Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-11 March 19, 2008

Annual Convention Management Seminars Designed to Lead Attendees to Stress-Free Work Environment

Early-Bird Registration Deadline is March 27

BEDFORD, TEXAS, March 19, 2008 - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) Annual Convention has two management seminars slated for the 2008 agenda. The topics of the management seminars include keys to stress reduction, and getting beyond the frustration that shop owners often endure. ASA's Annual Convention will be held May 1-3 in Santa Clara, Calif.

"It is always exciting for me to see the enthusiasm and energy in the atmosphere after seminars at our conventions," said Bill Haas, ASA's vice president of education and training. "This year's seminars are packed with valuable information and presented by two outstanding instructors who definitely understand the automotive service and repair industry. Everyone should plan to attend and be part of the excitement."

Automotive Management Institute (AMI) instructor Cecil Bullard will present "Management by Results" Friday, May 2 from 2 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Attendees will learn how important creating standards and setting goals are for everyone in the business to achieve the success you expect. Bullard owns and manages several successful automotive repair shops. Drawing from his more than 25 years of industry experience, he will teach attendees how to get past the fear of failure that can come with running a shop.

Saturday, May 3, Charlie Fewell, AMI instructor and annual convention keynote speaker, will discuss how to reduce stress during his class, "Connecting and Communicating - the Keys to Stress Reduction." Attendees will learn the keys to stress reduction through Fewell's energetic approach to formal instruction. He will discuss different behavioral styles, four basic communication skills, how to become an active listener, understanding customer potential and finding the value in complaints. Fewell will also reveal how effective leaders use these skills to build strong work teams.

Both courses are AMI approved, and attendees will earn six AMI credits for each class toward the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

"AMI is proud to work closely with ASA to provide the quality educational programs convention attendees have come to expect," said Toni Slaton, AAM, AMI executive director. "Cecil Bullard and Charlie Fewell are both experienced instructors with a passion to share their knowledge with fellow automotive service professionals and I know attendees will take away invaluable information from each session."

The annual convention agenda will also include the ASA board of directors meeting; a State of the Association address by Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive; an affiliate assembly meeting; a mechanical and collision division parts forum; a keynote presentation by Fewell; and ASA's annual Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony, which will again host the AMI graduation ceremony. An optional tour of Winchester Mansion is also available.

Online registration is open at www.ASAshop.org/Annual08. Members who register before the early-bird deadline of March 27 will enjoy significant savings. The Web site also outlines the full convention agenda, lists convention sponsors, and has additional details about networking functions and the optional tour.

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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