I cannot believe this is my final message to you as your chairman. The time has truly flown by. The first thing I have to say is wow, and what a ride! I loved it! It has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life.

I have been challenged in more ways than I ever imagined possible. I have also met and become friends with some of the top professionals in the automotive industry. This country will forever be smaller to me because of the many great people I have met from other states.

My experience as your chairman has also reminded me that we should be very proud to be part of this association. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of sitting on advisory boards at different companies, holding offices in organizations, and being a part of many associations. However, I can tell you, without hesitation, that our association has the best volunteers, staff and foundation I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I feel the reason for this is that ASA makes all decisions based on how it will benefit the members. I would like to share with you the words that are read before every board meeting we hold: “Remember, members are the only thing this association has. Every decision must reflect that membership awareness / benefit!”

I am convinced that if someone truly wants to make a positive impact on the automotive industry, the best way to accomplish this goal is through ASA. If each time someone has a different opinion, they join or initiate a whole new organization, then the industry will become so fragmented that we will never reach our goals or be viewed as the professional industry that we are. Instead, let us unite and make our voice heard as one, so needed changes can be made.

My serving as your chairman is proof that you can do anything you put your mind to with the help of others. Some years back, I, along with many others, had the dream of a “members first” organization. As you can tell by the words that are read before every meeting, this dream has come true. We are all proudly part of a “members first” organization. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your chairman.