Integrated model unifies and expands access to national advocacy, education, and benefits for collision repair professionals

Mechanicsville, VA, January 16, 2026 — The Society of Collision Repair Specialists and the Carolinas Collision Association have announced a first of its kind integrated membership model that unifies local and national association participation into a single, streamlined membership experience.

Beginning January 2026, existing and future members of the Carolinas Collision Association will additionally receive membership in SCRS.

The initiative is designed to provide collision repair professionals with the full benefits of strong local representation combined with national level advocacy, resources, and support, without requiring separate memberships.

This integrated model removes barriers that have traditionally existed between local participation and national involvement.

“This collaboration is about unity and alignment,” said Kyle Bradshaw, President of the Carolinas Collision Association. “We feel confident that our members gain the most value when we can leverage the strengths of our local community and voice, with the scope and resources of our national counterparts. By bringing SCRS membership into CCA, we’re strengthening the collective voice of repairers and ensuring our members have access to the innovation, programs, education, and advocacy they need to succeed.”

By aligning efforts, the organizations aim to make it easier for repairers to engage more fully at every level of the industry.

Through this partnership, all CCA members will now have access to the full suite of SCRS programs and resources, including:

  • National advocacy and representation on issues impacting collision repairers
  • Healthcare and retirement solutions designed for independent businesses
  • Employee support programs that help shops attract and retain skilled professionals
  • Ongoing industry intelligence, with daily news and regular delivery of technical insights and estimating guidance
  • National caliber education and training, including a library of educational opportunities and consumer and employee focused video content

“This initiative strengthens the value we are delivering to our members,” said Kaitlyn George, Executive Director of the Carolinas Collision Association. “It was clear to me as the CCA board discussed how the proposal would serve our members interests, how unified we were in approving a program that would enhance our ability to serve shops of all sizes. This isn’t about supporting associations, but more about how associations can collaborate to support the market they serve. I strongly believe our members will feel how this alignment reinforces CCA’s mission to support safe, proper, and professional collision repair.”

SCRS emphasized the significance of the partnership and the leadership demonstrated by CCA in advancing a more connected association model.

“Our relationships with state and regional affiliates are incredibly important to SCRS,” said Aaron Schulenburg, Executive Director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists. “The Affiliate structure is essential to delivering meaningful value to repair facilities in their home state. I’ve often told repair audiences that if they could only be a part of one group, it should be their local association. But this structure allows for strong local connections to be further bolstered by the national resources and broader connection to the community that exists within our Society. We are grateful to the Carolinas Collision Association for leading the way and helping define what a unified, member focused model can and should look like for the industry.”

Both organizations view this integrated membership as a step forward in strengthening the collision repair industry through collaboration, alignment, and shared purpose; while ensuring repairers have access to the tools, education, and advocacy they need to operate successful and sustainable businesses.

For collision repair businesses looking to join CCA and take advantage of SCRS benefits, visit www.carolinascollisionassociation.com.

Other organizations outside of the Carolinas interested in learning more about SCRS membership opportunities can contact the SCRS office at info@scrs.com or visit www.scrs.com.

###

About SCRS: Through its direct members and affiliate associations, SCRS is comprised of 6,000 collision repair businesses and 58,500 specialized professionals who work with consumers and insurance companies to repair collision-damaged vehicles. Additional information about SCRS including other news releases, is available at the SCRS Web site: www.scrs.com.  You can e-mail SCRS at the following address: info@scrs.com

About CCA: The Carolinas Collision Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting safe, proper, and professional collision repairs throughout North and South Carolina. CCA works to ensure the long-term success of independent collision repair professionals through advocacy, education, and community engagement.

Learn more at www.carolinascollisionassociation.com.