&The Service Specialists Association (SSA) has appointed Wade & Partners (W&P) as the management team to lead the association, effective immediately. The decision comes after the retirement of long-time executive director Cara Giebner.

"I can't say enough how much SSA appreciates the efforts Cara has given us throughout the past years. She is the reason we are as strong as we are today," said 2008 SSA President Mark Rubini of Toledo Spring.
Wade & Partners will organize clinics, technical programs and the annual convention in October. Wade & Partners will also be in charge of all membership, online development, the SSA monthly newsletter and trade show participation.
W&P has recently been named as the association management for Heavy Duty Representatives Association (HDRA). The company previously managed Council of Fleet Specialists, now Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN).
"I am happy to have them on board with us," Rubini said. "From the experience that Wade Partners has in both association management and the truck parts and service aftermarket business, I have great confidence in their ability in directing SSA."
SSA was founded in 1981 as a trade association serving specialists in the truck repair industry. Members of the association consist of spring and suspension specialists, brake repair, alignment and frame service and parts distribution. Today the group consists of more than 200 truck service and parts centers forming the North American Repair Network.