Compiled by SEMA Editors
  Omix-ADA’s Jeep Collection has recently expanded with the addition of two rare civilian Jeeps—a '59 Jeep FC-150 cab forward pickup (top) and '78 Jeep J-10 pickup (bottom). | |
Omix-ADA’s Jeep Collection Adds ’78 Jeep J-10 Pickup, ’59 FC-150
Omix-ADA has announced the addition of two rare civilian Jeeps to its Jeep Collection at the company’s Suwanee, Georgia, headquarters. Following a lengthy search, a ’78 Jeep J-10 pickup and ’59 Jeep FC-150 cab-forward pickup were added to the collection. Born of a desire to “preserve Jeep heritage,” the Omix-ADA Jeep Collection was started by company president and founder Al Azadi and currently showcases more than 20 rare and unique military and civilian Jeeps, ranging from pre-WWII prototypes to the modern-day JK Wranglers. The collection is a representation of all the models for which the company offers parts and accessories. Beginning in July, the Jeep J-10 and FC-150 will be on view at Omix-ADA’s headquarters as part of an all-new rotating display of more than 20 modern, vintage and historic Jeeps from its collection.
Valspar Acquires Performance Coatings Businesses From Quest Specialty Chemicals
The Valspar Corp. has completed the previously announced acquisition of the performance coatings businesses of Quest Specialty Chemicals Inc., which includes automotive refinish and industrial coatings. The acquired businesses had 2014 sales of approximately $190 million. Financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Valspar's value proposition in automotive refinish and industrial coatings.
 Krisey Branton | |
Krisey Banton Joins The Marx Group, Marx Group Advisors
The Marx Group and Marx Group Advisors has added Kristine “Krisey” Banton to its team as executive assistant. In that role, Banton will support President and CEO Tom Marx and serve as the key support person to make sure both companies run smoothly. Her additional responsibilities include office management and client support. Prior to joining The Marx Group and Marx Group Advisors, Banton worked in finance at the headquarters of Restoration Hardware in the operations department, where she contributed to the work of the finance operations team, with direction from the vice president of business operations and analytics, as well as the CFO.
VP’s Jim Kelly to Retire From Racing Fuels
VP Racing Fuels' Regional Manager Jim Kelly has retired from the company, effective May 31. Kelly has been an employee of VP Racing Fuels since 1986, after spending many years as a motorsports writer/photographer and columnist. He will continue with VP as an independent consultant through the summer, helping with the management transition at the Delaware office and working race events, including providing on-site race fuel service and technical support during the Silverstone Classic in England in July.
HRE Wheels Becomes Distributor for Akrapovič Car Exhaust
HRE Performance Wheels has been selected as the official Akrapovič distributor of its car exhaust systems for the United States and Canada. Over the years, Akrapovič’s relationship with HRE has grown from a close partnership at marketing events to now leveraging HRE Wheels’ expertise, experience and extensive dealer network as its main point of contact for luxury, sports and supercar customers for the United States and Canada.
Confidential Employment-Search Service Launched at APASelect.com
APA Search Inc. has launched a new division of the company at APASelect.com to offer a web-based service that provides job candidates the benefit of remaining anonymous until a job opportunity opens that matches their career interests. For industry employers, APASelect provides companies with instant access to a pool of qualified, prescreened job candidates who were previously unreachable by traditional means. The website is now open for candidates to submit their credentials for membership in the site. Interested and qualified aftermarket professionals who apply for membership will be screened based on their professional references and automotive experience. Once they are approved for membership they can work with the APASelect team to produce a completely anonymous profile. APASelect will be open for employers to begin using in July, with the goal of having a minimum of 500 qualified and screened automotive professionals in all functional areas available for consideration.
ATC Truck Covers Launches New Website
ATC Truck Covers has introduced an all‐new website at atctruckcovers.com, offering improved functionality, a full accessories list, more product photos, updates to the dealer lead application and more. The website also features a newly designed downloadable product brochure with more photos, detailed info on specific products and models and expanded features information.
Gold Eagle Co. Earns Honda Supplier Performance Award
Gold Eagle Co. has announced it has been named a recipient of the Honda Supplier Performance Award for its outstanding service delivered to American Honda Service Parts. With a network of more than 600 OEM and Service Parts suppliers in North America, Honda recognized top-performing companies for excellence in key areas of operation, including quality, value, efficiency and delivery. This is the eighth consecutive year Gold Eagle Co. has been recognized by Honda.
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