SEMA Member News—January/February 2015
SEMA Businesswomen’s Network Recognizes Industry Advocates
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Cristina Fronzaglia, PPG Industries, Athena Champion
The Athena Champion award recognizes a SEMA member or company for outstanding lifetime contributions, dedication and support of women in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. This year, SBN recognized Cristina Fronzaglia as the 2014 Athena Champion.
Fronzaglia is a true champion to women in the aftermarket industry, working tirelessly to mentor, inspire and actively promote women. She serves on the PPG Refinish Diversity Committee, actively working to bring women candidates into the workforce and promoting diversity throughout PPG Refinish. Fronzaglia also serves on a subcommittee to increase communication of diversity awareness and serves on the Board for Girls With Sole, a program that uses free fitness and wellness programs to empower the mind, body and soul of girls who are at risk of experiencing abuse of
any kind.
Kathryn Reinhardt, MagnaFlow, Athena Woman of the Year
The Athena Woman of the Year award recognizes a woman for outstanding achievements and contributions during the course of the year in the specialty-equipment industry. SBN proudly recognized Kathryn Reinhardt as the 2014 Athena Woman of the Year.
Now in her fourteenth year in the industry, Reinhardt’s “get-it-done” attitude and unique marketing strategies have allowed her to shine within the industry. She has a proven track record of successful marketing campaigns, branding communications, custom advertising programs and negotiating profitable customer contracts. Reinhardt’s dedication and volunteer service to the aftermarket industry are noteworthy. She is a member of the ETTN, YEN and SBN networks, volunteers and helps organize the annual SEMA Cares pinewood drag races and has been honored twice as the SBN Member of the Month.
Kenna Puckett, Roush Yates, Athena Rising Star
SBN recognizes that the future of the automotive industry lies in the youth. It is important to the network to encourage and collaborate with young professionals in its initiatives. The Athena Rising Star award recognizes a woman under the age of 30 who is making significant strides in her career in the automotive aftermarket, along with paving the way for her peers. This year’s award was presented to Kenna Puckett.
In preparing for her career in the automotive aftermarket industry, Puckett invested heavily in her own education. She holds a bachelor’s degree, secured an automotive technical degree and is currently working on a master’s degree in business. Puckett attained the role of marketing director at the young age of 25 and continues to rise within the Roush Yates organization. She is a resource for the advisors at the NASCAR Technical Institute and serves as a mentor to young people who are interested in technical and motor-sports careers. Those fortunate enough to work with Puckett on a daily basis note that her positive attitude and bright personality make working with her incredibly joyful. As cited in her letter of nomination, “Kenna is already a star and will continue to only get brighter.”
When Put Up to a Challenge, SBN Strives to Be at the Forefront!
Since the inception of the Council Cup pinewood drag race in 2011, SBN has been a top contender, winning three out of four competitions, and 2014 was no different. With a “lucky” new paint job and wheels, the network’s car secured first place and retained the prestigious trophy last July. The winning car and the trophy with the SBN name are on display at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.
SEMA held its first-ever SEMA Challenge go-kart race last summer. All 10 SEMA councils and networks, along with the Board of Directors, vied for the first-place trophy. The competition was fierce at K1 Speed in Ontario, California. Members in attendance had fun cheering on their teams. SBN member Kathryn Reinhardt qualified for the final heat, and her nerves of steel helped propel the network to place second on the podium. Tim Martin of K&N Engineering took the win for the Board of Directors and drank the milk of victory.
SBN would like to hear from you. Let the network’s leadership know what interests you the most by e-mailing your thoughts to SBN Chair Rose Kawasaki at rosek@exportsintl.com or to SEMA Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org, or visit www.sema.org/sbn.