Online Registration Open for
ASA Annual Convention
 Online registration for ASA's 2009 Annual Convention is now available by visiting www.ASAshop.org/Annual09. The convention will be held April 30-May 2 at the Caribe Royale All-Suites Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Attendees may use the secure online form to register for a variety of activities, including three Automotive Management Institute (AMI)-approved seminars, as well as arrange housing accommodations for the event. Click here for more information.
The convention will also include ASA's Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony, which will again host the AMI graduation ceremony.
Other Convention News:
• ASA Announces Annual Convention Keynote Speaker
• ASA Annual Convention Management Education Designed to Keep Attendees' Businesses on Track
Be sure to check the convention Web site for more information on the management seminars and Industry Impact sessions being held during the annual convention, as well as information regarding this year's keynote address. |
House-Senate Stimulus Conference Reduces New Car Incentives
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was finalized after members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives held a conference to address bill differences. Congressional members drastically decreased the Auto Ownership Tax Assistance language in the Stimulus Plan. The $11.5 billion tax break that was originally proposed by the Senate is now down to $1.7 billion in the final version of the bill, with tighter limits on who qualifies. Click here for more information.
Other Legislative News:
• House Small Business Committee Reviews Options for Health Care Reform
• Washington State Legislation Could Harm Association Health Plans
Cintas Expands ASA Benefit with First Aid & Safety Program
 ASA announces a new benefit through Cintas and its First Aid & Safety Division, a leading first aid service provider. The money-saving program will allow ASA members to keep their staff safe, productive and on the job; help maintain OSHA compliance through properly stocked first aid kits and cabinets, personal protective equipment and training programs; and reduce injuries and lower workers' compensation costs. Click here for more information.
Proper Paintless Dent Repair Estimating
Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a technique in which dings and dents in an auto body panel are eliminated using specific tools. Most paintless dent repairs are performed to correct hail damage or the minor "bumps and bruises" an automobile may suffer at the mercy of shopping carts and other vehicle doors. Click here for the full AutoInc. article.
Touching the Future
Getting involved in an advisory committee for your local technical school can pay dividends for you. It can also make a difference in tomorrow's automotive service industry. Involvement gives you a chance to give something back to the industry, which has provided your livelihood, and ensures that the vital consumer services you provide will continue to grow and prosper into the 21st century and beyond. Click here for the full story.
 Time for a Tune-Up
Bill Haas, ASA's vice president of education and training, steps in this week as our "guest blogger" to discuss how independent shops are competing with dealerships. Click here now to read and comment.
Also read ... "Cash For Clunkers?" by Bob Redding, ASA's Washington, D.C., representative.
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