This month's message is the last time I'll have the opportunity to communicate with you in this forum. Later this month at the ASA Annual Convention, it will be my honor to transfer the chairman's gavel to Kevin Caldwell, AAM.

My initial idea was to look back and write about the year's accomplishments. While there have been many successes, I've decided to write about just one of them. Then, let's look forward. The past has been good, but I promise the future is going to be great.

If you'll allow me, though, let's look at the Service Information Availability Agreement ASA reached in September with the automobile manufacturers. This is too significant not to mention.

As you know, automakers agreed to provide independent shops the same service information, diagnostic tools and training they provide dealers. The deadline for information availability is Aug. 31. The manufacturers are ahead of schedule and many already have their service information Web sites up and running.

This agreement saved the independent aftermarket service profession. Period. This agreement benefits every independent shop in America. Although ASA tendered this agreement, it's not about ASA. It's about saving an entire industry and a way of life.

Now, let's look forward. I'm really excited about Kevin's upcoming year as chairman. Here's a guy who has done just about everything possible to prepare for this responsibility. He has served as chairman of ASA's Collision Division Operations Committee. He was the NACE chairman for three years. He's been on the ASA board of directors several years and has served as our secretary/treasurer and chair-elect. He has a great shop. He's committed to ASA's mission.

When I first became chairman, I told you ASA stood at the door of great possibilities. Well, we've opened that door and plunged right through it. At the Annual Convention there will be an announcement about a joint ASA initiative with NASCAR. Get ready to go and grow.

Also at the convention we'll bring the association's strategic plan to full life. Don't let that statement give you the impression we haven't already implemented the plan, because much of it is fully operational. The more complex areas of the plan required complex due diligence. With that due diligence done we're moving ahead.

We've worked very hard with other organizations and other segments of this multi-faceted industry. Collectively, we're entering a new era and ASA is set to be a leader. You will see a noticeable change in the way our industry functions. We're tearing down old barriers. Collaboration is our new mantra. I try to stay away from cliches, but one I hear time and again as we set this course for tomorrow is, "A rising tide lifts all boats."

You can bet ASA is rising with this tide. There's a new level of communication and fellowship throughout the industry. The future has arrived. Let's get after it.

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