Prairie CRA on display

March 17, 2011 – The Canadian Rental Association recently completed its
30th annual Prairie trade show at the Prairieland Park in Saskatoon on
March 11 and 12, 2011. The event started on Friday evening with the
suppliers’ reception. Over 100 people filled the room and tested their
skill and luck at the charity casino in an attempt to win prizes.

The Canadian Rental Association recently completed its 30th annual Prairie trade show at the Prairieland Park in Saskatoon on March 11 and 12, 2011.

The event started on Friday evening with the suppliers’ reception. Over 100 people filled the room and tested their skill and luck at the charity casino in an attempt to win prizes. A breakfast meeting took place the following morning. Blair Holtsman,
the CRA Saskatchewan local president, welcomed those in attendance. Ken
Fingler of Western Financial Group discussed the very successful self-protected insurance program, which will return approximately $1,800
to participating stores. This amounts to approximately 14 per cent of
their yearly premiums. Others to speak at this meeting included Barry
Ghiglione "Bobcat" Brad Williams, Rhonda Pedersen and CRA national
president Wayne Beckett.

The show was officially opened at 9:30 a.m. as the traditional bagpipe
band played while walking all the aisles of the trade show. Exhibitors
filled 140 booth spaces with a wide range of products for both the party
and equipment rental stores to view. The show, while down slightly in
attendance from previous events, was deemed very successful. Arnie
Rovers, an exhibitor with Toronto-based Construction Equipment
Solutions, said he made many new contacts and commented that attendees
like the fact that they can get a hands-on feel for the equipment. Chad Struthers, from long-time exhibitor Warner Shelter Systems Limited,
echoed those thoughts and added that his company enjoys the show and
exhibits to support the local CRA and see their prairie customers. The
tradeshow closed at 3 pm.

Al Bourdon of Terra Cut Supply discusses the latest features of the Barreto 712 with Dennis Christie of A+ Equipment Rentals in Medicine Hat, Alta.

That evening, 250 people enjoyed a roast beef and chicken dinner
followed by a number of award presentations. Jim Johnson of Cavalier
Industries won the Doug Mitchell Supplier of the Year Award.

Bill Bush, a
44-year veteran of the rental industry and formerly of United Rentals,
was recognized with the Manitoba regional award. Len Rempel, also
retired, won the Saskatchewan regional award. The prestigious Dicky Doo
Award was bestowed on Glen Looysen of Uniquip Canada.

Comedian Kevin McGrath provided entertainment for the evening.