The Automotive Service Association's ongoing implementation of its strategic plan includes assisting members in improving their overall business environment. One way ASA assists members is by providing outlets for the best technical and management training in the country.

In the next few weeks, you will be receiving information about one such outlet, the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS), to be held Nov. 6-8 at the Tropicana Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The theme of CARS 2003 is "Automotive Service - The Next Generation," so whether you own a mechanical or collision shop, I strongly encourage you to register for this year's event to prepare for the future of our industry.

CARS has evolved over its 20-year history. Today, technical and management training has become the strength of CARS. This year, we will offer three days of management seminars and nine technical courses taught by the industry's leading instructors, including Jim Linder, Craig Van Batenburg and Chris Chesney. Both the management seminars and the technical courses can greatly benefit your shop's personnel.

According to AutoInc.'s latest "How's Your Business?" survey, 82 percent of employers fund the continuing education of their technicians. I challenge you to continue investing in your employees. Enroll one of your technicians or shop managers for this year's CARS. The technician and shop manager registration has been discounted to help you meet this challenge.

And although technical and management education is at the top of the agenda, this year's CARS event will be as exciting as ever. Larry McReynolds, one of NASCAR's most successful and recognized crew chiefs, will serve as this year's keynote speaker; and more than 50 companies will participate in the exhibitor's showcase.

To mark the opening of CARS, Thursday, Nov. 6, will be Service Professionals Day at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX). As an industry, we need to recognize the dedication and hard work of service professionals. To that end, ASA and the International Automotive Technicians' Network (iATN) are co-hosting the second annual Service Professionals Industry Reception following the day's events.

We will once again host the annual Forum on the Future of Emissions I/M and the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) fall meeting at this year's CARS.

I've only touched on some of the highlights of this year's show. Visit the CARS Web site (www.CARSonline.org) or call ASA's meeting department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 235 or 220, to learn more about the event.

I'm looking forward to seeing you - and your technicians - this November at CARS!

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