Mon, 06/13/2011 - 16:17
  New Product Close
  The 2011 SEMA Show New Products Showcase will be referred to and themed as “Ideas Alive,” a concept that references the SEMA Show’s history and ability to bring ideas for new products to life. 
Upgrades to the 2011 SEMA Show New Products Showcase will result in a bigger and more comprehensive display, with a component for “Featured Products,” greater product promotion through both traditional and social media outlets, and a new, larger area in the upper level of South Hall. Along with other aspects of the 2011 SEMA Show, the Showcase also will be referred to and themed as “Ideas Alive.” The concept references the SEMA Show’s history and ability to bring ideas for new products to life.

“Since the event’s inception, the SEMA Show has served as the venue for bringing new innovations to life and to market,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The New Products Showcase is instrumental in representing this energy and excitement. By expanding the program to include Featured Products and elevating the promotion of the products, the enhanced Showcase will be more exciting and lively than ever before.”

While the New Products component will remain exclusive to products meeting specific criteria in terms of when they are available for shipment, the Featured Products component provides exhibitors an opportunity to promote existing lines to new customers. As in previous years, the Showcase will also include a component for first-time exhibitors and all products will be displayed in one of 16 categories:
  • Collision Repair & Refinish
  • Exterior Accessory Product
  • Interior Accessory Product
  • Mobile Electronics Product
  • Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product
  • Performance–Racing Product
  • Performance–Street Product
  • Powersports Product
  • Street Rod/Custom Car Product
  • Tire and Related Product
  • Tools and Equipment Product
  • Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product
  • Wheel and Related Product
  • Engineered New Product
  • Merchandising Display
  • Packaging Design
New Products Showcase Wide
 
All products entered into the 2011 SEMA Show New Products Showcase are also professionally photographed and distributed to media throughout the year.
 
Thousands of buyers and media visit the New Products Showcase, often before the Show floor even opens, to get a general overview of all the products at the Show without having to walk the entire 1-million-sq.-ft. Las Vegas Convention Center. Buyers and media may also identify and tag noteworthy products in the display and obtain details about those products, including manufacturer name, product details, booth location and an image of the product.

All products entered into the Showcase are also professionally photographed and distributed to media throughout the year. Videos of the products are also taken and posted on a variety of social media sites, including SEMA's YouTube Channel, which garnered more than 600,000 views in the six months following the 2010 SEMA Show.

“The SEMA Show will continue to serve as the premier venue for discovering new products in the automotive specialty-equipment market,” said MacGillivray. “The enhanced Showcase will simply elevate the excitement and energy. Year after year, we see amazing creations from the industry and we’re expecting even more this year.”

Taking place Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, 2011, the SEMA Show is the premier automotive accessories trade show in the world. Featuring nearly 2,000 manufacturers and more than 100,000 industry professionals from all over the world, the SEMA Show includes educational seminars, networking events and more.
Mon, 06/13/2011 - 15:29

 

nmra

NMRA/NMCA West Coast Shootout Event Update 


The Inaugural JE Pistons NMRA/NMCA West Coast Shootout, presented by Lucas Oil, is all set to go at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, July 8–10, 2011. Because of recent noise restrictions imposed upon the track, NMRA/NMCA will not be able to run Pro Street and Outlaw 10.5—classes previously planned; however, the rest of the classes can run as long as all competitors have mufflers on their vehicles for the entirety of the event. NMRA and NMCA will showcase Hot Street, Xtreme Drag Radial, Wild Street, Open Comp, Mustang Madness, Racers Against Street Racing (RASR) True Street Challenge, West Coast Shootout, Sportsman Brackets, and Street Brackets racing down the quarter-mile. 

There also will be a special RASR True Street Challenge class that will run on Saturday, July 9. This class will feature street-type racers taking on members of the media and manufacturers to win cash and more than $10,000 in prizes.

TREMEC True Street is a class where all street cars (licensed, insured and able to make a 30-mile cruise) make three back-to-back passes and the closest three-pass averages to 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 seconds each win $100 and a bonus prize. The King of True Street, the overall fastest average, will win $250 and the runner-up $100 in addition to prizes from NMRA and NMCA sponsors. On Sunday, the quickest 16 True Street cars will be invited to race heads-up for bonus cash in the Nitto Tire West Coast Shootout class.


For more information on the NMRA/NMCA West Coast Shootout, log on to www.nmradigital.com/ca.

 

nmra nmra2
Team Pescarolo Judd LMP1 (Photo: David Reygondeau)
Team Larbre Compétition (Photo: David Reygondeau)
nmra3 nmra4
Team Oreco Nissan LMP2 (Photo: David Reygondeau)
Jota Sport Aston Martin (Photo: Julien Philippy)

MOTUL Celebrates an Enduring Relationship with Le Mans
The Motul high-performance lubricant brand will be present June 11–12, for the 79th running of the 24-Hours of Le Mans. Motul will welcome back to its stable of technical partners the Pescarolo name, returning to LMP1 competition and the La Sarthe event after a break in 2010.

Led by four-time Le Mans winner Henri Pescarolo, the team’s Pescarolo-Judd will be piloted by Emmanuel Collard, Christophe Tinseau and Julien Jousse, who already have won the opening round of the Le Mans Series at Le Castellet.
 
Pescarolo is one of a number of Le Mans prototype teams exclusively using Motul products and will be competing against Team Oreca Matmut, which has entries in LMP1 and LMP2. The Motul-supported LMP2 Oreca-Nissan will be led by Alexandre Premat, and the lineup includes David Hallyday and Dominik Kraihamer.

Joining the prototype group under Motul’s banner will be new partner Greaves Motorsport in LMP2. Karim Ojjeh, Tom Kimber-Smith and Olivier Lombard will be aboard a Zytek Nissan and hoping to emulate the kind of result they had at Le Castellet when they finished third overall. 
In the GT categories, long-time partner and former Le Mans GT1 winning team Larbre Compétition will campaign a Corvette C6R and a Porsche GT3-RSR in the GTE-Am category, while new partner Jota Sport will race an Aston Martin in the GTE-Pro class.
 
Within the 300V Motul product range, the 20W60 lubricant was developed specially to deal with high-performance endurance engines and carries the name “Le Mans” in recognition of the partnership. It is this product that will play a vital role in the teams’ attack on the 24-hour event. 
Reinforcing its presence in endurance racing, Motul has renewed its commercial contract with the ACO. Visitors to the Le Mans track will see Motul colors prominently displayed, just as they were during the recent MotoGP race.

Summit Racing Sends National Automotive Technology Competition Winners to the NHRA SuperNationals

Team Lexus—students Alex Gross and Daniel White, along with instructor Tony Gualtieri from Orange-Ulster BOCES in Gibson, New York—won the National Automotive Technology Competition held at the New York Auto Show this past April. Their victory earned the team a trip to the NHRA SuperNationals in Englishtown, New Jersey, courtesy of Summit Racing Equipment and Delmar Cengage Learning. 

There, they received VIP treatment, which included autographs, pictures and Q&A time with Team Summit Pro Stock racers Greg Anderson and Jason Line and also Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Steve Johnson and Jay Blake. In addition to the SuperNationals experience, Team Lexus earned other prizes, including a gift certificate for $10,000 worth of Snap-on Tools, compliments of General Motors, as well as several scholarships.

 

   baja
  FOX Racing Shox racers took the top three spots in the 43rd SCORE Baja 500's Unlimited Trophy Truck class.

FOX Sweeps Trophy Truck Podium at SCORE Baja 500
FOX Racing Shox racers dominated the top three spots on the 43rd SCORE Baja 500 podium in the SCORE Unlimited Trophy Truck class. SCORE Trophy Trucks are the top class in desert racing, featuring 800hp racing across the desert at incredible speeds.

Las Vegas racing phenom Bryce Menzies, driving the Red Bull No. 70 truck, was the overall four-wheel winner after 452.84 miles of racing. Menzies finished in 9 hours, 4 minutes and 52 seconds, followed closely by Rob MacCachren, driving the No. 20 Rockstar Energy Drink Trophy Truck. Last year’s winner, Andy McMillin, driving the McMillin Realty-BFGoodrich Tires Truck took third. All three racers are FOX athletes.

There were 254 entries in 28 different racing classes that competed in this year’s 43rd SCORE Baja 500. Racers start and finish on Ensenada’s ocean front street, which is closed down for the 2½-day racing festival. Held each June, the event draws more than 100,000 fans who line the nearly 500-mile race course throughout Baja’s toughest terrain.

Mon, 06/13/2011 - 15:29

 

nmra

NMRA/NMCA West Coast Shootout Event Update 


The Inaugural JE Pistons NMRA/NMCA West Coast Shootout, presented by Lucas Oil, is all set to go at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, July 8–10, 2011. Because of recent noise restrictions imposed upon the track, NMRA/NMCA will not be able to run Pro Street and Outlaw 10.5—classes previously planned; however, the rest of the classes can run as long as all competitors have mufflers on their vehicles for the entirety of the event. NMRA and NMCA will showcase Hot Street, Xtreme Drag Radial, Wild Street, Open Comp, Mustang Madness, Racers Against Street Racing (RASR) True Street Challenge, West Coast Shootout, Sportsman Brackets, and Street Brackets racing down the quarter-mile. 

There also will be a special RASR True Street Challenge class that will run on Saturday, July 9. This class will feature street-type racers taking on members of the media and manufacturers to win cash and more than $10,000 in prizes.

TREMEC True Street is a class where all street cars (licensed, insured and able to make a 30-mile cruise) make three back-to-back passes and the closest three-pass averages to 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 seconds each win $100 and a bonus prize. The King of True Street, the overall fastest average, will win $250 and the runner-up $100 in addition to prizes from NMRA and NMCA sponsors. On Sunday, the quickest 16 True Street cars will be invited to race heads-up for bonus cash in the Nitto Tire West Coast Shootout class.


For more information on the NMRA/NMCA West Coast Shootout, log on to www.nmradigital.com/ca.

 

nmra nmra2
Team Pescarolo Judd LMP1 (Photo: David Reygondeau)
Team Larbre Compétition (Photo: David Reygondeau)
nmra3 nmra4
Team Oreco Nissan LMP2 (Photo: David Reygondeau)
Jota Sport Aston Martin (Photo: Julien Philippy)

MOTUL Celebrates an Enduring Relationship with Le Mans
The Motul high-performance lubricant brand will be present June 11–12, for the 79th running of the 24-Hours of Le Mans. Motul will welcome back to its stable of technical partners the Pescarolo name, returning to LMP1 competition and the La Sarthe event after a break in 2010.

Led by four-time Le Mans winner Henri Pescarolo, the team’s Pescarolo-Judd will be piloted by Emmanuel Collard, Christophe Tinseau and Julien Jousse, who already have won the opening round of the Le Mans Series at Le Castellet.
 
Pescarolo is one of a number of Le Mans prototype teams exclusively using Motul products and will be competing against Team Oreca Matmut, which has entries in LMP1 and LMP2. The Motul-supported LMP2 Oreca-Nissan will be led by Alexandre Premat, and the lineup includes David Hallyday and Dominik Kraihamer.

Joining the prototype group under Motul’s banner will be new partner Greaves Motorsport in LMP2. Karim Ojjeh, Tom Kimber-Smith and Olivier Lombard will be aboard a Zytek Nissan and hoping to emulate the kind of result they had at Le Castellet when they finished third overall. 
In the GT categories, long-time partner and former Le Mans GT1 winning team Larbre Compétition will campaign a Corvette C6R and a Porsche GT3-RSR in the GTE-Am category, while new partner Jota Sport will race an Aston Martin in the GTE-Pro class.
 
Within the 300V Motul product range, the 20W60 lubricant was developed specially to deal with high-performance endurance engines and carries the name “Le Mans” in recognition of the partnership. It is this product that will play a vital role in the teams’ attack on the 24-hour event. 
Reinforcing its presence in endurance racing, Motul has renewed its commercial contract with the ACO. Visitors to the Le Mans track will see Motul colors prominently displayed, just as they were during the recent MotoGP race.

Summit Racing Sends National Automotive Technology Competition Winners to the NHRA SuperNationals

Team Lexus—students Alex Gross and Daniel White, along with instructor Tony Gualtieri from Orange-Ulster BOCES in Gibson, New York—won the National Automotive Technology Competition held at the New York Auto Show this past April. Their victory earned the team a trip to the NHRA SuperNationals in Englishtown, New Jersey, courtesy of Summit Racing Equipment and Delmar Cengage Learning. 

There, they received VIP treatment, which included autographs, pictures and Q&A time with Team Summit Pro Stock racers Greg Anderson and Jason Line and also Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Steve Johnson and Jay Blake. In addition to the SuperNationals experience, Team Lexus earned other prizes, including a gift certificate for $10,000 worth of Snap-on Tools, compliments of General Motors, as well as several scholarships.

 

   baja
  FOX Racing Shox racers took the top three spots in the 43rd SCORE Baja 500's Unlimited Trophy Truck class.

FOX Sweeps Trophy Truck Podium at SCORE Baja 500
FOX Racing Shox racers dominated the top three spots on the 43rd SCORE Baja 500 podium in the SCORE Unlimited Trophy Truck class. SCORE Trophy Trucks are the top class in desert racing, featuring 800hp racing across the desert at incredible speeds.

Las Vegas racing phenom Bryce Menzies, driving the Red Bull No. 70 truck, was the overall four-wheel winner after 452.84 miles of racing. Menzies finished in 9 hours, 4 minutes and 52 seconds, followed closely by Rob MacCachren, driving the No. 20 Rockstar Energy Drink Trophy Truck. Last year’s winner, Andy McMillin, driving the McMillin Realty-BFGoodrich Tires Truck took third. All three racers are FOX athletes.

There were 254 entries in 28 different racing classes that competed in this year’s 43rd SCORE Baja 500. Racers start and finish on Ensenada’s ocean front street, which is closed down for the 2½-day racing festival. Held each June, the event draws more than 100,000 fans who line the nearly 500-mile race course throughout Baja’s toughest terrain.

Mon, 06/13/2011 - 10:42

The 2011 SEMA Select Committee election results have been announced. Each Select Committee has a “Nominations Task Force” to oversee the elections process for their particular council. The sitting chair-elect of the council chairs the task force, which is also made up of one other select committee member and one council member “at large.” Once nominations close, the task force reviews the nominations to determine eligibility and also how many and which nominees will be on the final ballot. Each council member company receives one electronic ballot. The council chair and chair-elect notify all election winners and non-winners of the results before all results are announced.

“The SEMA council elections are an integral part of SEMA’s membership engagement strategy," said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. "Through these elections, we are able to identify the best and brightest the industry has to offer. We are excited to have a number of new and returning faces joining the elected ranks for 2012 and welcoming them to their new positions on council Select Committee leadership.”

The 2011 SEMA Select Committee election results are as follows: 

ARMO Select Committee

Christina, Jim (Incumbent)
  Dynacorn International Inc.
Menzler, John   COMP Performance Group
Roberts, Dennis   Distinctive Industries
Tolleson, Jason   Source Interlink Media
Yager, Jeff (Incumbent)   Hemmings Motor News
Weiman, Harry (Incumbent)   WyoTech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HRIA Select Committee

Bowers, Scott
  Ron Francis Wiring
Colf, S. Kellie (Incumbent)   Aftermarketer Club
Gorman, Ray (Incumbent)   Stainless Steel Brakes
Holland, Tammy   COMP Performance Group
Saltrick, Eric (Incumbent)   Steele Rubber Products Inc.
Voelkel, Bret (Incumbent)
  Air Ride Technologies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TORA Select Committee

Card, Charlie (Incumbent)
  Vehicle Accessories
Gramelspacher, Nick (Incumbent)
  Meyer Distributing
Hermann, Rick
  MacNeil Automotive
Holden, Charley   Cap World
Pitts, Shawn   Considine Sales & Marketing
Ripper, Chris (Incumbent)
  ATC Truck Covers
Woodell, Mandi (Incumbent)   Weathers Auto Supply

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MPMC Select Committee

Carroll, Billy (Incumbent)
  Lunati Cams
Hughes, Jim   Hughes Performance/Motorsports
Matusek, Steve (Incumbent)   Aeromotive, Inc.
McInnis, Jack   Dart Machinery
Willmore, Kelli   MasterCraft Safety

 

 

 

 

 

 

MRC Select Committee

Adin, Mark (Incumbent)
  PSKB
Considine, Jim (Incumbent)
  Considine Sales & Marketing
Eagan, Bill
  Airheart Sales
Kirby, Les
  NA Williams Co.
Perry, Chris (Incumbent)   Bill Perry & Associates

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRO Select Committee

Bacon, Mike
  Webasto Product North America
Braschler, Diana (Incumbent)
  Dealer Source Ltd.
Braun, Jason (Incumbent)   Meyer Distributing
Jacobs, Doug   Restylers' Choice
Johnston, Joey (Incumbent)
  Tops & Trends
Ott, Ray   Auto Trim of Cleveland
Stanifer, Mike (Incumbent)
  Innovative Creations Inc. (ICI)
Wolin, Scott (Incumbent)
  Pecca Leather Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SBN Select Committee

Carpenter, Susan
  JR Products
Colf, S. Kellie   Aftermarketer Club
Fickler, Debra   Spencer Fane Britt & Browne LLP
Kevin-Gelhard, Nan (Incumbent)   Summit Racing Equipment
Kwan, Christina (Incumbent)
  Kwan International Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPC Select Committee

Bradley, Kent
  Performance Business
Finn, Regis (Incumbent)
  Baja Designs
Tibbetts, Roger
  K&N Engineering/AEM Induction
Yim, James (Incumbent)   Falken Tire
Ziozios, Dave
  Motovicity Distribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

WTC Select Committee

Austin, Kelly
  Ultra Wheel Co.
Feldman, Hank
  Performance Plus Tire
Findeis, Joe (Incumbent)
  The Ultimate Wheel & Tire Plus Sizing Guide
Frymer, Douglas A. (Incumbent)   Law Office of Douglas A. Frymer
Liffick, Fenton (Incumbent)   Prestige Autotech Corporation
Mercincavage, Carl (Incumbent)   Keystone Automotive Operations
Riegel, Bob   Bridgestone/Firestone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YEN Select Committee

Banaitis, Monika
  Keystone Automotive Operations
Bonato, Scott
  Jump Start Automotive
Carlson, Kris (Incumbent)   Auto Meter Products
Fink, Jason (Incumbent)
  Advantage Truck Accessories
Reasoner, Matt
  BedRug, Inc.
Timmons, Mike   Wes-Coast Marketing
Tomasino, Clayton   Scorpion Protective Coatings, Inc.






Mon, 06/13/2011 - 10:42

The 2011 SEMA Select Committee election results have been announced. Each Select Committee has a “Nominations Task Force” to oversee the elections process for their particular council. The sitting chair-elect of the council chairs the task force, which is also made up of one other select committee member and one council member “at large.” Once nominations close, the task force reviews the nominations to determine eligibility and also how many and which nominees will be on the final ballot. Each council member company receives one electronic ballot. The council chair and chair-elect notify all election winners and non-winners of the results before all results are announced.

“The SEMA council elections are an integral part of SEMA’s membership engagement strategy," said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. "Through these elections, we are able to identify the best and brightest the industry has to offer. We are excited to have a number of new and returning faces joining the elected ranks for 2012 and welcoming them to their new positions on council Select Committee leadership.”

The 2011 SEMA Select Committee election results are as follows: 

ARMO Select Committee

Christina, Jim (Incumbent)
  Dynacorn International Inc.
Menzler, John   COMP Performance Group
Roberts, Dennis   Distinctive Industries
Tolleson, Jason   Source Interlink Media
Yager, Jeff (Incumbent)   Hemmings Motor News
Weiman, Harry (Incumbent)   WyoTech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HRIA Select Committee

Bowers, Scott
  Ron Francis Wiring
Colf, S. Kellie (Incumbent)   Aftermarketer Club
Gorman, Ray (Incumbent)   Stainless Steel Brakes
Holland, Tammy   COMP Performance Group
Saltrick, Eric (Incumbent)   Steele Rubber Products Inc.
Voelkel, Bret (Incumbent)
  Air Ride Technologies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TORA Select Committee

Card, Charlie (Incumbent)
  Vehicle Accessories
Gramelspacher, Nick (Incumbent)
  Meyer Distributing
Hermann, Rick
  MacNeil Automotive
Holden, Charley   Cap World
Pitts, Shawn   Considine Sales & Marketing
Ripper, Chris (Incumbent)
  ATC Truck Covers
Woodell, Mandi (Incumbent)   Weathers Auto Supply

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MPMC Select Committee

Carroll, Billy (Incumbent)
  Lunati Cams
Hughes, Jim   Hughes Performance/Motorsports
Matusek, Steve (Incumbent)   Aeromotive, Inc.
McInnis, Jack   Dart Machinery
Willmore, Kelli   MasterCraft Safety

 

 

 

 

 

 

MRC Select Committee

Adin, Mark (Incumbent)
  PSKB
Considine, Jim (Incumbent)
  Considine Sales & Marketing
Eagan, Bill
  Airheart Sales
Kirby, Les
  NA Williams Co.
Perry, Chris (Incumbent)   Bill Perry & Associates

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRO Select Committee

Bacon, Mike
  Webasto Product North America
Braschler, Diana (Incumbent)
  Dealer Source Ltd.
Braun, Jason (Incumbent)   Meyer Distributing
Jacobs, Doug   Restylers' Choice
Johnston, Joey (Incumbent)
  Tops & Trends
Ott, Ray   Auto Trim of Cleveland
Stanifer, Mike (Incumbent)
  Innovative Creations Inc. (ICI)
Wolin, Scott (Incumbent)
  Pecca Leather Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SBN Select Committee

Carpenter, Susan
  JR Products
Colf, S. Kellie   Aftermarketer Club
Fickler, Debra   Spencer Fane Britt & Browne LLP
Kevin-Gelhard, Nan (Incumbent)   Summit Racing Equipment
Kwan, Christina (Incumbent)
  Kwan International Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPC Select Committee

Bradley, Kent
  Performance Business
Finn, Regis (Incumbent)
  Baja Designs
Tibbetts, Roger
  K&N Engineering/AEM Induction
Yim, James (Incumbent)   Falken Tire
Ziozios, Dave
  Motovicity Distribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

WTC Select Committee

Austin, Kelly
  Ultra Wheel Co.
Feldman, Hank
  Performance Plus Tire
Findeis, Joe (Incumbent)
  The Ultimate Wheel & Tire Plus Sizing Guide
Frymer, Douglas A. (Incumbent)   Law Office of Douglas A. Frymer
Liffick, Fenton (Incumbent)   Prestige Autotech Corporation
Mercincavage, Carl (Incumbent)   Keystone Automotive Operations
Riegel, Bob   Bridgestone/Firestone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YEN Select Committee

Banaitis, Monika
  Keystone Automotive Operations
Bonato, Scott
  Jump Start Automotive
Carlson, Kris (Incumbent)   Auto Meter Products
Fink, Jason (Incumbent)
  Advantage Truck Accessories
Reasoner, Matt
  BedRug, Inc.
Timmons, Mike   Wes-Coast Marketing
Tomasino, Clayton   Scorpion Protective Coatings, Inc.






Mon, 06/13/2011 - 10:42

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

  • ProMedia LLC, located in Santa Ana, California, is hiring a digital manager/publisher responsible for two content-driven websites. Management projects include website structure, design and updates through outside web design company, social media coordination, online editorial publishing, online advertising and more. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required and a background or interest in automotive performance is a plus.
  • American Eagle Wheel Corp. is hiring an aftermarket wheel sales manager for its San Antonio, Texas, distribution center. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional customer service, communication skills, be computer literate and have proven sales performance in the aftermarket wheel industry.
  • Vogue Tyre & Rubber Company, located in Atlanta, is hiring a manager and assistant manager for a new regional distribution warehouse to open in Atlanta in September or October 2011. These individuals will direct all phases of activities related to shipping, receiving, inventory control and mounting and balancing of tire and wheel assemblies. Previous experience managing a distribution center, managing employees and working directly with customers is required.
  • An established company located in Cincinnati is seeking a global sourcing/purchasing manager. Job duties will include extensive international travel to identify and evaluate suppliers, and assure new-product development, quality, pricing and delivery of automotive trim items. A bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of four years of experience in international purchasing—including strategic sourcing and overseas supplier management—are required. 
For more job listings, click here.
Mon, 06/13/2011 - 10:26

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Street Performance Council (SPC)
Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Young Executives Network (YEN)


TORA Logo
 
Visit TORA's website.  

TORA-Member Companies Endorse New Products Showcase

Companies who participated in last year’s inaugural TORA New Products Showcase are already lining up for the 2011 edition. Read what some have to say about the event:

“The TORA booth is a great way to showcase our new products. It is also an educational booth, as all products are represented and explained thoroughly to potential customers.”

—Cory Kraft, Undercover

“The TORA New Products Showcase booth was a great addition to the overall Carlisle event. Our new products were well represented inside the booth, which helped us gain some additional product and brand exposure.”

—Joel Mohlenhoff, TruXedo Inc.

“For only the cost of shipping, Hellwig’s products were put in front of a bunch of truck enthusiasts. Not only did we get coverage at the show, but it also extended throughout the year with coverage at the SEMA Show, on the TORA website and in SEMA News. We’re excited to participate again this year.”

—Melanie White, Hellwig Products

Not an TORA member yet? The TORA New Products Showcase is a perfect reason to join! Go to www.sema.org/TORA and you can join TORA and register for the New Products Showcase in just a few easy steps!

TORA New Products Showcase Registration is Open!

Registration for the second annual TORA New Products Showcase is now open at www.sema.org/TORA. The New Products Showcase takes place August 5–7, 2011, at the Carlisle Truck Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The New Products Showcase gives TORA-member companies the opportunity to display their latest products in front of one of the largest gatherings of light-truck enthusiasts in the country. In addition, each product is professionally photographed, and the photos and product descriptions are posted in a gallery on the TORA website where they live for an entire year, until the next year’s products are posted. (Click here to view the 2010 TORA New Products Showcase entries.) The photos are also displayed in a video in the TORA booth at SEMA Show and during the TORA Fall Nationals Awards Reception at the SEMA Show. Exhibitors gain all of this product exposure for only the cost of shipping. There is no fee for participation, as a benefit of TORA membership.

TORA and SEMA VP of Vehicle Technology Provide “Technology Tips”

Emerging vehicle technologies, such as electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring and anti-lock brakes directly impact the livelihood of many companies. For several years, SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak has been leading efforts to help SEMA-member companies integrate with this technology. A recent article in the March issue of SEMA News presented answers from Waraniak on a whole range of technology issues. But, trying to digest all of the information in one sitting can be a daunting task.

To that end, Waraniak has agreed to field specific questions about new vehicle technologies and, more specifically, how TORA companies should address them, and provide replies right here in the TORA SEMA eNews column. Questions may be directed to incoming TORA Chair-elect Melanie White at Hellwig Products at mwhite@hellwigproducts.com. Questions and answers will be published the first week of the month in SEMA eNews, and an archive will be kept on the TORA website.

Technology Tip

Question: What does SEMA Vehicle Dynamics mean for you as an TORA member?

SEMA Vehicle Dynamics encompasses all the performance aspects of the aftermarket. If your product improves vehicle acceleration, deceleration or handling, you need to be able to objectively describe the improvement as well as be aware of the growing regulatory requirements that must be met. With the growing interaction between vehicle systems and active electronic controls of the throttle, brakes, steering and suspension, even aftermarket products for appearance (lowered suspension, low-profile tires, etc.) or convenience (roof racks, etc.) may need to be evaluated for their compatibility with a vehicle’s active safety systems. Most importantly, the SEMA Vehicle Dynamics initiative provides access to industry-standard tools and measurements for marketing performance improvements to an increasingly technically savvy consumer while also documenting due engineering diligence in product development.

What's the Value of Being an TORA Member?

New Products Showcase – Put your product in front of one of the largest gathering of truck enthusiasts in the country at the Carlisle Truck Nationals.

Networking – TORA mixer at the Carlisle All Truck Nationals, Annual Long-Range Planning meeting and access to TORA members and light-truck industry professionals around the world.

Tools and resources for the retailer and installer – "Pickup Bed Dimensions Sheet," "Keyless Entry Wiring Pickup Points Reference Sheet," "Why Paints Don’t Match" DVD and more.

Education – and TORA-specific learning track on the new SEI from SEMA, coming soon!

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.

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ARMO Logo

Visit ARMO's website.

New Products Showcase Draws Record Participants

The 2011 ARMO New Products Showcase had 64 products from 26 ARMO-member companies on display in “the big white tent,” located center stage during Spring Carlisle, April 28–30. In addition to having product on display in front of the largest gathering of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the country, participation also includes a professional photograph of the product, which is then displayed in a photo gallery on the ARMO website, in a looping video played in the ARMO booth at the 2011 SEMA Show, and during the ARMO awards reception, also at the SEMA Show. All of this product exposure is free to ARMO-member companies. The only cost incurred is shipping of the product. Look for the gallery of products very soon on the ARMO 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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.

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HRIA Logo
 
Visit HRIA's website

Join the SEMA Council Family

SEMA hosts 10 distinct councils and committees that serve to 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—the association—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 door 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 door is open, it is your responsibility to take advantage of the benefits by becoming actively involved.

Learn more today
.

Councils in Action

education day

There were many reasons to celebrate March 17. Saint Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament to name a few, but just as important was the Hot Rod Industry Alliance's (HRIA) annual Education and Training Day that took place during the Hotrod and Restoration Show in Indianapolis.

Picture the scene: 40 companies, five classrooms, 500 or more attendees and one goal—education. Education Day is offered at no charge to attendees and made possible through the efforts of HRIA and participating manufacturers. The event runs from 8:00 a.m. and concludes after 6:30 p.m. With five sessions running every hour, this truly unique experience allows attendees to select the seminars that are of most interest and relevant to their business. Each session lasts an hour and covers subjects, such as air conditioning, suspension, brakes, rapid prototyping, instrumentation, performance, insurance and steering.

In addition to the premier education and training that take place, there exists a real community for individuals to share ideas and network with one another. The interaction between manufacturer and attendee and between peers serves to heighten the experience and develop a genuine camaraderie that embodies what SEMA is all about.

Learn more here.

Have You Registered a Patent or Trademark? Your Competition Has.

Protecting the intellectual property rights (IPR) of its members is a top SEMA priority. The process begins when companies register their patents, trademarks and copyrights with government agencies in the United States (and other countries). Registration is a key to establishing legal rights.

To assist its members, SEMA has created a webpage called Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights, explaining the different types of IP, including protecting new products (utility patents) and product designs (design patent), identifying the source of the product (trademarks) and protecting product brochures or website designs (copyright). It also contains information on how to register IP along with links to seminars, webinars and SEMA News articles.

With respect to enforcing IP rights at the SEMA Show, the association has developed an effective policy for pursuing infringement allegations. SEMA’s IP enforcement policy is posted on the IPR webpage and is also published as part of the Exhibitor Services Manual. Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein (stuartg@sema.org).

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? HRIA is!

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about HRIA and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

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MPMC Logo
 
Visit MPMC's website.  

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.



For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.

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MRC Logo
 
Visit MRC's website.  

A Message From MRC Chair Wade Cobb

The MRC council has been chipping away at what our Long-Range Planning session of 2010 indentified as a need—benefits for our membership! MRC recently put a program together with TeleNotes, offering our members a business tool to elevate their company’s ability to capture data and reporting. We are also continuing to work on travel programs, possibly offering an “MRC” rate at our industry events, such as PWA and the SEMA Show, with select lodging. We also recognized the need to reach out to our general members and non-members to determine what it is they need from MRC.

In February, we conducted an online survey to 3,500 rep agencies associated with SEMA to find out more about reps and how MRC can maximize its efforts as a council to provide you with benefits. Thanks to all who took the time to respond; it’s the only way we can build a better MRC. Just as any council or association, it’s imperative to get the feedback from its members on what works or needs to be fixed. As we move on reviewing the data MRC has been able to obtain through the survey and the information from our LRP, the council will continue to put action plans in place to address the concerns.

In our most recent tele-conference, MRC has established the date and time for the MRC event to be held at the 2011 SEMA Show on Sunday, October 30, from 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. The MRC Rep Conference task force headed by our own Thomas Jordan is in the midst of debating the topic and format to ensure we have the best possible event for you.

Looking to continue the efforts put forth by our members, MRC attended the MPMC Media Trade Conference held in Los Angeles this past January with the purpose of representing MRC to the manufacturers present. MRC Chair-Elect Chris Fairless and I had a MRC room all three days of the event, conducting meetings with members interested in utilizing reps and showing them the value of using rep agencies. We provided each exhibiting company with a MRC brochure and offered the MRC DVD for additional information. Both Chris and I were very pleased with the event, realizing this was a first for MRC and a great opportunity given to MRC by MPMC to explore the venue and take away ideas to build even better programs for coming events. We truly wish to thank Kyle Fickler and Vic Wood of MPMC for working with us during the MPMC Media Trade Conference.

We look forward to working with other industry segments to continue educating our fellow industry members on the benefits of utilizing a rep agency as their sales force. Your thoughts and comments are welcome any time. We need to hear your voice, so please speak out!

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MRC is!

Be sure to follow MRC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mrc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MRC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about MRC, contact Zane Clark.

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PRO Logo
 
Visit PRO's website.  
Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Council?

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their PRO efforts, and for that we say, “thank you,” to those companies!

The leaders of the PRO gathered earlier this year in Lima, Ohio, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the PRO-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies, and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each PRO member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “address the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to develop effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Education Task Force
Brian Champa (Check Corporation) and Bill North (Webasto Product North America) co-chair this task force and can be reached at bchampa@checkcorp.com or bill.north@webasto-us.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) recently launched, and the group is tasked with expanding the number of events each year to ensure that training and education become primary drivers for our industry.

NovemberFest Task Force
Mike Stanifer (Innovative Creations Inc.) chairs this group and can be reached at mike@icionline.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making PRO’s awards reception the place to be and offering a fun forum to bring passionate members with common interests together.

Membership Task Force
Joey Johnston (Tops & Trends) chairs this group and can be reached at joey@topsandtrends.com. The success of any council or initiative is dependent upon its members. This task force focuses on growth, promotion and retention. It is important that we mentor new members on council activities, events, meetings and benefits.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? PRO Is!

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

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SBN Logo
 
Visit SBN's website.
 

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network Debuts Speed Networking Event Video

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has released its 2010 Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN event video. If you attended this sold-out event—or even if you missed it—you must check out the video so you can plan ahead to attend this year’s event.

While the SBN Speed Networking Breakfast is not exclusively for women, it clearly focuses on recognizing women who significantly contribute to the aftermarket and performance industries.

With special thanks to James and Melissa Lawrence of PowerTV, who covered this event, we are able to share the highlights with our members. Captured on video are glimpses of the event, which includes an exclusive interview with SBN's 2010 Woman of the Year Award recipient Kellie Colf of Aftermarketer Club Inc., and Zan Martin of Martin & Company Advertising. Both discuss the significance of each award.

Also accepting an SBN Award was Wade Kawasaki of Exports International, who was awarded the 2010 Athena Award for his support of women in the automotive aftermarket industry. And presenting the Mentor of the Year Award to a deserving John Menzler of Comp Performance Group was Joe St. Lawrence of RTM Productions Inc.—Titanium Sponsor of the event.

SBN’s annual breakfast event held during SEMA Show week is a great opportunity to network, learn and forge new relationships with others who share the same goals and interests of growing the automotive aftermarket industry and promoting the success of all.

Check out the following links to view video and photos from the 2010 SBN Annual Speed Networking Breakfast:

• www.sema.org/sbn
• www.sema.org/sbn/gallery/2010-breakfast
• www.facebook.com/semasbn

You Ought to Be in Pictures!

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network committee is a great resource of minds. All ladies in the specialty-equipment industry can join the SBN, so pass the word around to your colleagues and friends! We are encouraging all new and existing SBN members to log-in to the MySEMA portal to update their profile with a photo so we get to know each other's faces before the SEMA Show.

And don’t forget to turn your notifications settings “ON” so you can stay in “the loop.” Want to know more about the SBN? Interested in becoming a member?

Want to get involved in the industry but don't know how? We have an app for that! Go to www.SEMA.org, click on the Leadership tab, click on Council/Committee, click on SBN and join! Don't delay—get involved and join now. You are just a few clicks away! We look forward to "seeing" everyone!

Don’t Be Out of the Loop—Stay in Touch

The very best way to stay in touch and to read the latest news, discussions and topics posted from SEMA and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is to make sure that your notification settings are turned on in your MySEMA account. Next to your photo on your MySEMA page, at the top right, is a link to the "Edit My Settings" page.

On the “settings” page, look for the “notifications” tab, where it will ask how you would like to receive your news. Check whichever method is most convenient, but either way, make sure you're in the loop by turning “on” your notifications. Visit http://my.sema.org to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career. In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

Visit the SEMA Mentoring Program now.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SBN, contact Staci Bostock.

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SPC Logo
 
Visit SPC's website.  
Find the Business Possibilities Through the SPC

Participate in the automotive aftermarket at a whole new level by joining the SPC.

The purpose of SEMA councils is to help our member companies succeed and prosper. In the SPC, our mission is to provide market information, education and support to our members concerning new and emerging trends. Whether it’s the latest business technology, forecasting sales, future marketing solutions or up and coming vehicle platforms, we give you and your company the chance to see what’s on the horizon.

Then we’ll help you understand and acquire the skills, tools and technologies to lead the way. The SPC has the most diverse membership of any SEMA council, and that will allow you to network with other professionals from every facet of our industry and gain insights into areas you may not have previously considered. Find out about the parts, people, technologies, strategies, trends and, most important, possibilities.

This is your chance to give something back to the industry, your profession and to grow personally along the way. Join the SPC today and become an active member of the specialty equipment and automotive market — Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, SPC Chairman

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SPC is!

Be sure to follow SPC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/spc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

Read SPC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SPC, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

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WTC Logo
 
Visit WTC's website

Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Wheel and Tire (WTC) Council?

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their WTC efforts, and for that we say “thank you” to those companies!

The leaders of the WTC gathered earlier this year at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the WTC-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each WTC member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “identify common problems and opportunities relating to the wheel and tire industries that the council, as an interested body of companies, can address for the common good.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Science and Technology Task Force

Tim Dietz (Standards Testing Laboratories Inc.) and can be reached at tdietz@stllabs.com. This group focuses on aftermarket and OEM advances that affect our industry. From creating wheel standards to improved processes for tire-pressure monitoring systems and electronic stability control, the Science and Technology Task Force plays a pivotal role in the industry’s advancement.

Education Task Force
Kelly Austin (Ultra Wheel Company) chairs this group and can be reached at kelly@mail.ultrawheel.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The WTC Task Force is responsible for partnering with the SEMA Educational Institute to create and promote online learning resources.

Communication and Marketing Task Force

Doug Frymer (Law Offices of Douglas A. Frymer) chairs this group and can be reached at legal@starshieldarmor.com. This group focuses on membership outreach, growth and retention. It is imperative that councils effectively communicate services provided by WTC and SEMA to our members. Communication and services ensure that there is proper dialogue between leadership and membership.

SEMA Show Task Force

David Insull (American Tire Distributors) chairs this group and can be reached at dinsull@atd-us.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making WTC’s awards reception an ideal place to get together, honor one another and network with all those who share a common passion.

There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year. You are the expert at what your business needs and this council wants to deliver. Feel free to get in touch with us or come to one of our WTC events. Our hope is that, if you haven’t been a part of WTC yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about WTC and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call or 909/978-6696.

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YEN Logo

Visit YEN's website

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program

Since 2004, SEMA's Young Executives Network has been dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their automotive specialty-equipment career.

“SEMA and YEN are believers in higher education,” said Gregory Parker, chairman of the Young Executives Network. “However, with today's higher costs of getting an education, more and more students have to turn to student loans. The new YEN Loan Forgiveness Scholarship Award will now be able to help a previous or current student who has loans they are trying to pay off while working within our industry. Our inaugural scholarship winner, Jaclyn Kilani, worked hard to put herself through school and is now working for a SEMA-member company. We are just glad we are able to recognize and reward her for her hard work, and we look forward to doing the same for other industry peers as we move into the future.”

Kilani, who recently graduated from California State University with a degree in graphic design, is the marketing director at Dannmar Equipment, a manufacturer of automotive repair products. Of the specialty-equipment industry, Kilani says, “I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. It’s an eclectic marketplace with a very unique audience, and I love the challenge of marketing a company in a non-traditional way. This award came at the perfect time, and it's a tremendous step toward my goal of becoming debt-free. I truly appreciate the privilege.”

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program is dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their specialty-equipment career. SEMA offers a minimum of $1,000 toward outstanding student loans for individuals who are employed by SEMA-member companies. Applications for the next program open in December 2010 at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Join YEN

Did you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the SEMA Young Executives Network for FREE. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

YEN Member of the Month Spotlight


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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about YEN, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

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Mon, 06/13/2011 - 10:26

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Street Performance Council (SPC)
Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Young Executives Network (YEN)


TORA Logo
 
Visit TORA's website.  

TORA-Member Companies Endorse New Products Showcase

Companies who participated in last year’s inaugural TORA New Products Showcase are already lining up for the 2011 edition. Read what some have to say about the event:

“The TORA booth is a great way to showcase our new products. It is also an educational booth, as all products are represented and explained thoroughly to potential customers.”

—Cory Kraft, Undercover

“The TORA New Products Showcase booth was a great addition to the overall Carlisle event. Our new products were well represented inside the booth, which helped us gain some additional product and brand exposure.”

—Joel Mohlenhoff, TruXedo Inc.

“For only the cost of shipping, Hellwig’s products were put in front of a bunch of truck enthusiasts. Not only did we get coverage at the show, but it also extended throughout the year with coverage at the SEMA Show, on the TORA website and in SEMA News. We’re excited to participate again this year.”

—Melanie White, Hellwig Products

Not an TORA member yet? The TORA New Products Showcase is a perfect reason to join! Go to www.sema.org/TORA and you can join TORA and register for the New Products Showcase in just a few easy steps!

TORA New Products Showcase Registration is Open!

Registration for the second annual TORA New Products Showcase is now open at www.sema.org/TORA. The New Products Showcase takes place August 5–7, 2011, at the Carlisle Truck Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The New Products Showcase gives TORA-member companies the opportunity to display their latest products in front of one of the largest gatherings of light-truck enthusiasts in the country. In addition, each product is professionally photographed, and the photos and product descriptions are posted in a gallery on the TORA website where they live for an entire year, until the next year’s products are posted. (Click here to view the 2010 TORA New Products Showcase entries.) The photos are also displayed in a video in the TORA booth at SEMA Show and during the TORA Fall Nationals Awards Reception at the SEMA Show. Exhibitors gain all of this product exposure for only the cost of shipping. There is no fee for participation, as a benefit of TORA membership.

TORA and SEMA VP of Vehicle Technology Provide “Technology Tips”

Emerging vehicle technologies, such as electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring and anti-lock brakes directly impact the livelihood of many companies. For several years, SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak has been leading efforts to help SEMA-member companies integrate with this technology. A recent article in the March issue of SEMA News presented answers from Waraniak on a whole range of technology issues. But, trying to digest all of the information in one sitting can be a daunting task.

To that end, Waraniak has agreed to field specific questions about new vehicle technologies and, more specifically, how TORA companies should address them, and provide replies right here in the TORA SEMA eNews column. Questions may be directed to incoming TORA Chair-elect Melanie White at Hellwig Products at mwhite@hellwigproducts.com. Questions and answers will be published the first week of the month in SEMA eNews, and an archive will be kept on the TORA website.

Technology Tip

Question: What does SEMA Vehicle Dynamics mean for you as an TORA member?

SEMA Vehicle Dynamics encompasses all the performance aspects of the aftermarket. If your product improves vehicle acceleration, deceleration or handling, you need to be able to objectively describe the improvement as well as be aware of the growing regulatory requirements that must be met. With the growing interaction between vehicle systems and active electronic controls of the throttle, brakes, steering and suspension, even aftermarket products for appearance (lowered suspension, low-profile tires, etc.) or convenience (roof racks, etc.) may need to be evaluated for their compatibility with a vehicle’s active safety systems. Most importantly, the SEMA Vehicle Dynamics initiative provides access to industry-standard tools and measurements for marketing performance improvements to an increasingly technically savvy consumer while also documenting due engineering diligence in product development.

What's the Value of Being an TORA Member?

New Products Showcase – Put your product in front of one of the largest gathering of truck enthusiasts in the country at the Carlisle Truck Nationals.

Networking – TORA mixer at the Carlisle All Truck Nationals, Annual Long-Range Planning meeting and access to TORA members and light-truck industry professionals around the world.

Tools and resources for the retailer and installer – "Pickup Bed Dimensions Sheet," "Keyless Entry Wiring Pickup Points Reference Sheet," "Why Paints Don’t Match" DVD and more.

Education – and TORA-specific learning track on the new SEI from SEMA, coming soon!

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.

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ARMO Logo

Visit ARMO's website.

New Products Showcase Draws Record Participants

The 2011 ARMO New Products Showcase had 64 products from 26 ARMO-member companies on display in “the big white tent,” located center stage during Spring Carlisle, April 28–30. In addition to having product on display in front of the largest gathering of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the country, participation also includes a professional photograph of the product, which is then displayed in a photo gallery on the ARMO website, in a looping video played in the ARMO booth at the 2011 SEMA Show, and during the ARMO awards reception, also at the SEMA Show. All of this product exposure is free to ARMO-member companies. The only cost incurred is shipping of the product. Look for the gallery of products very soon on the ARMO 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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.

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HRIA Logo
 
Visit HRIA's website

Join the SEMA Council Family

SEMA hosts 10 distinct councils and committees that serve to 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—the association—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 door 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 door is open, it is your responsibility to take advantage of the benefits by becoming actively involved.

Learn more today
.

Councils in Action

education day

There were many reasons to celebrate March 17. Saint Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament to name a few, but just as important was the Hot Rod Industry Alliance's (HRIA) annual Education and Training Day that took place during the Hotrod and Restoration Show in Indianapolis.

Picture the scene: 40 companies, five classrooms, 500 or more attendees and one goal—education. Education Day is offered at no charge to attendees and made possible through the efforts of HRIA and participating manufacturers. The event runs from 8:00 a.m. and concludes after 6:30 p.m. With five sessions running every hour, this truly unique experience allows attendees to select the seminars that are of most interest and relevant to their business. Each session lasts an hour and covers subjects, such as air conditioning, suspension, brakes, rapid prototyping, instrumentation, performance, insurance and steering.

In addition to the premier education and training that take place, there exists a real community for individuals to share ideas and network with one another. The interaction between manufacturer and attendee and between peers serves to heighten the experience and develop a genuine camaraderie that embodies what SEMA is all about.

Learn more here.

Have You Registered a Patent or Trademark? Your Competition Has.

Protecting the intellectual property rights (IPR) of its members is a top SEMA priority. The process begins when companies register their patents, trademarks and copyrights with government agencies in the United States (and other countries). Registration is a key to establishing legal rights.

To assist its members, SEMA has created a webpage called Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights, explaining the different types of IP, including protecting new products (utility patents) and product designs (design patent), identifying the source of the product (trademarks) and protecting product brochures or website designs (copyright). It also contains information on how to register IP along with links to seminars, webinars and SEMA News articles.

With respect to enforcing IP rights at the SEMA Show, the association has developed an effective policy for pursuing infringement allegations. SEMA’s IP enforcement policy is posted on the IPR webpage and is also published as part of the Exhibitor Services Manual. Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein (stuartg@sema.org).

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? HRIA is!

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about HRIA and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

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MPMC Logo
 
Visit MPMC's website.  

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.



For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.

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MRC Logo
 
Visit MRC's website.  

A Message From MRC Chair Wade Cobb

The MRC council has been chipping away at what our Long-Range Planning session of 2010 indentified as a need—benefits for our membership! MRC recently put a program together with TeleNotes, offering our members a business tool to elevate their company’s ability to capture data and reporting. We are also continuing to work on travel programs, possibly offering an “MRC” rate at our industry events, such as PWA and the SEMA Show, with select lodging. We also recognized the need to reach out to our general members and non-members to determine what it is they need from MRC.

In February, we conducted an online survey to 3,500 rep agencies associated with SEMA to find out more about reps and how MRC can maximize its efforts as a council to provide you with benefits. Thanks to all who took the time to respond; it’s the only way we can build a better MRC. Just as any council or association, it’s imperative to get the feedback from its members on what works or needs to be fixed. As we move on reviewing the data MRC has been able to obtain through the survey and the information from our LRP, the council will continue to put action plans in place to address the concerns.

In our most recent tele-conference, MRC has established the date and time for the MRC event to be held at the 2011 SEMA Show on Sunday, October 30, from 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. The MRC Rep Conference task force headed by our own Thomas Jordan is in the midst of debating the topic and format to ensure we have the best possible event for you.

Looking to continue the efforts put forth by our members, MRC attended the MPMC Media Trade Conference held in Los Angeles this past January with the purpose of representing MRC to the manufacturers present. MRC Chair-Elect Chris Fairless and I had a MRC room all three days of the event, conducting meetings with members interested in utilizing reps and showing them the value of using rep agencies. We provided each exhibiting company with a MRC brochure and offered the MRC DVD for additional information. Both Chris and I were very pleased with the event, realizing this was a first for MRC and a great opportunity given to MRC by MPMC to explore the venue and take away ideas to build even better programs for coming events. We truly wish to thank Kyle Fickler and Vic Wood of MPMC for working with us during the MPMC Media Trade Conference.

We look forward to working with other industry segments to continue educating our fellow industry members on the benefits of utilizing a rep agency as their sales force. Your thoughts and comments are welcome any time. We need to hear your voice, so please speak out!

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MRC is!

Be sure to follow MRC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mrc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MRC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about MRC, contact Zane Clark.

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PRO Logo
 
Visit PRO's website.  
Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Council?

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their PRO efforts, and for that we say, “thank you,” to those companies!

The leaders of the PRO gathered earlier this year in Lima, Ohio, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the PRO-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies, and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each PRO member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “address the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to develop effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Education Task Force
Brian Champa (Check Corporation) and Bill North (Webasto Product North America) co-chair this task force and can be reached at bchampa@checkcorp.com or bill.north@webasto-us.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) recently launched, and the group is tasked with expanding the number of events each year to ensure that training and education become primary drivers for our industry.

NovemberFest Task Force
Mike Stanifer (Innovative Creations Inc.) chairs this group and can be reached at mike@icionline.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making PRO’s awards reception the place to be and offering a fun forum to bring passionate members with common interests together.

Membership Task Force
Joey Johnston (Tops & Trends) chairs this group and can be reached at joey@topsandtrends.com. The success of any council or initiative is dependent upon its members. This task force focuses on growth, promotion and retention. It is important that we mentor new members on council activities, events, meetings and benefits.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? PRO Is!

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

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SBN Logo
 
Visit SBN's website.
 

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network Debuts Speed Networking Event Video

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has released its 2010 Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN event video. If you attended this sold-out event—or even if you missed it—you must check out the video so you can plan ahead to attend this year’s event.

While the SBN Speed Networking Breakfast is not exclusively for women, it clearly focuses on recognizing women who significantly contribute to the aftermarket and performance industries.

With special thanks to James and Melissa Lawrence of PowerTV, who covered this event, we are able to share the highlights with our members. Captured on video are glimpses of the event, which includes an exclusive interview with SBN's 2010 Woman of the Year Award recipient Kellie Colf of Aftermarketer Club Inc., and Zan Martin of Martin & Company Advertising. Both discuss the significance of each award.

Also accepting an SBN Award was Wade Kawasaki of Exports International, who was awarded the 2010 Athena Award for his support of women in the automotive aftermarket industry. And presenting the Mentor of the Year Award to a deserving John Menzler of Comp Performance Group was Joe St. Lawrence of RTM Productions Inc.—Titanium Sponsor of the event.

SBN’s annual breakfast event held during SEMA Show week is a great opportunity to network, learn and forge new relationships with others who share the same goals and interests of growing the automotive aftermarket industry and promoting the success of all.

Check out the following links to view video and photos from the 2010 SBN Annual Speed Networking Breakfast:

• www.sema.org/sbn
• www.sema.org/sbn/gallery/2010-breakfast
• www.facebook.com/semasbn

You Ought to Be in Pictures!

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network committee is a great resource of minds. All ladies in the specialty-equipment industry can join the SBN, so pass the word around to your colleagues and friends! We are encouraging all new and existing SBN members to log-in to the MySEMA portal to update their profile with a photo so we get to know each other's faces before the SEMA Show.

And don’t forget to turn your notifications settings “ON” so you can stay in “the loop.” Want to know more about the SBN? Interested in becoming a member?

Want to get involved in the industry but don't know how? We have an app for that! Go to www.SEMA.org, click on the Leadership tab, click on Council/Committee, click on SBN and join! Don't delay—get involved and join now. You are just a few clicks away! We look forward to "seeing" everyone!

Don’t Be Out of the Loop—Stay in Touch

The very best way to stay in touch and to read the latest news, discussions and topics posted from SEMA and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is to make sure that your notification settings are turned on in your MySEMA account. Next to your photo on your MySEMA page, at the top right, is a link to the "Edit My Settings" page.

On the “settings” page, look for the “notifications” tab, where it will ask how you would like to receive your news. Check whichever method is most convenient, but either way, make sure you're in the loop by turning “on” your notifications. Visit http://my.sema.org to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career. In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

Visit the SEMA Mentoring Program now.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SBN, contact Staci Bostock.

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SPC Logo
 
Visit SPC's website.  
Find the Business Possibilities Through the SPC

Participate in the automotive aftermarket at a whole new level by joining the SPC.

The purpose of SEMA councils is to help our member companies succeed and prosper. In the SPC, our mission is to provide market information, education and support to our members concerning new and emerging trends. Whether it’s the latest business technology, forecasting sales, future marketing solutions or up and coming vehicle platforms, we give you and your company the chance to see what’s on the horizon.

Then we’ll help you understand and acquire the skills, tools and technologies to lead the way. The SPC has the most diverse membership of any SEMA council, and that will allow you to network with other professionals from every facet of our industry and gain insights into areas you may not have previously considered. Find out about the parts, people, technologies, strategies, trends and, most important, possibilities.

This is your chance to give something back to the industry, your profession and to grow personally along the way. Join the SPC today and become an active member of the specialty equipment and automotive market — Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, SPC Chairman

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SPC is!

Be sure to follow SPC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/spc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

Read SPC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SPC, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

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WTC Logo
 
Visit WTC's website

Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Wheel and Tire (WTC) Council?

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their WTC efforts, and for that we say “thank you” to those companies!

The leaders of the WTC gathered earlier this year at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the WTC-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each WTC member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “identify common problems and opportunities relating to the wheel and tire industries that the council, as an interested body of companies, can address for the common good.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Science and Technology Task Force

Tim Dietz (Standards Testing Laboratories Inc.) and can be reached at tdietz@stllabs.com. This group focuses on aftermarket and OEM advances that affect our industry. From creating wheel standards to improved processes for tire-pressure monitoring systems and electronic stability control, the Science and Technology Task Force plays a pivotal role in the industry’s advancement.

Education Task Force
Kelly Austin (Ultra Wheel Company) chairs this group and can be reached at kelly@mail.ultrawheel.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The WTC Task Force is responsible for partnering with the SEMA Educational Institute to create and promote online learning resources.

Communication and Marketing Task Force

Doug Frymer (Law Offices of Douglas A. Frymer) chairs this group and can be reached at legal@starshieldarmor.com. This group focuses on membership outreach, growth and retention. It is imperative that councils effectively communicate services provided by WTC and SEMA to our members. Communication and services ensure that there is proper dialogue between leadership and membership.

SEMA Show Task Force

David Insull (American Tire Distributors) chairs this group and can be reached at dinsull@atd-us.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making WTC’s awards reception an ideal place to get together, honor one another and network with all those who share a common passion.

There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year. You are the expert at what your business needs and this council wants to deliver. Feel free to get in touch with us or come to one of our WTC events. Our hope is that, if you haven’t been a part of WTC yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about WTC and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call or 909/978-6696.

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YEN Logo

Visit YEN's website

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program

Since 2004, SEMA's Young Executives Network has been dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their automotive specialty-equipment career.

“SEMA and YEN are believers in higher education,” said Gregory Parker, chairman of the Young Executives Network. “However, with today's higher costs of getting an education, more and more students have to turn to student loans. The new YEN Loan Forgiveness Scholarship Award will now be able to help a previous or current student who has loans they are trying to pay off while working within our industry. Our inaugural scholarship winner, Jaclyn Kilani, worked hard to put herself through school and is now working for a SEMA-member company. We are just glad we are able to recognize and reward her for her hard work, and we look forward to doing the same for other industry peers as we move into the future.”

Kilani, who recently graduated from California State University with a degree in graphic design, is the marketing director at Dannmar Equipment, a manufacturer of automotive repair products. Of the specialty-equipment industry, Kilani says, “I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. It’s an eclectic marketplace with a very unique audience, and I love the challenge of marketing a company in a non-traditional way. This award came at the perfect time, and it's a tremendous step toward my goal of becoming debt-free. I truly appreciate the privilege.”

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program is dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their specialty-equipment career. SEMA offers a minimum of $1,000 toward outstanding student loans for individuals who are employed by SEMA-member companies. Applications for the next program open in December 2010 at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Join YEN

Did you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the SEMA Young Executives Network for FREE. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

YEN Member of the Month Spotlight


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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about YEN, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

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Mon, 06/13/2011 - 10:26

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Street Performance Council (SPC)
Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Young Executives Network (YEN)


TORA Logo
 
Visit TORA's website.  

TORA-Member Companies Endorse New Products Showcase

Companies who participated in last year’s inaugural TORA New Products Showcase are already lining up for the 2011 edition. Read what some have to say about the event:

“The TORA booth is a great way to showcase our new products. It is also an educational booth, as all products are represented and explained thoroughly to potential customers.”

—Cory Kraft, Undercover

“The TORA New Products Showcase booth was a great addition to the overall Carlisle event. Our new products were well represented inside the booth, which helped us gain some additional product and brand exposure.”

—Joel Mohlenhoff, TruXedo Inc.

“For only the cost of shipping, Hellwig’s products were put in front of a bunch of truck enthusiasts. Not only did we get coverage at the show, but it also extended throughout the year with coverage at the SEMA Show, on the TORA website and in SEMA News. We’re excited to participate again this year.”

—Melanie White, Hellwig Products

Not an TORA member yet? The TORA New Products Showcase is a perfect reason to join! Go to www.sema.org/TORA and you can join TORA and register for the New Products Showcase in just a few easy steps!

TORA New Products Showcase Registration is Open!

Registration for the second annual TORA New Products Showcase is now open at www.sema.org/TORA. The New Products Showcase takes place August 5–7, 2011, at the Carlisle Truck Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The New Products Showcase gives TORA-member companies the opportunity to display their latest products in front of one of the largest gatherings of light-truck enthusiasts in the country. In addition, each product is professionally photographed, and the photos and product descriptions are posted in a gallery on the TORA website where they live for an entire year, until the next year’s products are posted. (Click here to view the 2010 TORA New Products Showcase entries.) The photos are also displayed in a video in the TORA booth at SEMA Show and during the TORA Fall Nationals Awards Reception at the SEMA Show. Exhibitors gain all of this product exposure for only the cost of shipping. There is no fee for participation, as a benefit of TORA membership.

TORA and SEMA VP of Vehicle Technology Provide “Technology Tips”

Emerging vehicle technologies, such as electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring and anti-lock brakes directly impact the livelihood of many companies. For several years, SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak has been leading efforts to help SEMA-member companies integrate with this technology. A recent article in the March issue of SEMA News presented answers from Waraniak on a whole range of technology issues. But, trying to digest all of the information in one sitting can be a daunting task.

To that end, Waraniak has agreed to field specific questions about new vehicle technologies and, more specifically, how TORA companies should address them, and provide replies right here in the TORA SEMA eNews column. Questions may be directed to incoming TORA Chair-elect Melanie White at Hellwig Products at mwhite@hellwigproducts.com. Questions and answers will be published the first week of the month in SEMA eNews, and an archive will be kept on the TORA website.

Technology Tip

Question: What does SEMA Vehicle Dynamics mean for you as an TORA member?

SEMA Vehicle Dynamics encompasses all the performance aspects of the aftermarket. If your product improves vehicle acceleration, deceleration or handling, you need to be able to objectively describe the improvement as well as be aware of the growing regulatory requirements that must be met. With the growing interaction between vehicle systems and active electronic controls of the throttle, brakes, steering and suspension, even aftermarket products for appearance (lowered suspension, low-profile tires, etc.) or convenience (roof racks, etc.) may need to be evaluated for their compatibility with a vehicle’s active safety systems. Most importantly, the SEMA Vehicle Dynamics initiative provides access to industry-standard tools and measurements for marketing performance improvements to an increasingly technically savvy consumer while also documenting due engineering diligence in product development.

What's the Value of Being an TORA Member?

New Products Showcase – Put your product in front of one of the largest gathering of truck enthusiasts in the country at the Carlisle Truck Nationals.

Networking – TORA mixer at the Carlisle All Truck Nationals, Annual Long-Range Planning meeting and access to TORA members and light-truck industry professionals around the world.

Tools and resources for the retailer and installer – "Pickup Bed Dimensions Sheet," "Keyless Entry Wiring Pickup Points Reference Sheet," "Why Paints Don’t Match" DVD and more.

Education – and TORA-specific learning track on the new SEI from SEMA, coming soon!

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.

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ARMO Logo

Visit ARMO's website.

New Products Showcase Draws Record Participants

The 2011 ARMO New Products Showcase had 64 products from 26 ARMO-member companies on display in “the big white tent,” located center stage during Spring Carlisle, April 28–30. In addition to having product on display in front of the largest gathering of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the country, participation also includes a professional photograph of the product, which is then displayed in a photo gallery on the ARMO website, in a looping video played in the ARMO booth at the 2011 SEMA Show, and during the ARMO awards reception, also at the SEMA Show. All of this product exposure is free to ARMO-member companies. The only cost incurred is shipping of the product. Look for the gallery of products very soon on the ARMO 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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.

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HRIA Logo
 
Visit HRIA's website

Join the SEMA Council Family

SEMA hosts 10 distinct councils and committees that serve to 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—the association—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 door 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 door is open, it is your responsibility to take advantage of the benefits by becoming actively involved.

Learn more today
.

Councils in Action

education day

There were many reasons to celebrate March 17. Saint Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament to name a few, but just as important was the Hot Rod Industry Alliance's (HRIA) annual Education and Training Day that took place during the Hotrod and Restoration Show in Indianapolis.

Picture the scene: 40 companies, five classrooms, 500 or more attendees and one goal—education. Education Day is offered at no charge to attendees and made possible through the efforts of HRIA and participating manufacturers. The event runs from 8:00 a.m. and concludes after 6:30 p.m. With five sessions running every hour, this truly unique experience allows attendees to select the seminars that are of most interest and relevant to their business. Each session lasts an hour and covers subjects, such as air conditioning, suspension, brakes, rapid prototyping, instrumentation, performance, insurance and steering.

In addition to the premier education and training that take place, there exists a real community for individuals to share ideas and network with one another. The interaction between manufacturer and attendee and between peers serves to heighten the experience and develop a genuine camaraderie that embodies what SEMA is all about.

Learn more here.

Have You Registered a Patent or Trademark? Your Competition Has.

Protecting the intellectual property rights (IPR) of its members is a top SEMA priority. The process begins when companies register their patents, trademarks and copyrights with government agencies in the United States (and other countries). Registration is a key to establishing legal rights.

To assist its members, SEMA has created a webpage called Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights, explaining the different types of IP, including protecting new products (utility patents) and product designs (design patent), identifying the source of the product (trademarks) and protecting product brochures or website designs (copyright). It also contains information on how to register IP along with links to seminars, webinars and SEMA News articles.

With respect to enforcing IP rights at the SEMA Show, the association has developed an effective policy for pursuing infringement allegations. SEMA’s IP enforcement policy is posted on the IPR webpage and is also published as part of the Exhibitor Services Manual. Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein (stuartg@sema.org).

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? HRIA is!

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about HRIA and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

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MPMC Logo
 
Visit MPMC's website.  

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.



For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.

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MRC Logo
 
Visit MRC's website.  

A Message From MRC Chair Wade Cobb

The MRC council has been chipping away at what our Long-Range Planning session of 2010 indentified as a need—benefits for our membership! MRC recently put a program together with TeleNotes, offering our members a business tool to elevate their company’s ability to capture data and reporting. We are also continuing to work on travel programs, possibly offering an “MRC” rate at our industry events, such as PWA and the SEMA Show, with select lodging. We also recognized the need to reach out to our general members and non-members to determine what it is they need from MRC.

In February, we conducted an online survey to 3,500 rep agencies associated with SEMA to find out more about reps and how MRC can maximize its efforts as a council to provide you with benefits. Thanks to all who took the time to respond; it’s the only way we can build a better MRC. Just as any council or association, it’s imperative to get the feedback from its members on what works or needs to be fixed. As we move on reviewing the data MRC has been able to obtain through the survey and the information from our LRP, the council will continue to put action plans in place to address the concerns.

In our most recent tele-conference, MRC has established the date and time for the MRC event to be held at the 2011 SEMA Show on Sunday, October 30, from 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. The MRC Rep Conference task force headed by our own Thomas Jordan is in the midst of debating the topic and format to ensure we have the best possible event for you.

Looking to continue the efforts put forth by our members, MRC attended the MPMC Media Trade Conference held in Los Angeles this past January with the purpose of representing MRC to the manufacturers present. MRC Chair-Elect Chris Fairless and I had a MRC room all three days of the event, conducting meetings with members interested in utilizing reps and showing them the value of using rep agencies. We provided each exhibiting company with a MRC brochure and offered the MRC DVD for additional information. Both Chris and I were very pleased with the event, realizing this was a first for MRC and a great opportunity given to MRC by MPMC to explore the venue and take away ideas to build even better programs for coming events. We truly wish to thank Kyle Fickler and Vic Wood of MPMC for working with us during the MPMC Media Trade Conference.

We look forward to working with other industry segments to continue educating our fellow industry members on the benefits of utilizing a rep agency as their sales force. Your thoughts and comments are welcome any time. We need to hear your voice, so please speak out!

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MRC is!

Be sure to follow MRC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mrc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MRC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about MRC, contact Zane Clark.

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PRO Logo
 
Visit PRO's website.  
Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Council?

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their PRO efforts, and for that we say, “thank you,” to those companies!

The leaders of the PRO gathered earlier this year in Lima, Ohio, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the PRO-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies, and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each PRO member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “address the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to develop effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Education Task Force
Brian Champa (Check Corporation) and Bill North (Webasto Product North America) co-chair this task force and can be reached at bchampa@checkcorp.com or bill.north@webasto-us.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) recently launched, and the group is tasked with expanding the number of events each year to ensure that training and education become primary drivers for our industry.

NovemberFest Task Force
Mike Stanifer (Innovative Creations Inc.) chairs this group and can be reached at mike@icionline.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making PRO’s awards reception the place to be and offering a fun forum to bring passionate members with common interests together.

Membership Task Force
Joey Johnston (Tops & Trends) chairs this group and can be reached at joey@topsandtrends.com. The success of any council or initiative is dependent upon its members. This task force focuses on growth, promotion and retention. It is important that we mentor new members on council activities, events, meetings and benefits.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? PRO Is!

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

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SBN Logo
 
Visit SBN's website.
 

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network Debuts Speed Networking Event Video

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has released its 2010 Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN event video. If you attended this sold-out event—or even if you missed it—you must check out the video so you can plan ahead to attend this year’s event.

While the SBN Speed Networking Breakfast is not exclusively for women, it clearly focuses on recognizing women who significantly contribute to the aftermarket and performance industries.

With special thanks to James and Melissa Lawrence of PowerTV, who covered this event, we are able to share the highlights with our members. Captured on video are glimpses of the event, which includes an exclusive interview with SBN's 2010 Woman of the Year Award recipient Kellie Colf of Aftermarketer Club Inc., and Zan Martin of Martin & Company Advertising. Both discuss the significance of each award.

Also accepting an SBN Award was Wade Kawasaki of Exports International, who was awarded the 2010 Athena Award for his support of women in the automotive aftermarket industry. And presenting the Mentor of the Year Award to a deserving John Menzler of Comp Performance Group was Joe St. Lawrence of RTM Productions Inc.—Titanium Sponsor of the event.

SBN’s annual breakfast event held during SEMA Show week is a great opportunity to network, learn and forge new relationships with others who share the same goals and interests of growing the automotive aftermarket industry and promoting the success of all.

Check out the following links to view video and photos from the 2010 SBN Annual Speed Networking Breakfast:

• www.sema.org/sbn
• www.sema.org/sbn/gallery/2010-breakfast
• www.facebook.com/semasbn

You Ought to Be in Pictures!

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network committee is a great resource of minds. All ladies in the specialty-equipment industry can join the SBN, so pass the word around to your colleagues and friends! We are encouraging all new and existing SBN members to log-in to the MySEMA portal to update their profile with a photo so we get to know each other's faces before the SEMA Show.

And don’t forget to turn your notifications settings “ON” so you can stay in “the loop.” Want to know more about the SBN? Interested in becoming a member?

Want to get involved in the industry but don't know how? We have an app for that! Go to www.SEMA.org, click on the Leadership tab, click on Council/Committee, click on SBN and join! Don't delay—get involved and join now. You are just a few clicks away! We look forward to "seeing" everyone!

Don’t Be Out of the Loop—Stay in Touch

The very best way to stay in touch and to read the latest news, discussions and topics posted from SEMA and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is to make sure that your notification settings are turned on in your MySEMA account. Next to your photo on your MySEMA page, at the top right, is a link to the "Edit My Settings" page.

On the “settings” page, look for the “notifications” tab, where it will ask how you would like to receive your news. Check whichever method is most convenient, but either way, make sure you're in the loop by turning “on” your notifications. Visit http://my.sema.org to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career. In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

Visit the SEMA Mentoring Program now.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SBN, contact Staci Bostock.

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SPC Logo
 
Visit SPC's website.  
Find the Business Possibilities Through the SPC

Participate in the automotive aftermarket at a whole new level by joining the SPC.

The purpose of SEMA councils is to help our member companies succeed and prosper. In the SPC, our mission is to provide market information, education and support to our members concerning new and emerging trends. Whether it’s the latest business technology, forecasting sales, future marketing solutions or up and coming vehicle platforms, we give you and your company the chance to see what’s on the horizon.

Then we’ll help you understand and acquire the skills, tools and technologies to lead the way. The SPC has the most diverse membership of any SEMA council, and that will allow you to network with other professionals from every facet of our industry and gain insights into areas you may not have previously considered. Find out about the parts, people, technologies, strategies, trends and, most important, possibilities.

This is your chance to give something back to the industry, your profession and to grow personally along the way. Join the SPC today and become an active member of the specialty equipment and automotive market — Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, SPC Chairman

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SPC is!

Be sure to follow SPC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/spc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

Read SPC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SPC, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

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WTC Logo
 
Visit WTC's website

Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Wheel and Tire (WTC) Council?

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their WTC efforts, and for that we say “thank you” to those companies!

The leaders of the WTC gathered earlier this year at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the WTC-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each WTC member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “identify common problems and opportunities relating to the wheel and tire industries that the council, as an interested body of companies, can address for the common good.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Science and Technology Task Force

Tim Dietz (Standards Testing Laboratories Inc.) and can be reached at tdietz@stllabs.com. This group focuses on aftermarket and OEM advances that affect our industry. From creating wheel standards to improved processes for tire-pressure monitoring systems and electronic stability control, the Science and Technology Task Force plays a pivotal role in the industry’s advancement.

Education Task Force
Kelly Austin (Ultra Wheel Company) chairs this group and can be reached at kelly@mail.ultrawheel.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The WTC Task Force is responsible for partnering with the SEMA Educational Institute to create and promote online learning resources.

Communication and Marketing Task Force

Doug Frymer (Law Offices of Douglas A. Frymer) chairs this group and can be reached at legal@starshieldarmor.com. This group focuses on membership outreach, growth and retention. It is imperative that councils effectively communicate services provided by WTC and SEMA to our members. Communication and services ensure that there is proper dialogue between leadership and membership.

SEMA Show Task Force

David Insull (American Tire Distributors) chairs this group and can be reached at dinsull@atd-us.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making WTC’s awards reception an ideal place to get together, honor one another and network with all those who share a common passion.

There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year. You are the expert at what your business needs and this council wants to deliver. Feel free to get in touch with us or come to one of our WTC events. Our hope is that, if you haven’t been a part of WTC yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about WTC and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call or 909/978-6696.

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YEN Logo

Visit YEN's website

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program

Since 2004, SEMA's Young Executives Network has been dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their automotive specialty-equipment career.

“SEMA and YEN are believers in higher education,” said Gregory Parker, chairman of the Young Executives Network. “However, with today's higher costs of getting an education, more and more students have to turn to student loans. The new YEN Loan Forgiveness Scholarship Award will now be able to help a previous or current student who has loans they are trying to pay off while working within our industry. Our inaugural scholarship winner, Jaclyn Kilani, worked hard to put herself through school and is now working for a SEMA-member company. We are just glad we are able to recognize and reward her for her hard work, and we look forward to doing the same for other industry peers as we move into the future.”

Kilani, who recently graduated from California State University with a degree in graphic design, is the marketing director at Dannmar Equipment, a manufacturer of automotive repair products. Of the specialty-equipment industry, Kilani says, “I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. It’s an eclectic marketplace with a very unique audience, and I love the challenge of marketing a company in a non-traditional way. This award came at the perfect time, and it's a tremendous step toward my goal of becoming debt-free. I truly appreciate the privilege.”

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program is dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their specialty-equipment career. SEMA offers a minimum of $1,000 toward outstanding student loans for individuals who are employed by SEMA-member companies. Applications for the next program open in December 2010 at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Join YEN

Did you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the SEMA Young Executives Network for FREE. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

YEN Member of the Month Spotlight


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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about YEN, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

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Mon, 06/13/2011 - 10:26

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Street Performance Council (SPC)
Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Young Executives Network (YEN)


TORA Logo
 
Visit TORA's website.  

TORA-Member Companies Endorse New Products Showcase

Companies who participated in last year’s inaugural TORA New Products Showcase are already lining up for the 2011 edition. Read what some have to say about the event:

“The TORA booth is a great way to showcase our new products. It is also an educational booth, as all products are represented and explained thoroughly to potential customers.”

—Cory Kraft, Undercover

“The TORA New Products Showcase booth was a great addition to the overall Carlisle event. Our new products were well represented inside the booth, which helped us gain some additional product and brand exposure.”

—Joel Mohlenhoff, TruXedo Inc.

“For only the cost of shipping, Hellwig’s products were put in front of a bunch of truck enthusiasts. Not only did we get coverage at the show, but it also extended throughout the year with coverage at the SEMA Show, on the TORA website and in SEMA News. We’re excited to participate again this year.”

—Melanie White, Hellwig Products

Not an TORA member yet? The TORA New Products Showcase is a perfect reason to join! Go to www.sema.org/TORA and you can join TORA and register for the New Products Showcase in just a few easy steps!

TORA New Products Showcase Registration is Open!

Registration for the second annual TORA New Products Showcase is now open at www.sema.org/TORA. The New Products Showcase takes place August 5–7, 2011, at the Carlisle Truck Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The New Products Showcase gives TORA-member companies the opportunity to display their latest products in front of one of the largest gatherings of light-truck enthusiasts in the country. In addition, each product is professionally photographed, and the photos and product descriptions are posted in a gallery on the TORA website where they live for an entire year, until the next year’s products are posted. (Click here to view the 2010 TORA New Products Showcase entries.) The photos are also displayed in a video in the TORA booth at SEMA Show and during the TORA Fall Nationals Awards Reception at the SEMA Show. Exhibitors gain all of this product exposure for only the cost of shipping. There is no fee for participation, as a benefit of TORA membership.

TORA and SEMA VP of Vehicle Technology Provide “Technology Tips”

Emerging vehicle technologies, such as electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring and anti-lock brakes directly impact the livelihood of many companies. For several years, SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak has been leading efforts to help SEMA-member companies integrate with this technology. A recent article in the March issue of SEMA News presented answers from Waraniak on a whole range of technology issues. But, trying to digest all of the information in one sitting can be a daunting task.

To that end, Waraniak has agreed to field specific questions about new vehicle technologies and, more specifically, how TORA companies should address them, and provide replies right here in the TORA SEMA eNews column. Questions may be directed to incoming TORA Chair-elect Melanie White at Hellwig Products at mwhite@hellwigproducts.com. Questions and answers will be published the first week of the month in SEMA eNews, and an archive will be kept on the TORA website.

Technology Tip

Question: What does SEMA Vehicle Dynamics mean for you as an TORA member?

SEMA Vehicle Dynamics encompasses all the performance aspects of the aftermarket. If your product improves vehicle acceleration, deceleration or handling, you need to be able to objectively describe the improvement as well as be aware of the growing regulatory requirements that must be met. With the growing interaction between vehicle systems and active electronic controls of the throttle, brakes, steering and suspension, even aftermarket products for appearance (lowered suspension, low-profile tires, etc.) or convenience (roof racks, etc.) may need to be evaluated for their compatibility with a vehicle’s active safety systems. Most importantly, the SEMA Vehicle Dynamics initiative provides access to industry-standard tools and measurements for marketing performance improvements to an increasingly technically savvy consumer while also documenting due engineering diligence in product development.

What's the Value of Being an TORA Member?

New Products Showcase – Put your product in front of one of the largest gathering of truck enthusiasts in the country at the Carlisle Truck Nationals.

Networking – TORA mixer at the Carlisle All Truck Nationals, Annual Long-Range Planning meeting and access to TORA members and light-truck industry professionals around the world.

Tools and resources for the retailer and installer – "Pickup Bed Dimensions Sheet," "Keyless Entry Wiring Pickup Points Reference Sheet," "Why Paints Don’t Match" DVD and more.

Education – and TORA-specific learning track on the new SEI from SEMA, coming soon!

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.

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ARMO Logo

Visit ARMO's website.

New Products Showcase Draws Record Participants

The 2011 ARMO New Products Showcase had 64 products from 26 ARMO-member companies on display in “the big white tent,” located center stage during Spring Carlisle, April 28–30. In addition to having product on display in front of the largest gathering of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the country, participation also includes a professional photograph of the product, which is then displayed in a photo gallery on the ARMO website, in a looping video played in the ARMO booth at the 2011 SEMA Show, and during the ARMO awards reception, also at the SEMA Show. All of this product exposure is free to ARMO-member companies. The only cost incurred is shipping of the product. Look for the gallery of products very soon on the ARMO 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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.

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HRIA Logo
 
Visit HRIA's website

Join the SEMA Council Family

SEMA hosts 10 distinct councils and committees that serve to 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—the association—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 door 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 door is open, it is your responsibility to take advantage of the benefits by becoming actively involved.

Learn more today
.

Councils in Action

education day

There were many reasons to celebrate March 17. Saint Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament to name a few, but just as important was the Hot Rod Industry Alliance's (HRIA) annual Education and Training Day that took place during the Hotrod and Restoration Show in Indianapolis.

Picture the scene: 40 companies, five classrooms, 500 or more attendees and one goal—education. Education Day is offered at no charge to attendees and made possible through the efforts of HRIA and participating manufacturers. The event runs from 8:00 a.m. and concludes after 6:30 p.m. With five sessions running every hour, this truly unique experience allows attendees to select the seminars that are of most interest and relevant to their business. Each session lasts an hour and covers subjects, such as air conditioning, suspension, brakes, rapid prototyping, instrumentation, performance, insurance and steering.

In addition to the premier education and training that take place, there exists a real community for individuals to share ideas and network with one another. The interaction between manufacturer and attendee and between peers serves to heighten the experience and develop a genuine camaraderie that embodies what SEMA is all about.

Learn more here.

Have You Registered a Patent or Trademark? Your Competition Has.

Protecting the intellectual property rights (IPR) of its members is a top SEMA priority. The process begins when companies register their patents, trademarks and copyrights with government agencies in the United States (and other countries). Registration is a key to establishing legal rights.

To assist its members, SEMA has created a webpage called Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights, explaining the different types of IP, including protecting new products (utility patents) and product designs (design patent), identifying the source of the product (trademarks) and protecting product brochures or website designs (copyright). It also contains information on how to register IP along with links to seminars, webinars and SEMA News articles.

With respect to enforcing IP rights at the SEMA Show, the association has developed an effective policy for pursuing infringement allegations. SEMA’s IP enforcement policy is posted on the IPR webpage and is also published as part of the Exhibitor Services Manual. Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein (stuartg@sema.org).

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? HRIA is!

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about HRIA and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

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MPMC Logo
 
Visit MPMC's website.  

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.



For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.

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MRC Logo
 
Visit MRC's website.  

A Message From MRC Chair Wade Cobb

The MRC council has been chipping away at what our Long-Range Planning session of 2010 indentified as a need—benefits for our membership! MRC recently put a program together with TeleNotes, offering our members a business tool to elevate their company’s ability to capture data and reporting. We are also continuing to work on travel programs, possibly offering an “MRC” rate at our industry events, such as PWA and the SEMA Show, with select lodging. We also recognized the need to reach out to our general members and non-members to determine what it is they need from MRC.

In February, we conducted an online survey to 3,500 rep agencies associated with SEMA to find out more about reps and how MRC can maximize its efforts as a council to provide you with benefits. Thanks to all who took the time to respond; it’s the only way we can build a better MRC. Just as any council or association, it’s imperative to get the feedback from its members on what works or needs to be fixed. As we move on reviewing the data MRC has been able to obtain through the survey and the information from our LRP, the council will continue to put action plans in place to address the concerns.

In our most recent tele-conference, MRC has established the date and time for the MRC event to be held at the 2011 SEMA Show on Sunday, October 30, from 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. The MRC Rep Conference task force headed by our own Thomas Jordan is in the midst of debating the topic and format to ensure we have the best possible event for you.

Looking to continue the efforts put forth by our members, MRC attended the MPMC Media Trade Conference held in Los Angeles this past January with the purpose of representing MRC to the manufacturers present. MRC Chair-Elect Chris Fairless and I had a MRC room all three days of the event, conducting meetings with members interested in utilizing reps and showing them the value of using rep agencies. We provided each exhibiting company with a MRC brochure and offered the MRC DVD for additional information. Both Chris and I were very pleased with the event, realizing this was a first for MRC and a great opportunity given to MRC by MPMC to explore the venue and take away ideas to build even better programs for coming events. We truly wish to thank Kyle Fickler and Vic Wood of MPMC for working with us during the MPMC Media Trade Conference.

We look forward to working with other industry segments to continue educating our fellow industry members on the benefits of utilizing a rep agency as their sales force. Your thoughts and comments are welcome any time. We need to hear your voice, so please speak out!

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MRC is!

Be sure to follow MRC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mrc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MRC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about MRC, contact Zane Clark.

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PRO Logo
 
Visit PRO's website.  
Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Council?

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their PRO efforts, and for that we say, “thank you,” to those companies!

The leaders of the PRO gathered earlier this year in Lima, Ohio, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the PRO-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies, and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each PRO member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “address the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to develop effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Education Task Force
Brian Champa (Check Corporation) and Bill North (Webasto Product North America) co-chair this task force and can be reached at bchampa@checkcorp.com or bill.north@webasto-us.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) recently launched, and the group is tasked with expanding the number of events each year to ensure that training and education become primary drivers for our industry.

NovemberFest Task Force
Mike Stanifer (Innovative Creations Inc.) chairs this group and can be reached at mike@icionline.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making PRO’s awards reception the place to be and offering a fun forum to bring passionate members with common interests together.

Membership Task Force
Joey Johnston (Tops & Trends) chairs this group and can be reached at joey@topsandtrends.com. The success of any council or initiative is dependent upon its members. This task force focuses on growth, promotion and retention. It is important that we mentor new members on council activities, events, meetings and benefits.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? PRO Is!

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

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SBN Logo
 
Visit SBN's website.
 

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network Debuts Speed Networking Event Video

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has released its 2010 Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN event video. If you attended this sold-out event—or even if you missed it—you must check out the video so you can plan ahead to attend this year’s event.

While the SBN Speed Networking Breakfast is not exclusively for women, it clearly focuses on recognizing women who significantly contribute to the aftermarket and performance industries.

With special thanks to James and Melissa Lawrence of PowerTV, who covered this event, we are able to share the highlights with our members. Captured on video are glimpses of the event, which includes an exclusive interview with SBN's 2010 Woman of the Year Award recipient Kellie Colf of Aftermarketer Club Inc., and Zan Martin of Martin & Company Advertising. Both discuss the significance of each award.

Also accepting an SBN Award was Wade Kawasaki of Exports International, who was awarded the 2010 Athena Award for his support of women in the automotive aftermarket industry. And presenting the Mentor of the Year Award to a deserving John Menzler of Comp Performance Group was Joe St. Lawrence of RTM Productions Inc.—Titanium Sponsor of the event.

SBN’s annual breakfast event held during SEMA Show week is a great opportunity to network, learn and forge new relationships with others who share the same goals and interests of growing the automotive aftermarket industry and promoting the success of all.

Check out the following links to view video and photos from the 2010 SBN Annual Speed Networking Breakfast:

• www.sema.org/sbn
• www.sema.org/sbn/gallery/2010-breakfast
• www.facebook.com/semasbn

You Ought to Be in Pictures!

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network committee is a great resource of minds. All ladies in the specialty-equipment industry can join the SBN, so pass the word around to your colleagues and friends! We are encouraging all new and existing SBN members to log-in to the MySEMA portal to update their profile with a photo so we get to know each other's faces before the SEMA Show.

And don’t forget to turn your notifications settings “ON” so you can stay in “the loop.” Want to know more about the SBN? Interested in becoming a member?

Want to get involved in the industry but don't know how? We have an app for that! Go to www.SEMA.org, click on the Leadership tab, click on Council/Committee, click on SBN and join! Don't delay—get involved and join now. You are just a few clicks away! We look forward to "seeing" everyone!

Don’t Be Out of the Loop—Stay in Touch

The very best way to stay in touch and to read the latest news, discussions and topics posted from SEMA and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is to make sure that your notification settings are turned on in your MySEMA account. Next to your photo on your MySEMA page, at the top right, is a link to the "Edit My Settings" page.

On the “settings” page, look for the “notifications” tab, where it will ask how you would like to receive your news. Check whichever method is most convenient, but either way, make sure you're in the loop by turning “on” your notifications. Visit http://my.sema.org to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career. In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

Visit the SEMA Mentoring Program now.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SBN, contact Staci Bostock.

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SPC Logo
 
Visit SPC's website.  
Find the Business Possibilities Through the SPC

Participate in the automotive aftermarket at a whole new level by joining the SPC.

The purpose of SEMA councils is to help our member companies succeed and prosper. In the SPC, our mission is to provide market information, education and support to our members concerning new and emerging trends. Whether it’s the latest business technology, forecasting sales, future marketing solutions or up and coming vehicle platforms, we give you and your company the chance to see what’s on the horizon.

Then we’ll help you understand and acquire the skills, tools and technologies to lead the way. The SPC has the most diverse membership of any SEMA council, and that will allow you to network with other professionals from every facet of our industry and gain insights into areas you may not have previously considered. Find out about the parts, people, technologies, strategies, trends and, most important, possibilities.

This is your chance to give something back to the industry, your profession and to grow personally along the way. Join the SPC today and become an active member of the specialty equipment and automotive market — Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, SPC Chairman

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SPC is!

Be sure to follow SPC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/spc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

Read SPC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SPC, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

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WTC Logo
 
Visit WTC's website

Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Wheel and Tire (WTC) Council?

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their WTC efforts, and for that we say “thank you” to those companies!

The leaders of the WTC gathered earlier this year at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the WTC-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each WTC member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “identify common problems and opportunities relating to the wheel and tire industries that the council, as an interested body of companies, can address for the common good.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Science and Technology Task Force

Tim Dietz (Standards Testing Laboratories Inc.) and can be reached at tdietz@stllabs.com. This group focuses on aftermarket and OEM advances that affect our industry. From creating wheel standards to improved processes for tire-pressure monitoring systems and electronic stability control, the Science and Technology Task Force plays a pivotal role in the industry’s advancement.

Education Task Force
Kelly Austin (Ultra Wheel Company) chairs this group and can be reached at kelly@mail.ultrawheel.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The WTC Task Force is responsible for partnering with the SEMA Educational Institute to create and promote online learning resources.

Communication and Marketing Task Force

Doug Frymer (Law Offices of Douglas A. Frymer) chairs this group and can be reached at legal@starshieldarmor.com. This group focuses on membership outreach, growth and retention. It is imperative that councils effectively communicate services provided by WTC and SEMA to our members. Communication and services ensure that there is proper dialogue between leadership and membership.

SEMA Show Task Force

David Insull (American Tire Distributors) chairs this group and can be reached at dinsull@atd-us.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making WTC’s awards reception an ideal place to get together, honor one another and network with all those who share a common passion.

There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year. You are the expert at what your business needs and this council wants to deliver. Feel free to get in touch with us or come to one of our WTC events. Our hope is that, if you haven’t been a part of WTC yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about WTC and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call or 909/978-6696.

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YEN Logo

Visit YEN's website

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program

Since 2004, SEMA's Young Executives Network has been dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their automotive specialty-equipment career.

“SEMA and YEN are believers in higher education,” said Gregory Parker, chairman of the Young Executives Network. “However, with today's higher costs of getting an education, more and more students have to turn to student loans. The new YEN Loan Forgiveness Scholarship Award will now be able to help a previous or current student who has loans they are trying to pay off while working within our industry. Our inaugural scholarship winner, Jaclyn Kilani, worked hard to put herself through school and is now working for a SEMA-member company. We are just glad we are able to recognize and reward her for her hard work, and we look forward to doing the same for other industry peers as we move into the future.”

Kilani, who recently graduated from California State University with a degree in graphic design, is the marketing director at Dannmar Equipment, a manufacturer of automotive repair products. Of the specialty-equipment industry, Kilani says, “I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. It’s an eclectic marketplace with a very unique audience, and I love the challenge of marketing a company in a non-traditional way. This award came at the perfect time, and it's a tremendous step toward my goal of becoming debt-free. I truly appreciate the privilege.”

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program is dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their specialty-equipment career. SEMA offers a minimum of $1,000 toward outstanding student loans for individuals who are employed by SEMA-member companies. Applications for the next program open in December 2010 at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Join YEN

Did you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the SEMA Young Executives Network for FREE. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

YEN Member of the Month Spotlight


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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about YEN, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

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