– April 2018 CRA Ontario Newsletter –
– Presidents Message –
As I came into work this Saturday morning in April, the thermometer is showing -8 degrees. There is plenty of snow on the ground and both me and the poor robins chirping on the front lawn are wistfully wishing for some warm sunshine and for old man winter to take a hike.
Since it turned out to be a rather slow day due to weather, I took the opportunity to listen to the ARA Show seminar podcasts. They were emailed out a few weeks ago, and if you were unable to attend the seminars in person or missed out on a few, this is a great way to catch up on what you missed. There is a wealth of information and resources on the ARA website and if you haven’t recently logged onto the website, I encourage you to do so and take advantage of all they have to offer you.
We are looking for help on our board, 2nd Vice-President and Director-at-Large (2 positions available). As you know, our association is made up of volunteers, and without volunteers there would be no association. So if you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering to help your association, I highly encourage you to contact one of our board members for further details.
I hope to see you all at the last two events of winter/spring at Crown Verity and Lind Equipment, and stay tuned at craontario.org for upcoming events and registration.
See you on April 18th!
– Lawrence Gingrich, CRA ON President
Call for Nominations
Do you have a passion for the rental industry? Are you looking to make a difference? Do you know someone that does? The CRA Ontario Board of Directors will have three openings this coming spring. Elections will be held during our April members meeting being held at Crown Verity. 2nd Vice President and two Directors at Large positions will be available. Please CLICK HERE for the nomination form.
– April 2018 Members’ Meeting –
CRA Ontario Members Meeting will be hosted at Crown Verity in Brantford on Wdnesday April 18, 2018. Take this opportunity to see this industry leader behind the scenes and mingle with your fellow association members!
Registration form can be found here. Register early and don’t miss out!
Busy season is almost here. Is your equipment protected from theft?
For many rental operators, business will start picking up in the coming months. As you make sure your equipment is rental-ready, don’t forget to also protect it from theft.
Be proactive by registering your equipment — for free —on the National Equipment Register’s (NER) HELPtech database.
As an ARA/CRA member, you may:
• Register up to 1,000 pieces of mobile, off-road equipment on this national database at no cost.
• Receive warning decals from NER to put on equipment so that would-be thieves know your equipment is registered and searchable.
Don’t wait. Contact NER today 866-663-7872 and be sure to let NER know after you have uploaded your equipment information so you can receive your warning decals.
CRA Ontario Dinner Awards Banquet
March 6 was the first day of Rental Mart in Toronto and as is our custom, we celebrated Industry Professionals who have shown outstanding contributions in their fields.
President Lawrence, CRA Ontario President, was unable to attend, but Chairman Paul Van Staveren greeted over 100 members, suppliers, sponsors and guests to this year’s Awards Banquet.
With the help of our gracious sponsors Hilti, Cavalier, RentQuip, Tsurumi, Wacker Neuson, Billy Goat, Toro, Weber MT and CRA Insurance we had a fabulous night with lots of laughs, networking and fun.
Higgins Event Rentals and Tiffany Party Rentals stepped up to the Tabletop Challenge with stunning displays showing how talented they truly are. This year the tables were anonymous giving a level playing field and Higgins come away with the people’s choice award, a $1000 credit for product with National Event Supply as well as an article and their picture on the Front Cover of Canadian Rental Service Magazine. We congratulate and thank both challengers for their time and effort into this challenge. We are looking forward to continuing this challenge throughout our upcoming banquet award dinners.
The 50/50 draw was awarded to Tyler from Ingersoll Rent All and we hope he was able to put the windfall to good use. The evening rounded off with entertainment by the Duelling Pianos who had people singing in their seats until closing time!
We look forward to seeing you again at our next member meeting in Brantford where we will be hosted by Crown Verity. They have a fun night of networking lined up for us. Please be sure to attend as we will be conducting our annual elections and your vote matters!
Supplier of The Year is presented annually to an Associate Member who is a leader in supplying products and knowledge, is dedicated to the rental industry and regularly supports the activities of the CRA Ontario. The award was presented to Cavalier Industries Ltd and was accepted by Gord Ellis. Cavalier was founded in 1991 by the late Jim Johnson. Johnson was the recipient of the CRA Award of Merit, an award which recognizes the vision of our leaders, past and present who have made, or are making significant contributions to the development and advancement of the rental industry across our country. Cavalier is now led by Johnson’s son TJ and daughter Brittni, and represents several industry leading equipment manufacturers, and services the Equipment Rental and Industrial Equipment markets across Canada. Cavalier provides advanced and innovative equipment solutions to its loyal customers and believes that strong relationships with both its customers and suppliers, are the cornerstone of its success. With a staff of almost 40 industry professionals, and warehouses in Sturgeon County, Alberta and Whitby, Ontario, Cavalier serves the industry across Canada. Cavalier has been and continues to be a proud supporter of the Canadian Rental Association. Congratulations!
Image Award (General Tool & Construction) is presented annually to the General Tool or Construction Rental Organization that best exemplifies the highest standards of good housekeeping, attractive equipment displays and general rental proficiency. The award was presented to GAL Power Systems and accepted by Diane Gouge & Dustin Hubert of GAL Power. GAL Power has been proudly serving customers for over 30 years through the blackouts, the brownouts and everything in between. Superior Customer Service and dedication to social responsibility with an eye for innovation has kept GAL Power thriving for over three decades. Whether supplying new generators, CHP Systems, generator service, fuels systems and TSSA testing or climate control equipment, GAL has striven to always keep focus on their customers. Congratulations!
Image Award (Party & Event) is presented annually to a Party or Special Event Rental Organization that best exemplifies the highest standards of service and innovation. The award was presented to Higgins Event Rentals and accepted by Dave Higgins. Higgins Event Rentals has been serving the GTA Event industry since 1982 and has grown into one of the largest event rental companies in the GTA. Higgins headquarters runs out of their 56,000sqft. Showroom and warehouse. With more than 10 five-ton trucks and 75 staff in the summer-time peak, Higgins inventory now boasts over 18 hundred event products. Higgins serves all customers ranging from Festivals, Sporting Events, Caterers, Tenting & Weddings, to name a few. Most recently, Higgins sponsored and participated in the Restaurants Canada Show at the Enercare Centre and Festivals & Events Ontario Annual Conference in Hamilton. Their Motto is “We Care” and “We Make Hosting Events Easier” – words all of their staff live by on a daily basis. Congratulations!
Rental Professional of the Year is presented annually to an individual who contributes unselfishly of his or her time and talents to further the aims of CRA Ontario. The award was presented to Michelle Nicol, CERP from Higgins Event Rentals. Michelle is passionate and dedicated in giving back to the rental industry where she has grown over the past 12 years. After graduating from Seneca College, Event & Exhibit Design Program in 2006, Michelle quickly realized the opportunities in the Event Rental Industry were right up her alley! Spending most of her spare time (outside of leading the Festival division at Higgins Event Rentals) serving on various industry related committees and boards such as the CRA Ontario Board, ARA Young Professional Committee, Festivals & Events Ontario Supplier Task Force and the Seneca College Event Management Program Advisory Committee, Michelle likes to keep active in the industry. Michelle recently renewed her CERP certification and looks forward to continuing to serve the industry she is so passionate about.
CRA Ontario Regional Award is presented annually to a rental operator or supplier who is involved in CRA events, trade shows and their community to acknowledge and express appreciation for their outstanding service to the Ontario rental industry. The award was presented to Gord Ellis from Cavalier Industries Ltd. Gord has lived in Burlington for 15 years and has over 30 years’ experience selling equipment to the Canadian rental industry. Gord started as a Business Development Manager for Cavalier Industries Ltd. in June of 2016. He has served as Associate Supplier Director for the Canadian Rental Association – Ontario since 2013. Gord works tirelessly to make sure our suppliers and rental store members get value in their membership and in keeping with that, is Chairman for our Annual Golf Tournament and has grown it to the success it is today, he is the Chairman for the Conference and Product Expo which he was instrumental in creating and is successful today thanks to Gord’s guidance. He was the recipient of the 2015 CRA Ontario Regional Award and in 2016 was awarded Rental Professional of the Year.
– Kim Rixon – Vice President CRA Ontario
RENTAL MART – An Exhibitor’s Perspective
The International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario located near Toronto’s Pearson International Airport was the site of the 2018 Canadian Rental Mart on March 6-7. This show is held every second year, with the CRA (Ontario) Awards Banquet being held on the Tuesday night. In past years, the Rental Mart was held at the nearby Toronto Congress Centre.
Numerous suppliers to industry and their respective company representatives from right across North America were there to show off their latest and greatest equipment. The show also offered two extremely valuable industry related training sessions. The Workshops, Mobile Elevated Work Platform Training presented by Scott Owyen, the Training Manager at Genie, and Workplace Safety Training led by Lucie Giroux, Manager of Health Safety and Environment for Contractors Rental Supply offered training on topics that impact a vast majority of rental operators.
Like others, our company, Cavalier Industries Ltd. exhibited again this year. We had equipment from at least a dozen of our Vendor partners, and company representatives from across Canada and the U.S.
When asked about the traffic flow through the two day show, Clyde Arceneaux, Cavalier’s Canadian Business Development Manager answered, “It was Quality over Quantity this year. The Cavalier booth didn’t have as many visitors as we had hoped, however the people that did stop by were knowledgeable, focused and knew exactly what they wanted. They came prepared to do business, and to take advantage of every Show Special that was available to them”.
The seasoned show veteran would expect an initial surge of attendees (the “Keeners”) hitting the floor as soon as the doors opened the first day…but that didn’t seem to happen this year. In fact, the rental operators’ attendance the first day was significantly down from previous years. That had the exhibitors and show organizers scratching their heads. Some of the questions heard on the show floor were, “Is this show too close to ARA?”, “Do we have too many shows?”, “How do we create interest from the Nationals?”, “Did the weather impact attendance?”. “Where are the Party Operators and Suppliers?”.
The show attendance the second day was noticeably better. “We had all hands on deck in the Cavalier booth more than once, during Day 2”, Arceneaux explained. “I know a few of us missed lunch. We were juggling multiple customers between us, a couple of times. We were definitely busier the second day”.
All in all, the consensus was that the show was good, the attendance was down, but nobody was sure why. An industry trade show that offered World Class Workshops and an Awards Banquet that always guarantees a great time should have had better support from the rental operator members.
Submitted by: Gord Ellis, Cavalier Industries Ltd. Business Development Manager
CRA (ON) Associate Director
**EDIT** CRA Golf Tournament now on September 20, 2018**
Improve your business with ARA’s upcoming webinarHow can a single document improve your business? Find out during ARA’s upcoming webinar, “Maximizing ARA’s Cost of Doing Business Report.” This webinar will take place on Wednesday, April 25, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern time.
The 90-minute session, which will be spearheaded by Greg Manns of Industry Insights, will cover what the Cost of Doing Business Report is, how to access it and how to make the most of it in order to fine-tune your financial health. Utilizing real-world data from rental operations just like yours, set your business up for success by maximizing the report.
To participate in this webinar, you must have either completed the Cost of Doing Business Survey or purchased the Cost of Doing Business Report. Instructions on how to access the webinar will be sent leading up to the webinar. To purchase the report, visit ARArental.org/go/CODB.
Interested in hosting a CRA event?
Do you want to host an upcoming CRA event? It is a great way to promote your business and products as well as support your local CRA division. For more information please contact Kim Rixon – 705-641-8732 or kim@muskokapartyrentals.ca.
What is CERP?
The Certified Event Rental Professional (CERP) program, offered exclusively by ARA, is the only rental-specific certification program for those in the party and event rental industry.
This in-depth, self-study program is for individuals who seek a competitive edge and professional credentials. Graduates deliver remarkable results that benefit both their clients and their rental company.
Why do I need it? The CERP program strengthens employee loyalty, creates a safer work environment and delivers:
- A competitive edge by teaching industry best practices for increasing productivity and profitability.
- Professional credentials that demonstrate your knowledge, expertise and commitment to the industry.
- Remarkable results that exceed your clients’ expectations and increase referrals by building essential word-of-mouth.
Did you know that you can write your tents right here in Southern Ontario and you do not have to wait for the Rental Show? Contact a local Proctor today with any questions you may have. Michelle Nicol, CERP (Michelle@Higginseventrentals.com)
Click HERE for more information on becoming CERP certified today!
Why Go Green?
The Benefits:
Improve Your Reputation!
By working to be more sustainable you will be supported by companies and individuals 
who are also working towards being green. You will be able to report to sponsors and to the media that your festival is working to have only a positive impact on the community and environment. Your festival can even receive recognition in the form of an award for your efforts. Use your sustainable event to your advantage and have a positive impact while doing it!
Green Events Can Save Money!
When planning a green festival it may surprise you that there can actually be financial benefits involved. Remember that you will be focusing on reusing and buying less which saves money, you
will be generating less waste which reduces disposal costs, and you will be reducing your energy bill by being energy conscience! One specific example is that something as simple as collecting name badge holders for reuse at an event of 1300 attendees can save approximately $975 for the event organizer (Source: www.conventionindustry.org).
Music Fans Actually Want Green Events!
According to research by www.GreenerFestivals.com a green festival will appeal more to the attendees:
- Over 80% think noise, waste and traffic have a negative impact
- There is a big rise in CO2 awareness at festivals
- 48% would pay more for greener events
- 36% say green is important when buying a ticket
Green Events Can Save Resources!
Using recycled materials, recycling materials used, reusing items and reducing materials used can significantly lessen the environmental impact of 
an event. For example a five day event serves 2200 people breaks, breakfasts, lunches and receptions using china instead of plastic disposables, it prevents 1,890 lbs. of plastic from going into a landfill. That’s nearly one tonne! Another example is by not pre-filling water glasses at banquet tables during three days of served lunches for 2200 attendees; 520 gallons of water can be saved
(www.conventionindustry.org).
Article from greenfestivals.ca
Young Professionals Network
Young professionals are the future of the equipment rental industry. That’s why we’re excited to invest in our future leaders through the ARA Young Professionals Network (YPN). This free membership benefit is administered by the ARA Foundation.
Why join? Our mission is to help you learn about the industry, advance your career and establish relationships that will not only help you grow personally and professionally but also ensure a vibrant industry for future generations. Benefits include:
- Invitations to exclusive YPN events — including the annual YPN networking reception at The Rental Show and “40 Under 40” networking conferences.
- Access to the online directory, listing all YPN members and their contact information.
- Details on The Rental Show seminars that are geared toward young professionals.
- A free subscription to Rental Management, the award-winning monthly magazine dedicated to the success of your equipment rental business.
The Professional Driver Education Program
The ARA Professional Driver Education Program is a rental-specific online certificate program for construction and general tool employees.
Designed with all aspects of the driving and delivery process in mind, this nine-course program features nearly seven hours of instruction on topics from loading and unloading to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and customer service.
- Improves safety, reduces risk and enhances customer service.
- Establishes consistent work practices.
- Identifies safe, operational best practices.
- Includes checklists and links to pertinent websites.
- Students who complete the program receive a certificate, uniform patch, hard-hat decal and wallet card.
- Students complete the nine courses, quizzes, and a final comprehensive exam.
Event Rental Training Courses
The Event Rental Training Courses (ERTC) are in-depth, self-study programs that focus on job-specific training. The courses offer content similar to the Certified Event 
Rental Professional (CERP) program but are designed for members who seek training in just one specific area.
Students who complete ERTC courses and later decide to enroll in the CERP program are eligible to receive credit for up to two ERTC purchases.
CERP?
The Certified Event Rental Professional (CERP) program, offered exclusively by ARA, is the only rental-specific certification program for those in the party and event rental industry.
This in-depth, self-study program is for individuals who seek a competitive edge and professional credentials. Graduates deliver remarkable results that benefit both their clients and their rental company.
The CERP program strengthens employee loyalty, creates a safer work environment and delivers:
- A competitive edge by teaching industry best practices for increasing productivity and profitability.
- Professional credentials that demonstrate your knowledge, expertise and commitment to the industry.
- Remarkable results that exceed your clients’ expectations and increase referrals by building essential word-of-mouth.
Young Professionals (18-40)
Young professionalsare the future of the equipment rental industry. That’s why ARA invests in our future leaders through the Young Professionals Network (YPN). This free membership benefit is administered by the ARA Foundation.
If you’re between the ages of 18-40 and affiliated with an ARA/CRA-member rental operation but have NOT joined YPN, right now is the time.Why? Sign up to be a YPN member between November 1, 2017 and March 1, 2018 to be automatically entered into a drawing for a free trip to ARA’s 2018 Young Professionals Conference, Nov. 14-16 in Santa Fe, NM. (Free trip includes coach class airfare, hotel accommodations at the conference hotel and event registration.)
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