ARA welcomes new president

The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), Manassas, Virginia, has installed Mike Swift of Swift's Trails End Auto Recycling, in Des Moines, Iowa, as its new president. Swift gave his inaugural speech as president of the ARA at the 72nd Annual ARA Convention & Exposition in early October 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Swift has previously served on the ARA Executive Committee, where he has served as secretary, second vice president and first vice president.

“I am honored to take the reigns as president of ARA and to continue to play a role in preserving and promoting the work of professional automotive recyclers,” Swift said  in his acceptance speech.

In an ARA news release, Swift is described as “extremely active in the industry as a cutting-edge automotive recycler and leader in his community.”

In his first remarks as ARA president, Swift urged all members to put forth the effort to fuel the passion that he saw firsthand during his travels to professional automotive recycler facilities throughout 2015.

He encouraged all to “live the dream” so that ARA can remain strong and continue to be an invaluable resource to its members. He also credited his father for teaching him the business from the ground up, starting in 1979.

Swift served has served as an officer of the Iowa Auto Recyclers and is a current board member.

Swift's Trails End Auto Recycling was the first yard in Iowa to be I-CARE certified, according to the ARA.

The ARA, founded in 1943, says it represents an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of “green” automotive parts and the proper recycling of inoperable motor vehicles. ARA says it represents the interests of more than 4,500 auto recycling facilities in the United States and 14 other countries.