By Vince Edivan
One of the most important responsibilities I have as Executive Director is making sure the automotive recycling industry has a seat at the table—and a strong voice when it matters most. Over the past several weeks, that commitment has been on full display through industry engagement, advocacy efforts, and strategic planning that will shape the Association’s direction for years to come.
In late February, I had the opportunity to travel to Sarasota, Florida, where I was invited to speak on a panel representing buyers at IAA’s Industry Leadership Summit. The audience was made primarily of insurance and fleet sellers, making it an important forum to share the perspective of professional automotive recyclers. It was an honor to have been included. It was a fantastic event.
During the panel discussion, the moderator posed a direct and important question: “What is one thing that sellers can do to attract more bids?” My answer was equally direct. “Sell more cars,” I said. “Our members spend a lot of time researching and bidding on vehicles, and often times, even though they are the high bidder, they only get awarded a fraction of those vehicles.”
I went on to emphasize the importance of transparency and consistency for sellers. “IAA does a good job of revealing who the seller is. When there is transparency—from who is selling to the condition of the vehicle—combined with an understanding that the time invested will produce purchases, buyers will show up and bid more.”
That conversation naturally led to the broader ecosystem we all operate in. “It’s worth noting that the more recycled parts that collision repairers use, the more demand there will be for recycled parts. The more demand there is for recycled parts, the more demand there will be for salvage vehicles—and the stronger the bidding at the auctions.”
These are exactly the kinds of industry level conversations that matter. Advocacy doesn’t only happen on Capitol Hill. It happens when we represent our members clearly, honestly, and professionally in front of partners who influence the marketplace.
That same philosophy is what makes Hill Days such a critical event for our Association. Hill Days is where advocacy becomes action. When automotive recyclers come together in Washington, D.C., we are able to advocate directly for our businesses and our industry—face-to-face with lawmakers and their staff. Those conversations carry far more weight than emails or position papers alone.
What makes Hill Days especially impactful is the preparation that happens beforehand. We have a full day dedicated to ensuring attendees are informed, confident, and aligned before meetings begin. From issue briefings and advocacy training to networking with fellow recyclers from across the country, this event is designed to set everyone up for success. The Hill Days agenda continues to grow stronger each year, reflecting the professionalism and credibility of the automotive recycling industry.
While we advocate for today’s issues, we are also planning intentionally for the future. Looking ahead, the Association’s newly adopted 2026–2028 Strategic Plan provides a clear roadmap for the next three years, built around strengthening member value, advancing advocacy, and positioning automotive recyclers for long term success. At its core, the plan focuses on improving the member journey at every stage—clarifying our value proposition, delivering consistent engagement throughout the year, and expanding practical tools and benefits members can use in their operations. Advocacy remains a central pillar, reinforcing ARA’s role as the trusted legislative and policy voice for the industry while emphasizing the competitive advantages of recycled OEM parts and continuing leadership on complex issues like the battery lifecycle. Just as important, the plan aligns staff, committees, and resources around shared priorities, ensuring our efforts are focused and accountable.
Another way we inform and connect with our members is through the ARA Unscripted podcast. This has become a valuable platform for in-depth conversations with industry leaders, subject matter experts, and partners. Topics range from advocacy and policy to operational insights, emerging trends, and real world challenges facing automotive recyclers. Episodes are available on the ARA website and major podcast platforms, wherever you find your podcasts. Also, find it on ARA’s YouTube Channel listed under “Podcast.”
Taken together—industry representation, Hill Days advocacy, strategic planning, and ongoing communication—these efforts all serve one purpose: strengthening the voice and future of automotive recyclers. Thank you for being part of that work. I look forward to continuing it together.
Register for Hill Days by visiting our website at www.a-r-a.org!
