ASA-Washington to Hold NAIT

The 18th annual Northwest Automotive Industry Tradeshow (NAIT) will be held May 20-21, 2005, at the Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup, Wash.

This two-day regional trade show and educational event is sponsored by ASA-Washington. For additional information, contact Jeff Lovell at (253) 473-6970. To register online, visit ASA-Washington's Web site, www.asawa.com.

ASA-Phoenix Chapter Offering Management Training

Richard Flint will teach two AMI-approved management classes March 12 in Phoenix. The seminars are sponsored by the ASA-Phoenix chapter. "The Art of Bringing the Customer Back" seminar will teach attendees how to emotionally connect with their customers, how to build trust with customers and know what customers expect. The second seminar, "A Day at the Zoo," is a unique program that takes the personalities of 18 different kinds of animals and compares them to the personalities of employees. The purpose of this seminar is to give attendees a simple and easy reference to the types of personalities they are dealing with and creative solutions to match.

For more information, contact Luz Rubio, ASA-Arizona executive director, at (602) 544-2600 or visit the affiliate's Web site, www.asaaz.org.

ASA-Pierce County Chapter Reaches Out to Community

Santa pictured with the children of Kids Place and members of the Rebel Riders 4-H Club.

After several months of preparation by the ASA-Pierce County, Wash., chapter, Santa visited the 42 children at Kids Place. Santa gave each child a new winter coat and a toy. The children this year ranged from 2 months to 5 years of age.

Before Santa's arrival, a short Christmas program was performed by the children. Even after purchasing the coats and toys, the chapter was also able to help two needy families, due to the generosity of ASA members.

Santa had extra help from the Rebel Riders 4-H Club in Washington. These young people brought stuffed animals for everyone and participated in the festivities.

Kids Place is a daycare shelter for disadvantaged children. During the day, they have a warm and safe place to enjoy hot food and have a great staff that is dedicated to their needs. The ASA-Pierce County chapter has been helping these children for more than six years during the Christmas season.

ASA-Texas Prepares for SRAS

The ASA-Texas affiliate will hold its annual Southwest Regional Automotive Show (SRAS) Sept. 23-25 at the Marriott Houston Westchase Hotel in Houston. The event will offer management and technical training, as well as a trade show. For additional information, contact Charles Parker, ASA-Texas executive director, at (512) 495-9769 or visit the ASA-Texas Web site, www.asatx.org.

New Jersey Member Named NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year

NAPA Auto Parts and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have named Jeff Walker the 2005 NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year. Presented annually by NAPA Auto Parts and ASE, the award is given to a technician who exemplifies excellence and achievement in the industry. This winner is selected by a panel that includes former winners, automotive trade media and ASE Headquarters.

Walker, owner of Walker's Automotive Services in Pleasantville, N.J., has 32 years of experience. He began pumping gas in 1972 at age 16 and then realized a lifelong dream of owning a repair business in 1994. Walker first leased two bays at a gas station before opening a 6,000-square-foot, eight-bay facility less than two years later. Walker's Automotive Services has been an ASA member since 1997.

"This award is something I've aspired to during my career and winning it means I've begun reaching some of the goals I set for myself," said Walker, who is a recertified master ASE technician with L1 and L2 certification. He is also a master medium/heavy truck technician, master collision repair/refinish technician, master engine machinist and a certified collision repair estimator.

In fact, Walker is certified in 28 ASE categories, ranking him among the elite of all technicians with ASE credentials. Walker's resume includes extensive training and continuing education that add to his credentials and build his body of knowledge. His commitment to training extends to the staff at Walker Automotive. Walker is cultivating his staff as the next generation of superior technicians.

"The Technician of the Year award is the benchmark of excellence to which all technicians aspire," said Bob Susor, NAPA president. "Jeff is committed to the auto repair industry, to maintaining its professionalism and to superior customer service. We are proud to count Jeff among NAPA's automotive repair professionals."

ASA Names B.J. Johnson Manager of Membership Development, Affiliate Relations

B.J. Johnson, a 16-year employee of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), has been named manager of membership development and affiliate relations.

In her new role, Johnson will continue to assist members and provide ongoing communications between ASA and its 16 affiliate groups. Johnson will also administer ASA's approved member benefit services, as well as oversee membership retention and recruitment strategies.

"The promotion of B.J. Johnson to this new position is a testimony to her dedication, loyalty and unswerving commitment to our members," said John Scully, ASA executive vice president. "B.J.'s many years of service have allowed her opportunities to provide support to ASA members in several capacities, including membership and communications, all of which provided her with the experience necessary to perform her new assignment. I congratulate her on this well-deserved promotion."

Johnson served ASA as affiliate group liaison for 14 years and was responsible for maintaining open communications between the national office and the affiliate and chapter groups, including the development of chapters and affiliates. She is a charter member of the American Society of Association Executive's Chapter Relations section started in 1993. In 1996, she received a service award given by the ASA executive directors to recognize her commitment and dedication to ASA and the automotive industry.

Johnson can be reached at ASA's national headquarters in Bedford, Texas. Call (800) 272-7467, ext. 213, or contact her by e-mail at bj@asashop.org.

NATIONAL NEWS

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• The 2005 ASA Annual Business Meeting will be held April 20-23 at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas. This year's meeting will include the national board meeting, two Automotive Management Institute (AMI) seminars, a state of the association address and a swearing-in ceremony. In addition, the affiliate assembly will hold an all-day brainstorming session followed by the official assembly meeting.