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 market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.
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| Visit MPMC's website. |
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Education Day Returns to 2014 PRI Show
The Performance Racing Industry Show week will kick-start for members of the MPMC with a general membership meeting on Wednesday, December 10, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., in the Indiana Convention Center, room 243. The meeting will provide participants a chance to share challenges and opportunities facing the segment. Lunch will be served to attendees following the meeting. Register today to join the group and share your perspective.
The council also looks forward to bringing back Education Day in 2014, with a few adjustments and new features. The “New Racing Products in the Fast Lane” event will feature three, 30-minute sessions on Wednesday, from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., in the convention center. Guests will have their choice of three presentations, which will run concurrently. Each presentation will focus on cutting-edge products from MPMC members, and attendees will learn more about the parts in a casual, small-group setting. To RSVP for individual seminars, access the PRI Attendee Registration Dashboard and select the MPMC link for more information.
The complete schedule of sessions follows:
2:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Room 240: Mahle
Room 241: MSD
Room 242: Turbosmart
2:45 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Room 240: Holley
Room 241: Driven Racing Oil
Room 242: Lunati
3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Room 240: Ron Francis Wiring
Room 241: Edelbrock
Room 242: Comp Cams
Finally, the 2014 MPMC Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at a formal induction ceremony and networking reception from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., on Friday, December 12, in the Indiana Convention Center, room 208. Attendees will have the chance to network over drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Register today.
For more information about these events, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@SEMA.org.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
Builders Challenge Auction Results Announced
By Amanda Gubbins
At the 2014 SEMA Show, members of the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) paused during their booth visits to vote for the “Best Engineered” and “Best in Show” Pinewood Builders Challenge cars. Race winner Jesse Greening’s creation was voted the “Best Engineered.” His car sold to Gilbert Bugg, who also purchased the “Best in Show” by Doug Dwyer. The “People’s Choice” was chosen by Facebook fans and rounded out the live auction. Glenn See’s creation was voted the winner, and purchased by Eric Saltrick.
The remaining cars were sold in a silent auction, alongside a limited-edition Gibson Les Paul guitar donated by Steve Tracy of Advanced Plating, which sold to Dave Schwab for $4,000. Thanks to the winning bidders in the silent auction:
- Chip Gerber
- Wings Kalahan
- Rick Love
- Dave Williams
All told, the council raised more than $7,000 for SEMA Cares charities and gave a platform to numerous builders in the hobby. Learn more about the Pinewood Builders Challenge.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
 Pinewood truck races raised nearly $2,300 for SEMA Cares charities. | |
Light Truck Professionals Raise Nearly $2,300 for Charity
By Amanda GubbinsThe annual Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) industry awards reception was held November 5, at the 2014 SEMA Show. Nearly 200 individuals from both current and prospective TORA-member companies attended for the networking opportunities and awards presentations. In addition to these, the evening included another tradition—pinewood truck races to benefit SEMA Cares charities. Children at the Childhelp facilities, supported by the fundraising efforts, decorated each of the trucks, which were rented by attendees for a small donation. More than 100 individuals participated in the races, which raised nearly $2,300. TORA thanks the participants for their contributions, with special congratulations going to the top three:
First: Johnny Kyzer, Goss Camper Sales
Second: Matt Blais, ATC
Third: Donna Lusca, The Truck Toppers