Strengthen Your Company Through Community
No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
 Casidi Tanaka-Fixmer |
SBN Member of the Month: Casidi Tanaka-Fixmer, Formula Drift Holdings
Casidi Tanaka-Fixmer is the manager of ticketing and registration for Formula Drift Holdings in Long Beach, California, and SBN’s Member of the Month.
What does your company do?
Formula Drift is recognized as North America's professional drifting championship series. We have seven rounds that travel throughout the United States. We are the first official series in North America that has taken competitive motorsports to the extreme. It is a highly skilled, high-powered motorsport where the drivers maneuver their cars into well executed, controlled sideways slides through a marked course. It is judged on execution and style rather than who finishes the course in the fastest time.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
All the planning of an event from start to finish and watching everything come together at the end.
How long have you been involved with the aftermarket industry?
Six years.
What brought you to the industry?
I always loved motorsports and my husband was a driver at the time. I also really enjoy the organizational side of things.
Who is your industry mentor?
I would have to say both of my bosses at Formula Drift, Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage. They are both great guys to work for.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
"You have to have a backbone to work in this industry." – Andy Luk (my co-worker)
What is your dream car?
Nissan GT-R
What is your favorite pastime?
Spending time with my family and traveling with my husband.
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| Visit ARMO's website. |
Restoration Parts Registration Open for Hot Products Showcase
Registration is now open for the Automotive Restoration Market Organization’s (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase, which will take place April 23–26, 2014, at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
This event is an opportunity for council members to display one or more products in front of one of the single-largest gatherings of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the world.
In addition to having products on display in the Hot Products tent, a professional photographer will photograph each one. The photos will be available to manufacturers and will also be used in a slideshow at the ARMO booth and reception at the SEMA Show. A gallery on the ARMO webpage also houses each of the photos, along with a product description for those unable to attend the event. This publicity is available to ARMO members for only the cost of shipping the product entries to the Carlisle Fairgrounds.
Product entries must meet the following criteria:
- Must be the product of an ARMO member-company.
- Must be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the Showcase, April 23.
- Must demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.
Members can register products by filling out the online application. All applications must be received by April 18, 2014. Not an ARMO member? Join today to gain access to this event and other council benefits.
Restoration Professionals Gather for Networking at the Hot Products Showcase
ARMO will host a networking mixer in the Hot Products Tent at the Showcase, Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. The mixer will be a chance for members to grab a drink and spend some time interacting one-on-one with council leadership and fellow ARMO members. The council leadership believes this event holds enormous potential for new ideas and partnerships to be formed as members network with new and old industry friends. RSVP to save your spot.
Make Your Voice Heard at the ARMO Industry Discussion
This year, the council will also hold an industry discussion, Friday, April 25, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Hot Products Tent. The session will allow members and others interested in joining the council to voice their concerns, ask questions and offer input to the group. For members who would like to be a part of shaping future projects and events, this will be a chance to make their voices heard. Send in your RSVP today.
For more information about any of these events, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
 HRIA Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines. |
Hot Rod Council to Present Education Day at 2014 Detroit Autorama
By Della Domingo
The annual SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day will be held, for the first time, in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama—the 60-year-old custom car show taking place in March 2014 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.
“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils. “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”
HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience. Autorama, which is well known for having the world’s most coveted hot rods, prestigious awards competitions, as well as top celebrities and student programs, attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually. Education Day will take place Thursday, March 6, 2014 (the day before Autorama officially opens), and is open to all hot-rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.
“As one of the nation’s premier indoor custom car shows, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot-rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas, president of Championship Auto Shows Inc.—promoter of the event. “The HRIA Education Day program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, which would be difficult for them to do on their own.”
Attendee registration is now open. Reserve your spot today.
For more information about HRIA, contact Jim Skelly.