The ASA Blog is written by Ron Pyle, ASA's president and chief staff executive. The purpose of this blog is to provide commentary about the automotive repair industry and association news. We invite you to use the comments section to provide your input on each entry. http://blog.asashop.org Wouldn't it be great if every group could collectively address a need cooperatively - without adding any tax or regulatory burden to any citizen? http://blog.asashop.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=74 You are known by the company you keep, and ASA is proud of the relationships it has formed over the years. http://blog.asashop.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=73 Small businesses - like those that belong to the Automotive Service Association - are the very backbone of our economy. It is time for politicians and government employees to be reminded of their responsibility to be fiscally responsible with our money. http://blog.asashop.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=72 The ASA has adopted a four-day workweek to immediately reduce our energy consumption. What actions have you taken personally or professionally to cope with rising energy costs? Weíd love to hear how you, co-workers, friends and family are working to make a difference ñ at home or at your place of business. http://blog.asashop.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71 A look at telematics and its potential effect on independents and the aftermarket is explored in ASA’s newly published report, “Telematics: Past, Present and Future,” now available online at www.ASAshop.org. http://blog.asashop.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=69 To borrow a phrase from the national political scene, it is officially “silly season” in the automotive aftermarket governmental affairs arena. The aftermarket is quickly becoming the “world that doesn’t work” in the eyes of lawmakers around the country. When everyone is claiming to represent the same constituents, but espousing completely different views on the same issues, just how silly is that? http://blog.asashop.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=68 While we’re not officially in a recession, the mainstream media seems intent on declaring we will be soon. In the past, our industry was deemed “recession proof,” but the market is certainly more complex today than in years past. http://blog.asashop.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67 The lines are blurring when it comes to traditional parts distribution models. For the independent repairer, it’s about choice – and quality, availability and competitive prices each play a role. Business is earned by producing a value proposition that suits the circumstances of each repair as determined by the shop and its customer. http://blog.asashop.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66