All NMRA event winners will now be eligible for contingency payments of $300 per product.

NMRA Factory Stock And Coyote Stock Racers Earn $300/$150 Contingency Rewards in 2013
The NMRA Ford Nationals has announced an increase in contingency payments for Nitto Tire Factory Stock and Strange Engineering Coyote Stock (presented by 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords) finalists in 2013 and beyond. All NMRA event winners will now be eligible for contingency payments of $300 per product (and decal on car) creating a lucrative increase in payout for both categories. The runner up at each event will also be able to claim contingency payments of $150 per product and decal.

For some racers, it could mean their winning prize in Factory Stock is more than $4,000 when combined with the purse. On the Coyote Stock front, a few racers will take home more than $3,500 with purse and contingency. The contingency program is designed to reward racers for racing and winning with certain components. Manufacturers and companies post eligible parts, and if a racer runs that part and the required decal, that person is eligible for a cash payment if they are the winner or runner-up. The NMRA Tech Department vigorously inspects each vehicle to ensure the components and decals are present through the duration of the NMRA national event. For internal parts, such as pistons, the manufacturer usually requires a receipt for proof of purchase. The contingency program is effective thanks to exposure through NMRA promotional services and racers taking the time to build their cars using the contingency list in order to maximize potential payouts.

Traxxas Crew Wins 2012 Full Throttle Hard Working Crew Award
The rookie season for Courtney Force culminated recently at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, California, with her Traxxas Ford Mustang crew winning the 2012 Full Throttle Hard Working Crew Award in the Funny Car category. Force’s Traxxas Ford Mustang team led by crew chief Ron Douglas and assistant crew chief Dan Hood was nominated for their winning performance in Seattle after qualifying 14th for the NHRA Northwest Nationals.

This was the third consecutive Hard Working Crew for John Force Racing. Last year Robert Hight’s Auto Club took the $25,000 prize for their efforts in Topeka and, in 2010, it was Ashley Force Hood’s Castrol GTX crew coming out on top for guiding her to back-to-back Mac Tools US Nationals wins.

Force’s Traxxas crew helped her reach four finals this season and win in Seattle. They were also No. 1 qualifier twice (Indianapolis and Dallas) and qualified for every race this season.

	All NMRA event winners will now be eligible for contingency payments of $300 per product.

NMRA Factory Stock And Coyote Stock Racers Earn $300/$150 Contingency Rewards in 2013
The NMRA Ford Nationals has announced an increase in contingency payments for Nitto Tire Factory Stock and Strange Engineering Coyote Stock (presented by 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords) finalists in 2013 and beyond. All NMRA event winners will now be eligible for contingency payments of $300 per product (and decal on car) creating a lucrative increase in payout for both categories. The runner up at each event will also be able to claim contingency payments of $150 per product and decal.

For some racers, it could mean their winning prize in Factory Stock is more than $4,000 when combined with the purse. On the Coyote Stock front, a few racers will take home more than $3,500 with purse and contingency. The contingency program is designed to reward racers for racing and winning with certain components. Manufacturers and companies post eligible parts, and if a racer runs that part and the required decal, that person is eligible for a cash payment if they are the winner or runner-up. The NMRA Tech Department vigorously inspects each vehicle to ensure the components and decals are present through the duration of the NMRA national event. For internal parts, such as pistons, the manufacturer usually requires a receipt for proof of purchase. The contingency program is effective thanks to exposure through NMRA promotional services and racers taking the time to build their cars using the contingency list in order to maximize potential payouts.

Traxxas Crew Wins 2012 Full Throttle Hard Working Crew Award
The rookie season for Courtney Force culminated recently at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, California, with her Traxxas Ford Mustang crew winning the 2012 Full Throttle Hard Working Crew Award in the Funny Car category. Force’s Traxxas Ford Mustang team led by crew chief Ron Douglas and assistant crew chief Dan Hood was nominated for their winning performance in Seattle after qualifying 14th for the NHRA Northwest Nationals.

This was the third consecutive Hard Working Crew for John Force Racing. Last year Robert Hight’s Auto Club took the $25,000 prize for their efforts in Topeka and, in 2010, it was Ashley Force Hood’s Castrol GTX crew coming out on top for guiding her to back-to-back Mac Tools US Nationals wins.

Force’s Traxxas crew helped her reach four finals this season and win in Seattle. They were also No. 1 qualifier twice (Indianapolis and Dallas) and qualified for every race this season.

	Through its press conference held in the Global Tire Expo area at the 2012 SEMA Show, the Tire Industry Association discussed its direction and plans for 2012, which include its ongoing commitments to safety and education.

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) held a press conference in the Global Tire Expo area of the 2012 SEMA Show to highlight the current focus, goals and direction of the 90-year-old association that represents all segments of the national and international tire industry.

Here is a breakdown of the announcements.

New TIA President Outlines Goals
New TIA President Randy Groh accepted the position as head of TIA during the association's annual meeting the afternoon prior to the opening day of the 2012 SEMA Show. During his speech to TIA members, Groh emphasized that TIA's efforts over the next year will concentrate on two important aspects of the tire industry—successful government affairs and effective training programs for tire technicians.

"I have seen just how important it is to have strong advocates protecting and promoting this industry," Groh stated during the annual meeting. "The work that TIA does in government affairs needs everyone's support and attention, so that the bills that could have a damaging effect on businesses will not go unchallenged."

For training, Groh stated the importance for TIA to remain the center for training programs. "Automotive tires are highly engineered products that demand and require proper care during both mounting and use," he said. "Every tire dealer should have their entire staff of technicians trained to ensure that their customers are getting the safest possible service."

TIA Tagline Changed to "Tire Safety Starts Here"
In addition to explaining TIA's goals for 2012–2013, Groh also announced during the press conference that TIA has changed its tagline to "Tire Safety Starts Here." The change is in line with the association's efforts to to educate the general public about how to properly maintain tires.

"TIA felt its was important to educate the public about the critical aspects of properly maintaining the most important component of motor vehicles—tires," said Groh. "It is important to begin a comprehensive campaign to educate the public about maintaining their tires. The tagline will work on repeating the importance of safety with a series of sub-taglines consisting of 'Tire Safety Starts With Proper Tires Repair,' 'Tire Safety Starts With TPMS,' 'Tire Safety Starts With Inflation,' and 'Tire Safety Starts With Rotation."'

TIA Consumer Education Program for 2013
TIA announced its plans to develop an ongoing consumer education program beginning in 2013. TIA will launch a three- to five-minute video each quarter that supports the association's new tagline, "Tire Safety Starts Here." The videos, which will be available through the TIA website, will be accessible at no charge to consumers and retailers.

"These short videos will be focused on specific subjects that have a direct impact on tire safety for motorists," stated Groh. "We are encouraging consumers and retailers to download and distribute the information to promote the concepts of safe tire service and operation."

TIA plans to release the first video, "Tire Safety Starts With Proper Tire Repair," in early 2013.

16-City Certified ATS Training Tour for 2013
TIA will conduct its Automotive Tire Service Training Tour for 2013, and the four-day ATS Certified Instructor Course will visit 166 cities across the United States, with classes being held at community and technical colleges near the main metropolitan areas. The program provides in-depth and comprehensive instruction on the recommended procedures for servicing modern automobiles and light trucks. Designed for the professional passenger- and light-truck tire technician, subjects range from the relationship between torque and clamping force to the increasingly important TPMS relearn procedures on domestic and import vehicles.

The tentative locations and dates outlined by TIA are:

• February - St. Louis, Missouri; Miami, Florida
• March - Los Angeles, California; Phoenix, Arizona
• April - Boston, Massachusetts; Toledo, Ohio 
• May - Rochester, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• June - Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Seattle, Washington 
• September - Tampa, Florida; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 
• October - Charlotte, North Carolina; Minneapolis, Minnesota 
• November - Jacksonville, Florida; Houston, Texas

TIA Passes Resolutions for 2013
TIA also announced that it has unanimously passed two resolutions that will both support the repeal of the estate tax and express complete opposition of a proposed credit card settlement. TIA says that in nationwide polls, small-business owners have expressed a deep concern regarding the death tax, and named it their primary legislative concern. TIA recognizes that many small businesses have non-liquid assets, such as land, buildings and equipment. This tax has an overwhelmingly harmful effect upon a small business.

Protecting family businesses from the estate tax is important to keeping small businesses operating for future generations, and to that end, TIA has resolved to support all federal legislation that will repeal the estate tax. TIA also said, if necessary, it will support legislation that will extend the current law of a 35% top rate and a $5 million exemption.

The second resolution focuses on the hardships that small businesses face in regards to credit card fees. These fees are the third-largest expense on a business, after labor and rent. Moreover, these interchange have tripled, according to TIA, since 2011, and have cost retailers and consumers approximately $48 million.

To combat the rising costs, more than 40 lawsuits have been combined in a class-action suit, suing VISA and MasterCard and their issuing banks. The Merchant Payment Coalition has been formed to seek a more transparent credit card system, which will better serve retailers and consumers alike.

More information about the Tire Industry Association is available online at www.tireindustry.org.

	Through its press conference held in the Global Tire Expo area at the 2012 SEMA Show, the Tire Industry Association discussed its direction and plans for 2012, which include its ongoing commitments to safety and education.

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) held a press conference in the Global Tire Expo area of the 2012 SEMA Show to highlight the current focus, goals and direction of the 90-year-old association that represents all segments of the national and international tire industry.

Here is a breakdown of the announcements.

New TIA President Outlines Goals
New TIA President Randy Groh accepted the position as head of TIA during the association's annual meeting the afternoon prior to the opening day of the 2012 SEMA Show. During his speech to TIA members, Groh emphasized that TIA's efforts over the next year will concentrate on two important aspects of the tire industry—successful government affairs and effective training programs for tire technicians.

"I have seen just how important it is to have strong advocates protecting and promoting this industry," Groh stated during the annual meeting. "The work that TIA does in government affairs needs everyone's support and attention, so that the bills that could have a damaging effect on businesses will not go unchallenged."

For training, Groh stated the importance for TIA to remain the center for training programs. "Automotive tires are highly engineered products that demand and require proper care during both mounting and use," he said. "Every tire dealer should have their entire staff of technicians trained to ensure that their customers are getting the safest possible service."

TIA Tagline Changed to "Tire Safety Starts Here"
In addition to explaining TIA's goals for 2012–2013, Groh also announced during the press conference that TIA has changed its tagline to "Tire Safety Starts Here." The change is in line with the association's efforts to to educate the general public about how to properly maintain tires.

"TIA felt its was important to educate the public about the critical aspects of properly maintaining the most important component of motor vehicles—tires," said Groh. "It is important to begin a comprehensive campaign to educate the public about maintaining their tires. The tagline will work on repeating the importance of safety with a series of sub-taglines consisting of 'Tire Safety Starts With Proper Tires Repair,' 'Tire Safety Starts With TPMS,' 'Tire Safety Starts With Inflation,' and 'Tire Safety Starts With Rotation."'

TIA Consumer Education Program for 2013
TIA announced its plans to develop an ongoing consumer education program beginning in 2013. TIA will launch a three- to five-minute video each quarter that supports the association's new tagline, "Tire Safety Starts Here." The videos, which will be available through the TIA website, will be accessible at no charge to consumers and retailers.

"These short videos will be focused on specific subjects that have a direct impact on tire safety for motorists," stated Groh. "We are encouraging consumers and retailers to download and distribute the information to promote the concepts of safe tire service and operation."

TIA plans to release the first video, "Tire Safety Starts With Proper Tire Repair," in early 2013.

16-City Certified ATS Training Tour for 2013
TIA will conduct its Automotive Tire Service Training Tour for 2013, and the four-day ATS Certified Instructor Course will visit 166 cities across the United States, with classes being held at community and technical colleges near the main metropolitan areas. The program provides in-depth and comprehensive instruction on the recommended procedures for servicing modern automobiles and light trucks. Designed for the professional passenger- and light-truck tire technician, subjects range from the relationship between torque and clamping force to the increasingly important TPMS relearn procedures on domestic and import vehicles.

The tentative locations and dates outlined by TIA are:

• February - St. Louis, Missouri; Miami, Florida
• March - Los Angeles, California; Phoenix, Arizona
• April - Boston, Massachusetts; Toledo, Ohio 
• May - Rochester, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• June - Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Seattle, Washington 
• September - Tampa, Florida; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 
• October - Charlotte, North Carolina; Minneapolis, Minnesota 
• November - Jacksonville, Florida; Houston, Texas

TIA Passes Resolutions for 2013
TIA also announced that it has unanimously passed two resolutions that will both support the repeal of the estate tax and express complete opposition of a proposed credit card settlement. TIA says that in nationwide polls, small-business owners have expressed a deep concern regarding the death tax, and named it their primary legislative concern. TIA recognizes that many small businesses have non-liquid assets, such as land, buildings and equipment. This tax has an overwhelmingly harmful effect upon a small business.

Protecting family businesses from the estate tax is important to keeping small businesses operating for future generations, and to that end, TIA has resolved to support all federal legislation that will repeal the estate tax. TIA also said, if necessary, it will support legislation that will extend the current law of a 35% top rate and a $5 million exemption.

The second resolution focuses on the hardships that small businesses face in regards to credit card fees. These fees are the third-largest expense on a business, after labor and rent. Moreover, these interchange have tripled, according to TIA, since 2011, and have cost retailers and consumers approximately $48 million.

To combat the rising costs, more than 40 lawsuits have been combined in a class-action suit, suing VISA and MasterCard and their issuing banks. The Merchant Payment Coalition has been formed to seek a more transparent credit card system, which will better serve retailers and consumers alike.

More information about the Tire Industry Association is available online at www.tireindustry.org.

	Through its press conference held in the Global Tire Expo area at the 2012 SEMA Show, the Tire Industry Association discussed its direction and plans for 2012, which include its ongoing commitments to safety and education.

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) held a press conference in the Global Tire Expo area of the 2012 SEMA Show to highlight the current focus, goals and direction of the 90-year-old association that represents all segments of the national and international tire industry.

Here is a breakdown of the announcements.

New TIA President Outlines Goals
New TIA President Randy Groh accepted the position as head of TIA during the association's annual meeting the afternoon prior to the opening day of the 2012 SEMA Show. During his speech to TIA members, Groh emphasized that TIA's efforts over the next year will concentrate on two important aspects of the tire industry—successful government affairs and effective training programs for tire technicians.

"I have seen just how important it is to have strong advocates protecting and promoting this industry," Groh stated during the annual meeting. "The work that TIA does in government affairs needs everyone's support and attention, so that the bills that could have a damaging effect on businesses will not go unchallenged."

For training, Groh stated the importance for TIA to remain the center for training programs. "Automotive tires are highly engineered products that demand and require proper care during both mounting and use," he said. "Every tire dealer should have their entire staff of technicians trained to ensure that their customers are getting the safest possible service."

TIA Tagline Changed to "Tire Safety Starts Here"
In addition to explaining TIA's goals for 2012–2013, Groh also announced during the press conference that TIA has changed its tagline to "Tire Safety Starts Here." The change is in line with the association's efforts to to educate the general public about how to properly maintain tires.

"TIA felt its was important to educate the public about the critical aspects of properly maintaining the most important component of motor vehicles—tires," said Groh. "It is important to begin a comprehensive campaign to educate the public about maintaining their tires. The tagline will work on repeating the importance of safety with a series of sub-taglines consisting of 'Tire Safety Starts With Proper Tires Repair,' 'Tire Safety Starts With TPMS,' 'Tire Safety Starts With Inflation,' and 'Tire Safety Starts With Rotation."'

TIA Consumer Education Program for 2013
TIA announced its plans to develop an ongoing consumer education program beginning in 2013. TIA will launch a three- to five-minute video each quarter that supports the association's new tagline, "Tire Safety Starts Here." The videos, which will be available through the TIA website, will be accessible at no charge to consumers and retailers.

"These short videos will be focused on specific subjects that have a direct impact on tire safety for motorists," stated Groh. "We are encouraging consumers and retailers to download and distribute the information to promote the concepts of safe tire service and operation."

TIA plans to release the first video, "Tire Safety Starts With Proper Tire Repair," in early 2013.

16-City Certified ATS Training Tour for 2013
TIA will conduct its Automotive Tire Service Training Tour for 2013, and the four-day ATS Certified Instructor Course will visit 166 cities across the United States, with classes being held at community and technical colleges near the main metropolitan areas. The program provides in-depth and comprehensive instruction on the recommended procedures for servicing modern automobiles and light trucks. Designed for the professional passenger- and light-truck tire technician, subjects range from the relationship between torque and clamping force to the increasingly important TPMS relearn procedures on domestic and import vehicles.

The tentative locations and dates outlined by TIA are:

• February - St. Louis, Missouri; Miami, Florida
• March - Los Angeles, California; Phoenix, Arizona
• April - Boston, Massachusetts; Toledo, Ohio 
• May - Rochester, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• June - Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Seattle, Washington 
• September - Tampa, Florida; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 
• October - Charlotte, North Carolina; Minneapolis, Minnesota 
• November - Jacksonville, Florida; Houston, Texas

TIA Passes Resolutions for 2013
TIA also announced that it has unanimously passed two resolutions that will both support the repeal of the estate tax and express complete opposition of a proposed credit card settlement. TIA says that in nationwide polls, small-business owners have expressed a deep concern regarding the death tax, and named it their primary legislative concern. TIA recognizes that many small businesses have non-liquid assets, such as land, buildings and equipment. This tax has an overwhelmingly harmful effect upon a small business.

Protecting family businesses from the estate tax is important to keeping small businesses operating for future generations, and to that end, TIA has resolved to support all federal legislation that will repeal the estate tax. TIA also said, if necessary, it will support legislation that will extend the current law of a 35% top rate and a $5 million exemption.

The second resolution focuses on the hardships that small businesses face in regards to credit card fees. These fees are the third-largest expense on a business, after labor and rent. Moreover, these interchange have tripled, according to TIA, since 2011, and have cost retailers and consumers approximately $48 million.

To combat the rising costs, more than 40 lawsuits have been combined in a class-action suit, suing VISA and MasterCard and their issuing banks. The Merchant Payment Coalition has been formed to seek a more transparent credit card system, which will better serve retailers and consumers alike.

More information about the Tire Industry Association is available online at www.tireindustry.org.

	Through its press conference held in the Global Tire Expo area at the 2012 SEMA Show, the Tire Industry Association discussed its direction and plans for 2012, which include its ongoing commitments to safety and education.

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) held a press conference in the Global Tire Expo area of the 2012 SEMA Show to highlight the current focus, goals and direction of the 90-year-old association that represents all segments of the national and international tire industry.

Here is a breakdown of the announcements.

New TIA President Outlines Goals
New TIA President Randy Groh accepted the position as head of TIA during the association's annual meeting the afternoon prior to the opening day of the 2012 SEMA Show. During his speech to TIA members, Groh emphasized that TIA's efforts over the next year will concentrate on two important aspects of the tire industry—successful government affairs and effective training programs for tire technicians.

"I have seen just how important it is to have strong advocates protecting and promoting this industry," Groh stated during the annual meeting. "The work that TIA does in government affairs needs everyone's support and attention, so that the bills that could have a damaging effect on businesses will not go unchallenged."

For training, Groh stated the importance for TIA to remain the center for training programs. "Automotive tires are highly engineered products that demand and require proper care during both mounting and use," he said. "Every tire dealer should have their entire staff of technicians trained to ensure that their customers are getting the safest possible service."

TIA Tagline Changed to "Tire Safety Starts Here"
In addition to explaining TIA's goals for 2012–2013, Groh also announced during the press conference that TIA has changed its tagline to "Tire Safety Starts Here." The change is in line with the association's efforts to to educate the general public about how to properly maintain tires.

"TIA felt its was important to educate the public about the critical aspects of properly maintaining the most important component of motor vehicles—tires," said Groh. "It is important to begin a comprehensive campaign to educate the public about maintaining their tires. The tagline will work on repeating the importance of safety with a series of sub-taglines consisting of 'Tire Safety Starts With Proper Tires Repair,' 'Tire Safety Starts With TPMS,' 'Tire Safety Starts With Inflation,' and 'Tire Safety Starts With Rotation."'

TIA Consumer Education Program for 2013
TIA announced its plans to develop an ongoing consumer education program beginning in 2013. TIA will launch a three- to five-minute video each quarter that supports the association's new tagline, "Tire Safety Starts Here." The videos, which will be available through the TIA website, will be accessible at no charge to consumers and retailers.

"These short videos will be focused on specific subjects that have a direct impact on tire safety for motorists," stated Groh. "We are encouraging consumers and retailers to download and distribute the information to promote the concepts of safe tire service and operation."

TIA plans to release the first video, "Tire Safety Starts With Proper Tire Repair," in early 2013.

16-City Certified ATS Training Tour for 2013
TIA will conduct its Automotive Tire Service Training Tour for 2013, and the four-day ATS Certified Instructor Course will visit 166 cities across the United States, with classes being held at community and technical colleges near the main metropolitan areas. The program provides in-depth and comprehensive instruction on the recommended procedures for servicing modern automobiles and light trucks. Designed for the professional passenger- and light-truck tire technician, subjects range from the relationship between torque and clamping force to the increasingly important TPMS relearn procedures on domestic and import vehicles.

The tentative locations and dates outlined by TIA are:

• February - St. Louis, Missouri; Miami, Florida
• March - Los Angeles, California; Phoenix, Arizona
• April - Boston, Massachusetts; Toledo, Ohio 
• May - Rochester, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• June - Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Seattle, Washington 
• September - Tampa, Florida; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 
• October - Charlotte, North Carolina; Minneapolis, Minnesota 
• November - Jacksonville, Florida; Houston, Texas

TIA Passes Resolutions for 2013
TIA also announced that it has unanimously passed two resolutions that will both support the repeal of the estate tax and express complete opposition of a proposed credit card settlement. TIA says that in nationwide polls, small-business owners have expressed a deep concern regarding the death tax, and named it their primary legislative concern. TIA recognizes that many small businesses have non-liquid assets, such as land, buildings and equipment. This tax has an overwhelmingly harmful effect upon a small business.

Protecting family businesses from the estate tax is important to keeping small businesses operating for future generations, and to that end, TIA has resolved to support all federal legislation that will repeal the estate tax. TIA also said, if necessary, it will support legislation that will extend the current law of a 35% top rate and a $5 million exemption.

The second resolution focuses on the hardships that small businesses face in regards to credit card fees. These fees are the third-largest expense on a business, after labor and rent. Moreover, these interchange have tripled, according to TIA, since 2011, and have cost retailers and consumers approximately $48 million.

To combat the rising costs, more than 40 lawsuits have been combined in a class-action suit, suing VISA and MasterCard and their issuing banks. The Merchant Payment Coalition has been formed to seek a more transparent credit card system, which will better serve retailers and consumers alike.

More information about the Tire Industry Association is available online at www.tireindustry.org.

More than 200 companies met with the SEMA Data Co-op team over four Show days.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) made its first appearance at the 2012 SEMA Show a memorable one with a large meeting room in the Central Hall staffed by leading industry data experts. Equipped to conduct up to four presentations each hour, the room was literally filled to capacity throughout the week. Pre-Show recruiting for scheduled meetings was enthusiastically received, and strong walk-in traffic resulted in the SDC team meeting with more than 200 companies over four Show days.

Participants received a sneak preview of the full-featured PIM system to be launched in January, which met with rave reviews on its features, user interface and state-of-the-art functionality. Early results include bringing more than 65 new participants into the SDC beta phase with more than 60 additional strong prospects.

"It seems our only limitation is the number of companies we can get in front of," commented Jon Wyly, SDC CEO. "Our results at the Show were fantastic, and we look forward to hitting some exciting milestones over the next couple of months."

In addition to introductory meetings and demonstrations, the SDC conducted a very well attended ACES and PIES training session led by the "Father of PIES" himself, Ed Heon. Principal and founder of DATAgility, the SDC's primary technology and support provider, Heon and his team bring a level of expertise and experience to the SDC effort that is truly unique.

For information about the SDC or to join the free beta phase, contact Jim Graven, director of membership at jimg@SemaDataCoop.org or 888-958-6698, ext. 4.

More than 200 companies met with the SEMA Data Co-op team over four Show days.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) made its first appearance at the 2012 SEMA Show a memorable one with a large meeting room in the Central Hall staffed by leading industry data experts. Equipped to conduct up to four presentations each hour, the room was literally filled to capacity throughout the week. Pre-Show recruiting for scheduled meetings was enthusiastically received, and strong walk-in traffic resulted in the SDC team meeting with more than 200 companies over four Show days.

Participants received a sneak preview of the full-featured PIM system to be launched in January, which met with rave reviews on its features, user interface and state-of-the-art functionality. Early results include bringing more than 65 new participants into the SDC beta phase with more than 60 additional strong prospects.

"It seems our only limitation is the number of companies we can get in front of," commented Jon Wyly, SDC CEO. "Our results at the Show were fantastic, and we look forward to hitting some exciting milestones over the next couple of months."

In addition to introductory meetings and demonstrations, the SDC conducted a very well attended ACES and PIES training session led by the "Father of PIES" himself, Ed Heon. Principal and founder of DATAgility, the SDC's primary technology and support provider, Heon and his team bring a level of expertise and experience to the SDC effort that is truly unique.

For information about the SDC or to join the free beta phase, contact Jim Graven, director of membership at jimg@SemaDataCoop.org or 888-958-6698, ext. 4.

More than 200 companies met with the SEMA Data Co-op team over four Show days.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) made its first appearance at the 2012 SEMA Show a memorable one with a large meeting room in the Central Hall staffed by leading industry data experts. Equipped to conduct up to four presentations each hour, the room was literally filled to capacity throughout the week. Pre-Show recruiting for scheduled meetings was enthusiastically received, and strong walk-in traffic resulted in the SDC team meeting with more than 200 companies over four Show days.

Participants received a sneak preview of the full-featured PIM system to be launched in January, which met with rave reviews on its features, user interface and state-of-the-art functionality. Early results include bringing more than 65 new participants into the SDC beta phase with more than 60 additional strong prospects.

"It seems our only limitation is the number of companies we can get in front of," commented Jon Wyly, SDC CEO. "Our results at the Show were fantastic, and we look forward to hitting some exciting milestones over the next couple of months."

In addition to introductory meetings and demonstrations, the SDC conducted a very well attended ACES and PIES training session led by the "Father of PIES" himself, Ed Heon. Principal and founder of DATAgility, the SDC's primary technology and support provider, Heon and his team bring a level of expertise and experience to the SDC effort that is truly unique.

For information about the SDC or to join the free beta phase, contact Jim Graven, director of membership at jimg@SemaDataCoop.org or 888-958-6698, ext. 4.

	Listen to the SEMA webinar, "Pinterest: The Basics and Beyond,"  for tips on ways to use Pinterest to boost customer outreach and engagement to help increase sales.

By now you've probably heard about Pinterest, a visually driven, interesting and highly engaging social media site. Natalie Carmolli of WhizBang! Training says if you're not using Pinterest, you're missing out on a very powerful social media tool that has the potential to impact your business for the better.

Carmolli conducted the SEMA webinar, "Pinterest: The Basics and Beyond," to help businesses discover ways to use Pinterest to boost customer outreach and engagement to help increase sales.

Pinterest is an invite-only website, currently, and once it is opened to the broader community, it will be even more valuable for business owners and retailers. According to Carmolli, most users spend more time on Pinterest than on Facebook, and that it's generating more referral traffic than YouTube, Google and Facebook combined. Through Pinterest, a company can establish credibility, build relationships with potential customers and fortify its reputation as a leader in the industry, according Carmolli.

The latest information shows that Pinterest is comprised of about 60% female users. The age demographic is age 35–44 years old. Carmolli points out that about 81% of the female Pinterest users trust recommendations from Pinterest, compared to Twiiter at 71% and Facebook at 67%.

Carmolli acknowledges that some people are hesitant to place their images on Pinterest simply because of how they can be "pinned", or copied, easily to other users' pinboards. However, Carmolli believes that companies should want to have their images pinned by as many users as possible, which helps companies to create exposure. Those who do not wish to share photos can use an option provided by Pinterest that prevents images from being pinned. Instead of that option, Carmolli suggests that companies watermark all of the images that are posted to Pinterest.

Getting started in Pinterest requires an invite, either from a current user or by requesting an invite from Pinterest via e-mail. Once started on Pinterest, you will need to create an account with Facebook or Twitter. This is done to make it easier to find the people who are on Pinterest and to help reduce spam. Once you're invited to Pinterest and you're in the system, editing your profile is the next step. Users can update e-mail addresses, create a username for Pinterest (use a name that reflects your company's name), add a website, company logo and your image and more.

Creating boards in Pinterest is a simple process where users can name and set the contributors for their board, as well as categorizing and adding pins. When naming contributors, Carmolli points out that you will need to follow at least one board of a user if you want to add that user as a contributor to your board. She also suggests that companies should include their employees as contributors to help save time and workload when creating a social media strategy. Not only should staff be named as contributors to a company's board, Carmolli also suggests creating a board dedicated to employees, staff and customers.

When naming the board you created, it's important to use terms that are relevant to the industry, such as products that a company sells from certain vendors. Companies can also create board names based on a theme, or a board based on resources for customers.

"Anything that you think would get your customers to come and look at your board as a resource is a good idea," said Carmolli. "Get your customers, members or staff to help contribute to your boards; it will keep you active."

Carmolli also suggests that companies make a board about their businesses, such as a history page, or a page that provides a tour of your store, or offer a coupons page. 

To hear all of Carmolli's suggestions when using Pinterest and creating a pinboard, listen to the webinar in its entirety. The session is available on SEMA.org, free of charge for SEMA members.