Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-31 May 23, 2008

ASA Honors Steinman with Humanitarian Award

BEDFORD, TEXAS, May 23, 2008 –The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has bestowed the Humanitarian Award on Ben Steinman, owner of Ben’s Auto Body in Mexico, Mo., and former ASA board member. The award recognizes selfless acts, both inside and outside the industry.

“I think it’s important for our association to recognize its members who have helped the community or their fellow members,” said Aaron Clements, AAM, ASA chairman of the board of directors at the time of the event. “This year the award will go to a member with a big heart and the drive to get things done.”

In early 2007, Steinman organized donations of shop, diagnostic and office equipment for fellow shop owners in New Orleans who were still unable to open their businesses after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. With the assistance of friends and fellow shop owners, as well as a donated semitrailer, he delivered the items to New Orleans area shops.

“I feel like ASA is a big family, and there were family members in New Orleans in need of help,” said Steinman. “It was a no-brainer that we needed to do something.”

The award was presented at ASA’s Celebration of Excellence awards dinner and ceremony, which was held May 3 at the Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara, Calif. The next Celebration of Excellence will be held during the 2009 ASA Annual Convention next spring in Florida; specific dates and location have not been determined. The association’s annual trade shows – the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) – will be held during the inaugural Automotive Service and Repair Week (ASRW), Nov. 5-8, 2008. ASRW events will be co-located at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

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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