SCRS announces 40th affiliate association

The Utah Auto Body Association, the first statewide collision repair association in Utah's history, is the 40th state or regional organization to join the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS).

"There's been a growing interest in forming an association in our state for some time, given the rapid changes our industry is experiencing," said Chairman Bob Torrey, who was part of the organizing group forming the association. "Our belief is we will be better equipped to handle the challenges facing us if we are united in our efforts and communicate well with each other. With the help of Janet Chaney of the CARS Cooperative, who was instrumental in helping us see the advantages of coming together and how to do it effectively, we've begun making rapid progress toward this goal."

Since filing the preliminary documents to formalize, the Utah Auto Body Association has made it a priority to recruit new members. "Our initial emphasis is seeking out quality training and education for our members," said Torrey. "We are also committed to working effectively with the state legislature to ensure the interests of our industry are well- represented."

The association's November membership meeting was a reflection of its focus, with subject matter surrounding the potential impact upon collision repairers of recently enacted laws pertaining to air quality standards, including a Utah legislator as a guest speaker.

"Getting exposure to a group of outstanding collision repair professionals like those found in SCRS, and their network of existing affiliate associations, will be very helpful to our members," said Torrey. "They possess a lot of accumulated knowledge and experience, and can help us be responsive and effective in dealing with the issues that we will be facing in the coming years. With SCRS, we'll benefit from having a national profile, as well. Partnering with them will help give the Utah Auto Body Association credibility and information right out of the gate. They've already served as a model for us in many different ways."

The association's inaugural meeting is scheduled for January 2013. SCRS' Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg is scheduled to be on hand to speak to the group.

"The boundless energy and enthusiasm of the Utah Auto Body Association will pay great dividends for the repairers in Utah who will benefit from having a united statewide voice for the first time," said Schulenburg. "It's always exciting to see new leadership step forward on behalf of the collision repair industry, adding to its strengths. We're glad to be part of the association's formative process, and look forward to supporting their mission as they grow and mature in the future."

For more information visit www.scrs.com.