ASA Launches "Clean Air Watch"
on TakingTheHill.com
Section Will Monitor Key Items Relevant to Air Quality
ASA has launched a new section on its legislative Web site, TakingTheHill.com. The "Clean Air Watch" section can now be accessed from the home page of TakingTheHill.com and contains important bills, regulations and noteworthy items that pertain to clean air. Air quality is an increasingly important issue to the automotive repair community, and ASA believes it is important to monitor such issues and keep ASA members and the public informed on clean air information.
To visit the Clean Air Watch page now, click here. |

Michigan Legislators Urged to Pass Change to Mini-Tort Law
ASA is urging independent automotive repairers in Michigan to contact their state senator in response to the proposal to increase the mini-tort law to $1,500. Michigan H.B. 5838 was introduced in February by State Rep. Tim Melton. The bill has passed the House and is now before the Senate. Click here for the full story.
Other Legislative News:
• Florida Continues Consideration of California GHG Rules
• Federal Court Decision Spurs EPA to Adopt More Stringent Ozone Emissions Limits for All Areas
• New EPA Guide to Help Businesses Confront Climate Challenge

ASA Announces APRA as New Associate Member
ASA is pleased to announced that the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) has joined as an associate member. Click here for the full story.
North Carolina Venues Set for Next Service Information Workshops
Click here for the full schedule, including dates, times and locations.

ASA States Position on Two Blend Deduction Issues
The ASA board of directors has approved two position statements on blending issues – including the use of the term “blending” in regard to labor and material reductions; and also deductions related to a number of specific refinish procedures. For more information, click here.
Ozone Transportation Committee Considers Waterborne Paint Policy
The Ozone Transportation Committee (OTC) held its annual meeting last week to discuss upcoming initiatives for 2008-2009. During the meeting, OTC members referenced the new CARB Suggested Control Measure (SCM) for Automotive Coatings and made plans to consider the rule and its possible implementation in the OTC member states. Click here for details.

Texas House Committee Discusses Vehicle Key Codes
The Texas House Law Enforcement Committee held a hearing this week to discuss various issues, including the topic of vehicle key codes. Ron Pyle, president and chief staff executive of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), presented testimony regarding the Secure Data Release Model (SDRM). Click here for the full story.
AMI, AES Announce Technician Scholarship
AMI is accepting applications for the new $1,000 AESWave.com “Building a Learning Culture” Technician Scholarship. The educational scholarship program is aimed at helping to develop quality technicians, managers and shop owners and will be applied toward the recipients’ expenses to attend the 2008 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in Las Vegas, Nov. 5-8. For more information on these and all the scholarships available, click here.

What Does Your Counter Look Like?
AutoInc. magazine's Photo Contest continues! Next category: Best Counter Area. Have you submitted your shop yet? Click here for contest details and the full list of winners!

The Tipping Point
ASA has adopted a four-day workweek to help reduce our energy consumption. What actions have you taken to cope with rising energy costs? We’d love to hear how you are working to make a difference – at home or at your place of business. Click here now to read and comment.

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