Bigger In Texas

The event kicked off with several of the Association committee meetings, including the Affiliate Chapters Committee meeting, of which the Automo- tive Recyclers of Canada is a member. ARA’s new Interchange Committee met and welcomed several interested observers. The new Committee will be focusing on ways to enhance the capacity of all automotive recyclers to sell more Recycled Original Equipment (ROE) parts that currently have no interchange or adequate description to allow integration into quotes and/ or listings. The first day also included the popular Tech Talks with indus- try software platforms such as Hollander, Car-Part and Buddy Automotive Innovations.

The classroom learning kicked off with the Opening Keynote by Tony Graham of Solera titled, “The Evolving Automotive Industry.” Thursday evening also featured the opening of one of the largest automotive recycling expositions in the industry with over 100 new and returning industry vendors who support the industry.
A meeting of the membership took place on November 12, 2021. Open to all members, this was an opportunity to hear about volunteer committee activities, Association priorities, and was immediately followed by a Board of Directors meeting.

Natalie Miller of Miller’s Auto Recycling in Fort Erie is a Director on the ARA Board representing Canada, as well as Chair of the Annual Convention Educational Programming Committee.
“This year’s ARA Convention in Dallas provided progressive auto recyclers from all over with the opportunity to network and attend educational sessions in person following the challenges of the last 18 months,” said Miller. “The energy was palpable for all who attended. Many immersed in the learning session and catching up with colleagues from near and far. In planning for the education session, the task at hand was to provide a comprehensive range of topics from post pandemic workplace culture, AI intelligence in estimating to the future of EV battery recycling, which was successfully met.”

Educational sessions offered throughout the event included: The Future of Mobility and Automotive Recycling, Using Your Data to Cultivate Leaders, Environmental Ethos, Succession, Sales and Yard Valuation, Finding, Hiring and Keeping Great People, Post-Pandemic Work Culture, Simple Safety Steps, EV Lithium Ion Batteries: The economic case for Reuse vs. Repurpose vs. Recycle, and more. Several of the session were recorded live and have been made available online.