The American Society of Appraisers is an organization of appraisal professionals and others interested in the appraisal profession. International in structure, it is self-supporting and independent. The oldest and only major appraisal organization representing all of the disciplines of appraisal specialists, the society originated in 1936 and incorporated in 1952. ASA's headquarters is in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area. The society is dedicated to the benefit of the appraisal profession. It is one of eight major appraisal societies that, in 1987, founded The Appraisal Foundation, a national nonprofit organization created to establish uniform criteria for professional appraisers. Since 1989 The Appraisal Foundation has been recognized by the U.S. Congress as the source for the development and promulgation of appraisal standards and qualifications.
When you hire an ASA-accredited appraiser, you are assured the best valuation expertise on the market, because ASA-accredited appraisers bring knowledge of the market, professional experience, and a solid reputation to the job.
Since its 1963 formation, the California-based Specialty Equipment Market Association has grown from a few dozen founders to representing the varied concerns of more than 6000 member companies. Today, SEMA activities impact directly or act in the interests of "car guys"everywhere and of every discipline. The products and services they creatively apply develop both professional operating and performance standards for a $39 Billion industry. The annual Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week exhibit in Las Vegas has become that city's largest trade show hosting more than 150,000 worldwide visitors. SEMA is truly an international trade association. Any firm which purports to understand the nature of unique and exotic motor vehicles must be an avid continuing student of, and participant in, the dynamics which this industry and its association generate. Southwest Valuations both learns and grows from this affiliation.
The Society of Automotive Historians, founded in 1969, now has over 900 members in 45 of the United States and more than 20 countries. Members come from all walks of life and include authors who write books and articles about automotive history as well as people who simply enjoy reading and researching it.
Members of the Society encourage research, preservation, recording, compilation, and publication of historical material of every type. We monitor the worldwide development of the automobile and related items, for their inception to the present. We also assist fellow members in obtaining historical information and material.
For all members, the SAH provides camaraderie and the free exchange of knowledge and data. The Society's roster helps members and others locate persons with similar specialized interests. The Society's membership also includes corporations and institutions that actively support the recording and preservation of automotive history.