Chairman’s Message
by Don Seyfer, AAM * Professionalism Is What Really Counts
While attending the recent Automotive Service Association (ASA) Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., I was reminded of some basic political rules. Typically, one’s status in the political arena can be assessed by the answers to two questions: how big are you and what segment of society do you represent?One of many significant events on the convention agenda was a visit to Capitol Hill — a tremendous opportunity for ASA members and our industry. Scheduled visits to the offices of House and Senate members allowed ASA members to deliver information about the association, as well as our position on legislative issues including the Clean Air Act, salvage titling, insurance industry reform and small business matters.
During our visit, I was asked by several legislators, "How many members do you have?" It seems that the importance of numbers is still there. Does this mean we are only as important as our membership size? No, of course not, but when asked how many automotive service professionals there are in the United States, ASA numbers can appear to be small. And while ASA is the largest association of its kind, on the political scale, the efforts and accomplishments of our members outweigh our numbers. This is a good time to examine quality vs. quantity.
Numbers don’t tell the whole story. When talking to ASA members — anywhere — I have found that several attributes are presented loud and clear. ASA members are true professionals who are well-informed, caring and positive. It’s these attributes that define the quality of ASA members and it’s these attributes that push us forward.
By communicating directly with our congressional representatives on Capitol Hill, we were able to display our professionalism. And, when you get right down to it, it’s our professionalism that really counts. The myriad of political agendas is mind boggling, as well as the combinations of lawyers and lobbyists who want to sway opinions. Even so, the Washington experience was very invigorating and eye opening. Our "few" members and their families opened some legislators’ eyes as well. Now, back to reality; someone has to pay for this grand democracy.
For more information on the ASA Annual Convention and the visit to Capitol Hill, see Bob Redding’s article "Convention puts members in touch with the process."
* Don Seyfer is the chairman of the ASA board of directors.
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AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLIV No. 6, June 1996