By Ashley Reyes
SEMA council and network select committees consist of volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to help develop meaningful programs for members. Volunteers are critical to the councils’ and the industry’s success. In return, volunteers gain a lot through the process.
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) select committee.
Applications are now available at www.sema.org/volunteer, where employees of SEMA-member companies can apply for a seat on a council or network select committee.
There are nine councils and networks that represent different segments of the automotive aftermarket—from auto restoration, restyling, emerging trends and technology, truck and off-road and more.
Here are just a few benefits members get by volunteering on a SEMA Council or Network select committee:
- Understand the industry at large. It’s always beneficial to meet others in your same market niche who you can talk to about the state of the industry, its challenges and opportunities. Working with other select committee members really allows you to get a sense of how the industry at large is doing. As you’re helping to better the industry, you’re also able to come up with new ideas and understand where the opportunities are for your business.
- Make valuable business connections. Chances are you may meet some of your most trusted, go-to colleagues in the industry or perhaps even a mentor, while serving on the select committee. You’ll find that the select committee consists of some of the brightest, most innovative individuals in the industry, and they just might be individuals who you turn to when you need business advice or want to bounce ideas off.
- Develop personal friendships. You’ll meet individuals who have common interests and share a passion for the industry that you love as well. It’s not uncommon for select committee members to make life-long friendships while serving the council.
- Gain hands-on experience. As a leader in the industry, you will receive leadership training and guide the council and the industry in new programs and services.
- Boost brand awareness. Both the volunteer and the company gain great visibility. You and your company are highlighted, quoted and featured or mentioned as programs are developed.
- Address challenges and opportunities most important to you or your company. As a select committee member, you’re able to prioritize the issues that you see as most important and have a voice at the table. You’re able to make a difference in the areas that matter most.
The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) select committee.
If you want to apply for a seat on a select committee, or would like to recommend someone who you think would be great in this role, you are invited and encouraged to fill out the form at www.sema.org/volunteer by the April 22 deadline. The ideal candidate will be able to commit 5–10 volunteer hours a month, have strong strategic planning skills, significant aftermarket knowledge and a passion for giving back to the industry.
If you are interested in volunteering at a different level, or on a subcommittee or task force for a council or network, please contact Council Director Denise Waddingham at Deniselw@sema.org for more information.