American Rental Association (ARA) has named the following people as recipients of the organization’s 2010 volunteer recognition awards, which will be presented during “Lunch With ARA” at The Rental Show on Feb. 27.

The Rental Show is Feb. 27-March 2 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas.

Distinguished Service Award

The late Doug Mitchell, who had been a partner in The Rent-It Store, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, will receive the Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership with long-term service to the association at the national, state, provincial, and local levels.

Mitchell was very involved in the Canadian Rental Association (CRA), the CRA Saskatchewan local association, and ARA. He held many positions on the board of directors, including president of CRA in 2007-2008, and was instrumental in organizing the yearly CRA Prairie Regional Trade Show.

He was the main motivation for the Prairie Regional Trade Show and had been in charge of all aspects of the event since its inception in 1989. The show is a successful forum for rental stores and associate members to gather together, receiving full participation from rental businesses of all sizes.

Mitchell was an advocate of the member partnership between CRA and ARA, with both associations benefiting from his active leadership. His legacy is one of caring for people, stepping forward to lead by action to benefit the associations and honest enjoyment of life.

Mitchell died on July 29, 2010. CRA established the Doug Mitchell Scholarship in his memory, with the scholarship specifically for students affiliated with a Canadian associate member business to honor his work with the Prairie Regional Trade Show. Mitchell and his business partner, Doron Broadfoot, were strong supporters of the ARA Foundation and were honored at The Rental Show 2010 with the 1976 Club Award for their contributions.

Meritorious Service Award

The Meritorious Service Award will be presented to Tim Ranson, safety/risk manager for Finning, The Cat Rental Store, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in a defined area of association service, such as through a committee, special project, or service activity.