Help Yourself, Industry
Via TakingTheHill.com

By now, you probably know ASA has a Web site - www.Taking TheHill.com - that zeros in on legislative and regulatory initiatives impacting the automotive service industry.

What you may not know is what all it offers and how easy it is to use. By using its capabilities, you can help yourself and your industry. You can make your voice heard. And you can make a difference.

Through TakingTheHill, you can:

• Find out ASA's positions on issues such as super warranties, right to repair and association health plans.
• Shoot an e-mail or letter to your state or federal representatives.
• Find sample messages, which you can alter or use as is.
• Be notified when an issue comes up on which you need to take action.
• Keep track of your senators' and representatives' votes on important legislation.
• Get some help in trying to figure out who to vote for in the upcoming presidential election. Find out who is industry-friendly, take a look at their biography and voting records, and find out how to get in touch with them.

All this, and more, is available through the Web site. The Web site will guide you through what you need to do and with just a click of a button, you can accomplish what you want.

It's quick, it's easy and it represents just another benefit of belonging to ASA.

Warranty Guides Now Available

The Automotive Service Association now has available the 2008 Official Warranty Guide published by J&L Warranty Pro.

Customized with the ASA logo on the cover, the booklet is a complete "at-your-fingertips" guide that details every manufacturer's warranty guidelines, deductibles, warranty extensions and other pertinent warranty information.

The warranty guides may be purchased for $10.95 each (includes shipping) while supplies last (Texas residents, add 8.25 percent sales tax for a total of $11.85).

This money-saving offer is available to current members in good standing. To order, call ASA's membership department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time; or visit www.ASAstore.com and click on "References."

Sherwin-WilliamsDonates $5,000 to I-CAR

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corporation has contributed $5,000 to support the mission of the I-CAR Education Foundation. The contribution to the Education Foundation Industry Partners Annual Fund will support many Education Foundation programs that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry.

ASA Honors Ron Weiner

Ron Weiner, left, who has retired as president and CEO of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), holds the Automotive Service Association's Industry Service Award, which was presented to him by Bill Haas, ASA vice president of education and training. Weiner had served as ASE president since 1982.

ASA Mo./Kan. Daughter Meets President

President George W. Bush poses with Mallory Hamilton, the daughter of Sheri Hamilton, executive director of ASA-Missouri/Kansas. Mallory, a high school junior, was invited to Washington, D.C., recently to attend a speech by President Bush highlighting recent successes in reducing teen drug use. Mallory was one of just 12 drug-use prevention advocates, including law enforcement agents and social workers, to talk with the president personally in a roundtable discussion.

OEM Service Information Seminar Now Available on DVD

The seminar on how to effectively use the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) service information Web sites that Bill Haas, ASA's vice president of education and training, has been presenting for several years is now available on DVD.

By now, everyone should know that the information technicians need to do their job is available and accessible to them through the OEM sites. From the DVD, "Beyond the Books ... OEM Service Information Web Sites," you can learn where to find what you need, when you need it and how to use it in your business. The course on DVD is about two and one-half hours in length and is approved by the Automotive Management Institute (AMI).

It is available for purchase through AMI or Automotive Video Inc. (AVI). For more information, contact AMI at www.AMIonline.org or by calling (800) 272-7467, ext. 241; or contact AVI toll-free at (800) 718-7246 or by fax at (239) 561-9111.

Allstate Insurance Company
Files Appeal to U.S. Supreme Court
ASA Issues Response

Allstate Insurance Company has filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in regard to the Texas statute prohibiting insurance companies from owning collision repair shops. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) also has filed a response.

The appeal comes after the U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit, New Orleans, affirmed the District Court ruling in the case of Allstate Insurance Co., et al., Appellants-Appellees vs. Greg Abbott, Etc., et al., vs. Automotive Service Association, et al on Aug. 1, 2007. To view the appeal and response, visit ASA's legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com. The link can be found by clicking the "Press Center" tab and then "References and Bills."

MOST ACCESSED ARTICLES Fuel Injection Service, Not Just Cleaning The Art of Extraction EGR Systems: Operation and Diagnosis Proactive Target Marketing:_Rethinking Your Business Strategy Engine Performance: HO2S Diagnostics MOST E-MAILED ARTICLES Developing Employee Potential How Critical Thinking Can Help Your Business How to Diagnose the Ford Glow Plug What to Look for When Shopping for the Right Shop Management Software Putting a Price Tag on Complaints

AutoInc. Web Site | ASA Web Site | EPA Finalizes Auto Refinishing Regulation | Keeping an Eye on PSI: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, Part 2 | Blending Within Panel | News Analysis: Energy Bill Becomes Law | Hiring and Recruiting Winners | How Do You Measure Success? | Guest Editorial | Tech to Tech | Tech Tips | News Briefs | Taking the Hill | Around ASA | Shop Profile | Net Worth | Stat Corner | Chairman's Message