BEDFORD, TX — The Automotive Service Association (ASA) held its annual convention May 3-5 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, TN. The event provided a forum for several association leadership activities, including open meetings of the ASA board of directors and affiliate assembly; a State of the Association address by Ron Pyle, ASA’s president and chief staff executive; and the installation of the new board.

The installation of the board took place during ASA’s Celebration of Excellence, a dinner and awards show that opened with the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) graduation ceremony. An open forum of ASA’s Collision and Mechanical Operations Committees and two AMI classes presented by Patrick Grady were also held during the annual convention.

Aaron Clements, AAM, C&C Automotive, Augusta, GA, was named chairman of ASA’s board of directors for 2007-08. Clements assumed the chairman’s post at the conclusion of the annual convention. He succeeds Charles Elder, AAM, Ray Gordon Brake Service, Tallahassee, FL, who moves to the past chairman’s seat on the board of directors for one year.

Other members of ASA’s 2007-08 board include Reggie Denney, AAM, chairman-elect, Reggie Denney Auto Repair, Eden, NC; and Dennis Sterwerf, AAM, secretary/treasurer, Fairfield Auto & Truck Service, Fairfield, OH.

Serving as general directors are Jerry Burns, AAM, Automotive Impressions Inc., Rio Rancho, NM; Daniel Guido, AAM, Tony’s Service Center, Phoenix, AZ; and Diane Rodenhouse, Rodenhouse Body Shop Inc., Grand Rapids, MI.

Serving as affiliate directors are Russell McCloud, AAM, Accurate Automotive Attention, Yuma, AZ; Ron Nagy, AAM, Nagy’s Collision Center, Wooster, OH; and Dan Torbeck, AAM, Torbeck’s Auto Repair, Cincinnati, OH.

The final two board positions are held by the Collision Division and Mechanical Division directors: Darrell Amberson, AAM, Lehman’s Garage, Bloomington, MN; (Collision Division); and Earl Dohner, AAM, E&E’s Garage, Brookville, OH (Mechanical Division).

Pyle also serves on the ASA board of directors in an ex officio capacity. Members of the ASA Executive Committee are Clements, Elder, Denney, Sterwerf and Dohner.

Pyle’s annual State of the Association address was presented during the Saturday luncheon, during which he provided an overview of the association’s focus and strategic initiatives during the past year. Praising the volunteer leadership’s dedication to the association, Pyle said, "We are so blessed that we have leadership that really looks out for the future of our association, that really cares about where we’re headed, and that devotes so much of their time, energy and wisdom to making sure we don’t lose track of who we are and where we are."

Pyle emphasized the association’s consistent efforts to benchmark the behaviors and decisions of ASA to ensure its success. From aligning ASA’s products and services to it mission statement, to creating data-driven strategies, the association strives to raise the bar and enhance the professionalism of its members.

"The most important thing is that we’re a member-driven organization. Everything we do is about serving our members … We’re here to serve you – every day, every member," said Pyle. He also pointed out the association’s focus on providing its leadership with good information and the right tools to get the job done, and the association’s emphasis on strong communication efforts. "We’re in a changing environment," Pyle told attendees. "Our job is to help you make that transition so we have a vital, healthy independent aftermarket service and repair industry for years to come."

Also during the third annual "Celebration of Excellence," ASA recognized special achievements of its members and industry partners. Bill Haas, AAM, ASA’s vice president of education and training, hosted the program, which opened with the introduction of ASA’s board of directors. The program also included an Automotive Management Institute (AMI) graduation ceremony recognizing those who have earned the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

Awards presented during ASA’s Celebration of Excellence included:

The AMI Annual Recognition Award, the highest honor the institute bestows on an organization or industry leader, was presented to Bill Sauer, AAM, founder of Identifix, Roseville, MN. John Francis, AAM, AMI outgoing board of trustees chairman, presented the award.

The Associate of the Year is presented to an associate member in appreciation of its relationship with ASA, and for the value, quality and professional service it offers to ASA members. This year’s recipient was Hanley Wood Exhibitions for its longtime management of ASA’s International Autobody Congress and Exposition. NACE celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and the award was presented in the same room at the Gaylord Resort where the initial NACE event was held in 1983.

The Alpha Award recognizes an ASA Mechanical Division member for his or her generous and far-reaching contributions to the automotive service industry. Bob Wills, owner of Wills Auto Service in Battle Creek, MI, was the recipient of this year’s award.

The Phoenix Award recognizes an ASA Collision Division member for his or her contribution to the automotive service industry. Harry Moppert, owner of Moppert Brothers Collision Services Group in Morton, PA, was the recipient of this year’s award.

The ASA Legislative Award recognizes those who have made an impact on legislative and regulatory activities. Two awards were given this year: ASA-Colorado was recognized for its commitment to educating congressional representatives about information availability and their opposition to Right to Repair legislation; and ASA-Washington was recognized for its ongoing efforts to address auto emissions and super-warranty issues.

ASA’s Communicator of the Year Award recognizes an ASA member for outstanding efforts in using different communication vehicles to promote its business in the community and industry. This year’s recipient was Donny Seyfer, AAM, co-owner and manager of Seyfer Automotive in Wheatridge, CO.

The Affiliate of the Year Award is based on several factors such as membership growth, educational events, participation in ASA national programs, legislative activities and overall contributions of their membership to the automotive industry. The recipient of this year’s award was ASA-Texas.

The Affiliate with the Largest Delegation recognizes the ASA affiliate with the greatest number of members at the annual convention. This year’s award was presented to ASA-Washington.

The Humanitarian Award – ASA’s highest honor – recognizes selfless acts, both inside and outside the industry, of those who promote general goodwill. This year’s recipient was ASA-New Orleans, for their generosity and assistance to their fellow members, and their strength and perseverance during the continuing rebuilding process following Hurricane Katrina. Charlie Elder, AAM, ASA’s outgoing chairman, presented the award to Michelle and Steve Sallinger, Ole Metairie Car Care Inc., Metairie, LA.

The Chairman’s Award of Excellence recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to ASA and the automotive repair industry. Two awards were granted this year by Elder. Steve Johnson, Number One Tire and Service, Warwick, RI, received the award for his work with his state’s auto emissions and safety inspection program; and Dan Stander, Jerry Stander’s Collision Works, Littleton, CO, was recognized for his work on ASA’s three new collision repair fliers to help members communicate with their insurance representatives.

ASA’s next annual convention will be held May 1-3, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Santa Clara, CA. More information will be posted on http://www.ASAshop.org as it becomes available.