ARA Membership Increased by 108 in 2004

FAIRFAX, Va., Jan. 20, 2005 -- With its single largest increase to its membership since the Stormwater Run-Off issue, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) welcomed 108 new members to the association. ARA averaged nine new members each month or slightly over 2 new members per week.

When asked to what she attributed this membership increase, Kelly Badillo, ARA Director of Member Services, responded, "I believe it is a host of things. We aggressively marketed membership in ARA, we have new staff members with new ideas who are willing to do whatever is necessary to grow the association, we have a highly motivated and dedicated leadership promoting membership wherever they go and we have George Eliades, our new Executive Vice President, who is passionate about ARA and attends as many regional and affiliate chapter events and activities as possible and never fails to return with a new member or two."

When asked what ARA's membership goals are for this year, Ms. Badillo did not hesitate. "Even better than 2004. With a more open, responsive and communicative association, we expect to achieve bigger and better things in everything we do and that includes membership recruitment."

Founded in 1943, the Automotive Recyclers Association represents an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of automotive parts, and the proper disposal of inoperable motor vehicles. With programs such as the Certified Auto Recycler program, and other partnerships with automotive manufacturers, automotive recycling will continue to provide consumers with quality, low cost alternatives for vehicle replacements parts, while preserving our environment for tomorrow.

For more information on ARA, visit the ARA homepage at http://www.a-r-a.org/ or call (703) 385-1001.