Just a few days ago, ASA mailed 4,000 copies of the "How's Your Business?" survey. Half of the surveys went to mechanical shops and half went to collision shops. Those chosen to receive the survey were electronically selected at random from ASA's membership database.

This annual survey is important to ASA and the industry. If you receive one, please take a few minutes to answer the questions and return it to ASA (a postage-paid reply envelope is provided with the survey). Your response is completely anonymous.

ASA has been conducting this survey for several years. The answers you and other ASA members provide allow us to record the history of aftermarket automotive repair. You and I are creating our industry's history one vehicle at a time. The surveys are used by ASA to take a picture, at the same time every year, to see where this industry is. We line up all the pictures and it becomes clear where and how this industry is changing.

Not only does the survey tell us what's happening in our industry today, we can draw educated conclusions about where we're headed. Trends emerge over time. Rarely do we see dramatic, sudden changes. The survey allows ASA to spot trends in their early stages and adapt accordingly. For instance, respondents to the survey have, in recent years, listed technician training as one of their biggest challenges. ASA responded by greatly expanding the number and content of technical courses offered at the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) and the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE). And, ASA's newly adopted five-year strategic plan lists training and education among the key initiatives for this association.

When you return the completed survey, your answers are meticulously compiled. A thorough analysis of the responses will be reported in AutoInc. later this year.

A New Chapter in ASA's History

Before closing this month's column, I want to take this opportunity to welcome Ron Pyle as ASA's incoming president and chief staff executive. Ron will officially become president Nov. 1, although he will join the national staff later this month. After completing a national search for the absolute best candidate to lead ASA into the future, it was evident Ron is that person.

While we're excited about Ron's arrival, we are, at the same time, saddened that our current president and friend, Walter Trapp, will be departing soon. He'll be around a few more months, so we'll have the opportunity to give him a send-off befitting one who has served this association very well.

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