The Michigan Auto Body Association launched Sept. 21, 2026, and is seeking founding members and legislative influence. In Omaha, two CARSTAR shops helped Picotte Elementary raise more than $30,000 for school programs.
The Michigan Auto Body Association officially launched Sept. 21, 2026. It joined the Society of Collision Repair Specialists as an affiliate association.
Industry coverage described the effort as a bid to restore organized representation for collision repair businesses in Lansing. Michigan's previous collision repair association is no longer operating.
MABA says it will represent repair shops, technicians and suppliers across Michigan. Its statewide focus differs from the local civic work handled by groups such as the City of Farmington and the City of Farmington Hills. Neither city is identified in the launch materials as a participant.
The association has set out several early legislative priorities. They include fair and transparent business practices, stronger consumer protections against steering, payment for repair procedures required by automakers, and enforcement of rules against unfair claims practices.
The agenda draws in part from laws already enacted in Rhode Island. Organizers say MABA is modeled on the Auto Body Association of Rhode Island.
These ideas are still proposals. They have not changed Michigan law. MABA is building membership and shaping its policy agenda while it prepares to advocate for repair businesses.
Any future changes to Michigan insurance or repair regulations would have to move through the proper state process. That could include agencies such as the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services or the Legislature.
MABA also plans statewide and regional events, shared technical training and business resources for shops of different sizes. Through its SCRS affiliation, members can use SCRS education programs, healthcare and 401(k) benefit plans, and industry resources such as the Database Enhancement Gateway.
For Farmington-area readers, the launch does not announce a local meeting, ordinance or public hearing. City business, council activity and local notices are handled through the City of Farmington portal. Regional government matters may involve Oakland County administration.
The next scheduled event is close.
MABA will hold a Meet the Board open house for members and prospective members Oct. 23 at American Most Wanted 4x4 in Burton, Michigan. The association plans its annual meeting for April or May 2027. The launch materials did not name a location.
The board lists Jason Taylor as chair, Brian Johnson as vice chair, Joe Townsend as treasurer and Scott Webster as secretary. Prospective members can meet those leaders at the open house and review the group's plans before the annual meeting.
MABA is bringing several functions under one organization. Individual shops might otherwise pursue legislative advocacy, technical education, benefits access and business resources on their own.
The SCRS affiliation gives the group an established industry connection. MABA's new structure focuses that connection on Michigan representation.
In Omaha, CARSTAR Northwest and CARSTAR Silver Hammer sponsored the Picotte Elementary School Fun Run on Friday, Sept. 18. The annual PTA-organized event raised more than $30,000 with support from sponsors, families and friends.
The money will cover classroom parties, staff appreciation, the One School/One Book program, field-trip transportation and teacher grants. This year's proceeds will also help pay for a new outdoor learning space for students.
The project is in Omaha.
It is not connected to Farmington Public Schools or the Farmington Public Schools Board of Education. Local families looking for verified information about school meetings, programs and board business should use the Farmington Public Schools website rather than draw a local connection from the Omaha announcement.
Damien Reyna, chief operating officer of Driven Brands Collision Group, credited franchise partners such as Travis and his team with supporting programs that create opportunities for students and families. The fundraiser gives Picotte's PTA a specific list of uses instead of a general pool of support. It also adds an outdoor learning project to the school's priorities.
The two developments show collision repair businesses working beyond the repair bay in different ways. Michigan shops are organizing around representation and proposed policy changes. In Omaha, CARSTAR partners are directing business support toward school programs and a new student space.
MABA now has a structure through which Michigan shops can advocate and share resources. Picotte's fundraiser has more than $30,000 tied to identified school needs.
