The Global Rental Alliance held its annual meeting at The Rental Show in Atlanta, Ga. The purpose of The Global Rental Alliance is to increase the profile of the equipment rental industry worldwide and to collectively increase value to the members of the respective organizations. The alliance consists of the following rental/hire membership associations: Canadian Rental Association, DLR (France), European Rental Association, Hire Association Europe, Hire & Rental Industry Association (Australia), Hire Industry Association of New Zealand and American Rental Association. The participating organizations are committed to sharing information on initiatives throughout the year and attending one another’s major events and functions, as schedules permit.

Since the alliance was founded in 2003, the working relationship of the respective associations has continued to strengthen, with increased focus on common initiatives that directly impact their members, including: equipment theft prevention and recovery, legislative/regulatory, risk management/safety, industry research, workforce development/rental careers, education and insurance. Country-specific issues also are topics for universal discussion.

The Global Rental Alliance associations continue to build close working relationships, which provides a forum for exchange to increase the appreciation of one another’s issues and to learn how the respective associations address these matters. Increased awareness of association priorities serves to strengthen the strategic outlook of each association and build collective resources within the alliance.

During their annual meeting, a report was provided on The Global Rental Alliance International Rental Exchange pilot, which had initially been proposed at their 2008 annual meeting. The International Exchange Program is intended to advance publicly through participants the alliance goal to educate, advance careers in rental, and increase worldwide awareness of the equipment rental industry. Peter Maginnis, branch manager, American Rentals, South Gate, Calif., was the first exchange participant, working for Kennards Hire in Australia. With the knowledge gained from the pilot exchange, the program will continue to be developed; the alliance members will consider nominees for future exchange opportunities.

Administering the program is the ARA Foundation, a nonprofit philanthropic organization which develops and implements programs that create educational opportunities, build relationships and aid the rental industry.

The Alliance has defined its February 2010 agenda to include more in-depth discussion of mutual issues and approaches when they meet in Orlando, Fla. More formal documentation will be developed prior to that time, which will be communicated on The Global Rental Alliance Web site.

“The Global Rental Alliance continues to develop programs and initiatives that benefit each member organization. This is worthwhile dialogue for the alliance, and ARA is proud to be playing a part in making these working relationships and ventures successful,” said Christine Wehrman, executive vice president and CEO of ARA. “I look forward to seeing what comes next from this dynamic group of individuals.”

For more information, visit www.GlobalRentalAlliance.com.

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