ASA-Arizona Holds 2006 Sunrise Convention

ASA-Arizona held its annual Sunrise Convention July 21-23 in Prescott, Ariz. The gathering attracted twice as many people as last year's event. The highest attendee praise went to the technical training by CARQUEST and Mark Warren, and to the management classes led by Cecil Bullard of Automotive Training Institute (ATI) and Kelly McDonald.

Attendees and sponsors enjoyed a weekend of education, training, networking and fun. A highlight of the event was the Saturday night dinner, which included the silent auction, raffle drawing, installation of officers, awards presentation and entertainment.

Several member and industry awards were bestowed by ASA-Arizona throughout the Saturday night banquet. Clarence "Bud" Klinefelter, owner of NAPA Auto Parts Store in Ajo, Ariz., was inducted into the ASA-Arizona Hall of Fame. Don Kott, Tucson Frame & Body Service Inc. in Tucson, Ariz., was honored as Arizona's "Member of the Year." And the "Associate Member of the Year" was presented to the Automotive Training Institute (ATI) for its support of all association functions.

After announcing the affiliate's new chairman, Dan Guido, AAM, there was a lottery drawing for $3,000, which was won by Joe Cross. The proceeds from the drawing go toward an education fund that grants high school seniors a $1,000 scholarship to pursue a profession in the automotive industry.

The ASA-Arizona affiliate is appreciative of its sponsors, including Universal Underwriters Group, CARQUEST Auto Parts, NAPA Auto Parts, ATI, The Argus Group, eAutoClub.com, David Blatt's Liftco, CUDA Cleaning Systems, Jasper Engines & Transmissions, SCF Arizona, First Data, Parts Plus, Merle's Automotive Supply, and CustomerLink.

Visit ASA-Arizona's Web site, www.asaaz.org, for more information on the 2007 convention.

Important ASA Membership Information

Every successful business monitors its operating expenses and cost of doing business. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is no different in that regard. It is announcing a dues increase beginning January 2007.

ASA is providing its members with an opportunity to lock-in their current membership rates by paying a minimum of three years of membership dues in advance. Your membership rates are guaranteed for the prepaid period.

This minimal increase will allow ASA to expand its presence as the association works to fulfill its mission of advancing professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services.

To lock-in your current membership rate or for questions relating to the dues for your location, please contact the ASA membership department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295; or the accounting department, ext. 220.

Do You Have the Latest Electronic Membership Handbook?

Whether you're a member of ASA, or a prospective member of the association, ASA OnDemand provides valuable information about who we are and what we stand for.

The software incorporates ASA's electronic membership handbook and resides on your computer desktop. It automatically retrieves updates when they are available. ASA OnDemand features ASA's membership directory, searchable by company, city, state, or company representative and a benefits portfolio to provide you with comprehensive, up-to-date information on ASA's 35-plus benefits, all categorized for your convenience. The easy-to-use program allows the individual to view industry statistics and valuable information that is needed to run a successful business.

ASA OnDemand is a virus-free program that takes up minimal space on your computer to be used online or offline. Internet access is needed to download and activate the program, but is not needed to view it. Visit www.ASAOnDemand.com to download the free version, or call ASA's membership department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295 to request the software on CD or by e-mail.

ASA-Mo/Kan Prepares for VISION 2007

The ASA-Missouri/Kansas affiliate will hold its annual VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo March 2-4, 2007, at the Overland Park Convention Center and Sheraton Hotel in Overland Park, Kan.

Management education and technical training courses will be offered during the event. The affiliate's objective for the event is to educate automotive industry professionals with the most up-to-date information in the industry, as well as encourage continued professionalism in the industry.

In addition to education, the annual event will provide attendees with the latest technology in automotive products and services through the numerous company exhibits.

For more information on VISION, contact ASA-Mo/Kan at (816) 781-5801 or visit the VISION Web site at www.visionkc.com.

National News

ASA, with the help of its refinish subcommittee, has published a flier to help collision repair professionals communicate with their local insurance representatives. This useful and effective tool compares basic procedures for repairs versus new panels, as well as outlining 17 additional steps that are required for repaired panels. The project originated from member Dan Stander, Jerry Stander's Collision Works, Littleton, Colo.

ASA encourages everyone to use this free tool. Members may download the flier in the Members Only area of the Web site - www.ASAshop.org - by entering their member number. Nonmembers may contact ASA's membership department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295, or via ASA's chat line located throughout the Web site.