Please join us for our April 2013 meeting. We are having some awesome meetings this year. The March meeting was the best one so far. We have a lot going on this year. Come see what you're missing. We are currently working on our 2013 Labor Rate Survey, to be conducted soon. We're advising State Legislator's on proposed bills that affects our industry.

We're working to reduce the tax burden on our Independent repair shops and level the playing field when compared to other similar businesses. We have elected another new officer to help with the advancement of our association. We are also planning our annual Body shop Owner's and Manager's appreciation event.  So don't miss your chance to have valuable input about everything happening right now.

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Please join us for the 3rd gathering of 2013. We have started the year off with great meetings. We have a lot going on this year. We have elected a new board member. We're working with State Legislators on bills to help our industry and protect our customers. We're working to reduce the tax burden on our Independent repair shops and level the playing field when compared to similar businesses. Also, with the increased cost in conducting business, many shops have increased their repair rates. Our members have reported the insurance companies are not keeping up with the new price changes. So, we have decided to conduct a labor rate survey of the Houston area this Spring.
 
Is your shop charging the correct amount for the work it performs, Click Here to use our Labor Rate Calculator to find out?
 
The last labor rate survey conducted by HABA was in 2011 and it revealed what we already knew to be true; the prevailing labor rate as stated by the insurance carriers was incorrect. It was shortly thereafter that, all insurance carriers increased the rates they would pay for collision repair in the Houston area. We had great participation in the last survey but we know we missed some shops. We want every qualified shop to participate this year. To make sure your shop gets to complete a survey, register with HABA by Clicking Here.

You do not have to be a member to participate in this survey but we hope you will support us and join soon. We will provide a list of shops to an independent third party that will be conducting the survey. Please make sure you forward this to all other shop owners and managers that you know because although we have a large list of shops, it does not include everyone.
 
In conclusion, we look forward to seeing everyone at the meeting and working hard to improve our industry in 2013
 
Location: Auto Nation Toyota, 22111 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX 77034

To All,

Just a reminder that we will be having our monthly HABA tonight at 7pm. We will be meeting at Mossy Nissan located at 12150 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77079. When you get to the dealership you will need to go through the showroom and upstairs to the conference room. Food and beverages will be provided. This is the first HABA meeting in 2013. It would be very encouraging to have a big turnout tonight. Having been in the Collision Industry for almost 30 years and a shop owner for 12, I understand how busy we all are. One of my hopes for the new year would be for a great awakening among Body Shop Owners and Managers in Houston and surrounding areas. Each one of us can play a part in making real positive change in our Industry. There is strength in numbers with a unified purpose. The first step is showing up. Will you join us? Here is a reminder of what the HABA is about and what its not:


Objectives

Dealerships and Shops to cooperate together for the purpose of a professional and profitable organization; to promote harmony and cordial business relationships; to establish a more common grounds for better understanding between Insurance Companies, Shops, Vendors, and Consumers.

Our Mission Statement

The Houston Auto Body Association is comprised of collision repairers devoted to the advancement of the collision repair industry.
Our mission is to create an environment of professionalism, respect, accountability, excellence, enthusiasm and the ability to collect fair and reasonable compensation for collision repairers who properly restore vehicles to their safe pre-loss condition.

Position Statement for the Insurance Industry

At HABA our position in dealing with the insurance industry is one of mutual respect and accountability.
Where every insurer believes they have received a quality repair at a fair settlement for quality work in a reasonable time, and in a respectful manner due any professional relationship; Where all services that are performed are paid for and all services paid for are performed; and where ethics and morals, respect and appreciation are the norm not the exception.

Consumer Rights Information

YOU HAVE JUST BECOME INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT! It can happen that quick anytime you are driving. Not a pleasant thought... Unfortunately it happens. Even to the best of drivers. It may or may not be your fault! But what happens afterward is up to you. Many people believe that since their insurance company is paying the bill, the decisions should be up to them. The truth is: It is your money that the insurance company is spending to pay for repairs. Remember, you pay premiums every month and count on the insurance company to be there for you. It's your money. It's your car. You make the decisions.
One of our main goals of the Houston Auto Body Association is Consumer Awareness. As a Consumer Advocate we have compiled important information and have the ability to answer any questions surrounding your rights in the state of Texas.


Regards,

James E. Brown
President
Houston Auto Body Association

To All,

Please be advised that we will be having our monthly HABA tomorrow tonight (Tuesday) at 7pm. We will be meeting at Mossy Nissan located at 12150 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77079. When you get to the dealership you will need to go through the showroom and upstairs to the conference room. Food and beverages will be provided.

This is a very important meeting. What a great way to start off the New Year than to commit to be involved in advancing the Collision Industry. We have a lot of exciting goals for this year. Our first and most pressing item at hand will be our Legislative endeavors. Please see the attachment. We are co-sponsoring a Legislative Breakfast Tuesday February 12th from 8am to 10:30am in the Capitol Grill of the Texas State Capitol.

If you don't know who represents you in Austin, please click on this link http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx . It is very important for everyone to reach out to their State Representative & Senator. See you tomorrow night.

Regards,

James E. Brown
President

To All,

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Holiday Season. The January HABA has been moved to next Tuesday the 15th. The Texas Legislative session begins tomorrow and we have much to plan for in the upcoming months.

One of our Board Members (Larry Cernosek) will be in Austin tomorrow doing some ground work for upcoming events. I will be emailing everyone the details of the meeting in the next few days.

Regards,

James E. Brown
President
Houston Auto Body Association

To All,

My apologies in the late notice. We will not be having a monthly HABA meeting for this month. We will however need to start off the year with everyones involvement. We have much to plan for this upcoming Legislative session.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

James E. Brown
President
Houston Auto Body Association

To All,

Please be advised that we will be having our monthly HABA tomorrow tonight (Tuesday) at 7pm. We will be meeting at Mossy Nissan located at 12150 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77079. When you get to the dealership you will need to go through the showroom and upstairs to the conference room. Food and beverages will be provided.

In preparations for our meeting tomorrow night, I am asking that everyone read and print these 2 attachments.

The first attachment addresses all the comments from the TDI hearing concerning the proposed changes to the "Consumer Bill of Rights" several months ago.

The next attachment is the actual approved "Consumer Bill of Rights". We need to review and formulate our response (that will go on record with the TDI) concerning theses decisions or rulings.

They were not favorable to any of our suggestions. This is extremely important for our upcoming State Legislative endeavors to get Bills formulated and Laws passed that will protect our Industry and Consumer Rights.

There will be additional items to discuss and formulate action plans to address. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Regards,

James E. Brown
President

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, November 13th at Mossy Nissan, located at 12150 Katy Freeway (I-10 West) Houston, TX 77079. The meeting begins at 7:00 pm.

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Our next meeting will be Tuesday, October 9th at Mossy Nissan, located at 12150 Katy Freeway (I-10 West) Houston, TX 77079. The meeting begins at 7:00 pm.

Add Meeting from the Events Calendar >

Chat and get location info in the Meetings Forum >

Check out the minutes from the last meeting >