UniFirst Offers Uniform Discounts to ASA Members

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced a new member benefit agreement with UniFirst Corporation, a work wear and textile services company that will provide ASA members with a nationally priced service program for uniforms, career apparel and associated facility services.

"For 80 years, UniFirst has known the importance of excellent customer service and we've dedicated ourselves to achieving it," said Steve Earley, corporate accounts manager, UniFirst Corporation. "Now in our eighth decade of service, we continue working toward perfecting the process, and we look forward to offering ASA members the best in service and satisfaction."

"UniFirst's overall customer retention rate for the past three years is over 95 percent, and that says a lot about a company. ASA has always had a strong focus on professionalism, and our partnership with UniFirst is in line with that focus," said John Scully, ASA's executive vice president. "ASA works hard to provide members with numerous benefit options to help them stay successful. ASA members now have an additional money-saving benefit through UniFirst."

To learn more about ASA's agreement with UniFirst, or any of the more than 35 ASA member benefits, call (800) 272-7467, ext. 295, or access the electronic benefits portfolio within ASA OnDemand, which can be downloaded from www.ASAOnDemand.com. ASA members may also contact UniFirst directly. For inquiries regarding rental service programs, contact Alex Toledo at (800) 934-8641, ext. 229. For more information about direct sale programs, call (877) 864-2202.

Important ASA Membership Information

Every successful business monitors its operating expenses and cost of doing business. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is no different in that regard; it announced a dues increase beginning January 2008.

This increase will allow ASA to expand its presence as the association works to fulfill its mission of advancing professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services.

To assist members in spreading the cost of membership over the entire year, rather than it being due at one time, ASA offers a continuous membership payment option. Members may elect to pay membership dues by credit card in annual, quarterly or semiannual payments. This payment option is convenient because once a member signs up for the program, they will not have to remember to write the check for the ASA dues. A member's credit card statement will be receipt of payment.

B.J. Johnson Named
Vice President of Membership Services

B.J. Johnson, a 19-year employee of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), has been promoted to vice president of membership services. She has served as director of membership development and affiliate relations since January 2005.

In her new role, Johnson will continue to assist members and provide ongoing communications between ASA and its 16 affiliate groups. Johnson will also administer ASA's approved member benefit services, as well as oversee membership retention and recruitment strategies.

"Over the years since joining the association, B.J. has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellent member service. She truly makes it a priority to understand the members' needs, and her attention to detail and follow-through have produced remarkable results in member recruitment and retention," said Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive. "I am very pleased to see B.J. assume more responsibility because I know she will do an outstanding job."

Johnson served ASA as affiliate group liaison for 14 years and was responsible for maintaining open communications between the national office and the affiliate and chapter groups, including the development of chapters and affiliates. She is a charter member of the American Society of Association Executive's Chapter Relations section started in 1993. In 1996, she received a service award given by the ASA executive directors to recognize her commitment and dedication to ASA and the automotive industry.

"As is the case with many of our members, I feel as though I've 'grown up' in this business, albeit from a different perspective. This has afforded me the opportunity to meet and work with true professionals of the automotive repair and service industry - our valued ASA members," Johnson said. "What better privilege than to assist our members in improving their businesses and the lives of their employees. I am truly honored to be given the opportunity to continue working on their behalf."

Johnson can be reached at ASA's national headquarters in Bedford, Texas, at (800) 272-7467, ext. 213, or by e-mail at bj@asashop.org.

Stay Connected Through the ASA News-Network!

To stay on top of all of the great benefits, resources and opportunities that ASA has to offer, subscribe to ASA's biweekly e-newsletter, the ASA News-Network.

The newsletter is e-mailed to you every other Friday, and contains up-to-date association news, membership benefits, legislative happenings, mechanical- and collision-specific information and more!

It's easy to sign up. Just go to the Members Only section of ASA's Web site, www.ASAshop.org. After you enter your six-digit member number to enter the site, click on ASA News-Network in the left column.

Nonmembers may sign up by visiting www.ASAshop.org and clicking on "ASA News" in the top menu. Then, enter your e-mail address in the "Join ASA's News-Network" box. It's easy, informative and free!