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| Visit SBN's website. |
Coffee and a Coveted Seat with Industry Pros! Sign Up Now for Café SEMA, Powered by SBN!
By Gigi Ho
Café SEMA is not a classroom lecture; it is a conversation between you and industry pros. In 60 minutes, you will get direct access to experts with answers to your questions on today’s most pressing topics. Make connections that will impact your business and bottom line. But sign up soon, because Café SEMA is limited to only 100 participants.
Buy your ticket today through your SEMA Show dashboard! Only $10 for SEMA members and $20 for non-members. Topics at this year’s Café SEMA will include:
Leadership
- Effective Female Leadership in a Male-Dominated Environment.
New Media
- Rock Bottom Basics of Social Media: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+ and forums—Determining what matters and how to participate.
- Website 101: How to go about planning and building a website or a Facebook page; determining what matters to you and your customers; contracting development services and tracking performance.
- Converging Media: Using earned (from social), owned (your website, Facebook page, sponsored media), PR and paid media (advertising) to reach customers with a consistent message.
Business Technology
- The process of finding, evaluating, costing and implementing technology solutions for your business.
Product Development
- Good OE Relations: Talking to and working with the OEs and the basics of presenting a product for consideration.
- Making the most of new-vehicle Measuring Sessions to support product development.
Business Development
- Take advantage of emerging markets and do business globally; successfully navigate international business regulations, duties and cultural waters.
- Successful Joint Promotions—Manufacturers, retailers and distributors collaborating to increase sales.
Details:
Café SEMA: In the Know With a Cup of Joe
Friday, November 8, 2013
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N243
Angella Janssen
SBN Member of the Month: Angella Janssen
By Bryan HarrisonThis month's SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) member profile is Angella Janssen of Roush Yates Engines, located in Mooresville, North Carolina.
Tell us what your company does.
We build all of the Ford engines in NASCAR. We also build Ford and Chevy engines in other racing applications.
What is your position at Roush Yates Engines?
I am in the marketing department. My main duties include designing our e-mail blasts, website banners and marketing material.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
The graphic design aspect and seeing my work printed—it makes me proud!
How long have you been involved with the aftermarket industry?
I worked with the American Drag Racing League for about three years prior to Roush Yates. All together, about five years in the industry.
What brought you to the industry?
My grandfather, two uncles and cousin race super lates at my home track in Wisconsin. I grew up around the track and loved every minute of it. So, I packed up and moved to the racing capital of the United States—North Carolina—to pursue a degree and career in the industry.
What are some of your major professional accomplishments?
I designed/created the first-ever Roush Yates Catalog. A lot of work, but we got it done!
Who is your industry mentor?
My grandfather has been an excellent mentor to me. He was the one who started my family in racing and even took me to my first race. I’m very fortunate to have him in my life.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be true to yourself. Life is short, and you make your own destiny.
What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?
I come off as a girly girl, but I am not afraid to get dirty working on a race car.
What is your dream car?
A light-blue ’14 Ford Mustang GT with a spoiler.
What is your favorite pastime?
Going to races with my family.
 The Speed Networking Breakfast is the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects and vendor associates to expand your current network of contacts | |
By Bryan Harrison
The Speed Networking Breakfast, powered by the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is the annual premier event at the SEMA Show and has achieved sold-out status four years in a row. It is open to all SEMA members and is the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects and vendor associates to expand your current network of contacts, which could be instrumental in the growth of your business or career. Attendees will walk away with more than one dozen new contacts.
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts in short, four-minute intervals. Mark your calendar and purchase your tickets as attendance is limited to only 250 people.
Details: Thursday, November 7, from 7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hotel, Ballroom A
Price: SEMA Members: $35, Non-members: $45 until October 18. After October 18, pricing increases to $49 for SEMA members and $69 for non-members.
 Rose Kawasaki | |
SBN Adopts a New Mission Statement
By Amanda GubbinsRose Kawasaki is pleased to announce the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) new mission statement: “The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network’s mission is to provide networking, education and recognition opportunities for professional women in the specialty-equipment industry, which will enhance their careers and positively impact the growth of the entire automotive aftermarket.”
Kawasaki will become SBN chair, July 1. She hopes to concentrate on member outreach and education during her term. “In order to heighten the awareness of our network, we need to find ways to creatively let others know that we are available. The social portals of Facebook and LinkedIn are important. We also want to help connect by geographical areas,” she said. This goal is important to Kawasaki because she has seen firsthand the benefits of making connections with other female colleagues and engaging students enrolled in automotive programs.
Kawasaki did not take a typical journey to the automotive aftermarket. She began her career in the fashion industry, holding positions in sales and management. Overseeing a large staff of women in multiple locations helped her gain an understanding about the dynamics of working with women—a perspective that proved valuable when she was elected to the SBN Select Committee.
Kawasaki’s husband Wade has a long history in the automotive industry. When he noticed a trend of foreign customers wanting U.S. performance parts, he developed a business plan. In 1987, the couple started an export management company out of their home. Exports International began as a side business, making overseas contacts, processing orders, invoicing and delivering freight to the airport in the evenings. The business quickly grew and soon the couple’s Southern California home was full of automotive and marine products.
“One afternoon a truck pulled up in front of our home, the driver knocked on our door and told us he thought he had the wrong address because he was there to deliver a couple pallets of gaskets. That was the moment when we decided it was time to look for a location for our business,” Kawasaki laughed.
Kawasaki joined Exports International full-time in January 1988 and is now the company's vice president. She was first elected to the SBN Select Committee in 2008. Because the industry is predominately male, it was refreshing for her to hear SEMA offered something for women. She believes many women have a thirst for knowledge and want to advance their professional network. Through SBN, women are able to build a strong sense of camaraderie with others who have similar interests and challenges.
“It’s a great avenue to increase awareness, recognize women working within the industry and to have an opportunity to share experiences,” she says. “Joining the SBN is simple; we’re just a click away on www.sema.org/sbn, and our arms are open to welcome you.”
For more information about joining the SBN, please contact Bryan Harrison, senior manager of councils, at BryanH@sema.org or 909-978-9991.
 SBN's winning 20th Anniversary celebration logo was designed by Emily Covi. | ||
SBN Announces Winning Design for 20th Anniversary Logo
By Amanda Gubbins
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has announced the winning logo for its 20th Anniversary celebration. Earlier this year, SBN hosted a contest giving individuals the opportunity to showcase their talent. Three designs were selected as finalists and then voted on by the general public via Facebook. Nearly 200 individuals voted, ultimately choosing Emily Covi’s shield design as the winner.
When she was a young girl, Covi’s father encouraged her to explore the things she loved and find out how to make a living from them. Design was always a hobby of Covi’s, but after earning a degree in Spanish from the University of Georgia, she knew she wanted to devote more time to it.
“As I grew, I found that my two great passions in life were art and automobiles,” Covi said. She found a way to marry the two, tirelessly dedicating herself to finding projects that involved automobiles and motorsports. She is now a full-time freelancer in the Atlanta area.
Being an automobile enthusiast, Covi is also a follower of SEMA’s and SBN’s social networking pages on Facebook and LinkedIn. When she saw the Facebook post announcing the logo design contest, she jumped at the opportunity. Covi saw it as more than just a contest, but also an important mission. “As a woman in the automotive world, I have seen how important we are in the automotive market, and how our contributions can impact all aspects of automobilia and motorsports,” she says.
The elements Covi chose to incorporate into her design say a lot about her experience in the industry. The icon of a shield, often a symbol of strength and fearlessness, was in the forefront of Covi’s mind as she worked on different concepts for the project. “As women in the automotive community, we often find ourselves in the position of having to know twice as much to get half the respect. We must dig deep and carve our place amongst our male counterparts,” she says.
Covi sees the SBN as a resource to unite women in the automotive community, allowing them to gain a stronger presence.
You will see Covi’s logo on many promotional items for SBN in the coming months. Her prize package also included a one-year SEMA membership, tickets to the 2013 SEMA Show and SBN’s Speed Networking Breakfast and Café SEMA events, and last but not least, an official SBN T-shirt.
SBN’s 20th Anniversary reception will take place during The 2013 SEMA Show. Members are invited to join the celebration Wednesday, November 6, 2013, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. in the Oasis Lounge at the Las Vegas Hotel. The event will feature networking opportunities and awards presentations as network members celebrate the past, present and future, and honor many of the automotive industry’s most influential women.
For more information about joining SBN, visit the website or contact Bryan Harrison, senior manager of councils, at 909-978-6691.
SBN Members Map Updated
Fellow SBNer Susan Carpenter has been working hard in updating the SBN members map, including adding new members and member location changes. This map serves a great purpose. It allows SBN to find fellow members in our area so we can make connections year round. So check out the SBN members map and get to networking!
Join the discussion on MySEMA!
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SBN is!
Be sure to follow SBN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/sbn and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
SBN Column in SEMA Member News
Read SBN's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SBN, contact Bryan Harrison.
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| Visit ARMO's website. | |
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? ARMO Is!
Be sure to follow ARMO on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/armo and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
ARMO Column in SEMA Member News
Read ARMO's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.
 | |
| Visit ETTN's website |
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? ETTN Is!
Be sure to follow ETTN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/ettn and use the links in the top right-hand corner.ETTN Column in SEMA Member News
Read ETTN's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about ETTN, contact Bryan Harrison.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
Hot Rod Council to Present Education Day at 2014 Detroit Autorama 
HRIA Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.
The annual SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day will be held, for the first time, in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama—the 60-year-old custom car show taking place in March 2014 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.
“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils. “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”
HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience. Autorama, which is well known for having the world’s most coveted hot rods, prestigious awards competitions, as well as top celebrities and student programs, attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually. Education Day will take place Thursday, March 6, 2014 (the day before Autorama officially opens), and is open to all hot-rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.
“As one the nation’s premier indoor custom car show, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot-rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas, president of Championship Auto Shows Inc.—promoter of the event. “The HRIA Education Day program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, which would be difficult for them to do on their own.”
The list of participating manufacturers and schedule for HRIA Education Day will be available in August. All sessions will be one hour long.
Be sure to follow HRIA on all of your favorite social networking sites.
To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/hria and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
HRIA Column in SEMA Member News
Read HRIA's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about HRIA, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? TORA Is!
Be sure to follow TORA on all of your favorite social networking sites.
To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/TORA and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
TORA Column in SEMA Member News
Read TORA's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about TORA, contact Clayton Drescher.
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| Visit MPMC's website. |
Don’t Miss the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference 
The 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport South.
Exhibitor registration is now open for the 2014 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference and will continue through Friday, September 6, 2013. This unique event brings together editorial staff from all over the world with racing and high-performance parts manufacturers for three days of 30-minute meetings each January. Nowhere else does a motorsports parts manufacturer have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with as many as 42 automotive journalists.
Space is limited to 100 MPMC-member manufacturers. Those who submit an application but are not selected for the 2014 event are automatically guaranteed a spot in the 2015 event. Any MPMC-member company may submit marketing materials for distribution to media at the event. Media registration will open in October.
Register now. Not an MPMC member? Join today.
For more information, contact Council Director Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.
Date: January 21–23, 2014
Location: Embassy Suites Orange County Airport South
1325 East Dyer Road
Santa Ana, CA 92705
 PRI Show attendees will be able to have face-to-face interaction with MPMC manufacturers at the inaugural MPMC Education Day at the 2013 PRI Show in Indianapolis, Wednesday December 4, 2013. | |
MPMC to Present “MPMC Education Day” at 2013 PRI Show
MPMC and PRI will present “MPMC Education Day” at the 2013 PRI Show, Wednesday, December 4, 2013. The event takes place at the Indianapolis Convention Center the day before the PRI Trade Show floor opens.
Patterned after the already successful HRIA Education Day, 15 MPMC-member companies will present one-hour product training presentations to PRI Trade Show attendees. Three seminars will each run concurrently over five, one-hour time slots beginning at 9:00 a.m.
“The HRIA Education Day is wildly successful,” said MPMC Chairman Vic Wood of Hedman. “The PRI Show seemed a perfect venue to try the same template for MPMC companies. We originally were planning to implement it in 2014, but after presenting the idea to John Kilroy and his PRI team, the decision was made to go for it this year. We’ll start with just the 15 companies this year, and see how it goes. But I see no reason why this shouldn’t expand to 30 or 40 companies one day, as soon as attendees realize the opportunity it presents.”
To emphasize the popularity of this program, the 15 registrations were received within one hour of registration opening, and a total 27 registrations were received within two hours. Congratulations to the following MPMC companies who were selected via a first-come, first-served online registration April 30:
- COMP Cams
- Flaming River
- Flowmaster
- Hedman Hedders
- Jiffy-Tite
- Joe Gibbs Driven
- Lunati
- MAHLE
- MSD Performance
- Painless Performance Products
- Phoenix Race Tire
- Quarter Master
- Ron Francis Wiring
- Trend Performance/Diamond Racing
- Turbosmart USA
Session times and seminar titles will be presented in the coming weeks. For more information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.
MPMC Business Guidelines Manual
Written, produced and designed specifically for performance product manufacturers, the manual addresses the many challenges such companies face. Definitions, resources, options and examples also are included in the various sections of the manual. Each section is written in simple details, making it quick and easy to read. Sample documents and verbiage are also included to help members decide which practices will be best for their individual businesses.
Chapters and topics include:
- Bar codes
- Catalogs and price sheets
- Cooperative advertising programs
- Counterfeiting
- Debt collections
- Electronic Data Interchange
- Freight policies
- International business
- Manufacturer's reps
- Minimum Advertised Pricing (MAP)
- Packaging
- Insurance
- Terms and Conditions
Not yet an MPMC member? Download an application or contact Jim Skelly at JimSk@sema.org or 909-978-6690 for more information.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MPMC Is!
Be sure to follow MPMC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mpmc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
Take a Friend to a Race Fan Page
The MPMC Motorsports Awareness campaign, highlighted by the Take a Friend to a Race program, now has its very own Fanpage on Facebook. If you’re not a fan yet, you should be!
MPMC Column in SEMA Member News
Read MPMC's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit MRN's website. |
Enhance Your Knowledge of SEMA Data Co-op's Product Data Management System
The Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) and the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) have announced the launch of a new certificate program exclusively for MRN members. Vic Bennett, an MRN Select Committee member, believes this is a valuable benefit for reps. “The SDC’s resources are critical because the goal is to make sure the user gets what they need. We can only do that with correct data,” he explains.
The web-based educational series will help manufacturer's representatives learn more about what the SDC offers through courses designed to build confidence in talking to customers about the SDC’s product data management system.
Participants will have three weeks to complete each of the four sessions and the corresponding quizzes. Those who successfully complete the series will be awarded a certificate of completion, custom lapel pin and be recognized by SEMA and the MRN as SDC ambassadors.
Part one—an overview of the SDC to provide the foundation for the following three courses—is now available to MRN members. This session covers the mission and goals of the SDC, along with key terms reps will need to know when discussing the SDC with customers.
MRN members will soon receive an e-mail from the SEMA Mindflash account with a link to start the first course, including the quiz. In Bennett’s words, “This is your opportunity to be on the front end of something that will make a difference in the business of your suppliers and receivers.”
For questions about the certification program, please contact SDC Director of Membership Jim Graven at JimG@semadatacoop.org or 888-958-6698, ext. 4.
To learn more about the MRN, visit their website or contact Bryan Harrison, senior manager of councils, at BryanH@sema.org or 909-978-6691.
What Does It Mean to Be a Sales Professional?SEMA’s Manufacturers' Rep Network (MRN) hosts a discussion group on Linkedin for professional reps and sales agents. Recently, MRN asked the question, “In one word, what does it mean to be a sales professional?”
The list as submitted by members of the Linkedin group includes:
- Credibility
- Relationships
- Trust
- Service
- Commitment
- Ethics
- Produce
- Knowledge
- Relevance
- Value
Join the conversation; join MRN at www.sema.org/li-mrc. For more details on how to get involved or to learn how professional reps and agents can help your business, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MRN is!
Be sure to follow MRN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mrn and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
MRN Column in SEMA Member NewsRead MRN's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MRN, contact Bryan Harrison.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
Learn to Maximize Profits at SEMA Show Auto Dealer Track 
The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) and the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will offer four free automotive dealer sessions at the 2013 SEMA Show.
By Zane Clark
The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) and the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) have joined forces to offer four free automotive dealer sessions at the 2013 SEMA Show focusing on creating dealership profit centers through accessorization.
Whether you sell new- or late-model vehicles, now is the time to discover ways to dramatically increase sales and profits. Participate in the SEMA Auto Dealer sessions and take the lead in your market.
Maximizing Dealership Profitability With Accessories, Powered by NIADA and PRO
Tuesday, November 5, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center N253
Ellen McKoy, Trucking Times magazine, and Ron Leslie, Katzkin, will join two franchised dealers.
Accessorizing is the cornerstone to building high-margin profit centers. Learn how your dealership can capture its share of the lucrative accessory business. Hear from the experts as they share insights on industry trends and provide proven strategies on how to implement a successful accessory program. A must-attend session for any franchised dealership principal or manager looking to accelerate sales and profits and outmaneuver the competition.
The New Car Dealer’s Opportunity in Automotive Accessories, Powered by NIADA and PRO
Wednesday, November 6, 2013, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center N256
Steve Bruyn, Foresight Research
When the dealer experience includes the retailing of automotive accessories, a new profit opportunity is the result. How big is that opportunity and what are the specifics about what customers expect? That is the subject of this SEMA education session. Learn what the most popular automotive accessories are by segment. It’s no longer just about pickups and SUVs. Women and Baby Boomers are spending big money on accessories, and they likely will continue on this path. Which vehicle brands are most often accessorized and how much do customers spend? Do buyers accessorize at the time of new-car delivery or later? Do accessories play a role in dealer selection? These are some of the questions that will be addressed.
Auto Dealers: Creating the Best Possible Sales Team, Powered by NIADA and PRO
Wednesday, November 6, 2013, from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center N254
Maria Grande, Grande Consulting
We will reveal the top motivators for the four personality styles, helping you identify the strengths of your current sales team and showing you how to create better synergy. We will also help you appeal to the internal and external customer on a different level to build relationships and increase sales.
Used-Vehicle Accessorizing: The New Profit Center, Powered by NIADA and PRO
Thursday, November 7, 2013, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center N254
Ellen Mckoy, Trucking Times magazine; Dave Edmondson, Roadwire; Lou Tedeschi, president, A.S.P.I. Motor Cars; Fred Petrivelli, Keystone Automotive; Zane Clark, SEMA
Whether you’re an independent used-car dealer or manage the used-car department in a franchised dealership, this session is for you. Learn from a panel of experts how to use accessories to turn late-model cars and trucks into eye-catching profit generators. Discover new ways to speed inventory turns, drive up sales and profits and set your dealership apart from the competition.
For a complete list of educational sessions visit www.SEMAShow.com/Education. Auto Dealer Sessions are free with your SEMA Show registration.
PRO Council Establishes Online Portal for Technical Service Bulletins 
SEMA's Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)—dedicated to addressing the challenges facing the restyling segment of the specialty-equipment market—has created an online portal to facilitate submissions of OEM letters or service bulletins.
The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has created an online portal to facilitate submissions of OEM letters or service bulletins. These submissions will be reviewed by SEMA staff with the intent of gaining a greater understanding of any ramifications these policies may pose for member businesses. SEMA is committed to maintaining a productive dialogue with its OEM partners.
“SEMA’s PRO council brings together the restyling industry and works hard to strengthen it,” said Mike Bacon, chairman of the PRO OEM Relations Committee. “The OEM Relations Committee will work to support SEMA’s effort in building a beneficial dialogue between this industry and the OEMs.”
To submit a letter or bulletin, please use the form available at OEM Bulletins. If you have any questions, please contact Bill Wolf, SEMA’s senior director of OE relations at 909-978-6739.
Be sure to follow PRO on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/pro and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
PRO Column in SEMA Member News
Read PRO's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about PRO, contact Clayton Drescher or call 909/978-6696.
 | |
| Visit WTC's website |
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? WTC is!
Be sure to follow WTC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/wtc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
WTC Column in SEMA Member News
Read WTC's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about WTC and how to join, contact Clayton Drescher or call or 909/978-6696.
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| Visit YEN's website | |
The Young Professional's Guide to the SEMA Show 
The Student Welcome Lunch will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N242, Monday, November 4
, from 12:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Student Welcome Lunch
Network with students at the Student Program Welcome Lunch
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N242
Date: Monday, November 4
Time: 12:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
YEN Long-Range Planning Open Meeting
All YEN Members are welcome to join the open portion of the Long-Range Planning meeting to learn more amount the network and share your ideas and opinions.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N241
Date: Monday, November 4
Time: 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
YEN-Sponsored SEMA Seminar: Industry Trends & Forecasts: Recruiting and Retaining Young Talent
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N253
Date: Wednesday, November 5
Time: 1:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
YEN Awards & Networking Reception
Join us for the largest automotive networking event for young professionals with a casino-themed event featuring gaming tables, a life-size Max Grundy art that you can paint by number, an awards ceremony and food and drink.
Location: Las Vegas Hotel (LVH), BR C
Date: Tuesday, November 5
Time: 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
YEN Networking Lunch Opportunity
Join other YEN members at the SEMA Members Lounge for some networking over lunch, which can be purchased in the lounge.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, SEMA Members Lounge – Reserved YEN Table
Date: Tuesday, November 5–Friday November 8
Time: 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. each day
SEMA Launch Pad Presented by YEN
The field has been narrowed to the top five executives pitching their business in a live event to industry juggernauts (the judges) with a goal of being crowned the inaugural Launch Pad winner.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center Grand Lobby – Vehicle Technology Center Stage
Date: Thursday, November 7
Time: 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
YEN-Sponsored SEMA Seminar: Getting to the Boardroom From the Dorm Room
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N253
Date: Thursday, November 7
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
YEN Networking Mixer at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet
For those young professionals attending the annual SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, be sure to join us for drinks in the special YEN designated area.
Location: Las Vegas Hotel (LVH)
Date: Thursday, November 7
Time: 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Questions? Please contact YEN’s liaison, Bryan Harrison, senior manager of networks, at BryanH@SEMA.org or 909-978-6691.
 Dan Kahn | |
By Amanda Gubbins
Dan Kahn became the chairman of the Young Executives Network (YEN) July 1. “I’ve been a member for probably a decade but became actively involved about three years ago,” he says.
Kahn has been involved in the automotive aftermarket his entire adult life, working his way through high school at a speed shop before discovering a passion for communications and journalism, which he studied in college. Kahn found ways to incorporate these skills in the automotive industry, writing and editing automotive publications throughout college and landing a job at Petersen Publishing immediately out of school. When the Internet took off, Kahn made the transition to digital media and eventually moved into public relations and marketing in the automotive industry.
Five years ago, Kahn started Kahn Media—a firm that helps brands in the aftermarket communicate directly with consumers by assisting with marketing, public relations and social media strategy. “It’s a rewarding challenge—we get to work with legendary brands and promote incredible products on the traditional side of the industry while helping them find the cutting edge of communication,” he says.
Kahn first started to plug into YEN when he was featured in a “Member of the Month” article. After meeting some of the network leadership and seeing the kinds of things they were doing, Kahn was appointed to an open seat on the Select Committee. “I got involved on the communication side and really had a good time. Being new to the Select Committee, I was fortunate to have worked with Lee McGuire (immediate past chair). She really understands the ins and outs of the network and showed me how to get the most out of my volunteer experience,” Kahn says.
From Kahn’s perspective, YEN is important because it helps bridge the gap between generations to keep the industry strong. For some, there is uncertainty about the next generation of employees and leaders and a fear about where the industry is headed. YEN offers an environment where the next generation of industry leaders can learn from a diverse group of people.
“My goal for the next two years is to help the industry see young executives as the next wave of business leaders. We will continue to provide great programs and a platform for young executives,” says Kahn.
A couple of YEN programs that highlight this goal are Launch Pad—an opportunity for individuals to pitch their business ideas and gain feedback from experienced entrepreneurs, and the Member Activation Program—a chance to explore new possibilities by partnering with other councils and spending time with their Select Committees.
Learn more about the programs YEN offers, or contact Bryan Harrison, senior manager of councils, at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.
Did you know that YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections or to make a nomination, visit www.sema.org/yen.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? YEN is!
Be sure to follow YEN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/yen and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
YEN Column in SEMA Member News
Read YEN's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about YEN, contact Bryan Harrison.
Join the SEMA Council Family
SEMA hosts 10 distinct councils and committees that represent focused niches within the specialty-equipment industry. These groups are comprised of elected volunteers (Select Committee) who guide and direct council activities while representing the membership at large. Although each council acts independently and represents a different segment, they are all focused on the betterment of the industry as a whole.
The value councils provide SEMA and the industry is beyond refute. It is inspiring to witness a diverse collection of company representatives, many of which are direct competitors, come together and develop educational, training, youth awareness and networking events that are, at the core, designed to give back and promote business. An equally important council function is to ensure that SEMA sustains a pulse on the industry and maintains a presence with its members.
The question is often asked, “Why should my company join a council?” The answer is simple. SEMA councils open the doors and provide you exposure to industry leaders, decision makers, trendsetters and a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion and desire to see business succeed and prosper. Once the doors are open, it is your responsibility to take advantage of the benefits by becoming actively involved.
Learn more today.
