WHO ARE WE?
In early 1993, several local auto repair shop owners got together to discuss their concerns, about the rapid changes in auto technology and the increasing cost of accommodating those changes. In addition, there was a concern for the customers' increasingly negative perception of the owners and employees of these shops.
From this meeting, an organization was formed in May 1993, known as the Professional Auto Technicians Association or P.A.T.A. for short. This group now consists of nearly one hundred members and is growing.
The mission of the association is to:
1) Promote a higher level of professionalism within the group and to provide a vehicle with which to communicate that message throughout the automotive industry.
2) Encourage the exchange of management ideas and technical knowledge among group members.
3) Encourage and provide mandatory training among group members and their employees.
4) Provide a referral service among members of the group for the members and their customers..
The group meets regularly on the third Thursday of each month at a local county college. Discussions include a complete range of subjects involving the auto industry and the direction there of including, but not limited to, current technology, EPA rules and regulations, air conditioning recovery, recycling/proper disposal of waste oil, batteries, and antifreeze. Currently, the group is tackling the issue of Pennsylvania and New Jersey Emissions program.
These discussions are led by specialists from within the group as well as guest speakers well versed on the subject at hand.
In order to further the spirit of professionalism and improve the public image, an arbitration board has been authorized and is supported by the organization. This board reviews issues of concern arising between group members as well as, and probably more importantly, between group members and their customers
Through the issuance of equitable arbitration recommendations the members feel more comfortable dealing with each other. In addition, having peers suggest solutions to customer complaints makes those on both sides of the argument more amenable to the final solution. Professionalism is perceived.
Another significant contribution the group has made to the issues of professionalism and communication is a quarterly newsletter. The newsletter has grown from a two page flier to a sixteen page issue including pictures and advertising from major suppliers. Articles include tips on subjects ranging from changes made on supply items to major recall issues by the manufacturers themselves. There are profiles of group members provided to encourage specialty services and articles on pending or recently signed legislation involving the industry.
Another facet of the organization is the training program that we sponsor. These classes are taught by experts in the subject area and also members of the association itself.
While this group has been in existence for only a relatively short time, the benefits to all are sprouting forth in all directions. Members have a more confidence, trust and willingness to work with each other. Members' employees are getting better training and have a more wide reaching source of reference to difficult or unusual problems. The customer is feeling a great sense of comfort in knowing that his second largest investment will be treated with professionalism and that he/she will get courteous, reasonably priced, reliable service. As you can see, everyone is winning.
Further information about our organization is available by writing to:
P.A.T.A., P.O. Box 5220, Deptford, NJ 08096
Or by calling our toll free number at (800)463-5461
Email with any questions: jima@pata.us
© 2004 Pata.us
