Last month, we saw how ASA members could save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars each year on services and products that help them do business. In part two of this three-part series on ASA's membership benefits, additional categories of savings are explored - from annual conferences to technical training. If you're not taking advantage of the extensive benefits offered to members, start doing so today! If you are a nonmember, realize the many advantages to becoming an ASA member.

At last year's Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS), Steve Louden, CARS 2004 chairman, quoted the late San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen in describing the competition that is prevalent in the automotive service industry:

"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter if you're a lion or a gazelle, when the sun comes up, you'd better be running."

Automotive service professionals know that whether you're in the collision or mechanical end of the business, you are looking for ways to not get "eaten" by your competition.

In last month's issue, AutoInc. began this three-part series to highlight all of the extensive membership benefits ASA offers to its members. These services are designed to save you money, help you prosper and most importantly, be a better service professional.

In part two, AutoInc. highlights ASA's benefits when it comes to education and training, estimating and diagnostic programs, and tools, equipment and parts.

Education and Training

Discover what more than 1,000 industry professionals have realized - the benefits of being an accredited automotive manager (AAM). The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) (www.amionline.org) is a great resource for automotive service professionals who want to be better managers and leaders. You can have access to more than 800 accredited courses offered. Topics include financial management, marketing and sales, operations and service, management and administration and personnel and human resource development. If you want to learn ways to better manage your shop, look to AMI courses - taught by more than 200 faculty members - to give you the proper training and direction. In addition to classes taught by qualified instructors, AMI offers self-study courses to fit your pace and lifestyle.

The Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) (www.CARSonline.org) offers attendees three days of management and technical education, along with great networking opportunities and a product showcase. For collision repairers, the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) (www.NACEexpo.com) offers a robust agenda of management, industry and technical training and a trade show with more than 600 exhibitors. Members who attend these shows each year stay up to date on industry trends, happenings and information, thereby increasing their knowledge and understanding of an industry that is constantly changing.

Celebration of Excellence (www.ASAcelebration.com) is an opportunity to recognize the hard work and extraordinary accomplishments of ASA members and industry leaders. Held during both CARS and NACE, awards are given in a variety of categories - from the Chairman's Award of Excellence to Benefit Provider of the Year and the Humanitarian Award.

ASA's Annual Business Meeting (www.asashop.org) features informative meetings, a board of directors meeting, state of the association address, an AMI seminar and more. This year's meeting is set for April 20-23 at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas. If you want to learn more about ASA or step up your involvement, be sure to attend this meeting.

Let's face it. Technical training can be expensive. How do you keep your technicians well trained in an industry that is always changing? Melior Inc. (www.melioronline.com) can help. This respected authority offers Web-based training for both entry-level and experienced technicians. ASA members receive a discount of $20 per module on courses. Course topics range from Automotive HVAC system to steering and suspension.

Estimating and Diagnostic Programs

Collision repairers rely on the precise tools to deliver estimates in a timely manner that are accurate. ASA offers discounts on some of the industry's biggest names in estimating software: ADP (www.ADPClaims.com), CCC (www.CCCis.com) and Mitchell International (www.mitchell.com).

ALLDATA (www.alldata.com), IDENTIFIX (www.identifix.com) and Mitchell 1 (www.mitchell1.com) are some of the premier diagnostic services for accessing information on vehicles from past to present. The industry relies on these services to arm technicians with the most up-to-date information to perform an accurate diagnosis the first time around, reducing cycle time and saving money. ASA members get some great, money-saving discounts from these companies. To start benefiting from the savings, please contact the Membership Department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295.

Tools, Equipment and Parts

If you need a tool, buy it with confidence. Toolsource.com is an online reseller of automotive tools and equipment. It knows technicians can't afford to be without the necessary tools they need to get the job done. ToolSource.com currently has more than 30,000 products with access to more than 80,000 items from more than 500 manufacturers.

Pro-Check National (www.prochecknational.com) and Solutions Now! (www.solutionsnow.com) offer a unique way to save money. Both companies provide ASA members special pricing on their tool expense reimbursement programs. The programs are designed to reduce employer payroll expenses while increasing employee take-home pay and benefits.

Interested in exploring the option of leasing equipment for your shop instead of buying? AXIS Capital (www.axiscapitalinc.com) can help. It specializes in leasing automotive repair equipment. As an ASA member benefit provider, ASA members are eligible for lower lease rates. AXIS Capital leases emissions testing machines, paint booths, frame machines, floor jacks and much more. It also leases computers, office furniture, telephone systems and many other types of office equipment.

AutoZone (www.autozone.com) offers a rebate program on parts. AutoZone owns ALLDATA, an industry leader in diagnostic and repair information software. Members are now eligible for rebates on their commercial parts purchases through AutoZone. For more details, contact the Membership Department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295.

Next Month: In the third and final installment of this series, learn how you can experience cost savings on business aids, financial services, insurance, uniforms, utilities and warranties. Find ways to save money on essential products and services that every shop uses.

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