Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-09 March 20, 2006

ASA Announces New Education, Training Initiative

KEYS Program Debuts May 5

BEDFORD, TEXAS, March 20, 2006 - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has launched a new education and training initiative, Keep Educating Yourself and Staff (KEYS). Through an ongoing series of regional training events, the KEYS program will deliver quality management education and technical training to automotive service professionals.

The three-day KEYS events will offer three technical sessions taught by the nation's leading instructors. The events will also contain four management seminars, allowing attendees to receive credits toward the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation offered through the Automotive Management Institute (AMI). Designed to be convenient for attendees, the KEYS event format will include weekend sessions beginning on Friday afternoons and concluding midday Sunday.

"Today, shop owners and their employees are constantly challenged to succeed in an ever-changing business environment and to stay current with the advancements of automotive technology," said Bill Haas, AAM, ASA's vice president of education and training. "The delivery of management education and technical training through the KEYS program will afford automotive professionals more opportunities to further their education. KEYS will offer automotive professionals solutions to the many challenges they face each day."

The ongoing KEYS program will be delivered at various venues throughout the United States this year. The first event will take place May 5-7 at the Hilton Valley Forge in King of Prussia, Pa. Other locations slated for 2006 include Gainesville, Fla., Salt Lake City and Albany, N.Y.

Both members and nonmembers are eligible to register for ASA's KEYS events. For more information about the KEYS program including a location schedule, courses and online registration, visit www.asashop.org/keys or call (800) 272-7467, ext. 246.

"ASA has positioned itself as a premier resource for information and education. The KEYS program further emphasizes ASA's commitment to industry education and training," said Haas.

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.

###