Executive Director’s Message HELP US SCORE A TOUCHDOWN
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We know that 2020 was a year of many hardships for all. ABAT has certainly felt the effects of the coronavirus, and it has given us the opportunity to take a look at what we do as an association. We have so many great things planned for 2021, but we simply cannot do it without Texas body shops getting more involved. We were able to get by last year with the hard work from a select few, but if we want to recover from a pandemic, pass legislation, bring you guys the best education in the country (for FREE) and host our Trade Show, you absolutely must get involved. To understand what we do, it is important to look at what an association is. An auto body association is not a company or consulting firm; it is a group of like-minded shops who band together to create positive change. It takes a team effort. Without our members, nothing can be accomplished. We often see shops sit around and wait for us to “do something for them.” ABAT is like the coach to a football team.
A good coach can make or break a team, but it requires talent on the field to win a championship. An association can’t just change the industry – but members of an association can. Of the over 6,000 body shops in Texas… • 500 body shops are on our email list; • 120 are ABAT members; and • 17 have participated in our current initiative.
Jill Tuggle
ABAT Executive Director
Recently, a conversation was had on social media where someone begged the question, “What has changed since the John Eagle case, and what has your state association done to make changes since then?” Several people responded, but none were ABAT members and very few said anything positive about the industry changing for the better. We realized that we need to reach more shops and get our existing members and followers more active. So, in 2021, we implore you to be the one who makes change and not someone who wants to sit on the sidelines. ABAT has some pretty amazing things planned, but we need you to step up and take the field with us. Texas needs to stack its team; we have the numbers and the talent. A touchdown for us will come from preparation and a sustained drive. Let’s give the armchair quarterbacks something to talk about and want to be a part of! It’s time for change. TXA
jill@abat.com
September 17 - 18 TEXAS AUTO BODY TRADE SHOW
2021
Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, Irving, TX For more information, please contact Jill Tuggle - ABAT Executive Director (817) 899-0554 / jill@abat.us
Surrounded by the exciting Toyota Music Factory! 6 FEBRUARY 2021 Texas Automotive
