By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

With Congress and the White House at loggerheads over the next comprehensive COVID relief bill, President Trump issued executive actions to withhold the collection of payroll taxes through the end of 2020, provide $300 per week in federal supplemental unemployment benefits, permit the deferral of student loan repayment until 2021 for federal loans and direct federal agencies to consider funding rental assistance to prevent evictions.

President Trump issued a memo directing the Treasury Department to defer the “withholding, deposit, and payment” of the payroll taxes that would otherwise be owed by employees whose pre-tax bi-weekly pay is less than $4,000 for the period of September 1 to December 31, 2020. The business community awaits guidance from the Treasury Department on whether companies will be required to implement the deferral payroll taxes or whether they will be permitted to either collect and hold or collect and remit the payroll taxes for their employees if they elect to do so. (Under the CARES Act, businesses already have the option to defer payment of the employer’s portion of social security taxes between March 27 and December 31, 2020, with half to be repaid by the end of 2021 and the other half by the end of 2022.)

Since the payroll tax is simply being deferred, not forgiven, many companies are concerned about employees understanding this distinction, or being able to pay the future obligation. While President Trump stated an intent to forgive the tax if reelected, such an action is not guaranteed since Congress would be required to pass legislation. Employers are also concerned that they could be liable if workers do not repay the taxes.

The President’s memo on enhanced unemployment compensation directs the U.S. Department of Labor to allocate existing federal disaster relief funds to provide supplemental unemployment benefits of $300 per week (states may provide an additional $100 per week to workers).

While negotiations between the White House and Congressional leaders appear to be paused at present, SEMA continues to advocate for legislation to provide businesses with targeted COVID-19 liability protections when operating under applicable public health guidelines, in addition to the creation of a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding for the hardest hit businesses. The association also supports the expansion of the employee retention tax credit (ERTC) and the creation of a refundable payroll tax credit for the money that businesses spend to protect their employees from COVID-19.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

With Congress and the White House at loggerheads over the next comprehensive COVID relief bill, President Trump issued executive actions to withhold the collection of payroll taxes through the end of 2020, provide $300 per week in federal supplemental unemployment benefits, permit the deferral of student loan repayment until 2021 for federal loans and direct federal agencies to consider funding rental assistance to prevent evictions.

President Trump issued a memo directing the Treasury Department to defer the “withholding, deposit, and payment” of the payroll taxes that would otherwise be owed by employees whose pre-tax bi-weekly pay is less than $4,000 for the period of September 1 to December 31, 2020. The business community awaits guidance from the Treasury Department on whether companies will be required to implement the deferral payroll taxes or whether they will be permitted to either collect and hold or collect and remit the payroll taxes for their employees if they elect to do so. (Under the CARES Act, businesses already have the option to defer payment of the employer’s portion of social security taxes between March 27 and December 31, 2020, with half to be repaid by the end of 2021 and the other half by the end of 2022.)

Since the payroll tax is simply being deferred, not forgiven, many companies are concerned about employees understanding this distinction, or being able to pay the future obligation. While President Trump stated an intent to forgive the tax if reelected, such an action is not guaranteed since Congress would be required to pass legislation. Employers are also concerned that they could be liable if workers do not repay the taxes.

The President’s memo on enhanced unemployment compensation directs the U.S. Department of Labor to allocate existing federal disaster relief funds to provide supplemental unemployment benefits of $300 per week (states may provide an additional $100 per week to workers).

While negotiations between the White House and Congressional leaders appear to be paused at present, SEMA continues to advocate for legislation to provide businesses with targeted COVID-19 liability protections when operating under applicable public health guidelines, in addition to the creation of a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding for the hardest hit businesses. The association also supports the expansion of the employee retention tax credit (ERTC) and the creation of a refundable payroll tax credit for the money that businesses spend to protect their employees from COVID-19.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Nevada and Tennessee are the latest states to enact versions of SEMA-supported liability protection legislation. They join Georgia, North Carolina, Utah, Wyoming, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Kansas, which have all have enacted laws to provide businesses that follow public health guidance protection from unreasonable lawsuits related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The Governors of both Nevada and Tennessee called their state legislatures into a special session to address issues that arose due to the pandemic. The Nevada legislature passed Senate Bill 4, which was subsequently signed into law by Governor Sisolak. The law provides liability protections for businesses, government agencies and nonprofits; however, it excludes certain medical facilities from these protections.

In Tennessee, Governor Lee commended the COVID-19 liability protection legislation as “historic” and signed the bill into law after it was passed by large majorities in both the Tennessee House and Senate. The law limits liability for businesses, schools and nursing homes, and theses protections are retroactive to August 3.

While these laws limit liability for businesses in certain states, SEMA and countless other trade associations and companies continue to push for wide-spread action on this issue from the U.S. Congress. Passing temporary and targeted COVID-19 liability protection on the Federal level would ensure businesses attempting to get back on their feet are not hindered by the threat of frivolous lawsuits.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Nevada and Tennessee are the latest states to enact versions of SEMA-supported liability protection legislation. They join Georgia, North Carolina, Utah, Wyoming, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Kansas, which have all have enacted laws to provide businesses that follow public health guidance protection from unreasonable lawsuits related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The Governors of both Nevada and Tennessee called their state legislatures into a special session to address issues that arose due to the pandemic. The Nevada legislature passed Senate Bill 4, which was subsequently signed into law by Governor Sisolak. The law provides liability protections for businesses, government agencies and nonprofits; however, it excludes certain medical facilities from these protections.

In Tennessee, Governor Lee commended the COVID-19 liability protection legislation as “historic” and signed the bill into law after it was passed by large majorities in both the Tennessee House and Senate. The law limits liability for businesses, schools and nursing homes, and theses protections are retroactive to August 3.

While these laws limit liability for businesses in certain states, SEMA and countless other trade associations and companies continue to push for wide-spread action on this issue from the U.S. Congress. Passing temporary and targeted COVID-19 liability protection on the Federal level would ensure businesses attempting to get back on their feet are not hindered by the threat of frivolous lawsuits.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Nevada and Tennessee are the latest states to enact versions of SEMA-supported liability protection legislation. They join Georgia, North Carolina, Utah, Wyoming, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Kansas, which have all have enacted laws to provide businesses that follow public health guidance protection from unreasonable lawsuits related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The Governors of both Nevada and Tennessee called their state legislatures into a special session to address issues that arose due to the pandemic. The Nevada legislature passed Senate Bill 4, which was subsequently signed into law by Governor Sisolak. The law provides liability protections for businesses, government agencies and nonprofits; however, it excludes certain medical facilities from these protections.

In Tennessee, Governor Lee commended the COVID-19 liability protection legislation as “historic” and signed the bill into law after it was passed by large majorities in both the Tennessee House and Senate. The law limits liability for businesses, schools and nursing homes, and theses protections are retroactive to August 3.

While these laws limit liability for businesses in certain states, SEMA and countless other trade associations and companies continue to push for wide-spread action on this issue from the U.S. Congress. Passing temporary and targeted COVID-19 liability protection on the Federal level would ensure businesses attempting to get back on their feet are not hindered by the threat of frivolous lawsuits.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at stateleg@sema.org.

By Jay Carpio

The SEMA Video Archives is about re-living special moments in our industry’s history. From interviews with industry legends to SEMA Show recaps and more, these videos offer viewers a chance to watch our SEMA Family doing what it does best—working hard, pushing the limits and having a little bit of fun, too.

This week’s video features Battle of the Builders contestant Jerry Jacob and the opening of the emissions lab at the SEMA Garage.

By Ashley Reyes

The 2019 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund recipients.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded $307,000 to 106 individuals this year, including scholarships for current students and loan-forgiveness awards to employees of SEMA-member companies.

“We’re excited to award this passionate group of individuals with our support as they embark on finding new ways to advance the future of the specialty-equipment aftermarket,” said SEMA Board of Director Chairman Tim Martin. “This year’s winners represent the diversity and young talent that our industry thrives on, and we look forward to how their contributions will drive us forward for years to come."

More than $3 million has been awarded to more than 1,600 deserving students since the program's establishment in 1984. The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program are dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators by helping them get off to a successful start in their education and automotive aftermarket careers.

Online applications for next year's awards will be accepted Nov. 1, 2020, through March 1, 2021, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

For questions or additional information, contact SEMA’s Youth Engagement Manager Katie Hurst at 909-978-6693 or katieh@sema.org.

SEMA Scholarship Award Winners
Recipient (Institution Name, Major)

• Jordan Aguana (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Mechanical Engineering)
• Trevor Andis (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, Mechanical Engineering)
• Mary Elizabeth Bannister (Auburn University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Zachary Barton (Auburn University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Jacob Beshara (Bethel College, Business Management)
• Alec Bianco (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering)
• Martin Blair (Arizona State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Camden Boshart (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Mechanical Engineering)
• Rebecca Brunner (Central Maine Community College, Automotive Technician)
• Omar Carrizales-Suarez (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Mechanical Engineering)
• Takeshia Carter (Kennedy-King College, Autobody Collision)
• Olivia Celinski (DePaul University, Finance)
• Nicholas Chan (Las Positas College, Automotive Technology)
• Dallin Clawson (Brigham Young University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Cameron Cocalis (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering)
• Elijah Collins (Valparaiso University, Mechanical Engineering)
• John Corder (Oregon Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology)
• Kevin Dennis (Rochester Institute of Technology, Civil Engineering)
• David Dixon Jr. (Wesleyan University, Economics)
• Bonifacio Duller III (College for Creative Studies, Automotive Technology)
• Chad Eisele (Clemson University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Colton Elfstrom (Gonzaga University, Computer Engineering)
• Isabelle Erickson (Iowa State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Emily Fuchsen (Lincoln College of Technology, Autobody Collision)
• Benjamin Glaus (Minnesota State University-Mankato, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• April Graham (Utah Valley University, Autobody Collision)
• Samuel Griffith (Northwood University, Automotive Marketing & Management)
• Christian Gutierrez (Florida International University, Construction)
• Michael Hand (Pennsylvania State University, Electrical Engineering)
• John Hartman (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Aftermarket)
• Thomas Havemann (Clemson University, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Alix Helton (Colorado State University, Engineering)
• Ryan Hinchberger (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technology)
• Mark Jaszkowiak (University of Idaho, Mechanical Engineering)
• Isaac Johnson (University of Indianapolis, Mechanical Engineering)
• Robert Johnson, Jr. (Highland Community College, Automotive Maintenance)
• Zachary Jones (Clemson University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Christopher Kay (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology)
• Jered Kennedy (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering)
• Henry Kingwill III (College of Lake County, Autobody Collision)
• Tyler Kraft (University of Akron, Mechanical Engineering)
• Matt Lambert (Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• James Larmour (Nashville Auto Diesel College, Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technician)
• Joshua Larson (Minnesota State University-Mankato, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Nicholas Lent (Monroe Community College, Information Technology & Computing)
• Francesco LoGiudice Jr. (Farmingdale State College, Automotive Technology)
• Scotty Lucas (University of the Pacific, Mechanical Engineering)
• Morgan Malencia (Ohio State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Samuel Maner (The University of Alabama, Mechanical Engineering)
• Brandan Marhefka (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Welding)
• Spencer Marler (Brigham Young University-Idaho, Business Management)
• Omar Martinez (Stanford University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Sydney McQueary (The University of Tennessee, Mechanical Engineering)
• Leticia Mercado (University of New Mexico, Mechanical Engineering)
• Caleb Messer (Mississippi State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Evan Mihalko (Gannon University, Mechanical Engineering)
• John Milbrandt (University of Akron, Mechanical Engineering)
• Sloane Miller (North Carolina A&T State University, Computer Programming)
• Lauren Mims (Clemson University, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Dudley Moore (The University of Alabama, Mechanical Engineering)
• Nicholas Nicholson (University of Northwestern Ohio, High Performance Automotive)
• Christian Nisperos (University of California-Berkeley, Mechanical Engineering)
• Shane Olson (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Computer Engineering)
• Ryan Ott (Kennesaw State University, Marketing)
• Austin Owen (Western Michigan University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Sebastian Pereira (Harvard University, Computer Programming)
• Kenny Phan (Clemson University, Electrical Engineering)
• Anthony Plummer (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• John Rafferty (North Dakota State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Nathan Ragsdale (Montana State University, Mechanical Engineering Technology)
• Emma Ricketts (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology)
• Sean Robinson (McPherson College, Automotive Technology)
• Brady Robling (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technology)
• Raquel Rodriguez (Southwest Career Institute, Automotive Technology)
• Corbin Russ (University of Arkansas, Mechanical Engineering)
• Shay Saarie (Dakota Wesleyan University, Business Management)
• David Scagliotta (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• John Shanahan (Western Technical College, Automotive Technology)
• Parker Simpson (Rhode Island School of Design, Fine Arts)
• Michael Stamboulian (Villanova University, Business Management)
• Ashley Stamboulian (Villanova University, Business Management)
• William Sullivan (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• Ethan Tai (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Information Technology & Sciences)
• Matthew Trees (Texas A&M University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Michael Ustes (University of Michigan-Dearborn, Mechanical Engineering)
• Jacqueline van Zyl (Georgia Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering – Top Student Award)
• Luke Voldahl (Eastern Michigan University, Information Technology)
• Vance Weber (Kansas State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• William Welch (University of California-Los Angeles, Mechanical Engineering)
• Joshua Wilhelm (Kansas State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Kinzie Wilson (Belmont Abbey College, Business Management)
• Christopher Wong (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Electrical Engineering)
• Madison Wong (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Computer Engineering)

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award Winners
Recipient (Employer, Institution Name, Major)

• Sophia Dancel (Ford Motor Company, Kettering University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Kyle Ebner (Ford Motor Company, University of Detroit Mercy, Product Development)
• Eric Harding (Pratt & Miller Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Mechanical Engineering)
• Weston Kulman (Pratt & Miller Engineering, Northwestern University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Jay McFarland (Holley Performance Products, Mid-Continent University, Business Management)
• Mark Mollica (ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America, University of San Diego, Mechanical Engineering)
• Joel Negrete (Cummins, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology)
• Hunter Pauloski (Competition Cams, Minnesota State University-Mankato, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Christopher Pearson (Directed, University of Southern California, Business Management)
• Nicholas Soave (Race Winning Brands, Kennesaw State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Janelle Storey (Automotive Lift Institute, SUNY College at Cortland, Graphic Design/Art)
• James Stray (SAM Tech, SAM Tech, Automotive Technology)
• Jamison Wilcox (COMP Performance Group, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Automotive Engineering & Technology)

By Ashley Reyes

The 2019 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund recipients.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded $307,000 to 106 individuals this year, including scholarships for current students and loan-forgiveness awards to employees of SEMA-member companies.

“We’re excited to award this passionate group of individuals with our support as they embark on finding new ways to advance the future of the specialty-equipment aftermarket,” said SEMA Board of Director Chairman Tim Martin. “This year’s winners represent the diversity and young talent that our industry thrives on, and we look forward to how their contributions will drive us forward for years to come."

More than $3 million has been awarded to more than 1,600 deserving students since the program's establishment in 1984. The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program are dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators by helping them get off to a successful start in their education and automotive aftermarket careers.

Online applications for next year's awards will be accepted Nov. 1, 2020, through March 1, 2021, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

For questions or additional information, contact SEMA’s Youth Engagement Manager Katie Hurst at 909-978-6693 or katieh@sema.org.

SEMA Scholarship Award Winners
Recipient (Institution Name, Major)

• Jordan Aguana (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Mechanical Engineering)
• Trevor Andis (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, Mechanical Engineering)
• Mary Elizabeth Bannister (Auburn University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Zachary Barton (Auburn University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Jacob Beshara (Bethel College, Business Management)
• Alec Bianco (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering)
• Martin Blair (Arizona State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Camden Boshart (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Mechanical Engineering)
• Rebecca Brunner (Central Maine Community College, Automotive Technician)
• Omar Carrizales-Suarez (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Mechanical Engineering)
• Takeshia Carter (Kennedy-King College, Autobody Collision)
• Olivia Celinski (DePaul University, Finance)
• Nicholas Chan (Las Positas College, Automotive Technology)
• Dallin Clawson (Brigham Young University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Cameron Cocalis (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering)
• Elijah Collins (Valparaiso University, Mechanical Engineering)
• John Corder (Oregon Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology)
• Kevin Dennis (Rochester Institute of Technology, Civil Engineering)
• David Dixon Jr. (Wesleyan University, Economics)
• Bonifacio Duller III (College for Creative Studies, Automotive Technology)
• Chad Eisele (Clemson University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Colton Elfstrom (Gonzaga University, Computer Engineering)
• Isabelle Erickson (Iowa State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Emily Fuchsen (Lincoln College of Technology, Autobody Collision)
• Benjamin Glaus (Minnesota State University-Mankato, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• April Graham (Utah Valley University, Autobody Collision)
• Samuel Griffith (Northwood University, Automotive Marketing & Management)
• Christian Gutierrez (Florida International University, Construction)
• Michael Hand (Pennsylvania State University, Electrical Engineering)
• John Hartman (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Aftermarket)
• Thomas Havemann (Clemson University, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Alix Helton (Colorado State University, Engineering)
• Ryan Hinchberger (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technology)
• Mark Jaszkowiak (University of Idaho, Mechanical Engineering)
• Isaac Johnson (University of Indianapolis, Mechanical Engineering)
• Robert Johnson, Jr. (Highland Community College, Automotive Maintenance)
• Zachary Jones (Clemson University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Christopher Kay (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology)
• Jered Kennedy (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering)
• Henry Kingwill III (College of Lake County, Autobody Collision)
• Tyler Kraft (University of Akron, Mechanical Engineering)
• Matt Lambert (Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• James Larmour (Nashville Auto Diesel College, Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technician)
• Joshua Larson (Minnesota State University-Mankato, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Nicholas Lent (Monroe Community College, Information Technology & Computing)
• Francesco LoGiudice Jr. (Farmingdale State College, Automotive Technology)
• Scotty Lucas (University of the Pacific, Mechanical Engineering)
• Morgan Malencia (Ohio State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Samuel Maner (The University of Alabama, Mechanical Engineering)
• Brandan Marhefka (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Welding)
• Spencer Marler (Brigham Young University-Idaho, Business Management)
• Omar Martinez (Stanford University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Sydney McQueary (The University of Tennessee, Mechanical Engineering)
• Leticia Mercado (University of New Mexico, Mechanical Engineering)
• Caleb Messer (Mississippi State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Evan Mihalko (Gannon University, Mechanical Engineering)
• John Milbrandt (University of Akron, Mechanical Engineering)
• Sloane Miller (North Carolina A&T State University, Computer Programming)
• Lauren Mims (Clemson University, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Dudley Moore (The University of Alabama, Mechanical Engineering)
• Nicholas Nicholson (University of Northwestern Ohio, High Performance Automotive)
• Christian Nisperos (University of California-Berkeley, Mechanical Engineering)
• Shane Olson (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Computer Engineering)
• Ryan Ott (Kennesaw State University, Marketing)
• Austin Owen (Western Michigan University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Sebastian Pereira (Harvard University, Computer Programming)
• Kenny Phan (Clemson University, Electrical Engineering)
• Anthony Plummer (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• John Rafferty (North Dakota State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Nathan Ragsdale (Montana State University, Mechanical Engineering Technology)
• Emma Ricketts (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology)
• Sean Robinson (McPherson College, Automotive Technology)
• Brady Robling (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technology)
• Raquel Rodriguez (Southwest Career Institute, Automotive Technology)
• Corbin Russ (University of Arkansas, Mechanical Engineering)
• Shay Saarie (Dakota Wesleyan University, Business Management)
• David Scagliotta (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• John Shanahan (Western Technical College, Automotive Technology)
• Parker Simpson (Rhode Island School of Design, Fine Arts)
• Michael Stamboulian (Villanova University, Business Management)
• Ashley Stamboulian (Villanova University, Business Management)
• William Sullivan (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• Ethan Tai (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Information Technology & Sciences)
• Matthew Trees (Texas A&M University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Michael Ustes (University of Michigan-Dearborn, Mechanical Engineering)
• Jacqueline van Zyl (Georgia Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering – Top Student Award)
• Luke Voldahl (Eastern Michigan University, Information Technology)
• Vance Weber (Kansas State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• William Welch (University of California-Los Angeles, Mechanical Engineering)
• Joshua Wilhelm (Kansas State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Kinzie Wilson (Belmont Abbey College, Business Management)
• Christopher Wong (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Electrical Engineering)
• Madison Wong (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Computer Engineering)

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award Winners
Recipient (Employer, Institution Name, Major)

• Sophia Dancel (Ford Motor Company, Kettering University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Kyle Ebner (Ford Motor Company, University of Detroit Mercy, Product Development)
• Eric Harding (Pratt & Miller Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Mechanical Engineering)
• Weston Kulman (Pratt & Miller Engineering, Northwestern University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Jay McFarland (Holley Performance Products, Mid-Continent University, Business Management)
• Mark Mollica (ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America, University of San Diego, Mechanical Engineering)
• Joel Negrete (Cummins, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology)
• Hunter Pauloski (Competition Cams, Minnesota State University-Mankato, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Christopher Pearson (Directed, University of Southern California, Business Management)
• Nicholas Soave (Race Winning Brands, Kennesaw State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Janelle Storey (Automotive Lift Institute, SUNY College at Cortland, Graphic Design/Art)
• James Stray (SAM Tech, SAM Tech, Automotive Technology)
• Jamison Wilcox (COMP Performance Group, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Automotive Engineering & Technology)

By Ashley Reyes

Lee Riser

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Lee Riser of Truck Hero as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. As senior director of marketing, accessory brands at Truck Hero, Riser is a leader in aftermarket marketing and sales strategy, sales and marketing processes and online and social marketing.

Learn about her involvement and passion for the industry in her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Lee Riser: Just be Lee, and I have taken that to heart all these years. It is always best to be authentically yourself and remember what makes you unique is one of your biggest strengths.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

LR: The passion that people have for what they do and the great relationships I have formed. This industry has truly become my extended family.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

LR: At home with my kids lately or on the road for an awesome event.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

LR: Ready to be open minded. You never know what could come out of your next important meeting.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

LR: Jessi Combs. She really embodied SHE IS SEMA, and although I got time with her on the trail and at events, just one more lunch would be nice.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

By Ashley Reyes

Lee Riser

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Lee Riser of Truck Hero as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. As senior director of marketing, accessory brands at Truck Hero, Riser is a leader in aftermarket marketing and sales strategy, sales and marketing processes and online and social marketing.

Learn about her involvement and passion for the industry in her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Lee Riser: Just be Lee, and I have taken that to heart all these years. It is always best to be authentically yourself and remember what makes you unique is one of your biggest strengths.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

LR: The passion that people have for what they do and the great relationships I have formed. This industry has truly become my extended family.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

LR: At home with my kids lately or on the road for an awesome event.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

LR: Ready to be open minded. You never know what could come out of your next important meeting.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

LR: Jessi Combs. She really embodied SHE IS SEMA, and although I got time with her on the trail and at events, just one more lunch would be nice.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.