By Vince Edivan
The quarantine has been a significant disruption in our lives leaving many of us feeling isolated, both personally and professionally. ARA has been working hard to be here for you. As we all have experienced recently, being connected to a supportive and responsive community of professionals is an important way to overcome feeling like you’re alone. A good community functions well when its members are connected, active and involved. ARA offers a place for our community to engage. As we emerge from this season, we want to encourage you that if you have not already become a member of ARA, please consider it now. Join online at https://web.a-r-a.org/join-us/application.aspx.
Available to any automotive recycler is our “COVID-19 Dashboard” on ARA’s website (a-r-a.org). This webpage continues to be updated with need-to-know information that can help you make decisions for your business and employees as this pandemic lingers on. It is important that we all work together to represent the interests of all automotive recyclers, and be a helping hand to those who need our help.
We have also been busy providing the industry with the most current and relevant information possible by publishing through our Facebook page and YouTube channel (search “ARA Automotive Recyclers Association.”) We have produced an abundance of videos and posts addressing the current events and how they are impacting the industry. All are available to view on our social media channels.
Follow the New Series
Our current series is a four-part interactive discussion with motivational speaker Jason Redman, a retired Navy SEAL officer. We have conducted two of the discussions on how to survive a disruptive ambush and steps to formulate an action plan for 2020-2021. This series is empowering for anyone who participates and is especially helpful for those who feel ambushed by the COVID-19 crisis. Redman will conclude the series as the Keynote Speaker for the 77th Annual ARA Convention in Reno, NV.
The next two discussions will address Leadership. They are scheduled for:
• Aug. 13 @ 1:00 Eastern – Lead others
• Sept. 17 @ 1:00 Eastern – Lead always
New Dismantling Training for ARA University in Editing Stage!
Recently, we began filming the first two segments of our new ARA University Depollution Training Module. We covered batteries, mercury switches, and several fluids – fuel, oil, coolant, etc. We worked closely with the ARA Certification Committee chair Shannon Nordstrom, as well as Sue Schauls, consultant, to advise on safety and compliance issues. Part of the goal is to mirror the CAR certification requirements. The final product will have a video component paired with an online test. The training is in post-production/editing and is scheduled to be ready by November on ARA University (arauniversity.org).
Vince Edivan is ARA’s Director of Member Relations. In his role, he represents ARA at state industry events, working to connect with current and potential members. Since 2006, he has worked in the wholesale auto auctions, vehicle remarketing, and the salvage industries.
Views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or position of the Automotive Recyclers Association.
