CRA B.C. starts trade show season with a bang

Sometimes there’s more to see at a booth than just the latest equipment. Steve McDonald of Genie Industries entertained the crowd at his booth with card tricks and other feats of sleight of hand.

The Canadian Rental Association has officially kicked off its trade show season with the successful completion of the first trade show of 2010. The CRA B.C. Trade Show drew together attendees from all corners of British Columbia, with exhibitors coming from as far away as Texas.

“We had a great turnout this year,” said Mandy Wellnitz, executive director of the CRA. “The show has really grown over the last few years, thanks to the efforts of our rental members, our supplier members and our sponsors.”

The CRA B.C. Trade Show took place Jan. 15-16, 2010, at the  Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition in Surrey. The official association hotel was the Coast Hotel & Convention Centre in Langley.

Taking in the sites on the show floor is one of the primary benefits of any trade show, but it’s hardly the only one. The chance to reconnect with other rental professionals is vital. The CRA B.C. show provided plenty of opportunity for networking.

 One of the best opportunities to meet and greet fellow rental pros was at the official CRA banquet on Jan. 16. The banquet provided a casual and relaxed atmosphere in which participants could discuss the highlights of the last two days.

Comedian Herb Dixon provided after-dinner entertainment. Dixon’s act went over well with the crowd, especially his ability to produce startlingly realistic sound effects to illustrate his jokes.

After-dinner events also included a cheque presentation on behalf of the British Columbia chapter of the CRA. A donation in the amount of $1,124 was made to the Dorothy Wellnitz Scholarship Fund.

Saturday night was also an opportunity to acknowledge some of those who had gone above and beyond in the last year. Rentquip Canada took home Supplier of the Year, with Shawn Parks and Mike Faulkner accepting the award. The Rental Store of the Year award went to A&B Tool Rental. The award was accepted by Aldo Chies.

 The recipient for B.C. Regional Person of the Year was chosen by Angie Venekamp, British Columbia director for CRA. Venekamp presented the award to Jim Clipperton of Nor-Val Rentals in Armstrong, B.C. That wasn’t the only award that Clipperton took home that night. CRA executive director Mandy Wellnitz also selected Jim Clipperton as the National Rental Person of the Year.

Please visit www.crarental.org/events for more information regarding CRA events in your area.