The Oklahoma Auto Body Association (OKABA) is set to host its highly anticipated quarterly meeting Aug. 3 at the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, OK. This event is specially planned for auto body repair professionals in Oklahoma who want to stay abreast of industry trends, gain valuable insights and network with peers.
Ementi Coary, executive director of OKABA, said the meeting will bring together Oklahoma’s repairers to help them fulfill its mission of “serving its members and the public of the state of Oklahoma through leadership, education and initiatives that further uplift the professionalism and business conditions of those engaged in our state’s collision industry for the safety and knowledge of the consumer.”
OKABA Executive Director Ementi Coary.
Comprehensive Educational Opportunities
The meeting will feature prominent industry figures Mike Anderson and Tony Adams, who will deliver in-depth presentations on relevant topics.
Adams will kick off the event with a session titled “Contemporary Workforce Dynamics: What Does the Data Say and How Do History & Human Biology Play a Role?” from 9 to 10 a.m. This talk will delve into the current state of the workforce and how historical trends and human biology influence contemporary work environments.
Mike Anderson of Collision Advice.
Following Adams, Anderson will present “Success Today Success Tomorrow” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anderson, renowned for his extensive experience traveling and working with various auto body shops, OEMs and software companies, will cover various topics critical to the industry’s future.
His presentation will include insights on transitioning to a four-day work week, OEM insurance trends, certifications, DRP versus non-DRP programs, and the implications of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria. Anderson will also explore the impact of AI on scheduling and share state-by-state average labor hours per repair order, emphasizing the dangers of prioritizing profit over quality.
Networking and Vendor Showcases
Coary emphasized the importance of these quarterly meetings for the state-wide auto repair community. “We provide more education and training than you can get from a webinar or a short round-table event. We also have vendors showcasing the latest products and innovations, allowing attendees to see what’s new in the industry and learn how it can benefit their shops,” Coary said.
Legislative Awareness and Advocacy
Legislative issues, although currently in a quiet period, remain a crucial focus for OKABA.
“Our main focus is to monitor past bills that didn’t make it to vote and ensure they don’t resurface unnoticed,” Coary said.
For busy repair shop owners who cannot keep up with legislative developments, OKABA serves as a vigilant advocate, protecting their interests.
Craig Schupp, co-owner of Diamond Auto Body in Stillwater, explained the practical benefits of attending these meetings. With more than four decades in the industry and operating a shop in a town of 50,000, Schupp has seen firsthand the value of OKABA’s efforts since he joined two years ago when the organization was founded.
“I’ve attended several meetings and even took my estimator to the trade show last year. This year, I plan to bring two estimators," Schupp said.
Schupp said his shop has faced the same challenges as many others, including difficulties obtaining replacement parts, rising material costs and slow insurance claim processes.
“We’re so busy taking care of cars and customers and making a living that we don’t have time to pay attention to all of that. OKABA looks out for repairers like me with legislation,” Schupp added.
Practical Takeaways
Attendees can expect to leave the meeting with actionable insights and strategies. “You might come away with a list of five to 10 things you can implement in your shop, but my goal is for each shop to take one thing and make it stick, improving their processes or ensuring safe and proper repairs,” said Coary.
Event Details
The event will start at 8:30 a.m. with coffee and donuts, providing an informal setting for early networking. To learn more and register, visit the website.
For Oklahoma auto body repairers, OKABA’s quarterly meeting Aug. 3 is more than just a gathering; it’s an opportunity to enhance their knowledge, stay ahead of industry trends and learn about the advocacy efforts conducted on their behalf. “Don’t miss this chance to invest in your professional growth and your shop’s success by attending,” said Coary.
Looking ahead, OKABA's annual Trade Show event is scheduled for February 2025 at the OKC Convention Center.
For more information, visit www.okaba.org.
Leona Scott