Cold building can’t put a chill on CRA B.C. show

Jan. 18, 2013 – The B.C. chapter of the Canadian Rental Association just
completed its
annual trade show in Surrey, B.C., and by all indications, it was very
successful. One minor hiccup occurred on the opening day when
the heating system in the Cloverdale facility refused to co-operate.
According to Canadian Rental Association president, Jeff Campbell, vibration from loading some
of the heavy aerial platforms tripped an earthquake sensor that
automatically shut off the gas supply to the building. The
temperature sunk to below 10 degrees until just before closing when it
finally kicked in. It was suggested that some of the suppliers (Campo,
Sure Flame, L.B.White) that were exhibiting heating equipment at the
show, fire up their equipment as a temporary solution but that was just
not possible. The temperature inside the building on Saturday was much
improved!

According to Mandy Maeren, executive director for the CRA, 140 rental people walked the show over the two days and viewed products displayed by 41 companies. Dinner on Friday evening and lunch on Saturday was provided to the delegates right on the show floor. Friday night also featured a hospitality suite back in the host hotel. This, coupled with the consumption of a few adult beverages, provided the perfect setting for solving most of the world's economic problems. During the show itself, Rentquip Canada introduced their new Patron heavy-duty pressure washers to the industry while ROM Communications displayed their new GPS tracking system for construction equipment and Barry Ossea from Point-of-Rental Systems demonstrated the latest in rental management software for the industry. Many other suppliers also launched new products and had show-only specials at the show.

The Saturday night banquet was attended by 134 who enjoyed a great meal, drinks and the comedic talents of Roman Danylo, who had the audience in stitches with his improv talents. Many thanks to the "willing" audience members that helped provide the laughs. Afterwards, Campbell addressed the crowd and discussed the latest news coming out of the association. One new initiative is the hiring of a PR agency to assist in rental awareness. Campbell mentioned that he was used as a test case and that a prepared announcement was sent to local newspapers introducing him as the incoming national president while also discussing the value of renting. The story was picked up by three newspapers and provided no-charge advertising for the rental industry. Region 10 director Paul Kenyon also gave an update from the American Rental Association and indicated that Canada is now number two as far as membership goes. Jim Clipperton from Norval Rentals then hosted the annual award presentations.

The rental store of the year award for B.C. went to Winn Rentals (again). The company is celebrating its 25th year in business. The B.C. supplier of the year award went to Star Diamond Tools, which has been in business since 1994 and a CRA member since 2004. The B.C. achievement award was presented to Lori Parks from Rentquip Canada for her tireless work in putting together the local newsletter. Finally, the national B.C. regional award was presented to Karyn Bruchinsky of Pikes Rentals.

"Our association's members are committed to offering quality service and products to customers," said CRA president Jeff Campbell. "We are delighted to honour businesses and people doing exceptional work in our industry."
 
Related link
www.crarental.org