The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and its board of directors issued a statement recently reporting that ASA has been the victim of theft committed by a former employee. The individual was terminated with cause earlier this year, according to ASA, and following this discovery, two ASA executives have stepped down.

ASA said the proper authorities have been contacted and are taking concerted action to hold that person accountable for the crimes committed.         

In regard to the theft, ASA says it is relieved to report that the association was insured and took immediate action. "Thankfully, our insurance partners expedited the process and ASA recuperated a portion of its loss. In addition, proper measures have been taken to prevent any further such activity," the association stated in a press release. ASA also noted that the NACE and CARS events, which are produced for ASA by Hanley Wood Exhibitions, were not compromised. Those events, and any related income, are handled directly by Hanley Wood and are completely separate from ASA’s finances.

The association said it was "disheartened" to share the news, however members of the board felt it was their responsibility to share this information with ASA’s membership as well as the broader industry, which has supported ASA for more than 60 years.

The board said it believes the association will be stronger going forward as a result of these unfortunate circumstances. "ASA is a grassroots organization that has survived many decades because of the leadership and strength of its volunteer board members. The newly elected board is committed to ensuring the association meets the needs of its members and affiliated associations through collaboration and transparency. The recent announcements specific to the board’s vision and the hiring of an interim executive director support the board’s resolve to usher in a new era at ASA," the association statement read.

“The issue has been addressed and ASA is looking forward to the future," added Darrell Amberson, AAM, ASA chairman. "I expect great things from the association in 2013 as well as years to come.”      

ASA has been advised by its attorney as well as the authorities not to provide further details due to the pending investigation.