Editor’s Notes By Caryn Smith ARAEditor@comcast.net
It’s About Time
t is that time of year, and we hope that you are seeing all of the ARA commu- nications on the upcoming Convention. (If you haven’t read our July-August issue, it contains all the details.) Maybe you are thinking, “Why should I attend the ARA Convention? There is nothing there for me. I just don’t have time.”
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The honest truth is, these days no one has the time. But over 1,000 ARA mem- bers and vendors will make the time to be there! Those who regularly attend the annual ARA Convention & Expo know the importance of coming together with like-minded people, listening to expert industry forecasting and trends, seeing the cutting edge Expo floor offerings, and getting wisdom and ideas from fellow recyclers over coffee.
There is something magical at the end of the Convention that happens – exhausted from late nights, early mornings and end- less talking and listening, that one feels empowered and challenged to make IT work, whatever IT is that you came in wor- ried and stressed over.
So, what about all the negative trends, how will the industry survive? Is all this important? Let’s look to the seasoned ARA mem- bers for this answer. If you read some of the profiles of the ARA Lifetime Honorary Member recipients on page 34, you will see that some of the issues that they struggled with are the same exact issues the industry is facing today, just dif- ferent sides of it. From data to consolida-
tion to heavy-handed legisla- tion, they have seen it all, and yet they enjoyed long success- ful careers in automotive recycling. Why? I bet every one of them attended every convention they could, and got involved in their state and local organizations, too. They built relationships that have lasted to this day, and most cited the friendships they have had over the years were the best part of their career.
What is keeping you from Baltimore? If its time, that is no excuse! Make time for your business.
Check out the vendors that will be exhibiting at the Expo on page 54, and then go to www.a-r-a.org today and sign up for the 73rd Annual ARA Convention & Expo. It’s not too late!
6 Automotive Recycling | September-October 2016