Julie Massaro takes reins for ASA-Colorado
Julie Massaro has been named as the new Executive Director of ASA-Colorado. Julie is an association industry veteran with extensive experience in project management, member recruitment, meeting planning, cost containment, budget management and volunteer leadership.
Julie has more than 20 years experience as an executive director or senior executive in private companies, professional associations and nonprofit organizations in Colorado. Prior to Joining ASA-Colorado, Julie served as executive director for the National Utility Contractors Association of Colorado and the Performing Arts Medicine Association, both of Denver. She also has served in senior marketing and membership development positions with the Financial Planning Association, Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, American Management Association International and American Water Works Association.
“I am extremely excited and feel very fortunate to have Julie Massaro as our executive director,” said Steve Horvath, chairman of ASA-Colorado. “I see a very bright future for ASA-Colorado.”
Two ASA Affiliates Plan Training This Fall
ASA-Illinois and ASA-Pennsylvania will offer extraordinary opportunities for training in September and October. First up, Illinois’ CAN Conference, scheduled for Sept. 22-24 at the Westin Chicago Northwest, will offer even more hands-on and advanced mechanical classes by some of the nation’s top trainers. For more info on the event, see page 45. Also, Pennsylvania’s Super Saturday, scheduled for Oct 14, will be highlighted by a better venue, the Automotive Training Center (ATC) in Warminster, Pa., with five times as much room for vendors in the expo area and a host of classes and hands-on training, highlighted by Jeremy O’Neal of AdvisorFix. Registation and information start at ASAshop-pa.org.
Additional Views on Secure Share Network are Available Online
The launch of CCC’s Secure Share Network has sparked a strong reaction among members since it appeared in the May-June issue of AutoInc. The roll out impacts the 70 percent of the industry who currently use the estimating system, as well as virtually all of the parts vendors, CSI providers and others with whom these shops exchange estimate data. Some see it as another layer of technology to learn; others note the addition of a fee. CCC hails it as a vehicle to simplify the information-sharing process and give greater security and control to shop owners. Part 2 of that two-part debate is available as bonus coverage in this month’s online issue of AutoInc. at AutoInc.org.
Advance Auto Parts Offers Free Meeting/Training Space
Advance Auto Parts’ huge logistics complex in Lewisville, Texas, mixes warehouse and shipping facilities with a suite of training rooms and meeting spaces to accommodate professional automotive groups. The free meeting space is available by invitation or special requests by customers (shops) and automotive professional groups. The space can hold up to 60 members or be divided to accommodate groups of up to 30 people. More information is available from Cass Weldon, Advance Auto Parts commercial sales manager, at (214) 601-1841 or cass.weldon@advance-auto.com.
Ulmers Honors Young Auto Art Winners
Greg Kauffeld and son, Bryan, owners of Ulmers Auto Care, an ASA-member shop, get help from hundreds of kids in Cincinnati and Milford/Anderson, Ohio, every year to keep their shops well-decorated. The Kauffelds sponsor an annual art contest for kids in grades Kindergarten through six to create original paintings and drawings of their favorite automobiles. The kicker is that the kids have to do it the old fashioned way: by hand (no computerized images). They work with school systems in Cincinnati and Milford to select winners and present each winner (one per grade in each school system) with a $100 prize and free food and treats that are donated by local restaurants. Ulmer’s has each winner’s entry professionally framed and displayed in their shop lobbies for a year. In addition, each non-winning entry receives a consolation prize. Considering that they receive hundreds of entries in each shop, it’s a great community relations program and an even better way to encourage kids’ love of cars.
Nominations for ASA Board of Directors Are Open
It’s not too early to start thinking about joining ASA’s 2018 board of directors. Two board positions will be open for election: General Director and Mechanical Division Director. ASA is always looking for members who want to play a more active leadership role in the association. If you’re considering serving, contact Trisha Baker at trisha@ASAshop.org or call (817) 514-2925 to request a “consideration form” or for more information. Forms must be received by Aug. 1 to qualify for the election.
Women in Auto Care Sponsors 2017 Summer Leadership Conference
Women in Auto Care (WAC) is sponsoring its 2017 Summer Leadership Conference, July 19-20 at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. The one-and-a-half-day event will feature roundtable discussions, presentations and forums to help women develop their abilities in professional and personal communications and leadership in the industry. Information and registration are available on WAC’s new website, womeninautocare.org, or by email at info@womeninautocare.org.