BEDFORD, Texas – The Automotive Service Association (ASA) held its annual convention April 30 through May 2 in Orlando, Fla. The activity-packed event included several association governance and leadership programs 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 ASA board of directors. 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.
During the Friday luncheon, John Scully, ASA executive vice president, presented the Partnership Award to Mitchell 1. David Boyington, Mitchell 1 senior manager of corporate sales, and Matt Krimple, Mitchell 1 director of business intelligence, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
Pyle presented his annual State of the Association address during the Friday luncheon when he provided an overview of the association’s focus and strategic initiatives during the past year. Pyle also talked about the automotive repair shop and its role in the U.S. economy, as well as the overwhelming response ASA received to its recent survey of industry professionals.
“We learned that there is a high degree of trust in ASA,” said Pyle. A large number of industry professionals, regardless of their membership status, believe the association is led by people who are trustworthy, especially the volunteer leadership, he pointed out.
“Never let a good crisis go to waste. Let’s make sure consumers know that we’re the place to go,” Pyle said. “The potential for growth is great. Remember to do the right thing in the trenches every day.”
During the Saturday Industry Impact sessions – held for the first time at this year’s annual convention – representatives from the ASA Mechanical Division participated in a parts quality panel discussion, while ASA Collision Division members presented a waterborne paint panel discussion. Three AMI classes were held during the convention as well. During the Saturday luncheon, Meagan Johnson delivered a keynote presentation with a humorous, yet engaging style on how to attract, train, market and retain employees from every generation.
Event sponsors played a key role in the success of this year’s event as well, said the association. ASA extends its appreciation for the support and participation of the following sponsoring companies: Alldata, the American Society for Asset Protection, Audatex, Auto Shop LifeLine, AutoZone, Automotive Video Inc., CCC Information Services Inc., Cintas, CustomerLink, Elavon, the Engine & Transmission Exchange Reman, Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Mitchell 1, NPC, Pace Software, Toyota Motor Sales USA, UniFirst and Zurich.
ASA also wishes to thank the companies that participated in the Benefit Provider Networking Reception: Alldata, Audatex, Auto Shop LifeLine, AutoZone, AVI, CCC Information Services, Cintas, CustomerLink, Elavon, ETE Reman, Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Mitchell 1, NPC, Pace Software, UniFirst and Zurich.
ASA’s 2010 convention will be held next spring in Arizona; specific dates and location have not been determined. The association’s annual trade shows – the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) – will be held during Automotive Service and Repair Week (ASRW), Nov. 4-7. All ASRW events will be located at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
