More than a year has passed since our ASA national board of directors presented a new Affiliation Agreement, giving regular members the freedom to choose their level(s) of membership. Because of this decision, no longer were ASA members obligated to join at the chapter, affiliate and national levels. This board decision was intended to strengthen ASA at both the national and affiliate levels.

I think it is important to remember that this decision was made by the national board of directors, our leaders, who were placed in these positions of leadership by the dues-paying voting members of our association.

The ASA-Washington board of directors voted unanimously in favor of signing the new Affiliation Agreement and felt it should be a good opportunity for any chapter or state affiliate. It became quite obvious that our positive approach toward this national board decision was not shared by all of the other affiliates.

This favorable decision by ASA-Washington was based on several points. Most important, would this be good for our members? Also, how would it affect our membership retention? How would it affect our relationship with ASA national? And finally, could we live with the terms and conditions of the new Affiliation Agreement?

On all counts, ASA-Washington was in favor of the new "Freedom of Choice" and the Affiliation Agreement. It was decided that this would give many of the small businesses the affordability to become involved with ASA at any level. Once a member of ASA, the door would be opened to explore the value of joining all levels of ASA, as time and money permitted.

ASA-Washington has always enjoyed a positive working relationship with the national office. The ASA staff and membership recruiters have been very supportive and more than willing to go the extra mile for us. This positive relationship was enjoyed long before any discussion of the new national agreement.

Well, here we are, more than a year later and ASA-Washington is confident that the correct decision was made. When our national leaders implemented this agreement, ASA stated that nothing would change in the way they would work with the affiliates. They have been true to their word. If possible, it is even better.

One of the agreement terms required affiliates to undergo an annual CPA financial review. ASA-Washington viewed this as a wise business decision. We owe our affiliation with national and our membership the assurance that we are financially viable. ASA National and our dues-paying members have a right to that assurance.

New members have joined ASA at all levels because they are free to join at whatever level(s) they desire. ASA-Washington has added new members who did not join ASA National, while others in Washington have chosen the national association without joining locally. Previously, we would not have added these members because, for whatever reason, they could not or would not pay multiple-level dues. For these businesses, membership in ASA is now more attractive because it is more affordable.

My hope is that other affiliates, having made the decision not to support ASA's new program, will eventually come aboard. I think the direction of the national board and the Affiliation Agreement was grossly misunderstood by many. Decisions in opposition to this new program were sometimes made for political reasons, lack of understanding or unwillingness to cooperate with ASA National. Many of our ASA-Washington members did not really understand the Freedom of Choice. In almost all of these cases, all it took was a few minutes of explanation.

What has changed since the agreement was implemented? ASA and its affiliates are working together better than ever. The national office has added new programs to assist affiliates and has also offered assistance in developing newsletters and Web sites.

One thing I am sure of: We have more than enough automotive-related associations in our country. Most are attempting to accomplish similar goals and some are reinventing the wheel. Since ASA is well established and the largest national association serving our industry, why not get behind it with support? It's the best show in town and already strong and healthy.

Pete Hunt, AAM, is the executive director of ASA-Washington. He was the recipient of the ASA Humanitarian Award in March 1999 and has been involved with the association since 1968. In 1976 he served as state president and also received the state's Outstanding Member of the Year award.

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