CRA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – May 2015

We also reviewed the key highlights of the CRA’s strategic direction, which was recently adopted. These included training and education, communication, growth, branding and governance. Our AGM meeting was very well attended with many of the past year’s accomplishments being shared with the members. These include our new strategic plan, revamping the policies and procedures and the newly revitalized CRA website. We also recognized individuals for their past efforts, dedication and accomplishment with the CRA at the AGM. Doron Broadfoot of the Rent-It Store in Saskatoon, Sask., received the President’s Image award. His CRA trophy case needs a do-over I’m sure. Paul Kenyon of Absolute Group in Toronto and Jeff Campbell of St. Thomas Rent-All in St. Thomas, Ont., received CRA Person of The Year awards. Marc Mandin of 4-Way Equipment Rentals received the Alberta Regional Person of the Year award. Rentquip received the national Supplier of the Year award. Yvan Boilard from Atlas Copco received the Quebec Regional Person of the Year award. A well deserved congratulations to all of the above!

While our membership remains very strong with 1,070 members comprised of 596 member stores, 474 branches and over 300 associate members, my main goal for 2015 is succession planning. We all need to put on our collective caps to recruit new and old members into board positions. We need to ensure that the legacy past board members strived to forge continues to be built on. This is what has made the CRA the success it is today. I encourage all members to come forth with any suggestions, ideas, and strategies which will keep our association in a continuous and healthy growth pattern. There are no avenues that are unworthy of exploring to achieve this.

I was also fortunate to attend the Global Alliance Meeting, graciously hosted by the American Rental Association.  It was a real honour to sit at the same table with rental representatives from around the globe and be part of the discussions on their presentations. This entourage included members from Europe, Australia, Brazil, the U.K., New Zealand, the United States , Canada and special guests from Japan. It was quite interesting to hear how much our daily business activities, interests and concerns very much mirror each others’ places of business regardless of geographical location. One discussion that rang true throughout was member engagement. Ideas were exchanged and flowed among the group on health and safety, marketing, recruitment and retention, to name just a few. Truly a rewarding experience, and hats off to the ARA for pulling it all together.

I for one am extremely pleased with the talent and professionalism that our board exudes. It is with regret that we bid a fond <i>adieu</i> to Jeff Campbell and Paul Kenyon, who unfortunately were not able to be in New Orleans for the many honours and awards that were bestowed upon them. These two individuals will be surely missed but certainly not forgotten. From what I saw in Jeff, he will resurface in some aspect with the CRA as his blood flows the CRA colours. Also during the meeting, discussion took place on recently held trade shows as well as the upcoming shows. Feedback from the members and suppliers on these shows is vital, and the CRA is open to hear what worked well and what needs improvement and adjustment. This is imperative as the CRA head office and board are only as good as the information they receive. The goal is to build an even stronger unified association throughout Canada. 

Dave Mintenko is senior branch manager of Hertz Equipment Rentals in Winnipeg and national president of the Canadian Rental Association. He has been in the rental business for 35 years.