ASA Annual Convention Provides Activity-, Education-Packed Event

Posted 6/11/2009

Ron Pyle, president and chief staff executive of ASA, delivers the closing address during the Celebration of Excellence.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) held its annual convention April 30 through May 2 in Orlando, Fla.

The activity-packed event incorporated several association governance and leadership programs including open meetings of the ASA board of directors and affiliate assembly; a State of the Association address by Ron Pyle, ASA's president and chief staff executive; and the installation of the new ASA board of directors (click here for more information on the board of directors.).

Installation of the board took place during ASA's Celebration of Excellence, a dinner and awards show that opened with the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) graduation ceremony.

During the Friday (May 1) luncheon, John Scully, ASA executive vice president, presented the Partnership Award to Mitchell 1. David Boyington, Mitchell 1 senior manager of corporate sales, and Matt Krimple, Mitchell 1 director of business intelligence, accepted on behalf of the company.

"Sometimes we [ASA] have an idea, and sometimes the people we work with have ideas," said Scully. "And when those thoughts collide, it results in the development of a product, such as one produced by Mitchell 1 - ShopMeter."

Pyle presented his annual State of the Association address during the Friday luncheon when he provided an overview of the association's focus and strategic initiatives during the past year. Pyle also talked about the automotive repair shop and its role in the U.S. economy, as well as the overwhelming response ASA received to its recent survey of industry professionals.

Earl Dohner, AAM, left, ASA's incoming chairman, addresses the audience during ASA's Celebration of Excellence.

"We learned that there is a high degree of trust in ASA," said Pyle. A large number of industry professionals, regardless of their membership status, believe the association is led by people who are trustworthy, especially the volunteer leadership, he pointed out.

"Never let a good crisis go to waste. Let's make sure consumers know that we're the place to go," Pyle said. "The potential for growth is great. Remember to do the right thing in the trenches every day."

During the Saturday Industry Impact sessions - held for the first time at this year's annual convention - representatives from the ASA Mechanical Division participated in a parts quality panel discussion, while ASA Collision Division members presented a waterborne paint panel discussion. Three AMI classes were held during the convention as well. During the Saturday luncheon, Meagan Johnson delivered a keynote presentation on how to attract, train, market and retain employees from every generation with a humorous, yet engaging style.

Event sponsors played a key role in the success of this year's event as well. ASA extends its appreciation for the support and participation of the following sponsoring companies: Alldata, the American Society for Asset Protection, Audatex, Auto Shop LifeLine, AutoZone, Automotive Video Inc., CCC Information Services Inc., Cintas, Customer_Link, Elavon, the Engine & Transmission Exchange Reman, Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Mitchell 1, NPC, Pace Software, Toyota Motor Sales USA, UniFirst and Zurich.

ASA also wishes to thank the companies that participated in the Benefit Provider Networking Reception: Alldata, Audatex, Auto Shop LifeLine, AutoZone, AVI, CCC Information Services, Cintas, CustomerLink, Elavon, ETE Reman, Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Mitchell 1, NPC, Pace Software, UniFirst and Zurich.

ASA's 2010 convention will be held next spring in Arizona; specific dates and location have not been determined.