Reno, Nevada — Last week, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) hosted its 81st annual Convention and Expo at the Peppermill Resort and Casino in Reno, Las Vegas, where Managing Director of the Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC) Steve Fletcher received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the ARA.
The award was presented during the Friday night awards dinner, during which outgoing ARA President Nick Daurio congratulated Fletcher on his 32 years of service to the ARA and the global recycling community.
“Thirty-two years ago, I attended my first ARA event, also in Reno, and now, to be recognized by my international peers with a Lifetime Achievement award is a humbling experience,” Fletcher told Collision Repair.
“Anything I have been able to achieve within the global auto recycling industry is on the shoulders of my great auto recycling members across Ontario and Canada. My thanks to you for allowing me to serve.”
Fletcher also presented a Team Canada jersey to the outgoing ARA Executive Director Sandy Blalock, citing her long-term support of the ARC, while the ARA thanked outgoing Canadian board member Natalie Miller of Miller’s Auto Recycling.
A new face representing Canada
The Board welcomed Dustin Vetere of Dom’s Auto Parts, who will serve as the incoming Canadian board member. It 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,” said Vetere. “It was my first real experience with the American industry. Coming from a family-owned auto recycler, I have always been familiar with my own yard. Coming here, I’ve had the chance to get to know other people and businesses in the industry throughout Ontario. Now, taking on the role of the Canadian representative on the ARA board, I am stepping into an even larger world.”
He added that he found the event and its programming similar to events by the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA).
“It was rewarding to see an American take on the auto recycling convention. In many ways, it was similar to the OARA conventions that we Ontarians know well. We chatted with auto recyclers from across the country, browsed the trade show, and listened to discussion panels–all of this within the opulent walls of the casino resort where the convention was held.
“Seeing Steve Fletcher, who has been a mentor for many of us in the industry, receive his Lifetime Achievement Award was another incredible highlight. When the event came to an end and it was time for food and drink, there were plenty of options. I said many times while there: ‘These Americans know how to do things right!’”
Vetere added that he is eager to represent Canadian recyclers in his new role.
“I was very grateful to have a few familiar faces around me to help navigate this new ground. Thanks to Natalie Miller, Steve Fletcher and my father, Dom. I look forward to fulfilling my role on the board!”
Compelling opportunities and programming
Regarding event programming, Canada got its turn on the mic when Fletcher participated in the Global Auto Recycling Best Practices panel alongside representatives from Argentina, New Zealand and the Netherlands. Fletcher also announced the in-person International Roundtable on Auto Recycling (IRT) set for Nov. 2025 in Liverpool, U.K., as well as the continuation of IRT’s webinar series that brings the global auto recycling industry together.
The event featured 45 panels in total, which were enjoyed by nearly 900 attendees.
Select attendees were also allowed to visit Tesla’s battery factory.
Trade show participants included EV battery recyclers, testers and reusers—addressing a top-of-mind challenge for automotive dismantlers, recyclers and the industry at large. Many exhibitors present at the show are looking to attend the OARA event in Niagara Falls, Ont., next March, said Fletcher.
The incoming executive’s takeaways
The ARA Convention and Expo marked incoming OARA Executive Director Mathieu Dagonas’ first event since the official announcement of his new role. According to Dagonas, the highlights were his participation in the affiliate charter meeting and witnessing firsthand the collaboration the industry offers; listening attentively to government affairs committee meetings; learning about the challenges American recyclers face and sitting in on tech workshops 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,” Dagonas told Collision Repair mag. “And seeing our very own Steve Fletcher being celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement award was, of course, a highlight.
“I returned home with a wealth of knowledge that will serve me well in my new role, and profound 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 welcomed me with open arms. I’ll see you in Birmingham, Alabama, next year!”
