ASA: 60 Years Strong

Posted 5/12/2011
By Jerry Burns, AAM, Chairman

ASA is excited to host the annual business meeting in the Washington, D.C., area - where we will be celebrating our 60th anniversary.

It's nice to look back at all the former chairpersons who have led ASA through the many challenges and changes throughout the years. We are thankful for the passion and hard work these men and women have given our great industry. Although some may no longer be with us, always remember the contributions they made. Always appreciate and recognize the leaders, past and present, who have served our industry by bringing it - and ASA - to where it is today.

Come with me, as we reminisce a little as to where we began to where we find ourselves currently.

Today's "ASA" is the result of mergers and consolidations of various trade associations over the past 60 years. As we celebrate this special time in our association's history, ASA remains committed to advancing the professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services.

There have been changes along the way, of course. The decline in transmission repair resulted in the transmission division merging with ASA's mechanical division. We have also seen a decline in engine rebuilding. Sixty years ago, we would have never thought our vehicles would be controlled by multiple computers and that we would be using scanners to diagnose problems. Synthetic lubricants we use today extend the life of the vehicle, while reducing vehicle maintenance. We have gone from points and condensers and spark plugs being changed every 10,000 miles to vehicles being virtually maintenance free for 50,000 miles or more.

In collision repair, we began writing estimates from a book and now use a computerized database. We went from measuring cars with centerline gauges to computerized measuring equipment. Spraying lacquer and enamel paints, color sand and polish are basically obsolete. Our industry as a whole is more environmentally conscious, and collision repair shops are converting to waterborne base coats and urethane top coats. The quality of these products enables us to warranty the refinish on the vehicle for the lifetime the vehicle owner owns that vehicle.

With things changing so rapidly - in even the past five years - I can't begin to imagine what the next 60 years of repairs will be like. We may all be working on George Jetson vehicles sooner than we think.

Thank you again to those who have blazed ASA trails and to those who will continue ASA's legacy for our future generations. I encourage everyone to volunteer and participate in leading ASA and our industry forward. Together we make a difference and remain strong. Thank you for the privilege of serving as ASA chairman in ASA's milestone 60th year.

Congratulations to Ron Nagy, our next ASA chairman. Ron and his wife, Kris, are very passionate individuals who care deeply about the community and industry they serve. Both are excellent leaders and very involved with the youth in their church and in their community. Ron has served the repair industry and ASA in various capacities over the years, and has been instrumental in advancing our industry. He owns and operates five successful collision stores. He understands the challenges our industry faces daily and is very resourceful in facing those challenges. Please support Ron and our 2011-2012 ASA board of directors as they lead us into the next 60 years. God bless you all.