By Linda Spencer
Four SEMA member companies received Export Achievement Awards at the 2017 SEMA Show from the U.S. Department of Commerce. All have participated in at least one of SEMA’s business development trips this year in Australia, the Middle East and/or China. The recipients were presented the award in recognition of their significant export sales abroad.
Exhibitor registration for the 2018 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program (April 3–8) and 2018 SEMA Australia Business Development Program (May 24–28) are now open. U.S. government grants are available for qualified companies.
For more information, view the SEMA Middle East Exhibitor Flyer, SEMA Australia Exhibitor Flyer, or email Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call to discuss trip details and whether it may be a good fit for your company.
 (L-R): Freddie Turza, technical director, VP Racing Fuels; Marc Wesler, international sales manager, VP Racing Fuels; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce. |  Allison Blackstein, COO, Dynocom Industries Inc. (third from the right); Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect (second from the right); and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce (right). |
 (L-R): Robert Scheid, director of business development, McLeod Racing LLC (left); Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce. |  (L-R): Pauline Scully, office manager, Baja Designs; Brennan Scully, sales manager, Baja Designs; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce. |
“Participating in the SEMA trips has given us the platform to grow both our export sales and our brand awareness in markets that we were not overly familiar with. SEMA continues to provide its members with the tools to be successful and the opportunities to build relationships in the export markets. We can attribute a portion of our export success directly to our recent involvement in the SEMA trips. Every company interested in exporting should be utilizing [SEMA].”
—Marc Wesler, international sales manager, VP Racing Fuels
“Without the help of SEMA and the Department of Commerce, this wouldn’t be possible. This SEMA [overseas business-development program] helps businesses to make vital connections globally.”
—Allison Blackstein, COO, Dynocom Industries Inc.
“McLeod is very proud that our relationship with SEMA and our participation in its international trips have been so successful that the Department of Commerce has chosen to recognize our accomplishments.”
—Robert Scheid, director of business development, McLeod Racing LLC
“SEMA played a big part in our growth in the international market, specifically in Australia and the Middle East. Not only did they make it affordable to travel overseas, but they also made the entire process as worry-free as possible. SEMA brought the customers to us. In less than a week, we were able to have more quality conversations and make quality contacts than we could have on our own.”
—Pauline Scully, office manager, Baja Designs