Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JUNE 2025 32 T he United Appliance Servicers Association (UASA) is a North American non-profit trade association for appliance servicers. With members in every U.S. state, the Caribbean, and Canada, the UASA organization provides training, networking, and industry resources for professionals at all stages of their appliance repair-related careers. UASA is governed by a volunteer board of directors who shape the association's strategic directions. Committees of volunteers are focused on growing membership, association governance, fiscal accountability, and producing the Annual Service Training Institute (ASTI). For years, UASA has helped appliance industry professionals gain a true understanding of the cost of doing business, by providing numerous classes on this topic every year at ASTI. In the fall of 2024, the Board spent time determining what the future of UASA could be, and how to best support an evolving industry. In the process, they recognized that they had been neglectful in recognizing their own association's cost of doing business. The annual UASA membership dues have remained constant for more than a decade, even as the cost of operating the association has risen. In the past decade, the programs and benefits offered by UASA to association members have expanded, offering many new opportunities for appliance servicers to save money, as well as resources to help them sustain and grow their businesses. To fully support the advancement of the association and its members, in August 2025 the annual membership dues for servicers will be $299. For less than a dollar a day, every person who works for a UASA member company will be considered a member of UASA and gain access to the association's benefits. Going forward, Laundry Room sessions will be exclusive to those who work for member companies, and a new member hub will provide a place to connect for professionals who work in each role in the member organizations. A UASA mentor program will be initiated over the summer, with a pilot group to begin meeting virtually in the fall, and in-person at ASTI in January. In June, UASA will launch a new vendor membership category. For $999 annually, companies will have spotlights twice per year on social media, a complimentary advertising spot in two UASA member e-newsletters, a rotating banner on the redesigned UASA website, the opportunity to offer a product-specific webinar training to UASA members, up to $1500 savings on sponsorship or booth at ASTI, along with a logo on the ASTI t-shirt. In addition, all member company employees will have access to the Laundry Rooms with UASA members. Watch for more information about UASA on social media and in your inbox. Please respond to the surveys from UASA that will guide the future of your industry association. Take time to speak when you receive a call from our staff and volunteers who'll be reaching out over the summer to get to know more about you and your company. Our success is measured by our members' success and the overall health of the appliance service industry. We are here to help, and we want your appliance service company to join us in our mission to push the industry forward! Wendy Parker, APR, CEM Executive Director, UASA 800-683-2558 x 1000 unitedservicers.com S E R V I C E D E P A R T M E N T RO UASA NEWS The United Appliance Servicers Association— training, networking, and industry resources for appliance professionals

• Cover