In his first State of the Association Address, ASA President Ron Pyle told members who gathered in March for their 2003 annual convention that "one of the unique positives of ASA is how active its volunteer leaders are."

Citing the leadership provided by ASA's 12-member board of directors and its mechanical and collision operations committees, Pyle said, "This level of member involvement in defining and driving the association's agenda is unique in my experience."

The two operations committees are populated with shop owners from across the nation. "They represent the rank-and-file member and are our way of keeping our ears to the street," Pyle said. "We look to the operations committees to put the spotlight on the issues affecting not just their own shops, but also those of the entire industry. We call on the committee members to have the foresight to anticipate how today's business environment will impact the industry tomorrow."

A 30-year industry veteran, Pyle joined the ASA staff in July 2002 and ascended to the president's post Nov. 1. He told convention attendees he's always heard ASA members represent the best of the automotive aftermarket repair industry. "In these eight months, I have come to know this statement is absolutely accurate."

Pyle said, "ASA is not a staff- or board-driven association. We are member-driven. While ASA has always asked members to set its agenda, their role in determining the association's priorities will become even more central in both the immediate and long-term future.

"The automotive service industry is changing at an unprecedented pace. The external and internal forces affecting repair businesses come at you faster and more often today than they used to, giving you less time to react. To be an effective and relevant industry representative, ASA has to set the agenda, not react to someone else's agenda.

"We will strengthen the advisory role of the mechanical and collision committees to the degree that no one can say ASA isn't ahead of the curve. We all know the cliche that hindsight is 20/20. Because ASA has the good fortune of being represented by our industry's best, we possess the ability to have 20/20 foresight.

"We will become more aggressive and assertive in representing our members and our industry."

The mission and general direction of ASA is spelled out in the strategic plan approved by its board of directors in April 2002. The plan enables the association to be focused and execute more proactively in serving and representing its members. One example of this is demonstrated by ASA's being at the forefront of an increasing number of legislative initiatives.

"One of the greatest accomplishments, not just this past year, but in the association's 52-year history, is the service information agreement," Pyle stated.

Reached in September, the agreement between ASA, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers ensures independent service professionals will have access to the same level of service information, diagnostic tools and training that's available to dealer shops.

Pyle told convention attendees this agreement has not been universally accepted by the entire aftermarket. "Be it this or any issue, ASA cannot be swayed by someone else's agenda. We are and will always be true to you and your best interests." Ultimately, he added, those who do not accept the agreement today will come to laud it when they have the opportunity to realize the far-reaching positive impact it will cause.

ASA negotiated in "good faith" with the automakers, asking that the door to service information be opened by Aug. 31, 2003.

"Our good faith effort is being rewarded. We are very pleased with the progress that's been made since reaching the agreement. Many manufacturers already have their service information Web sites up and running. Most will be online by the end of this month. All will be online by the Aug. 31 target," Pyle said.

The agreement ensures non-dealer professionals will have access to service information by Aug. 31, 2003; a timeline that's much shorter than any possible through legislation. This assurance allowed ASA to avoid a protracted legislative campaign. The agreement is inked. The final outcome of legislation is never certain until the final congressional votes are taken and the president signs it into law.

Elsewhere on the legislative front, ASA is taking the lead in opposing insurance company ownership of collision repair shops, Pyle said. In several states, ASA has been instrumental in introducing and building support for such legislation.

ASA is advocating federal legislation for association health plans. "Earlier this month, bills addressing this issue were introduced in both the House and Senate. ASA is participating in the current debate on Capitol Hill, lobbying on your behalf.

"It is our hope and goal to see this legislation enacted so our members can have access to a comprehensive health plan at a reasonable cost," Pyle said.

The strategic plan calls for ASA to be on the forefront of education. "It's my observation that we're fulfilling this requirement very well.

"In November we enjoyed the highest attendance ever at CARS (Congress of Automotive Repair and Service). The breadth and quality of education, both technical and management, at this show is unequalled," Pyle said. "CARS' reputation is expanding and I envision tremendous growth potential. We did some things in 2002 that will help us achieve future growth, including the first-ever Service Professionals Day at AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo) in conjunction with the opening of CARS.

"On the heels of that successful effort, I am pleased to report that our partnership with AAPEX will continue and expand."

The International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE), held in December, featured 47 educational classes. And, for the first time, the show included a "Small Shop" tract.

NACE marked its 20-year anniversary in 2002. Pyle said this milestone provides a natural opportunity to evaluate the show's current and future position.

"NACE will be even more vital to the collision repair industry in the years ahead. We are in the midst of making significant material changes to add quality to the event, which will ensure that NACE continues receiving the support of the worldwide collision industry."

Turning to business matters, Pyle told ASA members their association remains in good financial health.

"I inherited a legacy of financial responsibility. I get to deliver good news during an economic period when many, from both the for-profit and nonprofit world, are delivering bad news."

As of Dec. 31, 2002, ASA's member's equity is "very healthy," Pyle said. Additionally, the board has established a goal of maintaining six months of annual operating expenses in a permanent reserve. "Your reserve fund exceeds that requirement, which gives each of us complete assurance that ASA will continue operating even in the most difficult economic times," Pyle said.

In closing his State of the Association Address, Pyle said ASA "enjoyed a landmark year" in the months between the 2002 and 2003 annual conventions. "We've reached historic industry agreements and furthered significant legislation. ASA is financially strong and prepared for whatever the future brings."

Pyle told those members gathered their purpose over the course of the convention was to "look ahead" at the challenges mechanical and collision repair professionals will face. He asked them to define the future issues and priorities for the association.

"ASA will be relevant. ASA will be your advocate. ASA will call on you to share your wisdom and experience. ASA will expect you to be a part of moving this association and this industry forward," Pyle said.

"We're all in this together. That thought gives me tremendous confidence as I get to know each of you. You are, indeed, our industry's best and I am honored to work for you."

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