Around ASA
BBB honors ASA-Portland member
Roth & Miller Autobody & Paint Inc., Portland, Ore., received a 1997 Integrity Award from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The bureau presents the awards annually to recognize companies that demonstrate a high level of customer service, business integrity and ethical conduct. Roth & Miller was chosen from nine finalists who were considered based on public nominations, interviews with local trade associations and the company's record with the bureau.
"We've been a longtime member of the bureau because we share its dedication to improving the marketplace for consumers. We are honored to receive this award," said Camille Eber, owner. Eber, who is also president of the ASA-Portland chapter, is proud to continue the tradition of honesty and fairness to customers that her parents started when they purchased the business in 1963.
Pictured (l to r) are Sharene Reskow of the BBB and Eber.
Member's Knowledge Spans The World
Obie Bradshaw, owner of Obie's Import Repair Inc., in Pendleton, Ore., is no stranger to going the extra mile to help a customer. Noting Bradshaw's technical know-how, a local newspaper recently reported that one of Bradshaw's former customers, Sgt. Steve Alderman, called him for advice on how to repair a Mercedes. Bradshaw receives many calls from past customers who have left his area and need information on vehicle-related problems.
The interesting thing about this phone call was that Alderman called from West Germany for his boss, the owner of a West German Mercedes dealership. Bradshaw, needless to say, fixed the problem over the phone and once again went the extra mile. Obie's Import Repair Inc. has been a member of ASA since 1993.
ASA-Pennsylvania Introduces Video Training Library
ASA-Pennsylvania has developed a videotape training library for affiliate members. There is no cost for using the tapes and members may keep them for 10 days. The library has more than 60 tapes on technical, environmental, management, and health and safety topics. The tapes were obtained from various sources.
Herb Wiley, ASA-Pennsylvania training committee chairman, said affiliate members should use the library and develop their own system of recognition or rewards for employees who expand their education. Affiliate members need only call the library hotline, request the tapes and return them to the library in the postage-paid mailing box provided.
ASA-Florida Celebrates Legislative Victories
ASA-Florida began the state legislative session facing three issues: a revision to the Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act; increasing funding for automotive vo-tech training; and an exemption to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act previously required a repair shop to provide a written estimate for repair work that would exceed $50. The new legislation will increase this amount to $100. The affiliate has been told by the governor's office that he will allow the bill to become law without his signature.
ASA-Florida, with the help of other industry members and education directors, was also able to secure inclusion of $1.4 million in the budget sent to the governor for his signature. If approved, the money will be used by the Centers of Automotive Emphasis for development of new centers, as well as updating existing ones.
Pertaining to the Americans with Disabilities Act, ASA-Florida had an ex-emption added to the Flor-ida statutes. The section of the statutes in question dealt with vertical accessibility in buildings and required, in part, "... accessibility to all levels above and below the occupiable grade level, regardless of whether the guidelines require an elevator to be installed in such building..." ASA-Florida succeeded in having the bill amended to exclude automobile lubrication and maintenance pits and platforms. The affiliate prevailed in all three areas. Don Toomey, ASA-Florida executive director, said, "This was an extremely successful session."
Reminder Of The Month
Members looking for qualified technicians and employees are encouraged to use the "Employment Classified" section of the ASA Web Site. The section lists positions wanted and positions available in the automotive service industry.
ASA members can also use the section to post positions available in their shops. The classified section is free of charge and can be accessed directly from the ASA home page (http://www.asashop.org).
Northeast '97 Breaks All Records
A crowd of more than 8,500 attended the Northeast '97 regional automotive and autobody trade show, held March 21-23, in Suffern, N.Y., breaking the show's previous attendance records. The three-day event, sponsored by ASA-New Jersey, offers educational seminars, as well as the trade show.
This year's event marked the show's 20th anniversary. "Over the last few years, we have seen Northeast grow, but this year's show was just incredible. We are very proud," said Cindy Tursi, ASA-New Jersey executive director. The 1998 show is scheduled for March 27-29 at the Rockland County Community College Arena in Suffern, N.Y.
National News
Past Chairman Seyfer Visits ASA-Jamaica
Don Seyfer, AAM, ASA Immediate Past Chairman and owner of Seyfer Automotive in Wheat Ridge, Colo., recently visited members of ASA-Jamaica. Seyfer was invited as the guest speaker for the Motor Repairers Association of Jamaica, an affiliate of ASA. The association celebrated its second anniversary during the festivities held March 1.
Pictured are Andre Hylton, affiliate president; Seyfer; David Bell, affiliate treasurer; Andrew Thwaited, director of training; and Lowell McKenzie, director.
Maryland Alert Leads To Veto
In March, the ASA-Washington, D.C., office alerted Maryland members of pending legislation regarding inspection and maintenance (I/M) testing. ASA-Maryland members were asked to contact Gov. Parris Glendening and urge him to veto the legislation. The legislation would have allowed motorists to opt out of the state's I/M 240 emissions testing program.
With the help of ASA-Maryland members, the Washington, D.C., office reports that the governor vetoed the bill. The governor announced he would proceed with plans to implement emissions testing using I/M 240 technology involving a dynamometer that checks tailpipe pollutants at simulated highway speeds.
Award Recipients
During the 1997 ASA Annual Convention, held in Colorado Springs, Colo., in March, the Chairman's Awards of Excellence were presented. Don Seyfer, ASA's 1996 chairman of the board, honored Jim Bastone, Bastone Auto Service, Pittsburgh, Pa., and Bob Moore, Autobody USA Inc., Springfield, Mo., for their dedication, diligence and loyalty to the automotive service industry.
Lisak To Head ASA Membership Services
Cate Brennan Lisak has joined the Automotive Service Association (ASA) national staff as vice president of Membership Services. Lisak has eight years of association experience in membership services, advertising and public relations. Her most recent position was membership services director for the Promotional Products Association International, in Irving, Texas. In this capacity, she managed a four-year average annual new member growth of 12 percent and an annual net growth of 3.5 percent.
Prior to becoming membership services director, Lisak was manager of advertising and public relations for the association. Her responsibilities included developing public relations, advertising and direct mail campaigns targeted toward external audiences.
Lisak has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Texas, in Denton, Texas, with a major in news and editorial journalism, and minors in political science and business. She is a member of the DFW/Direct Marketing Association, the Dallas/Fort Worth Association of Executives and the Texas Society of Association Executives.
As ASA's vice president of Membership Services, Lisak's responsibilities include benefit program development, implementation and marketing; member growth and retention; and membership services administration. Her office is located in Bedford, Texas.
The Right Time For OSHA Review || Computerizing Your Business Can Be Easy || How To Schedule Vacations || Guest Editorial: Congress Responds To Workers' Need For Flexibility || Tech To Tech || Tech Tips || News Briefs || Taking The Hill || Around ASA || Shop Profile || Net Worth || Chairman's Message
AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLV No. 7, July 1997