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. |
Recognize Outstanding Motorsports Media Coverage—Nominate Now
Online nominations are being accepted now through December 10 for MPMC’s Robert E. Petersen Award, which honors a member of the print, electronic or broadcast media whose work over the previous year has had a significant impact on the motorsports industry. All members of MPMC are invited to submit their nominations using the online form. Voting will take place in December to determine the honoree.
The award recipient will be honored during the MPMC media reception, Tuesday, January 20, at the Media Trade Conference in Santa Ana, California. For more information about the award or the voting process, contact Council Director Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.
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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 SBN's website. |
 Missy Perez | |
SBN Member of the Month – Missy Perez, Topline Automobile Inc.
Missy Perez is service manager for Topline Automobile Inc. in Burlingame, California, and SBN’s Member of the Month.
What does your company do?
We do full-service automotive repair catered specifically to higher-end customer needs. Topline can repair, modify and rebuild anything from a ’20s Buick to a ’14 Ferrari FF, and we use our in-house showroom to showcase our customers’ cars and our hard work. Our efforts are world renowned, with customer builds having been featured in multiple magazines and multiple trophies in concourse class exhibitions. Bodywork, maintenance, warranty development and sales—Topline is equipped to handle it all.
What is your position?
Service manager.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
Solving problems and making people happy. Nothing makes my day more satisfying than knowing someone gets to go home worry-free.
How long have you been involved in the aftermarket industry?
I have been involved for almost four years. I started by winning a few SEMA scholarships, but I wasn’t able to actually join the aftermarket industry until last year.
What brought you to the industry?
My father got me into cars was I was a baby, and my love and passion for cars kept me in the industry.
What are some of your major professional accomplishments?
Participating in the YEN Power Tour, and doing an all-female Mustang build.
Are you a member of any other professional organizations?
SEMA’s Young Executives Network.
Who is your industry mentor?
JoAnn Bortles and Marla Moore.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
I’d rather shoot for the moon and land on a star, than shoot for the corner and never leave the couch.
What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?
I graduated from two automotive schools and built my ’67 mustang myself with help from my father.
What is your dream car?
A ’70 Cuda Coupe with a 4440 six pack.
What is your favorite pastime?
Working on my ’67 Mustang, going to car shows and riding my dirt bike.