ASA: Your 'Cost-Savings' Benefit!

Humpy Wheeler, retiring CEO of Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., made the statement that "NASCAR racing is all about the fans." I really related to his statement, because ASA is "all about the members." Without fans, NASCAR would not be the huge sport that it is today and without the members, ASA would not be the largest dues-paying automotive association of its kind.

With our high fuel prices and slowing economy, the ASA staff is continually looking for additional benefits to help our members save time and money.

Some of the cost-saving benefits that are available include a free utility audit for all members, which could lead to an energy savings program for shops in deregulated states; credit card processing; a check-processing program; a 90-days-same-as-cash program for your customers; savings on information services; uniforms and related services; and more! But, our members must use these benefits to realize any savings. And don't forget about the ASA Federal Credit Union. It can help you and your employees with checking accounts, savings accounts and loans. Plus, as a member, you have access to a wage-and-hour attorney should the need arise.

Did you know that a leading parts supplier will send a rebate check each month for parts that you have purchased the previous month? Each time that Hero Joyner, ASA-North Carolina affiliate executive director, goes recruiting she carries a copy of a rebate check I received from this program to show the prospective ASA member. These checks will cover my membership dues and then some for years to come. With discount and rebate programs like these - as an ASA member - you can receive savings that far outweigh your annual dues to belong to the association.

Just for being an ASA member and using only a few of the many benefits offered, you can change membership dues from a "cost of doing business" to a "cost-savings benefit."

One other item I think is quite timely: Now is the time to begin planning for Automotive Service and Repair Week (ASRW) in Las Vegas Nov. 5-8 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. Lock in your airfare and hotel rates by acting sooner rather than later. You won't regret it! This will be a great time for training and networking with other shop owners not only from around the United States, but from around the world!