The February meeting of the American Rental Association of Massachusetts (ARAM) was held at Milton CAT in Milford, Mass. Fifty-six people from 27 businesses attended the meeting.

ARAM Executive Director Gene La Pierre commented, “The Milton CAT facilities and the discussion of Damage Waivers combined to make this event one of the best attended events in recent history.”

With headquarters in Moline, Ill., the American Rental Association (ARA) is the international trade association for owners of equipment rental businesses and manufacturers and suppliers of rental equipment. Current membership includes more than 7,500 rental businesses and 1,100 manufacturers and suppliers.

The association began in 1955 when 21 rental business owners met in Moline to discuss issues relevant to their businesses. Now in its sixth decade of operation, the ARA serves as the principal trade association for the equipment rental industry. The association serves three broad categories of rental — construction and industrial equipment, general tool and homeowner equipment and party and event equipment.

More than 50 ARAM members gathered to exchange news and listen to timely presentations about Damage Waivers, Hoisting Issues, and the “RenTech Train the Trainer” program. Another well-attended portion of the event were the facility tours. Small groups guided by Milton CAT “ambassadors” walked around the Milton CAT service area, getting a firsthand view of the serious investments made by the company in the areas of high tech support and specialized resources.

Dan Chase of Chase Canopy was the host/moderator while John Crabbe, National ARA president, gave a report on the upcoming ARA meeting in Atlanta. Crabbe, president of Vermont Tent Company, is a founding member and first president of the ARA of Vermont.

When Milton CAT’s meeting host Eric Griffin mentioned the subject of the successful business association between Milton CAT and area rental businesses as part of Milton CAT’s Rental Alliance network, Plymouth Taylor Rental’s Dan Shaughnessy, a member of the Rental Alliance, enthusiastically agreed. Shaughnessy stressed to his peers from the ARAM about the value he finds in the relationship, specifically mentioning the number and quality of leads he receives from Milton CAT for daily and weekly rentals.

It was past 9:30 in the evening when ARAM members left their meeting. The prevalent feeling was very positive, according to Milton CAT, with attendees appreciative of the venue, the food and the opportunity to learn about new business opportunities.

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