What a great ride this year has been!

As I write this column, my final column as your chairman, an incredible flood of thoughts fill my head. I can't believe a year has passed since my predecessor, Carl Miller, handed me the gavel at the close of the 1999 ASA Annual Convention. On April 15, I will hand the gavel to our next chairman, Howard Lewis.

I mention Carl and Howard together because both have been invaluable to me during this past year. As my predecessor, Carl provided a great model for me to follow. He led the board and this association with patience, thoughtfulness and, as always, with the goal of advancing ASA and the industry. Carl's example of putting ASA, its members and the industry ahead of himself is an example that we should all follow from time to time.

Howard has served as ASA's chair-elect this past year. His vast association and industry experience were incredibly helpful to me as I sought his counsel on all issues the board faced. Howard can be trusted to give his honest evaluation and to bring his own ideas to every conversation. I am proud to hand him the gavel of leadership.

This year's annual convention is being held in Point Clear, Ala. Eight years ago I attended my first ASA convention, which was also held at Point Clear. These provide bookends for my ASA experience thus far.

In 1992, I had no idea what great opportunities awaited me. The things I've learned from ASA and fellow members have allowed me to grow personally and professionally. I joined ASA just as many of you did - to take advantage of some member benefits and to be exposed to the ideas and experiences of other shop owners. I will always contend that learning from my peers and being able to associate with them are the greatest benefits ASA offers.

Looking back, I realize how the foundation was laid in 1992 for me to increase my involvement in the association. I see how my involvement led to membership first on the Collision Division Operations Committee and, ultimately, the board of directors.

I am not a superstar. I am on the ASA roll as a "Regular Member." And that's exactly what I am, a regular member. Any one of you has the opportunity to take full advantage of all ASA offers. By doing so, you will receive tenfold what you give.

The most important thing I've received from ASA these past eight years is friendship. ASA has put me in contact with so many great people that I would otherwise have never met. Regardless of where I travel in this country, I can always find someone I know personally, someone who is a friend.

I started this column by saying what a great ride this year has been. As I close, I realize what a great ride these eight years have been.

Best of all, I know the ride isn't ending and I don't have to get off. I will no longer wear the title of chairman, but I will continue to wear the title I've always worn: regular member.

Thank you for allowing this regular member the honor to serve.

RATE THIS ARTICLE What do you think of this article? Your input will help AutoInc. develop additional articles on this subject. Share your thoughts! Your name Your e-mail address

MOST ACCESSED ARTICLES Fuel Injection Service, Not Just Cleaning The Art of Extraction EGR Systems: Operation and Diagnosis Proactive Target Marketing:_Rethinking Your Business Strategy Engine Performance: HO2S Diagnostics MOST E-MAILED ARTICLES Developing Employee Potential How Critical Thinking Can Help Your Business How to Diagnose the Ford Glow Plug What to Look for When Shopping for the Right Shop Management Software Putting a Price Tag on Complaints

AutoInc. Web Site | ASA Web Site | ASA Continues Crash Parts Efforts | Tool Time | Defusing Difficult Customers | Digital Imaging: A Practical Guide | Guest Editorial | Tech to Tech | Tech Tips | Shop Profile | Net Worth | Stat Corner | Chairman's Message