Click on the logo to visit WTC's website.

WTC Long-Range Planning Meeting

Attend the WTC Long-Range Planning Meeting and help shape the course of the council’s agenda. It’s time to voice your opinion.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2009, from 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. at:

SEMA Headquarters
AAA Building—Second Floor
1577 South Valley Vista Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765

RSVP by Friday, May 8, 2009 to Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Can’t make it to the meeting in person? Participate on the Internet! For more information on how to participate on the Internet, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext 112, or paulm@sema.org.

WTC Open Meeting

2:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m., Monday, November 2, during SEMA Show week in Las Vegas.

WTC Reception

5:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

WTC Column in SEMA Member News

Read WTC's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about WTC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Click on the logo to visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News

Read ARMO's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.

 

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Click on the logo to visit HRIA's website.

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read HRIA's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.

 

For more information about HRIA, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

 

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Click on the logo to visit TORA's website.

TORA Long-Range Planning Meeting Moves to Pasadena

TORA members can pack plenty of activity around this year’s annual Long-Range Planning (LRP) Meeting. Scheduled for Thursday, July 30, at the Westin Hotel in Pasadena, California from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., the meeting is being held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser at the Pasadena Convention Center on Saturday, August 1. The SEMA Pinewood Drag Race and a car show are also on tap for that day.

Sandwiched between the Thursday LRP meeting and Saturday’s SEMA festivities at the Convention Center, Friday is available for attendees to see West Coast clients or spend a free day in Old Town Pasadena. Old Town is filled with an eclectic mix of shops, stores and restaurants that easily make a full day of sightseeing within walking distance of the Westin and Convention Center.

“This is a tough year for everyone,” said TORA Chairman Ron DiVincenzo. “A West Coast trip may not make sense on the surface, but we wanted to hold the meeting in conjunction with some other event so that members could combine two trips into one. With the postponement of the TSTC in March, the only other big event coming up is the SEMA Show in November.

 

"At the SEMA Show, everyone is already overwhelmed, and it’s really not a good venue at which to conduct long-range planning. While this may keep some of our East Coast and Midwest companies from attending, on a positive note we’re hoping that some of the West Coast members, who rarely come east for an LRP, can attend this year’s meeting.”

Please contact TORA Staff Liaison Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org for more information.

 

TORA Select Committee Meeting

7:00 a.m.—9:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week in Las Vegas.

 

TORA Industry Reception

5:30 p.m.—7:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

George Lathouris Named TORA Chair-Elect

The TORA Select Committee has named Keystone’s George Lathouris as its chair-elect. Lathouris will assume his new responsibilities on July 1, when Kelly Kneifl assumes the duties of chairman from current Chairman Ron DiVincenzo. Congratulations to George!

 

TORA Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read TORA's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.

 

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

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Click on the logo to visit MPMC's website.

MPMC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MPMC's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.

 

For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

 

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Click on the logo to visit MRC's website.

MRC General Membership Meeting and Awards Ceremony

MRC will be holding its membership meeting and awards ceremony on Sunday, November 1, from 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

Manufacturers Seeking Rep List Now Available

Manufacturers’ representatives are encouraged to contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org to request the Manufacturers Seeking Rep List, which is available at no cost. Compiled using information collected from manufacturers prior to the 2008 SEMA Show, the listing contains details on manufacturers currently seeking the services of manufacturers’ representatives along with the lines available and company contact information. The list was originally available in the MRC Rep Center during the week of the 2008 SEMA Show.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read MRC's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.

 

For information about MRC, contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org.

 

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Click on the logo to visit PRO's website.

 

PRO Long-Range Planning Meeting

The annual PRO Long-Range Planning Meeting is slated for Thursday and Friday, June 18–19, in Detroit. The Crown Plaza Hotel, minutes from the Detroit Metro Airport, will once again host the event and is offering a blocked-out room rate of only $115 for meeting attendees. Lunch is included both days, with a continental breakfast also included on Friday morning.

The Long-Range Planning Meeting begins at 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning, continues through lunch and then moves into breakout groups in the afternoon. The breakout groups continue on Friday. Everyone will reconvene mid-morning on Friday for breakout reports and a box lunch before adjourning at 1:00 p.m., in time for those early afternoon flights back home.

There is no better opportunity to share ideas and plan for solutions than at the PRO Long-Range Planning Meeting. Official meeting notices will go out shortly with more details. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

PRO Select Committee Meeting

3:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m., Sunday, November 1, during SEMA Show week in Las Vegas.

PRO Industry Reception

5:30 p.m.—7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

PRO General Membership Meeting

7:30 a.m.—9:00 a.m., Thursday, November 5, during SEMA Show week in Las Vegas.

PRO Business Development Guidebook Now On Sale

 

In today’s ever-changing marketplace, staying ahead of the competition is more important and challenging than ever. To be successful, you not only need an effective business strategy, but also the tools and resources to help your company excel and stand out from the pack. The PRO Business Development Guidebook is your handy reference guide.

 

Beginning with an overview of the importance of having a business plan—including tips on how to develop a business plan and the many purposes it can serve—the manual offers chapter-by-chapter strategies for making your business a success.

 

From understanding the basics of business finance and the importance of quality and service and how to make them hallmarks of your business, to building knowledge and skills among your employees to branding your restyling business as a market leader, the guidebook offers information critical to the day-to-day and long-term operation of your business.

 

Whether you’re starting your own restyling business or already own one—be it mobile or brick and mortar—you’ll find the answers that you’ve been looking for in the guidebook. PRO council members contributed much of the information contained in the guidebook, drawing on their experience and knowledge to present a valuable business tool.

 

To order the PRO Business Development Guidebook, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

 

PRO Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read PRO's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.

 

For information about PRO, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

 

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Click on the logo to visit SPC's website.

Webinar Sponsored by the Street Performance Council

SPC is sponsoring the “Protecting Your Products With Contracts: Contract Law 101” webinar, presented by Elizabeth McNulty, Dan Rodman and Josie Mollica, Snell & Wilmer, LLP, on Thursday, May 7, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. PDT.

SPC Reception

5:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

Read SPC's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.

 

For information about SPC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

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Click on the logo to 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.

 

SBN Column in SEMA Member News

Read SBN's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SBN, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

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Click on the logo to visit YEN's website.

 

YEN Select Committee Meeting

3:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 1, during SEMA Show week in Las Vegas.

YEN Reception

 

5:00 p.m.—7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

 

Congratulations to Gregory Parker!

 

Gregory Parker from Martin & Company Advertising has been elected chair-elect of the Young Executives Network (YEN). Parker has served on the YEN Select Committee since 2005 and has been chairman of the SEMA Silent Auction Task Force.

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.

 

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.

YEN Column in SEMA Member News

Read YEN's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about YEN, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Although reaching the end of its production life, the Viper will go out as a classic that will thrive in stock and modified forms. The 2010 model year caught here by Brenda Priddy's spy shooter network will feature at least one new color for the ACR version, Priddy says.

"We caught a glimpse of this silver with black stripes ACR model—a color not currently offered—and we’re expecting diehard Viper fans to start lining up for the limited-production end-of-the-line 2010 (and probably 2011) models," Priddy says.

Dodge will officially reveal the 2010 color palette in June.

Although reaching the end of its production life, the Viper will go out as a classic that will thrive in stock and modified forms. The 2010 model year caught here by Brenda Priddy's spy shooter network will feature at least one new color for the ACR version, Priddy says.

"We caught a glimpse of this silver with black stripes ACR model—a color not currently offered—and we’re expecting diehard Viper fans to start lining up for the limited-production end-of-the-line 2010 (and probably 2011) models," Priddy says.

Dodge will officially reveal the 2010 color palette in June.

Although reaching the end of its production life, the Viper will go out as a classic that will thrive in stock and modified forms. The 2010 model year caught here by Brenda Priddy's spy shooter network will feature at least one new color for the ACR version, Priddy says.

"We caught a glimpse of this silver with black stripes ACR model—a color not currently offered—and we’re expecting diehard Viper fans to start lining up for the limited-production end-of-the-line 2010 (and probably 2011) models," Priddy says.

Dodge will officially reveal the 2010 color palette in June.

Although reaching the end of its production life, the Viper will go out as a classic that will thrive in stock and modified forms. The 2010 model year caught here by Brenda Priddy's spy shooter network will feature at least one new color for the ACR version, Priddy says.

"We caught a glimpse of this silver with black stripes ACR model—a color not currently offered—and we’re expecting diehard Viper fans to start lining up for the limited-production end-of-the-line 2010 (and probably 2011) models," Priddy says.

Dodge will officially reveal the 2010 color palette in June.

Know someone who has moved on or up? Have some company news or announcements? Send information to be included in Movers & Shakers to eNews@sema.org.

The 2009 SEMA Show is set for November 3–6, 2009, in Las Vegas. Here are the companies that are currently registered as first-time exhibitors. Complete information on the Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

First-Time SEMA Show Exhibitors for 2009:

	To help recover from Hurricane Ike, ASA Tire Systems awarded $25,000 from the $1 million Tire Dealer Bailout Program to Superior Tire.

Through an exclusive partnership with Advanced Mobil Products (AMP), Exide Technologies will supply lead-acid automotive starting batteries for the mobile replacement marketplace. AMP is developing a multi-national mobile battery replacement network of service providers within the United States and Canada. AMP will exclusively market the Exide American lead-acid battery brand, a product now being reintroduced to the U.S. market. In Canada, AMP will market these same products to the mobile replacement marketplace under the ArcticEnergy battery brand name. The partnership is for five years.

ASA Tire Systems awarded Superior Tire of Orange, Texas, with $25,000 in funds from the $1 million Tire Dealer Bailout Program during the Texas Tire Dealers Association Annual Convention in San Antonio in April. Superior Tire is still rebuilding its business like many across the Texas coastline due to the devastation of Hurricane Ike. The money from ASA Tire Systems will be used to update and strengthen Superior Tire’s technology infrastructure as it continues to rebuild its business in the post-Ike devastation.

Dave Schaub and his 1932 Ford roadster.

SEMA-member Motorpool.com announced that it has created the world’s first social networking website for classic- and collector-car enthusiasts. The website, currently operating in an open beta, carries more than 6,400 different makes and models and is free and open to anyone who owns a vehicle manufactured prior to 1999. Check out the website at www.motorpool.com.

Dave Schaub, San Francisco Bay area native and hot rod enthusiast, will set out on September 8 to drive his '32 Ford roadster through all 49 continental United States in nine days. He hopes to raise $50,000–$100,000 for the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford. The black ’32 roadster was built by Roy Brizio Street Rods and is wrapped in a vinyl cover by Yak Graphics to carry sponsor logos and signage. For more information, visit www.49in9.com.

	Steve Swanson

Racing fans can now purchase a Fan Value Pack ticket package for $90 that includes reserved seats, pit passes and free parking for two major races: The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, June 25–28, in Ohio, and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Michigan 400, in Michigan on August 16. The ticket package saves fans $90 per ticket, and is the result of a partnership between Summit Motorsports Park and Michigan International Speedway. More information is available at www.summitmotorsportspark.com.

Aeromotive hired Steve Swanson as sales manager. He will head up all WD and jobber sales with management responsibility for the nationwide network of Aeromotive’s independent sales staff. Swanson’s tenure in the industry spans more than 36 years and includes service on the SEMA Board of Directors and as a member of several SEMA
councils and committees.

The National Street Rod Association (NSRA) announced that beginning in 2010, vehicles 30-years old and older will be accepted for participation at every NSRA Event. The decision was made in response to an overwhelming majority of NSRA members requesting that events be open in order for them to be able to continue to participate as a family—parents, children and grand children. For the remainder of 2009, only the Richmond Nationals, the Northeast Nationals in Bur­lington, the Golden State Nationals in Sacramento and the Southeast Nationals Tampa Nationals will be open to 30 year and older vehicles. For additional information, contact NSRA (Memphis) at 901/452-4030 or Jim Rowlett, NSRA marketing director at 817/581-9915.

Know someone who has moved on or up? Have some company news or announcements? Send information to be included in Movers & Shakers to eNews@sema.org.

The 2009 SEMA Show is set for November 3–6, 2009, in Las Vegas. Here are the companies that are currently registered as first-time exhibitors. Complete information on the Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

First-Time SEMA Show Exhibitors for 2009:

	To help recover from Hurricane Ike, ASA Tire Systems awarded $25,000 from the $1 million Tire Dealer Bailout Program to Superior Tire.

Through an exclusive partnership with Advanced Mobil Products (AMP), Exide Technologies will supply lead-acid automotive starting batteries for the mobile replacement marketplace. AMP is developing a multi-national mobile battery replacement network of service providers within the United States and Canada. AMP will exclusively market the Exide American lead-acid battery brand, a product now being reintroduced to the U.S. market. In Canada, AMP will market these same products to the mobile replacement marketplace under the ArcticEnergy battery brand name. The partnership is for five years.

ASA Tire Systems awarded Superior Tire of Orange, Texas, with $25,000 in funds from the $1 million Tire Dealer Bailout Program during the Texas Tire Dealers Association Annual Convention in San Antonio in April. Superior Tire is still rebuilding its business like many across the Texas coastline due to the devastation of Hurricane Ike. The money from ASA Tire Systems will be used to update and strengthen Superior Tire’s technology infrastructure as it continues to rebuild its business in the post-Ike devastation.

Dave Schaub and his 1932 Ford roadster.

SEMA-member Motorpool.com announced that it has created the world’s first social networking website for classic- and collector-car enthusiasts. The website, currently operating in an open beta, carries more than 6,400 different makes and models and is free and open to anyone who owns a vehicle manufactured prior to 1999. Check out the website at www.motorpool.com.

Dave Schaub, San Francisco Bay area native and hot rod enthusiast, will set out on September 8 to drive his '32 Ford roadster through all 49 continental United States in nine days. He hopes to raise $50,000–$100,000 for the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford. The black ’32 roadster was built by Roy Brizio Street Rods and is wrapped in a vinyl cover by Yak Graphics to carry sponsor logos and signage. For more information, visit www.49in9.com.

	Steve Swanson

Racing fans can now purchase a Fan Value Pack ticket package for $90 that includes reserved seats, pit passes and free parking for two major races: The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, June 25–28, in Ohio, and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Michigan 400, in Michigan on August 16. The ticket package saves fans $90 per ticket, and is the result of a partnership between Summit Motorsports Park and Michigan International Speedway. More information is available at www.summitmotorsportspark.com.

Aeromotive hired Steve Swanson as sales manager. He will head up all WD and jobber sales with management responsibility for the nationwide network of Aeromotive’s independent sales staff. Swanson’s tenure in the industry spans more than 36 years and includes service on the SEMA Board of Directors and as a member of several SEMA
councils and committees.

The National Street Rod Association (NSRA) announced that beginning in 2010, vehicles 30-years old and older will be accepted for participation at every NSRA Event. The decision was made in response to an overwhelming majority of NSRA members requesting that events be open in order for them to be able to continue to participate as a family—parents, children and grand children. For the remainder of 2009, only the Richmond Nationals, the Northeast Nationals in Bur­lington, the Golden State Nationals in Sacramento and the Southeast Nationals Tampa Nationals will be open to 30 year and older vehicles. For additional information, contact NSRA (Memphis) at 901/452-4030 or Jim Rowlett, NSRA marketing director at 817/581-9915.

Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are: