ASA Member Hosts Fund-Raising Event

A 44-member volunteer force from Canine Companions for Independence and C&M Auto Service hosted the 5th Annual Woof & Wheels Wash at C&M's Vernon Hills, Ill., facility. Volunteers bathed and pampered 47 pooches and soaked 103 sedans at the event in an effort to raise funds to help provide assistance dogs to recipients in Illinois. Canine Companions is a national organization that breeds and trains highly skilled assistance dogs.

Although it costs more than $10,000 to breed, train and place each canine companion, the organization provides the dogs, as well as ongoing support, to recipients free of charge. Due to cost versus demand, there is a two-year waiting list.

This year's event raised approximately $3,500, which doubled last year's total. "We raised a lot of money in a short amount of time, and we are grateful for the community's support," said Amy Campos, Chicago coordinator for Canine Companions. "The many people who came out with their pets and their cars and the companies that donated time or food all helped to make the event an overwhelming success," said Campos.

"We couldn't have asked for better weather, and the turnout was fabulous," said C&M Auto President Mike Starovich. "Canine Companions is a wonderful organization, and we're thrilled that we were able to raise twice as much money as last year. Our challenge - and our goal - is to figure out how to double the proceeds again next year."

C&M Auto Service has been an ASA member since 1994. C&M Auto and Medline Industries Inc. sponsored the event, and Sam's Club of Vernon Hills offered Canine Companions a $500 matching grant.

NAIT Sells Out Booth Space and Draws Record Attendance

The Northwest Automotive Industry Tradeshow (NAIT) held May 21-22 at the Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup, Wash., was a great success. NAIT, sponsored by ASA-Washington, featured 178 exhibitors in 255 booths. Exhibits offered a wide variety of the latest technology in automotive repair products and services.

More than 4,600 people attended the two-day event. In addition to the trade show, the event provided eight management and technical seminars. "We are very pleased with the attendance at our show and continue to draw attendees from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, British Columbia, California and Texas," said Jeff Lovell, AAM, ASA-Washington president/executive director.

ASA-Washington is well under way planning for next year's NAIT show, to be held May 20-21 at the Western Washington Fairgrounds. For more information on the 2005 event, contact Jeff Lovell, AAM at (253) 473-6970.

ASA-Texas Gears Up for SRAS

ASA-Texas will hold the Southwest Regional Automotive Show (SRAS) Sept. 24-26 at the Marriott Houston Westchase Hotel in Houston. Registration and event information are available online at www.asatx.org. For additional information, contact Charles Parker, ASA-Texas executive director, at (512) 495-9769.

The following seminars are scheduled for the three-day event:

• "Controller Area Network (CAN) Failure Diagnosis" - Bill Peek.
• "Diagnostics by Wiring Diagram" - Jorge Menchu.
• "Leadership Without Breaking A Sweat" - Gary Gunn.
• "Right Brain Left Brain" - Dr. Norm Nall and Glenn Young.
• "Mode 6 Diagnostics" - Rolland Trowbridge.
• I-CAR "What You Don't Know Can Kill You!" - Doug Scales and Bill Sherman.
• "Management On Cruise Control" - Gary Gunn.
• "Right Brain Left Brain" - Dr. Norm Nall and Glenn Young.

In addition to the management and technical education, the event will feature a golf tournament, a welcome reception, a silent auction, a shopping trip and exhibitor appreciation party. During the Saturday luncheon, Ron Pyle, ASA president, will provide attendees an update on the association and the automotive service industry. Affiliate election of officers will also be conducted at the luncheon.

NATIONAL NEWS

• The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced two new partnership agreements. Partnerships with the Automotive Service Councils of California and the Florida Automotive Trades Association were recently approved and ratified by ASA's board of directors.

  The opportunity for industry groups to participate in partnership relationships is a result of ASA's strategic plan.

  "In 2003, ASA asked its affiliate organizations to adopt the ASA name as part of its title. Groups selecting to maintain their established identities continue to have strong relationships with ASA, but under a partnership agreement," said Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive. "While their membership is best served by retaining an identity distinct from the association, they also recognize the value of partnership with ASA. We're pleased to maintain our strong bond with both groups."

  ASA currently has 16 affiliates throughout the United States. Working hand-in-hand, ASA, its affiliates and partners are able to better provide local representation, meetings and education to the industry.

• The annual "How's Your Business" survey was mailed in August to 2,000 randomly selected mechanical and collision ASA members. The survey results will be reported in the December issue of AutoInc. The survey enables ASA to track, record and report the state of the independent automotive service industry. All answers remain anonymous.

  Thank you to those members who are participating in the survey. Your continued support of ASA and the industry is appreciated.