Quarterly throughout the year, ARA volunteer committee leaders meet to share updates and information about what their respective committees are working on. The committee chairs met recently, and the discussion reinforced how committee work is increasingly aligned with ARA’s strategic plan and focused on delivering tangible value to members and the broader automotive recycling industry.
Certification Committee: Advancing Certification and the Quality Compliance Program
Certification Committee Chair and ARA president Shannon Nordstrom reported that Committee’s primary focus remains growing the certification program during a professional audit year, as well as the development of the Quality Compliance Program (QCP), which is currently in a proof-of-concept phase.
Convention Educational Programming Committee: Building the 2026 Atlanta Program
ARA’s Jessica Andrews on behalf of the Annual Convention Educational Programming Committee Chairperson, Natalie Miller, shared that the call for presentations is largely complete and the committee has begun shaping the overall educational program for the 2026 Convention & Expo in Atlanta.
Additional discussion focused on Friday evening gala entertainment options and potential changes to the structure of the convention agenda. The committee also discussed longer-term planning, including future host cities and the possibility of shifting the convention from a traditional mid-week/weekend schedule to an earlier-in-the-week format.
Awareness Committee: Engagement, Campaigns, and Participation
The Awareness Committee Chairperson, Amber Kendrick reported ongoing efforts closely tied to the strategic plan, including social media campaigns, event promotion, and member engagement initiatives. Committee members highlighted the success of recent Valentine’s Day social media assets and noted that planning is underway for the upcoming Earth Day campaign,
Looking ahead, the committee is focused on Hill Days promotion, convention awareness, and longer-term projects such as mapping the member journey and developing reusable member-facing assets.
Interchange Committee: Expanding Part Data and EV Focus
ARA Secretary and Chairperson of the Interchange Committee, Emily Yancey shared several technical updates affecting recycled parts data. Non-interchange options for doors, deck lids, gates, and beds are now live on PartsTrader, allowing recyclers to opt-in broadly or by individual part type. In addition, medium-duty interchange for Ford parts is expected in an upcoming Hollander release, with GM and Mopar applications to follow.
A newer initiative involves adding EV part types to the Recycled Parts Guide. A dedicated subcommittee has begun work on this project, which aims to improve clarity and usability for electric vehicle components, with a goal of making meaningful progress by convention.
Government Affairs Committee: Legislative Advocacy and EV Battery Policy
The Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Slater Shroyer reported an especially active period, with ARA Hill Days serving as a central focus. Beyond event preparation, the committee is deeply engaged in policy discussions in all 50 states that could impact the recycled parts market and member businesses.
Key issues include access to battery state-of-charge and state-of-health data, safe transportation requirements, how emerging battery chemistries may affect recycling economics, catalytic converter theft trends, right-to-repair developments, and international policy changes that could impact recycled materials markets.
Automotive Recyclers Training Institute (ARTI): Training, Funding, and Scholarships
ARA Past President and current ARTI President, Jonathan Morrow shared updates on training, funding, and governance. The committee has implemented rolling board terms to encourage fresh participation. Ongoing initiatives include collaboration with state associations on fire safety products and exploration of new content areas such as mental health.
ARA Past President and ARTI Scholarship Committee Chairperson Doug Reinert reported that the application process is now open and likely to be extended.
Looking Ahead
Across all committees, the meeting underscored a shared commitment to alignment, transparency, and continuous improvement. From certification and education to advocacy and awareness, committee leaders emphasized collaboration and thoughtful planning as ARA continues to adapt to a rapidly changing industry landscape.
