ARA selects Mike Swift as executive secretary nominee

The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) announced the selection of Mike Swift, co-owner of Trails End Auto and Truck Salvage, as the nominating committee's choice to serve as executive secretary for 2012-2013.

A longstanding ARA member, Swift brings extensive industry experience to the position. Swift will be formally confirmed by ARA's Board of Directors at their annual meeting held during ARA's Convention and Exposition in Orlando, Fla,, Oct. 24-27, 2012.

Swift has been actively involved with the ARA, spending the last five years as an ARA Regional Director, and this past year as the ARA Chairperson for the Regional Directors. He received the ARA Regional Director of the Year Award in both 2009 and 2011. In addition, he has spent countless hours working on the ARA Government Affairs Committee and takes an active part in the legislative side of the industry. Swift has not only assumed leadership roles on the national level within the ARA, but has served locally in Iowa, his home state, serving as the President of the Iowa Auto Recyclers (IAR) association in 2008-2009.

A third generation auto recycler, Swift has been in the auto recycling business all of his life. After managing Swift Auto Salvage for 20 years, he and his brother, Steven, bought Trails End Auto and Truck Salvage in 1999 (www.trailsendauto.com). Leaning on experience and skills he learned from his father and grandfather, he and his brother took a flailing business and turned it into a thriving business. Trails End Auto and Truck Salvage, based in Des Moines, Iowa, offers full service truck and auto recycling. It also features its own crushing and scrapping operation.

Swift’s grandfather started the family business in the 1940’s. Swift said he brings experience as a third generation business owner and a passion about the industry to the ARA Committee Secretary position.

“I have enjoyed my time as Regional Director during the last five years and I’m looking forward to my new role,” he says. “I’m passionate about dealing with the legislative issues facing the automotive industry. I believe it’s time that the manufacturing industry embraces us instead of trying to discredit us. I plan to continue working hard on issues that affect our industry.”

“ARA looks forward to the dedication and passion that Mike Swift brings to the position,” says Michael E. Wilson, ARA’s CEO. “His involvement, especially in the area of industry advocacy, is an example of the excellence of ARA members and shows his commitment and belief in the automotive recycling industry as a whole. The Association will benefit from the experience that he brings to his important role in leading our international organization in this crucial economic and legislative climate.”

For almost 70 years, ARA has represented an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of “green” automotive parts, and the proper recycling of inoperable motor vehicles. ARA members provide consumers with quality, environmentally friendly, low-cost alternatives for vehicle replacement parts. Today, ARA represents the interests of over 4,500 auto recycling facilities in the United States and fourteen other countries around the world.

For more information on green recycled parts, please visit www.greenrecycledparts.com.