[LOCAL] NEWS
by Alana Quartuccio Bonillo
AASP/MA in 2022: A Bright Forecast Lies Ahead The forecast for AASP/MA in 2022 is surely looking bright! Despite the challenges of the past two years, the association has managed to emerge from it all with loads of promise and goals for the new year. As 2022 gets underway, initiatives continue in support of the association’s two bills which are currently being reviewed in the House and Senate. Just before the holiday break, HB 4242 (which attempts to move the ADALB from the Division of Insurance to the Division of Occupational Licensure) made it through its first legislative steps favorably and will next be reviewed by the Ways and Means Committee. The Reimbursement Bill House Bill 1111/Senate Bill 709 sets out to establish a minimum competitive prevailing rate of reimbursement to the insured, NOT a rate set and controlled artificially by insurance referral and program contracts and is currently under review.
interact with otherwise, plus it creates a sense of camaraderie and eliminates the feeling that are the ‘only ones.’” Piggybacking off the great feedback received from those who attended the November General Membership Meeting, Papageorg says the regional meetings will be set up in a similar fashion with multiple speakers giving brief presentations on topics so that a lot of information can be covered in one setting. Once again, the association will also host its annual Golf Outing fundraising event this September. This event is the association’s main annual fundraiser. Proceeds raised help the association in all of its efforts on the legislative front and in its day to day work to better the industry and protect and educate consumers. Last year, AASP/MA held one of its most successful Golf Outing events, and due to that success and amazing feedback from all who took part and sponsored, they have decided to
Tremendous team work by members of the association garnered over 90 legislators to join them in supporting both bills. That same energy will be required as next steps come into play in the new year, according to AASP/MA Executive Director Evangelos “Lucky” Papageorg. “A huge year is ahead for us in the legislative arena, and we’ll really need all hands on deck,” Papageorg advises, reminding members to look out for notices about public hearings and to make every effort to attend whether they are held face-to-face or virtually. “It’s important that we really show a huge presence.” Coming off the success of last fall’s General Membership meeting held in Westborough - the first in-person gathering in roughly two years! - AASP/MA now has plans to host quarterly regional General Membership Meetings in 2022. The meetings are planned for March, June, September and November and will take place in different regions of the state. “We are looking to move the meetings around the state so that it can be easier for shops in different areas to attend,” explains Papageorg. “Some may have to travel a little further to attend one or some of the meetings, but another may be much closer to where they are based. This way, we can draw in a variety of people across the state and create networking opportunities. That was the idea with our local chapter meetings which were held in the four different regions of the state; however, those concentrated on the shops in those regions. By having regional meetings, It gives people a chance to meet others they likely would not have a chance to
return to the same location in 2022. This year’s event will be held Wednesday, September 14 at the Heritage Country Club in Charlton. “Based on the great comments we got from the golfers and the support we received from the course staff, who were very helpful in putting it all together, we decided to return for our event this year,” relays the executive director. Participants can look forward to seeing many of the same activities and camaraderie that made last year’s event such a tremendous success, thanks to the support of AASP/MA’s generous sponsors. (If you missed it, be sure to check out coverage of the 2021 Golf Outing in our November 2021 issue at grecopublishing.com.) The Ball Drop contest, which brought much excitement and fun, was a favored new addition last year and is slated to kick off this year’s event. The Putting Contest will return along with other chances to win multiple prizes via Hole-in-One contests, raffle and door prizes and gifts presented during the dinner portion of the event. Rarely does anyone leave the event empty handed. As the year unfolds, even more great things are likely to be unveiled! All are encouraged to look for information on legislative hearings or upcoming events via their email, notices in the bimonthly members-only newsletter Damage Report and in New England Automotive Report each month. Those interested in joining the association can sign up via the application found on page 7 or contact the association at (617) 574-0741.
PROTECTING CONSUMERS AND THE COLLISION INDUSTRY
MASSACHUSETTS
18 February 2022
New England Automotive Report
