CANADIAN RENTAL ASSOCIATION: President’s Message

Brad Williams is the president of the Canadian Rental Association, (CRA) and part owner of equipment dealer, Bobcat of Saskatoon & Kubota of Saskatoon (Divisions of FGI Supply Ltd.) in Saskatoon, Sask.

Winter is around the corner; I can honestly say I am ready for a change of season. I trust all of you have had a great spring, summer and fall. The Canadian Rental Association (CRA) has had a successful year as well.

 The CRA office is located in Winnipeg, Man. Mandy Maeren, executive director, and Marie Nayet, membership services, work in this office. Their roles are to support the board members and act as a liaison between Region 10 (Canada) and the American Rental Association (ARA) based in Moline, Ill.

Most importantly, they help the
membership by co-ordinating trade shows and assisting members with programs. This year we have developed a newsletter that is being sent from the CRA office. This newsletter is one of our instruments to get information in the hands of the membership.

Take time to read the next one coming your way. The CRA website is also another place to gain information on programs and events. This website will continue to evolve. The CRA board recognizes this as an important membership tool and will work to add more content to this site.

Don’t forget to check out the ARA’s lending library. After touring the Moline office last fall I came to realize how vast and comprehensive this service is. The cost of borrowing is only the shipping of the item back and forth. If only your bank would offer up the same deal!

Succession is one item rarely discussed. Some business owners feel it is unnecessary, saying that that they will deal with it when the time comes. I believe it is an important part of any business’s long-term plan. Going through the process of this plan does make you realize what your business is really worth. It will also point out where the value in your business lies. It should give you comfort knowing there is a horizon, and a road to get you there. Many businesses without a plan will be liquidated at a lower value if there is a sudden change to an owner’s health or situation. Banks like to see these plans in place as well. With a little planning you shouldn’t find yourself managing a rental store when you are in your 80s. It’s later than you think.

I have enjoyed a number of years of serving on the CRA board. As president, my term is three quarters completed. As I reflect back on my term, I feel the CRA is running smoothly. I have not experienced any issue that was unresolved.

I would like to give credit to Mandy and Marie for a great job handling the day-to-day hurdles. My next position will be chairman of the board. I would like to congratulate Jay Williams from St. Eustache, Que., as he will assume the position of CRA president at our Annual General Meeting in Atlanta, Ga., at the 2009 ARA Rental Show. If you haven’t been to the ARA Rental Show, I encourage you to take the time. This show has rental specific training, special events and the world’s largest rental trade show. It is a must do. On the other hand, don’t forget to attend your local trade shows in Canada. The exhibitors feature Canadian associate members who are the suppliers to the industry. These suppliers work hard for your business and deserve your support.

I encourage you to keep in touch with your CRA director. I welcome your input. The CRA board of directors and I appreciate and value your membership.