TIAA joins SCRS

Aug. 6, 2012—The Texas Independent Automotive Association (TIAA) has become the newest associate member of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS).

The SCRS is now comprised of 39 affiliate associations and represents 6,000 independent collision repair businesses.

The TIAA, based in San Antonio, is a non-profit organization made up of independent automotive repair facilities. The association provides training to its members for efficient shop management.

“The defining characteristic of our association is our members’ true desire to help the automotive industry advance professionally in a manner that benefits their customer,” said Hunter Hooge, membership director of the TIAA. “We try to take advantage of the fact that we are a smaller association, which enables us to be extremely focused and effective in assisting our members and those whom they serve.”

Hooge said the SCRS has a vast amount of knowledge that could help the TIAA grow its collision segment.

“As an affiliate, we’ll be able to bring their national perspective and collective experiences to our members. The relationship will also open the doors for us to network with other leading industry associations. It’s really a perfect fit for us,” Hooge said.

Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the SCRS, said he was impressed by the TIAA’s desire to find beneficial solutions for several issues that collision repairers face today.

“The association is a wonderful advocate for the independent shop owner, and they do so with a distinguishing personal touch,” Schulenburg said. “As the leading national voice for the industry, SCRS is honored that they are enlisting our assistance as part of their heightened focus on their collision repair segment. They’ll be a valued asset.”