Yudu - September 2015

President’s Engage the Process

have had a great year as your ARA President. I am grateful to be able to deliver one more message to you. I am proud of the leaders on the Executive Committee that I have served with these last four years, as well as the hard work and efforts put forth by the ARA staff. As I prepare to leave office, I hope to inspire you on a topic that I am passionate about. As an Association, we should never lose sight of this: We are at our best being an automotive recy- cling advocacy group. This is the core of what the organization is and what we do. Advocacy can take many forms, however, activities or projects that move us beyond an advocacy role should be elevated with the utmost of caution. Automotive Recycling Advocacy is, and should always be, our number one priority. We are in one of the toughest and most difficult periods for automotive recyclers since I have been in business. I have heard from a large number of recyclers who are having nervous anxiety over the future of our industry.

While the news may say otherwise, the country has not yet fully rebounded from the deepest eco- nomic downturn since the Great Depression. It is the worst economic recovery we, as a country, have ever experienced. I have seen these ups and downs as long as I have been in business. Our hope is that since it has lasted since 2008, the end or upswing has got to be near. My advice to you is this: Don’t be discouraged; much better days are ahead. ARA needs your expertise and help, as well as does your state or provincial association. Both require your insight and input. It is unfortunate that most auto salvage dealers are not involved, and have no knowledge of the battles that are waged and won on their behalf. Even worse is when bad legislation is proposed that they have no prior knowledge of because they are not staying educated on the issues. These same folks holler loud and long about why no one asked what they thought. Now, the bill is passed and the industry is stuck with a new law that is going to impede business. The key to stopping bad legislation is to attack it early in its life cycle. It always amazes me when I hear story after story of how a legislator was stopped in his or her tracks before championing a bill that could have been damaging to our automotive recycling industry. Believe it or not, most lawmakers mean you no harm. They are not aware of the damage their new idea can do to your world. Getting to them early in the legislative process can make a huge differ- ence in the way your legislator proceeds with that bill. The value of putting a real face to our indus- try is priceless. I cannot emphasize enough the critical importance of this one aspect in the legislative process.

Be politically engaged. If you are not involved in local, state/provincial, or national politics, you ought to be! This is the only sure way your voice will be heard.

If you are friends with or an acquaintance of an elected official, or you are friends with someone who has an association with a legislator, make a point to get involved with these people. Just by meet- ing them and getting your name and your face associated with the type of business you are engaged in can be a big help.

Let me illustrate this point:

A few years ago, we had a disastrous bill proposed in North Carolina, my home state. It would have harmed our operations tremendously. One state senator, who knew I was in the automobile recycling business, called me to see what my thoughts were on this legislation.

That one call literally stopped a bill that would have crippled buying salvage vehicles in our state. I can recount similar stories from my state, as well as many more stories like this from across the

country. It is imperative to get involved, stay involved, and be proactive in the political process. While it seems one person can’t make a difference, I just illustrated how one person did make a difference. The moral of this story is, don’t ever miss a chance to meet elected officials. They never forget a face; especially a friendly face!

In the end, my hope is that you will, at whatever level you choose, commit to get involved. Either in your industry organizations, your community, your church or civic organization, giving your time to organizations that help the greater good make a difference on so many levels. Thank you for a great year! I hope to see you at the 72nd Annual ARA Convention & Expo, Oct. 7 – 10, where we can show you some of our North Carolina hospitality!

Sincerely, Ricky Young

ARA President 2014-2015 4 Automotive Recycling | September-October 2015

ARA Officers

Comments By Ricky Young, ARA President

Young’s Auto Center & Salvage/Car Crushers Benson, NC

PRESIDENT Ricky Young

ricky@youngsautocenter.com

Swift’s Trails End Auto Recycling Des Moines, IA

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Mike Swift

mike@trailsendauto.com

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER RD Hopper

Sonny’s Auto Salvage Jacksonville, AR rd@sasparts.com