As 2024 draws to a close, the Oklahoma Auto Body Association (OKABA) is celebrating a year of milestones and preparing to kick off 2025 with its highly anticipated trade show, scheduled for Feb. 7-8 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
With the theme “Year of the Vendor,” this year’s event promises to highlight vendors’ vital role in supporting the auto body industry while offering opportunities for education, networking and fun.
The Year of the Vendor: Spotlight on OKABA’s Trade Show
Ementi Coary, executive director of OKABA and a solutions adviser for Mitchell International, has infused this year’s trade show with a renewed focus on vendors. “Our whole focus is our vendors. Without them, it would be hard to do what we do,” Coary said.
Ementi Coary.
Attendees will have seven hours of dedicated trade show floor time to connect with vendors and explore the latest industry innovations. The event kicks off Friday evening with appetizers on the show floor, followed by a comedy showcase featuring three comedians to set a lighthearted tone for the weekend.
Saturday’s schedule is packed with educational sessions tailored to auto body professionals, featuring a maximum of 50 attendees per room to ensure an intimate and engaging experience. This year’s trade show introduces two technical training sessions, including courses from the Collision Training Institute and I-CAR.
“We’ve expanded our offerings to include more hands-on technical training,” Coary said.
Attendees can expect a mix of practical insights and networking opportunities designed to enhance their skills and grow their businesses. To learn more, visit the registration website.
Legislative Advocacy and Grassroots Initiatives
Advocacy remains a cornerstone of OKABA’s mission.
“We’re taking a proactive approach, focusing on grassroots efforts until we can raise more funds for a lobbyist,” Coary explained. The association’s legislative committee, chaired by Brian Shellam, continues to monitor and combat bills that could negatively impact the industry.
OKABA’s commitment to advocacy resonates with its members. Craig Schupp, co-owner of Diamond Auto Body in Stillwater, OK, emphasized the importance of the association’s vigilance.
“We’re so busy taking care of cars and customers that we don’t have time to monitor legislation. OKABA looks out for repairers like me,” Schupp said.
By keeping members informed and involved, OKABA ensures the industry’s interests are represented at the state level.
Enhancing Membership Value
To provide greater value to its members, OKABA is working on launching a members-only platform offering specialized benefits. The association also plans to introduce more roundtable discussions in 2025 on estimating, paint materials and shop culture.
“Culture is important. You need a good culture to retain and attract talent,” Coary said.
Additionally, based on shop size, OKABA’s dues structure ensures accessibility for a diverse range of businesses, from small-town repair shops to larger operations.
“We push our shops to be active,” Coary said. “Breaking down silos and sharing knowledge makes everyone better.”
The association’s efforts to foster a collaborative environment extend beyond its events, creating a network of professionals committed to improving the industry.
Education: Building the Future Workforce
OKABA’s dedication to education extends beyond its members to the broader collision repair community. The revitalization of the Meridian Technology Center’s Collision Repair Technology program serves as a shining example.
Everett Henry, manager of Diamond Auto Body and a Meridian graduate, played a key role in preserving the program. “Without the program, the technician shortage would only get worse,” Henry said. His son, Jacob, is a testament to the program’s success, earning his I-CAR welding certification and gaining practical experience at Diamond Auto Body.
The program’s updated curriculum, which includes hands-on training and advanced techniques like aluminum welding, equips students with the skills needed to excel in modern auto body shops.
Jessica Stegner, OKABA vice president and co-owner of Tim’s Body Worx, emphasized the importance of apprenticeships and collaboration. “Meridian Tech listened to what we needed and stepped up,” she said.
The program’s success underscores the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and the industry. OKABA is grateful for the leadership of Jordan Short, an instructor at Meridian Tech, for his vision and support of young people.
To read more about Meridian Tech, see part 1 and part 2 of this article series.
Looking Ahead
As OKABA gears up for its trade show and continues to expand its initiatives, the association committed to its mission to uplift the auto body industry in Oklahoma. By fostering connections between vendors and repairers, advocating for fair policies and investing in education, OKABA is building a stronger, more collaborative community.
The plans for 2025 also include an increased focus on engaging members through new programs and platforms.
“Our goal is to ensure our members have the tools and knowledge to succeed while promoting safer, proper repairs,” Coary said.
With initiatives designed to address both current challenges and future opportunities, OKABA’s leadership is committed to driving progress across the state’s auto body sector.
For more information on OKABA’s trade show and membership benefits, visit www.okaba.org.
Leona Scott