RICHLAND, WA — The Indiana Auto Body Association (IABA), a new organization founded to address a gap in the professional needs of the state’s repairers, has announced its affiliation with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS).

SCRS is comprised of 5,000 collision repair businesses and 58,500 specialized professionals who work with consumers and insurance companies to repair collision-damaged vehicles.

Founded on January 15, the IABA currently includes more than 60 members, consisting mostly of collision repair professionals and a small number of suppliers.

“There was no functioning local association in the state, and we needed one,” says Aaron Clark, owner of Collision Solutions in Indianapolis, Ind., and IABA’s inaugural executive director. “The collision repairers that are making things happen and being heard almost always belong to a group or organization. There’s power in being united toward a common cause.

“Those that attended the first meeting were happy just to share their experiences with others in a comfortable setting,” Clark said. “In addition, most who were there seemed to understand the cost that comes with being fragmented as an industry-you can’t get much done when your efforts are divided.”

Clark said the ultimate goal of IABA is to build up to approximately 400 members that will be organized into Northern, Central and Southern chapters. IABA joined SCRS to help speed its growth, and to make sure members continue to receive the greatest benefit possible, said Clark.

“I recommended the move because I had been an SCRS member for years as an individual and saw first hand how they go after significant change for the industry,” said Clark. “Whether its helping make open data exchange among technology providers a reality, or conducting their paint capping and aftermarket parts studies, they make a difference. Our group wants to be a part of that.”

The addition of IABA is one more building block in SCRS’s efforts to give collision repairers an effective voice. “We’re extremely pleased to announce that the Indiana Auto Body Association has joined not just SCRS, but the entire industry,” states SCRS Executive Director Dan Risley. “The desire of their members to improve their own businesses and raise the professionalism of the industry is another example of SCRS’ tag line of ‘Working Together Is The Most Important Work We Do’.”

To learn more about SCRS, go to: www.scrs.com.

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