Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-24 May 5, 2009

Attention Editors: High-resolution photos of the ASA Annual Convention are available online at the event's Media Center page, www.ASAshop.org/annual09/media.htm.

ASA Affiliate, Volunteer Leadership Participates in Special Training Program

Workshop continues ASA's commitment to education

BEDFORD, TEXAS, May 5, 2009 - The Automotive Service Association's (ASA) 2009 Annual Convention kicked off Thursday, April 30, with a full day of training devoted to its affiliate executive directors and volunteer leadership. The session focused on the "7 Measures of Success: What Remarkable Associations Do That Others Don't," published by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

"The ASA affiliate leadership workshop is designed to further strengthen ASA and our affiliates," said B.J. Johnson, ASA's vice president of membership services. "It is an investment in our affiliate leaders that will further reinforce the association's position in the marketplace. In addition, monthly conference calls are conducted with the affiliate executive directors as an information and idea exchanging session - all intended to provide superior service to ASA members throughout the country."

The session was to explain how the "7 Measures" concepts apply to and can be used by associations. These measures are a "customer service" culture; the alignment of products and services with the organization's mission; data-driven strategies; dialogue and engagement; the CEO as a broker of ideas; organizational adaptability; and alliance building. Led by Dan Raftery of the Raftery Resource Network, the workshop included an open forum discussion, followed by small-group brainstorm sessions that examined the actions attendees can implement within the association at the national, state and local levels.

ASA's 2010 convention will be held next spring in Arizona; 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 Automotive Service and Repair Week (ASRW), Nov. 4-7, 2009. All ASRW events will be 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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