CRA eJournal
Meeting and Event News
  
 
CRA’s 4th Wednesday Rental Workshop will take place via Zoom on May 22, 2024, from 2:30–4 p.m. 
 
"Defensive Driving" with Bruce Hooker
Sponsored by Paragon Insurance Holdings
 
Get ready for an enlightening session on the 4th Wednesday of this month: Welcome to the Defensive Driving Workshop! This workshop is designed to equip drivers with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to become safer and more responsible drivers on the road. Defensive driving is not just about following the rules of the road; it's about anticipating and effectively responding to potential hazards and dangers. Throughout this workshop, participants will learn practical strategies for avoiding collisions, reducing risks, and promoting a culture of safety behind the wheel.
 
  San Diego Territory
  Wednesday, June 12, 2024
  6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  1110 W Washington Ave., Escondido, CA 92025
  Territory President Paul Norman
 
  Tri-County Territory
  Wednesday, June 19, 2024
  6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  6 N Milpas St., Santa Barbara, CA 93103
  Territory President Allen Buck
 
EDCO, Inc.
Rental Center News
 
American Rent All
James Tadeusiak
21350 Lassen St., Unit #G8
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 345-4102
https://partyrentalspro.com/
Rental Guys, a Chico, CA-based equipment rental company, has closed a transaction to acquire the assets of Sacramento, CA-based Aba Daba Rents.
   Aba Daba was founded in 1957 by former CRA Executive Director Dale Blackwell’s father. Vicky Blackwell took over Dale’s responsibilities at both the CRA and Aba Daba, recently retiring from her role at CRA, and now, with the acquisition of her business, Aba Daba, she can fully retire and enjoy traveling the country in her 5th wheel travel trailer.
   The Sacramento and Citrus Heights, CA, locations, will be Rental Guys’ 13th and 14th locations. CEO Alex DuBose stated, “The new locations complement our existing location in Orangevale and strengthen our Northern California network of locations. We will be investing significantly in new rental fleets in the locations that serve the eastern foothill suburbs of Sacramento County.”
   Vicky Blackwell added, “We had a lot of interest, including some from large companies, but felt Alex and his family-owned business was the best fit for our employees.”
   Powers Associates (PowersAssociates.com) and Leslie Chayo, Esq., were exclusive advisors for the transaction.
   Rental Guys is a contractor, industrial and homeowner rental company based in Chico, CA, with a focus on the Northern California rural markets for equipment rentals, sales, and service. Learn more at rentalguys.com.
The work of independent medical examiners can directly affect what you pay for a claim. Their findings may help determine whether an injury or illness is indeed work-related, or the extent of a permanent disability. Here are some pointers for working with independent medical examiners.
Vendor News
  
As well as the exclusive Energy Boss-Hybrid energy systems, ANA offers AIRMAN Generators, with a range of 13 KVA to 400 KVA. ANA, Inc. is proud to be the North American supplier of AIRMAN Air Compressors and Generators and MAC3 Air Tools. AIRMAN has been building the highest quality diesel generators and air compressors since 1971 and is a staple among construction equipment rental companies and contractors alike. With a broad range of sizes, from 13 kVA to 400 kVA, ANA has the AIRMAN generator to meet your specific job application. The AIRMAN Air Compressor line ranges from 100 to 400 cfm and includes the workhorse of the industry: the PDS185S. MAC3 Air tools range from 11lb chipping hammers to 90lb paving breakers.
  
Fluid handling airless spray equipment. Quality Products, Innovation, and Customer Service.
Founded in 1926, Graco Inc. is a leading manufacturer and provider of premium pumps and spray equipment for the construction, manufacturing, processing and maintenance industries. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Graco works closely with distributors around the world to offer innovative products that set the quality standard for spray finishing, paint circulation, lubrication, sealant and adhesives dispensing, process application, and contractor power equipment. Graco employs approximately 3,500 people worldwide and serves thousands of customers in over 100 countries. Graco stands out for its rich history focused on quality products, industry-leading innovation, and solid partnerships with customers and suppliers around the world.
  
Digital Marketing Platform. LocaliQ is part of Gannett, a global media company that delivers local and national news to millions of people every day. Gannett’s business solutions, including LocaliQ and the USA TODAY NETWORK, provide businesses – both big and small – with access to the audiences and technology solutions they need to grow and thrive.They connect local consumers to the news and stories that matter to them. Through this deep understanding, they’ve become invaluable partners to the businesses that serve them, creating powerful and performance-driven marketing campaigns. From high-impact digital and print advertising to customized branded content solutions, their ad products drive tangible, measurable results. 
  
Ascenso is an off-highway tire brand that caters to the needs of the following key global segments: Agriculture, Industrial & Construction, Earth Mover, Material Handling, and Agro-Forestry. In their journey over the last 3 years, Ascenso Tires North America has released and added more than 500+ sizes to their portfolio. Ascenso also distributes Westlake commercial truck, bus, and trailer tires, as well as Sunrise steel truck, aluminum truck, and trailer wheels along with their own brand "TIBER." Offering competitive prices, Ascenso Tires North America is your source for high-quality agricultural, industrial and OTR tires, truck and bus tires, and truck wheels.  
  
Managing your rental process from quote to invoice. Running a business often involves dealing with tons of paperwork, especially if you are renting your tools or other assets. However, it does not have to be so. With MCS tools for rental management, your company will become easier to manage and more profitable. With over 40 years of experience in the rental industry, MCS has created software that gives you the power to act quickly on real-time data, improve asset utilization, and gain ultimate control over your rental inventory. Gain valuable insight into your rental data so that you can make more planned strategic business decisions.
  
Water Trucks, Dump Trucks, Construction Equipment. Valew has been a family company since its beginning in 1954. Valew's quality truck bodies are manufactured at one of the company's state-of-the-art facilities in either Southern California or North Texas. Valew's manufacturing space totals over 250,000 square feet under roof and over 200 acres of land. All of Valew’s employees are highly trained in quality assurance and are responsible for the dependability of every product. The company utilizes the age-old concept of assembly lines as well as technological advances to produce high quality products at competitive prices.
  
The leader in producing superior construction and road sweepers. Broce Manufacturing is the leading producer of construction and industrial style street sweepers. Founded in 1963 in Dodge City, Kansas, Broce has been serving the construction industry for over 60 years as a family owned business. Their sweepers range in size to accommodate any milling and surface treatment projects.
Business News
Don McLoud reported in Equipment World Magazine that stories about vintage construction equipment and their collectors continued to be popular with their readers. 
   Among the stories featured in 2023 was an article about a Guinness World Record steam tractor built from scratch 113 years after it debuted and was lost to time. There was also an article about a 1951 Mead “Mighty Mouse” Dozer and another about a 1919 Best 25 crawler tractor that was saved by helicopter rescue from a remote area of California. Many of the stories have companion videos showing the machines in action.
   Listed in the article are the top five vintage-equipment stories of 2023, along with links on how you can access them if you want to read – and watch – more. You can also check out Equipment World's Vintage Equipment section to see their full collection.
Jordanne Waldschmidt of Equipment World Magazine reports on alternatively powered construction equipment and tools, which continue to be the talk of trade shows with more new prototypes and models rolling out at every event.
   ConExpo 2023 served as the catalyst for many of these announcements, with nearly every major manufacturer teasing or showcasing their battery or hydrogen construction equipment, along with charging and fueling solutions.
   While some manufacturers have gone all-in on electric equipment, others continue to pursue all forms of alternative power, waiting to see what the market latches onto as the most viable option. Without ample refueling infrastructure for hydrogen or methane, electric has emerged as the current frontrunner in the market. But are contractors ready to make the switch?
   In their latest poll, conducted from March 12 to April 12, EquipmentWorld.com visitors were asked if they are planning on purchasing electric equipment this year.
Shaped by social media, the pandemic and big tech, Gen Zs are entering the job market. But what do they want from the construction industry and what effect are these demands having on the industry as a whole? Lucy Barnard, senior Web editor of Construction Briefing, finds out.  
   Young people around the world are asking for higher wages and making it clear that they are not afraid to vote with their feet, frequently changing jobs in order to get a higher salary or a more rewarding role.
   For Gen Z (those born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s), many of whom came of age during the pandemic-fueled Great Resignation, when tens of millions of workers simply left their jobs, and the virtues of walking out on an unrewarding job were documented by everyone from youtube influencers to Beyoncé, leaving a job, even after just a few months, is something to consider.
   For the construction industry, which is facing a retirement crisis over the next five years due to its aging demographic as well as struggling with thousands of unfilled positions, the issue of training and retaining fickle Gen Z workers is becoming a make-or-break issue. 
Calendar
May 22, 2024 – Zoom
4th Wednesday Rental Workshop...more
 
June 12, 2024 – Escondido, CA
San Diego Territory Yard Party hosted by PDQ Rentals... more
 
June 19, 2024 – Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara Territory Yard Party hosted by Milpas Rental
 
July 14 – 20, 2024 – Lake Tahoe, CA
Summer RV Campout... more

July 16 – 17, 2024 – Lake Tahoe, CA
Summer CRA Board of Directors Meeting
 
October 11 – 13, 2024 – Kernville, CA
The Phil Maxwell Memorial Manly Man Fishing Tournament... more
 
October 14, 2024 – Bakersfield, CA
CenCal Territory Yard Party hosted by B S & E Rents
 
October 15-16, 2024 – Bakersfield, CA
Fall CRA Board of Directors Meeting
 
November 8, 2024 – Corona, CA
CRA / RSIF Annual Golf Tournament at Eagle Glen Golf Club... more
  
January 12, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV
Winter CRA Board of Directors Meeting
 
Jan. 12 - 15, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV
CRA Rental Rally Tradeshow... more
 
CRA UPDATE
With the retirement of Vicky Blackwell and Carol Murphy, CRA Executive Director Jeff Roberts welcomes Katie Marrs, the new CRA Executive Assistant, and Connie Roberts, the new CRA Controller. In addition to the new staff members, there is also a new office location in Upland, California.
   Jeff, Katie and Connie will continue to carry out CRA's mission ... "to further the rental concept by representing its members, promoting use by consumers and augmenting the industry image," and they invite members to join them in building and strengthening our industry of Party/Event and Equipment Rental Stores, Vendors, Manufacturers and Suppliers.
   "We have made the transition to a new staff and location, and look forward to carrying CRA's legacy into the future. Look for a new refreshed logo and website to exemplify the subtle changes we have made," states Jeff. "Visit our website at www.calrental.org and see the opportunities available to help sustain and grow your business."
 
Listed below is the contact information for CRA's staff and CRA's new address:
 
Jeff Roberts, Executive Director
Cell: (909) 821-5998
Jeff.Roberts@calrental.org
 
Katie Marrs, Executive Assistant
Katie.marrs@calrental.org
 
Connie Roberts, Controller
 
New Address:
P.O. Box 757, Upland, CA 91785
Phone Number:(800) 272-7400
www.calrental.org
 
Contact Jeff, Katie, and Connie with questions or ideas for the continued growth of our association—and stay engaged with CRA!