ASA Members Eligible for Discount on On-Hold Advertising Programs

ASA announces the launch of its newest member benefit through an agreement with On-Hold Concepts. Established in 1987, On-Hold Concepts develops and produces on-hold advertising, marketing and music services for the telephone environment.

On-Hold Concepts is offering a 20 percent discount on digital on-hold equipment to ASA members, as well as a 25 percent to 45 percent discount off on-hold advertising services (savings based upon selected option), and a 10 percent discount on music service.

On-Hold Concepts is an industry leader in the development and production of customized on-hold advertising, marketing and music services for the telephone environment. Carefully crafted and professionally produced on-hold programs place messages at the critical point of contact with customers. They promote a company's image and create a positive first impression to telephone callers placed on hold. It's a proven marketing strategy that delivers results.

To take advantage of these discounts, or to learn more about On-Hold Concepts, call the ASA membership department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295, or log in to ASA's entire benefits portfolio in the ASA Marketplace at http://ASA.bizunite.com.

Affiliate News

ASA-Central New Mexico Holds Tournament

ASA-Central New Mexico (ASA-CNM) held its annual golf tournament and fundraiser Aug. 22 at the Twin Warriors Golf Resort.

The proceeds from the event will be used for meeting and operational expenses, training seminars for members and advertising for their website to help draw name recognition to ASA-Central New Mexico. The format for this 18-hole tournament was a four-person "Best Ball" with some twisted skill challenges thrown in to make it fun for those who were not into the competitive part of tournament play. Three team awards were given to the top finishers. In addition, there were door and raffle prizes.

ASA-Arizona Announces More 'Green-Approved' Shops

ASA-Arizona recently announced a list of shops that have completed its "Green Shops" certification program, which is in partnership with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's (ADEQ) Green Shop Program.

To become certified, auto shops must accumulate at least 300 points on a checklist in various categories such as cleaning and degreasing and energy conservation created by ADEQ's Pollution Prevention Program. The program requires auto shops to use low-hazard, low-pollution solvents or water-based cleaners; recycle waste fluids and oil; use energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning, just to name a few of the areas.

This is a voluntary program for environmentally friendly shops in the state of Arizona. Congratulations to the following shops that joined the list of 32 other ASA shops that have been certified:

• Firestone Complete Auto Care, Laveen

• Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tolleson

• Firestone Complete Auto Care, Surprise

• Larry Harker's Auto Repair, Phoenix

• Pima Community College, Tucson

• Tobias Automotive Specialists, Cavecreek

Collision Recap

Created especially for collision repair professionals, an official International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) Town Hall meeting will be held during Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW) on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The panel discussion titled "Is Certification the Best Aftermarket Parts Policy for Consumers and Repairers?" will include various industry segments and entities that have (or plan to) establish parts certification programs. Sponsored by ASA, this event will be a platform to discuss the use of aftermarket parts. Tickets are $40, include a box lunch and are available in the online attendee registration systems for NACE (www.NACEexpo.com) and CARS (www.CARSevent.com).

Mechanical Recap

Mike Brewster

The 2010 Mechanical Division subcommittees are actively establishing their focus and tasks for the coming months. For example, under the leadership of Mike Brewster, AAM, the Education and Training Subcommittee continues the ongoing concern of discovering ways of attracting new talent to the automotive industry.

Last year's subcommittee created a script for a video clip that could provide the mechanism to expand ASA's outreach to younger generations by making the clip available on various social network venues. Other items of interest for the Education and Training Subcommittee include increasing awareness of SkillsUSA among the ASA membership and providing assistance to Bill Haas, vice president of education and training, on a flash reprogramming project.