Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-05 May 3, 2005

ASA Holds Annual Business Meeting in Texas

New Board Announced

BEDFORD, TEXAS, May 3, 2005 - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) held its annual business meeting April 20-23 in Fort Worth, Texas. The event provides a forum for several association leadership activities including open meetings of the ASA affiliate assembly and board of directors; a State of the Association address by Ron Pyle, ASA's president and chief staff executive; and the installation of the 2005-06 board of directors.

Denny Kahler, AAM, Kahler's Werkstatt, Dublin, Calif., was named chairman of ASA's board of directors for 2005-06. Kahler assumed the chairman's post at the conclusion of the annual meeting.

Kahler succeeds Geralynn Kottschade, AAM, Jerry's Body Shop Inc. in Mankato, Minn. Kottschade moves to the past chairman's seat on the board of directors for one year.

Other members of ASA's 2005-06 board include Charles Elder, AAM, chairman-elect, Ray Gordon Brake Service, Tallahassee, Fla.; and Aaron Clements, AAM, secretary/treasurer, C&C Automotive, Augusta, Ga.

Serving as general directors are Reggie Denney, AAM, Reggie Denney Auto Repair, Eden, N.C.; Mike Mahneke, AAM, Mahneke Motors, Goleta, Calif.; and Ben Steinman, AAM, Ben's Auto Body, Mexico, Mo.

Serving as affiliate directors are Dennis Sterwerf, AAM, Fairfield Auto & Truck Service, Fairfield, Ohio; Stephen Keller, AAM, Keller Import Service Inc., Easley, S.C.; and Ron Nagy, AAM, Nagy's Body & Frame Shop Inc., Doylestown, Ohio.

The final two board positions are held by the Collision and Mechanical Division directors: Darrell Amberson, AAM, Lehman's Garage, Bloomington, Minn.; and Earl Dohner, AAM, E&E's Garage, Brookville, Ohio.

Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive, also serves on the ASA board of directors in an ex officio capacity. Members of the 2005-06 ASA Executive Committee are Kahler, Kottschade, Elder, Clements and Sterwerf.

Also on the ASA Annual Business Meeting agenda was a six-credit Automotive Management Institute (AMI) course, ìThe Rewards and Challenges of Family-Owned Businesses,î presented by Mike Henning.

During a luncheon April 23, Pyle delivered his State of the Association address focusing on ASA's strategic plan and the ongoing initiatives of both staff and volunteer leadership. The Saturday luncheon also showcased the swearing-in ceremony for the new board and the passing of the gavel ceremony.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind serving an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups 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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