Proudly ARA
By: Caryn Smith
In this issue, you will read about ARA, from the convention to strategic planning to committee participation. There is great information on what ARA is doing for members. And the members are the why.
It is easy to serve an industry when you have a good reason. The members are just that for ARA. Why is that? I think it is because ARA members share admirable qualities across the board. As an original thought leader, Ernest Holmes said, “Like attracts like, and we attract just what we are in mind.”
The first shared quality is PRIDE. ARA members are proud to be among peers of like-minded business owners and managers. You are proud of your industry and what your team does every day.
ARA members are GENEROUS! In the recent at-convention FUNdraiser
for the ARTI (autorecyclingtraining.com) scholarship program —ARA’s 501c3 which provides scholarships to worthy students (recyclers’ children, employees, and employee’s children)—you raised almost $100K in less than an hour! Also, you are generous with your time to mentor others and your finances to help those in your community who have needs.
ARA members are RESILIENT. Difficult challenges often confront the industry, threatening your bottom line and sometimes the industry’s very existence! Together, you overcome these threats through creative, collaborative efforts!
ARA members are LOYAL. This industry is full of employees who spend their entire careers at one facility. While it may be rarer, your employees generally love
their jobs and their leaders. (If this isn’t your experience, it may be wise to read
Lisa Ryan’s insightful article on page 18.)
ARA members are FRIENDS. This is an extremely unique trait of the industry in that you are friends with competitors. As the sale of ROE-Recycled Original Equipment® parts becomes more digital, everyone becomes your competitor. Yet, you are willing to help them with information, guidance, site visits, and mentoring! In fact, so many of you who attend the annual ARA Convention & Expo every year (read about on page 20) come to visit with your lifelong friends.
ARA members are STRATEGIC. Of those who can survive industry challenges, you have the best odds in your favor. At industry meetings, roundtables are held to address emerging trends and obstacles, and to brainstorm ideas to find successful avenues through them. These ideas are taken back to the office, shared, and implemented, and ultimately have helped your business grow over the years! ARA is strategic to be as effective as possible and a genuine source of support to the industry. Read about that process on page 28.
ARA members are VOLUNTEERS. In your community, business, and industry, you are more likely to step up to help others than not. Master-level success guru Jim Rohn said, “Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.” Usually, that is the testimony of ARA volunteers—they give, and the return is more valuable than their effort. ARA’s committees are more active and productive than ever; yet they still could use your help! Visit page 37 to see where you can plug into ARA this year.
As always, when we start a new year, we mention the opportunity to contribute content ideas, to write, or to be interviewed for an upcoming article. If you have something to share, email me at araeditor@comcast.net. We love to hear your ideas! Thank you for your continued support.
