Chicago, IL– The 21st Appliance Service Training Institute was held last week at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. It was another home run for United Servicers Association, making the ASTI a grand slam for the 4th consecutive year. The theme for this year’s event was “Connect, Learn and Grow” and was echoed throughout the 4 day event with a record 540 participants.
President Lance Kimball, Appliance Repair Specialists, commented: “Attendance increased by 22% over last year. This growth is attributed to 750 companies that UASA trained in the fall of 2012 at their Regional Service Meeting Program that traveled to 15 cities throughout North America. The appliance service business is changing every day and UASA members are hungry to learn current marketing strategies to give them a competitive advantage and improved efficiencies in their businesses.”
Executive Director Paul Mac Donald showcased two new member benefits at this year’s event. The UASA web site builder service powered by Market Wrench, a low cost entry level web site building service that is targeted to deliver optimized search results for appliance repair companies for UASA members.
The second new member benefit launched is UASA Insurance Services administered by Murphy and Associates. Members who buy their insurance services through this benefit are entitled to participate in annual premium rebates based on the group’s claims performance.
At the annual ASTI Achievement Awards banquet, Paul Mac Donald presented the UASA Lifetime Achievement Award to Captain Toolhead, aka Mike Staats, for his years of dedication and contributions to national trade publications including Appliance Service News, Tech Talk, Marcone World and UASA Regional Service Meetings and ASTI conventions.
Corry & Jennifer Webert of Mid America Service presented the UASA Partner Awards in the manufacturer category to Bosch, Dacor, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, General Electric, LG, Reckitt Benckiser, Samsung, Scotsman and Whirlpool for their dedication and support of UASA and the Independent Service Professional.
UASA vice president James Dolbeare of AAA Appliance Service Center presented the UASA Partner Award in the category of Vendor Partners to 1st Source Servall, Appliance Parts Depot, Cashwell Appliance Parts, Fox Appliance Parts Atlanta, Lowe’s, Mr. Appliance, NEW, Plus One Solutions, Reliable Parts, LTD., Right Now Marketing, Trible’s Inc. and WL May Co. for their support and participation in UASA’s continuing education programs including the Regional Service Meetings and the ASTI .
President Lance Kimball announced the 2014 ASTI will be held February 26 through March 1 at the Towne and Country Resort in San Diego, California.
Contact: Paul Mac Donald, paul.m.macdonald@unitedservicers.com
United Servicers Association
3105 N Ashland Ave. Suite 199
Chicago IL 60657
800-683-2558
