The Automotive Service Association (ASA) presented its first Affiliate of the Year Award to ASA-Arizona for its outstanding accomplishments across a broad range of categories. ASA-Arizona was selected for its excellence in membership growth, educational events, participation in ASA national programs, legislative activity and overall contributions of its membership to the automotive service industry.

John Scully, AAM, ASA executive vice president who presented the award, said the association is fortunate to have so many successful affiliates.

"ASA is blessed to have 16 affiliates, all of whom do an outstanding job in their local market," Scully said. "It is very difficult to separate the best from the best, and ASA-Arizona is truly deserving of this honor."

The initiative and leadership exhibited in national advocacy issues, such as service information and the National Automotive Service Task Force, was the deciding factor in awarding ASA-Arizona the Affiliate of the Year award, Scully added.

Luz Rubio, executive director of ASA-Arizona, accepted the award on behalf of the affiliate. Rubio took over the reins of ASA-Arizona Jan. 1, 2005, replacing Bill Mason who had served as executive director for 14 years. Mason was instrumental in establishing the affiliate's Sunrise Annual Convention and Leadership Conference, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.

ASA-Arizona is also successful in recruiting members to its organization from the population of existing shops in the state and promotes an annual membership campaign. It participates in the annual "Lights Out" campaign and has a strong record of retaining its members.

"For all of these reasons and more, ASA-Arizona is deserving of this first-time award," said Scully. "It has a proven track record of accomplishment and leadership, which has set an exemplary pace for our other affiliates."

Guidelines for Affiliate of the Year were sent to each affiliate and are designed to take into account the size of each group to ensure each has an equal opportunity to win the award.