Brazil's ALEC joins Global Rental Alliance

Brazilian rental association Associação De Locadoras (ALEC) joined the Global Rental Alliance during the alliance's 10th annual meeting held in New Orleans at recent Rental Show.

ALEC joins the existing six members of the GRA from the US (ARA), Canada (CRA), Europe (ERA), Australia (HRIA), UK (HAE) and New Zealand (HIANZ). It is the first non-English speaking association to join. (The European Rental Association conducts its business in English.)

ALEC was represented at the meeting by its president, Marco Aurélio da Cunha, who is managing director of Sao Paulo Locadora de Máquinas e Equipamentos, a general equipment rental company with operations in São Paulo, Curitiba and Praia Grande.

Mr Aurélio da Cunha has been active in the Brazilian rental industry for 23 years and recently began his two-year tenure as president of the 20-year old association.

In a statement, GRA said its purpose was "to increase the profile of equipment rental worldwide and to build global understanding of the industry. It is a partnership of rental associations from around the world that meet semi-annually and share information on program initiatives throughout the year.

"The unity of this group has brought about an increased awareness of overall priorities internationally, adding to the strategic outlook and resources of each association within the Alliance."