United Servicers Association (USA) held their 20th consecutive annual convention, the Appliance Service Training Institute (ASTI), February 15-18 at the El Tropicano Hotel in San Antonio, TX. The ASTI is the industry’s premier appliance service management and technical training event attended by independent appliance service companies and their trade partners. The five-day event attracted over 435 industry professionals up 25% over last year’s attendance, the convention offered 30 business management classes, 44 technical appliance classes, a trade show and networking opportunities.
The excitement and energy surrounding the education and social events created a unique environment to build stronger business relationships and acquire the skills and training needed today and in the future. Over 100 attendees Pre-registered for next year’s event to be held on March 6-9, 2013at The Coronado Springs Hotel in Walt Disney World Florida.
Prominent Illinois attorney Robert Goldberg opened the ASTI with a compelling keynote address relating the acronym ASTI to the importance of Appearance, Skills, Technology and Independence in today’s marketplace. Dina Dwyer-Owens, CEO of the Dwyer Group that owns Mr. Appliance the platinum sponsor of the ASTI closed the event with examples of how to build success in your company and your life with a proven code of values. Dina also accepted an honorary chair position of the new group “Women in Service Excellence” formed at the ASTI. The W.I.S.E. committee of USA will work with the women in the service industry creating an educational program that focuses on the hurdles that women face in the male dominated service industry and how to overcome them.
BSH Home Appliances Corporation awarded its top regional service partners for excellence in service and technical knowledge at the Appliance Service Training Institute convention. The Servicer of the Year award was created two years ago to recognize BSH service providers for their stellar work ethic, dedication to customer service, professionalism and to also enhance their reputations for exceptional work in the appliance service industry.
The 2012 USA Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded at the event posthumously to Bill Wingstedt, editor of the Appliance Service News for his dedication to communication in the appliance service industry. “I think he liked the exactness of it all,” his wife said. “He liked to make the unintelligible readable, and he was very good at clarifying and simplifying ideas and presenting them in a concise form.” Mr. Wingstedt, 85, died of lung cancer Saturday, Jan. 21, at his home, said his wife, Peggy.
Every segment of the appliance industry was represented including Service Company CEO’s, technicians, manufacturers and parts distributors. The importance of this convention to the industry was evident by the strong sponsorship support from Mr. Appliance, Mega Group, Lowe’s, BOSCH, Sub Zero, Wolf, Whirlpool, Electrolux, Brand Source Service, NARDA, NEW, Certified Service Center, Rossware and Service Company Solutions, Plus One Solutions and the Appliance Parts Distributors Association.
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