Council Bluffs, Iowa -- -When the Automotive Service Association of Nebraska (ASA-NE) opened its Direction '07 Pathway to Gold convention in Council Bluffs at Harrah's Casino on Oct. 19, "We had a more diverse attendance right from the start," said Jennah Haase, executive director of ASA-NE.
"We had some attendees from Kansas and Missouri, along with the executive director of ASA-MO/Kan, Sheri Hamilton, and president of ASA-MO/Kan, James Copeland," Haase said. "Bill Haas, vice president of education and training for ASA National, was on hand to instruct a class on OEM Service Information Web sites. The class, like many of the other classes given at Direction '07, allowed the attendees to receive credit toward their Automotive Management Institute Accredited Automotive Manager designation."
"Registration was brisk," Haase said of the run-up to the convention. "This is the first time that the organization moved to a new location. In the past, ASA-NE held its convention in Kearney, Neb."
Haase said the association wanted to attract more metropolitan shops and have a venue that has more entertainment to offer
the attendees. Saturday morning, Oct. 20, started out with a continental breakfast. That brought together people from as far as Hastings, Neb., and Columbia, Mo, Haase said, adding that the convention's trade show drew 17 vendors from parts warehouses, manufacturing companies, chemical companies, national banks, and insurance companies.
There were 11 classes given on Saturday ranging from information on Web sites to diagnosis and drivability case study, how to deal with angry customers, and getting your employees to work as a team. O'Reilly Auto Parts sponsored two classes with Instructor Jim Wilson presenting Basic Lab Scope and Electrical Strategies I&II.
Vetronix Bosch Group sponsored a class with Dave Crippen on drivability case studies. "Reducing Warranties & Come Backs with Mechatronics – You Are No Longer in Control" was presented by Jesse Serrano and sponsored by A1 Cardone. Randy Briggs, with CTI, presented two classes, "How to Use iATH as a Diagnostic Resource" and "Controller Area Network Diagnosis."
Sunday began with breakfast at 8 a.m. and training at 9 a.m. Margie Seyfer, a motivational speaker, conducted "Attitude is Infectious."
"I was happy with the turnout," Haase said. "I think that with a little tweaking, we might look at coming back next year, but that will be the board's decision."
ASA-NE had a business meeting and elected new officers on Saturday night. The results were scheduled to be announced before Nov. 1.
Comment on this article
Send This Link To Friend