People Places & Racing News

SEMA Council & Committee News: MPMC and SPC Sponsor Northern Ohio Online Marketing Workshop

The following is a joint announcement from the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) and the Street Performance Council (SPC).
Grow your business and reach new customers at the SEMA Online Marketing Workshop on Monday, August 17, at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

Internet marketing expert Brian Offenberger, CEO of Right On—No Bull Marketing, will be the featured speaker at the one-day event. He has generated millions of dollars in profits and sales for his clients and will share his expertise at this special hands-on workshop. Brian will share his successful strategies for reaching new customers through online marketing and advertising.

Topics include:
* Online marketing in the specialty-equipment industry
* Search engine optimization (SEO)
* Maximizing ROI with social media, Google AdWords and more

As part of the workshop, roundtable sessions will be available for no extra cost for one-on-one time with Brian to discuss your specific business needs and goals. This workshop will be held at the state-of-the-art Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk Ohio, located between Cleveland and Detroit.

In recognition of Motorsports Awareness Month, the Motorsports Manufacturers Council (MPMC) and the Street Performance Council (SPC) will be co-sponsoring the event. The workshop will include a networking luncheon with MPMC, SPC and SEMA staff.

Attendance is just $25 per person and includes the online marketing workshop, lunch and networking opportunities.

Save the date, Monday, August 17, for this valuable business building event.

For registration and more information, contact Monica Terlouw at 909/396-0289, or monicat@sema.org.



Click on the logo to visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Select Committee Election Results

ARMO is pleased to announce that the following candidates were elected or re-elected to a two-year term on the ARMO Select Committee. Congratulations to all the nominees who made the slate!

Incumbents

Roger Niehaus – Auto Custom Carpets - Incumbent
Sandy Patterson – Source Interlink Media - Incumbent
Jim Vinarski – Carlisle Events - Incumbent

New Members

Jim Christina – Dynacorn International Inc.
Harry Weimann – WyoTech
Jeff Yager – Hemmings Motor News

Valuable Seminar Available Online

If you missed the ARMO-sponsored seminar, "10 Things You Can Do to Your Website Today to Improve Your Results Tomorrow,” at the Hot Rod & Restoration Trade Show, you can view the presentation online.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The largest gathering of ARMO-member companies happens each year during the SEMA Show. This year, the ARMO Reception is Tuesday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom C. Sponsorship opportunities include prominent logo placement, premium seating, and complimentary drink tickets. They range in price from $500 to $5,000. Check out the form for additional details.

ARMO Industry Awards Reception


5:30 p.m.7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

 

ARMO Open Council Meeting


7:15 a.m.9:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

ARMO Roundtable

10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m., Thursday, November 5, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Column in SEMA Member News

Read ARMO's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about ARMO, contact Jan Desma.

 




Click on the logo to visit HRIA's website.

 

HRIA Open General Membership Meeting

 

HRIA-member companies and their employees are encouraged to participate in the informative HRIA General Membership Meeting. Each council task force chairman will be reporting on the projects they are currently undertaking.

 

The meeting will be held at the 40th Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky.


When: Wednesday, August 5, 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: Louisville Kentucky Fairgrounds, C Wing – Room 104

 

Contact Jan Desma at 909/396-0289 ext. 134 for more information.

 

HRIA Select Committee Election Results

 

The ballots are in and counted. The HRIA select committee is pleased to have Ray Gorman of Stainless Steel Brakes, Vince Sica of PowerMaster and Bret Voelkel of Air Ride Technologies join in the mission of ensuring the future prosperity of the hot rod industry. Additionally, Del Austin of Egge Machine Company, Eric Saltrick of Steele Rubber and S. Kellie Colf of Eaton Detroit Spring were re-elected to serve another term.

 

These volunteers, along with the seven other members of the hot rod industry, will be led by Dennis Overholser of Painless Performance as Chairman. Preserving and growing the hot rod industry, the HRIA select committee focuses on training and educating its member companies through its Education Day held in conjunction with the Hot Rod and Restoration trade show in addition to making industry specific information available on its website at www.sema.org/hria.

HRIA Announces Incoming Chair-Elect

On July 1, 2009, the HRIA Select Committee chairmanship will be passed from Jeanette Ladina to the current chair-elect, Dennis Overholser. At that time, a new chair-elect will be installed. Rick Love of Vintage Air has been selected for this position, which will inevitably lead to the chair position in just over two years. During the next two years, Love will be learning and assisting Overholser on the focus and direction of the HRIA Select Committee.

Love is currently the executive vice president of Vintage Air Inc. He has been involved in the hot-rod industry since the late '70s when he built his first hot rod during his senior year in high school. He built several hot rods in the early '80s and began to do A/C installations, which led him to become an authorized dealer and installer for Vintage Air products. Through this association, he began to work with them on product development, which eventually led to a full-time position. Love has been vice president at Vintage Air since 1998.

When asked about his passion for the industry, Love said, "My hobby has evolved into a career, but I also remain a dedicated enthusiast at heart." Love still has the '39 Ford coupe he built in 1984, and it has more than 140,000 miles on it so far. Love also has a '32 Ford coupe and a '72 Camaro RS Pro Touring car, both of which are driven regularly.

To round out his life, Love and his wife Linda, whom he has been married to for 15 years, have a 13-year-old son Matt. "My other hobbies are sports, especially basketball, and I enjoy being involved with my son’s sports activities," said Love.

Love has been an HRIA Select Committee member since 2005 and said, "I am looking forward to moving into the chair-elect position in July. I think two of the most important issues ahead for our industry are continuing to promote youth involvement and focusing on legislation that will encourage the growth of our hobby and industry. The next generation of passionate car guys and car gals are the key to sustaining the steady growth that we have enjoyed. It is equally important that we have consistent processes and legislation throughout the country to register and license our specialty vehicles so that we may continue to drive and enjoy them."

Love believes that SEMA and its councils such as HRIA can help mobilize support for these issues and keep them in the forefront.

HRIA Industry Awards Reception

5:15 p.m.8:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

 

HRIA Closed Select Committee Meeting

 

7:30 a.m.9:00 a.m., Thursday, November 5, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

 

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read HRIA's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

 

For more information about HRIA, contact Jan Desma.




Click on the logo to visit TORA's website.

TORA Long-Range Planning Meeting Moves to Pasadena

 

TORA members can pack plenty of activity around this year’s annual Long-Range Planning (LRP) Meeting. Scheduled for Thursday, July 30, at the Westin Hotel in Pasadena, California from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., the meeting is being held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser at the Pasadena Convention Center on Saturday, August 1. The SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, the SEMA Show 'N Shine car show and the Internet Symposium are also on tap for that day.

Sandwiched between the Thursday LRP meeting and Saturday’s SEMA festivities at the Convention Center, Friday is available for attendees to see West Coast clients or spend a free day in Old Town Pasadena. Old Town is filled with an eclectic mix of shops, stores and restaurants that easily make a full day of sightseeing within walking distance of the Westin and Convention Center.

“This is a tough year for everyone,” said TORA Immediate Past Chairman Ron DiVincenzo. “A West Coast trip may not make sense on the surface, but we wanted to hold the meeting in conjunction with some other event so that members could combine two trips into one. With the postponement of the TSTC in March, the only other big event coming up is the SEMA Show in November.

 

"At the SEMA Show, everyone is already overwhelmed, and it’s really not a good venue at which to conduct long-range planning. While this may keep some of our East Coast and Midwest companies from attending, on a positive note we’re hoping that some of the West Coast members, who rarely come east for an LRP, can attend this year’s meeting.”

Please contact TORA Staff Liaison Jim Skelly for more information.


TORA Closed Select Committee Meeting

7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.

 

TORA Industry Reception


5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.


George Lathouris Named TORA Chair-Elect


The TORA Select Committee has named Keystone’s George Lathouris as its chair-elect. Lathouris will assume his new responsibilities on July 1, when Kelly Kneifl assumes the duties of chairman from TORA Immediate Past Chairman Ron DiVincenzo. Congratulations to George!

 

TORA Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read TORA's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

 

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.





Click on the logo to visit MPMC's website.


MPMC Column in SEMA Member News


Read MPMC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

 

For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.

 




Click on the logo to visit MRC's website.

MRC Select Committee Election Results

MRC is pleased to announce that the following candidates were elected or re-elected to a two-year term on the MRC Select Committee. Congratulations to all the nominees who made the slate and for volunteering their time and service to the committee.

Incumbents

Mike Bolio – Scafidi-Bolio & Associates
Irv Cohen – SS Sales & Marketing
Chris Fairless – Fairless Sales & Marketing

New Select Committee Members

Mark Adin – PSKB
Jim Considine – Considine Sales & Marketing
Nathan Kunzman – Michael Kunzman & Associates
Chris Perry – Bill Perry & Associates

MRC Long-Range Planning Meeting at PWA


MRC will be conducting their annual Long-Range Planning Meeting at the Arizona Grand Resort on Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 1:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Dinner will be served. All reps are welcome and encouraged to participate in this open forum and address issues faced daily by reps in all segments of the specialty-equipment industry. Bring your ideas and suggestions to raise the bar for all manufacturers' reps. For us to be able to accommodate attendees with food and beverage, we ask that you contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289 x104 by Friday, August 28, 2009.

The 8th Annual SEMA/MRC Rep Conference
When: Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Where: Arizona Grand Resort, Phoenix

In These Turbulent Times, Don’t Just Survive...THRIVE
Bryan Shirley, President and CEO of the Manufacturers' Agents National Association (MANA) will present an open and interactive session addressing our industry’s biggest challenges in this turbulent economy. An event all WD’s, manufacturers and reps will not want to miss.

Hurry and take advantage of the reduced registration fees offered by the MRC! Bring one company employee for the reduced rate of $50 and $25 for each additional company employee. To sign up for the event, complete the new online Rep Conference registration form.

Please join us for open bar and appetizers compliments of the MRC Select Committee and the Performance Warehouse Association. To learn more about the MRC Rep Conference, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289, ext. 104.

MRC General Membership Meeting and Awards Ceremony

MRC will be holding its membership meeting and awards ceremony on Sunday, November 1, from 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read MRC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

 

For information about MRC, contact Staci Bostock.

 


 


Click on the logo to visit PRO's website.

 

Eldon Bracken New Chair Elect of PRO Council
The PRO Select Committee announced that Eldon Bracken of Graphic Mart in Milton, Ontario, Canada, has been elected to the position of Chair Elect. Eldon will assume his new role on July 1, when current Chair Elect Karl Stearns takes over the Council Chair position from Chuck Blum. Congratulations, Eldon!


PRO Select Committee Election Results

 

PRO is pleased to announce that the following candidates were elected or re-elected to a two-year term on the PRO Select Committee. Congratulations to all the nominees who made the slate and for volunteering their time and service to the committee.

Incumbents

  • Jeff Fink – Advantage Truck Accessories
  • Joey Johnson – Tops and Trends
  • Bill North – Webasto
  • Scott Wolin – Marketing Worldwide Inc.

New Members

  • Diane Braschler – Dealer Source
  • Jason Braun – Meyer Distributing
  • Mike Stanifer – Innovative Creations
  • David Stringer – Insignia Group

PRO Closed Select Committee Meeting


3:00 p.m.5:00 p.m., Sunday, November 1, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

 

PRO Industry Reception


5:30 p.m.7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.


PRO General Membership Meeting


7:30 a.m.9:00 a.m., Thursday, November 5, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.

 

PRO Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read PRO's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

 

For information about PRO, contact Jim Skelly.

 


 


Click on the logo to visit SBN's website.

 

SBN Select Committee Election Results

 

Congratulations to the newly elected SBN Select Committee members. The SBN is in good hands with these latest additions to the Select Committee for 2009/2010.

Nan Kevin Gelhard – Summit Racing Equipment
Erin Gilhuly – Toyota Motor Sales
Cheralyn Hale – Advanced Clutch Technology
Gigi Ho – Digital Performance Inc.
Anne Johnson – Keystone Automotive Operations
Laurie Marcellus – Trans American Auto Parts LLC – Off Road Adventures
Mandi Woodell – Weathers Auto Supply

Welcome also to the incumbents who were reelected.

Melissa Lawrence - powerTV Media
Nancy Loetfering – Davert Tools Inc.
Trina Wilson – Dci (Direct Communications)

 

SBN Closed Select Committee Meeting

 

5:00 p.m.7:00 p.m., Monday, November 2, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

SEMA Networking Breakfast—Powered by SBN

7:30 a.m.9:00 a.m., Thursday, November 5, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

 

Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

 

“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career. In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

 

Visit the SEMA Mentoring Program now.

 

SBN Column in SEMA Member News

Read SBN's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SBN, contact Jan Desma.

 


 


Click on the logo to visit SPC's website.

 

SPC Select Committee Election Results

 

Congratulations to the newly elected SPC Select Committee members.

Ed Burgy – Mr. Gasket – Incumbent
Laurel Dasher – Superchips Inc.
Baadal “Bottle” Deliwalo – Titan Motorsports Inc.
Chris Dye – Club RSX Inc.
Regis Finn – B&M Racing & Performance Products Inc.
Gigi Ho – Digital Performance Inc.
Jim Liaw – Formula Drift Inc. – Incumbent
Oliver Rathlein – Eibach Springs Inc. – Incumbent
Albert Reda – Vibrant Power Inc. – Incumbent
Brian Reese – Competition Cams Inc. – Incumbent
Malen Reger – Motovicity Distribution – Incumbent
MK Sathya – Keystone Automotive Operations Inc.
James Yim – Falken Tire Corp. – Incumbent

 

SEMA Internet Symposium presented by the SPC—A must attend event for survival in the technology dependent future

Establishing your business and brand online may sound like a daunting venture, but SEMA and the SPC are here to help. Join SEMA’s Internet Symposium presented by the SPC, a SEMA Leadership Day event, August 1, in the Pasadena Convention Center, to interact with IT experts who will help you tap into the lucrative world of online commerce.

A series of speakers offer perspective on the future of online business, decode often confusing vocabulary and deliver direction.

Sessions

  • Introduction to the Internet for the Specialty Equipment Market
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Tech Speak for Helping Your Customers Find You Online
  • Your Intellectual Property Rights on eBay & Beyond
  • Myth Busting the ACES and PIES Data Standards
  • Video Killed the Radio Star: It’s Still True Today
  • Today’s Essential Biz Tools: Sell More, Do More with less
  • How to Measure Online Buyer Acquisitions & Sales
  • Ask the Experts: What Should You Do with a $10,000 Internet Marketing Budget

If you have any questions about the symposium, contact, Jason Tolleson at 909/396-0289, ext 112.

Register today! Registration fee also covers lunch.


Early Bird Registration Fees:
SEMA Member – First company employee – $125
SEMA Member – Additional company employee – $99
Non-SEMA Member – $199

 

Onsite registration Fee:
SEMA Members and Non Members – $199

Register for the SEMA Internet Symposium presented by the SPC.

 

SPC Reception

5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

Read SPC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

 

For information about SPC, contact Jason Tolleson.

 


 


Click on the logo to visit WTC's website.

 

Congratulations to newly elected WTC Chairman-elect David Insull of American Tire Distributors. David is in his second stint on the WTC Select Committee, having first been elected to the select committee in 2001.

 

WTC Open Meeting

 

1:00 p.m.3:00 p.m., Monday, November 2, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.

 

WTC Reception


5:00 p.m.7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.


WTC Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read WTC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about WTC, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

 


 


Click on the logo to visit YEN's website.

 

YEN Announces New Select Committee Members

 

YEN congratulates the following new and returning Select Committee members.

Mike Bolio - Scafidi-Bolio & Associates, Incumbent
Kris Carlson - Auto Meter Products Inc.
Ashley Chalk - Auto Club Speedway of Southern California, Incumbent
Casey Coker - Coker Tire Co. Inc., Incumbent
S. Kellie Colf - Eaton Detroit Spring Inc., Incumbent
Dan Dolan - DiabloSport Inc.
Kevin German - Ground Force Suspension
James Lawrence - powerTV Media
Josh Pendolphia - KAM Marketing Inc.
Cary Redman - Prestolite Performance/Mr. Gasket
Robert Wityczak - Grant Products International Inc., Incumbent

Your willingness to serve and work in behalf of the YEN is most welcome, and we are pleased to have you aboard.


YEN Long-Range Planning Meeting


3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 1, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.


YEN Reception

 

5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

 

Congratulations to Gregory Parker!

 

Gregory Parker from Martin & Company Advertising has been elected chair-elect of the Young Executives Network (YEN). Parker has served on the YEN Select Committee since 2005 and has been chairman of the SEMA Silent Auction Task Force.

Join YEN

Did you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the SEMA Young Executives Network for FREE. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

 

YEN Member of the Month Spotlight

 

Did you know that YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections or to make a nomination, visit www.sema.org/yen.

YEN Column in SEMA Member News

Read YEN's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about YEN, contact Jason Tolleson.