In a unanimous vote, the members of AASP-MO (Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Missouri) have elected to merge with the Midwest Auto Care Alliance. Effective Nov. 1, AASP-MO will close its doors, and members will become part of the MWACA organization. MWACA will add the Gateway Collision Chapter to its long list of active chapters in the Midwest, as well as merge the organization's two St. Louis mechanical chapters.
AASP-MO and MWACA have worked together over the years to educate the Missouri State Legislature on various industry-related issues. Their joint work included working to prevent the elimination of Missouri's vehicle safety inspection legislation.
Seeing the benefits of merging to make the numerous benefits, services, and programs available to AASP-MO members, Ron Reiling, AAM (current AASP-MO executive director) reached out to Sheri Hamilton, executive director for Auto Care Alliance and the Midwest Auto Care Alliance, to discuss the possibility of joining forces once more, but this time on a permanent basis.
"Both associations are on the same page and our members are our top priority," Reiling said. "MWACA is just a great fit for AASP-MO members, and that is why we had no problem presenting the merger for the members to vote to accept. And they did just that."
Reiling, with his 23 years of experience as AASP-MO's executive director and over 50 years in the industry, will be joining MWACA as the St. Louis area liaison and legislative lobbyist and will monitor the legislative activities that affect the industry. Ron will continue to work closely with the Gateway Collision and St. Louis Mechanical Chapters. He will also represent MWACA on the many secondary and postsecondary school advisory boards and industry committees for both mechanical and collision.
"We look forward to working with Ron and the AASP-MO leaders and members as we join together to form a united voice for our industry. Together we can make a difference for collision and mechanical repair shops within Missouri and beyond," Hamilton said.
MWACA and its national parent organization, the Auto Care Alliance, continue to grow daily, with this merger being an excellent example of its growth and future opportunities.
