LAS VEGAS — The California Rental Association's Las Vegas convention last month was viewed as successful by most participants.

Although RER was unable to obtain attendance figures at press time, attendance was clearly higher than last year's “Rental Rally” in San Diego and most exhibitors interviewed by RER expressed satisfaction with the turnout and generally optimistic atmosphere.

At the opening assembly, CRA honored Larry Pedersen of A Tool Shed, Campbell, Calif., as recipient of the James Gartland Award for outstanding service to the rental industry. Gartland founded RER in 1957. RER editor Michael Roth presented the award to Pedersen.

Pedersen is a veteran of more than 40 years in the rental industry, has served on a wide range of committees and founded CRA's northern chapter. He served as president of CRA from 2000 to 2002.

CRA also presented its Bud Loeber Friendship Award, named after CRA's former field coordinator, to Joe Novak, who served as the association's assistant executive director for nearly 20 years. Now president of Novak & Co. Training Services and a former rental center owner, Novak is a veteran of nearly 40 years in the industry.