Chairman's Message
ASA Headed To Washington
It's already March and in just a few more weeks, I, along with many other Automotive Service Association (ASA) members, will be heading to Washington, D.C., April 21-24 to attend the ASA Annual Convention. I hope to see as many of my fellow members there as possible, since our nation's capital is the site of much of the legislative activity that impacts our businesses.ASA, through its Washington office headed by ASA Washington Representative Bob Redding, has a strong presence in the capital year-round. However, with the ASA convention in our nation's capital this year, ASA members have a unique opportunity to take management education courses, learn about ASA initiatives and experience the capital firsthand.
I'm sure there are many shop owners who feel as though the government acts upon them with little chance for their feedback. Yes, there is a heavy regulatory burden on automotive service businesses, but if it wasn't for ASA and the many shop owners committed to taking action, our industry would have a lot less say on regulatory matters. We have to let legislators know how we feel about the issues, while also cooperating with agencies and committees that develop solutions and regulations we can all live by.
Being supportive of ASA's legislative activities boils down to being proactive instead of reactive toward public policies that affect our industry. Just last spring, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington as part of an ASA delegation giving input on salvage/titling regulations, and to meet with the U.S. Department of Commerce about international buyer status for the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE). I know most people can't travel to Washington at the drop of a hat, but the location of this year's convention gives every ASA member an ideal opportunity to visit Capitol Hill and learn in person what some of the key legislative issues are today.
For those of you who can't make the ASA Annual Convention next month, you can get involved right in your own back yard by getting to know your federal and state legislators. Perhaps you can meet legislators at political or community events. Also, take the time to write legislators when an issue crops up pertaining to your livelihood. We can make a difference on the policies that affect our businesses, but we can't do that by sitting at home and doing nothing. Besides, elected officials own cars, so you might even find a new customer by getting to know the elected officials in your area.
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AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLIV No. 3, March 1996