Life requires change - pure and simple. To stay (and excel) in business today requires change. That statement seems a bit dramatic, but I believe it is appropriate. When many of us began in business, we used typewriters; if you needed a copy of a letter you typed it using copy paper; and computers were machines big companies used and they occupied whole rooms.

Today, most people probably can't imagine how we were able to conduct business without the aid of fax machines, laptop computers and e-mail. Technology has pushed the envelope of how we live our lives and run our companies. We live in a global community that wants instant gratification.

As an organization focused on providing our customers and members with the service they expect while promoting industry-recognizable standards and practices, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) established the Certified Automotive Recycler (CAR) and Gold Seal Programs.

The CAR Program provides a measure for general business standards and helps guide recycling facilities in environmental and safety requirements. The Gold Seal Program ensures customer satisfaction through customer service, quality parts and descriptions, on-time deliveries and product warranties. The Gold Seal Program is currently backed by the Automotive Service Association (ASA).

This unique program ensures a level playing field within the industry, allowing smaller, independent auto recyclers to compete with larger, consolidated businesses while maintaining high-quality standards.

These programs allow automotive recyclers to join forces within and throughout the industry in an effort to improve quality. It is only natural that these programs would lead to a greater understanding of our industries. Once we understand the services we can provide each other, our customers will be better able to appreciate the value of quality, recycled OEM parts. As we join together to raise the bar in our ever-changing industry, the eyes of the global automotive community are watching.

Ginny Whelan is president of the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA). Founded in 1943, ARA has represented an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of automotive parts, and the proper disposal of inoperable motor vehicles. To learn more about the Association, visit ARA's home page at http://www.autorecyc.org, or call (703) 385-1001.

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