March 4, 2013—The Automotive Service Association's (ASA) board of directors has approved name changes for two of its affiliated associations, ASA-Washington and ASA-Missouri/Kansas.
ASA-Washington will change its name to ASA-Northwest to provide additional support and services to chapters in Oregon and Idaho.
“We are very excited to continue working and expanding service to members in the Northwest region," said Jeff Lovell, president and affiliate executive director of ASA-Northwest.
ASA-Missouri/Kansas will change its name to ASA-Midwest, which allows ASA members in Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska and Oklahoma to join the affiliate.
“This new name demonstrates our commitment to serve the Midwest automotive repair professionals with the same great programs and services that have been the cornerstone of our success in Missouri and Kansas," said Sheri Hamilton, affiliate executive director of ASA-Midwest. "We look forward to working with members in these surrounding areas to bring support, benefits and training to become more competitive and profitable in today’s market.”
Any existing and prospective ASA members in the surrounding areas can now voluntarily expand their national level of membership to include affiliate membership.
“Over the past year, ASA has significantly streamlined the governance and organizational structure of the association to become more relevant and responsive to its membership,” said Ron Pyle, president and chief staff executive of the ASA. “The association’s affiliate organizations that are capable of providing added value to ASA members in adjacent markets will be afforded the opportunity to introduce themselves to a broader audience.”
The ASA says the name change is one of several strategies to increase membership participation and growth nationwide.