Christine Wehrman, CEO and executive vice president of the American Rental Association (ARA), Moline, Ill., has announced that she will retire from ARA to the ARA board of directors after 15 years of service to the organization. Wehrman will continue in her current position until her successor is named later in the year.
Terry Turner, owner, All Occasions Party Rentals, Knoxville, Tenn., and ARA president, extended thanks to Wehrman on behalf of the ARA board of directors for her dedicated service to the membership.
“Chris has effectively led our association to excellence," said Turner. "Chris led ARA through the years of business consolidation, the 9/11 attacks, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and the economic recession along with many critical industry and association issues,"
Turner also noted how well Wehrman worked well with volunteer leaders and staff members have really made a difference for members and the industry, and how well positioned the organization is for the future.
Some other Wehrman accomplishments that Turner noted: An annual strategic planning process directed by the board of directors that continues to create opportunities and notable results for ARA members. ARA membership is now at a record high. The organization has developed an entire industry research program with the ARA Rental Market Monitor and industry performance standards with ARA Rental Market Metrics, complemented with the ARA Rental Penetration Index.
Turner also noted that, under Wehrman, ARA’s government affairs program advanced markedly with at the federal and state levels, and that ARA's political action committee, ARAPAC, strengthened. Also, said Turner, The Rental Show continued to be reinvented annually to deliver a first-class industry event of education, networking and equipment.
Insurance safety and risk management focus was elevated. Reactivation of the ARA Foundation took place along with their valuable program work. The Young Professional Network was created to engage the next generation in the association to continue the flow of volunteer leadership," Turner said.
“It has truly been a privilege to serve ARA’s general and associate membership in this position and work with such capable volunteer leaders and staff members throughout the association and industry," Wehrman said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and am proud of what has been achieved by ARA during these dynamic years as a result of all of us working together. I foresee a great future for the association, membership and industry in years to come.”
Turner and Wehrman said that ARA’s first priority remains preparing for The Rental Show 2016 and ARA’s 60th Anniversary celebration in Atlanta, February 21-24. Turner commented, “Once we have completed The Rental Show, ARA will undertake our work to replace Chris as CEO. I know she will enjoy seeing everyone in Atlanta.”
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
