Changing Of The Guard

As my term as President comes to an end, I would like to share some of my thoughts and talk about what we have accomplished as an Association, (Year in Review).

I just want to talk about some of the challenges that we have faced, and how the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) has responded to these challenges. Like I always say, challenges can be opportunities in disguise. This past year, we have been faced with numerous challenges, for instance the catalytic converter laws. There have been over 130 bills that have been introduced on the state level alone, and this Association has monitored them all. We have also been working with the regulators like the EPA and the Dept of Energy (DOE), just to name two.

Certification and getting this industry up to speed with training and education on how to safely manage and handle new technology has never been more crucial. 

Electric Vehicles: We have represented this industry in high level meetings with the OEM’s, NAATBatt, and the Suppliers Partnership, to secure our position in the future to re-use and recycle parts from these vehicles. The mindset for this new technology has been to firstly get it on the market, and then to figure out how to handle and manage it later. All of the players in this new industry were amazed at how we were already on top of this and have figured out these issues. 

The most exciting thing is that the OEM’s now no longer look at us as adversaries. They understand that we are relevant viable partners now. (How about that!)

While being chosen for the Executive Committee by my peers, and assuming the role as president has been an honor, I must say that it is one that I did reluctantly. Being president is a political position, and with me being a non-political person, I felt like a square peg in a round hole and I was unsure how this would play out. I would joke about being impeached, but I must say that this position has grown on me. I have seen us get some things done that I would never have expected. As a team, like in anything else, we have had our share of wins and losses. I was worried about how good of a job I would do, but looking back to when I came onto the Executive Committee, I now see that all we have done as a team has made a positive difference for all who we serve. 

The main message for all of our members is that this Association is now stronger, and for this industry, the future looks brighter. In business, as well as competition and life in general, we all have adversaries. With ARA, it is no different. The big difference is that we have not only earned the respect of our adversaries, they are willing to work with us, not against us. 

You have a great team with this year’s Executive Committee of Shan Latham, Nick Daurio, Eric Wilbert, and Shannon Nordstrom. I couldn’t be prouder of all of these folks The same can be said for the ARA Staff. This staff works hard. Sandy, your Executive Director is a great leader and an inspiration to all. While this may upset the guys, I have always said how women are better suited for business than men. Anyone who has any doubts, just look at her. She is the face and the driving force of ARA. She is a hard worker and she is relentless and tough as nails. If I ever had to go into a tough situation with a woman, she would be the one that I would want.

Also, we have Kelly Badillo who is the Senior Director of Member Services and the Certification Program. Kelly just celebrated her 30th anniversary with ARA. Longevity and loyalty are rare qualities these days. 

Maria Miller is the Administrative Assistant and the “Steady Eddie” of the office. 

Emil Nusbaum is the Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs. Emil does a great job representing our industry on legislative and regulatory issues. 

Vince Edivan, Director of Member Relations, has done a great job with trying to promote this industry and delivering the message as to who we really are and what we really do. 

Kim Glasscock is our meeting planner. Kim, along with Sandy, work hard and do a great job with planning all of our events. 

Last but not least, Jessica Andrews, she is the Senior Director of Association Operations and Director of State Government and Grassroots Affairs. In addition to running the office, Jessica does a fantastic job of holding everything together and keeping everyone organized and on track. How she does what she does with having three small children and one on the way is beyond me. Kind of reminds me of my daughter, Laura, and that’s probably why I’m partial to her. Jessica was my choice for the President’s Award. Jessica is the cornerstone of that office, and Sandy could not be Sandy without her. 

Shan Latham is going to do a great job for you guys. As I pass the gavel on to her, I know that this Association is in good hands.