[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 48 (Tuesday, April 16, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE ASSOCIATION

                                 ______


                            HON. JOE BARTON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 15, 1996

  Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 
Automotive Service Association [ASA] on the occasion of its 45th 
anniversary. ASA is the oldest and largest trade association of its 
kind representing all segments of the independent automotive repair 
industry, including transmission, mechanical, and collision repair 
facilities. The association now includes more than 12,000 businesses. 
The association now includes more than 12,000 businesses, 28 State 
groups and 220 chapters located throughout the world.
  Over the past 45 years, ASA has merged with a variety of automotive 
repair associations to enable the industry to speak with a singular and 
unified voice. These groups include the Independent Garagemen's 
Association of Texas [IGA], the Independent Garage Owners of America 
[IGO], the Auto Body Association of America [ABAA], the Automotive 
Service Councils [ASC] and, the Independent Automotive Service 
Association [IASA].
  In addition to providing a host of member benefits, ASA annually 
sponsors the world's largest collision repair event, the International 
Autobody Congress and Exposition [NACE], the Congress of Automotive 
Repair and Service [CARS], the Northern Autobody Congress and 
Exposition and the ASA Annual Convention. In fact, NACE has been 
selected from a wide range of applicants to participate in the U.S. 
Department of Commerce's International Buyer Program. This recognition 
serves as acknowledgement of the quality of the event and the export 
potential of the industry it serves.
  ASA members recognize their obligation to professionalism. Members 
subscribe to a code of ethics, which governs the methods by which they 
conduct their business practices. Among other things, an ASA member is 
sworn to perform high quality repair service at a fair and just price; 
use only proven merchandise of high quality distributed by reputable 
firms; employ the best skilled technicians; recommend corrective and 
maintenance services, explaining to the customer which of these are 
required to correct existing problems and which are for preventive 
maintenance.
  ASA also endeavors to assist its members to improve the quality of 
repairs through management and technician training programs. The 
Automotive Service Association Management Institute [ASAMI] provides 
continuing management education in the areas of leadership, business, 
finance, personnel, operations, and personal enrichment.
  The ASA anniversary will be recognized throughout the year at ASA-
sponsored events and ASA's official publication AutoInc. will feature a 
special anniversary issue. I am pleased to honor the association today 
on this special occasion.

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