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ASA Debuts New 'Members Only' PortalPosted 4/20/2003By Colby Horton
The Members Only area, which was initially launched in 1998, has undergone a significant change, making the section more valuable by creating a portal for information and business solutions. One of the first changes members will notice is the navigation scheme. Links are divided into three distinct sections: ASA Community, Information Sources and ASA Member Services. This article will outline what is in each section and provide a blueprint for finding the information members are seeking.
ASA Community Members will notice the most significant changes within the "ASA Community" realm. Incorporating the latest in Internet technology, ASA now offers powerful and flexible browser-based e-mail access, allowing ASA national members to access e-mail from anywhere at anytime through the Members Only area. Members can sign up for this service free of charge by creating their own username and password settings. Receiving twice as much e-mail storage than other free e-mail providers, this tool is invaluable in communicating with customers or friends and family. ASA members can also set up address books, check other e-mail accounts through one central location, and create multiple folders to help organize their e-mail communications. Plus, the e-mail address helps to associate members with the world's most dedicated group of automotive service and repair professionals. In addition to Web-based e-mail, the ASA Community section features a revamped Online Store complete with a shopping cart mechanism and online credit card transaction capabilities. All products are accompanied by a photo and description, as well as a list of related products. Not sure if the store has what you're looking for? A new search engine designed specifically for ASA's Online Store is now available. Members are encouraged to create an account within the store to expedite the checkout process. The store features ASA insignia, brochures, reference books and videos, business forms and promotional products. Other links within the ASA Community section include ASA's News-Network and a chance for members to voice their opinions to ASA. Information Sources ASA is committed to providing its membership with the most up-to-date industry information. The "Information Sources" section further reiterates that commitment. One of the most popular sections within the Members Only area has always been ASA's Information Center. The Information Center is a searchable database with more than 8,000 automotive industry abstracts including statistics, surveys, mechanical and collision services, and general automotive information. National members can order hard copies of articles found in the Information Center free of charge. This much-used resource continues to serve the ASA membership and provide valuable business solutions. Each week, ASA's Washington, D.C., office monitors state legislative and regulatory issues that affect the automotive service industry. These issues have always been posted within the Members Only area of the ASA Web site. However, after analyzing member feedback as well as the continually growing number of legislative initiatives that were being introduced on a weekly basis, it was apparent that a redesigned state legislation section was needed. Members can now search the legislation by state, significantly reducing the time spent finding data that directly affects them. ASA has also provided links to the OEM Service Matrix and a current list of links to all the service information Web sites within the Information Sources section of the new Members Only area. ASA Member Services First and foremost, ASA is a member-first organization. To that end, ASA has provided a gateway to services and information that directly pertains to ASA members through its new Members Only area. Within the "ASA Member Services" domain, members can renew their membership; download ASA logos to be used on letterhead, advertisements and Web sites; read current and past board of directors minutes; and place a free employment classified ad. In addition, members can sign up for online technical training, enroll in a nationwide health insurance program and order tools online using a special ASA-member discount. The Future ... Although ASA has dramatically changed the look, content and functionality of the Members Only area, this is just the beginning. ASA plans to offer members the ability to participate in automotive service communities and chat rooms, view an up-to-date membership directory online, receive billing statements and update profile information, all through a central online channel. To access the ASA Members Only area, click on "Member Login" from the ASA home page and enter your six-digit ASA member number into both the name and password fields when prompted. ASA welcomes feedback on its new Members Only redesign. Click on the "Give us your feedback" button within Members Only and tell us what you think!
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Copyright (c) 1996-2009. Automotive Service Association®. All rights reserved.
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Reflecting the increased demand for timely industry information and member services, ASA recently unveiled its new Members Only area on the ASA Web site, 
