The Automotive Service Association (ASA) held its annual business meeting May 7 and 8 at the Grand Hyatt DFW International Airport, located at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport in north Texas. The primary focus of this year’s pivotal event was the association’s significance in the industry and its goal to remain relevant to the needs of today’s members. To do so, the board of directors voted to amend the ASA bylaws, which was approved by the board and ratified by the ASA membership May 7 during the annual business meeting.
Among the numerous amendments ratified by the members were two of significance to the association’s structure and governance, the transition to a seven-member board and the discontinuation of the affiliate assembly process in lieu of developing a broader based and more direct method for members to interact with the board.
“Every association has an obligation to evaluate the member value proposition on a regular basis and adjust accordingly,” says Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive. “ASA has recognized its responsibility to deliver a consistent and relevant member experience, and the structure and governance of the association has to evolve in order to do so. The members of ASA’s board of directors should be commended for their vision and leadership in addressing the necessary changes.” All ASA members were invited to attend the annual business meeting. The agenda included open meetings of the board of directors, a state-of-the-association address by Pyle, and an Association Leadership Summit hosted by ASA that featured Jeff De Cagna, chief strategist and founder of Principled Innovation and an association strategy expert. Previous leadership summits have been held during ASRW/NACE/CARS 2010 and 2011, and at ASA’s 2011 annual business meeting.
The next function scheduled from the national office is Automotive Service and Repair Week (ASRW) Oct. 10-13, 2012, at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. ASA is pleased to bring its annual trade shows – the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) – to the Gulf Coast region during ASRW, and has received positive feedback from members, exhibitors and the industry at large regarding the return to a rotating schedule.
To see the educational sessions available for repair professionals, or the most up-to-date list of exhibitors, visit www.ASRWevents.com.
