News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Register Now for Rescheduled GM Measuring Session

Thu, 06/26/2014 - 09:15

All SEMA Manufacturer Members — The GM Measuring Session has been rescheduled for August 6, 2014, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (EDT) at the Warren Technical Facility in Warren, Michigan. For any questions or concerns, please contact Mike Spagnola at 909-978-6739 or e-mail MikeS@sema.org.

Click thumbnails to enlarge

On behalf of GM Fleet & Commercial Operations, General Motors Vehicle Engineering, and GM Accessories, GM Upfitter Integration would like to extend an invitation to you to “APPLY” to attend our Measuring Session for the ’15 Next Generation Midsize Pickup Trucks (Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon) and Chevrolet City Express Cargo Van at the Warren Technical Center, Warren, Michigan.

The SEMA & IBP session will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2014. Applications will be accepted and processed based on your business need and availability of data.

For your advance planning, the daily activities are as follows:

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Registration
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Introductions, Product Presentations, and Q&A
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lunch
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Product walk around and measuring activities
Meeting is expected to conclude by 3:00 PM

“Business casual” attire is requested. Attendance will be limited to the first 200 requests per advance registration, with only (2) persons per company allowed. A confirmation letter with a complete detailed package (maps, agenda, hotel recommendations, etc.) will be e-mailed upon receipt and approval of the application and confidentiality form.

All attendees are required by General Motors to sign the confidentiality statement on the attached application form. Please be aware that cameras, video cameras, tape recorders or recording devices of any kind are strictly prohibited inside the facility. This now includes all cell phones with camera capabilities. Due to the sensitive nature of this session, all attendees are required to provide photo identification at the registration desk. We appreciate your cooperation with our security policies. Please complete the form for each attendee using the link below, also please note applications must be received no later than Wednesday, July 23, 2014.

Thank You
The GM Upfitter Integration Team

Register Now for Rescheduled GM Measuring Session

Thu, 06/26/2014 - 09:15

All SEMA Manufacturer Members — The GM Measuring Session has been rescheduled for August 6, 2014, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (EDT) at the Warren Technical Facility in Warren, Michigan. For any questions or concerns, please contact Mike Spagnola at 909-978-6739 or e-mail MikeS@sema.org.

Click thumbnails to enlarge

On behalf of GM Fleet & Commercial Operations, General Motors Vehicle Engineering, and GM Accessories, GM Upfitter Integration would like to extend an invitation to you to “APPLY” to attend our Measuring Session for the ’15 Next Generation Midsize Pickup Trucks (Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon) and Chevrolet City Express Cargo Van at the Warren Technical Center, Warren, Michigan.

The SEMA & IBP session will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2014. Applications will be accepted and processed based on your business need and availability of data.

For your advance planning, the daily activities are as follows:

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Registration
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Introductions, Product Presentations, and Q&A
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lunch
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Product walk around and measuring activities
Meeting is expected to conclude by 3:00 PM

“Business casual” attire is requested. Attendance will be limited to the first 200 requests per advance registration, with only (2) persons per company allowed. A confirmation letter with a complete detailed package (maps, agenda, hotel recommendations, etc.) will be e-mailed upon receipt and approval of the application and confidentiality form.

All attendees are required by General Motors to sign the confidentiality statement on the attached application form. Please be aware that cameras, video cameras, tape recorders or recording devices of any kind are strictly prohibited inside the facility. This now includes all cell phones with camera capabilities. Due to the sensitive nature of this session, all attendees are required to provide photo identification at the registration desk. We appreciate your cooperation with our security policies. Please complete the form for each attendee using the link below, also please note applications must be received no later than Wednesday, July 23, 2014.

Thank You
The GM Upfitter Integration Team

Movers & Shakers: Roadwire Expands Into New World Headquarters; Royal Purple to Appear in New "Transformers" Movie

Thu, 06/26/2014 - 08:51

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Roadwire’s new corporate headquarters in Austin, Texas, serves as the hub for the company’s global operations.

Roadwire Expands Into New World Headquarters

In a move designed to strategically realign the company’s executive and administrative operations, Roadwire Inc. has relocated its world headquarters to a state-of-the-art facility in Austin, Texas. According to Roadwire Inc. Vice President Dave Edmondson, the new, 20,000-sq.-ft. headquarters serves as the hub for the company’s global operations. The facility features expansive office space housing executive and administrative staff, including work stations, community work space and other amenities conducive to fostering creativity, teamwork and social interaction.

“We are excited by our move to new headquarters,” said Edmondson. “Roadwire Inc. and its subsidiaries—Roadwire Leather Interiors, Signature Sunroofs, Distinctive Industries and Classic Soft Trim—are experiencing significant growth. The employee-centric environment in our new facility provides an ideal work setting for our team of dedicated professionals, ensures that we will attract talented, high-caliber employees, and is integral to strategic positioning with our global facilities throughout the United States, and in Ensenada, Mexico, and Shanghai, China.”

	Ingersoll Rand donated a full suite of power tools to Hunterdon County Polytech Career and Technical School students at the first Ingersoll Rand Race Day, celebrating the racing program and power tool industry. Far left: John Evans, president of power tools at Ingersoll Rand; second from right: Chris Scheuerman, instructor at Hunterdon County Polytech.

Ingersoll Rand Donates Power Tools to Support Education

Ingersoll Rand donated a full suite of its vehicle service power tools, valued at approximately $10,000, as part of its first Ingersoll Rand Race Day. The donation, including the new W5330 Cordless Right Angle Impactool and the IQv12 Series of cordless tools, was made to Hunterdon County Polytech Career and Technical School, Tuesday, June 3, in Annandale, New Jersey.

The purpose of the Ingersoll Rand Race Day is to engage, excite and educate employees and customers about technical automotive industries and Ingersoll Rand tools with a focus on the Ingersoll Rand racing program. The event featured the Ingersoll Rand hauler used at NASCAR racing events with interactive product displays, such as a pit crew tire-changing challenge. Attendees were also able to meet NASCAR driver Will Kimmel and see the #69 Kimmel Racing Ford used at ARCA Series races. Among the attendees were employees, local officials, automotive technicians, mobile jobbers, industrial customers and students who use Ingersoll Rand tools as part of their training.

This donation is part of an existing Ingersoll Rand student program that donates tool packages and offers a discount to students registered in vocational and technical programs for high schools or colleges. It is designed to help propel the next generation of technicians into the industry. Ingersoll Rand expects additional Race Day events in Southern Pines, North Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Nashville, Tennessee, later in the year with more power tool donations to technical schools.

	Royal Purple will appear in this summer's "Transformers: Age of Extinction."

Royal Purple to Appear in “Transformers: Age of Extinction” and “Earth to Echo” This Summer

Royal Purple will kick off the summer with appearances in two of the season’s hottest movies, “Transformers: Age of Extinction” (opening June 27) and “Earth to Echo” (July 2). Royal Purple’s branding will make prominent appearances in both films utilizing its lines of premium synthetic products and featuring the Royal Purple logo on a variety of set pieces. For example, one of the movie trailers for "Earth to Echo” features a Royal Purple-branded semi-truck and trailer crashing and then reanimating itself.

“Our involvement with some of Hollywood’s biggest films allows us exposure to audiences previously unfamiliar with the Royal Purple brand,” said Royal Purple Marketing Director Randy Fisher. “We’ve found this to be an incredibly effective tactic for raising awareness of our brand and establishing familiarity among the pop-culture crowd.”

In addition to “Transformers: Age of Extinction” and “Earth to Echo,” Royal Purple will be featured in a number of other films throughout the remainder of the year.

Products Chinese Distributors and Buyers Want to Source From the United States

Thu, 06/26/2014 - 08:33

By Linda Spencer

Buyers travel to the SEMA China program from throughout China. Above is a chart of the locations of buyers attending the 2013 event.

Each exhibiting company will be provided a booth at each venue. Slots are limited, register now at 2014 SEMA China Business Development Tour.

Performance and off-road products figure prominently in the type of products Chinese wholesalers and retailers want to source from U.S. companies, according to early buyer registration for the upcoming 2014 SEMA China Business Development Tour.

SEMA members can connect with Chinese companies through face-to-face meetings with distributors at venues in both Beijing and Shanghai on 2014 SEMA China Business Development Tour.

Benefits for participating SEMA members include:

A first-hand look at the developing specialty-equipment market and an opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China during stops in Shanghai and Beijing.

The opportunity to exhibit at two events:

SEMA China Business Development Conference at Beijing-based Tuner Tribe.

SEMA Pavilion at the Shanghai-based China Auto Salon (CAS).

The U.S. Department of Commerce has partnered with SEMA to promote and subsidize the participation of U.S. specialty-equipment companies at the SEMA China Business Development Tour. Firms that certify the products promoted at the SEMA China Business Development Tour contain a minimum of 51% U.S. content may be eligible for a $1,250 grant per company and an additional $250 grant for each additional person from the same company.

Program costs include booth space at both events, hotel, meals, interpreters, access to buyers from throughout China and a bullet train from Shanghai to Beijing (flights to and from the United States are not included).

Register now for the 2014 SEMA China Business Development Tour. For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit sema.org/china.

Read the 2013 SEMA post-show report.

Products Chinese Distributors and Buyers Want to Source From the United States

Thu, 06/26/2014 - 08:33

By Linda Spencer

Buyers travel to the SEMA China program from throughout China. Above is a chart of the locations of buyers attending the 2013 event.

Each exhibiting company will be provided a booth at each venue. Slots are limited, register now at 2014 SEMA China Business Development Tour.

Performance and off-road products figure prominently in the type of products Chinese wholesalers and retailers want to source from U.S. companies, according to early buyer registration for the upcoming 2014 SEMA China Business Development Tour.

SEMA members can connect with Chinese companies through face-to-face meetings with distributors at venues in both Beijing and Shanghai on 2014 SEMA China Business Development Tour.

Benefits for participating SEMA members include:

A first-hand look at the developing specialty-equipment market and an opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China during stops in Shanghai and Beijing.

The opportunity to exhibit at two events:

SEMA China Business Development Conference at Beijing-based Tuner Tribe.

SEMA Pavilion at the Shanghai-based China Auto Salon (CAS).

The U.S. Department of Commerce has partnered with SEMA to promote and subsidize the participation of U.S. specialty-equipment companies at the SEMA China Business Development Tour. Firms that certify the products promoted at the SEMA China Business Development Tour contain a minimum of 51% U.S. content may be eligible for a $1,250 grant per company and an additional $250 grant for each additional person from the same company.

Program costs include booth space at both events, hotel, meals, interpreters, access to buyers from throughout China and a bullet train from Shanghai to Beijing (flights to and from the United States are not included).

Register now for the 2014 SEMA China Business Development Tour. For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit sema.org/china.

Read the 2013 SEMA post-show report.

Canada’s New Anti-Spam Law Takes Effect July 1: What You Need to Know

Thu, 06/26/2014 - 08:18

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In an effort to protect its citizens from unsolicited e-mails, Canada has enacted new restrictions on commercial electronic messages that are scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2014.

The new Canadian law differs from the CAN-SPAM Act in the United States, which places comparatively minor restrictions on commercial electronic communications by requiring the sender to provide a way for the recipient to “opt out” from receiving future messages. Senders then have 10 days to remove the recipient’s e-mail address from their database, though most companies now include hyperlinks at the bottom of their e-mails to allow recipients to opt out immediately to ease the burden of compliance. After opting out, recipients must provide affirmative consent to receive electronic messages from a particular sender in the future.

Instead of adopting an opt-out regime, Canada’s new anti-spam law takes the opposite approach by requiring recipients (consumers) to opt in to receive commercial electronic messages. Recipients can opt in expressly or impliedly, but the burden is on the company sending the message to prove consent, so express consent is preferable and often required. The law also mandates that all messages include an opt out or “unsubscribe” mechanism and requires the name and mailing address of the sender be included in messages.

This means that starting July 1, 2014, companies will be prohibited from e-mailing their contacts in Canada without first obtaining consent. Up to July 1, companies may still e-mail their contacts and request affirmative consent for future communications.

Checklist for compliance:

Obtain consent – consent may be express or implied, but the burden of proving consent is on the sending party. The law lists various situations in which consent will be implied, such as when there is an existing business relationship. An existing business relationship is defined within the statute, with one example being where a customer has purchased a good or service from the company within the past two years.

Identify your company – the company sending the message, as well as all companies on whose behalf the message is sent, must be identified in e-mails you send out. This identification must include the name and mailing address at which the sender can be reached for at least 60 days following the communication. If it is not practicable to include this information in the body of the message, a clear and conspicuous hyperlink to a webpage containing this information is acceptable.

Include an unsubscribe mechanism – your messages to consumers in Canada must include a clear and conspicuous way for the recipient to opt out of future messages. This can be achieved using a hyperlink in the message that unsubscribes the recipient when clicked or a hyperlink that directs the recipient to a webpage at which they can opt out from all or specified future communications.

Given the breadth of the new regime and high penalties for non-compliance, the Canadian statute sets forth a few narrow exemptions. For example, notifications regarding warranty and recall information, as well as factual information on subscriptions, memberships, loans and similar relationships, are exempted from the law. A three-year transition period may also be available to senders who have existing business and non-business relationships with Canadian recipients. Other exemptions and information on the law have been published online by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.

For more information, contact Ashley Ailsworth at ashleya@sema.org.

Canada’s New Anti-Spam Law Takes Effect July 1: What You Need to Know

Thu, 06/26/2014 - 08:18

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In an effort to protect its citizens from unsolicited e-mails, Canada has enacted new restrictions on commercial electronic messages that are scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2014.

The new Canadian law differs from the CAN-SPAM Act in the United States, which places comparatively minor restrictions on commercial electronic communications by requiring the sender to provide a way for the recipient to “opt out” from receiving future messages. Senders then have 10 days to remove the recipient’s e-mail address from their database, though most companies now include hyperlinks at the bottom of their e-mails to allow recipients to opt out immediately to ease the burden of compliance. After opting out, recipients must provide affirmative consent to receive electronic messages from a particular sender in the future.

Instead of adopting an opt-out regime, Canada’s new anti-spam law takes the opposite approach by requiring recipients (consumers) to opt in to receive commercial electronic messages. Recipients can opt in expressly or impliedly, but the burden is on the company sending the message to prove consent, so express consent is preferable and often required. The law also mandates that all messages include an opt out or “unsubscribe” mechanism and requires the name and mailing address of the sender be included in messages.

This means that starting July 1, 2014, companies will be prohibited from e-mailing their contacts in Canada without first obtaining consent. Up to July 1, companies may still e-mail their contacts and request affirmative consent for future communications.

Checklist for compliance:

Obtain consent – consent may be express or implied, but the burden of proving consent is on the sending party. The law lists various situations in which consent will be implied, such as when there is an existing business relationship. An existing business relationship is defined within the statute, with one example being where a customer has purchased a good or service from the company within the past two years.

Identify your company – the company sending the message, as well as all companies on whose behalf the message is sent, must be identified in e-mails you send out. This identification must include the name and mailing address at which the sender can be reached for at least 60 days following the communication. If it is not practicable to include this information in the body of the message, a clear and conspicuous hyperlink to a webpage containing this information is acceptable.

Include an unsubscribe mechanism – your messages to consumers in Canada must include a clear and conspicuous way for the recipient to opt out of future messages. This can be achieved using a hyperlink in the message that unsubscribes the recipient when clicked or a hyperlink that directs the recipient to a webpage at which they can opt out from all or specified future communications.

Given the breadth of the new regime and high penalties for non-compliance, the Canadian statute sets forth a few narrow exemptions. For example, notifications regarding warranty and recall information, as well as factual information on subscriptions, memberships, loans and similar relationships, are exempted from the law. A three-year transition period may also be available to senders who have existing business and non-business relationships with Canadian recipients. Other exemptions and information on the law have been published online by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.

For more information, contact Ashley Ailsworth at ashleya@sema.org.

Council and Network Election Results Announced

Thu, 06/26/2014 - 08:03

By Amanda Gubbins

The election results are in for SEMA’s council and network select committees, with several new individuals to welcome. Each of the newly elected members will serve a two-year term, 2014–2016. These volunteer leaders assist in guiding the direction and key initiatives of each group, while giving voice to their niche segment of the industry.

Eight of SEMA’s councils and networks held elections this year, collecting nominations and votes from the general membership of each group. The leadership extends congratulations to the following winners:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

Matt Agosta – Steele Rubber Products Inc., Incumbent
Vince Coscia – Performance Plus Connection
Jim Pennekamp – TrimParts Inc., Incumbent
Vic Pompino – Ecker Industries Inc., Incumbent
Tray Smith – H&H Classic Parts, Incumbent

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

Ed Capen – Goodguys Enterprises Inc.
Brian Downard – LOKAR Inc., Incumbent
Dave McKelvey – American Autowire
Bob Millard – Championship Auto Shows Inc., Incumbent
Joe Petlick – Motor State Distributing, Incumbent
Todd Ryden – InGear Media, Incumbent

Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

Jason Christiansen – Rigid Industries
Erika Garcia – BOLT Locks by STRATTEC
Todd Hoffman – A.R.E., Incumbent
Kathryn Reinhardt – MagnaFlow Exhaust Products, Incumbent
Jerrod Strauss – Director, Sales/Marketing, T-Rex Truck Products Inc.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

Mike Crutchfield – Coker Tire Co. Inc., Incumbent
Chris Fairless – Hypertech Inc., Incumbent
Lee McGuire – Skyjacker Suspensions
Chris Thomson – AIRAID Filter Co.
Steve Whipple – Edelbrock LLC

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

Kimberly Callahan – Insignia
Bob Carnahan – National Business Media Inc., Incumbent
Dave Edmondson – Roadwire, Incumbent
Ginger Glover – Truckers Toy Store, Incumbent
Ellen McKoy – EMK Marketing, Incumbent
Mike Timmons – BedRug Inc.
Steve Weimar – Rosen Electronics LP

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

JoAnn Bortles – Crazy Horse Custom Painting, Incumbent
Camee Edelbrock – ProMedia LLC, Incumbent
Jenna Jefferies – K&N Engineering Inc.
Julia Johnson – Skyline College, Incumbent
Jacqueline Parral – The Promotion Company/Family Events

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

Cheralyn Hale – Achilles Tires Inc.
Gavin Horlick – Voxx Wheel
Gregory Senser – Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc., Incumbent
Chris Webster – Ultra Wheel Co., Incumbent

Young Executives Network (YEN)

Ryan Few – Rigid Industries
Josh Hiley – Accel Performance Group
Jim Liaw – Formula Drift Holdings LLC, Incumbent
Chris Morris – UnderCover, Truck Bed Covers
Ben Pope – Advanced Clutch Technology Inc.
Kirstin Stone – TurbosmartUSA

SEMA’s councils have company-based memberships and are designed to represent key segments of the larger market, while the networks provide professional communities for individual employees of SEMA-member companies. For more information about joining or volunteering, visit www.sema.org/councils-networks.