After almost a year, my term as your ASA chairman is nearing its end. But instead of looking back, I'm facing forward, ready to pass the torch to Dan Frohlich who will assume the chairman's post at next month's ASA Annual Convention in Washington, D.C.

The Annual Convention is an important time for us to come together as automotive service professionals, and this year's location is prime for visiting some of the most historic locations in our nation and influencing important legislation, such as the Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair Act currently being considered by Congress.

This year's convention offers the kind of insightful and meaningful training you've come to expect from ASA. Two Mechanical Division meetings will bring together movers, shakers and policy-makers from Capitol Hill to discuss vehicle safety inspection programs and the future of clean air policy.

Bob Redding, ASA's Washington, D.C., representative, has also brought together influential policy-makers and consumer activists to illuminate issues pertinent to the collision industry. One Collision Division session will focus on insurance issues of the future, and a second session will discuss state and federal paint regulatory policy. The Automotive Management Institute is also offering two courses focusing on communication and the value of people, both employees and customers, to the success of our business.

The most unique aspect of this year's convention is our day on Capitol Hill. Wednesday, April 10, we'll start with a morning rally and prepare for a march on the Capitol. After the march and a group picture on the Capitol steps, we'll have group appointments with our congressional representatives. That evening, join your ASA colleagues and elected representatives at a congressional reception. Come armed with questions and comments about the issues that affect you most.

Speakers at Thursday's general session will discuss pertinent small business issues relative to taxes, labor and training; and a representative from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will discuss the future impact of the Clean Air Act on the automotive industry. At Friday's general session, Redding will deliver the Washington Update and review with members the actions and successes of ASA's efforts in Washington during the past legislative session.

Of course, we'll have all the events you've come to associate with the Annual Convention: President Walter Trapp's State of the Association Address, the Keynote Speaker's presentation, the Chairman's Banquet and the AMI Graduation Ceremony.

As an ASA member, the Annual Convention is your convention. The 2002 Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., will be a time for us to unite as Americans and shop owners. Join us for this time of learning, communication and celebration, and stand together as part of the largest and strongest association of its kind, ASA.

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