Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Steve Field |
Steve Field Promoted to Senior Grote Technical Specialist
Grote Technical Specialist Steve Field has been promoted to the company’s first-ever senior technical specialist position, adding a number of training and managerial responsibilities to his already existing role. Field has served the Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio areas in the Eastern region since beginning his career with Grote in May 2002. In his new position, Field will help manage national account opportunities, coordinate training initiatives, test new technology and programs for the sales field and also serve as a knowledge resource for his territory. Field has been awarded a number of accolades by Grote during his nearly 14 years of service to the company, including Director’s Club membership at the 2011 International Sales Meeting, multiple Regional MVP awards, the Aftermarket Top Gun Award in 2014 and the Elite Grote Knowledge classification, which requires an average score of 98% or better on all Grote testing.
Luken Signs Multi-Network Affiliation Deal With KSAO in Sacramento; Adds “Best of the World of Collector Cars” to “Rev’n” Lineup
Luken Communications has announced a multi-network affiliation agreement with KSAO in Sacramento, California, serving the Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto market (DMA 20). KSAO, owned and operated by Cocola Broadcasting Companies, launched “Rev’n” and Retro TV April 21, 2016. Viewers in the area can now find “Rev’n” and Retro TV over-the-air on channels 49.3 and 49.4, respectively.
Additionally, Luken Communications and Rev’n have welcomed “Best of the World of Collector Cars” as the latest addition to the Rev’n programming lineup. The series, produced and hosted by Dale Morris, can now be found on “Rev’n” every weekday at both 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. (EDT). This series offers the most popular content from its predecessor, “The World of Collector Cars,” presenting a close-up look at hundreds of the world’s most interesting automobiles. Each episode features multiple cars as Morris visits museums, automotive auctions, classic car clubs and vintage car races, and interviews with collector car enthusiasts of all types.
Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels Partners with Performance Business Media
Performance Business Media—a full-service advertising agency specializing in motorsports—recently announced a new marketing partnership with Mickey Thompson Tire and Wheels. The agency will write and facilitate monthly e-newsletters for both Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels and their Dick Cepek brand of adventure tires and wheels. The partnership is part of Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels’ continued effort to bring performance and off-road industry news, events and content to their customers and fans.
 American Force Wheels just moved into its new 60,000-sq.-ft. building in Miami. |
American Force Wheels Moves Into New Facility
American Force Wheels just moved into its new 60,000-sq.-ft. building in Miami. “The move has been a long time coming,” according to American Force Wheels President Ray Shadravan. “We have been searching for a place to call home, to effectively house all components of our operation under one roof, including manufacturing, polishing, customer service, marketing and administration for a couple years. The move will allow us to implement new programs that will benefit customers by shortening lead times. Plus, it will also allow us to build on our green initiatives, which include significant waste reduction and recycling efforts.”
Kooks Headers and Exhaust Partners With Performance Business Media
Performance Business Media (PBM) has announced a new marketing partnership with exhaust manufacturer Kooks Headers and Exhaust of Statesville, North Carolina. PBM has been awarded the contract to create and distribute Kooks product and press releases through the end of 2016. The partnership was announced as Kooks Headers and Exhaust continues to expand its product line. Recent additions include the ’16 Shelby GT350 and ’16 Chevrolet Camaro exhaust kits.
 William “Michael” Betts IV |
Mike Betts Installed as President of the Spring Manufacturers Institute
William “Michael” Betts IV, chairman and CEO of Betts Co., was installed as the new president of the Spring Manufacturers Institute (SMI) during the association’s 2016 annual meeting in Dana Point, California. Betts will serve a two-year term for the trade association that represents the North American spring manufacturing industry. During his term as president, Betts said he would like to build upon the success of the inaugural SMI Metal Engineering eXpo held last year in Charlotte. The second eXpo will be held October 3–5, 2017, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut, and will include the popular technical symposia. Betts served as president of Betts Company from 1995–2015, having previously held numerous positions in sales, marketing, innovation and leadership with the company for a combined total of more than 38 years. In his role as chairman and CEO, he continues to provide guidance and support to Betts Co.’s leadership team.
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