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McClelland spearheads ARA government affairs
09/30/2002
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| The American Rental Association has appointed John W. McClelland to the position of senior director government affairs.
Based in Washington D.C., McClelland will direct all legislative and regulatory activities at federal, state and local levels as a full-time ARA staff member. His appointment signals a new and aggressive approach for the association to serve members and the rental industry in the government affairs arena. To further support this initiative ARA has opened its own Washington, D.C. office for the first time.
“Legislation and regulation, at both the federal and state levels, are important factors in the profitability potential of the rental industry,” said Christine Wehrman, executive vice president of ARA. “This significant effort will enable ARA to provide and educate our members with timely, government-related information on a regular basis to assist them in operating their businesses.
“This will benefit all stakeholders in the rental industry—suppliers, independent rental businesses and multi-store operations.”
McClelland has extensive experience in government affairs and policy. Prior to joining ARA, he served as director of energy and analysis for the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) from 1997 through mid-September 2002. Based in Washington, D.C., he was responsible for developing and implementing the policies and programs of NCGA in the areas of ethanol, alternative fuels, global climate change and air quality.
From 1990 through 1997, McClelland served as associate director, Office of Energy, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). He held the position of research economist with USDA from 1986 to 1990.
McClelland earned a Ph.D and M.S. in agricultural economics from the University of Georgia. He has a B.A. in philosophy from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
McClelland, his wife, Ketkeo and son, Ian reside in the Washington, D.C. area.
In his new position, McClelland will work with ARA staff in integrating the government affairs program into ARA communications to apprise members on pertinent regulatory matters from agencies such as OSHA, DOT and EPA, and legislative matters such as taxes, small business issues, appropriations and insurance. He will oversee ARAPAC, the ARA Political Action Committee, to maximize political impact and bring members closer to the political process.
McClelland will also assist ARA in building coalitions with other organizations with similar goals on specific issues that may not have been approached in the past.
“We’re delighted to have John McClelland become part of the ARA team,” added Wehrman. “His skills and experience in this critical area will fill an important industry role for the association and rental industry.” |
 
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