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SEMA Council & Network News: SEMA Launch Pad Voting Now Live

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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SEMA Launch Pad Voting Now Live

From nearly 80 competitors, the top 13 young automotive entrepreneurs have been named in the fourth annual SEMA Launch Pad Presented by YEN competition. Representing new, innovative products and services in the specialty automotive aftermarket, these next-gen automotive leaders are looking for their big break to launch their businesses to the next level. Watch their short business pitches on YEN’s Facebook page and vote today!

Your vote will decide the 10 competitors who will pitch their business to a celebrity judging panel at the SEMA Show, including automotive industry juggernauts Jim Cozzie, Ron Coleman, Jessi Combs, Brian Rowland and Dave Ziozios.

Voting ends September 1, with the live on-stage competition occurring November 2, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in the SEMA Show Super Session Room N258 (second floor, North Hall).

Top 13 SEMA Launch Pad Competitors – Vote Now!

Aaron Aldrich, owner, Any Level Lift
Product: Any Level Lift

Richard Baverstock, founder/CEO, Mogol Inc.
Product: Glide

Matt Corish, co-founder, V12LS.com
Product: V12 LS Engine

Steed Dolan, owner, Steeds Tech
Product: Banshee Controller

John Paul Gusewelle, COO, Metal Conditioner Squared LLC
Product: MC2/Metal Container Squared

Justin Hartenstein, president/founder, ORACLE Lighting
Product: Jeep Wrangler LED Integrated Side Mirrors

Amanda Holbert, president, Plasma Glide LLC
Product: PlasmaGlide

Bryce Hudson, owner, Grip Clean
Product: All Natural Industrial Hand Soap

Wesley Jurica, co-owner, Gigabit Games LLC
Product: CrawlrCam

Xavier Miller, owner/founder, Spultronix LLC
Product: Motorsports Electronics

Kevin Patrick, president, Exomotive LLC
Product: Exocet

Sarah Powell, COO, Turnberry Innovations
Product: CorBox and GapSaver

Irina Slavina, Co-founder/General Counsel, Hudway LLC
Product: HUDWAY Glass

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HRIA General Membership Meeting

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will host a general membership meeting at the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Nationals on August 3, one day before the event opens. General membership meetings are a great opportunity to learn more about the council and the resources available exclusively to HRIA members. Attendees will hear the latest updates from the select committee and enjoy an open discussion on the hot-rod industry.

With the SEMA Show just around the corner, the select committee will announce opportunities to volunteer at the Show and other ways to become more involved in council activities. Enjoy refreshments while connecting with hot-rod professionals.

The meeting will take place Wednesday, August 3, from 3:30–5:00 p.m. in the Saddle and Sirloin Club, Freedom Hall.

Register here!

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HRIA Education Day Moves to NSRA Nationals

HRIA is moving its Education Day sessions to the NSRA Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. Twelve manufacturers will give one-hour presentations on their product lines, and present tips and tricks for restoration projects. The Education Day will take place Thursday, August 4, with sessions beginning at 9:00 a.m., and the last session concluding at 4:15 p.m. (There will be two simultaneous presentations per hour.) The sessions will be classroom style, with some manufacturers hosting panel discussions, and others sticking to a traditional presentation format. These valuable sessions are open to all NSRA Nationals attendees.

This is a popular event, and seats are limited. Reserve your spot today for the sessions that most interest you.

HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge

If you are attending the NSRA Nationals, you don’t want to miss the HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge, taking place Friday, August 5, and Saturday, August 6, on the show floor. The annual HRIA Pinewood Builder’s Challenge is an opportunity to showcase the skills of nationally known hot-rod builders while raising money for SEMA Cares charities benefiting Childhelp and Victory Junction facilities.

Cheer on the builders as they race their one-of-a-kind, small-scale pinewood cars for recognition and a good cause. After the races, the pinewoods will be displayed in the HRIA booth and then auctioned off during the HRIA Industry Awards Reception at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

If you have questions regarding any of these events, contact SEMA Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

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