The Global Rental Alliance (GRA), made up of seven peer equipment rental associations from throughout the world, held its mid-year meeting via webinar in late-August with executives of member associations present.

Consistent with its purpose to increase the profile of the industry worldwide and benefit its individual membership, the Global Rental Alliance representatives discussed pertinent common initiatives, and also unique issues and programs of its respective associations. Differences exist within the industry of each country due to their specific economic, social and regulatory environment.

Membership initiatives are central to each association, with the performance of their rental industry within the global economy always being pertinent. Of particular note among the group were standards and education for the party/event industry and aerial equipment, as they impact safety. Availability of skilled labor remains a topic of priority, as does equipment theft and efforts to address theft rates. Representatives identified topics for further discussion at their 13th annual meeting to be held Feb. 25, 2016, at The Rental Show in Atlanta.

This fall, an Australian rental representative will travel to the United States to participate in the GRA International Business Leadership Program, which is administered by the ARA Foundation. This job shadow 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 the late spring for a similar opportunity.

The countries continue to share best practices that benefit their members and maintain a focus on equipment technology developments, industry research data and statistics, conference programs and education/training.

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: Brazilian Rental Association (ALEC); 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); 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, visit www.GlobalRentalAlliance.com.

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