Repairers in Oklahoma, formerly known as Fellowship of Concerned Repairers of Oklahoma (FOCRO) have strengthened their commitment to the development of an effective state association with a new name and renewed enthusiasm. 

The group officially became the Oklahoma Auto Body Association (OKABA) following a meeting on September 6.

At a meeting in late August, the FOCRO made their decision to become a voice for the collision repairer in Oklahoma. Dan Risley, executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), and Chuck Sulkala, executive director of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) attended the meeting to help inspire the group. "That Thursday night was the boost we needed," said Gary Wano, Jr., former FOCRO president.

Risley addressed the members of the soon to be Oklahoma Auto Body Association, discussing industry trends and how each of these trends will undoubtedly impact Oklahoma collision repairers. "The forty or so in attendance seemed to hang on each word as Dan continued to explain what SCRS has been doing from behind the scenes," said Wano.

Chuck Sulkala described what an effective association looks like, and what can and should be expected from each and every association member. He explained that through a strong association, areas such as legislation, education and the overall appearance of the industry can and will be impacted.

The group also discussed earlier progress made toward anti-steering legislation and made plans for the association's next meeting which would determine the future direction of the association, its by-laws and vision statement.

It was that September meeting that yielded the name change from The Fellowship of Concerned Repairers of Oklahoma (FOCRO) to the Oklahoma Auto Body Association (OKABA).

OKABA will now be making an effort to contact repairers around the state to attract support and begin planning its future agenda with a renewed vision for the future.

For additional information about OKABA, call Gary Wano at 405-751-1337.