NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas (March 2, 2015) — The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has added two affiliates — ASA-Connecticut and ASA-Indiana/Evansville.
The Connecticut group, formerly known as the Connecticut Collision Repair Specialists, represents the leadership in Connecticut, with a proven track record of working together with all the stakeholders in the industry, according to ASA President and Executive Director Dan Risley.
“We particularly look forward to assisting ASA-Connecticut's members as they address legislative issues impacting shop owners in that state,” Mr. Risley said, noting the Connecticut group is the ASA's 16th affiliated association.
One of the goals of the group is to expand its reach to include mechanical shops.
“The addition of ASA-Connecticut furthers our goal of adding affiliates in key areas throughout the United States,” he continued. “One of our focuses is the Northeast. We look forward to adding another affiliate or two in that region in the coming months.”
Lisa Siembab, former executive director of Connecticut Collision Repair Specialists (CCRS), has become the executive director of ASA-Connecticut.
“Founded in 2008, CCRS has worked very hard within the state of Connecticut to represent repairers' interest in training and education, legislative issues, business improvement and giving back to their respective communities,” she said.
“It's gratifying to know our efforts are recognized and we have the opportunity to become an affiliate association of ASA national. With this affiliation, we will be able to offer our members even more value. I am also excited about uniting with our mechanical colleagues in ASA-Connecticut — this will bring more collaboration between our two segments.”
ASA-Indiana/Evansville held its inaugural meeting on Dec. 9 at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, one of the founding sponsors and the designated host for the group's meetings.
The ASA noted the efforts of Verne and Barb Menke of Menke's Automotive Repair in Newburgh, Ind., for helping get the group established.
“Without their participation, time and effort, this would not have happened,” Mr. Risley said, noting that NAPA AutoCare and Jasper Engines & Transmissions were also involved in getting the group started.
Mr. Risley said ASA's affiliated associations, which are located throughout the U.S., enable the ASA to provide better local representation, meetings and education to ASA member businesses.
More information about the ASA is available on its website or by calling 817-514-2931.