By james art Reno, Nevada — Last week, the Association of Automotive Recyclers Associations (ARA) hosted its 81st Annual Convention and Expo at the Peppermill Resort and Casino in Reno, Las Vegas, where Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC) Managing Director Steve Fletcher received the Lifetime Contribution Award from ARA.
The award was presented during Friday night’s awards dinner, during which outgoing ARA President Nick Daurio congratulated Fletcher for his 32 years of service to ARA and the global recycling community.
“Thirty-two years ago I attended my first ARA event, also in Reno, and to now be recognized by my international peers with a lifetime contribution award is a humbling experience,” said Fletcher Collision repair.
“Everything I have been able to achieve in the global auto recycling industry is on the shoulders of my great Ontario and Canadian Auto Recycling members. Thank you for allowing me to serve.”
Fletcher also presented outgoing ARA CEO Sandy Blalock with a Team Canada jersey, citing her long-term support of ARC, while ARA thanked outgoing Canadian board member Natalie Miller of Miller’s Auto Recycling.
A new face representing Canada
The Board welcomes Dustin Vetere of Dom’s Auto Parts to serve as a new Canadian member of the Board. This was Vetere’s first experience at the ARA Convention and Expo.
“I was very happy to attend the ARA Convention and Expo for the first time,” Vetere said. “It was my first real experience with American industry. Coming from a family car recycling plant, I’ve always been familiar with my own backyard. Coming here gave me the chance to get to know other people and businesses in the industry in Ontario. Now, taking on the role of Canadian representative on the ARA board, I am stepping into an even bigger world.”
He added that he found the event and its programming similar to Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) events.
“It was rewarding to see an American tackle the car recycling convention. In many ways it was similar to the OARA conventions that we Ontarians know well. We talked to car recyclers from around the country, toured the trade show and listened to panel discussions – all within the opulent walls of the casino resort where the convention was held.
“Seeing Steve Fletcher, who has been a mentor to many of us in the industry, receive his Lifetime Achievement Award was another amazing moment. When the event was over and it was time for food and drink, there were plenty of options. I said many times while I was there: “These Americans know how to do things right!”“
Vetere added that he is eager to represent Canadian recycling companies in his new role.
“I was very grateful to have a few familiar faces around me to help me navigate this new land. Thanks to Natalie Miller, Steve Fletcher and my dad Dom. I look forward to fulfilling my role on the board!”
Exciting features and programming
As for the event’s programming, Canada took the mic as Fletcher took part in a panel on best practices for global car recycling alongside representatives from Argentina, New Zealand and the Netherlands. Fletcher also announced the upcoming International Automotive Recycling Roundtable (IRT) set for November 2025 in Liverpool, UK, as well as the continuation of the IRT webinar series, which brings together the global automotive recycling industry.
The event featured a total of 45 panels enjoyed by nearly 900 attendees.
Select attendees were also allowed to tour Tesla’s battery factory.
Trade show attendees included EV battery recyclers, testers and re-users – addressing the most important challenge for car dismantlers, recyclers and the industry as a whole. Many exhibitors attending the show want to attend the OARA event in Niagara Falls, Ont., next March, Fletcher said.
The conclusions of the future executive director
The ARA Convention and Expo marked new OARA Executive Director Mathieu Dagonas’ first event since his new role was officially announced. According to Dagonas, the highlights were his participation in the partnership charter meeting and witnessing first-hand the collaboration the industry offers; listening intently to Government Affairs Committee meetings and learning about the challenges facing America’s recycling businesses, and participating in technical seminars focused on emerging technologies that streamline processes.
“Keynote speaker Amber Kendrick delivered one of the most powerful yet vulnerable presentations on overcoming complacency as a business owner,” said Dagonas Collision repair mag. “And to see our very own Steve Fletcher celebrated with a lifetime contribution award was, of course, a highlight.
“I returned home with a wealth of knowledge that will serve me well in my new role and a deep confidence that the future of automotive recycling—and my place in it—has a bright future,” he added. “Congratulations to the outgoing and new ARA executive members who have welcomed me with open arms. See you in Birmingham, Alabama next year!”