June 10, 2014—The newly formed Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) will hold its first meeting on June 18 in West Henderson.

The inaugural meeting will be held in the Henderson Civic Center at 1005 Hwy 64 from 11:30 a.m to 2 p.m. It will feature speaker Barrett Smith, founder of Auto Damage Experts Inc.

Smith will discuss issues surrounding what can be discussed among repairers without breaching federal Anti-Trust laws, which ABAT president Burl Richards said has “created an unnecessary fear” for repairers.

“Barrett is known for his ongoing efforts to help improve the industry through his thought-provoking messages to help repairers to think ‘outside the box’ and we’re excited to have him join us in our first general membership meeting,” Richards said. “The association’s goal will be to educate, equip and empower its members.”

ABAT is expecting between 40–50 repairers at the meeting, which is open to anyone in the Texas collision industry.

For more information about the organization, Richards can be contacted at 903.657.8082