The Global Rental Alliance Works to Build a Worldwide Network

Representatives of the Global Rental Alliance recently held their annual meeting in Atlanta, Ga., during The Rental Show.

The Alliance hosted guests from two organizations at its meeting • the DLR, a France-based association representing rental companies and distributors, and the European Rental Association • to give consideration to increasing membership within the Global Rental Alliance. Since the meeting, DLR has become a Global Rental Alliance member.

In attendance were Global Rental Alliance members Terry Douris, chairman; Graham Arundell, managing director, representing the Hire Association Europe; David Caruso, board member representing the Hire and Rental Industry Association (HRIA), Australia, along with Peter Lancken, HRIA Alliance designee; Phil Tindle, general manager, representing the Hire Industry Association of New Zealand; Doug Mitchell, president, and Mandy Maeren, executive director, representing the Canadian Rental Association; and Carl Newman, chairman, and Chris Wehrman, CEO, representing the American Rental Association, which serves as administrator of the Alliance. Representing the guest organizations were Francis Gilberg, secretary general, representing the DRL, France, and Michel Petitjean, secretary general, representing the European Rental Association.

The goal of the Global Rental Alliance is to increase the profile of equipment rental worldwide and to collectively increase membership value to the members of respective organizations. At the meeting, the group committed to enhancing and further developing the Global Rental Alliance website, www.globalrentalalliance.com, to share international news on a consistent basis. The site will be updated with information regarding developments throughout the year. Particular initiatives within the individual countries will be featured on the website to support learning within the industry and for the benefit of their respective members.

Each of the Global Rental Alliance organizations can be directly accessed through the website for specific information, including dates, locations, and promotions for upcoming conferences and conventions, press coverage of conferences and conventions, and travel assistance. When people connected to the rental industry plan to travel to any of the Global Rental Alliance member countries, they are encouraged to use the “Contact Us” link to connect with rental companies or suppliers in that country.

Since the creation of the Global Rental Alliance in 2003, the working relationships among the respective associations has continued to improve with increased focus on common issues. These include equipment theft and recovery • the first priorities of the Global Rental Alliance • workforce development/rental careers, legislative/regulatory issues, education, and insurance issues that directly impact membership.

The associations are committed to sharing information on initiatives throughout the year, which includes attendance at each other's events and functions. The Global Rental Alliance will meet next in February 2008 in Las Vegas at The Rental Show.

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