ASA Celebrates 10th Annual Client Conference

Nashua, NH – (October 15, 2007) - ASA Tire Systems, the leading software provider for the tire industry, hosted their tenth annual client conference, InfoExpo 2007, in Indian Wells, CA recently. Attendance represented more than 400 independent tire dealer locations from the United States and Canada.

No other event in the tire industry offers independent tire dealers this intensive opportunity to meet and collaborate with colleagues, manufacturers, and industry leaders while receiving education and training, and offering their input on future product innovations. In attendance were 103 independent tire dealerships, representing over 400 tire dealer locations, ten vendors and manufacturers, and 30 ASA employees including developers, support personnel, account managers, and others. Here, customers were able to spend valuable one-on-one time with other users, product developers, and ASA staff from around the country.

The week began with the popular Solution Center, where clients had the opportunity to meet with ASA vendors and staff to learn about the latest and greatest in wireless technology, data communications, print technology, business intelligence, and more. Among the vendors were Bandag, Bridgestone/Firestone, Clearview Financial, CustomerLink, Internet Transaction Systems (Abanco), Mitchell 1, OkiData, Open Road, Pearl Communications, Top Dog Solutions, and TIA.

Back by popular demand, was inspirational teacher, author, and radio personality, Bryan Dodge, presenting his “How to Build a Better You” seminar. The session included tips on personal development, ways to take ownership in leadership, time control and management, memory skills and more. A welcome reception sponsored by Bridgestone/Firestone followed the session, where attendees enjoyed an evening of food, games and fun as they prepared for their week together.

The week offered more than thirty-five informative product specific workshops to choose from, user groups and advanced training. Clients took the opportunity to learn more about eTireLink, ASA’s Mobility Suite, back office procedures, Internet marketing, and more. Additional workshops included eTireLink, the newest release of Analytix, and interfaces to Bandag, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Wrenchead, and Michelin. Breakout sessions covering specific elements of TireMax, TirePro, TireMaster, and TreadX showed users real-life ROI for these products.

Lisa Walters, of West Side Tire Service in Ohio said, “The ASA annual client conference is informative, interesting, and fun. ASA hosts value packed sessions throughout the event. The User Group sessions are by far, the most beneficial to me. The conference is a tool and an investment that makes it worthwhile to attend year after year.”

As is the case every year, user group meetings for all products created an environment for customers to learn about new developments in their application, have a voice in the direction and development in that product, and interact with fellow users to ensure they are utilizing all elements of the software as effectively as possible. For the third year in a row, customers using the TireMaster product joined attendees, adding wonderful insight and experience to the mix.

Jay Frame, of Bob Sumerel Tire said, “I came prepared to ask questions in the User's Group session. The afternoon session was a fabulous benefit. In just a few minutes, I was able to ask questions and get answers... One answer came from another company with similar programs; they suggested a solution that really worked. In addition, the programmers who attended the meeting took some personal notes and followed up with me when they returned to their office. Now I have a menu selection on my screen that gives me a daily report - It's the best! The personal attention we get at the conference is what this event is all about. It is the essence of the program… You are standing right there with the people who are the brains behind the programs. I don't know if there is a better way to get so much information to such a diverse group of businesses in a short amount of time.”

General Sessions were hosted by several exciting speakers. This included Ray Turilli of ASA Tire Systems, who shared techniques that hackers are using to steal your identity, your customer information, and maybe even your money, and ways to help you protect yourself and your business. Vaughan Jackson of Pearl Communications spoke about tire information, and what is now available in the Tire Guide world. Kevin Rohlwing from TIA provided attendees with an update on TPMS, and a TIA certification and OSHA discussion.

Bob Beaver, of ASA, hosted a tire dealer best practices panel with customers from each product line. Daniel Garcia of Garcia Tire represented TireMaster, Jim Bernardini of Dobbs Tire & Auto represented TreadX, Melissa Cheraz of Coast Tire & Auto represented TireMax, and Barbara Sicka of Hercules Tire represented TirePro. Attendees also learned about ASA’s new training methodology, eLearning, presented by Rod James of ASA. eLearning is a breakthrough in training technology, allowing tire dealers to train staff from the comfort of their own office, when they want, without the high costs of an onsite engagement.

About the event, Carmen Lesieur of Maynard & Lesieur said, “I have to admit, I don't always attend every year. I always look at the price and think I am spending money on something I can do without. However, when I do attend - I realize how much I am missing. The knowledge I gain is immeasurable. The contacts I make are even better. However, most of all, the enthusiasm I get jolted with to work on my business is priceless. I think all business people need a jolt like this every year.”

After a day of classes and workshops, Sunday night showcased the traditional Sunday Night Football and Poker Party, back for the third year in a row. On Monday afternoon, clients headed off to the Desert Willows golf course for the ASA annual golf tournament. The ASA Golf Tournament winners were: First Place: Blair Scurlock (Consolidated Tires) and Dave Rogers (Burnett Automotive); Second Place: Wayne Croswell (ASA) and Kevin Rohlwing (TIA); and Third Place: Erik Croswell (ASA) and Carmen Lesieur (Maynard & Lesieur).

The last evening, clients went offsite for a fun filled evening of dining and dancing at the Palm Springs Air Museum. There, personal guides educated everyone on the planes of WWII, and there was a show by “The Nightengals,” who sang and entertained all night with WWII period music and a stage show. Attendees were also given tours by WWII veterans and told stories about the planes and automobiles they had on display. ASA purchased a brick in the museum’s walkway to commemorate, not only the tenth anniversary of InfoExpo, but also the tenth anniversary of the museum. All had a wonderful nostalgic night!

Clients and ASA employees alike benefit significantly from this annual gathering of tire industry professionals. Feedback from attendees indicate that everyone who joined ASA Tire Systems in California this year left with numerous items to bring back to their business and immediately increase profits. Growing every year, ASA’s annual Client Conference continues to facilitate value, education, commitment, and communication between ASA and the tire industry. At InfoExpo, ASA Tire Systems cements its customer commitment by involving all ASA customers in the evolution of their products and training them to use the ASA tools to increase profitability and expand their business.

For more information about ASA Tire Systems’ annual client conference, InfoExpo, contact Sky Souza, Senior Marketing Professional, at 603-889-8700 or via email at ssouza@asatire.com.

About ASA Tire Systems
Headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire, ASA Tire Systems develops and builds enterprise-wide software solutions, delivers support and services, and enables leading independent tire dealers to achieve a maximum return on their information technology investment. ASA’s software tools are geared to helping tire dealers and retreaders manage all facets of their businesses and can be tailored to suit the ecommerce, order processing, accounting and business management needs of any size retail, wholesale or retread tire operation. They can be found on the Internet at: www.asatire.com.