Schnepper: The value of active membership

What’s the real value of an ASA membership? The board of directors and executive leadership of ASA believe that it’s active involvement.

Of course, members enjoy the significant discounts they receive from our Sponsored Benefit Providers, and they frequently tell us that the amount they save every year more than pays for their annual membership fee. They also appreciate the full-time representation in Washington, D.C.

Members also take advantage of the wealth of industry information provided by AutoInc., as well as our frequent e-newsletters, social media posts and additional online tools and resources. And for some members, that seems enough.

However, I don’t believe it is enough. And neither do the growing number of active members who know they gain more by participating in the opportunities ASA offers to get involved with the association and their peers.

As industry veteran Donny Seyfer has said, “The real investment you need to make in ASA isn’t dues. Active involvement will make your investment pay off. You pay so we can create all of our wonderful programs. But if you don’t get out of the shop and attend local and national meetings and events, that sign we sent you has become expensive.”

With vehicle technology evolving fast, you’ve got to be plugged into the education and training ASA provides and connected to the people who work with modern vehicles. Through ASA, it’s simply a matter of showing up.

Take a look at the opportunities we offer to help Drive Your Success!:

• Chapter meetings
• Local training events
• ASA annual business meeting
• ASA Washington, D.C., Fly-In
• ASA PAC fund, which supports politicians that support small business
• NACE | Automechanika Chicago, which offers educational programs, exhibitors and seminars/panels
• CARS/SEMA/AAPEX, national mechanical/management trade shows and education events
• Connected CARS
• Advanced Technology Diagnostic Repair Forum
• Affiliate trade shows, management and other training events

ASA members also serve on many boards and in many organizations, including:

• Automotive Management Institute (AMi)
• Collision Industry Conference (CIC)
• National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
• I-CAR
• National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF)
• National Automotive Technician’s Education Foundation (NATEF)
• Women in Auto Care (Car Care Council)

As we continue to sharpen our focus on members’ needs, ASA will work hard to ensure that they have plentiful opportunities to connect with the people who can help make their businesses better. It’s simple. Just show up.