By SEMA Editors
Throughout the week of the 2014 SEMA Show, members of SEMA’s councils and networks gathered to participate in council-specific programs and activities, including open and general-membership meetings, networking events and award receptions. In addition to making business connections and learning how to contribute to their market through the council’s programs, member-volunteers were also honored for their dedicated service and contributions to the councils and markets that they serve.
Here are the SEMA Council & Network awards presented at the 2014 SEMA Show.
 Rick Schmidt (right) of National Parts Depot was named the Automotive Restoration Market Organization’s (ARMO) Person of the Year. | |
Automotive Restoration Market Organization - ARMO
The Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) is dedicated to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration market and hobby through council projects, education programs, networking events and by monitoring the legislative and regulatory development that impact the restoration market.
2014 ARMO Awards
- Business of the Year - American Autowire
- Person of the Year - Rick Schmidt, National Parts Depot
- Industry Recognition - Mitch Williams, Parts Unlimited Inc.
- Hall of Fame - Jack Holland, Auto Custom Carpets
For more information on the council, the awards or to get involved with ARMO, contact Council Director Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.
Hot Rod Industry Alliance - HRIA
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) strives to ensure the future prosperity of the hot rod industry and to advance and promote awareness of the hobby. The council focuses on industry-specific issues, developing effective strategies and programs that will assist members in improving their business practices and procedures.
 Steele Rubber Products was named the HRIA Business of the Year. Matt Agosta (middle) accepts the award for the company during the HRIA Industry Banquet. | |
HRIA also works with HRIA's legislative staff to address those legislative and/or regulatory matters which may affect the hot rod industry. HRIA members work through subcommittees to accomplish the group’s educational, legislative and communications needs and promotional activities.
2014 HRIA Awards
- Recognition of an Individual - Brian Brennan, The Enthusiast Network (TEN)
- Business of the Year - Steele Rubber Products
- Hall of Fame - Rick Craze, Lokar
- ISCA Legends of Hotrodding Award - Gary Meadors, Goodguys
- Goodguys Trendsetter Award - Andy Leach, Cal Automotive Creations
- NSRA Award - John McLeod, Classic Instruments
- Pinewood Builders Challenge: Best Engineered - Jesse Greening, Greening Auto Co.
- Pinewood Builders Challenge: Best in Show - Doug Dwyer, American Sales & Marketing
- Pinewood Builders Challenge: People’s Choice - Glenn See, Garage Majal
- Best New Street Rod & Custom Car Product - Ron Francis Wiring, Black Box Relay System
- HRIA Chairman’s Award - George Poteet
For more information on the council, the awards or to get involved with HRIA, contact Council Director Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.
Truck and Off-Road Alliance - TORA
 Bobby Combs (left) of ATC Truck Covers was inducted into the TORA Hall of Fame. | |
Members of the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA) work together to form a potent coalition whose mission is to determine and shape the future of the light-truck accessory industry. Through cooperative action, members work together to develop effective strategies and programs that specifically address the needs of this industry.
The ultimate goal: to ensure the viability and longevity of this increasingly expansive and vibrant market segment.
2014 TORA Awards
- Retailer of the Year - Brad Leach, Tom's Camperland
- Ron Webster - Ron DiVincenzo, Capworld Inc.
- TORA Hall of Fame - Bobby Combs, ATC Truck Covers
- Best Product Over $500 - Lund International, Lund Bull Bar with LED Light Bar
- Best Product Under $500 - Edge Products/Superchips, EAS (Expandable Accessory System) Power Switch
- Industry Recognition - Bob Smeigh, RV 4 Wheel Drive & Performance Automotive
- TORA Chairman’s Award - Kathryn Reinhardt, MagnaFlow
- TORA Chairman's Award - Jerrod Strauss, N-Fab
For more information on the council, the awards or to get involved with TORA, contact Council Director Clayton Drescher at claytond@sema.org.
 Jerry Nunez, Innovative Marketing Services, was inducted into the MRN Hall of Fame during the 2014 SEMA Show. Accepting for Nunez was Lynne Trimble (middle). | |
Manufacturers’ Rep Network - MRN
The primary objective of the Manufacturer’s Rep Network (MRN) is to provide a forum for manufacturers’ representatives to help increase their impact as an industry segment by exploring issues of common interest and concern, increasing their collective knowledge and elevating the overall image of the profession. MRN directs its efforts toward addressing key industry issues, developing strategies and programs designed to meet the special needs of manufacturers’ representatives and communicating with its members via a bimonthly newsletter.
2014 MRN Awards
- Hall of Fame - Jerry Nunez, Innovative Marketing Services
- STAR Award - Strattec, Erika Garcia
For more information on the network, the awards or to get involved with the MRN, contact Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.
Professional Restylers Organization - PRO
The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is dedicated to addressing the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to developing effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues.
 The Professional Restylers Organization presented the council’s Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award to Karl Stearns (second from left) of KMS Marketing Solutions. | |
The council works to help members build solid, mutually beneficial relationships with OEMs and new- and used-vehicle dealers, participate in ongoing efforts to elevate the level of professionalism throughout all sectors of the industry, enhance customer satisfaction, and have a voice on issues that impact the industry.
2014 PRO Awards
- Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement - Karl Stearns, KMS Marketing Solutions
- Nat Danas Person of the Year - Raymond Ott, Auto Trim of Cleveland
- Manufacturer of the Year - Roadwire
- Restyler of the Year - Truckers Toy Store, Ginger Glover
For more information on the council, the awards or to get involved with PRO, contact Council Director Clayton Drescher at claytond@sema.org.
Wheel & Tire Council - WTC
The mission of the Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) is to identify common problems and opportunities relating to the custom-performance wheel and tire industry, which the council, as an interested body of companies, can address for the common good.
WTC directs its efforts toward providing its members with a forum in which to address industry-related issues, networking and educational opportunities and access to technical data to aid in the creation of new wheel designs.
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2014 WTC Awards
- Hall of Fame - David Insull, ATD and Joe Schaefer, Konig American
For more information on the council, the awards or to get involved with WTC, contact Council Director Clayton Drescher at claytond@sema.org.
SEMA Businesswomen’s Network - SBN
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is a dynamic group of professionals representing the women of SEMA with the mission to provide networking, education, and recognition opportunities for professional women in the industry. The SBN oversees the continued development and management of the Annual SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Gear-up Girl, opportunities for SBN Member Networking, SBN Communications, SBN Projects, development of articles and member features, contributes regularly to SEMA Member News and more.
2014 SBN Awards
- Athena Woman of the Year - Kathryn Reinhardt, MagnaFlow Exhaust Products
- Athena Champion Award - Cristina Fronzaglia, PPG Industries Inc.
- Athena Rising Star Award - Kenna Puckett, RoushYates
 The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network named Kathryn Reinhardt (right), MagnaFlow Exhaust Products, the 2014 Athena Woman of the Year. | |
For more information on the network, the awards or to get involved with the SBN, contact Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.
Young Executives Network - YEN
The Young Executives Network's (YEN) mission is to cultivate young talent in the automotive aftermarket through implementation of education and networking. YEN does this by taking advantages of the resources available for virtual networking and in-person at industry trade events. With a membership base of pros age 40 and under, YEN members are entrepreneurs, leading top businesses and actively pursuing a higher level of professionalism in the specialty equipment market.
2014 YEN Awards
- Vanguard Award - Jim Liaw, Formula Drift
- Young Executive of the Year - Lindsay Hubley, Family Events
- SEMA Launch Pad - Ian Lehn
For more information on the network, the awards or to get involved with the YEN, contact Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.