What Was Old Is New Again!
by Evangelos “Lucky” Papageorg, AASP/MA Executive Director
Change is often driven by the desire to strengthen our image and expand our influence.
About 15 years ago, a decision was made to unite the four independent repair groups representing collision repair shops across Massachusetts under one unified banner. The goal at the time was twofold: to create one strong state association that could speak with a single voice for our industry – and to align with a nationally recognized organization that could amplify that voice on both the local and national stages.
That decision led to the formation of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts (AASP/MA). By joining the national AASP network, Massachusetts became one of 38 affiliate members representing the collision and mechanical repair industries across the country. That affiliation provided us with a valuable platform for collaboration, discussion and collective action at a national level. It allowed repair professionals from all corners of the country to identify common challenges, rally behind shared goals and support one another in pushing for meaningful industry improvements.
It also gave AASP/MA additional strength here at home. When we’ve testified before legislators or regulators, we’ve been able to do so, not only on behalf of our Massachusetts members, but also on behalf of thousands of business owners nationwide – and the tens of thousands of highly skilled technicians who perform essential work every day. Just as importantly, our advocacy has represented the millions of motorists directly impacted by insurance constraints, repair standards and the many challenges that shape today’s collision repair process.
In recent years, AASP/MA has made tremendous strides in advancing the interests of collision repair professionals here in Massachusetts. Our relationships with legislators, regulators and key decision-makers have never been stronger. Our collective voice is being heard – and it’s influencing real change.
We’ve had unprecedented meetings with legislative leadership and with heads of the Division of Insurance, Division of Occupational Licensure and Division of Standards. These opportunities reflect not only our credibility as an organization, but also the passion and commitment of our membership.
Your responsiveness to calls for action, contributions to our Lobbying and Legal Fund and support of our PAC have been absolutely vital. The participation of our members, vendors and industry partners continues to fuel our progress and strengthen our ability to represent you effectively.
With all that we’ve accomplished – and all that lies ahead – now is the right time to return to our roots and embrace the identity that best represents who we are and where we’re headed.
Effective January 1, 2026, AASP/MA will proudly return to its original name: the Massachusetts Auto Body Association (MABA).
This decision wasn’t made lightly. Over the past year, your Board of Directors and leadership team engaged in thoughtful discussions about how we can best position our organization for the future. Through those conversations, one thing became clear: the name MABA carries deep meaning, history and recognition within our state’s collision repair community. It reflects the strength, independence and professionalism of Massachusetts repairers – and it’s a name our industry and the public already know and respect.
Our mission and momentum remain the same: to advocate for fair treatment, equitable business conditions and recognition of the vital role collision repair professionals play in keeping motorists safe. What changes is the banner under which we continue that work – one that honors our past while propelling us confidently into the future.
As we approach this exciting transition, you’ll begin to see updates to our communications, branding and materials reflecting the return to MABA. Rest assured, your membership, benefits and the strong advocacy you’ve come to rely on will continue seamlessly.
Together, we’ll build on the foundation we’ve created as AASP/MA – with renewed pride and purpose as the Massachusetts Auto Body Association once again.
Thank you for your continued support, involvement and belief in the power of a united voice. Here’s to the future – and to what’s old becoming new again!
Want more? Check out the December 2025 issue of New England Automotive Report!