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Aftermarket Parts Sellers Hear from Congressional Candidate With Ties To The Industry by John Yoswick
PartsTrader proposed state limits on use of non-OEM parts, and challenging the automakers’ patent designs on crash parts were all being discussed when non-OEM parts manufacturers and distributors met recently in Austin, Texas. The Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) allowed only members in the room during discussion at its convention of the association’s pending lawsuit challenging the validity of six of Ford’s design patents on collision repair parts. But proposed
federal legislation that would reduce how long automakers can use design patents to prevent other companies from producing replacement crash parts was among the topics discussed at the event by Louisiana tax Cassie Felder lawyer Cassie Felder, who is running for Congress. Felder, a Republican who believes in tax reform and repealing the Affordable Care Act, told attenSee Aftermarket Parts Sellers, Page 16
New Auto Body Association of Texas Launches June 18, PartsTrader Provides Impetus, Statewide Members
See ABAT, Page 8
P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018
The newly formed Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) will be holding their Inaugural Meeting on June 18th at the Henderson Civic Center with guest speaker Barrett Smith, President and Founder of Auto Damage Experts Inc. Burl Richards, Acting President of ABAT, took some time to explain how the association is getting started and what they hope to achieve through its development. Several months ago, a local jobber, Chad Neal of Paint Works in Tyler TX, held an educational seminar on estimating which included a number of Eastern TX shop owners.
Neal and Richards had previously discussed the need for a trade association in their area, but when Richards tried to organize an association meeting a year earlier, he garnered little interest and participation. Thus, when Neal held the estiBarrett Smith of mating seminar earADE will be the lier this year, they featured guest saw it as the perfect speaker at ABAT’s Inaugural Meeting opportunity to preson June 18 ent their idea for a new association. Richards believes that a
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by Chasidy Rae Sisk
VOL. 32 ISSUE 7 JULY 2014
LaCIA Hosts Attorney General at May 22 Meeting by Chasidy Rae Sisk
much exceeded my expectations with what he and his staff of lawyers have accomplished so far. I heard the comment ‘blown away’ when I asked others to describe the meeting. Mr. Caldwell
On Thursday, May 22, the Louisiana Collision Industry Association (LaCIA) held a meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn to update members on the direction the association is taking and their upcoming plans. Featured speakers included Attorney General Buddy Caldwell and his assistant AG, Randy Ishee, who updated attendees on their efforts. Executive Director Alysia Hanks notes, “overall, the meeting and turnout was excellent, and I think the Attorney General is Executive Director Alysia Hanks (l) with Attny General on top of things! He was pres- Buddy Caldwell (m) and Randy Ishee (r) from the LA ent with some of his other at- Dept of Justice torneys who are working on our issues, and four other attorneys are now workand they had some great updates to ing non-stop on our issues.” share with us. I don’t think I’m alone The meeting began with Chairman when I say this, but Mr. Caldwell very See LaCIA Meeting, Page 14
Service King Collision Repair Centers Finalizes Sterling Collision Centers Acquisition Service King Collision Repair Centers has announced that it has finalized the acquisition of Sterling Collision Centers. Service King now operates 175 locations across 20 states. The company says that the acquisition supports Service King’s robust growth strategy and further strengthens its position as the premier provider of high-quality collision repair backed with exceptional customer service. “Acquiring a company like Sterling Collision Centers is about more than expanding our network with bricks and mortar. The strength of our organization lies within our people and we are extremely excited to welcome the very talented Sterling team to the Service King family,” said Chris Abraham, CEO of Service King. “Service King has offered consumers a superior collision repair experience for more than 38 years and we are well positioned to grow that legacy with what I believe is the most capable and experienced team in the industry.”
Sterling’s 62 locations will begin operating as Service King immediately and the rebranding of Sterling stores across the country commences June 3, 2014. “Service King has built a strong reputation in the communities where we do business. We recognize that collision repair is not just about the car, but it’s about the care and the lives we touch every day. This acquisition allows us to expand our footprint and offer more consumers an unparalleled, personal repair experience,” said Jeff McFadden, President of Service King. Service King now employs more than 3,800 technicians and support team members and offers collision repair services in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia.
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