If you are reading this you have discovered the new format for our Body Language newsletter. After many years of a print version we have taken a big step forward to move Body Language to an online publication. This has several significant advantages.
- We will be able to provide more frequent updates and news about our industry and our association
- Body Language will be available to many more readers, including those beyond the “borders” of the ABPA in the collision repair, distribution and insurance industries, as well as local and national legislators
- Readers like you will have more opportunity to participate in the discussion by providing your input and feedback
- Our sponsors will gain additional exposure to a broader audience
Our new editor, Bill McDonough, is a veteran collision industry observer who served as publisher and editor of “Damage Report” magazine for more than eight years. Under his guidance we expect Body Language to become an even more valuable resource for news, information and insights.
Member Benefits Update
Are you taking advantage of all the benefits you receive as a member of ABPA? We have reached agreements with third party providers in a number of areas for steeply discounted pricing and services.
For example, ABPA members earn discounts on merchant services from Payment Alliance International for wholesale credit & debit card processing rates; and freight discounts from Shipware, a third party logistics provider. By far our most popular benefit is a $75 per month savings on a PartsLink subscription. Check our the ABPA website for a complete list of benefits today.
We Carry Your Fight Forward
Of course, a primary reason for support ABPA through your membership is to help us fight for our industry against the exclusionary tactics of the auto manufacturers. If you need a clear example of how effective we are at combating this threat, be sure to read the article in this issue about our win over Ford Motor Company’s attempt to prevent aftermarket manufacture of parts. While the battle is not over, the victory we won is a significant one.
ABPA Spring Convention Site Has Been Announced!
Our 2015 Annual Business Meeting and Trade Fair will be held in Chicago, Illinois from April 21-24, 2015. The venue for the event will be the historic Drake Hotel located on top of the Magnificent Mile within downtown Chicago.
Let’s hope the upcoming convention is as enjoyable and successful as the event held this year in Austin, Texas. Our new format with educational breakout sessions was a huge success. Attendance was also up by more than 40% over recent years, and we are expecting our Spring 2015 convention to be even bigger success. My sincerest thanks to the sponsors of the Austin convention for their support, which made it possible to expand our activities.
With the great success that we had in Austin in 2014, we listened to our members and will build upon the feedback they provided to make our 2015 convention in Chicago even better. We will be expanding on our successful educational breakout programs and our guest speakers will provide valuable information for our members as it relates to running their businesses.
Automechanika Chicago, the largest U.S. trade show for automotive technicians and shop owners focused on high-end technical training and management, starts the following weekend directly after the ABPA show which will enable attendees to visit both shows without paying twice for airfare.
For attendees, a special convention rate for the Drake Hotel is available at $199 per night plus tax. All reservations are made by either by calling 1-800-55-DRAKE or by the website. The group code for the discounted rate is: ABP. Please keep in mind that the cutoff date for the room block is March 30, 2015.
As always, your feedback and input is welcome.
Ed Salamy
Executive Director
