RALEIGH, N.C. — Members of the North Carolina Tire Dealers Association (NCTDA) and the Independent Garage Owners Association of North Carolina (IGO-NC) have voted unanimously to merge the organizations.
The vote, held Aug. 25, creates a combined entity called the Automotive Service & Tire Alliance (ASTA). The organizations said the move, which unites two groups with nearly 400 members each, is "beneficial and logical."
"Our similarities and mission purposes of the two associations are clear and unmistakable," Stan Creech, president of the IGO-NC, said. "Both associations will be stronger by doubling member locations and combining assets to promote greater value to our members."
NCTDA President Marc Pons said the organization's vision reflects the future needs of reinforcing support to the small businesses it represents.
Mr. Pons, who operates Chapel Hill Tire & Car Care, will serve as president of the ASTA, which will be based in Raleigh.
"Providing industry training, member programs, apprenticeships and workforce development, networking and legislative representation to name just a few synergies we will be promoting," he said. "We are excited and look forward to joining forces and advocating on behalf of the respective industries we represent."
The board will be composed of 14: seven from the former NCTDA and seven from IGO.
The organization said members will benefit by blending positive assets from both sides into one entity.
"There will be far more communications to members, member buying programs (uniforms, insurance, lubricants program, credit card processing, etc.)," the organization said.
The new group will provide training and apprenticeships, and hold regional meetings that will provide educational values, as well as an annual expo.
The ASTA soon will unveil a new logo.