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First of all, as you may well know, I am not a writer, as evidenced by the missing president’s columns this year. No excuses, just forgiveness. But I wanted to report on the progress we have made on some key matters during my year as president of the American Rental Association.
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We conducted a thorough search for a new executive vice president for A.R.A., interviewed some outstanding candidates for the job and asked the finalists to appear before the A.R.A. Board of Directors. In September, we extended an offer to Christine Wehrman to become our third executive vice president, and I am delighted that she accepted. She assumed her duties officially on Nov. 20, but even before she had taken over, she was already at work. She joined us at the Portland City Conference in Portland, Ore., in September and she has been attending various committee meetings and working with the staff to make a smooth transition. Boy, does this lady have the enthusiasm and drive to get the job done! Chris comes to the American Rental Association from the 250,000-member National Corn Growers Association, headquartered in St. Louis. Chris, welcome. Also, I would like first to thank the search committee, chaired by 1997 A.R.A. President Pam McKenney, for doing a great job.
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We are in the process of finding and hiring two new field representatives. At the Portland City Conference, the A.R.A. board approved hiring these additional field service personnel. We are now in the process of closing in on that goal of appointing one in the northeast region and one in the western region. I am very pleased with the progress of this search.
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We have hired a new national advertising agency for the American Rental Association. I am pleased to announce the addition of ZLR, in Des Moines, Iowa, to the A.R.A. family. ZLR is experienced and well equipped to help move A.R.A. into the next decade.
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We are in the process of forming a captive insurance company, so what happened with insurance coverage in the 1980s will not happen again and we may all enjoy having insurance without fear of disruption.
I would like to thank the many volunteers for the time it has taken to achieve these major accomplishments.
What remains to be done? Two very important issues come to mind immediately. First, as most of you know, the A.R.A. city conference shows have been declining in attendance. We are addressing that. This year we will have an ad hoc committee look closely at our options, and then we will discuss them in a special board meeting. Second, we have had some very positive conversations with the Rental Industry Association (RIA) about working together for the good of our rental industry. |
