By SEMA Editors
 Dave Williams | |
Dave Williams Joins Go Rhino/Big Country's Sales and Business Development Team
Go Rhino/Big Country has announced the addition of Dave Williams to its sales and business development team. Williams has more than 20 years of automotive aftermarket experience with Roush Performance, MAAP/Steel Horse and most recently Rampage Products, where he was vice president of sales. Based in Brea, California, Williams will be responsible for key account development and growth in selected channels and markets and will participate in the strategic growth of new business opportunities.
David Ayers Named Marketing Director at the AAM Group
The AAM Group has recently named David Ayers as its new marketing director after a national candidacy search. Previously in the position of digital media specialist with AAM, Ayers served as the architect of the group’s Digital Showcase online catalog, Insight mobile app (and Price Manager tool) and the Digital Marketplace in-house Web-development platform.
Luken Signs Multi-Network Affiliation Deal With K44JP
Luken Communications has announced a multi-network affiliation agreement with K44JP, serving the Eugene, Oregon, market (DMA 120). K44JP, owned and operated by South Lane Television Inc., has begun broadcasting Luken’s The Family Channel, Heartland, Rev’n and PBJ networks. Eugene-area viewers will be able to find The Family Channel, Heartland, Rev’n and PBJ over the air on channels 44.4, 44.5, 44.6 and 44.7, respectively.
Power Automedia Appoints Industry Veteran as New Editor of Revved Magazine
Power Automedia has announced the appointment of Evan Griffey as its new editor of Revved magazine. Griffey, a native Californian and current resident of Washington State, has been in the publishing industry for 25 years. Over his career, Griffey has worked as an automotive journalist, editor, creative director and publisher.
 Jason Damron | |
Global Parts Network Names Jason Damron as Director of Operations
Global Parts Network (GPN) has promoted Jason Damron to director of operations. He will be responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations of GPN’s Salt Lake City, Utah, and South Bend, Indiana, brake remanufacturing and PDC warehousing facilities and customer service operations, with the site managers of the two facilities reporting directly to him. He will continue to be located in Salt Lake City.
Damron joined GPN in March 2010, and served as site manager for the Salt Lake City facility before his promotion. During his tenure at GPN, Damron has played a key role in the development and continuous improvement of brake remanufacturing processes, including the implementation of significant new equipment investments and the introduction of a new enhanced coating and curing system, while GPN has produced more than 4 million new and remanufactured brake shoes. Prior to joining GPN, Damron served in various sales and management roles within the heavy-duty aftermarket during an industry career that has spanned nearly 20 years.
Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels Launched Reward Program September 1
From September 1–October 31, Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels is offering consumers a $75 prepaid reward card on the purchase of a new set of four qualifying wheels and a $100 prepaid reward card on the purchase of a new set of four qualifying tires. This offer is available to residents in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada, and is contingent on the purchase of a new set of four qualifying Dick Cepek tires or wheels (in a single transaction). Consumers who purchase a set of four qualifying new tires or wheels within the program dates must submit the invoice and claim form by mail. Requests must be postmarked no later than November 30 and received no later than December 15 to be eligible. For program details, visit the Dick Cepek website.
BettsHD Receives 2014 Masters of Quality Award From Daimler Trucks North America
BettsHD has received the Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) Masters of Quality award. BettsHD has received the annual award six times, including 2002, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012 and now 2014. Among the record 91 suppliers who received the award, BettsHD is the only California-based company. According to DTNA, the selected suppliers are top-quality providers of components and services for Freightliner and Western Star truck brands. The annual program, now in its 28th year, recognizes outstanding suppliers that have received high scores on quality, delivery, technology and cost performance as measured on a DTNA proprietary Balanced Scorecard.
 Air Lift Co. has added 40,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehouse space to its Lansing, Michigan, headquarters. | |
Air Lift Co. Completes Major Expansion
Air Lift Co. has completed a major facility expansion at the company's Lansing, Michigan, headquarters with the addition of 40,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehouse space. Strong sales of the company's automotive performance suspension products for import and domestic vehicles contributed to the need for increased production capabilities. Air Lift currently offers load support kits for more than 540 different vehicles, with continuous new-product development focused on creating vehicle-specific kits for the most popular makes and models.
MAVTV Motorsports Network Continues Expansion
The expansion of MAVTV Motorsports Network continues with the launch of six new National Cable Television Co-op (NCTC) members since June, bringing the total carriage of MATV by NCTC members to 137 throughout the United States. MAVTV's newest distribution partners include Harlan Municipal Utilities, Walnut Telephone Co., Suddenlink Communications, Windstream, RS Fiber Cooperative and Fibrant.
VP Racing Fuels Finds Branding Partner Close to Home
VP Racing Fuels, based in San Antonio, Texas, has introduced Wuest’s Inc. as the newest and nearest distributor to join VP’s retail branding program. Headquartered in McQueeney, Texas, Wuest’s Inc. owns and operates 15 Pic-n-Pac stores and services two other retail locations in the greater San Antonio area. Four of Wuest’s stores have been targeted initially for rebranding with VP Racing Fuels, including two in Seguin, one in McQueeny and one in Lockhart, Texas.
Eastwood Co. Revs Up Retail With Experiential Store in Parma, Ohio
The Eastwood Co. has transitioned from a conventional catalog company into an online source for automotive tools and supplies. On August 24, it opened its second store where customers are educated with hands-on workshops, how-to videos, interactive product displays, a media lounge and the opportunity to try products before making a purchase. To kick off the experience, there will be a grand-opening celebration September 11–20.
#PartsMatter Auto Safety Campaign Offering Weekly Prizes for Sharing Photos, Videos of Part Failures
#PartsMatter is offering weekly cash prizes to winners who share photos and/or videos documenting a part failure on any passenger vehicle. Designed to communicate the importance of choosing quality components for every automotive repair, the #PartsMatter campaign is sponsored by several leading North American automotive parts brands, including ANCO, Champion, Fel-Pro, MOOG and Wagner. Each is a brand of global original equipment and replacement parts manufacturer Federal-Mogul Motorparts. For more information regarding the #PartsMatter campaign, visit www.federalmogulmp.com or www.partsmatter.com.
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