Committee made a mistake but the only people who don’t make mistakes are those not doing anything – and that’s not us.”

Some other notable moments of the ARA Awards Dinner included a solemn and tear-filled remem- brance of long-time ARA members, Mark Buessing, American Auto Recycling, and Bob Phelps, Central Auto Recyclers. Both men were tributed as “champi- ons for ARA and the automotive recycling industry” and their eager participation and friendship to many in the organization will be greatly missed.

Scholarships in their names have been established with the ARA Scholarship Foundation. After awards and recognition were given to various groups of auto recyclers and members, the Awards Dinner concluded with the Great Gatsby Casino night. Attendees were given a stipend as they entered the “casino” and got to try their hand at various table games. Donations were made to benefit the ARA Educational Foundation.

The awards night was one to be remembered. ■ Michelle Keadle-Taylor is afreelance writer based in Northern Virginia.

January-February 2015 | Automotive Recycling 43