliance. The list of her
leadership contribution is extensive and
very meaningful to members,” Terry said.
“It has truly been a privilege to serve
ARA’s general and associate membership
in this position and work with such
capable volunteer leaders and staff
members throughout the association
and industry," Christine said. "I have
thoroughly enjoyed the experience and
am proud of what has been achieved
by ARA during these dynamic years as
a result of all of us working together. I
foresee a great future for the association,
membership and industry.”
The 14th annual meeting of the Global
Rental Alliance (GRA) was held at The
Rental Show 2016 in Atlanta.
GRA member associations present
were: Canadian Rental Association
(CRA); European Rental Association
(ERA), Belgium; Hire & Rental Industry
Association (HRIA), Australia; Hire
Industry Association of New Zealand
(HIANZ); and American Rental
Association (ARA). The Brazilian Rental
Association, (ALEC); and Hire Association
Europe (HAE), UK were unable to attend
this year but were represented.
Agenda items focused on advancing
the business success of members and
promoting the image of the equipment
rental industry. Topics addressed
included membership engagement
programs, workplace issues, including
employee recruitment and training
programs, best practices in safety and
legislative/regulatory matters. The
Global Rental Alliance countries represent US$77 billion
GRA International Rental Business
Leadership Program administered by
the ARA Foundation was reviewed,
with announcement of 2016 program
participants. Initiatives underway
within the respective associations to
involve young professionals within their
organisations were a pertinent topic.
The agenda also included a review
of the global survey
initiative of the GRA,
with release of a 2014
combined rental revenue
figure among the GRA
associations representing
US$77 billion. This
figure represents a
2.7% increase over
2013 rental revenues,
as calculated by IHS
Economics. Discussion
was held on the
economic forecast
through 2016 and rental penetration.
Conference dates and schedules for the
respective associations are available on
the GRA website. A mid-year webinar
meeting will be held in August 2016. The
next Annual Meeting will be held at The
Rental Show 2017 scheduled for February
26 – March 1, in Orlando, Florida.
Visit: www.GlobalRentalAlliance.com
From left: Roger Vajgrt, President ARA; Tim Ranson, President CRA;
Terry Turner, Chairman ARA; Christine Wehrman CEO ARA; Michel
Petitjean, Secretary General ERA’; James Oxenham, CEO HRIA; Nathalie
McGregor, Managing Director, CRA; Peter Lancken, representative
HRIA; Hank McInnes, Vice President, CRA; Greg Ward, Director, HIANZ
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