Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-45 Nov. 22, 2004

Linder Receives ASA Alpha Award

BEDFORD, TEXAS, Nov. 22, 2004 - Jim Linder, owner of Linder Technical Services, Indianapolis, Ind., received the Alpha Award from the Automotive Service Association (ASA) Mechanical Division Nov. 5 at ASA's Celebration of Excellence in Las Vegas. The Alpha Award recognizes an ASA Mechanical Division member for their generous and far-reaching contributions to the automotive service industry.

Linder is a trainer, instructor and shop owner. He has numerous credentials and ASE certifications, and belongs to many industry organizations. He's a longtime member of ASA and a strong supporter of ASA's Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS). He presented the first technical class at CARS in 1998, which began the technical training format for CARS and set the wheels in motion for its continued growth each year.

The Alpha award was presented to Linder by Earl Dohner, AAM, ASA Mechanical Division director.

Calling him "an icon" in the automotive industry, Dohner said, "His involvement in and commitment to his community, his customers, his students, ASA and the automotive industry has never failed. His dedication to and passion for the industry are unwavering and are obvious when you are sitting in one of his classes or just talking with him."

This was the premiere of ASA's Celebration of Excellence awards dinner and ceremony, which was held at the Flamingo Las Vegas. The special awards ceremony, which will be held annually during Industry Week, honors the achievements of ASA members and other industry leaders. The program also included a graduation ceremony recognizing those who have earned the Automotive Management Institute's (AMI) Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind, serving 12,000 businesses and approximately 65,000 professionals from all segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.asashop.org, or visit ASA's legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.

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