By Sandy Blalock
As I prepare to step down from my role as Executive Director of the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), I reflect on our journey together and our significant milestones. It has been a privilege to lead this association, and I am profoundly grateful for the support and dedication of our members, partners, staff and consultants.
Over the years, we have navigated a rapidly changing landscape within the automotive recycling industry. From adapting to new regulations and technological advancements to advocating for sustainable practices and expanding our network, we have consistently risen to the challenges. These achievements are a testament to the resilience and innovation inherent in our community.
One of the highlights of my tenure has been witnessing the increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability within our industry.
One of the highlights of my tenure has been witnessing the increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability within our industry. As automotive recyclers, we play a crucial role in the circular economy, and our collective efforts in promoting Reuse then Recycle™ have significantly impacted the environment. I am proud of our strides in raising awareness about the importance of automotive recycling and positioning ARA as a leader in this critical sector.
In the last seven years, ARA and our staff have been tireless advocates for the industry, strengthening the association’s voice in legislative and regulatory matters and ensuring that the interests of automotive recyclers were well-represented at state, national, and international levels. One of my proudest initiatives was providing our members with free educational resources through ARA University. Recognizing the importance of education and professional development, we introduced several new training programs and certification programs that have empowered members with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
By forging strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including manufacturers, regulators, and environmental organizations, we ensured that our industry and ARA remained at the forefront of industry developments and sustainability efforts.
I also take great pride in our association’s growth. We have expanded our membership, forged new partnerships, and enhanced the value we provide to our members through robust educational programs, networking opportunities, certification, and advocacy efforts. Establishing new initiatives and strengthening our existing programs have ensured that ARA remains a vital resource for
automotive recyclers worldwide.
As I step away from this role, I am confident that ARA is well-positioned for continued success. Our incoming leadership has the vision and dedication to guide the association forward. I am excited to see how they will build on our accomplishments and drive new initiatives to elevate the automotive recycling industry further.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to our members. Your commitment to excellence and passion for sustainable practices have been the driving force behind our achievements. I am grateful for our partners’ and collaborators’ unwavering support. And to the ARA staff, your hard work and dedication have been instrumental in our success.
While my tenure as Executive Director of ARA is ending, my connection to the automotive recycling community remains strong. I look forward to staying engaged in my advocacy initiatives in the professional automotive recycling industry at the state level. Together, we have built a solid foundation, and I am excited to see the future advancements and innovations that will result from our collective efforts.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Executive Director. It has been an honor and a privilege.
Read about Sandy’s career accomplishments and advocacy work in our exclusive interview starting on page 45.
