AMI to Hold Reunion Dinner

The Automotive Service Association and the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) will hold a reunion dinner for the institute's Accredited Automotive Managers (AAMs) May 1 at the Embassy Suites, Palm Springs, Calif. The dinner will be part of AMI's Spring Break Seminars, a four-day educational event to be held April 29-May 2, 2004.

The dinner will recognize AAMs for their accomplishment in achieving this prestigious designation. It will include entertainment and is open to all AAMs. There will be no charge for the first 50 AAMs who make reservations. Thereafter, tickets for the function will be $30 for AAMs and $45 for non-AAMs. To attend, please respond to AMI toll-free at (800) 272-7467, ext. 239, or call Fred Sullivan, seminar registration office, at (650) 340-6315.

In addition to the dinner, AMI's Spring Break will feature 11 business management seminars designed for automotive repair professionals. The seminars are part of AMI's accredited curriculum and will earn students credits toward the AAM designation. Students may opt to take seminars on all four days of the event, earning 36 credits; on two days to earn 24 credits; or one and one-half days to earn 18 credits.

To register for the Spring Break Seminars or for more information, call the seminar reservation office at (650) 340-6315.

Attention, ASA Members and Business Partners

ASA is upgrading its business system to a Web-based platform during the first quarter of 2004. This initiative is being undertaken so that we can provide member information to you in a timely, cost-effective manner.

The ASA membership directory you are accustomed to receiving in print will not be available in 2004. Member information will be located on the ASA Web site, www.asashop.org. You will need your membership identification number to access the information.

ASA is committed to using Internet-based programs and other electronic options to provide the membership directory in a more cost-efficient manner. Members will be notified as these electronic options develop.

ASA-Nebraska Announces 2004 Affiliate Officers

At a meeting held in November, officers of the ASA-Nebraska affiliate were announced. Those serving a one-year term are Jennifer Ralston, Ron's Garage, president; George Witt, AAM, George Witt Service, vice president; Bob Batt, Auto Tek, treasurer; and Jackie Pfeifle, Autoworks, secretary.

ASA Member Named NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year

Bob Merrill

NAPA Auto Parts and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) named Bob Merrill of Horsepower Autocare in Windham, Maine, the 2004 NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year. Presented annually by NAPA and ASE, the award is given to a technician who exemplifies excellence and achievement in the industry. The winner is selected by a panel that includes former winners, automotive trade media and ASE.

Merrill was selected because of his long-standing dedication to excellence in the automotive repair industry. His customer service efforts, superior technical skills, continuing education and community involvement were key factors in his receiving the recognition. Merrill was named the NAPA/ASE Maine Tech of the Year six times before earning the national award.

A member of the NAPA AutoCare program for more than 10 years, Horsepower Autocare recently received the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Award. In addition, the business is a member of the Automotive Service Association and the AAA Approved Auto Repair program.

ASA-Colorado Announces Conference Dates

ASA-Colorado will hold its Automotive Marketing and Training Conference March 12-13 at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel in Denver. The two-day event will provide mechanical- and collision-related seminars on various topics including management, marketing, and preventive maintenance training.

Contact ASA-Colorado at (303) 202-5231 for housing and registration information.

NATIONAL NEWS

• As a national member of the Automotive Service Association, you have the right to elect members to the national board of directors. With the new year upon us, it is again time to choose your ASA leadership.

  This year the ASA membership will elect members to one position for general director, one position for mechanical division director and one position for collision division director. All ASA national regular members in good standing are eligible to vote. All regular national members may cast their vote for the position of ASA general director. The positions of collision and mechanical divisions directors are elected by their respective divisions only. Members were assigned to the appropriate divisions based on information provided by the member when they joined the association.

  The elections are conducted electronically by using a touch-tone phone and calling a toll-free number, as well as voting via the Internet.

  To vote, you must have your membership number and a three-digit security code, which are found on the mailing labels of AutoInc.'s December 2003, January and February (2004) issues. To cast your vote, call (800) VOTE-ASA (868-3272) or point your browser to www.election.vri.com/asa anytime through Feb. 29, 2004.

  If you need further assistance, please call ASA at (800) 272-7467, ext. 213.

• Beginning in April 2004, ASA will implement an all-inclusive membership. All regular national members will be required to belong to an affiliate and/or chapter if one exists in their area. Likewise, all non-national regular members in affiliated areas will be required to belong to ASA national.

  The ASA board of directors has determined it to be in the best interest of the affiliates and members to "grandfather" existing members as of April 1, 2004, to both the national and affiliate groups for a one-year transition period. This means all members, regardless of membership level, will be considered members of both the national association and the affiliates. Locations that join after March 31, 2004, will be required to join all levels of membership: national, affiliate and chapter (where applicable).

• Angie Wilson has been named ASA's vice president of communications. Wilson joined ASA's communications department in 1994 and most recently served as editor of AutoInc. She holds a bachelor of science degree in journalism and mass communications from Kansas State University. Ken Roberts, who previously held the position, left to pursue opportunities in another industry.

  As vice president of communications, Wilson will oversee the communications department and its various functions, including print and electronic publications. Responsibilities will include overseeing the production of AutoInc., the official publication of ASA; acting as spokesperson for the association; conducting industry and consumer media relations; and reviewing all ASA communications before distribution.

  ASA has also announced the promotion of Colby Horton to manager of Web operations. Horton joined ASA's communications department in 2000 and was instrumental in the development of ASA's current Web presence, including major redesigns of the ASA, AutoInc., and Automotive Management Institute (AMI) Web sites. Horton was also responsible for the creation of the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) Web site.

  He holds a master of arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas, and a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Arlington. As manager of Web operations, Horton will develop and implement various Web initiatives, manage the association's four Web sites and several other ASA affiliate Web sites, and develop an overall Web strategy for the association.

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