Value of ASA Membership

Posted 3/2/2009
By Brie Ragland

Why belong to the Automotive Service Association? You may be a nonmember reading this and trying to decide whether you should invest the dues amount into joining when things may be a little tight. Or you may be a member reading this and trying to decide why you should renew. What about the cost of not renewing? Well, to the nonmember and member alike, this issue is for you!

This special coverage in AutoInc. underscores the value of ASA membership and how joining the largest not-for-profit trade association of independent shop owners and managers can help you be more successful. Having been around for almost 60 years, ASA knows a thing or two about what it takes to run a successful shop in the 21st century. ASA is dedicated to - and governed by - independent automotive service and repair professionals.

Value comes in different forms. Value may be found in the management article that you read in AutoInc. recently that offered tips on establishing a good relationship with your jobber to run a more successful shop. Value may be found in ASA meetings that put you in touch with other shop owners who may be experiencing the same kind of employee problem you're facing and will share how they are addressing the problem. Value for some may be found in getting involved politically on an issue to raise awareness in their state. For others, value may be found through the savings AutoZone offers based on the amount of purchases.

To help educate members and nonmembers alike about all of the many benefits that ASA offers, following is an alphabetical listing of the many benefits you can take advantage of as an ASA member. And don't just take our word for it. Throughout the next few pages, there are personal testimonials from shop owners just like you who have experienced the value of belonging to ASA.

Click here for a message about membership from ASA president Ron Pyle.

Another Savings Advantage Whenever you see this logo, it means that ASA members will experience special savings as a result of their membership. Look for the logo throughout the Value of ASA Membership coverage!

Advanstar/Motor Age (www.passthease.com)
ASA members receive a 15 percent discount on Motor Age Training ASE-Certification Self-Study Guides. Motor Age Training offers additional training and reference materials.

ALLDATA (www.alldata.com)
ALLDATA and ASA are committed to the advancement of the automotive service industry by supporting professionals like you. The collaborative program offers ASA members the highest quality products and services to help their businesses maximize customer satisfaction, sales, technical efficiency and profits. Through ALLDATA Repair, ALLDATA Manage, ALLDATA Market, and ALLDATA Collision, your life will be easier, your employees more motivated and your shop more productive and profitable.

AMI (www.AMIonline.org)
Discover what more than 1,400 industry professionals have realized: the benefits of being an accredited automotive manager (AAM). The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) 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 and monthly Webinars to provide fast and easy access to important information.

Annual Convention (www.ASAshop.org/annual09)
ASA's 2009 Annual Convention features industry sessions focusing on different segments of the industry, a board of directors meeting, state of the association address, management seminars and more. This year's convention is set for April 30-May 2 at the Caribe Royale All-Suites Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando. To learn more about ASA or step up your involvement, be sure to attend this eventful weekend.

APPI (www.appienergy.com)
See if you can lower your operating costs and increase your bottom line by having Affiliated Power Purchasers International (APPI) provide a free utility audit service for your shop (available in all states). ASA members pay no up-front fee for APPI's consulting service that identifies and corrects billing errors, incorrect fees and overpayments on electricity and natural gas, waste removal, credit card processing, telecommunications, water and freight. In addition, the Energy Buyers Program presents members in states that have deregulated their electric and natural gas industries (Mass., Md., N.Y. and Texas) an opportunity to reduce their utility costs.

ASA Federal Credit Union (www.asafcu.org)
Want to attract quality employees to your shop? Offer them benefits they can't refuse and one that doesn't cost you a dime. ASA's Federal Credit Union is available to ASA member shops and their employees. Through enrollment in the credit union, shops can enjoy a multitude of benefits, including direct deposit, loans, IRAs, ATM cards, checking and savings accounts, and more.

ASA News-Network (www.ASAshop.org)

Stay connected with the latest information on member benefits, industry news, ASA events and legislation affecting the automotive repair industry. To get your copy of our biweekly e-newsletter, delivered straight to your e-mail inbox every other Tuesday, visit the News section of the ASA Web site and subscribe to the ASA News-Network. Rest assured, we will not sell or distribute your e-mail address to third-party companies.

ASA OnDemand (www.ASAOnDemand.com)
To learn more about the value of ASA membership and the association's full benefits package, access the electronic benefits portfolio within ASA OnDemand. With Web synchronization technology, you can access a wide range of general association information from your computer offline, and you'll get quick updates when you're connected to the Internet. Once installed, you can access the information through an ASA icon on your computer's desktop.

ASA Online Store (www.ASAstore.com)
ASA members are valued and respected for their industry knowledge and expertise and are proud to show that they are members through association merchandise. ASA's Online Store makes it easy to shop for more than 60 products consisting of promotional items, consumer brochures, ASA insignia products, reference material and business forms.

"I am convinced we would not have been in business for over 30 years if we had not gotten involved with ASA. Glenn knew how to fix cars, but we did not know anything about running a business until we joined ASA. Before we knew it we were AMI grads." - Betty Jo Young, AAM, Houston, Texas

ASA Ultimate Buyer's Guide (www.ASAUltimateBuyersGuide.com)
Looking for a one-stop spot for the products and services you need to run your shop? Ditch the phone book and stop broad Internet searches. Instead use the ASA Ultimate Buyers Guide. This easy-to-use Web site provides a convenient search tool for Web links, contact information and access to everything you need to manage your shop. Products and services include information on auto body parts, shop tools and equipment, books and training, business products and services, and even tires and wheels.

ASAgo.com (www.ASAshop.org)
If you are looking for a convenient (and free) way to open an e-mail account, look to ASA. Members can get a free e-mail account that you can access from anywhere at anytime. It has an easy-to-manage address book and external POP3 accounts. It also has 10 MB worth of storage. Even if you already have an e-mail account, use ASA's account for business or personal use. Visit the Members Only section of the ASA Web site, click on the "ASA Web Mail" tab on the left to sign up and get started today with your free e-mail account.

ASAshop.org (www.ASAshop.org)
The next time you're on the Internet, be sure to point your browser to www.ASAshop.org. ASA's Web site is bursting with useful information. If you want the contact information for a member in your state, visit the Online Membership Directory in the Members Only section. Want to locate an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Web site? Go to Related Links and have immediate access to all of the OEM service information Web sites. Read and comment on the ASA President's Blog. It's all there on the ASA Web site!

ASRW
ASA's Automotive Service and Repair Week (ASRW), a great event co-locating ASA's two trade shows - the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) and the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) - at the beautiful Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nov. 4-7, 2009, is an event you cannot afford to miss. From management and technical training to elaborate show floor exhibits, ASRW is the place to be. For details as they become available, visit the CARS Web site at www.CARSevent.com, and the NACE Web site at www.NACEexpo.com.

Audatex (www.audatex.com)
ASA's partnership with Audatex, a Solera company, has created the opportunity for a $250 discount for new users or upgrading services for Shoplink, Photolink and Stellix software programs.

Auto Shop LifeLine (www.TurnAroundTour.com)
ASA's member benefit agreement with Automotive Service Leaders, an industry-focused company that offers the AutoShop LifeLine program, TourAroundTour seminars and other events, as well as Web-based products, is designed to help independent automotive repair professionals stay successful.

The primary benefit for ASA members through this agreement is the 50 percent savings off the published price of the LifeLine program, a multifaceted program designed to assist shop owners in creating a "how to" manual for their business via Webinar classes. LifeLine will complement and assist members in implementing what has been learned from past management training classes and events. Plus, no-travel networking with other shop owners makes LifeLine a great member benefit.

AutoInc. (www.AutoInc.org)
You've heard the old saying, you can count on three things: life, death and taxes. For those working in the automotive industry, add change to that list. Working on cars that grow in complexity with each year makes it challenging to stay on top of all of the information. ASA's monthly magazine, AutoInc. - included in your membership - keeps you in touch with the industry by reporting on news, mechanical and collision repair issues as well as savvy advice on managing your shop. Each issue is packed with technical information that technicians can use.

AutoInc.'s AutoLinks (www.AutoInc.org)
ASA's AutoInc.'s AutoLinks is an opt-in e-mail resource providing comprehensive weekly news briefings of the week's top industry stories.

Each edition of AutoInc.'s AutoLinks contains articles gathered from an expansive list of sources, including The Associated Press, The New York Times, USA Today and leading industry publications, including AutoInc. Delivered to the inboxes of ASA members and nonmembers alike, AutoInc.'s AutoLinks keep subscribers abreast of topics that impact the automotive service industry.

AutoNetTV (www.autonettv.com)
ASA members receive special discounted pricing on quality consumer education and staff training in DVD format. AutoNetTV features an automotive television network that educates customers while they're in waiting areas, with an emphasis on vehicle maintenance, safety and the importance of having work performed on schedule.

In addition, AutoNetTV offers DVD programming to train employees on various issues.

"Although our shop had been a member of ASA for many years, I started to attend the meetings and conferences in the last few years. I am amazed at the value of ASA's Annual Convention. The educational classes, the seminars and the benefits of networking have made me into an informed, educated collision shop owner. This translates into a better accounting bottom line and a highly anticipated return to next year's event." - Diane Rodenhouse, Grand Rapids, Mich.

AutoWatch (www.autowatch.com)
Day in and day out, collision repair professionals get asked: "When will my car be ready? What is the status of my car?" With the AutoWatch system, you'll be able to communicate with your customers in a way they never thought possible. As a customer service and marketing tool for collision repair professionals, AutoWatch allows vehicle owners and insurance partners to view digital photos of their vehicle throughout the repair process through your shop's Web site. The latest vehicle repair status is displayed along with the estimated delivery date and convenient e-mail links to the assigned service adviser.

AutoZone (www.autozone.com)
AutoZone offers ASA members a profitable program on parts purchases. AutoZone, parent company of ALLDATA, is one of the leading providers of quality parts, bringing you the brands, parts coverage, and competitive pricing you need and providing unique services that save you time and money. Members are currently eligible for savings or tiered pricing on their commercial parts purchases through AutoZone.

Avis (www.avis.com)
Avis offers rental discount coupons, for business or personal use, to ASA members, along with a worldwide discount that locks in the best available rate. The coupon discounts are on top of special weekend, weekly and monthly rates, and will be available at all participating Avis locations.

Bank of America (www.bankofamerica.com)
The Platinum Plus® credit card, a no-annual-fee MasterCard® credit card program, provides ASA members with peerless benefits, service, worldwide acceptance and convenience. Members can also take advantage of 24-hour customer service, emergency card replacement, and ATM cash-advance access.

Benefit Consultants Northwest (www.asashopmedicalplan.org)
Benefit Consultants Northwest (BCNW) is a full-service insurance broker that is, like ASA, dedicated to helping you save money on your insurance and tax-saving needs. Members can choose from several health care plans to meet their specific needs including medical and dental plans, a premium-only plan (POP), flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs).

Bosch (www.bosch.com)
Through an agreement with Robert Bosch Corp., ASA members can access all currently available Bosch training at preferred rates, regardless if the member business is Bosch-certified. ASA members are eligible to obtain Bosch training in both automotive and diesel applications at various locations, including the Bosch facility in Broadview, Ill., and satellite locations in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Whittier, Calif.

Business Aids (www.ASAshop.org)
ASA can supply various products, such as business cards, stationery, labor law posters, and uniform patches for your shop. In addition, ASA publishes several documents that can be used to educate your customers on a wide variety of issues. These are all available through the ASA national office at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295.

CARS (www.CARSevent.com)
The Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) offers attendees three days of management and technical education, along with great networking opportunities and a product showcase. Members who attend this show 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.

CCC Information Services (www.cccis.com)
CCC offers a 25 percent discount, up to $500 total, off standard CCC prices for implementation and training in the use of CCC products and services. The discount applies to several CCC Pathways products.

"I like knowing that I can count on ASA's political efforts on my behalf, in Washington, D.C., and nationwide. I also appreciate being able to rely on ASA for up-to-date industry news through their many publications such as AUTOINC. magazine, ASA News-Network and AUTOINC.'s AutoLinks. The trusted vendors and exclusive discounts available to members are just the icing on the ASA member benefit cake!" - Phil Begley, Wilson, Wyo.

Celebration of Excellence (www.ASAcelebration.com)
Celebration of Excellence is an opportunity to recognize the hard work and extraordinary accomplishments of ASA members and industry leaders. Held during ASA's Annual Convention, 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."

Cintas (www.cintas.com)
Products from Cintas provide a fun, smart and professional way to market to customers. Cintas offers both a uniform rental program as well as discounts on purchased business apparel. Orders placed by ASA members through a specially designed ASA/Cintas Web site - accessed from wwwASAstore.com - receive a 15 percent discount. Once you log in with your member number, click on apparel and then the Cintas link to be taken to the ASA/Cintas store.

Cintas and its First Aid & Safety Division also provides a money-saving program that allows ASA members to keep their staff safe, productive and on the job; help maintain OSHA compliance through properly stocked first-aid kits and cabinets, personal protective equipment and training programs; and reduce injuries and lower workers' compensation costs. ASA member-businesses experience an average savings of 20 percent on their first aid and safety needs.

CSi Complete (www.csicomplete.com)
Customer satisfaction is extremely important in this day and age. ASA and CSi Complete are bringing you a customer satisfaction indexing service that uses a systematic approach to monitor business performance. CSi Complete offers traditional phone-based CSi market research while CSi Communicator offers automated, but personalized, phone-based technology.

Features of both systems include audio recordings of customer comments, real-time text message or e-mail alerts of customer feedback to the repair facility, and online reports that are updated daily. CSi Communicator also has automated service reminders and other messaging functionality to drive revenue and profits.

CustomerLink (www.customerlink.com)
Ever wish that you could remind your customers about the scheduled maintenance that needs to be performed on their vehicles? Using personalized, custom communications to target vehicle owners, the CustomerLink service encourages consumers to return to their independent service provider several times annually for manufacturers' recommended services, technician-recommended services, seasonal maintenance and wear-item replacement. Through CustomerLink, ASA members can realize savings on various services up to 44 percent.

Delphi (www.delphi-iss.com)
Through an agreement with Delphi, ASA members are able to choose from a variety of Web-based training and educational packages at a highly discounted rate. The products and services available through Delphi will help ASA members establish career development programs for technicians; provide effective consumer communication tools and offer access to additional repair information options.

Division Newsletters (www.ASAshop.org)
How can you improve your estimating process system? Should you purchase an OEM or an aftermarket scan tool, and does it matter which type you buy? Find the answers to these questions as well as much more information in the monthly division newsletters. The Collision Repair Report is tailored to ASA collision shops, while the Mechanical Division Dispatch is written for mechanical repair shops. Both newsletters are now digital and are delivering timely news to ASA members entirely online. The new reader-friendly format is designed to promote communication and discussion between authors, division leaders and members, while saving a few trees along the way. Exclusive to ASA members, this new electronic format will bring ASA collision and mechanical division news straight to your e-mail in-box every month. It is showcased within the ASA News-Network. To ensure that you will continue to receive your monthly division newsletter, visit the ASA Web site and subscribe to the ASA News-Network.

Elavon (www.elavon.com)
Choosing the right credit card processor can be critical to your bottom line. Members save time and money on their credit card processing through an arrangement with Elavon. With check card rates as low as 1.42 percent, Elavon offers competitive pricing and 24/7 Customer Service.

Find Nearest ASA Shop (www.ASAshop.org)
All ASA member shops are listed on ASA's Web site so when visitors want their cars serviced, they can do a search on the "Find Nearest ASA Shop" locator. If you're in their neighborhood, voila, you're listed! In addition, if a member has an existing Web site, ASA will link to the site free of charge from the member's listing. This is a great and easy way to step up your marketing efforts on the Web at no additional cost.

GE Money/CarCareOne (www.carcareone.net)
One of ASA's most popular member benefits is the CarCareONE program, a consumer-designed credit card program, offered through GE Retail Sales Finance. The CarCareONE program offers customers the option of 90 days no interest with payment for purchases totaling more than $150. This program extends a line of credit to patrons of ASA shops and helps build relationships between shops and their customers.

"CARS is the one event each year that combines education for management and technicians, association and networking with the top professionals in our industry, and exposure to the latest and greatest products and services to help us build our businesses. It is a 'must attend' on my calendar." - Bill Moss, Manassas Park, Va.

Hertz (www.hertz.com)
Give your customers another way to save money when they come to your shop! The Hertz Corporation offers a discount savings program to ASA members that can be used for business and personal use. The discounts will be available at all participating Hertz locations and will apply to various car classes. In addition to year-round discounts on rental costs, ASA members are eligible to save on car class upgrades and other money-saving offers.

Identifix (www.identifix.com)
ASA members receive a discount on Identifix's pair of products - Direct-Hit and the Identifix Repair Hotline. Direct-Hit is Identifix's award-winning online diagnostic information service created from more than 3 million calls received through the Identifix Repair Hotline. Need a second opinion? The Identifix Repair Hotline has 37 factory-certified, ASE master technicians ready to give you a hand with just one phone call. Identifix has five diagnostic teams - GM, Ford, Chrysler, Asian and European. Its seasoned professionals answer calls only on their carline specialty.

Information Center (www.ASAshop.org)
ASA's Information Center offers members access to a database containing citations and abstracts to the latest commentary on such topics as business management, employee hiring, business statistics, legal issues, customer service ideas and repair statistics. To access the database, log into Members Only with your six-digit ASA member number.

KEYS (www.ASAshop.org/KEYS)
"Keep Educating Yourself and Staff" is the premier education program for automotive service professionals. KEYS offers regional technical and management courses taught by the nation's leading instructors, and ASA members receive a discount on event registration.

Labor Law Posters (www.ASAstore.com)
Here's one of those best-kept ASA secrets: ASA offers Labor Law posters that contain the most up-to-date federal and state compliance statements required by law. ASA members can purchase their particular state poster for $38. That's a discount of at least 50 percent over some other sources - and it's delivered to your door! Texas residents will need to add $3.13 for state sales tax. Call ASA's Membership Department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295, to order today!

Bob Redding

Legislative Representation (www.TakingTheHill.com)
Besides ASA's legislative Web site, ASA has legislative representation in Washington, D.C., so that the voice of the automotive service industry can be heard. ASA is the only automotive trade association of its kind to have a full-time Washington, D.C., representative working on our behalf! For more than 15 years, Robert L. Redding Jr. has represented our association and industry and has a thorough knowledge of automotive service- and collision repair-related issues.

Limited Warranty Agreements (www.ASAstore.com)
Increase your credibility as a professional shop by offering ASA consumer warranties, which are offered for both mechanical and collision shops. Warranties meet state and federal regulatory requirements, and can be customized by members to meet individual needs. Get 100 warranty forms for as little as $15.

Market Profiles (www.ASAshop.org)
Market profiles provide useful and descriptive demographic information by ZIP code, making ASA's Market Profiles an untapped resource with loads of information. ASA members receive the first five ZIP codes FREE and one free market profile per year. During the month of March, members save 25 percent off additional profiles ordered through ASA's membership department.

Meadowbrook Insurance Group (www.wcpolicy.com/asa)
Meadowbrook Insurance Group provides ASA members with workers' compensation insurance and other business insurance needs. Meadowbrook offers interest-free pay plans and professional safety services specifically for your industry.

"Knowing that ASA has such wonderful representation in Washington, D.C., gives me a very secure feeling. ASA's representatives do an amazing job representing ASA and are always on the lookout for issues that may have potential impact on ASA members." - Howard Pitkow, Wyndmoor, Pa.

Melior (www.meliortraining.com)
How do you keep your technicians well trained in an industry that is always changing? Melior Inc. can help. Melior develops and delivers service technician training for a wide-ranging client base and its interactive Web-based courses are an advanced resource that can be adapted for diverse fields of study. In addition to an assessment tool and Learning Management System, Melior offers ASA members interactive Web-based technical training for both the entry-level and experienced technician. ASA members receive a 25 percent discount on all Melior services and modules offered to small business users or approximately $25 per course. With savings like that, there's no reason for you not to take advantage.

Mitchell 1 (www.mitchell1.com)
Mitchell 1 is excited to provide its family of products - including a complete line of integrated management and information software, as well as a new suite of business performance services - at a more significant savings than ever before to ASA members. With Mitchell 1's complete line of products - including OnDemand5, Manager/Manager Plus, Customer Retention Marketing (CRM) and Service Intelligence - ASA members are sure to increase their profitability and grow their business.

Mitchell 1 also offers a Web-based benefit that places key performance indicator (KPI) data at the fingertips of today's shop owner. Powered by Mitchell 1, ShopMeter provides national and regional averages on a number of data sets, including average repair order dollars, top 10 repair jobs, average parts sales and the most frequently serviced vehicles. ASA members now have the ability to compare and contrast their shop data to regional and national averages that will provide them with an immediate benchmark that can be used to assess their business plans and better determine their future. Know the numbers. Use the numbers. ShopMeter can be accessed online through the ASA Web site, www.ASAshop.org, in the Members Only section. ASA regular members in good standing may access ShopMeter using their six-digit member number.

Mitchell International (www.mitchell.com)
Mitchell International's ABS 8 (Advanced Business System) is a Windows-based business management system that raises the performance bar for profit-enhancing functions that can turn any shop into a more productive enterprise. ASA members save $300 on ABS. ASA members also save $150 on Mitchell's UltraMate Automated estimating system - a collision repair solution that simplifies the collection and flow of critical information and tasks between business and trading partners in the claims process.

Motor Information Systems (www.motor.com)
ASA members receive a 20 percent discount on selected MOTOR Chek-Chart titles - a source of maintenance service specifications in timesaving chart formations. Members may order Chek-Charts along with ASE Study Guides and other special-offer items.

NACE (www.NACEexpo.com)
ASA annually sponsors NACE - the International Autobody Congress and Exposition - the world's largest collision repair event. The four-day exposition includes management, industry and technical seminars, and a trade show with more than 600 exhibitors. NACE is co-located with CARS at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center, Nov. 4-7, 2009, during Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW).

NPC (www.npc.net)
National Processing Company, a provider of business transaction processing, from point-of-sale credit card processing to e-commerce solutions, offers special pricing on credit card processing for eligible ASA member businesses. NPC is exclusively focused on small- and medium-sized merchants with services that include the electronic acceptance of credit, debit, gift and loyalty cards, fleet cards and electronic checks. NPC also offers wireless terminals, equipment leasing, 24-hour tech support, merchant cash advance and Web statement reporting.

Paychex (www.paychex.com)
Paychex can take the burden and time-intensive work of maintaining a shop's payroll off your shoulders so you can focus on other things. It offers comprehensive payroll services including payroll processing, payroll tax administration, direct deposit and check signing. Human resource and benefits outsourcing services include 401(k) recordkeeping, Section 125 plans and workers' compensation administration. Paychex offers a 15 percent discount off normal payroll processing pricing for ASA members, as well as other discounts.

Reynolds and Reynolds (www.reyrey.com)
Reynolds & Reynolds has teamed up with ASA to provide a variety of forms, such as repair orders, that comply with your specific requirements. Enjoy discounted savings on repair orders, estimate forms, invoices, lube stickers and other printed material through ASA's partnership with Reynolds and Reynolds.

Rx-Saver (www.Rx-Saver.com/asa)
ASA and Sunergeo Inc. now offer members a no-cost prescription drug discount card through the Rx-Saver program. The Rx-Saver discount prescription card is accepted by more than 63,000 pharmacies nationwide, including all major chains. Persons who will benefit most from the Rx-Saver card are those who have no prescription drug insurance coverage or limited coverage. This easy-to-use, no-cost offering is estimated to provide ASA members the opportunity to save an average of 20 percent annually on their prescription drug purchases. Also, the program covers everyone in the cardholder's household, so members may purchase their spouse's or children's prescriptions on the same discount plan. ASA members are encouraged to take advantage of this savings opportunity, as well as provide it to their employees as part of their overall employee benefits package.

"I really believe in the value of being an ASA member because the money-saving products and services ASA provides are second to none. ASA's wide array of offerings gives me the opportunity to save when I would normally pay full price for tools I need to run my business. This is an invaluable source of savings that makes being an ASA member very worthwhile." - Geoff Williams, Houston, Texas

TakingTheHill.com (www.TakingTheHill.com)
Focused on a commitment to advance grassroots advocacy campaigns, ASA's legislative Web site, www.TakingtheHill.com, helps mobilize support or opposition for issues directly impacting the automotive repair industry on both federal and state levels. The core of the Web site is ASA's Legislative Alert Center. This program allows industry members to contact their representatives regarding specific legislation and, with the click of a button, send an e-mail to their elected officials.

UniCure (www.spraybooths.com)
Interstate Marketing Corporation, manufacturer of UniCure spraybooths, provides the collision repair industry with high-quality UniCure spraybooths for cars and trucks. ASA members receive a 15 percent discount off the list price for UniCure spraybooths.

UniFirst (www.unifirst.com)
UniFirst Corporation, a work wear and textile services company, provides ASA members with a nationally priced service program for uniforms, career apparel and associated facility services. UniFirst is one of North America's largest work wear and textile services companies that rents, leases and sells uniforms, protective clothing, custom corporate work wear, floor care and other facility services products to all kinds of businesses throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Members who purchase products through the ASA Web site receive 20 percent off merchandise.

Wage & Hour Hotline (www.ASAshop.org)
Wouldn't it be great to have a source to turn to when it comes to wage issues regarding your employees? As an ASA member, that information is at your fingertips. By using the Wage and Hour Hotline, you can get accurate information on how to comply with the complex and fast-changing Federal Wage and Hour laws and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations. Members receive valuable advice to prevent violations of labor law and employment policies within 48 hours of contacting the ASA membership department.

Web Services (http://webservices.asashop.org)
ASA can create a multi-page, interactive Web site for its members for a one-time set-up fee of $495. Features can include an online appointment scheduler, an "Ask-an-Expert" section, online specials and an electronic customer retention mechanism. More information can be found at webservices.asa shop.org.

ASA also has affordable hosting options for members with new or existing Web sites. Hosting packages start as low as $10 a month.

Zurich (www.zurichna.com/zdu)
Protect your business with complete coverage designed just for you. If you don't have the right coverage, one liability occurrence could put you out of business. Make sure your garage liability coverage is structured specifically for you and the risks you face as an automotive business owner. ASA and Zurich have partnered to provide comprehensive protection for automotive businesses. The ASA/Zurich program offers a wide assortment of products as well as the ability to work with an account executive who is a specialist in your business.

As you have seen in this special section of AutoInc., ASA works hard to provide its members with a full range of benefits and services that can make you successful in all aspects of your business. If you are a current member, we invite you to visit the Members Only section of the ASA Web site to start taking advantage of these great benefits and savings; you will need your six-digit member number to access the section. If you are not a member of ASA, we invite you to join online at www.ASAshop.org or call (800) ASA-SHOP, ext. 295, to start experiencing these savings today!