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ACRA Board Adds 2 New Directors

Bill Wallschlaeger, a Wisconsin-based Avis and Budget licensee, and William Harris, co-owner of Edge Auto Rental in New York City, are the two newest board members of the American Car Rental Association.

October 7, 2019
ACRA Board Adds 2 New Directors

William Harris.

Photo via ACRA.

1 min to read


The American Car Rental Association has added two new member to its board of directors, Bill Wallschlaeger and William Harris, the group announced. Avis licensee Bob Klyce has retired from the board.

Wallschlaeger is a third-generation car rental operator from Wisconsin. He runs Midwestern Wheels, an Avis brand that has been in his family since 1958. A member of the Avis Licensee Association, he is also a voting member of the Avis System Advertising and Policy Committee and of the Avis System Advertising Trust. Additionally, Wallschlaeger serves on the Wisconsin Car Rental Alliance, which he helped to found in 1995.

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In 2006, Wallschlaeger expanded his family's brand by adding the Budget Rent A Car brand, and the Budget Truck brand in 2008.

Harris, the COO and co-founder of Edge Auto Rental, has 35 years of experience in the rental industry. The largest independent rental agency in New York City, Edge primarily caters to the entertainment industry.

Prior to Edge, Harris started the U Save Auto Rental franchise, opening six locations.

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