The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is boosting its membership offerings by helping automotive repair shops promote their business and ASA affiliation.

The association’s new public relations kit provides shops with an array of pre-written press releases, photography tips, print- and Web-based advertising samples and suggestions, and an audio clip ready for use on members’ Web sites.

“ASA’s PR Kit is designed to be a dynamic collection of tools and tips for ASA members. Enhancements to the kit may occur on an ongoing basis as a result of member feedback and the creation of additional business aids,” says Angie Wilson, ASA’s vice president of marketing and communications. “We’re extremely pleased to bring these tools to our members to help them in their business communication efforts.”

The core of the kit is comprised of pre-written, customizable press releases for all occasions. These releases may be downloaded and edited to meet each member’s needs, then forwarded electronically to their local media representatives. The kit currently includes the following press release templates:
Anniversary Date           
Award/Honor/Certification Recipient
Celebrate Customer Count (millionth, etc.)           
Customer Appreciation Day
Contest/Prize           
Environmental Program
Green Shop Status           
New Membership in ASA
New Staff           
New Hours of Operation
New Ownership           
New Location (move or expansion)
New Ownership (generational)           
New Service Offered
New Specialty Equipment           
Special Promotional Offer
Sponsorship/Community Involvement           
Web/Online Scheduling

Additional items include an image checklist for repair businesses, tips on working with local media and suggestions for ASA logo placement. The PR Kit is the latest addition to ASA’s growing collection of business tools designed to assist members in their day-to-day operations. These documents are free and serve as a great supplement to the various consumer brochures available for purchase at www.ASAstore.com.

All items in ASA’s PR Kit are available to members as downloadable PDF and/or Microsoft Word documents in the Members Only section of the ASA Web site. ASA members may access this section by using their six-digit member number and following the prompts in the top right section of the home page and then click on “ASA’s PR Kit.” ASA members may call (800) ASA-SHOP (272-7467), ext. 295, to acquire their membership number.

Nonmembers interested in joining the association or learning more about ASA’s member benefits may contact ASA’s membership department at the above number. In addition, members and nonmembers are encouraged to access ASA’s electronic benefits portfolio within ASA OnDemand, which can be downloaded from www.ASAOnDemand.com.