Thu, 05/13/2010 - 11:56

 

PRO Logo
 
Visit PRO's website.  

PRO Is on a Roll…

Following the wildly successful NovemberFest Reception at the 2009 SEMA Show, PRO has come through again with the launch of the Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) that took place on April 30 on the University of Northwestern Ohio campus in Lima, Ohio.

These events are the direct result of a dedicated and committed council that continually pushes the envelope in order to better serve its members.

SEMA would like to recognize the PRO TSTC Task Force and manufacturer/presenters for their effort and vision.

Task Force: David Stringer, B.J. Leanse, Karl Stearns, Eldon Bracken, Bill North, Jerry Redding, Jerry Schnetzer, Jim Skelly, Ray Ott, Joey Johnston, Jason Braun and Doug Perez.

Manufacturers: Audiovox, Donmar, Eagle Enterprises, Katzkin, Restylers Choice, Superchips, Webasto, ProPledge, Curt Manufacturing, Check Corporation and Artlux Inc.

Here’s what people are saying:

“TSTC far exceeded our expectations, and we are looking forward to more opportunities to help educate and train our industry.” — Lane Carter, Restylers Choice

“We would like to thank the SEMA PRO council for giving the University the privilege of hosting their inaugural TSTC conference on our campus. The university believes that to serve our industry, we must be one with our industry and hosting conferences or training on our site is part of being connected for our faculty and also for our students who are forming their views and expectations of our industry and who else to better those visions and expectations than SEMA and its councils.” — Tom Grothous, UNOH Dean, College of Technolgies


“TSTC offered a great venue to provide hands-on training to a group of aftermarket accessory technicians as well as an opportunity to introduce our industry to automotive vocational college students who might consider accessories as a career path. DONMAR looks forward to the next event.” — Marc Levinson, DONMAR Sunroofs and Accessories

“I found the TSTC event to be both educational and inspiring. I operate a “cut n’ sew” automotive trim/upholstery shop but am always looking for related ways to diversify my business. I personally got the opportunity to install my first sunroof—complete from start to finish—while at the event. This is something that I probably never would have just tried on my own. Now we are looking to add this service within our business offerings. As always, it’s also great to rub elbows with some of the most influential individuals in the industry. Just having the opportunity to chat with other successful business owners, installers and manufacturers keeps me fueled to try new and innovative things. These are just a few of the reasons why this is a must attend event for all restylers in the future.”
— Adam D. Howard, No Joke Upholstery

PRO Chair Karl Stearns added, “I am extremely proud of the work that was done by the task force and express my appreciation to Tom Grothous for his enthusiasm and support, the manufacturers for their vision and the restylers for their commitment.”

  TSTC

The Inaugural PRO Technical Skills & Training Conference a Home Run

After nearly a year of planning, the Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) took place this past week on the University of Northwestern Ohio Campus in Lima, Ohio. The one-day event provided a great forum for installers and students to learn from industry-leading manufacturers.

Participants received valuable insights into installation safety and techniques and were allowed to experience first-hand how products are installed. With nearly 100 attendees and the university's top-of-the-line facility, PRO is excited about the future of TSTC and looks forward to building generations of restylers who will help the industry to grow and thrive.

Keep your eye out for more details…

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.



ARMO Logo
 
Visit ARMO's website.  
ARMO Select Committee Elects Alex Tainsh as Chair-Elect

Alex Tainsh is a founding member of ARMO and has been an active member for 12 years. His accomplishments begin with a combined 16-year stint at P.U.I and Soffseal, and he is currently the sales and marketing manager for TrimParts.

Throughout his many years with ARMO, he has worked passionately to promote the "Take a Kid to a Car Show" program and, most notably, headed up the Colton Camaro project. When asked about future projects, Tainsh reiterated the importance of young enthusiasts and the preservation of the restoration market.

As Tainsh begins his two-year term as chair-elect, Laura Bergan will assume chairwoman duties July 1.

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.



HRIA Logo
 
Visit HRIA's website  

2010 HRIA Education Day a Huge Success

Working in conjunction with the 12th Annual Hotrod & Restoration trade show in Indianapolis, HRIA-member companies are provided a platform to educate and train dealers on the specifics of their products and key selling points. Dealers are better at selling products they're more knowledgeable and comfortable with, resulting in higher sales and less returns.

This year’s Education Day boasted 40 seminars which were attended in record numbers. With more than 4,000 pre-registered for the event, it quickly sold out, creating a buzz within the industry. HRIA Education Day did not fail to deliver. The manufacturers represented a broad spectrum of industry experts and covered diverse and tangible subject matter. Manufacturers included GM, Meguiar’s, Flaming River Industries, Steele Rubber Products, Vintage Air Inc. and Classic Instruments. The all-day event included a hosted breakfast and attendees received a certificate of completion for each seminar they participated in.

As a SEMA council, HRIA is committed to the betterment of its members and promoting the industry as a whole. Events such as Education Day are made possible because passionate individuals volunteer their time and resources. An active and strong membership is critical in assuring that important initiatives such as education, youth awareness, and legislative issues are addressed and directed accordingly.

For more questions on Education Day or to get involved with HRIA, please contact Zane Clark at zanec@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, contact Zane Clark.



TORA Logo
 
Visit TORA's website.
 

Action Group Celebrates 30th Anniversary

The Action Group of Companies (Action Truck Caps & Accessories and Action Van & Truck World Ltd.) is celebrating its 30-year anniversary with the opening of their 30th location. The new 15,000-sq.-ft. facility is in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Construction will also begin this summer on a new 10,000 sq.-ft., state-of-the-art retail facility for Action’s Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, location and a new warehouse facility in Moncton.

  Action Manitoba
  The Action Group of Companies is celebrating its 30-year anniversary with the opening of their 30th location.

“It feels like it’s been a short 30 years,” said Action’s president, John Chamberlaine. “I am very proud of what we have been able to accomplish during this period, and I’m looking forward to the next 30 years!”

To keep pace with the company’s continued growth, Action recently added Craig Crossman as chief operating officer to their dynamic team. Crossman has held a number of senior management roles with regional and international organizations and brings with him a wealth of growth-focused experience.

“I am excited to be joining a dynamic company in an exciting industry with tremendous growth potential. John and his team have built a great company based on a customer-focused culture and solid values.”

For more information on the Action Group of Companies, visit them online at www.actiontrucks.com or www.vanandtruckworld.com.

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.



MPMC Logo
 
Visit MPMC's website.  
  Vic Wood
  The MPMC Select Committee voted Vic Wood of Hedman Performance Group as its new Chair-Elect of the council.

MPMC Select Committee Chooses Vic Wood as New Chair-Elect

The MPMC Select Committee voted Vic Wood of Hedman Performance Group the newest chair-elect of the council. Vic has spent the majority of his career in or around the specialty-parts industry, including appointments to the board of directors of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association and the Australian National Drag Racing Association.

He started drag racing at 16, and drove all types of vehicles through 2004, when he clocked 234 mph in a modified roadster at Bonneville.

When not working, Vic is busy with his '64 Chevrolet pickup, and crew chiefs a nostalgia funny car that competes in the NHRA Heritage Series.

“It is a great honor to be elected Chair Elect of MPMC,” said Wood. “SEMA has been a part of my life in some form or another for nearly 30 years. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve the members of this historic SEMA Council, and I look forward to supporting our current Chairman over the next two years as we address challenges of our market sector.”

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.



MRC Logo
 
Visit MRC's website.  

MRC Long-Range Planning Meeting

MRC will host its annual Long-Range Planning meeting at the Arizona Grand Resort on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, from 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Dinner will be served. All Reps are welcome and encouraged to participate in this open and interactive forum.

Participate in the meeting: Be part of the present—be part of the future—address issues faced daily by Reps in all segments of the automotive industry.

For meeting coordinators to be able to accommodate food and beverage, attendees are asked to take a moment and download the RSVP form, call 909/978-6693 or e-mail stacib@sema.org by September 15, 2010.

MRC Volunteer Opportunities

Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the MRC?

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by the 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 the challenges that member companies face and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their MRC efforts and for that we say “thank you” to those companies!

The leaders of the MRC gathered at the 2009 PWA Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, for its annual long-range planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the MRC-member companies. The last 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 MRC member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to provide market information, education and support to members concerning new and emerging trends. A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council for 2010. If you are passionate and have interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a Task Force with a limited investment of time, but 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.

Awards Task Force
Irv Cohen (SS Sales & Marketing) chairs this task force and can be reached at irvco@msn.com or you can contact the SEMA MRC Liaison, Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org. The Awards Task Force was formed to review the criteria for the MRC Hall of Fame and STAR Award (Sales Team Annual Recognition). The MRC Hall of Fame Award was designed to honor outstanding persons in the segment of the automotive industry known as manufacturers’ representatives. It is the most prestigious award presented by the council to dedicated individuals who enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to the manufacturers’ rep profession or the council’s growth. The MRC STAR Award will be presented to the most outstanding manufacturer’s sales team voted upon by the general membership of MRC.

Elections & Scholarship Task Force
The council chair-elect chairs this task force. The Elections Task Force reviews and approves the council nominations submitted, conduct interviews with perspective candidates and creates the final slate of candidates. The Scholarship Task Force creates the criteria and selects the recipient for the MRC sponsored SEMA scholarship.

Membership Task Force
Bunyan “Les” Rudd (Bob Cook Sales) chairs this task force and can be reached at lesrudd@bobcooksales.com or you can contact the SEMA MRC Liaison, Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org. The importance of knowing our members and what industry challenges each member is very important. The Membership Task Force was formed to enhance the value for the MRC member. The Membership Task Force is slated to research, identify and/or produce three new member cost-saving benefits, work to develop programs that enhance the professionalism of the rep industry, develop a plan to improve the value of becoming a member of the MRC and engage members at large to get involved with the MRC.

Rep Conference & LRP Task Force
Chris Fairless (Fairless Sales & Marketing) chairs this task force and can be reached at cfairless@FairlessSalesMarketing.com or you can contact the SEMA MRC Liaison, Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org. The Rep Conference Task Force researches and selects industry specific topics and speakers that would appeal to all manufacturers, WDs and reps. The LRP Task Force works closely with the MRC chairman, Membership Task Force chairman and SEMA staff liaison to develop long-range planning format and subject matter.

There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year, including host the annual MRC Rep Conference and General Membership Awards Ceremony at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, present industry awards to our manufacturers' rep colleagues and elect council leadership. Feel free to visit the MRC Rep Center at SEMA Show for more information on the council. 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 MRC events. Our hope is that if you haven’t been a part of MRC yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.

MRC Rep Conference Coming to Vegas!!

The 9th annual MRC Rep Conference moves to Las Vegas at the 2010 SEMA Show. Bryan Shirley, President and CEO of the Manufacturers’ Agents National Association will host an open and interactive session titled “Survival of the Fittest! Is that You?” The Economy has Redefined the New Automotive Aftermarket…Now It’s Time to Redefine Yourself!

The MRC Rep Conference will convene at the Las Vegas Hilton on Sunday, October 31, 2010, from 4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. The early-bird price for SEMA members is $49 ($69 for non-members). Online event registration is now available! For additional information, contact SEMA Council Liaison Staci Bostock at 909/978-6693 or stacib@sema.org.

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 Names Chris Fairless New Chair-Elect

The MRC Select Committee has named Chris Fairless of Fairless Sales & Marketing to the position of chair-elect. Fairless is a current MRC Select Committee member and will take over duties as chair-elect on July 1. Fairless stated, “I’m honored to be selected as MRC’s chair-elect. I’m looking forward to the future challenges and the opportunities. I’m excited to be involved with SEMA and MRC and hope to inspire more people in our industry to get involved. There are great opportunities ahead!” When Fairless assumes chair-elect duties on July 1, current chair-elect Wade Cobb of HAPCO will become chairman of MRC, when Joel Rosenthal’s two-year term as MRC chairman ends. At that time, Rosenthal will assume his new role as the MRC immediate past chairman/advisor.

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 Staci Bostock.



SBN Logo
 
Visit SBN's website.
 
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 Nathan Ridnouer.



SPC Logo
 
Visit SPC's website.  
The following is a message from SPC Chairman Tracie Nuñez:

Have you ever wondered what exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by the members of the council to serve a two-year term.

Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year and some volunteer even more. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their Street Performance Council (SPC) efforts, and for that we say, “thank you!"

The leaders of the SPC gathered together earlier this year at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. This meeting focused on bringing value to the SPC-member companies and utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each SPC member. Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement “to provide market information, education and support to members concerning new and emerging trends.”

If you are passionate and have interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Membership Task Force
Ed “Blake” Burgy from Mr. Gasket chairs this task force and can be reached at eburgy@mrgasket.com. The importance of knowing our members and what industry challenges each member has is very important. The SPC membership task force is responsible for communicating directly with our members, keeping them up to date on SPC happenings and making sure that we are meeting their needs.

Communications Task Force
Baadal “Bottle” Deliwala from Titan Motorsports chairs this group and can be reached at bottle@titanmotorsports.com. Regular submissions to SEMA Member News and eNews will contain relevant street performance market information written or researched by the SPC council membership. If you want to contribute your ideas, drop an e-mail to Bottle. Better yet, draft an article on a topic pertinent to the mission and focus of the council and we’ll see that it gets published with your byline.

Research Task Force
Albert Reda from Vibrant Performance chairs this group and can be reached at areda@vibrantpower.com. Several key factors are changing significantly due to the economy: consumer buying habits, distribution channels and vehicles. The council has hosted several focus panels in the past with jobbers and consumers answering questions about current trends. The data is compiled and distributed to members, illustrating the differences between what is perceived as current buying trends and what is actually happening.

RASR (Racer’s Against Street Racing) Task Force
Regis Finn at B&M Racing and Performance Parts chairs the groups and can be reached at rfinn@bnracing.com. RASR is an SPC initiative that exists to provide leadership and support to promote the anti-street racing message. We need plenty of industry support and passion to reignite this message to our local communities.

Technology Task Force
Gigi Ho at Digital Performance chairs this group and can be reached at gigiho@digitalperformance.com. The Business Technology Symposium has been successfully developed and hosted by the SPC for the last three years as the Internet Symposium. The 2010 SPC Business Technology Symposium will be held on July 23, in Pasadena, California, as part of the 2010 SEMA Leadership Days with some very exciting educational sessions. The group will also define and develop relevant educational webinars and articles to help our members take advantage of new opportunities.

There are many other things the council leadership does throughout the year: host the annual SPC Mixer at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, present industry awards to our street-performance colleagues and elect council leadership. 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 SPC events. My hope is that if you haven’t been a part of SPC yet, you will be in 2010.

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.



WTC Logo
 
Visit WTC's website

Wheel and Tire Council Learning Track Goes Live…

WTC Special Edition of In-GEAR: Intro to Selling

Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, this course has something for everyone.

This online learning tool focuses on three critical areas:

  1. Introduction to the Industry
  2. Effective Selling Techniques
  3. Successful Customer Service

“Please take a look at our new training aid created to help all retail salespeople sell wheels easier and more effectively. The WTC has pooled information and past experience from all our Select Committee members with help from the SEMA Education Institute to create this program. If you can give the training program a small amount of time, you will be rewarded with a simple and effective process that will make selling AFTERMARKET WHEELS much easier and less time consuming.”
—Kelly Austin, WTC IPC/Advisor, Ultra Wheel Company

A) To Use:

  1. Go to www.sema.org
  2. Login to your account (upper right-hand corner).
  3. Scroll over “Education” Tab on top of page.
  4. Select “Online Learning Center (OLC).”
  5. Once there, look to the lower left of the page and select “Wheel & Tire Council Learning Track,” and enjoy!

B) If you do not have an account:

  1. Go to www.sema.org
  2. Select the “Login” option located on the upper right of the page.
  3. Once on the login page, select the “Register Now” option.
  4. Create your SEMA profile (name, title, e-mail, city, state. password, company name).
  5. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address provided.
  6. Retrieve the e-mail, and select link provided; you will be re-directed to the SEMA page to login. Once there, input your username and password.
  7. At this point, you can either create a SEMA profile or follow steps 3–5 of option “A.”

TIA's Roy Littlefield Joins WTC Select Committee

In an effort aimed at increasing communication between SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) extended an invitation to TIA to participate in the council’s Long Range Planning meeting, March 17 at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

The open dialogue between the two culminated in WTC’s appointment of TIA’s Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield to a voting seat on the council’s Select Committee. This move greatly improves the interaction between SEMA and TIA, while providing both memberships with a much desired forum in which to express their concerns and suggestions.

“The appointment of Roy Littlefield was unanimous and came after an honest exchange between the parties in which common goals and directives outweighed any differences," said WTC Chairman Tim Dietz. "TIA’s council participation signifies an important shift in how we will address the concerns of the tire industry. I am confident that this collaboration will ultimately benefit and advance the best interest of each association’s membership.”

Littlefield added: "Over the past few months, both TIA and SEMA have agreed to work together to further strengthen our relationship. Being invited to join the Wheel & Tire Council is just more proof that this relationship-building is being backed up by concrete action. On behalf of our members, I thank SEMA for giving us the opportunity for our member voices to be heard on the Wheel & Tire Council as it continues its important mission.”

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, contact Zane Clark.



YEN Logo
 
Visit YEN's website.
 
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.

Thu, 05/13/2010 - 11:56

 

PRO Logo
 
Visit PRO's website.  

PRO Is on a Roll…

Following the wildly successful NovemberFest Reception at the 2009 SEMA Show, PRO has come through again with the launch of the Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) that took place on April 30 on the University of Northwestern Ohio campus in Lima, Ohio.

These events are the direct result of a dedicated and committed council that continually pushes the envelope in order to better serve its members.

SEMA would like to recognize the PRO TSTC Task Force and manufacturer/presenters for their effort and vision.

Task Force: David Stringer, B.J. Leanse, Karl Stearns, Eldon Bracken, Bill North, Jerry Redding, Jerry Schnetzer, Jim Skelly, Ray Ott, Joey Johnston, Jason Braun and Doug Perez.

Manufacturers: Audiovox, Donmar, Eagle Enterprises, Katzkin, Restylers Choice, Superchips, Webasto, ProPledge, Curt Manufacturing, Check Corporation and Artlux Inc.

Here’s what people are saying:

“TSTC far exceeded our expectations, and we are looking forward to more opportunities to help educate and train our industry.” — Lane Carter, Restylers Choice

“We would like to thank the SEMA PRO council for giving the University the privilege of hosting their inaugural TSTC conference on our campus. The university believes that to serve our industry, we must be one with our industry and hosting conferences or training on our site is part of being connected for our faculty and also for our students who are forming their views and expectations of our industry and who else to better those visions and expectations than SEMA and its councils.” — Tom Grothous, UNOH Dean, College of Technolgies


“TSTC offered a great venue to provide hands-on training to a group of aftermarket accessory technicians as well as an opportunity to introduce our industry to automotive vocational college students who might consider accessories as a career path. DONMAR looks forward to the next event.” — Marc Levinson, DONMAR Sunroofs and Accessories

“I found the TSTC event to be both educational and inspiring. I operate a “cut n’ sew” automotive trim/upholstery shop but am always looking for related ways to diversify my business. I personally got the opportunity to install my first sunroof—complete from start to finish—while at the event. This is something that I probably never would have just tried on my own. Now we are looking to add this service within our business offerings. As always, it’s also great to rub elbows with some of the most influential individuals in the industry. Just having the opportunity to chat with other successful business owners, installers and manufacturers keeps me fueled to try new and innovative things. These are just a few of the reasons why this is a must attend event for all restylers in the future.”
— Adam D. Howard, No Joke Upholstery

PRO Chair Karl Stearns added, “I am extremely proud of the work that was done by the task force and express my appreciation to Tom Grothous for his enthusiasm and support, the manufacturers for their vision and the restylers for their commitment.”

  TSTC

The Inaugural PRO Technical Skills & Training Conference a Home Run

After nearly a year of planning, the Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) took place this past week on the University of Northwestern Ohio Campus in Lima, Ohio. The one-day event provided a great forum for installers and students to learn from industry-leading manufacturers.

Participants received valuable insights into installation safety and techniques and were allowed to experience first-hand how products are installed. With nearly 100 attendees and the university's top-of-the-line facility, PRO is excited about the future of TSTC and looks forward to building generations of restylers who will help the industry to grow and thrive.

Keep your eye out for more details…

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.



ARMO Logo
 
Visit ARMO's website.  
ARMO Select Committee Elects Alex Tainsh as Chair-Elect

Alex Tainsh is a founding member of ARMO and has been an active member for 12 years. His accomplishments begin with a combined 16-year stint at P.U.I and Soffseal, and he is currently the sales and marketing manager for TrimParts.

Throughout his many years with ARMO, he has worked passionately to promote the "Take a Kid to a Car Show" program and, most notably, headed up the Colton Camaro project. When asked about future projects, Tainsh reiterated the importance of young enthusiasts and the preservation of the restoration market.

As Tainsh begins his two-year term as chair-elect, Laura Bergan will assume chairwoman duties July 1.

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.



HRIA Logo
 
Visit HRIA's website  

2010 HRIA Education Day a Huge Success

Working in conjunction with the 12th Annual Hotrod & Restoration trade show in Indianapolis, HRIA-member companies are provided a platform to educate and train dealers on the specifics of their products and key selling points. Dealers are better at selling products they're more knowledgeable and comfortable with, resulting in higher sales and less returns.

This year’s Education Day boasted 40 seminars which were attended in record numbers. With more than 4,000 pre-registered for the event, it quickly sold out, creating a buzz within the industry. HRIA Education Day did not fail to deliver. The manufacturers represented a broad spectrum of industry experts and covered diverse and tangible subject matter. Manufacturers included GM, Meguiar’s, Flaming River Industries, Steele Rubber Products, Vintage Air Inc. and Classic Instruments. The all-day event included a hosted breakfast and attendees received a certificate of completion for each seminar they participated in.

As a SEMA council, HRIA is committed to the betterment of its members and promoting the industry as a whole. Events such as Education Day are made possible because passionate individuals volunteer their time and resources. An active and strong membership is critical in assuring that important initiatives such as education, youth awareness, and legislative issues are addressed and directed accordingly.

For more questions on Education Day or to get involved with HRIA, please contact Zane Clark at zanec@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, contact Zane Clark.



TORA Logo
 
Visit TORA's website.
 

Action Group Celebrates 30th Anniversary

The Action Group of Companies (Action Truck Caps & Accessories and Action Van & Truck World Ltd.) is celebrating its 30-year anniversary with the opening of their 30th location. The new 15,000-sq.-ft. facility is in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Construction will also begin this summer on a new 10,000 sq.-ft., state-of-the-art retail facility for Action’s Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, location and a new warehouse facility in Moncton.

  Action Manitoba
  The Action Group of Companies is celebrating its 30-year anniversary with the opening of their 30th location.

“It feels like it’s been a short 30 years,” said Action’s president, John Chamberlaine. “I am very proud of what we have been able to accomplish during this period, and I’m looking forward to the next 30 years!”

To keep pace with the company’s continued growth, Action recently added Craig Crossman as chief operating officer to their dynamic team. Crossman has held a number of senior management roles with regional and international organizations and brings with him a wealth of growth-focused experience.

“I am excited to be joining a dynamic company in an exciting industry with tremendous growth potential. John and his team have built a great company based on a customer-focused culture and solid values.”

For more information on the Action Group of Companies, visit them online at www.actiontrucks.com or www.vanandtruckworld.com.

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.



MPMC Logo
 
Visit MPMC's website.  
  Vic Wood
  The MPMC Select Committee voted Vic Wood of Hedman Performance Group as its new Chair-Elect of the council.

MPMC Select Committee Chooses Vic Wood as New Chair-Elect

The MPMC Select Committee voted Vic Wood of Hedman Performance Group the newest chair-elect of the council. Vic has spent the majority of his career in or around the specialty-parts industry, including appointments to the board of directors of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association and the Australian National Drag Racing Association.

He started drag racing at 16, and drove all types of vehicles through 2004, when he clocked 234 mph in a modified roadster at Bonneville.

When not working, Vic is busy with his '64 Chevrolet pickup, and crew chiefs a nostalgia funny car that competes in the NHRA Heritage Series.

“It is a great honor to be elected Chair Elect of MPMC,” said Wood. “SEMA has been a part of my life in some form or another for nearly 30 years. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve the members of this historic SEMA Council, and I look forward to supporting our current Chairman over the next two years as we address challenges of our market sector.”

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.



MRC Logo
 
Visit MRC's website.  

MRC Long-Range Planning Meeting

MRC will host its annual Long-Range Planning meeting at the Arizona Grand Resort on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, from 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Dinner will be served. All Reps are welcome and encouraged to participate in this open and interactive forum.

Participate in the meeting: Be part of the present—be part of the future—address issues faced daily by Reps in all segments of the automotive industry.

For meeting coordinators to be able to accommodate food and beverage, attendees are asked to take a moment and download the RSVP form, call 909/978-6693 or e-mail stacib@sema.org by September 15, 2010.

MRC Volunteer Opportunities

Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the MRC?

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by the 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 the challenges that member companies face and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their MRC efforts and for that we say “thank you” to those companies!

The leaders of the MRC gathered at the 2009 PWA Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, for its annual long-range planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the MRC-member companies. The last 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 MRC member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to provide market information, education and support to members concerning new and emerging trends. A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council for 2010. If you are passionate and have interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a Task Force with a limited investment of time, but 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.

Awards Task Force
Irv Cohen (SS Sales & Marketing) chairs this task force and can be reached at irvco@msn.com or you can contact the SEMA MRC Liaison, Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org. The Awards Task Force was formed to review the criteria for the MRC Hall of Fame and STAR Award (Sales Team Annual Recognition). The MRC Hall of Fame Award was designed to honor outstanding persons in the segment of the automotive industry known as manufacturers’ representatives. It is the most prestigious award presented by the council to dedicated individuals who enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to the manufacturers’ rep profession or the council’s growth. The MRC STAR Award will be presented to the most outstanding manufacturer’s sales team voted upon by the general membership of MRC.

Elections & Scholarship Task Force
The council chair-elect chairs this task force. The Elections Task Force reviews and approves the council nominations submitted, conduct interviews with perspective candidates and creates the final slate of candidates. The Scholarship Task Force creates the criteria and selects the recipient for the MRC sponsored SEMA scholarship.

Membership Task Force
Bunyan “Les” Rudd (Bob Cook Sales) chairs this task force and can be reached at lesrudd@bobcooksales.com or you can contact the SEMA MRC Liaison, Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org. The importance of knowing our members and what industry challenges each member is very important. The Membership Task Force was formed to enhance the value for the MRC member. The Membership Task Force is slated to research, identify and/or produce three new member cost-saving benefits, work to develop programs that enhance the professionalism of the rep industry, develop a plan to improve the value of becoming a member of the MRC and engage members at large to get involved with the MRC.

Rep Conference & LRP Task Force
Chris Fairless (Fairless Sales & Marketing) chairs this task force and can be reached at cfairless@FairlessSalesMarketing.com or you can contact the SEMA MRC Liaison, Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org. The Rep Conference Task Force researches and selects industry specific topics and speakers that would appeal to all manufacturers, WDs and reps. The LRP Task Force works closely with the MRC chairman, Membership Task Force chairman and SEMA staff liaison to develop long-range planning format and subject matter.

There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year, including host the annual MRC Rep Conference and General Membership Awards Ceremony at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, present industry awards to our manufacturers' rep colleagues and elect council leadership. Feel free to visit the MRC Rep Center at SEMA Show for more information on the council. 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 MRC events. Our hope is that if you haven’t been a part of MRC yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.

MRC Rep Conference Coming to Vegas!!

The 9th annual MRC Rep Conference moves to Las Vegas at the 2010 SEMA Show. Bryan Shirley, President and CEO of the Manufacturers’ Agents National Association will host an open and interactive session titled “Survival of the Fittest! Is that You?” The Economy has Redefined the New Automotive Aftermarket…Now It’s Time to Redefine Yourself!

The MRC Rep Conference will convene at the Las Vegas Hilton on Sunday, October 31, 2010, from 4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. The early-bird price for SEMA members is $49 ($69 for non-members). Online event registration is now available! For additional information, contact SEMA Council Liaison Staci Bostock at 909/978-6693 or stacib@sema.org.

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 Names Chris Fairless New Chair-Elect

The MRC Select Committee has named Chris Fairless of Fairless Sales & Marketing to the position of chair-elect. Fairless is a current MRC Select Committee member and will take over duties as chair-elect on July 1. Fairless stated, “I’m honored to be selected as MRC’s chair-elect. I’m looking forward to the future challenges and the opportunities. I’m excited to be involved with SEMA and MRC and hope to inspire more people in our industry to get involved. There are great opportunities ahead!” When Fairless assumes chair-elect duties on July 1, current chair-elect Wade Cobb of HAPCO will become chairman of MRC, when Joel Rosenthal’s two-year term as MRC chairman ends. At that time, Rosenthal will assume his new role as the MRC immediate past chairman/advisor.

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 Staci Bostock.



SBN Logo
 
Visit SBN's website.
 
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 Nathan Ridnouer.



SPC Logo
 
Visit SPC's website.  
The following is a message from SPC Chairman Tracie Nuñez:

Have you ever wondered what exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by the members of the council to serve a two-year term.

Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year and some volunteer even more. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their Street Performance Council (SPC) efforts, and for that we say, “thank you!"

The leaders of the SPC gathered together earlier this year at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. This meeting focused on bringing value to the SPC-member companies and utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each SPC member. Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement “to provide market information, education and support to members concerning new and emerging trends.”

If you are passionate and have interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Membership Task Force
Ed “Blake” Burgy from Mr. Gasket chairs this task force and can be reached at eburgy@mrgasket.com. The importance of knowing our members and what industry challenges each member has is very important. The SPC membership task force is responsible for communicating directly with our members, keeping them up to date on SPC happenings and making sure that we are meeting their needs.

Communications Task Force
Baadal “Bottle” Deliwala from Titan Motorsports chairs this group and can be reached at bottle@titanmotorsports.com. Regular submissions to SEMA Member News and eNews will contain relevant street performance market information written or researched by the SPC council membership. If you want to contribute your ideas, drop an e-mail to Bottle. Better yet, draft an article on a topic pertinent to the mission and focus of the council and we’ll see that it gets published with your byline.

Research Task Force
Albert Reda from Vibrant Performance chairs this group and can be reached at areda@vibrantpower.com. Several key factors are changing significantly due to the economy: consumer buying habits, distribution channels and vehicles. The council has hosted several focus panels in the past with jobbers and consumers answering questions about current trends. The data is compiled and distributed to members, illustrating the differences between what is perceived as current buying trends and what is actually happening.

RASR (Racer’s Against Street Racing) Task Force
Regis Finn at B&M Racing and Performance Parts chairs the groups and can be reached at rfinn@bnracing.com. RASR is an SPC initiative that exists to provide leadership and support to promote the anti-street racing message. We need plenty of industry support and passion to reignite this message to our local communities.

Technology Task Force
Gigi Ho at Digital Performance chairs this group and can be reached at gigiho@digitalperformance.com. The Business Technology Symposium has been successfully developed and hosted by the SPC for the last three years as the Internet Symposium. The 2010 SPC Business Technology Symposium will be held on July 23, in Pasadena, California, as part of the 2010 SEMA Leadership Days with some very exciting educational sessions. The group will also define and develop relevant educational webinars and articles to help our members take advantage of new opportunities.

There are many other things the council leadership does throughout the year: host the annual SPC Mixer at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, present industry awards to our street-performance colleagues and elect council leadership. 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 SPC events. My hope is that if you haven’t been a part of SPC yet, you will be in 2010.

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.



WTC Logo
 
Visit WTC's website

Wheel and Tire Council Learning Track Goes Live…

WTC Special Edition of In-GEAR: Intro to Selling

Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, this course has something for everyone.

This online learning tool focuses on three critical areas:

  1. Introduction to the Industry
  2. Effective Selling Techniques
  3. Successful Customer Service

“Please take a look at our new training aid created to help all retail salespeople sell wheels easier and more effectively. The WTC has pooled information and past experience from all our Select Committee members with help from the SEMA Education Institute to create this program. If you can give the training program a small amount of time, you will be rewarded with a simple and effective process that will make selling AFTERMARKET WHEELS much easier and less time consuming.”
—Kelly Austin, WTC IPC/Advisor, Ultra Wheel Company

A) To Use:

  1. Go to www.sema.org
  2. Login to your account (upper right-hand corner).
  3. Scroll over “Education” Tab on top of page.
  4. Select “Online Learning Center (OLC).”
  5. Once there, look to the lower left of the page and select “Wheel & Tire Council Learning Track,” and enjoy!

B) If you do not have an account:

  1. Go to www.sema.org
  2. Select the “Login” option located on the upper right of the page.
  3. Once on the login page, select the “Register Now” option.
  4. Create your SEMA profile (name, title, e-mail, city, state. password, company name).
  5. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address provided.
  6. Retrieve the e-mail, and select link provided; you will be re-directed to the SEMA page to login. Once there, input your username and password.
  7. At this point, you can either create a SEMA profile or follow steps 3–5 of option “A.”

TIA's Roy Littlefield Joins WTC Select Committee

In an effort aimed at increasing communication between SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) extended an invitation to TIA to participate in the council’s Long Range Planning meeting, March 17 at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

The open dialogue between the two culminated in WTC’s appointment of TIA’s Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield to a voting seat on the council’s Select Committee. This move greatly improves the interaction between SEMA and TIA, while providing both memberships with a much desired forum in which to express their concerns and suggestions.

“The appointment of Roy Littlefield was unanimous and came after an honest exchange between the parties in which common goals and directives outweighed any differences," said WTC Chairman Tim Dietz. "TIA’s council participation signifies an important shift in how we will address the concerns of the tire industry. I am confident that this collaboration will ultimately benefit and advance the best interest of each association’s membership.”

Littlefield added: "Over the past few months, both TIA and SEMA have agreed to work together to further strengthen our relationship. Being invited to join the Wheel & Tire Council is just more proof that this relationship-building is being backed up by concrete action. On behalf of our members, I thank SEMA for giving us the opportunity for our member voices to be heard on the Wheel & Tire Council as it continues its important mission.”

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, contact Zane Clark.



YEN Logo
 
Visit YEN's website.
 
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.

Thu, 05/13/2010 - 11:56
A photo collection of choppers, funny cars, roadsters and other custom rarities from the 2009 SEMA Show.
Thu, 05/13/2010 - 11:56
WELCOME TO INDY: Ana Beatriz will attempt to start her first Indianapolis 500 this season in a fourth Dreyer & Reinbold Racing entry. She is the fifth (Sarah Fisher, Danica Patrick, Milka Duno, Simon de Silvestro) female driver to file an entry for the 94th Indianapolis 500.

LADY TAMED: Denny Hamlin completed a weekend sweep of the NASCAR events at Darlington (South Carolina) Raceway Saturday, becoming the first driver to win both NASCAR events at the 1.33-mile oval since Mark Martin in 1993.

GRAND OPENING: The NASCAR Hall of Fame, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, officially opened its doors Tuesday. The inaugural class of inductees—Bill France Jr., Bill France Sr., Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty and Junior Johnson—will be enshrined May 23.

STADIUM RACING: Emmett Hahn, co-promoter of the Chili Bowl in Oklahoma, is working with Tulsa city officials in an attempt to bring racing the stadium that was formally the home of the Tulsa Drillers minor league baseball team.

DADDY DEAREST: Graham Rahal will drive a Rahal Letterman Racing entry co-owned by his father Bobby Rahal and David Letterman during the 94th running of the Indianapolis 500.

WELCOME TO BALTIMORE: The Board of Estimates for Baltimore, Maryland, has signed off on a five-year contract with Baltimore Racing Development Co., which is working to bring an IZOD IndyCar Series race to the streets surrounding the city’s Inner Harbor.

NO TO NEW JERSEY: Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy has shot down the idea of a proposed Formula One race in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.

SPONSOR SEARCH: Old Spice has announced that it is ending its 11-year relationship with driver Tony Stewart at the end of the season, meaning Stewart will need funding for at least half of the 2011 racing season for his No. 14 Chevrolet.

WELCOME BACK: Former Champ Car and Formula One driver Mark Blundell is coming out of a seven-year retirement to compete in the Spa 24 Hours sports-car race, July 31–August 1, at Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Ardennes.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. Subscribe to National Speed Sport News for a special industry rate.
Thu, 05/13/2010 - 11:56
WELCOME TO INDY: Ana Beatriz will attempt to start her first Indianapolis 500 this season in a fourth Dreyer & Reinbold Racing entry. She is the fifth (Sarah Fisher, Danica Patrick, Milka Duno, Simon de Silvestro) female driver to file an entry for the 94th Indianapolis 500.

LADY TAMED: Denny Hamlin completed a weekend sweep of the NASCAR events at Darlington (South Carolina) Raceway Saturday, becoming the first driver to win both NASCAR events at the 1.33-mile oval since Mark Martin in 1993.

GRAND OPENING: The NASCAR Hall of Fame, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, officially opened its doors Tuesday. The inaugural class of inductees—Bill France Jr., Bill France Sr., Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty and Junior Johnson—will be enshrined May 23.

STADIUM RACING: Emmett Hahn, co-promoter of the Chili Bowl in Oklahoma, is working with Tulsa city officials in an attempt to bring racing the stadium that was formally the home of the Tulsa Drillers minor league baseball team.

DADDY DEAREST: Graham Rahal will drive a Rahal Letterman Racing entry co-owned by his father Bobby Rahal and David Letterman during the 94th running of the Indianapolis 500.

WELCOME TO BALTIMORE: The Board of Estimates for Baltimore, Maryland, has signed off on a five-year contract with Baltimore Racing Development Co., which is working to bring an IZOD IndyCar Series race to the streets surrounding the city’s Inner Harbor.

NO TO NEW JERSEY: Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy has shot down the idea of a proposed Formula One race in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.

SPONSOR SEARCH: Old Spice has announced that it is ending its 11-year relationship with driver Tony Stewart at the end of the season, meaning Stewart will need funding for at least half of the 2011 racing season for his No. 14 Chevrolet.

WELCOME BACK: Former Champ Car and Formula One driver Mark Blundell is coming out of a seven-year retirement to compete in the Spa 24 Hours sports-car race, July 31–August 1, at Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Ardennes.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. Subscribe to National Speed Sport News for a special industry rate.
Thu, 05/13/2010 - 11:56
WELCOME TO INDY: Ana Beatriz will attempt to start her first Indianapolis 500 this season in a fourth Dreyer & Reinbold Racing entry. She is the fifth (Sarah Fisher, Danica Patrick, Milka Duno, Simon de Silvestro) female driver to file an entry for the 94th Indianapolis 500.

LADY TAMED: Denny Hamlin completed a weekend sweep of the NASCAR events at Darlington (South Carolina) Raceway Saturday, becoming the first driver to win both NASCAR events at the 1.33-mile oval since Mark Martin in 1993.

GRAND OPENING: The NASCAR Hall of Fame, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, officially opened its doors Tuesday. The inaugural class of inductees—Bill France Jr., Bill France Sr., Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty and Junior Johnson—will be enshrined May 23.

STADIUM RACING: Emmett Hahn, co-promoter of the Chili Bowl in Oklahoma, is working with Tulsa city officials in an attempt to bring racing the stadium that was formally the home of the Tulsa Drillers minor league baseball team.

DADDY DEAREST: Graham Rahal will drive a Rahal Letterman Racing entry co-owned by his father Bobby Rahal and David Letterman during the 94th running of the Indianapolis 500.

WELCOME TO BALTIMORE: The Board of Estimates for Baltimore, Maryland, has signed off on a five-year contract with Baltimore Racing Development Co., which is working to bring an IZOD IndyCar Series race to the streets surrounding the city’s Inner Harbor.

NO TO NEW JERSEY: Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy has shot down the idea of a proposed Formula One race in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.

SPONSOR SEARCH: Old Spice has announced that it is ending its 11-year relationship with driver Tony Stewart at the end of the season, meaning Stewart will need funding for at least half of the 2011 racing season for his No. 14 Chevrolet.

WELCOME BACK: Former Champ Car and Formula One driver Mark Blundell is coming out of a seven-year retirement to compete in the Spa 24 Hours sports-car race, July 31–August 1, at Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Ardennes.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. Subscribe to National Speed Sport News for a special industry rate.
Thu, 05/13/2010 - 11:56
WELCOME TO INDY: Ana Beatriz will attempt to start her first Indianapolis 500 this season in a fourth Dreyer & Reinbold Racing entry. She is the fifth (Sarah Fisher, Danica Patrick, Milka Duno, Simon de Silvestro) female driver to file an entry for the 94th Indianapolis 500.

LADY TAMED: Denny Hamlin completed a weekend sweep of the NASCAR events at Darlington (South Carolina) Raceway Saturday, becoming the first driver to win both NASCAR events at the 1.33-mile oval since Mark Martin in 1993.

GRAND OPENING: The NASCAR Hall of Fame, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, officially opened its doors Tuesday. The inaugural class of inductees—Bill France Jr., Bill France Sr., Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty and Junior Johnson—will be enshrined May 23.

STADIUM RACING: Emmett Hahn, co-promoter of the Chili Bowl in Oklahoma, is working with Tulsa city officials in an attempt to bring racing the stadium that was formally the home of the Tulsa Drillers minor league baseball team.

DADDY DEAREST: Graham Rahal will drive a Rahal Letterman Racing entry co-owned by his father Bobby Rahal and David Letterman during the 94th running of the Indianapolis 500.

WELCOME TO BALTIMORE: The Board of Estimates for Baltimore, Maryland, has signed off on a five-year contract with Baltimore Racing Development Co., which is working to bring an IZOD IndyCar Series race to the streets surrounding the city’s Inner Harbor.

NO TO NEW JERSEY: Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy has shot down the idea of a proposed Formula One race in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.

SPONSOR SEARCH: Old Spice has announced that it is ending its 11-year relationship with driver Tony Stewart at the end of the season, meaning Stewart will need funding for at least half of the 2011 racing season for his No. 14 Chevrolet.

WELCOME BACK: Former Champ Car and Formula One driver Mark Blundell is coming out of a seven-year retirement to compete in the Spa 24 Hours sports-car race, July 31–August 1, at Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Ardennes.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. Subscribe to National Speed Sport News for a special industry rate.
Thu, 05/13/2010 - 11:56

On Monday, May 17, balloting opens for the SEMA Select Committee elections. The elections represent your opportunity to guide the direction of your SEMA councils and committees. Each SEMA council member company will receive one e-mail with instructions and links for completing an electronic Select Committee ballot. Only one ballot per company is e-mailed, and only one ballot per company will be recorded.

The e-mail ballot will be addressed to the person listed as your company’s primary council contact in the SEMA membership database. Balloting will remain open through Friday, May 28. If you think that you are the primary council contact and do not receive an e-mail on Monday, May 17, contact your SEMA Staff Liaison immediately.

MRC Select Committee Nominees and Bios:

Vic Bennett - Gantt-Thomas & Associates
It is an incredible honor to have been asked to run for a Select Committee seat on the MRC. I am Victor Bennett and I am a member of Gantt-Thomas & Associates Inc. (GTA), a rep firm located in the Midwest. For the last 15 years, I have worked for Joel Rosenthal at Gantt-Thomas & Associates, and I have truly enjoyed all of my experiences in the automotive aftermarket. The rep community as well as the automotive aftermarket has been going through a time of major adjustment. I’m focused on the future and encouraged to be part of a group that is centered on stabilizing and enhancing the rep segment. Solutions for rep agencies in the automotive aftermarket begin with open communication from Reps around the country.

If elected to the committee, I will participate with the passion and commitment I have for my business. Joel Rosenthal’s term as MRC Chairman concludes in July and the agency is committed to supporting my efforts with MRC. Thank you in advance for considering me to be a part of the MRC Select Committee. Please accept this open invitation to contact me directly with any questions prior to your vote. My office phone number is 913/483-7772 or e-mail me at vic@gtateam.com.

Bill Eagan - Airheart Sales
My name is Bill Eagan and I feel I am the best candidate for a seat on the Manufacturers' Rep Council Select Committee for several reasons. I have a strong interest in addressing the issues concerning the manufacturers' representatives in our industry, and playing an active role in decisions that lead to our continued success in the future to come. What I can offer the committee is a balanced background of working for both a manufacturer for 10 years and as a manufacturer’s representative for almost eight years. During that time I gained knowledge and experience in what it takes to provide a sense of value to our customers, manufacturers and the industry. I am committed to the important role that a manufacturer’s representative plays in our industry and our overall success.

Derrick Johnston - Alliance Sales
If elected to the Select Committee, I will provide an international voice for the MRC. I am an active member of AIA (Automotive Industry Association of Canada), and I am involved with fundraising efforts benefiting the “Be Car Care Aware” program and scholarship opportunities in the automotive aftermarket on behalf of AIA. My agency is a member of MRC and also a member of PWA. I have been in the industry for 20 years working on the counter, in a WD phone room, as a WD outside sales rep, in management and now a manufacturer’s representative and principal in a leading Canadian sales agency. In my spare time I enjoy racing, golf, hockey and spending time with my wife Jennifer, six-year-old daughter Eden and two-year-old son Matthew.

Tommy Jourdan, CPMR, True High Performance Sales, INCUMBENT
Growing up with a father working in this business has given me insights on how things are achieved. At the age of 22, after college, I began working as a manufacturers' rep. With that experience, along with my father, we started our own rep organization, True High Performance Sales. We started this organization 20 years ago, from the ground, and turned it into a successful business.

With the knowledge I have gained from all of the experiences I have encountered, I feel I have given the Select Committee points of view on what the owner of a rep organization faces. True High Performance Sales has received many top sales awards from numerous manufacturers. I am a 2010 graduate of CPMR, a SEMA-sponsored certification program for manufacturers’ reps.

If I am reelected, I will work to further the image of reps and the MRC as the professionals that we are and promoting the important job that we do.

Evan Mecham - Evan Mecham & Associates, INCUMBENT
Thank you for considering me as a candidate for the MRC Council. I attended my first SEMA Show in 1977 and have loved this organization and the industry it represents ever since. I have industry experience in manufacturing and distribution and as the owner of a sales agency, this gives me a unique perspective into the needs and expectations of all sides of our industry.

I started my career as the national sales manager for Acrobilt Corp., then as the director of sales for LeVan Specialty. My next position took me to Saddleman Seat Covers as vice president of sales and marketing and then to Reliable Automotive as general manager of their Denver warehouse. From 1884 until 1991, I was president and CEO of Velm Inc. During this time, I participated on and was chairman of the SEMA Open Air Select Committee. During our five-year relationship with General Motors, Velm won two consecutive Golden Achievement Awards from General Motors for superior quality and delivery of product on a timely basis. When Velm was sold to the CR Laurence Company, I worked for this industry giant for three years as vice president of Automotive before starting Evan Mecham and Associates.

Evan Mecham and Associates has been nominated several times for the SEMA Rep of the Year Award and has won numerous Representative of the Year Awards from such companies as Extang and Westin Automotive Products.

As a member of the Manufacturers' Rep Council, I will continue to work and promote to our manufacturers the importance sales agencies bring to our industry as the liaison between their retail and WD customers and the specific and vital geographic and demographic differences of each individual sales territory each of us travel and represent.

Jerry Nunez – Innovative Marketing Services
My entire career has been in this industry with the last 19 years as a manufacturers’ rep. I’ve worked for a large agency and recently started my own company. In our changing marketplace, I strongly feel the business model for rep agencies must adapt in order to grow. The role of the rep in any industry has withstood the test of time, and I am confident the same will apply in our industry. The key will be adjusting, and I am committed to making those adjustments with my company and sharing with the MRC. I feel it is more important than ever that we present a united front to provide strength for the rep position in our industry. Through the years, I have achieved many awards, served on several councils and appreciate the consideration for this position.

Mark Petro – R&R Marketing
First of all, I would like to express how honored I am to be considered for a seat on the MRC Select Committee. Looking back to the mid-80s, it amazes me that a job in a small speed shop in Huntington Beach, Califronia, grew into a fulfilling career in the performance and off-road industry. I have learned so much from the various positions that I held in the industry ranging from counter sales to lead technician and growing into top management staff. I strongly feel that with my wide knowledge of the industry from the top to the bottom as well as my years as a manufacturers' representative, I have the knowledge needed to be an integral part of the Manufacturers' Rep Council. If I am selected to the MRC Select Committee, it would offer me the opportunity to be a larger part of SEMA and also help serve our industry. If elected, I pledge to devote the time and energy necessary to serve the SEMA MRC Committee. Together, I feel we can make our industry even more successful for everyone that is lucky enough to be a part of it.

Outstanding Career Achievements

  • Four-time SEMA Rep of the Year recipient during my time with R&R Marketing Inc.
  • Many of my manufacturer’ have also been recognized by SEMA as Manufacturers of the Year.
  • Awarded Rep of the Year by Competition Specialties in 2007.
  • Presented with Top Sales Award from R & R Marketing on multiple occasions.
  • Restoring musclecars is a hobby, and I have been recognized by Hot Rod magazine and featured on one of their covers.
Based on the feedback that I have received from customers and manufacturers, I believe that if selected, I would be a beneficial member of your team. I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully starting a successful working relationship as a member of the Select Committee for MRC.

Bunyan “Les” Rudd, CPMR – Bob Cook Sales – INCUMBENT
As we venture into the unknown future, I am honored to have the opportunity to once again serve on the Select Committee for the MRC. I have seen the struggles, fought the battles and celebrated the accomplishments of the MRC over my many years of service. I feel that this council will continue to grow and prosper by raising the bar to new heights in order to increase our impact as a vital industry segment.

2010 will bring my 20th anniversary as a manufacturers' rep and more than 28 years in the industry, I feel my multi-channel experience will benefit the council and allow me to assist as we navigate the treacherous waters ahead.

 

Thu, 05/13/2010 - 11:56

On Monday, May 17, balloting opens for the SEMA Select Committee elections. The elections represent your opportunity to guide the direction of your SEMA councils and committees. Each SEMA council member company will receive one e-mail with instructions and links for completing an electronic Select Committee ballot. Only one ballot per company is e-mailed, and only one ballot per company will be recorded.

The e-mail ballot will be addressed to the person listed as your company’s primary council contact in the SEMA membership database. Balloting will remain open through Friday, May 28. If you think that you are the primary council contact and do not receive an e-mail on Monday, May 17, contact your SEMA Staff Liaison immediately.

MRC Select Committee Nominees and Bios:

Vic Bennett - Gantt-Thomas & Associates
It is an incredible honor to have been asked to run for a Select Committee seat on the MRC. I am Victor Bennett and I am a member of Gantt-Thomas & Associates Inc. (GTA), a rep firm located in the Midwest. For the last 15 years, I have worked for Joel Rosenthal at Gantt-Thomas & Associates, and I have truly enjoyed all of my experiences in the automotive aftermarket. The rep community as well as the automotive aftermarket has been going through a time of major adjustment. I’m focused on the future and encouraged to be part of a group that is centered on stabilizing and enhancing the rep segment. Solutions for rep agencies in the automotive aftermarket begin with open communication from Reps around the country.

If elected to the committee, I will participate with the passion and commitment I have for my business. Joel Rosenthal’s term as MRC Chairman concludes in July and the agency is committed to supporting my efforts with MRC. Thank you in advance for considering me to be a part of the MRC Select Committee. Please accept this open invitation to contact me directly with any questions prior to your vote. My office phone number is 913/483-7772 or e-mail me at vic@gtateam.com.

Bill Eagan - Airheart Sales
My name is Bill Eagan and I feel I am the best candidate for a seat on the Manufacturers' Rep Council Select Committee for several reasons. I have a strong interest in addressing the issues concerning the manufacturers' representatives in our industry, and playing an active role in decisions that lead to our continued success in the future to come. What I can offer the committee is a balanced background of working for both a manufacturer for 10 years and as a manufacturer’s representative for almost eight years. During that time I gained knowledge and experience in what it takes to provide a sense of value to our customers, manufacturers and the industry. I am committed to the important role that a manufacturer’s representative plays in our industry and our overall success.

Derrick Johnston - Alliance Sales
If elected to the Select Committee, I will provide an international voice for the MRC. I am an active member of AIA (Automotive Industry Association of Canada), and I am involved with fundraising efforts benefiting the “Be Car Care Aware” program and scholarship opportunities in the automotive aftermarket on behalf of AIA. My agency is a member of MRC and also a member of PWA. I have been in the industry for 20 years working on the counter, in a WD phone room, as a WD outside sales rep, in management and now a manufacturer’s representative and principal in a leading Canadian sales agency. In my spare time I enjoy racing, golf, hockey and spending time with my wife Jennifer, six-year-old daughter Eden and two-year-old son Matthew.

Tommy Jourdan, CPMR, True High Performance Sales, INCUMBENT
Growing up with a father working in this business has given me insights on how things are achieved. At the age of 22, after college, I began working as a manufacturers' rep. With that experience, along with my father, we started our own rep organization, True High Performance Sales. We started this organization 20 years ago, from the ground, and turned it into a successful business.

With the knowledge I have gained from all of the experiences I have encountered, I feel I have given the Select Committee points of view on what the owner of a rep organization faces. True High Performance Sales has received many top sales awards from numerous manufacturers. I am a 2010 graduate of CPMR, a SEMA-sponsored certification program for manufacturers’ reps.

If I am reelected, I will work to further the image of reps and the MRC as the professionals that we are and promoting the important job that we do.

Evan Mecham - Evan Mecham & Associates, INCUMBENT
Thank you for considering me as a candidate for the MRC Council. I attended my first SEMA Show in 1977 and have loved this organization and the industry it represents ever since. I have industry experience in manufacturing and distribution and as the owner of a sales agency, this gives me a unique perspective into the needs and expectations of all sides of our industry.

I started my career as the national sales manager for Acrobilt Corp., then as the director of sales for LeVan Specialty. My next position took me to Saddleman Seat Covers as vice president of sales and marketing and then to Reliable Automotive as general manager of their Denver warehouse. From 1884 until 1991, I was president and CEO of Velm Inc. During this time, I participated on and was chairman of the SEMA Open Air Select Committee. During our five-year relationship with General Motors, Velm won two consecutive Golden Achievement Awards from General Motors for superior quality and delivery of product on a timely basis. When Velm was sold to the CR Laurence Company, I worked for this industry giant for three years as vice president of Automotive before starting Evan Mecham and Associates.

Evan Mecham and Associates has been nominated several times for the SEMA Rep of the Year Award and has won numerous Representative of the Year Awards from such companies as Extang and Westin Automotive Products.

As a member of the Manufacturers' Rep Council, I will continue to work and promote to our manufacturers the importance sales agencies bring to our industry as the liaison between their retail and WD customers and the specific and vital geographic and demographic differences of each individual sales territory each of us travel and represent.

Jerry Nunez – Innovative Marketing Services
My entire career has been in this industry with the last 19 years as a manufacturers’ rep. I’ve worked for a large agency and recently started my own company. In our changing marketplace, I strongly feel the business model for rep agencies must adapt in order to grow. The role of the rep in any industry has withstood the test of time, and I am confident the same will apply in our industry. The key will be adjusting, and I am committed to making those adjustments with my company and sharing with the MRC. I feel it is more important than ever that we present a united front to provide strength for the rep position in our industry. Through the years, I have achieved many awards, served on several councils and appreciate the consideration for this position.

Mark Petro – R&R Marketing
First of all, I would like to express how honored I am to be considered for a seat on the MRC Select Committee. Looking back to the mid-80s, it amazes me that a job in a small speed shop in Huntington Beach, Califronia, grew into a fulfilling career in the performance and off-road industry. I have learned so much from the various positions that I held in the industry ranging from counter sales to lead technician and growing into top management staff. I strongly feel that with my wide knowledge of the industry from the top to the bottom as well as my years as a manufacturers' representative, I have the knowledge needed to be an integral part of the Manufacturers' Rep Council. If I am selected to the MRC Select Committee, it would offer me the opportunity to be a larger part of SEMA and also help serve our industry. If elected, I pledge to devote the time and energy necessary to serve the SEMA MRC Committee. Together, I feel we can make our industry even more successful for everyone that is lucky enough to be a part of it.

Outstanding Career Achievements

  • Four-time SEMA Rep of the Year recipient during my time with R&R Marketing Inc.
  • Many of my manufacturer’ have also been recognized by SEMA as Manufacturers of the Year.
  • Awarded Rep of the Year by Competition Specialties in 2007.
  • Presented with Top Sales Award from R & R Marketing on multiple occasions.
  • Restoring musclecars is a hobby, and I have been recognized by Hot Rod magazine and featured on one of their covers.
Based on the feedback that I have received from customers and manufacturers, I believe that if selected, I would be a beneficial member of your team. I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully starting a successful working relationship as a member of the Select Committee for MRC.

Bunyan “Les” Rudd, CPMR – Bob Cook Sales – INCUMBENT
As we venture into the unknown future, I am honored to have the opportunity to once again serve on the Select Committee for the MRC. I have seen the struggles, fought the battles and celebrated the accomplishments of the MRC over my many years of service. I feel that this council will continue to grow and prosper by raising the bar to new heights in order to increase our impact as a vital industry segment.

2010 will bring my 20th anniversary as a manufacturers' rep and more than 28 years in the industry, I feel my multi-channel experience will benefit the council and allow me to assist as we navigate the treacherous waters ahead.

 

Thu, 05/13/2010 - 11:56

On Monday, May 17, balloting opens for the SEMA Select Committee elections. The elections represent your opportunity to guide the direction of your SEMA councils and committees. Each SEMA council member company will receive one e-mail with instructions and links for completing an electronic Select Committee ballot. Only one ballot per company is e-mailed, and only one ballot per company will be recorded.

The e-mail ballot will be addressed to the person listed as your company’s primary council contact in the SEMA membership database. Balloting will remain open through Friday, May 28. If you think that you are the primary council contact and do not receive an e-mail on Monday, May 17, contact your SEMA staff liaison immediately.

SBN Select Committee Nominees and Bios:

Kendra Albright – Magnaflow Exhaust
I am very interested in serving as a member of the SBN Select Committee. My industry background includes working for an automotive aftermarket advertising agency and, currently, a manufacturer. I’ve been exposed to many different views of the industry, which have inspired me to become actively involved. I feel that the SBN Select Committee is the perfect avenue and would be honored to serve.

Joann Bortles – Crazy Horse Painting
I have owned and worked a custom painting business and have been involved with the custom automotive industry for 31 years, working on custom cars, hot rods, trucks and motorcycles. I am also a published author with MotorBooks Publishing of six books on custom painting. My work has been featured in many industry magazines, including Street Rodder, American Iron, VTwin, and Easyriders magazines. I started out in the custom industry when there were very few women in it, and I have be very determined and inventive to be successful. I feel my many years of hands-on and management experiences in the custom end of the industry can provide the SBN Select Committee with fresh ideas and help the SBN and SEMA stay at the cutting edge of the automotive industry.

Camee Edelbrock - Schiefer Media Inc.
As vice president of advertising at the Edelbrock Corp., I was instrumental in building the company’s in-house agency into a full-service, integral division that designed and produced all marketing materials for the company. In 1993, I was honored to receive the SEMA Young Executive of the Year award. During my 27 years at Edelbrock, I managed public relations, media buying, advertising concept and design, copywriting and the in-house print department. Since May of 2008, I’ve managed public relations for Schiefer Media—A media buying, marketing and advertising company specializing in the automotive aftermarket. I am thrilled to be nominated for the SBN Select Committee and excited about the prospect of representing the great women of this industry.

Jean Franks – K&N Engineering
I have been a member of K&N senior management since March 1996. I have been participating in the MEMA Financial Services meetings for a number of years. I attend meetings with the Aftermarket Volume Retailer Group and the Performance Group throughout the year. Last year, I served on the creditors committee of a bankruptcy case in the automotive industry. I have 25 years professional experience in accounting, tax and management. I worked with a couple of the major accounting firms as well as several companies. I received a bachelor of business administration degree majoring in accounting and a master of science degree majoring in accounting and taxation from University of North Texas. I am Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in California.

Erin Gilhuly – Toyota Motor Sales, INCUMBENT

My 11 years with an OEM, with the last six years planning and developing performance accessories, has brought a unique perspective to the SBN. I understand the importance of OEMs and aftermarket companies working together—not in competition—to bring products to market that meet the needs of our customers.

Gigi Ho – Digital Performance Inc., INCUMBENT
As a founder of Digital Performance Inc., a leading digital technology and service provider, I have been dedicated to the growth and development of the automotive aftermarket for the past eight years, which has given me the opportunity to connect with and learn from many women leaders in our industry. Focusing on data standardization tools for the industry and connecting buyers and sellers via our widely syndicated parts search engine, gives me a unique perspective on the future of the marketplace. I have been serving and contributing at numerous AAIA and SEMA events for many years and have presented for AAIA- and SEMA-sponsored webinars. My goal, when elected, will be to apply my experience and expertise to strengthening the council’s objectives of member outreach and opportunities and facilitate the survival and prosperity of businesses as our industry continues to evolve.

Rose Kawasaki – Exports International, INCUMBENT
It has been a privilege to serve you on the Select Committee of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network. I am honored to be nominated for Re-Election and humbly ask for your vote. It takes a team of several dedicated volunteers working together toward the success and future of the SBN and I feel compelled, that with my 23 years of industry experience, to dedicate my time in hopes that I may be able to “give back” in order to help others succeed and to make a difference for women in our industry. I pledge if re-elected, to continue to reach out to our SEMA member company employees and heighten their awareness of the SBN. Many of our SBN members are non-travelling and I will encourage them to get involved with all the diverse programs that it offers and recommend they become an active member through service on our committee through our Member Resource Pool and Mentoring Programs.

Christina Kwan – Kwan International Inc.
As a SBN Select Committee member, I will continue to strengthen the membership count by identifying and reaching out to potential new members. I strive to continue the mission of the SBN—to represent a strong and influential voice of women within the automotive industry. As an entrepreneur, I am challenged and driven to succeed each and every day while having to create balance between a professional and personal life. As a former U.S. National and World Boxing Champion, I have been faced with the physical challenges of training and competing—yet I realized from the very beginning, success starts from the mind and it can overcome any obstacles or adversities.

Sherry Price-McCall – Masters TV Inc.
I welcome an opportunity to contribute to the SBN Select Committee. If elected, I would bring to this position my commitment to our industry and my desire to see it thrive for generations to come. I currently serve on the SBN. I've had the privilege of creating a variety of new features and programs to promote the automotive industry. Many of which include the youth in motorsports and new ideas to keep them involved. The most recent was my concept for a 13-week series, highlighting the students of the University of Northwestern Ohio and their participation in the television series "Motorsports U".

Cheralyn Smith – Advanced Clutch Technology, INCUMBENT

I am honored to be nominated for a second term on the SBN Select Committee. I appreciate the opportunity to make a difference and am committed to an active council of dedicated women who are strong leaders in this industry. I have been in the aftermarket parts industry for the last 13 years; most recently with Advanced Clutch Technology Inc. as the marketing manager. My responsibilities within the industry have included the development and direction of accounting, human resources, sales, marketing, manufacturing and facility management. I believe that I will bring the leadership and experience necessary to deal with challenges and opportunities all companies within our industry face today.

Jacqueline Parral – Ryan Communications Group LLC
Having worked in the automotive aftermarket in various segments (e.g., hot rod, sport-compact car, off-road, musclecar and truck) for the last 16 years, I believe I can be an asset to this team. I know and have worked with many of the awesome ladies that are already members of the SBN. I am look forward to being a part of SBN's exciting future.

Michelle Radin – Flex-a-lite Consolidated
I started in the automotive aftermarket industry 13 years ago as the receptionist for Flex-a-lite and now hold the position of marketing and customer service manager. I have been a long-time member of the SBN and have had the privilege of being mentored by and working with many of the talented women involved. I believe my knowledge, passion and understanding of our industry will be a positive asset to the SBN Select Committee. And if elected I promise to work diligently towards building a stronger networking and mentoring community for all of its members.

Linda Vaughn
I believe that I have a singular way of bringing to focus a worthwhile product, cause or person and paved the way for women to participate in all aspects of the aftermarket. With absolute passion for motorsports, I have parlayed my role from beauty queen to spokesperson for the aftermarket and have spent a lifetime participating in the events and milestones that have shaped this industry. I am also a member of the SEMA Hall of Fame.