Every year CRA recognizes individuals who have contributed to both CRA and the rental industry.

THE GARTLAND AWARD

James Gartland, whose memory is honored by this award, was a visionary who founded the Rental Equipment Register (RER Magazine) in 1957. The award designates the recipient as "Rental Person of the Year" and recognizes his service to those in the industry.

This year's Gartland Award winner is Brian Maginnis, owner of American Rentals, Inc, in South Gate, CA. Brian has been in the rental industry since he graduated high school (1968 in Tulsa, Oklahoma) and has been involved in CRA for 22 years, ever since he started his rental business in 1984. Prior to that he worked at Action Rentals with Larry Wanamaker and attended the Founder Chapter Meetings. Brian has held most of the offices in the Founders/LA/Orange Territory.

Brian comments, "The rental industry has been great to me in my business career -- I can't think of a better group of people to be associated with. I have so many stories of how I was helped by friends and competitors. I have met so many friends through my associations in this industry and would not trade these experiences for any other."

THE W.E. "BUD" LOEBER FRIENDSHIP AWARD

Each year CRA recognizes "someone who has a sincere interest in the rental industry and displays the positive attitude and friendly approach to life shown by CRA's former Assistant Executive Director, Bud Loeber."

President Paul Arbon (left in photo) presented CRA's General Counsel, Les Chayo (right), with the Bud Loeber Award at the tradeshow's Wednesday evening dinner. Les has spent the last 20 years keeping CRA members informed about business regulations, tax laws and more. Les, along with Don Burns, contributed to the passage of SB 1867 on January 1, 2001. The legislation amended Penal Code 484 and cut in half the time a rental company previously had to wait to send out a demand letter and provided a "rebuttable" presumption of theft. Les was also honored with the Gartland Award in 2002.

Before becoming CRA's General Counsel, Les practiced tax law and was a CPA. He is married with two daughters and two grandchildren. Congratulations Les and thanks for all the help through the years!