The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced a new affiliate: ASA-Indiana/Evansville. Its inaugural meeting was held Dec. 9, 2014.
Dan Risley, president of ASA, spoke at ASA-Indiana/Evansville’s first meeting.
More than 55 people attended the meeting, including students and instructors from a vocational school. In addition to instructors, nine Ivy Tech students (seven young men and two young women) attended the inaugural meeting.
The addition of ASA-Indiana/Evansville brings the number of ASA-affiliated associations in the United States to 14. Risley said the affiliated associations, which are located throughout the United States, enable ASA to provide better local representation, meetings and education to ASA member businesses.
“A special thanks goes to Verne and Barb Menke of Menke’s Automotive Repair in Newburgh, Ind.,” said Risley. “Without their participation, time and effort, this would not have happened.”
Risley also praised local representatives of NAPA and Jasper Engines for assisting in making formation of the new affiliate possible. And he thanked Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis for supporting the new affiliate.
Ivy Tech announced that ASA-Indiana meetings will be held at the school. Students and instructors will attend the meetings and participate in any training at no cost.
Vernie and Barb Menke said, “We are excited about the launch of ASA-Indiana/Evansville, and the great number of shops that signed on at our planning meeting. We want to especially thank our two main sponsors, Jasper Engines & Transmissions and NAPA Auto Parts, for their dedication to our industry. Our goal will be to form an ASA-Indiana North Chapter in Indianapolis the first of the year. These groups will be instrumental in moving our industry forward in our state.”
Bret Robyck, vice president of NAPA AutoCare, said: “NAPA is excited to work with our installer customers in Indiana through the new ASA affiliate. The newly formed group has solid plans to develop programs and events that build success with each member and NAPA is proud to be a part of it.”
Zach Bawel of Jasper Engines & Transmissions said, “Jasper is committed to our customers’ success. Our success depends on the success of the independent repair facilities. ASA is a great platform for networking, best practices sharing and education that will help the independent repair facilities that get involved and stay involved.”
Risley said, “ASA-Indiana/Evansville, NAPA and Jasper Engines’ relationship with Ivy Tech is key because partnering will enhance the school’s vocational program and encourage new students to enter the industry.
“It’s truly a win-win situation. ASA-Indiana/Evansville can provide the students with practical experience in member shops while they’re in school. This will give them real-life experience before graduation. And it will enable ASA-Indiana/Evansville members to evaluate the students as potential employees.”
The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry.
ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. To take advantage of the many benefits of membership in ASA, visit www.ASAshop.org or call (817) 514-2923 or (817) 514-2931.
For additional information about ASA, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.