A mid-year meeting of the Global Rental Alliance (GRA) was held last week involving representatives from equipment rental/hire trade associations around the world. Consistent with the purpose of the Global Rental Alliance — to increase the profile of equipment rental worldwide and build global understanding — the organizations met by teleconference to discuss the market outlook and business issues influencing the industry, policy initiatives impacting the rental environment and ways to support their members and promote the rental concept throughout the world.

Progress was highlighted on common initiatives of the associations, including industry research, marketing and promotion of the equipment rental industry and member services. The Global Rental Alliance International Business Leadership Program, administered by the ARA Foundation, was highlighted.

The Alliance will hold its 11th annual in-person meeting at The Rental Show in Las Vegas in early February.

The Global Rental Alliance is a partnership among seven independent rental/hire organizations throughout the world, including the Associação De Locadoras (Brazilian Rental Association), Canadian Rental Association, European Rental Association, Hire Association Europe (U.K.), Hire & Rental Industry Association (Australia), Hire Industry Association of New Zealand and American Rental Association.

Further information regarding the purpose and activities of the Global Rental Alliance and the International Rental Business Leadership Program are available at GlobalRentalAlliance.com.