August 2009 Vol. 64 No. 8
Features
August Rental Update: Rental Hall of Fame, Heavy Equipment Rentals, new site for RSC, and more
Nominations open for Rental Hall of Fame
Heavy Equipment Rentals supports Cops for Kids
RSC launches updated used equipment Web site
United Rentals re-ups with ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
ARA Foundation awards scholarships
The Global Rental Alliance explores new initiatives
Volvo Rents opens center in NY
Sunbelt Rentals forms new Safety Training Group
Terex proposes settlement to SEC investigation
Nominations open for Rental Hall of Fame
The American Rental Association (ARA) wants to know of these individuals to recognize and honor those who have made a difference in the rental industry with induction into the Rental Hall of Fame.
“The only way individuals can be considered for induction is through being nominated,” said Buddy Stubbs, ARA president from Busylad Rent-All, Tupelo, Miss. “Receiving quality nominations of those who have changed the rental industry on a national or international level is an important first step toward the induction process. Don’t assume that others have submitted a nomination – get your nominations to ARA.”
Those eligible for Hall of Fame consideration include any individual associated with the equipment rental industry whose significant contribution on the national or international level changed the industry. Nominations can be made either online or by completing a written form. Visit www.therentalshow.com for nomination options and more information on the Hall of Fame.
To date, 29 industry veterans have been inducted. The 2010 induction will be held at The Rental Show in Orlando, FL, Feb. 7-10.
In more news, a condensed and revamped schedule for The Rental Show, along with a slight change in dates to Feb. 7-10, is on tap for next year in Orlando, FL. The schedule will continue to have three days of trade show, with the exhibits now being open on Monday, Feb. 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.; and Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Full-day, specialized workshops – including Events & Tents – will be held on Sunday, Feb. 7. Additional educational seminars will be on the mornings of Feb. 9-10. Monday, Feb. 8, will feature new regional breakfasts and the keynote session, as well as a new social hour on the trade show floor from 5-6 p.m. An evening event for all attendees and exhibitors will be held on Feb. 9.
Heavy Equipment Rentals supports Cops for Kids
Heavy Equipment Rentals, Corona, CA, celebrated a decade of success as one of Southern California’s premier independent construction equipment rental companies by raising $2,500 for Cops for Kids at a recent event.
“Heavy Equipment Rentals has been able to expand from owning 10 machines, 10 years ago to 210 machines today due to the loyalty of our customers and our employees,” said Kent Porter, Heavy Equipment Rentals general manager. “We’re extremely thankful for this loyalty and supporting an organization like “Cops for Kids” that represents loyalty to those less fortunate in our community is the perfect way to show our appreciation.”
“We’re grateful for Heavy Equipment Rentals’ support of Cops for Kids and their concern for the community in which they operate,” said Tom Thomas, executive director of Cops for Kids. “Because we have virtually no overhead in our organization, this money will make a big difference in helping children and seniors enjoy some of the basic necessities of life — transportation, clothing, education or a temporary place to stay.”
Family-owned Heavy Equipment Rentals provides equipment for general grading, pipeline, demolition, paving, water/dust control and excavating.
Despite the recent economic downturn, Heavy Equipment Rentals said it currently has a 65 percent usage rate for equipment. Two years ago the company moved into a 20,000-square-foot facility and opened a second branch in the San Fernando Valley. The company said that because it is not a brand-specific dealership, equipment operators can choose from a wide variety of product lines to meet their preferences. Customers can expect on-time delivery via one of three full-time delivery trucks and a full-service lube truck provides preventative maintenance on site.
Heavy Equipment Rentals offers a modern fleet of nine product lines including excavators, loaders, bull dozers, scrapers, rock trucks, water equipment, mobile crushers, rollers and graders, and an extensive range of attachments.
RSC launches updated used equipment Web site
RSC Equipment Rental, Scottsdale, AZ, has launched an updated used equipment sales Web site, accessed at rscrental.rousesales.com.
Visitors can search for equipment by type, make, model, year and current location. Information sheets can be prepared for specific units, many with pictures. A separate “Great Deals” section features limited time opportunities on selected pieces of equipment.
United Rentals re-ups with ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
United Rentals has renewed its partnership with “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” for the 2009-2010 Season 7, with the Connecticut launch of its 46th “Extreme” build this week. The Emmy award-winning television show continues to rely on United Rentals branches across the country for equipment, expertise and volunteers, including the donated use of more than 2,000 pieces of construction equipment.
The latest build benefits the Hill family of Suffield, who opened their door on June 21 to discover that they would receive a new home in just seven days, courtesy of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and hundreds of community volunteers. The United Rentals branch in nearby Ludlow, MA, organized the delivery of more than 70 pieces of equipment to the site, said Thomas Kennedy, branch manager, who has more than 10 years of experience as a safety trainer to industry groups.
An online photo gallery documenting the projects can be viewed at www.unitedrentals.com. The episode featuring the Hill family will air on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” on a date to be announced.
United Rentals also is in focus with the announcement of four winners of its “Consider It Won” Sweepstakes.
Leslie Rue Mandeville of James O. Rue Construction, Palm Desert, CA.; Dawn Bikin of Citywide Contracting; Phoenix, AZ; Carlos Silveira of Tiercon, Stoney Creek, ON, Canada; and Kevin Nesbit of E.S. Boulos Co., Topsham, ME, won all-expense-paid trips for two to a championship event for Indy car racing, baseball, football and hockey, respectively.
The “Consider It Won” Sweepstakes was launched in March and drew thousands of entrants through the closing date of April 30, 2009. The sweepstakes was open to all qualifying individuals, including contractors, subcontractors, remodelers and facility managers. Winners were selected by random drawing in May.
ARA Foundation awards scholarships
The ARA Foundation Scholarship Committee selected 24 recipients for its scholarships. In addition, 13 recipients were chosen for the Foundation’s four affiliate program scholarships.
The Foundation board of trustees and Scholarship Committee awarded several additional undergraduate and graduate scholarships this year, since the quality of applicants was high and additional funds were available from the 2008 and 2009 auctions benefiting the Foundation held during its convention, The Rental Show.
The 2009-2010 scholarship recipients are:
ARA Insurance Services Scholarship – $3,000
Ryan Ponikvar, Sun Rental Center, Mentor, OH. Ponikvar also is receiving an ARA of Ohio scholarship.
ARA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships – $2,000
Kendra Aker, Creative Tent International, Weed, CA; Shawn Blaisdell, Bunce Rental, Tacoma, WA; Stefanie Blaisdell, Bunce Rental/American Party Place, Tacoma, WA; Nicholas Dagenais, Taylor Rental Center, Wallingford, CT; Leroy Dixon III, Party Plus, Baltimore; Brittany Fike, Lets Entertain, Warrensville Heights, OH; Charles Jones, Rent All Center, Alexandria, VA; Trevor Matthew, Taylor Rental Center, Petoskey, MI; Shannon Penfound, Par-Tee Rentals, Petrolia, ON, Canada; Jennifer Thomas, Magic Special Events, Richmond, VA; and Shane Valliere, Taylor Rental Center, Petoskey, MI.
ARA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships – $1,500
Steven Lantz, Double D Rentals, Norco, CA and Brandt Yount, A-1 Equipment Rental, Morristown, TN.
ARA Foundation Graduate Scholarships – $2,000
Christopher Burson, Rental World of St. Cloud, St. Cloud, FL; Chris Sater, A&A Tent Productions, Shreveport, LA; and Jay Spencer, RSC Equipment Rental, Houston.
ARA Foundation Technical/Vocational Scholarships – $1,000
Amanda Beebe, Rental Express, Indian River, MI; Erick Helfmann, A-1 Lansing Rent All, Lansing, MI; Tom Hessel, Lee’s Ace Hardware, Van Wert, OH; Matthew Jones, Jones Equipment Rental, Fort Gratiot, MI; Spenser Joy, Volvo Rents, Springfield, MO; Bryan Licata, Four Seasons Power Equipment, East Meadow, NY; and David Stadelman, Bandon Rental & Equipment Repair, Bandon, OR.
ARA of Ohio Scholarships – $750
Jeremy Emig, Cincy Tool Rental, Cincinnati; Brittany Fike, Let’s Entertain, Warrensville Heights, OH; Michael Leppo, Leppo Rents, Tallmadge, OH; Jennifer Maslyn, A-1 Amusement & Party Rental, Cincinnati; Ryan Ponikvar, Sun Rental Center, Mentor, OH; and Richard (Kevin) Saunders, Sully’s Rent-All, Akron, OH.
Texas Rental Association Scholarships – $1,000
Paige Cole, Texas Rental, Hico, TX; Collin Dannemiller, Taylor Rental Center, Plano, TX; Preston Harris, Rental Stop, Grand Prairie, TX; Heather Harvey, H & V Equipment Services, Corpus Christi, TX; and Kyle Landua, U-Rent-It Sales and Service, Terrell, TX.
Canadian Rental Association/Dorothy Wellnitz Scholarship – $1,000
Shannon Penfound, Par-Tee Rentals, Petrolia, ON, Canada.
Region Two/Ron Marshall Scholarship – $500
Leroy Dixon III, Party Plus, Baltimore
Funding for the ARA Foundation scholarships is provided from contributions received from throughout the rental industry. To contribute to the Foundation and fund future scholarships, go to www.ARAfoundation.com and select “Support the ARA Foundation.”
The Global Rental Alliance explores new initiatives
The Global Rental Alliance held its annual meeting at The Rental Show in Atlanta, GA. The purpose of The Global Rental Alliance is to increase the profile of the equipment rental industry worldwide and to collectively increase value to the members of the respective organizations. The Alliance consists of the following rental/hire membership associations: Canadian Rental Association, DLR (France), European Rental Association, Hire Association Europe, Hire & Rental Industry Association (Australia), Hire Industry Association of New Zealand and American Rental Association.
During their annual meeting, a report was provided on The Global Rental Alliance International Rental Exchange pilot; intended to advance publicly through participants the Alliance goal to educate, advance careers in rental, and increase worldwide awareness of the equipment rental industry. Peter Maginnis, branch manager, American Rentals, South Gate, CA, was the first Exchange participant, working for Kennards Hire in Australia. With the knowledge gained from the pilot exchange, the program will continue to be developed; the Alliance members will consider nominees for future exchange opportunities. Administering the program is the ARA Foundation.
The Alliance has defined its February 2010 agenda to include more in-depth discussion of mutual issues and approaches when they meet in Orlando, FL. More formal documentation will be developed prior to that time, which will be communicated on The Global Rental Alliance Web site at www.GlobalRentalAlliance.com.
Volvo Rents opens center in NY
Volvo Construction Equipment Rents has opened a new Volvo Rents equipment rental center on the upper east side of Manhattan in New York City. It is the company’s fourth rental center in the state; others are in Rochester, Kingston and New Windsor.
William Ellis Partners Inc., owned by franchise principals William Ellis and Pat Lackey, opened its first Volvo Rents center in Langhorne, PA, in 2005 and a second store in Somerville NJ in 2007. The new Volvo Rents center located at 2162 2nd Ave. with the equipment yard at 119th Street & 1st Ave., an independent Veteran-owned franchise, will carry, in addition to Volvo construction equipment, a comprehensive line of essential equipment and tools for the construction, commercial, industrial and homeowner markets.
Principal Volvo products for its rental centers include its extensive line of compact excavators and wheel loaders, backhoes and skid steer loaders.
Sunbelt Rentals forms new Safety Training Group
Sunbelt Rentals has formed a new Safety Training Group to offer regularly scheduled operator training and “Train the Trainer” courses for Sunbelt Rentals’ customers.
Operator training classes utilize hands-on training focusing on safe operation of backhoe loaders, skid-steer loaders, trench shoring, fall protection and more. The company said that customers who train their own operators have found that this provides a high return for a company after a single investment in safety training.
For more details on the available courses, visit www.sunbeltrentals.com/CustomerService/Safety.aspx. Customized training classes on scaffolding, aerial work platforms (AWPs) and forklifts, and other safety topics also are available.
Terex proposes settlement to SEC investigation
Terex, Westport, CT, made a proposed settlement to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) about the commission’s investigation of accounting regarding certain transactions between the company and United Rentals, Greenwich, CT., in 2000 and 2001.
Terex had previously disclosed that the SEC has been conducting a private investigation. This investigation is presently focused on the circumstances of the restatement of certain Terex financial statements for the years 2000-04 and the accounting for certain transactions between Terex and United Rentals that took place in 2000 and 2001, and one transaction between United Rentals and a Terex subsidiary that took place in 2001, before that subsidiary was acquired by Terex. Terex says it is cooperating with the SEC on the matter and has furnished the SEC with the information requested.
Under the terms of the proposed settlement, Terex would consent, without admitting or denying the allegations of the SEC’s complaint, to an injunction against committing or aiding and abetting any future violations of the anti-fraud, books and records, reporting and internal control provisions of the federal securities laws and related SEC rules. Terex also would agree to pay a civil penalty and has taken a reserve in the amount of $8 million.
The proposed settlement, if approved, resolves all matters relating to the potential liability of Terex with respect to the SEC investigations. Current or former employees of Terex, including its CEO, Ronald DeFeo, who also served as a member of United Rental’s board and audit committee, are not addressed by this proposed settlement. At this time, Terex does not know whether the SEC will commence additional proceedings in the future against any individuals on any of the matters under review by the SEC staff.
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