Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-18 May 18, 2007

ASA Honors Member Achievements at 'Celebration of Excellence' in Nashville

BEDFORD, TEXAS, May 18, 2007 - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) held its third annual "Celebration of Excellence" May 5 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. The special awards dinner honors the achievements of ASA members and its industry partners. Bill Haas, AAM, ASA's vice president of education and training, hosted the program, which opened with the introduction of ASA's board of directors. The program also included an Automotive Management Institute (AMI) graduation ceremony recognizing those who have earned the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

During the awards ceremony, Bill Cannon, Motor Age editor-in-chief, presented ASA's outgoing chairman, Charlie Elder, with a die-cast 1953 Chevy pickup truck and display case from the Danbury Mint. The presentation of a collectible auto is a tradition of Motor Age and ABRN, commemorating each ASA chairman.

Awards presented during ASA's Celebration of Excellence included:

The AMI Annual Recognition Award, the highest honor the institute bestows on an organization or industry leader, was presented to Bill Sauer, AAM, founder of Identifix, Roseville, Minn. John Francis, AAM, AMI outgoing board of trustees chairman, presented the award.

The Associate of the Year is presented to an associate member in appreciation of its relationship with ASA, and for the value, quality and professional service it offers to ASA members. This year's recipient was Hanley Wood Exhibitions for its longtime management of ASA's International Autobody Congress and Exposition. NACE celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and the award was presented in the same room at the Gaylord Resort where the initial NACE event was held in 1983.

The Alpha Award recognizes an ASA Mechanical Division member for his or her generous and far-reaching contributions to the automotive service industry. Bob Wills, owner of Wills Auto Service in Battle Creek, Mich., was the recipient of this year's award.

The Phoenix Award recognizes an ASA Collision Division member for his or her contribution to the automotive service industry. Harry Moppert, owner of Moppert Brothers Collision Services Group in Morton, Pa., was the recipient of this year's award.

The ASA Legislative Award recognizes those who have made an impact on legislative and regulatory activities. Two awards were given this year: ASA-Colorado was recognized for its commitment to educating congressional representatives about information availability and their opposition to Right to Repair legislation; and ASA-Washington was recognized for its ongoing efforts to address auto emissions and super-warranty issues.

ASA's Communicator of the Year Award recognizes an ASA member for outstanding efforts in using different communication vehicles to promote its business in the community and industry. This year's recipient was Donny Seyfer, AAM, co-owner and manager of Seyfer Automotive in Wheatridge, Colo.

The Affiliate of the Year Award is based on several factors such as membership growth, educational events, participation in ASA national programs, legislative activities and overall contributions of their membership to the automotive industry. The recipient of this year's award was ASA-Texas.

The Affiliate with the Largest Delegation recognizes the ASA affiliate with the greatest number of members at the annual convention. This year's award was presented to ASA-Washington.

The Humanitarian Award - ASA's highest honor - recognizes selfless acts, both inside and outside the industry, of those who promote general goodwill. This year's recipient was ASA-New Orleans, for their generosity and assistance to their fellow members, and their strength and perseverance during the continuing rebuilding process following Hurricane Katrina. Charlie Elder, AAM, ASA's outgoing chairman, presented the award to Michelle and Steve Sallinger, Ole Metairie Car Care Inc., Metairie, La.

The Chairman's Award of Excellence recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to ASA and the automotive repair industry. Two awards were granted this year by Elder. Steve Johnson, Number One Tire and Service, Warwick, R.I., received the award for his work with his state's auto emissions and safety inspection program; and Dan Stander, Jerry Stander's Collision Works, Littleton, Colo., was recognized for his work on ASA's three new collision repair fliers to help members communicate with their insurance representatives.

ASA extends special thanks to its industry partners for their support of the annual convention, including ASA's Celebration of Excellence. 2007 sponsors include:

AutoZone, Alldata, CustomerLink, Delphi, GE Money, Meadowbrook, Toyota and Zurich.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair 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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