By Ashley Reyes

Register now for the following upcoming live webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming live and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Tuesday, September 14 – The Value of a Diverse Team
Series: Team Management, Powered by SBN
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Having a diverse workforce brings new ideas, innovations and, ultimately, greater success to a team. Aftermarket managers will learn how individuals with disabilities can bring valuable diversity to the workplace, and how to support and respond when a direct report discloses that he or she has a disability. This webinar will provide managers with information that is not typically included in training for management positions.

Register here.

Newly Added: Wednesday, September 15 – YEN Live Chat With Sean P. Holman
Track: Industry Talks

Content director of Motor Trend’s Truck and Off-Road Group Sean P. Holman will discuss technology coming to the off-road segment, including active suspension and EVs during this Facebook live chat. A longtime automotive enthusiast and journalist, Holman consults with all of the major truck manufacturers on current and future products and is co-creator and co-host of the truck enthusiast podcast “The Truck Show Podcast with Lightning & Holman.”

Location: YEN Facebook page

Wednesday, September 15 – Emerging Trends: Electrification, Alternative Power and Advanced Technology
Series: SEMA Industry Insights
Track: Trends & Research

Vehicle electrification, alternative power and emerging technology continue to impact the future of automobiles. During this live webinar, the SEMA Market Research team will present an outlook and sales forecast for electric and other alternative energy vehicles, insight on the challenges and barriers to electric vehicle adoption, a look at the advanced safety technology being put in vehicles today, implications for the aftermarket and more.

Register here.

Tuesday, September 28 – Network Your Way to Beneficial Connections
Series: Sharpen Your Soft Skills, Powered by SBN
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Learn about the various networking channels and the ins and outs of different networking platforms during this webinar presented by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). Attendees will learn how proper networking can make all the difference in advancing one’s career, how to use networking to their advantage for job leads and how to stay connected over time once a relationship is established.

Register today.

By Ashley Reyes

Frank Vasquez, brand manager at KW Automotive North America Inc., is the latest SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) member to share his insight on how his company pivoted during the pandemic and utilized technology to keep business moving forward.

Get to know what tools his company has leaned on and what new trends he is seeing in sales and marketing in his interview with SEMA below.

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?  

Frank Vasquez: Adjusting to the everchanging CDC guidelines created some interesting times, as I am sure we all experienced in some fashion. We were fortunate enough to remain open throughout the pandemic, but doing so certainly required some drastic changes. Creating alternating shifts and rearranging our work stations allowed us to comply with the social-distancing guidelines while minimizing the disruptions to normal business. The increased demand was the second major challenge we faced and required many additional resources to keep up with.

SEMA: What technology tools—new or old—have you leaned on recently?

FV: Cloud-based enterprise tools have become an absolute staple in workplace collaboration. As things went remote during the early onset of the pandemic, it was imperative that the entire team had access to drives and documents that could be shared and worked on together in real-time. Video conferencing and social content production have also been key to staying in touch with our customers and keeping them up-to-date with the new products we had been working on during a time when we were not able to visit them face-to-face.

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?

FV: Social-media marketing and digital content is on fire now more than ever before. It is abundantly clear that people use those channels to stay engaged in their hobbies, do their own research and share what they are passionate about so marketing through those channels is more important than ever.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?

FV: I feel that teleconferencing is something that has proven to now be accessible for many and inherently useful. Being able to hop on a call with one person or large groups at a time is going to make keeping in touch with people much easier. There is still value in face-to-face visits, but I can see teleconferencing still being useful in allowing people to tune in to things they may otherwise not be able to attend or experience.

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN member insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You may also be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.

By Ashley Reyes

Chris Payne is the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. Payne is the owner of Truck Gurus and a leader in designing, building and marketing vehicle builds for the automotive aftermarket. An avid SEMA Show vehicle builder, Payne works directly with manufacturers to assist them on their journey to represent and grow their business and promote exposure of their products and accessories.

Find out what keeps Payne in the industry and how he prepares for important meetings in his interview with SEMA below.

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

Chris Payne: Do not run before you walk.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

CP: Passion keeps me in the industry. I love being able to help companies grow, thrive and succeed. Being trusted by so many is an honor in and of itself.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

CP: If it is hot, probably at the lake with friends and family.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

CP: A notepad, pen and personality is all you need!

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

CP: I would go to lunch with Gale Banks; he is the man. It’s hard to think of anyone who has been a pioneer as long as he has. He is a living legend.  

If you are a current YEN member, fill out a YEN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on YEN’s social media, SEMA eNews and YEN-member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

Members of the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) are invited to a cross-council meetup at Overland Expo West on Friday, Saturday 24, from 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. at the Oasis Food Court.  

This meetup is the ideal opportunity for council members who are at Overland Expo West to meet new contacts and strengthen their connections. Attendees will openly network with other industry professionals and learn about the council resources and volunteer opportunities that are available in the industry.  

Registration, although not required, is encouraged so that the councils can plan accordingly.

Learn more and RSVP here. 

SEMA News—October 2021 

BUSINESS

Join Performance Racing Industry

New Membership Program Open to Enthusiasts

By Carr Winn

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) recently announced a new membership program that allows all members of the racing community—from businesses to enthusiasts—to unite and show their passion for and support of motorsports. SEMA News spoke with PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer about the motivation behind the launch of this new program.

“Now more than ever, it is critical that the racing community unite to protect our businesses and our racing rights,” Meyer said. “PRI’s membership program now allows individuals to join the movement to push back against the challenges facing our industry and continue to support motorsports.”

As of press time, more than 300 businesses had voiced their commitment to the industry by joining PRI. In fact, there are a variety of contribution levels, each with its own exclusive benefits package. While some members have selected a maximum contribution at the Founding Member level of support ($2,500 per year times 10 years), individuals can join at the Pro Member level for just $40 a year. All membership tiers include the following slate of features:

• Entrance to the PRI Trade Show for qualified attendees.
• Save Our Race Cars Advocacy: Contribute to the fight to protect the racing community and ensure that racing continues and grows in the United States and internationally.
• Inclusion in the Performance Racing Political Action Committee.
• A 10% discount on PRI merchandise.
• 12 issues of PRI Magazine’s digital edition.
• Subscription to the PRI eNewsletter.
• Posting access on the PRI jobs board.
• A membership card and welcome packet.
• PRI stickers.

Dr. Meyer explained that the program allows enthusiasts to be part of PRI, and their support comes at a critical time.

“The racing industry is joining forces like never before, and we invite everyone—racers, enthusiasts, builders, track operators, sanctioning bodies and businesses—to be a part of this movement,” Meyer said. “This is the time to come together and unite.”

SEMA Chairman of the Board James Lawrence has been in love with cars since his youth. He got the Mustang he’d always wanted when he was 16. For the next 30 years his life, his family and his kids have been intertwined with cars—from racing to motorsports to go-karts. When he met his wife Melissa 16 years ago, she drove a twin-turbo Mustang to work. In fact they won two drag-racing championships together. With that history, Lawrence knows just how critical having support from enthusiasts can be when it comes to preserving the motorsports legacy.

“We are in the midst of some absolutely horrendous overreach when it comes to regulating our members’ ability to manufacture racing parts and to create emissions-legal components,” Lawrence said. “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has the position that essentially 75% of race cars are illegal. Their argument is that no vehicle originally produced as a production vehicle can ever be converted into a race car.”

Lawrence has been lobbying the government for years and has seen the power of tremendous public pressure to effect policy changes in Washington. However, he admits that there’s more work to be done despite all the effort.

To help in the campaign, PRI has also created a political action committee called the Performance Racing PAC. The formation of the PAC creates a direct line between the motorsports community and lawmakers in our nation’s capital. As noted in the benefits section, members of PRI will also be included in the PAC and will receive exclusive updates on all its activities. Dr. Meyer explained that there’s work to be done at every level of government and why it’s truly an all-hands-on deck situation.

“We’re continuously identifying ways to support the interests of the racing community,” he said. “The membership program enables us to continue our advocacy efforts at the local, state and federal levels, and it provides the industry with legal support, education, research and world-class events and programs.”

Bre Fredritz with Callies Performance Products supported the PRI Membership Program immediately with a Founding Member contribution, and he’s hopeful that the industry will follow his company’s lead.

“If you want to be an industry leader in motorsports, you have to be fully involved with PRI,” Fredritz said. “Becoming a PRI Founding Member was a no-brainer for us. As a proud, independently owned American manufacturer, we support racing, the racing community, and the continual efforts to grow the motorsports industry.”

For Fredritz the motivation was crystal clear.

“We want to see our industry thrive for decades to come,” he said.

If you or your business is interested in joining, please take the time to read a full discussion on the PRI website. Visit www.performanceracing.com and show your support for Performance Racing Industry.

By Ashley Reyes

When it comes to trademark licensing, different companies have difference processes. Regardless of how your businesses chooses to approach the issue, a license is critical and can have a tremendous impact on how you work with manufacturers, resellers and even builders.  

Learn about the importance of trademark licensing and what restoration businesses need to know by attending the SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) general membership meeting and trademark licensing discussion on Friday, September 17, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).  

In addition to a virtual panel discussion focused on trademark licensing, participants will find out what is planned for the upcoming ARMO Reception and New Product Awards presentation taking place at the 2021 SEMA Show, as well as other programs and resources available to members. The meeting, which is open to all current ARMO members and companies in the restoration industry, is the ideal time to address industry issues and connect with others in the market.

Register here.  

For additional questions regarding the event, contact ARMO Council Director Jim Skelly at Jimsk@sema.org. 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

With Congress out of session during the past few weeks, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) has been busy meeting with his constituents and recently visited Edelbrock’s Sanford, North Carolina, facility for a tour and meeting with the company’s employees. As the Congressman for North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District, which stretches all the way from just outside of Charlotte to Fayetteville, Rep. Hudson represents the heart of race country, and it’s no secret that he is passionate about fighting for the industry in Washington. Rep. Hudson is the lead Republican co-sponsor of H.R. 3281, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 (RPM Act) and has championed the legislation in the Energy & Commerce Committee.

Todd Belcher, Edelbrock’s general manager of East Operations, led Rep. Hudson on a tour of the facility, which produces everything from carburetors to throttle bodies for electronic fuel-injection systems to pumps and fuel regulators. The Congressman had a chance to see how the company manufactures and performs quality control on its products. After touring the factory, Rep. Hudson addressed Edelbrock’s employees where he discussed the RPM Act and other key issues he’s been working on that impact the aftermarket.

“I really enjoyed my tour,” Rep. Hudson said. “Edelbrock is an incredible company with a real legacy. I’m proud that this is happening right here in Sanford. I think the people in this community would be proud if they knew the kind of innovation and skill and the world-class products that are being made here.”

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

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are invited to connect with Sean P. Holman, content director for Motor Trend’s Truck and Off-Road Group, during the SEMA Young Executives Network Facebook live chat on Wednesday, September 15, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).  

A longtime automotive enthusiast and journalist, Holman has been with the Motor Trend since 2003 and has held editorial staff positions at Truckin’, Truckin’s SUV and Four Wheeler, eventually taking on the editor positions at 4x4 Garage – JK Edition and Diesel Power. He is an avid truck-industry expert and consults with major truck manufacturers on current and future products. He is also the co-creator and co-host of the truck enthusiast podcast “The Truck Show Podcast with Lightning & Holman.” 

SEMA members will have the opportunity to ask Holman questions live as he discusses technology coming to the off-road segment, including active suspension and EVs during this live Q&A event.    

Location: YEN Facebook page 

Here’s another look at the Expedition Timberline, this time with even less camo and with the Timberline logo fully exposed.

The prototype seen here, a refreshed ’22 model, clearly shows the new headlight treatment, along with several other features, including a unique grille treatment, high-clearance front fascia and orange recovery hooks. There's also a set of black wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler All Terrain tires along with a fixed running board. Out back, the rear bumper also gets the high-clearance treatment, much like the front end. These elements are essentially identical to what we’re seeing on the Explorer Timberline, which Ford announced earlier this month.

The Expedition will also receive a refresh alongside the new Timberline model, both expected for the ’22 model year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s another look at the Expedition Timberline, this time with even less camo and with the Timberline logo fully exposed.

The prototype seen here, a refreshed ’22 model, clearly shows the new headlight treatment, along with several other features, including a unique grille treatment, high-clearance front fascia and orange recovery hooks. There's also a set of black wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler All Terrain tires along with a fixed running board. Out back, the rear bumper also gets the high-clearance treatment, much like the front end. These elements are essentially identical to what we’re seeing on the Explorer Timberline, which Ford announced earlier this month.

The Expedition will also receive a refresh alongside the new Timberline model, both expected for the ’22 model year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde