2025: A Year of Wins, Work and What’s Next

by Jill Tuggle, ABAT Executive Director

As we close out another remarkable year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood shoulder to shoulder with ABAT in 2025.

This has been a year of real progress – hard-won, deeply meaningful progress – and it would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our members, partners and advocates across the state.

To our members who fought tirelessly, showed up at the Capitol and contributed generously to help pass SB 458: thank you. Your commitment to protecting and advancing our industry is the backbone of everything we do. I want to especially recognize Burl Richards, Robert McDorman and his expert team and our tireless lobbyist, Jacob Smith. Their dedication, expertise and persistence played a crucial role in securing this victory for Texas shops.

I also want to extend sincere appreciation to the attendees and vendors who showed up for this year’s Texas Auto Body Trade Show. We know how hard it is to step away from your business, even for a couple of days, and your presence is what makes this event the premier gathering for our industry. Your support, engagement and energy fuel the momentum that keeps ABAT moving forward. ABAT’s annual operating costs are covered by the generous support of the show’s exhibitors and sponsors, so make sure that you shop with them first if you’re in the market for something! 

Looking ahead, I’m more optimistic than ever. 2026 is going to be an innovative year for ABAT. We have boots-on-the-ground plans for every chapter across the state, and we’re coming to your town with hands-on education, advanced training and certification opportunities that raise the bar for our industry.

So get ready, because ABAT is bringing the goods in 2026, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Thank you for your trust, your passion and your partnership. Here’s to another strong year for Texas collision repair.

Want more? Check out the December 2025 issue of Texas Automotive!