Great Things Happening

In many ways ASA is experiencing a rebirth and is currently in a whirlwind of positive activity. We’ve reported on the changes in our leadership, structure, new show venue and heightened energy over the past year. We are working to project an image of greater humility, cooperation and transparency.

We just swore in our new board for the year. The names are the same, but a couple of people are in different roles. This is an impressive group who has worked through some difficult and turbulent issues, taking our association to a higher level of performance and accountability. We can all be proud of their leadership, persistence, dedication, teamwork and diligence.

It is gratifying to be experiencing the positive results of their work. There will be some openings in the next term for new volunteers. For those with association experience and passion, I highly recommend you consider running for a seat. While our efforts should always be for the good of the association, never self-serving, such participation has a way of paying back through positive relationships, new knowledge and gratifying experiences. It provides a unique opportunity to not only influence our association, but also the industry. It’s not about simply talking about issues. It’s about doing something about them.

Our NACE/CARS show planning is coming together nicely and showing incredible promise. It’s coming up soon. It’s not too early to register and plan your travel. We anticipate the expo area to double its size from last year. The OE manufacturers are offering up tours and training experiences that cannot be experienced elsewhere. The education tracks will be second to none. Our symposiums will bring a level of information and networking that is high-powered and unique. The COBO Center is a gorgeous facility on the river. We will be joined by Collision Industry Conference, the I-CAR Annual Convention and Canadian Collision Industry Forum. This show and its venue will be like none other. Thanks to the board and our staff for having the courage and creativity to step “out of the box” and create something innovative and unique. It will be our industry’s “gathering place.” Please join us in the city where our industry started and flourished.

I look forward to seeing you at the great new automotive repair event for 2014, NACE/CARS in Detroit! Register now!

Editor’s note: Visit www.NACEexpo.com to register for NACE and www.CARSevent.org to register for CARS.