MINNEAPOLIS – The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) Board of Directors has welcomed the Northwest Automotive Trades Association (NATA) as its newest affiliate member. The addition of NATA expands AASP’s reach to 12 state/regional associations, representing more than 9,000 automotive aftermarket businesses in 24 states around the country.
                                   
NATA represents 662 automotive businesses in Oregon and southwest Washington, including collision, repair and transmission, auto recyclers, parts suppliers and tow operators. NATA’s mission is to promote professionalism and education, provide quality benefits and services, represent common business interests and build consumer confidence. Since its inception in 1914, the association has remained committed to offering innovative ways to improve the automotive industry and member businesses.
 
Rick Starbard, AASP president, said, “I am pleased that the Northwest Automotive Trades Association has affiliated with AASP. NATA is a proactive state association that does a great job servicing its members and offers many benefits. We look forward to working with NATA on the national level so that we may enhance the work that they are already doing, while learning from them for the benefit of all of our members. They are a perfect fit for AASP.”
 
NATA Executive Director Barbara Crest, added, "NATA is very excited to become a part of AASP, adding our members and our reach to other affiliates throughout the United States. There is power in numbers, and power in the knowledge base of this highly regarded association. We look forward to working with AASP to further our mission through member relations and affiliation."