Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Chris Wagner | |
Daystar Welcomes Chris Wagner as New Aftermarket Sales Manager
Daystar Products International has announced the addition of Chris Wagner to the Daystar sales team. With more than 15 years of experience in the automotive and light-truck aftermarket industry, Wagner joins the company as sales manager for Daystar’s aftermarket division.
The AAM Group Announces On the Map Dealer Locator Program
The AAM Group has announced On the Map—a portal service that gets local retailers and installers of automotive aftermarket accessories listed on the online dealer locators and internal databases of the manufacturers they sell. On the Map—free to AAM program participants—is designed to connect shoppers, jobbers and manufacturers in a way that meets the needs of all three. On the Map helps to direct consumers to their local source for aftermarket products and installation services, generating additional foot traffic and sales for community retailers and installers. Retailers affiliated with one of AAM’s marketing programs simply visit www.theaamgroup.com/on-the-map and indicate the brands they actively sell or install. AAM then submits the results to its vendor partners, and within 4–6 weeks, those retailers can expect to be listed on the dealer locators of the manufacturers they selected.
 Thermal R&D Exhaust premiers on Velocity Performance TV on Saturday, May 28, at 9:30 p.m. (EST). |
Thermal R&D Exhaust to Premier on Velocity TV This Saturday
Thermal R&D Exhaust premiers on Velocity Performance TV on Saturday, May 28, at 9:30 p.m. (EST). The segment will also air on Friday, May 27, at 9:30 a.m. EST and 4:00 p.m. EST on MAVTV. The show will showcase Thermal R&D Exhaust’s Fifth Generation Camaro Exhaust, as well as Thermal R&D Exhaust’s 2015+ Mustang GT Exhaust.
WELD Honored With City Proclamation to Celebrate Growth at Kansas City Headquarters
WELD has received a proclamation signed by Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Sylvester “Sly” James during a ribbon cutting and open house May 19 at its Kansas City headquarters. The proclamation was presented by Scott Wagner, Kansas City mayor pro-tem and 1st District-at-Large councilman, on behalf of Mayor James and the City Council. The document congratulated WELD on the expansion of its manufacturing facility and declared “May 19, 2016, as a day to honor WELD throughout the City of Kansas City, Missouri.” Tony Miller, Jackson County 3rd District-at-Large legislator, also provided remarks on behalf of Jackson County. Other local dignitaries who attended included Theresa Galvin, Jackson County 6th District legislator and 2016 vice chairwoman; Quinton Lucas, Kansas City 3rd District-at-Large councilman; Jermaine Reed, Kansas City 3rd District councilman; Teresa Loar, Kansas City 2nd District-at-Large councilwoman; and David Pruente, director of membership, Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. WELD brand ambassador and NHRA Funny Car Champion John Force of John Force Racing delivered remarks before the ribbon cutting. Also in attendance were WELD ambassadors Clay Millican, NHRA Top Fuel driver; Erica Enders-Stevens, NHRA Pro Stock driver; Robert Hight, NHRA Funny Car driver; World of Outlaws star Brian Brown; and Formula Drift driver Justin Pawlak. On display were a number of vehicles featuring the company’s wheels from its brands, including WELD Racing, WELD Street & Strip, CCW Forged Performance, REKON Off Road and HiPer Technology by WELD.
 Terry Heffelfinger |
Terry Heffelfinger to Retire From Brake Parts Inc.
Brake Parts Inc. announced that Terry Heffelfinger, vice president of engineering, product development, quality and R&D will retire from the company, effective June 30, 2016.
“Terry has been an integral part of our company for the past eleven years, leading multi-disciplinary teams that consistently contributed to BPI’s growth and profitability. His hard work and commitment to BPI are greatly appreciated and will be felt for years to come,” said company president and CEO David Overbeeke. “On behalf of all the employees at Brake Parts Inc., I would like to thank Terry for his many contributions to our company and wish him all the best that retirement has to offer.”
Heffelfinger joined BPI in 2005 as director, product engineering, quality and R&D before assuming his current role five years ago. Prior to BPI, he served as chief engineer, and later as director, product engineering and marketing, for Tenneco. Considered an expert in vehicle safety and safety testing, Heffelfinger has developed several patented products.
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