Back by Popular Demand:
ASA to Host Benefit Provider Networking Reception at 2009 Annual Convention

Attendees of the ASA 2009 Annual Convention will have an opportunity Friday, May 1, to meet and mingle with some of the sponsored benefit providers who provide products and services to ASA members.

The Benefit Provider Networking Reception will be held from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Caribe Royale All-Suites Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando. The following companies are scheduled to participate in the reception: Alldata, Audatex, Automotive Video Inc., AutoZone, CCC Information Services, Cintas, CustomerLink, Elavon, ETE, Meadowbrook, Mitchell 1, NPC, Pace Software, UniFirst, TurnAroundTour.com and Zurich.

Online registration is closed, but a downloadable registration form can be found by visiting www.ASAshop.org/Annual09, and brought to the on-site registration desk at the actual event.

Plus, ASA is offering a Saturday-only registration option that provides even more convenience for members, by allowing them to take less time away from their businesses and still focus on industry issues that affect most shop owners today.

For more information, or to download a registration form today, visit www.ASAshop.org/Annual09.

House Small Business Committee Chair Pushes Urgency
on SBA Lending to Small Businesses
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides a number of provisions intended to jump-start lending to small businesses. However, as Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez, D-N.Y., chairwoman of the House Committee on Small Business, pointed out in her letter to Karen Gordon Mills, the new head of the Small Business Administration (SBA), "It has now been 51 days since the president signed these measures into law. Given the current economic climate, it is critical that these programs get under way." Click here for more information.

ASA Collision Members: Learn more about the ASA Capitol Hill Fly-In!

ASA Announces New Public Relations Kit for Members
ASA’s new electronic PR Kit is designed to help you, our member, with your current public relations and advertising campaigns.

The kit contains an array of prewritten press releases, photography tips, print- and Web-based advertising samples and suggestions, and an audio clip ready for use on your Web site. Click here for more information on the kit.

Log in to the Members Only Section to view ASA’s PR Kit. Click on the “ASA PR Kit” button in the left menu.

Join the Feather, Edge and Fill Time Study Effort
ASA is asking its collision members to become involved in a nationwide effort to systematically gather data for an updated Feather, Edge and Fill Time Study project. The Collision Division's Estimating Subcommittee and members of its operations committee are encouraging each ASA member willing to participate to complete 10 time studies.

ASA members, log in now to read this story, as well as the other articles from our latest edition of ASA Collision Repair Report.

Rev Up Your Marketing Plan
Nothing brings a community together like, well, the community. Imagine a summer day at your shop. It’s Saturday morning, and suddenly you are surrounded by customers, plus a few of their friends, family and co-workers. Who scheduled this?

ASA members, log in now to read this story as well as the other articles from our latest edition of ASA Mechanical Division Dispatch.

Keep Your Business on Track with ASA's Annual Convention Lineup of Management Education at the Annual Convention
Are you struggling with management or business practice issues in these difficult economic times? Take a step in the right direction and focus on improving your business by joining ASA at the 2009 Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla., April 30-May 2.

Friday, May 1
9:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. - "Advanced Lawsuit Protection, Tax Reduction and Estate Planning Strategies," presented by G. Kent "GK" Mangelson
Students earn four credits toward the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

Saturday, May 2
8:45 a.m. - Noon - "Turn Your Employees into Superstars,"
presented by Bob Cooper
Students earn six credits toward the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

2 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.- "The Secrets of Success," presented by Bob Cooper
Students earn six credits toward the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

A Sure Sign of Spring
Just because it happens every spring doesn't mean we have to continue the ritual. Right to Repair legislation can't keep the argument of a "threat" from the automakers alive with NASTF's accomplishments proving there is a working solution available already. Click here now to read and comment.