The Global Rental Alliance (GRA), made up of seven peer equipment rental associations from throughout the world, held their mid-year meeting via webinar in early-August with participation by association executive staff.
Consistent with their purpose to increase the profile of the industry worldwide and benefit their individual membership, the group discussed approaches to GRA membership expansion, data standardization, rental careers, safety, technology and diversity within the industry for both rental businesses, and with manufacturers. Membership engagement is central to the associations and each is striving to include young professionals in leadership initiatives.
The GRA International Business Leadership Program administered by the ARA Foundation is a key aspect of the GRA program for young professionals. This fall, an Australian rental representative will travel to the United States to participate in this program. This leadership program continues to build awareness of the importance of equipment rental worldwide and the value of networking on a global level. A U.S. representative traveled to Australia in May for a similar opportunity.
Representatives identified topics for further roundtable discussion at their 16th annual meeting to be held February 22, 2018 at The Rental Show in New Orleans.
The countries shared information regarding their annual conferences, focusing on education/training, new equipment and networking events.
Further information regarding the purpose and activities of the Global Rental Alliance and the International Rental Business Leadership Program is available at www.GlobalRentalAlliance.com.
About the Global Rental Alliance
The Global Rental Alliance consists of seven independent equipment rental/hire trade associations that have joined together to increase the understanding and concept of equipment rental worldwide. They are: Canadian Rental Association (CRA); European Rental Association (ERA); Hire Association Europe, U.K. (HAE); Hire and Rental Industry Association Ltd., Australia (HRIA); Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ); Japan Construction Rental Association (JCRA) and American Rental Association (ARA). Each organization has as its members, businesses that rent equipment to the general public and suppliers or manufacturers that provide equipment or services to rental businesses. While inventories differ somewhat within each country, they essentially include equipment rented to the construction, homeowner, and special event/party industries.
For more information about the Global Rental Alliance or the International Rental Business Leadership program reference the Alliance website at www.GlobalRentalAlliance.com or contact Ken Hughes.
