Compiled by SEMA Editors

Tim Stewart

SEMA Data Co-op Hires Tim Stewart as West Coast Membership Manager

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has hired Tim Stewart as the West Coast membership manager based at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Stewart spent the past 12 years with K&N Engineering in sales and marketing, most recently as senior sales director for both the online and distribution channels, working with customers throughout North America. He attended his first SEMA Show in 1984 as a buyer for a small mail-order company with one catalog, and spent 22 years growing it, experiencing most facets of the business with a focus on merchandising and marketing. Stewart will report to Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs.

Graham Light, NHRA Senior Vice President of Racing Operations, to Retire at End of 2018

After 34 years of service, Graham Light, NHRA’s senior vice president of racing operations, has announced that he will retire at the end of 2018. Light will continue to serve on NHRA’s board of directors and as a consultant to the sport. Stepping up to fill Light’s role will be current NHRA Vice President of Racing Administration Josh Peterson, whose role will expand. Former NHRA Director of Racing Operations Ned Walliser will be named vice president of competition. Walliser will rejoin NHRA in May 2018 to work and train with Light. Current Vice President of Technical Operations Glen Gray will round out the team. Light joined NHRA in 1984 and progressed upward in the organization, taking over all racing operations in 1993. Peterson joined NHRA in 2007 from General Motors, where he was involved in the company’s drag-racing programs and other initiatives. Walliser was with NHRA from 1994–2000, first as Pacific division director and then as director of racing operations. Walliser returns to NHRA from his role as chief operating officer for MainGate Inc., and serving on the board of SFI Foundation Inc. Gray joined NHRA from Delphi Corp., where he was involved in the company’s motorsports activities and motorsports safety initiatives.

Dennis Pittsenbarger has been named a leading host of Power Automedia’s new automotive show “Horsepower Wars.”

Dennis Pittsenbarger To Host Power Automedia’s New “Horsepower Wars” Automotive Show

Power Automedia has announced Dennis Pittsenbarger as a leading host of its new automotive show “Horsepower Wars.” Pittsenbarger will join host Brian Petty as a pair of rabble-rousers on the upcoming “Horsepower Wars” $10K Drag Racing Shootout and the True Street Dyno Challenge. In addition to being one of the main faces of the show, Pittsenbarger will also work behind-the-scenes to help develop storylines and have an active presence on social media. The first season of “Horsepower Wars” will launch in March and April. For more information, visit www.horsepowerwars.com.

Wilwood Returns as Preferred Performance Brakes of Goodguys

Wilwood Disc Brakes has announced it will return as the Preferred Performance Brakes of the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association for 2018. In addition to the sponsorship, Wilwood will have an increased presence at Goodguys events. For a complete schedule and for more information, visit www.good-guys.com.

APA Search has launched a new website designed to offer job seekers confidentiality and an improved database design that will enable APA’s recruiters to find them faster.

APA Search Launches New Website

APA Search has launched a new website designed to offer job seekers confidentiality and an improved database design that will enable APA’s recruiters to find them faster. The new database is indexed, enabling APA recruiting staff to quickly sort all candidates registered on the site by specific job title and segment experience. Also, candidates can directly upload their information to the site, where it is immediately accessible to APA’s recruiters. The improved website also provides candidates with a list of current search assignments and informative articles for job seekers and industry employers. 

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Kyle Cheng

The SEMA Industry Indicators Report provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

The SEMA Industry Indicators Report for February is now available from SEMA Market Research. This monthly report provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy, with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

This month, the report includes highlights from the 2017 SEMA Market Report.

To view the new Industry Indicators Report, visit www.sema.org/market-research.

By Kyle Cheng

The SEMA Industry Indicators Report provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

The SEMA Industry Indicators Report for February is now available from SEMA Market Research. This monthly report provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy, with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

This month, the report includes highlights from the 2017 SEMA Market Report.

To view the new Industry Indicators Report, visit www.sema.org/market-research.

By Linda Spencer

Registration is closing soon for the upcoming SEMA Middle East and Australia Business Development Conferences.

SEMA Middle East
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
April 3–8, 2018

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region (buyers attended the 2017 event from 11 countries), where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income, coupled with a passion for personalization, make this an attractive region.

The 2018 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth.

Exhibitor registration is available now.

SEMA Australia
Melbourne Australia
May 24–28, 2018

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs and pickups, street performance and racing. New Ford Mustang sales are red-hot, and rumor has it that Australia has more hot rodders per capita than anywhere else in the world.

The 2018 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth.

Exhibitor registration is available now.

U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Slots are limited.

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

“CSE really displayed the passion for motorsports and customizing in the Middle East, and the buyers who attended the show had great interest in our products,” said Lake Speed Jr. (left), general manager of Driven Racing Oil LLC. “I think that this is going to be a fast-growing marketplace for SEMA-member companies.”	“This has been a great event,” said Sally Goldberg (right), national sales manager for UnderCover Inc. “We had the opportunity to do a meet-and-greet with the customers ahead of time, so we actually had a chance to get on a more personal level with them. The buyers were anxious to hear what our products were and what we had to offer them.”
“The SEMA Middle East Business Development Program was once again a great experience,” said Joshua Abbott (left), international sales manager for Borla Performance Industries. “We have participated in this event for the past several years, and each time we have benefited greatly from the program. Although the Middle East is a mature market, it is still challenging, requiring a well-thought-out strategy, persistence, knowledge, great products and a lot of patience.”	“The SEMA Australia trip was very beneficial to Dee Zee, and we gained a lot of knowledge about the rules and regulations in that market along with developing several buyer contacts,” said Matt Guerdet (left), account manager for Dee Zee Inc.
Kevin Floody (left), director of international sales for aFe Power, said that he was very impressed with what he saw in the Australian market. “A lot of changes have occurred over the past couple of years, especially with the departure of Ford Australia and Holden,” he said. “I was also surprised to see American trucks starting to enter the market. That is great to see, especially for companies such as aFe Power. What also surprised me was how much Ford has managed to dominate the market with the Mustang GT, which is obviously a replacement for the Ford Falcon. Moreover, I couldn’t believe how GM/Chevy has not brought in the Camaro nor the Dodge Charger or Challenger. Australia continues to be a great market for U.S. manufacturers.”	Mike Hallmark (left) participated in the Australia trip as marketing and international sales manager for Hellwig Products. Each exhibitor received a turnkey booth, hotel and meals, with the U.S. government defraying the cost with a grant to each qualified company. “This year’s SEMA trip was great for Hellwig Products,” said Hallmark. “We were able to strengthen the relationships we started building in 2016. Face-to-face meetings prove to be of more value than email or phone calls. By going to the shops and sitting with customers/potential customers, it allowed us to set a solid foundation to better understand their needs and market. We have been able to develop new products that are specifically designed around the Australian market. These relationships will ensure we are supplying the region with the best possible products for their specific needs.”

By Linda Spencer

Registration is closing soon for the upcoming SEMA Middle East and Australia Business Development Conferences.

SEMA Middle East
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
April 3–8, 2018

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region (buyers attended the 2017 event from 11 countries), where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income, coupled with a passion for personalization, make this an attractive region.

The 2018 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth.

Exhibitor registration is available now.

SEMA Australia
Melbourne Australia
May 24–28, 2018

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs and pickups, street performance and racing. New Ford Mustang sales are red-hot, and rumor has it that Australia has more hot rodders per capita than anywhere else in the world.

The 2018 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth.

Exhibitor registration is available now.

U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Slots are limited.

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

“CSE really displayed the passion for motorsports and customizing in the Middle East, and the buyers who attended the show had great interest in our products,” said Lake Speed Jr. (left), general manager of Driven Racing Oil LLC. “I think that this is going to be a fast-growing marketplace for SEMA-member companies.”	“This has been a great event,” said Sally Goldberg (right), national sales manager for UnderCover Inc. “We had the opportunity to do a meet-and-greet with the customers ahead of time, so we actually had a chance to get on a more personal level with them. The buyers were anxious to hear what our products were and what we had to offer them.”
“The SEMA Middle East Business Development Program was once again a great experience,” said Joshua Abbott (left), international sales manager for Borla Performance Industries. “We have participated in this event for the past several years, and each time we have benefited greatly from the program. Although the Middle East is a mature market, it is still challenging, requiring a well-thought-out strategy, persistence, knowledge, great products and a lot of patience.”	“The SEMA Australia trip was very beneficial to Dee Zee, and we gained a lot of knowledge about the rules and regulations in that market along with developing several buyer contacts,” said Matt Guerdet (left), account manager for Dee Zee Inc.
Kevin Floody (left), director of international sales for aFe Power, said that he was very impressed with what he saw in the Australian market. “A lot of changes have occurred over the past couple of years, especially with the departure of Ford Australia and Holden,” he said. “I was also surprised to see American trucks starting to enter the market. That is great to see, especially for companies such as aFe Power. What also surprised me was how much Ford has managed to dominate the market with the Mustang GT, which is obviously a replacement for the Ford Falcon. Moreover, I couldn’t believe how GM/Chevy has not brought in the Camaro nor the Dodge Charger or Challenger. Australia continues to be a great market for U.S. manufacturers.”	Mike Hallmark (left) participated in the Australia trip as marketing and international sales manager for Hellwig Products. Each exhibitor received a turnkey booth, hotel and meals, with the U.S. government defraying the cost with a grant to each qualified company. “This year’s SEMA trip was great for Hellwig Products,” said Hallmark. “We were able to strengthen the relationships we started building in 2016. Face-to-face meetings prove to be of more value than email or phone calls. By going to the shops and sitting with customers/potential customers, it allowed us to set a solid foundation to better understand their needs and market. We have been able to develop new products that are specifically designed around the Australian market. These relationships will ensure we are supplying the region with the best possible products for their specific needs.”

By Linda Spencer

Registration is closing soon for the upcoming SEMA Middle East and Australia Business Development Conferences.

SEMA Middle East
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
April 3–8, 2018

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region (buyers attended the 2017 event from 11 countries), where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income, coupled with a passion for personalization, make this an attractive region.

The 2018 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth.

Exhibitor registration is available now.

SEMA Australia
Melbourne Australia
May 24–28, 2018

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs and pickups, street performance and racing. New Ford Mustang sales are red-hot, and rumor has it that Australia has more hot rodders per capita than anywhere else in the world.

The 2018 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth.

Exhibitor registration is available now.

U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Slots are limited.

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

“CSE really displayed the passion for motorsports and customizing in the Middle East, and the buyers who attended the show had great interest in our products,” said Lake Speed Jr. (left), general manager of Driven Racing Oil LLC. “I think that this is going to be a fast-growing marketplace for SEMA-member companies.”	“This has been a great event,” said Sally Goldberg (right), national sales manager for UnderCover Inc. “We had the opportunity to do a meet-and-greet with the customers ahead of time, so we actually had a chance to get on a more personal level with them. The buyers were anxious to hear what our products were and what we had to offer them.”
“The SEMA Middle East Business Development Program was once again a great experience,” said Joshua Abbott (left), international sales manager for Borla Performance Industries. “We have participated in this event for the past several years, and each time we have benefited greatly from the program. Although the Middle East is a mature market, it is still challenging, requiring a well-thought-out strategy, persistence, knowledge, great products and a lot of patience.”	“The SEMA Australia trip was very beneficial to Dee Zee, and we gained a lot of knowledge about the rules and regulations in that market along with developing several buyer contacts,” said Matt Guerdet (left), account manager for Dee Zee Inc.
Kevin Floody (left), director of international sales for aFe Power, said that he was very impressed with what he saw in the Australian market. “A lot of changes have occurred over the past couple of years, especially with the departure of Ford Australia and Holden,” he said. “I was also surprised to see American trucks starting to enter the market. That is great to see, especially for companies such as aFe Power. What also surprised me was how much Ford has managed to dominate the market with the Mustang GT, which is obviously a replacement for the Ford Falcon. Moreover, I couldn’t believe how GM/Chevy has not brought in the Camaro nor the Dodge Charger or Challenger. Australia continues to be a great market for U.S. manufacturers.”	Mike Hallmark (left) participated in the Australia trip as marketing and international sales manager for Hellwig Products. Each exhibitor received a turnkey booth, hotel and meals, with the U.S. government defraying the cost with a grant to each qualified company. “This year’s SEMA trip was great for Hellwig Products,” said Hallmark. “We were able to strengthen the relationships we started building in 2016. Face-to-face meetings prove to be of more value than email or phone calls. By going to the shops and sitting with customers/potential customers, it allowed us to set a solid foundation to better understand their needs and market. We have been able to develop new products that are specifically designed around the Australian market. These relationships will ensure we are supplying the region with the best possible products for their specific needs.”

By Jenny Galvan

All wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about WTC and its initiatives are invited to take advantage of the general membership meeting’s learning and networking opportunities.

All wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and its initiatives are invited to join WTC, Tuesday, February 20, at the Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport, and participate in an eventful day filled with learning and networking opportunities.

The agenda includes a general membership meeting, during which WTC members will discuss the council’s initiatives and the benefits of becoming a council member.

Other activities scheduled include a seminar on vehicle technology, a wheel and tire testing forum and an on-site proving-ground facility tour. A Top Golf networking outing is also scheduled.

RSVP now. 

By Jenny Galvan

All wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about WTC and its initiatives are invited to take advantage of the general membership meeting’s learning and networking opportunities.

All wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and its initiatives are invited to join WTC, Tuesday, February 20, at the Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport, and participate in an eventful day filled with learning and networking opportunities.

The agenda includes a general membership meeting, during which WTC members will discuss the council’s initiatives and the benefits of becoming a council member.

Other activities scheduled include a seminar on vehicle technology, a wheel and tire testing forum and an on-site proving-ground facility tour. A Top Golf networking outing is also scheduled.

RSVP now. 

By Jenny Galvan

SEMA is now accepting nominations for council and network select committee positions.

Nominations are now being accepted for select committee positions on SEMA’s councils and networks.

SEMA council or network select committee volunteers work alongside automotive professionals from different segments of the industry and identify common challenges. More importantly, they work toward solutions, make key connections, grow in their professions and gain fulfillment from being an integral part of something bigger.

If you are ready to dive deeper into the industry, or if you know someone who is, now’s your chance to nominate yourself or fellow professionals who have the skills and character to influence industry progress.

Currently, there are 10 councils and networks within SEMA. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges for member companies in a particular market segment, while the professional networks are a platform for individuals within a SEMA-member company who share a common interest or characteristic.

Join your peers and become an industry leader. Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee today by using the quick and easy online councils nomination form. Nominations must be received by midnight February 23, 2018. The select committee elections will take place in late April.

For more information about SEMA’s councils and networks or the nomination and election process, contact Katie Carson.

By Jenny Galvan

SEMA is now accepting nominations for council and network select committee positions.

Nominations are now being accepted for select committee positions on SEMA’s councils and networks.

SEMA council or network select committee volunteers work alongside automotive professionals from different segments of the industry and identify common challenges. More importantly, they work toward solutions, make key connections, grow in their professions and gain fulfillment from being an integral part of something bigger.

If you are ready to dive deeper into the industry, or if you know someone who is, now’s your chance to nominate yourself or fellow professionals who have the skills and character to influence industry progress.

Currently, there are 10 councils and networks within SEMA. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges for member companies in a particular market segment, while the professional networks are a platform for individuals within a SEMA-member company who share a common interest or characteristic.

Join your peers and become an industry leader. Nominate yourself or another exceptional SEMA-member employee today by using the quick and easy online councils nomination form. Nominations must be received by midnight February 23, 2018. The select committee elections will take place in late April.

For more information about SEMA’s councils and networks or the nomination and election process, contact Katie Carson.