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 YEN's website |
Launch Pad Competition to Return for 2014 SEMA Show
By Bryan Harrison
After the success of last year’s Launch Pad competition, SEMA has announced that it will return for a second year.
This competition offers innovators under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business for marketing a new automotive product or service.
Industrywide Awareness
The top 10 competitors will compete for top votes on SEMA’s official Facebook/YouTube voting platform. The top five competitors will receive an invitation to pitch their businesses in front of an industry-packed crowd during a live event at the SEMA Show.
Tools to Fuel Your Biz
The winner’s prize package will take their business to the next level, including a 10x10 booth at the 2015 SEMA Show, a one-page ad in SEMA News, an ad in Hot Rod magazine or 4-Wheel & Off Road magazine, a rep consultation with the Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN), public relations and social media consultation from Kahn Media, an event-level sponsorship package to either a Family Events truck and off-road group property or a Family Events performance car group property and much more.
Access to Decision Makers
This year’s event will feature another judging panel composed of industry experts who will offer coaching and advice to the contestants. Returning from the 2013 event will be Doug Evans, executive vice president and group publisher at Source Interlink Media, and SEMA’s chairman-elect of the Board, and Ron Coleman, president and CEO of COMP Performance Group. Joining them will be Tracie Nunez, president of the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA); Todd Ballard, director of sports marketing at GoPro; and Glenn Rogers, partner at Beyond Marketing.
Interested? It’s time to launch the next young automotive entrepreneur. For more information and to fill out an application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, please contact Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.
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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 TORA's website. |
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TORA Member Spotlight – Considine Sales & Marketing
Considine Sales & Marketing (CSM) is TORA’s member spotlight this month. CSM was named SEMA’s Rep Agency of the Year in 2009. Jim Considine shared about the company and why he appreciates serving the truck industry.What does your company do?
We are a group of manufacturers’ agents representing all facets of the specialty-equipment market.
How many years have you been in business?
43
What is your company's history?
Considine Sales & Marketing Inc. is an independent manufacturers’ representative agency with more than 200 years of combined experience in the specialty-equipment industry. With our main offices in the Detroit area, our 10 sales and marketing professionals service 15 states: Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Western Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. Since 1971, CSM has specialized in providing sales and service for our manufacturers. CSM works closely with each manufacturer’s sales and marketing team to establish targets and accomplish specific goals.
How many employees at your company?
10
Anything exciting you see happening in the truck market or in your company?
The truck is the highest-growing segment in our company, and new model launches are driving increased sales.
Exclusive Media Opportunity for TORA Manufacturers at the 2014 SEMA Show
By SEMA Editors
TORA will host a Media Preview for a limited number of manufacturer members at the 2014 SEMA Show. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with a wide variety of truck and off-road editors and writers in a designated area, Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
These focused meetings ensure editors and reporters can ask their most pressing questions and photograph new products while manufacturers give the full story.
By participating just before the start of the SEMA Show, media members gain an early scoop on the latest products, and manufacturers have quality time with editors and reporters without sacrificing valuable floor time with customers. Participating manufacturers will be provided with various media training resources through the SEMA Education Institute to help them prepare and maximize their meetings. To give manufacturers the best chance for success, participants will be asked to meet media kit production milestones.
To be considered for participation in the 2014 TORA Media Preview, your company’s application must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT), Friday, May 16, 2014. Review the rules and regulations and apply today.
Not yet an TORA member? Join today to become eligible for the 2014 Media Preview.