DENVER, March 6 —Not many organizations reach the 85-year mark, or exceed a half-million in membership. AAA Colorado is celebrating both those milestones this year with the announcement that its membership has surpassed 500,000. “We are proud that so many Coloradoans value their AAA membership,” says Joe Lesher, AAA Colorado Vice President of Products and Distribution. “I’m sure our early founders and members in 1922 had no idea what they were creating or the benefits for future generations of motorists.” AAA Colorado began in 1922, 20 years after nine auto clubs met in Chicago to form the American Automobile Association. This year, as AAA Colorado exceeded a half-million members, AAA exceeded the 50 million member mark in the United States and Canada. “Our members are extremely loyal and embrace our focus on safety, security and peace of mind,” said Lesher. Besides being the state’s largest provider or roadside assistance, our members have allowed us to grow one of the state’s largest travel agencies and largest insurance agencies. AAA Colorado has 14 district offices in Denver, Boulder, Wheat Ridge, Northglenn, Aurora, Littleton, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins, Greeley, Pueblo, Grand Junction and Durango. In 2006, AAA Colorado answered 420,988 roadside assistance calls. AAA Colorado also actively promotes travel in Colorado and is a vocal advocate for traffic safety and mobility issues. For information go to www.aaa.com.
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AAA Colorado Timeline1902 Nine motor clubs with 1,000 members total, form American Automobile Association (AAA). 1922 On August 18 in Denver, Colorado, The Mountain States Automobile Association was born. 1923 Name changes to Rocky Mountain Motorists, Inc. Serves 1,450 members. 1926 Rocky Mountain Motorists joins AAA. Over 200 service stations provide Emergency Road Service to AAA members. 1930s School Safety Patrols become common. United Air Lines appoints Club as an official agent. Offices open in Pueblo and Colorado Springs. 1940s Sponsors KLZ radio “The Old Rambler” in his “rambles through the Rockies.” These broadcasts were early day predecessors of the popular Mini-Tours. 1950s Club enters electronic age with the introduction of first two-way radio link for Emergency Road Service. In late 1957, the current main office building opens on Arkansas Ave. Western Slope office opens in Grand Junction. Membership totals 36,000. 1960s Introduces the “Talking Bicycles” and “Bring ‘Em Back Alive” safety programs. Inaugurates yearly “Mystery Road Tours.” Offices open in Greeley and Fort Collins. Membership exceeds 67,000. 1970s Inflation. Gas shortages. Introduces “Gas Watchers” and “Pool It” programs. Aurora, Boulder and Southglenn offices open. Membership doubles to 134,000. 1980s Three offices open in Wheatridge, Northglenn and downtown Denver. Introduces premium level of membership called AAA Plus. Membership climbs to 337,000. 1990s Launch of web site aaa.com which offers auto, travel, financial and insurance services as well as member savings on the Internet. Today Club has over 500,000 members with 14 locations across the state. AAA Colorado reaches one in four households in the state and is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides 50 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, as well as member-exclusive savings. ###
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