MOLINE, Ill. — The American Rental Association and the California Rental Association have agreed to bring to an end their discussions begun in the fall of 2000 with the goal of the CRA joining ARA as a member state association. While both organizations hoped this state membership could be achieved, both agree that the approach may have been too ambitious. The two organizations will continue to support their separate memberships.

The organizations have agreed to identify opportunities to work together in the future on a project-by-project basis. With demonstrated success in doing so, a determination will be made whether to revisit formal discussions on organizational matters.

In the spirit of cooperation, ARA provided program sessions and participated in the CRA Rental Rally, Oct. 15-17, in San Diego. The CRA has endorsed the 2003 ARA annual convention in Anaheim, Calif., Feb. 10-13, and will encourage CRA members to attend the event.

“ARA feels that a project-by-project approach will better serve to build understanding between the two organizations,” said ARA president David Wilcox.