Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MAY 2014 64 RO Randy Carney- Executive Director, PSA N ow in our 25th year, the Professional Service Association has strived to live up to its mission statement to be dedicated to the highest standards of quality service. The key tenants of our focus include providing our industry with education, tools and a means of communication on issues and opportunities. As we head into what will certainly be a busy year, it might be helpful to remember some of our key methods of maintaining these criteria: • Education – PSA has from its inception held that education and certification programs are the key to raising the visibility of the industry in a positive way. To this end, PSA has led in championing programs such as the Certified Appliance Professional (CAP) program, allowing technicians to certify their skills as either a Master or Certified Technician. In addition, programs recognizing Certified Service Manager (CSM), Certified Consumer Specialists (CCS) and Certified Service Centers (CSC) have been at the forefront of our efforts. In 2013, PSA introduced the Basic Appliance Training (BAT) program to the appliance industry. Working with our partners in the parts distribution industry, we have helped introduce aspiring technicians to the industry with a 3 day program diving deeply into electricity, refrigeration and gas systems. The program has been very well received, and has had the additional benefit of providing some additional support to more seasoned technicians that might need a refresher. Other PSA educational initiatives include curriculum development for appliance service training programs, management training and involvement with the SkillsUSA program. • Communications – PSA provides a variety of tools to help our members communicate their thoughts and needs. Probably the most highly used in PSANet, our email network that allows PSA members to communicate directly with other members, provides a venue for instant updates on industry news as it happens, and offers an outlet for technical assistance. PSA news is our monthly digital newsletter that updates members on news from PSA and the appliance industry, and PSA-edu is our network for educators, industry leaders and manufacturers to communicate on a national basis in order to share information. PSA also sponsors the National All Ser vice Convention (NASC), the premier educational event in the industry with training encompassing technical skills, management techniques and free certification opportunities for those that attend. It's also a great venue to exchange information on matters important to you, and to renew old friendships and begin many new ones. The ability to meet your peers throughout the country, enhance your technical skill level and learn the latest in management skills is an opportunity no one should pass by. • Business Tools – PSA members have access to an array of tools to help improve their business skills and knowledge. In addition to the aforementioned PSANet, we offer the PSA Service Library to members. This item is available to members only, and provides the latest service manuals and bulletins in one package to secure required technical information on all appliance brands. Recently, HVAC product lines were also added, and the library is updated throughout the year to provide members with the latest information. PSA offers tools such as Cost of Doing Business software, Employee Evaluation Program and Flat Rate Program, and the CAP practice exam, which allows a technician to monitor their skill levels in advance of pursuing certification. Additional information on all of these opportunities for improvement can be found at our website, www.psaworld.com. The PSA Board of Directors volunteer their time, energies and expertise to work hard to oversee the work of the volunteer committees and to promote and work for the good of PSA and the industry as a whole. Our board members are just like our members- comprised of service company owners, technicians and highly experiences in the service industry. We invite you to join PSA and consider volunteering for a committee assignment or consider a position on our board. The betterment of the appliance service industry is in the best interest of all of us, so take a look at the longest tenured national service organization in our industry. You'll be glad you did! CONVENTION IS OVER… WHAT CAN PSA OFFER YOU? S E R V I C E D E P A R T M E N T

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