The beginning of 2016 has been busy for the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT), which consistently works to bring education to the Texas collision industry.

Two meetings in January brought industry speaker, Tim Ronak, AKZO Nobel, from California. Ronak’s presentations were tools for profitability and business management. They included ‘Getting Paid For Investing in Facility, Equipment and Training,’ ‘Spot Within A Panel’ and ‘How to Survive In a Changing Market.’ January 13, the afternoon meeting was in Tyler, Texas and the January 14 meeting was held in Arlington. ABAT reached out to more than 100 repairers for these meetings.

ABAT President Burl Richard, Burl’s Paint and Body in Henderson, Texas, has been meeting with the Texas Auto Dealers Association to discuss legislative initiatives affecting the automotive industry.
ABAT’s board of directors has a monthly conference call to manage the association. They are an active board and are looking for rapid growth this year.

ABAT is planning a trade show in September in the Dallas area. Stay tuned for details.

In 2015, this association was one of the first to implement a survey, Prevailing Practices Survey, conducted by 10 Point Complete. ABAT said the survey was well done and had a positive impact in the Texas market.

ABAT will be conducting another survey with National Auto Body Research. If you are in Texas and receive a call or an email, PLEASE participate in the survey.

Don’t be part of the problem—be part of the solution!