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This is my last column as your A.R.A. president. It has truly been an honor and a pleasure to serve as your president for the year 2000. At last count, I had been away from my home and business for 163 days representing A.R.A. on your behalf. As I look back on the events of the past year, I can say as I did in my first column, “Change is coming, ready or not.” That statement is true. My favorite quote this year was, “Change is just an opportunity to quickly move in another direction.” This year was busy for a number of reasons.
To start off the year, A.R.A. learned that Jim Irish would be resigning his position as executive vice president after 13 years. A search committee consisting entirely of volunteers was formed and, with the help of this outstanding group and JDG Associates, a search firm in Washington, D.C., Christine Wehrman was selected. I want you to know that your board made a fantastic choice.
During March and April we spent untold hours in committee meetings in Moline. I became so familiar with the hotel staff that they called the room we used for breakfast “The Wilson Room.” Thanks to all the many A.R.A. volunteers who contributed to our committee system. Their work defines our action plans.
In June, the Advertising Committee began looking for a new advertising agency for A.R.A.; Zimmerman, Laurent and Richardson (ZLR) of Des Moines, Iowa, was chosen. Advertising/marketing is A.R.A.’s largest program expenditure.
The A.R.A. officers were also involved in extensive work this year with our insurance subsidiary, A.R.A. Insurance Services (AIS), in Kansas City, Mo. The goal for the year was to conclude the wind-down of ARDI Exchange and transfer all of the outstanding claims to SAFECO. A plan was developed to return the paid-in surplus to the ARDI shareholders. A.R.A. continues to work closely with the AIS board to provide insurance services to our industry.
In October, your officers and Chris Wehrman resumed talks with the Rental Industry Association (RIA). I am pleased to report that after many meetings, the A.R.A. and RIA jointly announced endorsement by the boards of directors of both organizations to continue progress toward a cooperative agreement. By combining the associations’ strengths and eliminating duplication of services, both member rental businesses and equipment suppliers will benefit. Both organizations have pledged to work toward the collective good of the rental industry and to focus on serving members better.
In closing, I can assure you that the American Rental Association is indeed member-driven. The number of hours that the 100-plus volunteer members spend and the work they do on your behalf is absolutely incredible. I have rewritten the words of the late President John F. Kennedy for you, the A.R.A. member, in hopes that they will inspire you to become involved, “Ask not what your association can do for you, but what you can do for your association.” Try it. I think you will find it to be a truly rewarding experience. This is your association. It can only be as strong as you make it!
I leave you with heartfelt thanks to the members, for this tremendous opportunity to serve; to the volunteers and directors who have invested their talents and untold hours of their valuable time to represent you; and to the A.R.A. staff, which works tirelessly on your behalf. Thank you, all. |
