You know that hotel chain? The one that ends their ads with, “We’ll leave the light on for you”? I started thinking about that this week while the Torque Converter Rebuilders Association (TCRA) joined us for a tour of the facilities and a group luncheon as part of their annual convention.
Why was ATRA hosting TCRA? It really shouldn’t be much of a surprise. When TCRA founder, Corky Myers looked to start a trade association for the converter rebuilders, where else would he look for help to start that venture but ATRA? So, we’re sort of sister associations.
So anyway, this week we had the honor of having TCRA visit us at ATRA’s home office. The attendees had just received a personal tour of the Haas Automation plant. Then they climbed back onto the bus and took a short ride over here.
After a BBQ lunch, we took them around, from department to department, to give everyone a firsthand look “behind the curtain.” Technical Director Lance Wiggins gave them a tour of our research and photo labs, then they moved upstairs to start the office beginning with GEARS magazine and Events.
They followed that with photographs for a Gears cover shot and then down the hall to visit the studio where the radio program, Horsepower for an Hour, is recorded every week. This is a syndicated show that broadcasts all around the world. ATRA is the primary sponsor for this radio program, featuring Donny Caccamise, ATRA Member and owner of DMC Transmission, along with Tom Spence and Jim Naylor.
We continued the tour downstairs with the Technical and membership services departments.
It was a terrific event and everyone had a wonderful time. I really enjoyed getting to see everyone and finding out how things are going with them.
And then it hit me: Why haven’t we had more folks stop in at ATRA’s home offices for a visit?
After all, this is ATRA: We’re the world’s largest association of automatic transmission professionals. That in itself should make us worth a visit.
Okay, maybe we aren’t quite enough of a draw for you to fly across the country just to say “hi.” But remember, we’re in southern California, right here in beautiful, sunny Oxnard. This is one of the most sought-after vacation areas in the country… maybe the world!
We have some of the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen, we’re right on the edge of California’s famed wine country, and we’re barely a couple hours drive from Disneyland! There are dozens of attractions that are just a stone’s throw from our front door. Chances are you’ve been in the neighborhood at least once before to enjoy some of them.
So why haven’t you stopped by?
Then it hit me: Maybe the reason nobody’s coming by is because we’ve never really bothered to invite them. It probably never occurred to you that you’d be welcome to stop in when you’re in the neighborhood.
So that ends right now: I’d like to extend a personal invitation to anyone who makes a living in the auto repair industry to stop in for a visit when you’re near ATRA’s home offices.
This is your opportunity to meet the people who keep the Association — your Association — serving you. They’d be thrilled to give you a firsthand look at everything we do here and show you around our facilities.
And, remember, everyone who works here is local. Want to know where to find the best place for dinner? Just ask; they’ll point you to a restaurant that probably won’t show up in your AAA Travel Guide… places that Siri never even heard of.
What, you aren’t an ATRA Member? That’s okay; stop in anyway. We’ll be happy to show you around and let you see all that ATRA has to offer. My guess is that, once you see what you’re missing, you’ll want to sign up right away.
So, whatever brought you to our neck of the woods, make it a point to set aside some time to stop by and visit us here at ATRA’s home office. If you aren’t sure how to find us, give us a call. We’ll talk you right into our driveway.
And, just like that hotel chain says, “We’ll leave the light on for you.”
