Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-28 May 23, 2008

ASA Names Sallas
Automotive Communicator of the Year

BEDFORD, TEXAS, May 23, 2008 –Each year the Automotive Service Association recognizes an ASA member for outstanding efforts using different communication vehicles to promote their business in the community and industry. During ASA’s recent Celebration of Excellence ceremony in Santa Clara, Calif., Sallas Automotive Inc. – with locations in Overland Park, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo. – was honored for its exceptional media communication and marketing efforts.

The award combines every aspect of a shop’s overall marketing plan. It recognizes the total package – everything from newsletters and brochures to television and radio commercials to Web sites and other public relations material. Sallas Automotive demonstrated excellence through each of its communication vehicles.

Sallas Automotive was awarded Communicator of the Year for its efforts to improve the communities and residents served by the shop. Residents learn not only about vehicle maintenance through the shop’s Lunch & Learns and Women’s Clinic programs, they learn how to buy a car and the differences between synthetic and conventional motor oils.

Last fall, Sallas Automotive partnered with customers and the local Girl Scout council to send donations of food, snacks, personal care items and, most importantly, lots of Girl Scout cookies to troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

What makes this year’s recipient unique is the marketing campaign that this shop waged to keep customers coming in the door during an extensive road construction project right outside its doors. Not only did the campaign effectively communicate the alternate routes to the shop but business actually improved during the construction period – something almost unheard of for a small business.

Nick Sallas said he and his wife, Carla, were very grateful for the honor. “This award means a lot because we’re being recognized for making the industry better and also educating customers,” said Nick. He added that shops today must make marketing and communications efforts a priority. “Make it a point to market to your customers at least once a month. If you don’t do it, you will lose customers to dealerships and other shops that are marketing. Customers aren’t loyal as they used to be and you need to do everything you can to reach out to them,” he said.

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.

###