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| Visit WTC's website. |
TIA's Roy Littlefield Joins WTC Select Committee
In an effort aimed at increasing communication between SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), the Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) extended an invitation to TIA to participate in the council’s Long Range Planning meeting, March 17 at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.
The open dialogue between the two culminated in WTC’s appointment of
TIA’s Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield to a voting seat on the
council’s Select Committee. This move greatly improves the interaction
between SEMA and TIA, while providing both memberships with a much
desired forum in which to express their concerns and suggestions.
“The appointment of Roy Littlefield was unanimous and came after an
honest exchange between the parties in which common goals and
directives outweighed any differences," said WTC Chairman Tim Dietz.
"TIA’s council participation signifies an important shift in how we
will address the concerns of the tire industry. I am confident that
this collaboration will ultimately benefit and advance the best
interest of each association’s membership.”
Littlefield added: "Over the past few months, both TIA and SEMA have agreed to work together to further strengthen our relationship. Being invited to join the Wheel & Tire Council is just more proof that this relationship-building is being backed up by concrete action. On behalf of our members, I thank SEMA for giving us the opportunity for our member voices to be heard on the Wheel & Tire Council as it continues its important mission.”
WTC Column in SEMA Member News
Read WTC's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about WTC, contact Zane Clark.
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| Visit ARMO's website. |
ARMO New Products Showcase Registration Is Now Online
ARMO-member companies may now submit product registrations for the 2010 ARMO New Products Showcase. Registration is now available online.
The 13th annual ARMO New Products Showcase will once again be held at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Wednesday–Sunday, April 21–25. The showcase continues to grow every year, with a record number of product entries in 2009. More than 100,000 automotive hobbyists attend Spring Carlisle each year, and the ARMO Showcase Tent is located at the very center of the show in a prime position, guaranteeing your products will be seen. This is a fantastic opportunity for ARMO-member companies to put their new products in front of one of the largest annual gatherings of restoration enthusiasts in the country. Participation is open to all ARMO-member companies, and it’s FREE!
There is no judging of entries in the showcase. The focus of the event is to showcase the products to generate publicity, inquires and sales leads. All entries will be photographed at Spring Carlisle, and the photos, product descriptions and company names will be displayed in the ARMO booth at the 2010 SEMA Show.
ARMO New Products Showcase Criteria
All products submitted must meet the following criteria:
- Must be the product of an ARMO member-company.
- Must be a new product or improved design since March 2009.
- Product must be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the showcase, April 21.
- Must demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.
Process
- Complete one entry form per product.
- Product entry forms must be completely filled out and submitted to SEMA by Wednesday, April 14, 2010. Some of the information will be used to create signage for the product at the Spring Carlisle Showcase and to accompany the photos in the ARMO booth at the 2010 SEMA Show. ARMO will guarantee acceptance of FOUR product entries per company. Any additional entries will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Companies are urged to include marketing materials (sales literature, flyers or brochures) with the product. These materials will be made available to hobbyists who ask for more information and/or want to contact the manufacturer to find out where they can buy the product.
Delivery of product(s)
- Product(s) may be pre-shipped for arrival no later than Friday, April 16, 2010 to:
Carlisle Events
Attention: ARMO New Products Showcase – Jim Vinarski
1000 Bryn Mawr Rd., Carlisle, PA 17013
-or-
Product(s) may be hand-delivered to the Showcase, Wednesday April 21.
Product(s) may be removed after 1:00 p.m., Sunday April 25.
-or-
Company can pre-arrange for return shipping by completing the “return shipment information” on the entry form.
ARMO Select Committee Elects Alex Tainsh as Chair-Elect
Alex Tainsh is a founding member of ARMO and has been an active member for
12 years. His accomplishments begin with a combined 16-year stint at P.U.I and
Soffseal, and he is currently the sales and marketing manager for TrimParts.
Throughout his many years with ARMO, he has worked passionately to
promote the "Take a Kid to a Car Show" program and, most notably,
headed up the Colton Camaro project. When asked about future projects,
Tainsh reiterated the importance of young enthusiasts and the
preservation of the restoration market.
As Tainsh begins his two-year term as chair-elect, Laura Bergan will assume chairwoman duties July 1.
ARMO Column in SEMA Member News
Read ARMO's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
2010 HRIA Education Day a Huge Success
Working in conjunction with the 12th Annual Hotrod & Restoration trade show in Indianapolis, HRIA-member companies are provided a platform to educate and train dealers on the specifics of their products and key selling points. Dealers are better at selling products they're more knowledgeable and comfortable with, resulting in higher sales and less returns.
This year’s Education Day boasted 40 seminars which were attended in record numbers. With more than 4,000 pre-registered for the event, it quickly sold out, creating a buzz within the industry. HRIA Education Day did not fail to deliver. The manufacturers represented a broad spectrum of industry experts and covered diverse and tangible subject matter. Manufacturers included GM, Meguiar’s, Flaming River Industries, Steele Rubber Products, Vintage Air Inc., and Classic Instruments. The all-day event included a hosted breakfast and attendees received a certificate of completion for each seminar they participated in.
As a SEMA council, HRIA is committed to the betterment of its members and promoting the industry as a whole. Events such as Education Day are made possible because passionate individuals volunteer their time and resources. An active and strong membership is critical in assuring that important initiatives such as education, youth awareness, and legislative issues are addressed and directed accordingly.
For more questions on Education Day or to get involved with HRIA, please contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.
HRIA Column in SEMA Member News
Read HRIA's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about HRIA, contact Zane Clark.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
TORA Column in SEMA Member News
Read TORA's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit MPMC's website. |
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| The MPMC Select Committee voted Vic Wood of Hedman Performance Group as its new Chair-Elect of the council. |
MPMC Select Committee Chooses Vic Wood as New Chair-Elect
The MPMC Select Committee voted Vic Wood of Hedman Performance Group the newest chair-elect of the council. Vic has spent the majority of his career in or around the specialty-parts industry, including appointments to the board of directors of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association and the Australian National Drag Racing Association.
He started drag racing at 16, and drove all types of vehicles through 2004, when he clocked 234 mph in a modified roadster at Bonneville.
When not working, Vic is busy with his '64 Chevrolet pickup, and crew chiefs a nostalgia funny car that competes in the NHRA Heritage Series.
“It is a great honor to be elected Chair Elect of MPMC,” said Wood. “SEMA has been a part of my life in some form or another for nearly 30 years. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve the members of this historic SEMA Council, and I look forward to supporting our current Chairman over the next two years as we address challenges of our market sector.”
Take a Friend to a Race Fan Page
The MPMC Motorsports Awareness campaign, highlighted by the Take a Friend to a Race program, now has its very own Fanpage on Facebook. If you’re not a fan yet, you should be!
MPMC Column in SEMA Member News
Read MPMC's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit MRC's website. |
MRC Names Chris Fairless New Chair-Elect
The
MRC Select Committee has named Chris Fairless of Fairless Sales &
Marketing to the position of chair-elect. Fairless is a current MRC
Select Committee member and will take over duties as chair-elect on
July 1. Fairless stated, “I’m honored to be selected as MRC’s chair-elect. I’m looking forward to the future challenges and the
opportunities. I’m excited to be involved with SEMA and MRC and hope to
inspire more people in our industry to get involved. There are great
opportunities ahead!” When Fairless assumes chair-elect duties on July
1, current chair-clect Wade Cobb of HAPCO will become chairman of MRC,
when Joel Rosenthal’s two-year term as MRC chairman ends. At that time,
Rosenthal will assume his new role as the MRC immediate past chairman/advisor.
2010 MRC Long-Range Planning Meeting at PWA
MRC will be conducting its annual Long-Range Planning meeting in
conjunction with the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Conference. All reps
are welcome and encouraged to participate in this open forum and
address issues faced daily by reps in all segments of the automotive
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 take a moment and contact Staci
Bostock at 909/396-0289 ext. 104 or e-mail stacib@sema.org.
Read MRC's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MRC, contact Staci Bostock.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
Share Your Ideas With Other Restyling Professionals
Join the PRO at the annual PRO Long-Range Planning meeting, and help shape the future of the Restyling Industry. The meeting will be conducted at the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, Ohio, on Saturday, May 1.
“For several years this was a standalone meeting held in mid-June in Detroit”, said PRO chairman Karl Stearns. “With everyone on a lean budget this year, we decided to host it in conjunction with the Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC). This way, attendees may combine two trips into one.”
The one-day meeting will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a general discussion of restyling and PRO council issues. Breakout groups will meet separately to discuss specific topics from the general discussion and then reconvene after lunch to present their summaries to the group.
“The date and location has changed, but the format stays the same,” said Stearns. “The breakout groups are an effective way to get fresh ideas from council members, and virtually all of PRO’s successes originated at an LRP. Last year’s LRP alone produced the highly successful PRO NovemberFest awards reception at the 2009 SEMA Show, the “Why PRO?” informational business card and the TSTC. I urge all PRO members to attend. You have ideas and we want to hear them!”
A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
There is no better opportunity to share ideas and plan for solutions than at the PRO Long-Range Planning meeting. If you have not made your reservations, RSVP to Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909/396-0289, ext. 134, or www.sema.org/pro.
Technical Skills & Training Conference: Training and Product Knowledge You Need; an Event You Can’t Afford to Miss
PRO is launching a new technical training program designed specifically for restylers and installers. This one-day program is packed with installation training and product knowledge brought directly to you by the product manufacturers.
Attendees will also enjoy the opportunity to network with peers and industry professionals.
Attendees: Register here.
Technical Skills & Training Conference Details
Where: University of Northwestern Ohio, Lima, Ohio
When: Friday, April 30, 2010, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The program: There will be 12 seminar/workshops each consisting of one hour of classroom training, with two classes running concurrently throughout the day conducted by manufacturers such as Webasto, Katzkin, Audiovox, Restylers Choice, Eagle Enterprises and more.
Attendees may choose sessions in the following tracks:
- Leather
- Sunroofs
- 12 volt
- Truck Accessories: Towing & Suspension; Diesel Performance
- Self Adhesive
- ASE/A6 Electrical
- “Bullpen” with hands‐on installation training in addition to the classes
- Catered Lunch
- PRO Council General Membership Meeting: Learn about PRO and what we’re doing for the industry, and how you can participate.
- Evening cocktail reception: Drinks, food, fun and networking
- PRO Long‐Range Planning Meeting for PRO Members, Saturday, May 1
Cost: $25 for first attendee from each company, $15 for each additional person. Includes breakfast and lunch, PRO open membership meeting and cocktail mixer reception.
For more information, go to www.sema.org/tstc.
Hotel Information: You MUST Mention UNOH when making reservations to get discounted rate.
Comfort Inn - $62.99
(Elizabeth) 419/228‐4251
20 minutes away
1210 Neubrect Rd.
Lima, OH 45801
Fairfield Inn - $70
(Mike) 419/224-8496
2 minutes away
2179 Elida St.
Lima, OH 45801
Wingate Inn ‐ $72
(New Manager) 419/228‐7000
15 minutes away
175 W. Market St.
Lima, OH 45801
Country Inn & Suites - $85
419/999-9992
20 minutes away
804 S. Leonard Ave.
Lima, OH 45801
Holiday Inn & Suites ‐ $89
(Allysia) 419/879‐4000
20 minutes away
803 S Leonard Ave
Lima, OH 45805
PRO Column in SEMA Member News
Read PRO's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
“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 March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SBN, contact Kim Desai.
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| Visit SPC's website. |
Participate in the automotive aftermarket at a whole new level by joining the SEMA Street Performance Council (SPC).
The purpose of SEMA councils is to help our member companies succeed and prosper. In the SPC, our mission is to provide market information, education and support to our members concerning new and emerging trends. Whether it’s the latest business technology, forecasting sales, future marketing solutions or up and coming vehicle platforms, we give you and your company the chance to see what’s on the horizon.
Then we’ll help you understand and acquire the skills, tools and technologies to lead the way. The SPC has the most diverse membership of any SEMA council, and that will allow you to network with other professionals from every facet of our industry and gain insights into areas you may not have previously considered. Find out about the parts, the people, the technologies, the strategies, the trends and most important, the possibilities.
This is your chance to give something back to the industry, your profession and to grow personally along the way. Join the SPC today and become an active member of the specialty equipment and automotive market — Tracie Nunez, Advanced Clutch Technology, SPC Chairman
SPC Column in SEMA Member News
Read SPC's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SPC, contact Kim Desai.
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| Visit YEN's website. |
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 March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about YEN, contact Kim Desai.