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. |
MPMC Media Trade Conference—Media Registration Opening in October
The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference is a truly unique event that brings together editorial staff from all over the world with racing and high-performance parts manufacturers for three days of face-to-face, 30-minute meetings. Nowhere else does a manufacturer have the opportunity to meet with automotive editors in as many as 42 in-person meetings.
Media registration will open early October. Registered media will have the opportunity to meet with racing and high-performance parts manufacturers to get a first look at new industry products, conduct exclusive interviews and take a deeper look inside the participating companies.
For media inquiries, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org or 909-978-6723.
Exhibitor registration for the 2015 MPMC Media Trade Conference is now closed; 100 MPMC-member company manufacturers have been chosen using a random-number lottery system. Manufacturers who submitted an application but were not selected for the 2016 event are automatically guaranteed a spot in the 2017 event (if the application is submitted by the deadline, which will be announced in 2016).
Not an MPMC member? Join today. MPMC members must manufacture parts used in sanctioned motorsports events, and all applications for membership are subject to review.
For general or exhibitor inquiries, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org, 909-978-6692.
Register now for the Media Trade Conference.
For questions regarding the MPMC, contact SEMA’s Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6990 or jimsk@sema.org.
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| Visit ARMO's website. |
Maximize Your Trip to the 2015 SEMA Show by Attending These Events
ARMO Booth
Be sure to stop by the shared Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)/Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) booth (#23395) at the 2015 SEMA Show to connect with other ARMO members, talk restoration and check out the beautiful cars on display. Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop will unveil a brand new, never-seen-before restofication at the booth, Tuesday, November 3, at 11:30 a.m.
ARMO Reception
Date: Tuesday, November 3Time: 5:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Location: Westgate conference rooms 7–14
Register today!
ARMO Open Meeting
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Location: Westgate Conference rooms 4–6
Register today!
ARMO Roundtable
Date: Thursday, November 5
Time: 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Location: Room N236 of North Hall
Register today!
For more information about any of these programs, contact Jim Skelly, SEMA council liaison, at 909-978-6690, jimsk@sema.org
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| Visit ETTN's website |
Attend ETTN’s SEMA Show Networking Event
Please join us for the inaugural Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) networking event at the 2015 SEMA Show. Focused on building community amongst automotive specialty-equipment engineers, product developers and industrial designers, the event will feature special dignitaries to help facilitate conversation on emerging industry technology and trends. Food and beverages will be served, and attendees will receive the latest details about the SEMA Garage and its associated emissions lab. Join the conversation!
The event kicks off Thursday, November 5, at 4:00 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center, New Products Showcase, located on the Skybridge between the Central and South Halls, and will end at 5:00 p.m.
If you have any questions about the ETTN or this event, contact SEMA’s Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
 Six hot rods will be on display during the HRIA reception to highlight the work of established and up-and-coming builders. | |
Be sure to stop by the shared Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)/Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) booth (#23395) to connect with other HRIA members and check out the Builders Challenge entries. Don’t miss the unveiling of a car from one of the top builders, Goolsby Customs, taking place Tuesday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m.
HRIA Reception
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Location: Westgate Paradise Center South
Register today!
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| Visit TORA's website. |
 BOLT Locks by STRATTEC, located in Milwaukee, has been in business for more than 100 years. | |
TORA Member Spotlight: BOLT Locks by STRATTEC
BOLT Locks by STRATTEC is located in Milwaukee and has been an active TORA member since 2009. Erika Garcia is the company’s national sales manager and also serves on the TORA select committee, leading the communications task force. Here is Garcia’s perspective on the business and what gains can be made from council membership.
Company name
BOLT Locks by STRATTEC
www.boltlock.com
What does your company do?
STRATTEC Security Corp. is the largest manufacturer of automotive locks and keys in the world. BOLT locks feature breakthrough one-key lock technology, which permanently programs the lock to a vehicle’s ignition key.
How many years have you been in business?
Our history in the automotive security business spans more than 100 years.
What is your company history?
STRATTEC formerly was a division of Briggs & Stratton Corp. In 1995, STRATTEC spun off from Briggs and has been an independent public company for 18 years. In 2005, the BOLT technology was developed—formerly called “Codeable Lock.” It was presented to the automotive OEMs, and by 2007, it was introduced to the market by General Motors in a toolbox application for the GMT900s. In 2009, Dodge integrated it in the RAM’s side-bed toolboxes. Currently all Ford Super Duties offer our BOLT cylinders in all the locking interior compartments. In 2010, the BOLT consumer product line—padlocks, receiver hitch locks and cable locks—was introduced at the SEMA Show for the first time.
How many employees work at your company?
More than 1,500.
Why are you an TORA member?
We would like to see the light-truck and off-road aftermarket industries grow and thrive. The TORA group is the perfect venue to contribute in the support and education of retailers, installers, jobbers, etc. in marketing new products and industry changes.
Anything exciting you see happening in the truck market or in your company?
U.S. light-vehicle sales continue to grow every year. Predictions show a 5.1% increase from 2013. This is excellent news for our industry! BOLT Locks continues to design and introduce new products every year with the goal to offer automotive-grade security and convenience to our customers.
 Network with hundreds of colleagues in the truck and off-road sector at the TORA Industry Awards Reception. | |
TORA Industry Awards Reception and Pinewood Drags
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center room N262–264.
Register now!
TORA/ORBA SEMA Show Booth & Happy Hour
TORA Happy Hour
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Time: 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Location: TORA Booth (#34169)
Register now!
Stop by the TORA Show Booth (#34169) in the Lower South Hall throughout the week to learn more about the council.
For more information on these or any other TORA events, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit MRN's website. |
The Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) will host its MRN Rep Roundtable, Sunday, November 1, from 3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Convention Center Upper North Hall, room N256. Both MRN members and non-members are encouraged to attend. This year’s roundtable will feature six industry expert speakers discussing important topics facing manufacturer representatives today, and offering solutions for tomorrow. The always successful roundtable will offer attendees the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers in a small group setting.
This year’s topics include:
- How to handle private equity acquisitions and management. Speaker: Mitch Williams
- Three biggest challenges facing reps today and tomorrow. Speaker: Clay Taylor, ESQ
- How to be a great rep in the e-commerce market. Speaker: Bernard Bolisig
- Wealth management for reps. Speaker: Andrew D. Horowitz
- Tools and trends for a mobile workforce. Speaker: Tyler Tanaka
- Improving your rep teams communication, training, and overall goals. Speaker: Nikki Weiss
The goal of the roundtable is to help increase the manufacturers' representatives’ knowledge on key issues they might be facing today in an effort to improve their industry impact tomorrow. It is an excellent way to start off your SEMA Show week.
Cost: $25 for SEMA Members, $35 for non-members
Register Today!
Take Advantage of the MRN Rep Room During the SEMA Show
As a benefit to all MRN members during Show hours, the MRN Rep Room will be located inside the SEMA Members Lounge on the upper floor of the Central Hall in room N251. The MRN Rep Room will offer a quiet place where reps can catch up on phone calls or emails. Access will be through the SEMA Members Lounge.
For more information, contact SEMA’s Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
 The PRO Booth Happy Hour is a popular draw in the North Hall. | |
PRO Booth and Happy Hour
Stop by the PRO Show Booth (#12561) in North Hall during Show hours.
PRO Happy Hour
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Location: PRO Show booth
Register now.
PRO Pool Party Industry Reception
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Time: 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Location: Westgate Hotel (third floor)
Register now.
PRO General Membership Meeting
Date: Thursday, November 5
Time: 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Location: LVCC, Room N234.
Register now.
Dealer Education
- Car Dealer Stories: Unfiltered Truths About Operating a Profitable Accessory Program; Wednesday, November 4, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., LVCC, room N254
- Enhancing the Consumer Experience: A New Approach to Dealership Profit Centers; Wednesday, November 4, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., LVCC, room N252
- Accessory Resources for New- and Used-Vehicle Dealers; Thursday, November 5, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., LVCC, room N252
For more information on the Auto Dealer Track, visit the SEMA Education section of www.semashow.com to pre-register.
Restyler Education
PRO members will explore and present the latest tips and tricks on a topic near and dear to restylers’ hearts in “The Art of Selling Car-Dealer Direct: What You Need to Know” on Thursday, November 5, from 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., LVCC, room N256. Register for this session.
For more information about any of these programs, contact Clayton Drescher, SEMA council liaison, at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
 Ashley Strubel | |
Ashley Strubel is the national sales manager for Gold Eagle Co. in Chicago.
What does your company do?
We are a manufacturer of premium fuel additives and appearance chemicals.
What is your position?
National sales manager.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
The most satisfying aspect of my job is that it is always changing and not one day is the same as the previous. I have the privilege to travel, meet new people, network, educate consumers and customers to be raving fans of our products and be recognized as a young woman in the industry. I also get to help customers and consumers find the right solution for their need by educating them about the industry and our products.
How long have you been with the aftermarket industry?
Four years.
What brought you to the industry?
Growing up, I spent many of my weekends with my car seat strapped to the roll cage in my Dad's ’70 1/2 Camaro, attending and helping run numerous car shows by the age of 4. My dad also worked in an auto-service shop, so I was always exposed to different areas of the automotive aftermarket, but never thought I would find myself working in it and loving it! I had recently graduated college and was working in a department clothing store as a customer service manager and was looking for a change. I happened to mention this to my neighbor, who worked for an automotive company, just as the company started to create a new department focusing on educating and increasing sales for their customers. He told me that he would send in my résumé but the rest was up to me. Shortly after the interview process, I was hired at Gold Eagle Co. as a customer development associate, where I was responsible for educating consumers and customers. Within the first couple months I learned about the automotive industry model and many different fuel-related questions as they pertained to our products. After six months with Gold Eagle Co., I received the opportunity to step up in the company and become the manager of the customer development department, where I focused on different educational programs and platforms to help our customers increase sales.
What are some of your major professional accomplishments?
After working for Gold Eagle Co. for a year, I was awarded the Leadership Award for developing and molding the customer development area of our company, helping transition an acquisition and my dedication to learning everything I could about our new product lines. I provide all of the tips of the week for our 303-branded products on our Facebook and Twitter pages and help with the development of our 303-branded how-to videos. Lastly, I am the manager of our employee events team, in which our mission is to work together to create events where we generate excitement, design an atmosphere where employees can connect and expand on ideas from all areas of the company.
Are you a member of any other organizations?
I am a member of the following associations/organizations:
- SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
- Young Automotive Network Group (YANG)
- Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI)—served on the Exhibit Advisory Committee
- Midwest Fabric Products Association
- Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA)
- Marine Fabricators Association (MFA)
- International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA)- serving on the roundtable committee
- Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP)
Who is your industry mentor?
Howard Donnally is my industry mentor because he has such a passion for the industry and truly immerses himself in the automotive aftermarket. He is not only a raving fan of Gold Eagle Co. but also lives the company mission on a day-to-day basis.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Work hard, stay positive, embrace change and be yourself.
What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?
I had a bowling scholarship at Robert Morris University in Chicago, finished an interior design and architectural technology four-year degree in two-and-a-half years and was the salutatorian of my university’s graduating class.
What is your dream car?
A ’70 Camaro. A funny story about my decision is that my dad actually sold his ’70s Camaro that I grew up in and bought a ’60s Corvette. I can’t actually give you the exact year because I didn’t want to invest any interest in the car since I was furious that he traded the Camaro for the Corvette. He had the Corvette for seven-plus years, and I never once sat in it. Needless to say, when my dad got his new Camaro, I was the first to ride in it.
What is your favorite pastime?
Going to Allegan, Michigan, with my family would have to be my favorite pastime. We would spend the entire day on the beach and in the water tubing and swimming at my aunt’s house with all my cousins. Her house was at the bottom of the hill and every time we would go down the hill we would all raise our hands and scream as if we were going to drive into the lake. Her house had secret trap doors, and the kids would always find something to do even if it rained. We would cram four aunts, five uncles and 10 cousins into this house in one giant sleepover, staying up till all hours of the night around the campfire.
Take Advantage of the SBN Networking Opportunities at the 2015 SEMA Show
SBN Reception
Register today!
Pre-registered guests will get a “fast-pass” through the onsite line, and three lucky pre-registered attendees will take home a $50 Visa gift card. Must register by October 28, at 12:00 a.m., and must be present to win.
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Location: Westgate, Paradise Center: North
SBN Gear-Up Girl
Register today!
Date: Monday, November 2
Time: 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Location: LVCC, Upper North Hall, N264
Have colleagues interested in the advancement of women in the automotive aftermarket? Invite them to join SBN. It's easy and free.
For more information about any of these programs, contact Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of networks, at 909-978-6691 or BryanH@SEMA.org.
Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Renaissance Pool
Register today!
Education Session: “Aftermarket Wheels and Tires – Right Sale, Right Fit” Powered by WTC and TIA
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Location: LVCC Upper North Hall, N252
For more information, visit the SEMA Education section of the SEMA Show website to pre-register today!
For more information about any of these programs, contact Clayton Drescher, SEMA council liaison, at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit YEN's website | |
The Young Executive Network’s (YEN) Fourth Quarter General Membership call will take place October 8, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). This critical meeting will focus on YEN’s 2015 SEMA Show events and opportunities to volunteer.
Key discussion areas include the YEN Reception, YEN General Membership Meeting, SEMA Launch Pad and suggested education seminars for young professionals.
Please RSVP to SEMA’s Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanH@SEMA.org to receive the teleconference number and calendar invite.
Stay in contact with YEN by joining the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Have friends under the age of 40 working for a SEMA-member company? Invite them to join YEN. It's easy and free.
YEN Reception: Pre-Register Now!
RSVP to the YEN Reception, taking place at the 2015 SEMA Show, and have a “fast-pass” through the line! Three lucky pre-registered guests will take home a $50 Visa gift card. Attendees must register by October 28 and be present to win. The YEN Reception takes place at the Las Vegas Westgate Hotel, Paradise Center, South, beginning at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 7:00 p.m.
If you have any questions about these events, contact SEMA’s Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanH@SEMA.org.