Wisconsin’s auto body repair trade group announced this month it has changed its name of 50 years.

The former Wisconsin Auto Collision Technicians Association Limited (“WACTAL”) will now be known as Wisconsin Collision Repair Professionals (“WCRP”). Founded in 1971, the organization represents more than 200 companies and more than 1,000 collision repairers within the Badger State.

“A name change had been discussed several times in the past. The WACTAL name carries a lot of great history with it and there was reluctance to leave that behind. However, a lot has changed in the last 50 years and the new name just seemed like a good fit at this time,” WCRP President Larry Terrien (MJ Collision Center) said in a statement. “The collision repair industry needs to take the initiative in establishing itself as the repair professionals. This new name will be a reminder to our members and the industry at large of who we are and how we should go forward.”

The WACTAL code of ethics had already mentioned professional behavior, and that language remains within the WCRP code.

1. No collision repair facility repairing vehicles for customers shall be owned by, controlled by or unduly influenced by any person or entity whose financial interests are likely to interfere with a repairer’s exercise of professional judgment on behalf of and in the best repair interest of a consumer/customer.

2. The collision repairer owes a duty of professional care to the customer and shall act in the best interest of the customer in all repair decisions and recommendations. (Minor formatting edits.)

The trade group’s logo remains similar to the old WACTAL icon, something Executive Director Deb Brunett felt paid homage to the efforts of those who served the organization.

“As I’ve settled into this new position, I see the efforts of so many in the past that we certainly don’t want to forget our roots in the industry, and we will make sure that this doesn’t happen” said Brunett, who in 2020 replaced retiring longtime Administrator Sue Peterson. “Our updated website reflects our new direction and focus, and it is now available at www.wcrp.pro. Within this new website we will be developing a special page to thank all the past members and businesses that brought us to this point in time.”

The WCRP’s retooled website can be found at www.wcrp.pro.

The new website, name and logo are joined by a new publication. WCRP in January replaced its Wisconsin Auto News quarterly magazine with a monthly E-Newsletter. Board member Steve Humblet (Quality Paint & Body) said the format change “will give us greater flexibility to get news and events out to the membership quickly.”

Humblet said the trade group will focus on scholarships, education and career awareness, and WCRP said it had partnered with several sponsors and sought more assistance in attracting talent.

“Attracting new talent will be an ongoing issue as the workforce ages and other trades pursue the same pool of candidates,” Humblet said in a statement.

More information:

“WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION NOW HAS A NEW NAME”

Wisconsin Collision Repair Professionals, February 2020

WCRP website

Images:

The Wisconsin Auto Collision Technicians Association Limited (“WACTAL”) is now known as Wisconsin Collision Repair Professionals (“WCRP”). (Provided by WCRP)

The Wisconsin Auto Collision Technicians Association Limited (“WACTAL”) is now known as Wisconsin Collision Repair Professionals (“WCRP”). The organization’s new logo is similar to the old one, something Executive Director Deb Brunett felt paid homage to the efforts of those who served the organization in the past. (Provided by WACTAL, WCRP)