As a member of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), I would like to make you aware of a matter concerning one of our former affiliate groups, ASA-Illinois. In a news release sent to the industry's trade press, ASA-Illinois announced that effective Aug. 3, 1997, the group would begin operating as an independent trade association, dissolving its affiliation with ASA.

For some time, leaders of ASA have watched ASA-Illinois Past Chairman Mike Melfi and ASA-Illinois Executive Director Mike Lane promote membership in and solicit funds for the Coalition for Collision Repair Equity (CCRE), an Illinois for-profit corporation that they created. ASA strongly communicated to ASA-Illinois President Kevin Cook its concerns that this activity represents a major conflict of interest to all members of ASA. I also asked that the ASA-Illinois board take the necessary action to alleviate this problem, and I am disappointed that they chose to disaffiliate rather than to resolve these issues.

This disaffiliation means that the ASA-Illinois affiliate no longer exists. Members in Illinois are now direct members to the national association, and because of this structure change, their overall dues to belong to ASA are only $150 annually. These members will continue to receive the more than 30 benefits of belonging to the national association, and may continue to use the ASA logo and signage to identify themselves as the professionals in automotive service.

As a fellow shop owner, I believe that it is your right to be appraised of matters of this nature. Already, there is a tremendous amount of misinformation about this matter, and I invite you to call me if you would like further explanation.

We value our relationships with our 18 affiliate groups and with our more than 12,000 members throughout the country. Thank you for your membership in ASA and for your continued support of our work to enhance the professionalism of the automotive service industry.

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