BOCA RATON, Fla. (Feb. 1, 2002)—The Florida Independent Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association (FITDRA) and the Automotive Service Association of Florida (ASA-FL) announced they will merge, effective today.
The two associations held a special meeting on Jan. 26 and each unanimously approved the merger plan. The newly formed association will be known as the Florida Automotive Trades Association and will represent both of the state's aftermarket associations, the former FITDRA said.
FITDRA executive director Jill Mondo will manage the newly created association, which will be based in Boca Raton.
“As a combined association we have many benefits to offer to the tire and automotive service industry,” FITDRA President John Tidwell said. “A single voice for the industry, power in numbers, more membership value through combined services, information and resources, additional networking opportunities for members and suppliers, and strong affiliations with both of the national associations.”
Rick Smith, ASA-FL president, concurred.
“We were extremely please that both out memberships have supported the merger,” he said. “Our promise to members is that the combined association will continue to seek more and better ways to improve their relationship with this association, the national associations, their suppliers, and help increase their profitability.”
FITRA is a 34-year-old trade group representing all sectors of the Florida replacement tire market. ASA-FL has represented the automotive service industry since 1972.