Global rental alliance meets in Orlando

The Global Rental Alliance held its eighth annual meeting last month during the recent Rental Show in Orlando, Florida. The purpose of the alliance is to increase the profile of equipment rental worldwide and build global understanding.

The alliance - which is a partnership of seven rental and hire associations worldwide - said that discussions "focused on the current economic environment and future projections for rental businesses...Additional topics included insurance, safety/risk management, sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and equipment theft prevention and recovery, areas in which the organisations share information and work together for the collective good of their members."

During the meeting, the members determined the next steps for the Global Rental Alliance International Rental/Hire Exchange Program, under which rental employees work with companies in other continents. Three international exchanges have taken place so far and more are planned later this year.

"ARA has gained substantial understanding of rental priorities around the globe that are pertinent within the program work of the association", said Chris Wehrman, executive vice president and CEO of ARA, "The alliance has developed into an excellent forum for our associations, providing leadership for the industry on a global platform".

Pictured at the Orlando meeting are (front row-left to right): Andrew Paquette, President, Canadian Rental Association; Graham Arundell, Managing Director, Hire Association Europe; Chris Wehrman, CEO, ARA; Phil Newby, CEO, Hire & Rental Industry Association, Australia; Michel Petitjean, Secretary General, European Rental Association; (back row-left to right) Wayne Beckett, Senior Vice President, CRA; Terry Douris, President, HAE; Kevin McGuinness, Chairman, HAE; Buddy Stubbs, Chairman of the Board, ARA; Peter Lancken, Board Representative, HRIA; and Neil Wallis, National President, HRIA.