ASA News-Network: March 8, 2011

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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

ASA Members to Discuss
Industry Issues on Capitol Hill
Register online today!

ASA Members to Discuss Industry Issues on Capitol Hill ASA members will head to Capitol Hill May 11 as part of the association's 2011 annual business meeting in the Washington, D.C., area. "Taking the Hill" Day will allow members to meet face-to-face with policymakers to discuss key industry issues to address the concerns of today's mechanical and collision repair professionals.

With a large number of new members of Congress, this will be a unique opportunity for ASA members to educate policymakers about the independent automotive repair industry and its impact on the economy. READ MORE ..

ASA collision repair members will discuss:
• The Federal Insurance Office and insurance reform,
• Vehicle disclosure legislation and crash parts,
• The EPA's implementation of the automotive refinishing regulation.

ASA mechanical repair members will discuss:
• The importance of state safety inspection programs and NHTSA's role in encouraging and protecting these programs,
• The importance of vocational education programs to the automotive repair industry,
• The EPA's emissions inspection programs.

Click here to register for ASA's annual business meeting and "Taking the Hill" day.

House Passes Repeal of 1099 Reporting Mandate
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 4, the "Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011," which repeals the 1099 reporting mandate in the new health care law, by a vote of 314-112. ASA supported the repeal. Click here for more information.

Other Legislative News:
• House Bill Aims to Implement Review of Regulation's Impact on Small Businesses

Celebrating 60 Years of ASA
ASA is celebrating 60 years of serving the automotive repair industry in 2011! AutoInc. editors are asking for photos of ASA members' favorite memories; stories of how ASA has made a difference in members' lives or in the success of their shops; or input on one tool or innovation in the past 60 years that has made servicing cars easier.
Click here for details and submission deadlines.

Other ASA News:
• ASA Members: Give Us Your Thoughts on Entry-Level Technicians

NCOIL Votes to Kill Model Parts Act
At the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) spring meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the Property and Casualty Insurance Committee voted against the proposed Model Act Regarding Motor Vehicle Crash Parts and Repair. ASA members have been contacting state legislators who serve on this committee asking them to oppose the proposed model act. Click here for details.

ASA Opposes Proposed Oregon Right to Repair Act
Legislation has been proposed in the Oregon House of Representatives that would require manufacturers of motor vehicles to make tools, information, software and wireless capabilities available to owners, owners' designees and vehicle repair shops. Send your letter in opposition.

Other Mechanical News:
• EPA Finalizes Approval of Air Conditioning Substitute

The Magic Behind the Best Shops
I wish I could tell you there are three or four key secrets that some shop owners know that if you knew would make you profitable and make your business easy to run, but I can't. I do believe that I can point out some commonalities and a few cautions that will help you become more like the best and most profitable shops.
Click here to read this AutoInc. feature.

ASA members agree to adhere to ASA's Code of Ethics - the automotive service industry's standard for professional business practices with consumers in mind. In addition to a shop's business name, motorists can also identify ASA member businesses by the red, white and blue ASA sign. Purchase a Code of Ethics poster to display in your business or a new ASA Member sign at www.ASAstore.com.

ASA's Mission: ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services.