As the year comes to a close, I'm extremely proud to report on many of ASA's accomplishments in 1997. Additional information about these projects and others will be in ASA's 1997 Annual Report, to be published in March 1998. Until then, here's a brief recap of our progress in 1997. If you personally would like specific information on any of these programs or benefits, please call (800) ASA-SHOP (272-7467).

Early in the year, ASA challenged the information providers to modify their estimating systems in three areas. These companies agreed to implement some of our requests made on behalf of the collision repair industry; others that have not been implemented will continue to be a priority of the Collision Division.

ASA recommended that the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) adopt a Code of Ethics to better serve their collision customers (and our members). ARA drafted language and has since implemented a stringent code that outlines acceptable business practices. This program was recently unveiled at the annual meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio, as "CAR" (Certified Automotive Recyclers), and sets forth a stringent criteria.

ASA held two aftermarket parts summits, bringing together vehicle manufacturers, aftermarket crash parts manufacturers, recyclers, parts distributors and the service industry. These meetings led to a draft Replacement Crash Parts Notice and Consumer Authorization form to be used in all repairs that require crash parts. At the same time, ASA challenged the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) to ensure the quality of CAPA-certified crash parts; CAPA has since notified ASA that it has implemented new standards and additional testing and inspections in an attempt to improve the certifying and decertifying of CAPA parts available in the marketplace.

In mid-year, ASA evaluated and took a position on refrigerants, recommending the use of HFC-134a when retrofitting CFC-12 systems. ASA also added language to its Direct Repair Program (DRP) position, with a specific emphasis on combating unfair claims practices, both in and out of the realm of DRPs.

Also in mid-year, ASA invested in its research development efforts by hiring a research management specialist. In line with the ASA Strategic Plan, this person will build an electronic information library to help ASA fulfill its goal to be the recognized credible source of automotive service industry information to better serve the members of ASA in business decisions and future planning.

On the education front, we finished our pilot in Missouri to improve the collision repair education programs at the secondary and post-secondary levels. We have since introduced this program in Texas, with the goal to improve collision and mechanical repair education programs in that state. We also worked in partnership with the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA), using a $15,000 ASA contribution to reach instructors and students of collision repair. Most recently, ASA agreed to fund much of the costs to showcase VICA and the trials for its skills olympics at the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) in December.

ASA also aggressively supported the introduction of the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) Uniform Procedures for Collision Repair, and contributed funds to add the CD-ROM product to all NACE packets to help gain industrywide acceptance of these procedures.

Overall, ASA introduced seven new money-saving benefits during 1997 for mechanical and collision repair members; the savings from many of these benefits more than covers the $150 annual dues to belong to the national association and helps ASA in its goal to be members' competitive advantage.

The ASA Mechanical Division published a School-to-Work guide to encourage members' participation in these programs. This division also recently published a Federal OSHA/ EPA Compliance Guide for automotive repair employers who are developing or implementing safety requirements federally mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

As a service, ASA members can now purchase television and radio commercials at a very reasonable cost. These commercials can be customized with the shop information. We also launched an electronic mailing list - the Image Network - to help counter negative publicity the industry receives and further promote any positive findings by providing the real facts instead of half-truths and innuendoes.

This information represents a glimpse of our work in 1997, much of which will continue in 1998. Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season, and my personal thanks for your membership in ASA. I once again attest, "It does not cost to belong to ASA - it pays."

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