Jon S. Van Alstyne, CEO and President of I-CAR.

“ARA is extremely pleased with the quality of vendors this year, and the buzz of the exposition floor. The expo is what many of our attendees depend on to take their business to the next level by connecting with companies to see the latest technology, products and equipment for the recycling industry,” says Michael E. Wilson, ARA CEO. “It’s also been the place where attendees connect with old friends or make new ones and socialize, it has a fun community feeling, all about making connections.” First time attendee Annie Robinson, Young’s Auto Salvage, said “I love everything about the convention. The people are real nice and down to earth.”

TRADITION

While the 71st Annual Convention & Exposition, as is tradition, provided attendees many opportunities to network, connect with new or longterm friends, it is the educational component that is critical for auto recyclers to learn about the issues affecting the industry. Educational sessions provided a time to investigate in depth new ways of doing business. Brad Jantz, Jantz Auto Yard is a new member and a third generation recycler. As a first-time convention attendee, he was impressed with the camaraderie. “The camaraderie and level of connection between recyclers is amazing and the convention and expo are beyond my expectation,” said Jantz. “I’m really a newbie, even though my family has been in business for over 55 years. I’m not running the yard yet but one of the classes that touched me the most was the sessions on succession planning and families sharing their notes on their own succession planning. It will be so relevant to us one day.” “You never stop learning, no matter how long you’ve been in the business,” said Rod Egelseer, Global Parts Solutions, LLC. “I picked up 50 new facts today just walking around talking to people and at the trade show.

Zane Malcolm, H & H Auto Parts, Nebraska and 34 Automotive Recycling | January-February 2015

Colorado found the ARA Educational Sessions on cores among his favorites this year.

“I enjoyed the sessions on Cores the most,” said Malcom. “I’ve done part of that with the PRP pro- curement committee. It’s huge for recyclers because it makes money to the bottom line. I learned a lot and I think you can never learn enough. We also picked up a lot of contacts.”

Malcolm was not alone as the educational sessions on cores were well attended, drawing interest and questions from recyclers. The experts discussed spe- cific core lines including electronic components and how you can profit from dismantling the most valu- able parts, among other things.

KEYNOTE SESSIONS Jon S. Van Alstyne, CEO and President of I-CAR, gave one of the keynote sessions, titled, “The Vehicle Technology Tsunami, Learning Culture and ROI.” According to Alstyne, I-CAR is evolving from its “his- torical focus on training to a platform of education, knowledge, and solutions for the collision repair inter-industry.” “We are facing what I call a technical tsunami,” said Alstyne. “Today we are right at the tipping point of vehicle technology. There is an array of vehicle technical complexity that includes 240 serious vehicle changes. For example, the Ford F150 is the first high volume vehicle to be dressed in aluminum and it’s a game changer. Are we prepared to repair new cars? “We’re focused on getting training, knowledge, and getting involved up front. Education and knowl- edge is the basis for ROI.”

Alstyne said that training is still a critical piece and emphasized their welding training and certification programs. “Everyone who welds must be trained, so we’ve lowered our prices,” said Alstyne. “Welding is critically important to the safety of the vehicle and we need your help to ensure that happens.”