The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced Tom Easton, senior partner with Essential Action Design Group, will be the keynote speaker for the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS). Easton, whose tasteful humor and down-to-earth style have earned him a reputation as one of the best keynote speakers in America, is slated to appear during the CARS Keynote Luncheon, Nov. 4, 2006.

Easton’s presentation, titled "The Future is Getting Closer at CARS," will use humor, audience participation and personal stories to engage the audience. He will speak about customer service, how to maneuver in the "River of Change" and getting your team to embrace change and the fabric of success.

"Today’s owners and managers of automotive repair facilities face more than technology changes in vehicle operating systems; they are facing changes in their employees’ attitudes toward work, plus the evolving changes of their customers’ expectations and mandates," said Easton. "My goals are to provide the CARS audience with insights and actionable ideas to immediately improve their current operations and prepare their businesses for growth and sustainable success."

CARS 2006 will be held Nov. 2-4 at The Mirage in Las Vegas. Sponsored by ASA’s Mechanical Division, CARS is held annually during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week and is the premier gathering for automotive service professionals. CARS features management seminars, technical courses, numerous networking opportunities and an exhibitor showcase.

"Last year, I had the opportunity to hear Tom Easton and I was impressed. He delivers a strong message with great style and I’m glad his schedule allowed him to be available for CARS 2006," said Robbie Addison, Mechanical Division manager. "I feel confident that the attendees will enjoy his presentation and benefit from his advice and recommendations."

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’s headquarters is in Bedford, TX.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to http://www.asashop.org, or visit ASA’s legislative website at http://www.TakingTheHill.com.