December provides a natural opportunity to review ASA's accomplishments for the year. Our association has been extremely active in taking the lead in many endeavors.

In 2001, ASA worked to open the flow of repair information from manufacturers. ASA hosted information availability demonstrations in Washington, D.C., which were very well attended by lawmakers and regulators. ASA led the campaign for introducing legislation that will guarantee access to repair information. That legislation, H.R. 2735, is currently being considered in Congress. If you haven't done so already, contact your representative to encourage support for this bill.

ASA entered an industry effort initiated by the National Auto Body Council to raise $500,000 for the construction of a medical facility at Camp Mak-A-Dream. Located in Montana, the camp enables children and young adults suffering from cancer to enjoy an eight-day camping experience. Our effort in this is ongoing. Visit our Web site (www.asashop.org) to learn how you can participate.

In November, ASA's Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) had the largest number of participants in many years. With 10 technical courses and four management seminars, education was foremost at CARS.

The International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) will be concluding about the time this AutoInc. arrives at your shop. Based on preregistrations, we expect 40,000 participants. NACE has it all - education, keynote presentations from industry leaders, and more than 2,000 exhibitors demonstrating the latest products and technology for collision repair.

This year we also celebrated ASA's Golden Anniversary. Rather than looking back and congratulating ourselves on 50 great years, we're looking ahead. The ASA board and staff are working diligently to update ASA's long-range mission and strategic plan. We're laying the groundwork for a strong association that's prepared for the next half-century.

ASA is entering a critical time for our industry. Technologies just emerging will force dramatic changes on us. While some are predicting a decline in independent service market share, I believe our future is promising. It is not, however, guaranteed. It will take the work of thousands of us, joined together under the ASA banner, to turn promise into reality.

For our nation, 2001 will be significant as history records terrorism's attack on the United States. History will also show that we responded with energized patriotism and a renewed resolve to defend democracy. Before Sept. 11, many of us took our freedom for granted and we were lackadaisical in guarding it. Perhaps the terrorists thought Americans had grown soft as a result of not being challenged in many years. They were wrong. We were and are ready to defend and advance freedom.

Similarly, ASA is ready to advance independent automotive service. Thank you for your membership and for being a part of these efforts. Help ASA's influence grow by encouraging other shop owners to join our association.

On behalf of the ASA board of directors and staff, please accept my sincere wish that you and your family enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

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