Compiled by SEMA Editors

	L-R: Fred Rice, Olindo Mare, Steve Lyon and Billy West are the new owners at Klassic Rides LLC.

Klassic Rides Has New Ownership Team

Billy West, operations manager and one of the owners of Klassic Rides LLC, of Denver North Carolina, has announced the completion of the acquisition of 100% of the ownership of Klassic Rides. The acquisition included the purchase of the business entity and the facility that houses Klassic Rides.

The new ownership team is a group of self-proclaimed “car guys” who were brought together by their common interest in cars and vehicles of all types. The new owners are West (owner/operations manager); Olindo Mare (owner/sales and marketing manager); Fred Rice (owner/business manager) and Steve Lyon (owner).

Klassic Rides is a premier automobile restoration shop, and specializes in full frame-off and partial restoration and repair of automobiles, trucks, musclecars and other special-interest and classic vehicles from all eras.

Klassic Rides opened in 2005. Today, Klassic Rides provides classic auto restoration and custom service to customers across the United States. The company has grown to 22 full-time employees, and occupies a 20,400-sq.-ft. facility.

SLAMSTOP Installs Network of Qualified Professionals for U.S. Growth

SLAMSTOP has announced it will begin its search for qualified automotive shops, body shops and car stereo installers in the United States to carry the SLAMSTOP device. The partnership will include quality, on-site training by a SLAMSTOP representative sent over from headquarters and also a business listing as a certified installer location on SLAMSTOP.com. SLAMSTOP—a soft-close car door device installed inside the door panel—uses a sensor that automatically monitors when a vehicle’s door reaches a specific distance from the car frame. As soon as the space is detected, a sensor is triggered and transfers the information to the SLAMSTOP operating system to secure the door shut the remainder of the way.

SLAMSTOP’s Southern California warehouse and installation training center, set to open in early 2015, is seeking automotive customizing experts who have extensive experience and knowledge about vehicle customization and are attracted to in-car technology and mechanisms. Certified installers will be required and able to install the device on a wide variety of vehicles.

PPG Certified Master Technician Kevin Reyer (second from right) has received the 2014 PPG/ASE Master Refinish Technician of the Year Award.

Kevin Reyer Honored as Master Refinish Technician of the Year

PPG Certified Master Technician Kevin Reyer has received the 2014 PPG/ASE Master Refinish Technician of the Year Award. The presentation took place at an awards dinner in November during the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) board of governors conference. Paul Evans, PPG zone manager, refinish training; Glenn Dahl, chairman of the ASE board of directors; and Timothy Zilke, ASE president and CEO, presented the award to Reyer.

The award is an annual tribute to the PPG collision center technician receiving the highest score on the ASE Painting and Refinish test. Other qualities such as on-the-job excellence and community service can factor into the award. This year, 336 PPG candidates vied for the honor.

AutoRep Sales Named Champion Racing Oil Rep Firm of the Year

Champion Oil has announced that AutoRep Sales from Birmingham, Michigan, has been named its 2014 Rep Firm of the Year.

By Monika Earle

	The MPMC Media Trade Conference will take place January 20–22, 2015, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.

More than 240 journalists, reporters and media representatives have signed up to participate in the 2015 MPMC Media Trade Conference, taking place January 20–22, 2015, in Santa Ana, California. While the early registration deadline has passed, media may still register online.

Journalists who are already registered will receive their personalized schedules by January 6, 2014, indicating which companies they will be meeting with in private, one-on-one meetings. Those who register after today will receive their schedules onsite at the event. With 100 manufacturers available for meetings over three days, there are still plenty of openings for reporters to meet with manufacturers during the event.

For questions about media participation, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org or 909/978-6723. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

By Monika Earle

	The MPMC Media Trade Conference will take place January 20–22, 2015, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.

More than 240 journalists, reporters and media representatives have signed up to participate in the 2015 MPMC Media Trade Conference, taking place January 20–22, 2015, in Santa Ana, California. While the early registration deadline has passed, media may still register online.

Journalists who are already registered will receive their personalized schedules by January 6, 2014, indicating which companies they will be meeting with in private, one-on-one meetings. Those who register after today will receive their schedules onsite at the event. With 100 manufacturers available for meetings over three days, there are still plenty of openings for reporters to meet with manufacturers during the event.

For questions about media participation, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org or 909/978-6723. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

By SEMA Editors

	William Hodge of Houston was the winner of JRi Shocks’ Ride Height system giveaway, which will be installed on his ’69 Camaro.

William Hodge of Houston was the winner of JRi Shocks’ 2014 SEMA Show sweepstakes—the Ride Height system giveaway. SEMA Show attendees in Las Vegas had the opportunity to enter a drawing at the JRi Shocks booth for a complete Hydraulic Ride Height system.

“I almost deleted the email as spam,” said Hodge “I had no expectations of actually winning the contest and have been thinking about it since!”

Hodge is nearing completion of a ’69 Camaro project that has been underway since 2010. The car was a gift from his parents back in ’97 and has been a part of his life for more than 17 years.

JRi Shocks debuted its hydraulic ride-height system at the 2013 SEMA Show and, after receiving a remarkable level of interest, decided to make it the featured giveaway product at the 2014 SEMA Show.

“The industry seems really fascinated by what we have created,” said Seth Fargher, marketing manager for JRi Shocks. “People are so conditioned to air-controlled systems that it takes them a minute to realize what we’re really offering; all the performance of a non, single or double adjustable coilover with the added benefit of ride-height control.”

JRi displayed the system on a ’69 C10 pickup at the 2014 SEMA Show where attendees could operate the system and raise and lower the truck themselves.

“I am very excited to get this system and install it on my ’69 Camaro with the help of GAP Racing here in Houston. The car has been part of my life for more than 17 years and will be forever,” Hodge said.

JRi and Hodge will provide a detailed feature on the car and the shock system upon its completion.

According to Hodge, the following companies and products have been incorporated into the ’69 Camaro build:

• GAP Racing: Involved in much of the build
• Forgeline/DV8Motoring.com: Wheels
• Michelin/Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels: Tires
• DSE/JRi Shocks: Suspension
• Vintage Air: HVAC
• Wilwood: Brakes
• AutoRAD: Cooling system
• Ricks Stainless Tanks/Vaporworx: Fuel system
• Garrett/TiAL/Speed Inc.: Turbo parts
• Holley: Engine Management/Oil pan
• School of Automotive Machinists: Parts
• Atech/Summit Racing: Parts
• KP Racing: Parts
• Dynamat: Sound deadening
• Marquez Designs: Lights/parts
• Fesler: Parts
• Anvil: Parts
• Texas Speed and Performance: Engine
• Rockland Standard Gear: Transmission
• Spec: Clutch
• Matt's Classic Bowties: Parts
• Ididit: Steering column

By SEMA Editors

	William Hodge of Houston was the winner of JRi Shocks’ Ride Height system giveaway, which will be installed on his ’69 Camaro.

William Hodge of Houston was the winner of JRi Shocks’ 2014 SEMA Show sweepstakes—the Ride Height system giveaway. SEMA Show attendees in Las Vegas had the opportunity to enter a drawing at the JRi Shocks booth for a complete Hydraulic Ride Height system.

“I almost deleted the email as spam,” said Hodge “I had no expectations of actually winning the contest and have been thinking about it since!”

Hodge is nearing completion of a ’69 Camaro project that has been underway since 2010. The car was a gift from his parents back in ’97 and has been a part of his life for more than 17 years.

JRi Shocks debuted its hydraulic ride-height system at the 2013 SEMA Show and, after receiving a remarkable level of interest, decided to make it the featured giveaway product at the 2014 SEMA Show.

“The industry seems really fascinated by what we have created,” said Seth Fargher, marketing manager for JRi Shocks. “People are so conditioned to air-controlled systems that it takes them a minute to realize what we’re really offering; all the performance of a non, single or double adjustable coilover with the added benefit of ride-height control.”

JRi displayed the system on a ’69 C10 pickup at the 2014 SEMA Show where attendees could operate the system and raise and lower the truck themselves.

“I am very excited to get this system and install it on my ’69 Camaro with the help of GAP Racing here in Houston. The car has been part of my life for more than 17 years and will be forever,” Hodge said.

JRi and Hodge will provide a detailed feature on the car and the shock system upon its completion.

According to Hodge, the following companies and products have been incorporated into the ’69 Camaro build:

• GAP Racing: Involved in much of the build
• Forgeline/DV8Motoring.com: Wheels
• Michelin/Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels: Tires
• DSE/JRi Shocks: Suspension
• Vintage Air: HVAC
• Wilwood: Brakes
• AutoRAD: Cooling system
• Ricks Stainless Tanks/Vaporworx: Fuel system
• Garrett/TiAL/Speed Inc.: Turbo parts
• Holley: Engine Management/Oil pan
• School of Automotive Machinists: Parts
• Atech/Summit Racing: Parts
• KP Racing: Parts
• Dynamat: Sound deadening
• Marquez Designs: Lights/parts
• Fesler: Parts
• Anvil: Parts
• Texas Speed and Performance: Engine
• Rockland Standard Gear: Transmission
• Spec: Clutch
• Matt's Classic Bowties: Parts
• Ididit: Steering column

By Becca Butler

	Several press conferences were held throughout the course of the 2014 SEMA Show, targeting the more than 2,000 credentialed media in attendance.

More than 2,000 credentialed media attended the 2014 SEMA Show in search of the newest products and latest developments that are driving the market today.

Below are a few of the top trends that journalists discovered at the Show:

• The New York Times – 2014 SEMA Show Tracks Industry Trends
• Consumer Reports – 5 Coolest New Car Products and Trends
• On All Cylinders – Our Top 6 Automotive Trends from SEMA 2014
• AutoGuide.com – Top 5 Trends of the 2014 SEMA Show
• Hot Rod – Top 10 Automotive Trends From the 2014 SEMA Show
• Driving Line – Major Trends from SEMA 2014
• MSN Autos – Top 10 Automotive Trends From the 2014 SEMA Show

By Becca Butler

	Several press conferences were held throughout the course of the 2014 SEMA Show, targeting the more than 2,000 credentialed media in attendance.

More than 2,000 credentialed media attended the 2014 SEMA Show in search of the newest products and latest developments that are driving the market today.

Below are a few of the top trends that journalists discovered at the Show:

• The New York Times – 2014 SEMA Show Tracks Industry Trends
• Consumer Reports – 5 Coolest New Car Products and Trends
• On All Cylinders – Our Top 6 Automotive Trends from SEMA 2014
• AutoGuide.com – Top 5 Trends of the 2014 SEMA Show
• Hot Rod – Top 10 Automotive Trends From the 2014 SEMA Show
• Driving Line – Major Trends from SEMA 2014
• MSN Autos – Top 10 Automotive Trends From the 2014 SEMA Show

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• One seat in the Chairman-elect category
• Two seats in the Manufacturer category
• Two seats in the Distributor/Retailer category
• One seat in the Services category
• There are no seats open in the Manufacturer’s Representatives category this year.

Nominations for the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors are due Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well.  We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• One seat in the Chairman-elect category
• Two seats in the Manufacturer category
• Two seats in the Distributor/Retailer category
• One seat in the Services category
• There are no seats open in the Manufacturer’s Representatives category this year.

Nominations for the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors are due Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well.  We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

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.

Visit MPMC's website.

Voting Underway for Robert E. Petersen Award

The slate is set, and votes for MPMC’s Robert E. Petersen Award will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. (PST), Friday, January 9. The award honors a member of the print, electronic or broadcast media whose work over the previous year had a significant impact on the motorsports industry.

Members eligible to vote received an e-mail invitation from Jim Skelly via Survey Monkey. Vote today to ensure that your voice is represented.

The award recipient will be honored during the MPMC media reception, Tuesday, January 20, at the Media Trade Conference in Santa Ana, California. For more information about the award or the voting process, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

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Visit ETTN's website

Application Deadline Next Week for Professional Development Program

The application deadline is December 29 for the first of three Professional Development Programs (PDP) powered by ETTN in 2015. Each program was selected to help network members enhance leadership skills, improve task skills and provide insight into the latest trends and technical advancements.

The first event is the Social Media Strategies Summit, February 10–12, 2015, in Las Vegas. This conference addresses common challenges marketing professionals face in social media, customer service, employee engagement and analytics. With seven hands-on workshops and 30 interactive sessions, the program will take a deeper dive into these topics. Attendees will gain a new perspective and develop the skills to better incorporate social media into their organizations.

Applicants have the opportunity to attend one of the three conferences, along with SEMA staff and a group of 10 like-minded industry professionals. Participants receive a specially negotiated conference registration rate, and the company of the participating employee receives a grant from SEMA to reduce the costs associated with registration (all benefits received are considered taxable income).

Summit Registration Cost: $1,195
SEMA ETTN Attendee Discounted Rate: $716 (discount coupon provided upon selection)
Net Total Cost with $500 SEMA grant: $216

To learn more about the program and apply, visit ETTN's website or contact Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison.

Social Media Strategies Summit
February 10–12, 2015, Las Vegas
SEMA application deadline: December 29, 2014

This conference is designed to address some of the common challenges marketing professionals face in social media, customer service, employee engagement and analytics. With seven hands-on workshops and 30 interactive sessions, the program will take a deeper dive into these topics. Attendees will gain a new perspective and develop the skills to better incorporate social media into their organizations.

99U
April 30–May 1, 2015, New York City
SEMA application deadline: March 24, 2015

99U is all about ideas. The conference presenters are some of the world's foremost authorities in the areas of research and idea execution, and they are dedicated to helping attendees take the next step in their plans. Master class offerings throughout the conference also allow participants to learn from the experts in smaller groups and develop invaluable leadership skills.

Disney Quality Service
September 23, 2015, Anaheim, California
SEMA application deadline: August 18, 2015

The Disney Quality Service course gives participants the background and skills needed to provide outstanding customer service. The one-day course takes a close look at the small details that make a big difference in the environment for both customers and staff. The course not only introduces attendees to the principles that Disney lives by but also provides resources for them to adapt the ideas to their own unique brands.

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Visit WTC's website

Wheel and Tire Council to Host Open Meeting and Industry Discussion in Southern California

Members of the wheel and tire industry will gather at the SEMA Garage Industry Innovations Center for an industry discussion, Thursday, February 5, 2015, from 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

On the agenda is discussion of the “Ride Guide” promotional efforts and additional vehicle data being compiled, the latest news on Chinese tire tariffs, industry support of tire safety education and more.
This is members’ opportunity to let the council know what other challenges and opportunities they see in the wheel and tire industry. By participating in this open meeting, individuals can help determine the focus and direction of the council for the next year and beyond. 

The meeting will include a networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC-member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Register today [netforum link] to save your seat and submit discussion topics.

For more information about WTC or this event, contact Senior Manager of Councils Clayton Drescher.

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