ARCA Recycling appoints executive vice president

Minneapolis-based Appliance Recycling Centers of America Inc. (ARCA) has announced the appointment of Rachel L. Holmes to the position of executive vice president of the company’s subsidiary, ARCA Recycling Inc.

In this role, Holmes will lead the sales and operations of ARCA’s recycling segment in pursuing expanded business opportunities with utility companies and other clients across the country. Prior to her promotion, Holmes served as vice president of business development for ARCA Inc. from April 2008 until July 2015, when she transitioned to the role of vice president of client services.

“ARCA Recycling’s business opportunities have increased since our major competitor abruptly ceased operations in November 2015,” says Edward R. (Jack) Cameron, ARCA president and CEO. “With this influx of business, we decided to realign our organizational structure to better serve our clients. Fortunately, we have a wealth of in-house talent to fill these roles. Rachel brings 25 years of experience with ARCA to her new position. She not only has a solid base of knowledge in all aspects of the business, she also has proven to work effectively with our clients and personnel over the years.”

Since Holmes joined ARCA in February 1991, she has held positions of increasing management responsibility in marketing and advertising, business development and client services. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis).

In December 2015, ARCA reported that it had received a significant influx of inquiries relating to appliance replacement and recycling programs after the unexpected closure of Jaco Environmental Inc., a Mill Creek, Washington-based appliance recycler.

At the time, ARCA said the termination of Jaco’s business operations presented opportunities for the company to obtain additional appliance recycling and replacement contracts with utility companies, retailers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) around the country.

Jaco Environmental offered services in 28 states, according to its website, www.jacoinc.net. The company says it recycled more than 400,000 units each year.

ARCA’s regional centers process appliances at end of life to remove environmentally damaging substances and produce material byproducts for recycling for utilities in the U.S. and Canada. Eighteen company-owned stores under the name ApplianceSmart Inc.^® sell new appliances directly to consumers and provide Energy Star^® options for energy efficiency appliance replacement programs.