The recent SEMA Ft. Worth Town Hall meeting was hosted by Adrian Murray and his team at Painless Performance.

As expected, the masses came out for the second SEMA Town Hall, hosted by Adrian Murray and his team at Painless Performance. Ft. Worth, Texas, was the second stop on the Town Hall tour, with more than 60 SEMA-member and industry representatives in attendance.

If you are not familiar with the “town hall” format, it’s quite simple. Essentially, networking takes place in the first hour that, in this case, included a tour of the Painless Performance facility.

Then all enjoyed some of the most delicious BBQ the state of Texas has to offer—cooked by the same crew that catered the recent Texas governor’s inauguration.

Following some networking and good eats, the group took part in the meat of the agenda (pun intended)—the panel discussion or Town Hall portion of the event. The purpose of these panels is to provide the audience with the opportunity to address key issues and concerns with industry and SEMA leaders.

The Town Hall panel was led by SEMA President and CEO Christopher Kersting with Board of Directors member Adrian Murray and Jim Bingham of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc. Rounding out the panel were: Wade Cobb, the Manufacturers’ Rep Council’s (MRC) Chair and a principal at HAPCO, as well as the Young Executives Network’s (YEN) John Rosenbaum with Conklin Company.

The interesting part about the Town Hall is that the panel is not provided with any advance notice of the topics covered. During this event, the group focused on peppering the panel with questions on some of the association’s top challenges. These included the idea of an industry data pool (see the December 2010 issue of SEMA News), the association’s position on ethanol and how best to get involved with the SEMA Mentoring Program.

With more than an hour dedicated to the nearly 20 questions entertained by the panel, the leadership group helped provide fodder for the final hour of networking and follow-up.

One of the most exciting aspects of the event was being able to interact with some of the top young entrepreneurs and innovators in the industry. We learned that their challenges were no different than those industry veterans who came before them:

• “How do I turn my personal passion into a thriving business?”
• “When do you look at expanding your manufacturing and investing more in marketing and additional employees?”
• “How risk-adverse should I be?”

Through the meeting, we were able to align several of these young executives with councils that can help with networking, as well as other industry leaders who have answered those questions.

If you have an interest in participating in the next SEMA Town Hall, one will no doubt be coming to a city near you. On June 3, 2011, we will be traveling East to Huntersville, North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte, to host our third event at Joe Gibbs Racing. Then, we’ll be off to the Northwest to Griot’s Garage in Tacoma, Washington, on August 12, 2011. As you can see, we have some exciting events lined up and hope you’ll be able to join us at our next stop.

For more information or to R.S.V.P. for the next SEMA Town Halls, visit www.SEMA.org/townhall or e-mail MonicaT@sema.org.

The recent SEMA Ft. Worth Town Hall meeting was hosted by Adrian Murray and his team at Painless Performance.

As expected, the masses came out for the second SEMA Town Hall, hosted by Adrian Murray and his team at Painless Performance. Ft. Worth, Texas, was the second stop on the Town Hall tour, with more than 60 SEMA-member and industry representatives in attendance.

If you are not familiar with the “town hall” format, it’s quite simple. Essentially, networking takes place in the first hour that, in this case, included a tour of the Painless Performance facility.

Then all enjoyed some of the most delicious BBQ the state of Texas has to offer—cooked by the same crew that catered the recent Texas governor’s inauguration.

Following some networking and good eats, the group took part in the meat of the agenda (pun intended)—the panel discussion or Town Hall portion of the event. The purpose of these panels is to provide the audience with the opportunity to address key issues and concerns with industry and SEMA leaders.

The Town Hall panel was led by SEMA President and CEO Christopher Kersting with Board of Directors member Adrian Murray and Jim Bingham of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc. Rounding out the panel were: Wade Cobb, the Manufacturers’ Rep Council’s (MRC) Chair and a principal at HAPCO, as well as the Young Executives Network’s (YEN) John Rosenbaum with Conklin Company.

The interesting part about the Town Hall is that the panel is not provided with any advance notice of the topics covered. During this event, the group focused on peppering the panel with questions on some of the association’s top challenges. These included the idea of an industry data pool (see the December 2010 issue of SEMA News), the association’s position on ethanol and how best to get involved with the SEMA Mentoring Program.

With more than an hour dedicated to the nearly 20 questions entertained by the panel, the leadership group helped provide fodder for the final hour of networking and follow-up.

One of the most exciting aspects of the event was being able to interact with some of the top young entrepreneurs and innovators in the industry. We learned that their challenges were no different than those industry veterans who came before them:

• “How do I turn my personal passion into a thriving business?”
• “When do you look at expanding your manufacturing and investing more in marketing and additional employees?”
• “How risk-adverse should I be?”

Through the meeting, we were able to align several of these young executives with councils that can help with networking, as well as other industry leaders who have answered those questions.

If you have an interest in participating in the next SEMA Town Hall, one will no doubt be coming to a city near you. On June 3, 2011, we will be traveling East to Huntersville, North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte, to host our third event at Joe Gibbs Racing. Then, we’ll be off to the Northwest to Griot’s Garage in Tacoma, Washington, on August 12, 2011. As you can see, we have some exciting events lined up and hope you’ll be able to join us at our next stop.

For more information or to R.S.V.P. for the next SEMA Town Halls, visit www.SEMA.org/townhall or e-mail MonicaT@sema.org.

The recent SEMA Ft. Worth Town Hall meeting was hosted by Adrian Murray and his team at Painless Performance.

As expected, the masses came out for the second SEMA Town Hall, hosted by Adrian Murray and his team at Painless Performance. Ft. Worth, Texas, was the second stop on the Town Hall tour, with more than 60 SEMA-member and industry representatives in attendance.

If you are not familiar with the “town hall” format, it’s quite simple. Essentially, networking takes place in the first hour that, in this case, included a tour of the Painless Performance facility.

Then all enjoyed some of the most delicious BBQ the state of Texas has to offer—cooked by the same crew that catered the recent Texas governor’s inauguration.

Following some networking and good eats, the group took part in the meat of the agenda (pun intended)—the panel discussion or Town Hall portion of the event. The purpose of these panels is to provide the audience with the opportunity to address key issues and concerns with industry and SEMA leaders.

The Town Hall panel was led by SEMA President and CEO Christopher Kersting with Board of Directors member Adrian Murray and Jim Bingham of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc. Rounding out the panel were: Wade Cobb, the Manufacturers’ Rep Council’s (MRC) Chair and a principal at HAPCO, as well as the Young Executives Network’s (YEN) John Rosenbaum with Conklin Company.

The interesting part about the Town Hall is that the panel is not provided with any advance notice of the topics covered. During this event, the group focused on peppering the panel with questions on some of the association’s top challenges. These included the idea of an industry data pool (see the December 2010 issue of SEMA News), the association’s position on ethanol and how best to get involved with the SEMA Mentoring Program.

With more than an hour dedicated to the nearly 20 questions entertained by the panel, the leadership group helped provide fodder for the final hour of networking and follow-up.

One of the most exciting aspects of the event was being able to interact with some of the top young entrepreneurs and innovators in the industry. We learned that their challenges were no different than those industry veterans who came before them:

• “How do I turn my personal passion into a thriving business?”
• “When do you look at expanding your manufacturing and investing more in marketing and additional employees?”
• “How risk-adverse should I be?”

Through the meeting, we were able to align several of these young executives with councils that can help with networking, as well as other industry leaders who have answered those questions.

If you have an interest in participating in the next SEMA Town Hall, one will no doubt be coming to a city near you. On June 3, 2011, we will be traveling East to Huntersville, North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte, to host our third event at Joe Gibbs Racing. Then, we’ll be off to the Northwest to Griot’s Garage in Tacoma, Washington, on August 12, 2011. As you can see, we have some exciting events lined up and hope you’ll be able to join us at our next stop.

For more information or to R.S.V.P. for the next SEMA Town Halls, visit www.SEMA.org/townhall or e-mail MonicaT@sema.org.

The recent SEMA Ft. Worth Town Hall meeting was hosted by Adrian Murray and his team at Painless Performance.

As expected, the masses came out for the second SEMA Town Hall, hosted by Adrian Murray and his team at Painless Performance. Ft. Worth, Texas, was the second stop on the Town Hall tour, with more than 60 SEMA-member and industry representatives in attendance.

If you are not familiar with the “town hall” format, it’s quite simple. Essentially, networking takes place in the first hour that, in this case, included a tour of the Painless Performance facility.

Then all enjoyed some of the most delicious BBQ the state of Texas has to offer—cooked by the same crew that catered the recent Texas governor’s inauguration.

Following some networking and good eats, the group took part in the meat of the agenda (pun intended)—the panel discussion or Town Hall portion of the event. The purpose of these panels is to provide the audience with the opportunity to address key issues and concerns with industry and SEMA leaders.

The Town Hall panel was led by SEMA President and CEO Christopher Kersting with Board of Directors member Adrian Murray and Jim Bingham of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc. Rounding out the panel were: Wade Cobb, the Manufacturers’ Rep Council’s (MRC) Chair and a principal at HAPCO, as well as the Young Executives Network’s (YEN) John Rosenbaum with Conklin Company.

The interesting part about the Town Hall is that the panel is not provided with any advance notice of the topics covered. During this event, the group focused on peppering the panel with questions on some of the association’s top challenges. These included the idea of an industry data pool (see the December 2010 issue of SEMA News), the association’s position on ethanol and how best to get involved with the SEMA Mentoring Program.

With more than an hour dedicated to the nearly 20 questions entertained by the panel, the leadership group helped provide fodder for the final hour of networking and follow-up.

One of the most exciting aspects of the event was being able to interact with some of the top young entrepreneurs and innovators in the industry. We learned that their challenges were no different than those industry veterans who came before them:

• “How do I turn my personal passion into a thriving business?”
• “When do you look at expanding your manufacturing and investing more in marketing and additional employees?”
• “How risk-adverse should I be?”

Through the meeting, we were able to align several of these young executives with councils that can help with networking, as well as other industry leaders who have answered those questions.

If you have an interest in participating in the next SEMA Town Hall, one will no doubt be coming to a city near you. On June 3, 2011, we will be traveling East to Huntersville, North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte, to host our third event at Joe Gibbs Racing. Then, we’ll be off to the Northwest to Griot’s Garage in Tacoma, Washington, on August 12, 2011. As you can see, we have some exciting events lined up and hope you’ll be able to join us at our next stop.

For more information or to R.S.V.P. for the next SEMA Town Halls, visit www.SEMA.org/townhall or e-mail MonicaT@sema.org.

	Senate Resolution 154 has been approved by the United States Senate to officially designate July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” This is a significant step in recognizing the integral role collector cars, such as this Chevy Bel Air, have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

At the request of SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils, Senator John Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) have introduced and the Senate has approved Senate Resolution 154 (S. Res. 154) in the United States Senate, officially designating July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” S. Res. 154 states that the Senate “recognizes that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.”



The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. “Last year, the U.S. Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. As we move forward, SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive-restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.”



Senators Tester and Burr, both members of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington. By sponsoring S. Res. 154, Tester and Burr have reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history. 



Business owners, car clubs and individuals are encouraged to organize events to help celebrate the day. For a listing of 2011 Collector Car Appreciation Day events already planned, please visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN). For more information or to have your event included, please contact Ashley Ailsworth at ashleya@sema.org.

	Senate Resolution 154 has been approved by the United States Senate to officially designate July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” This is a significant step in recognizing the integral role collector cars, such as this Chevy Bel Air, have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

At the request of SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils, Senator John Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) have introduced and the Senate has approved Senate Resolution 154 (S. Res. 154) in the United States Senate, officially designating July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” S. Res. 154 states that the Senate “recognizes that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.”



The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. “Last year, the U.S. Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. As we move forward, SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive-restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.”



Senators Tester and Burr, both members of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington. By sponsoring S. Res. 154, Tester and Burr have reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history. 



Business owners, car clubs and individuals are encouraged to organize events to help celebrate the day. For a listing of 2011 Collector Car Appreciation Day events already planned, please visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN). For more information or to have your event included, please contact Ashley Ailsworth at ashleya@sema.org.

	Senate Resolution 154 has been approved by the United States Senate to officially designate July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” This is a significant step in recognizing the integral role collector cars, such as this Chevy Bel Air, have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

At the request of SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils, Senator John Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) have introduced and the Senate has approved Senate Resolution 154 (S. Res. 154) in the United States Senate, officially designating July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” S. Res. 154 states that the Senate “recognizes that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.”



The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. “Last year, the U.S. Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. As we move forward, SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive-restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.”



Senators Tester and Burr, both members of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington. By sponsoring S. Res. 154, Tester and Burr have reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history. 



Business owners, car clubs and individuals are encouraged to organize events to help celebrate the day. For a listing of 2011 Collector Car Appreciation Day events already planned, please visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN). For more information or to have your event included, please contact Ashley Ailsworth at ashleya@sema.org.

	Senate Resolution 154 has been approved by the United States Senate to officially designate July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” This is a significant step in recognizing the integral role collector cars, such as this Chevy Bel Air, have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

At the request of SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils, Senator John Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) have introduced and the Senate has approved Senate Resolution 154 (S. Res. 154) in the United States Senate, officially designating July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” S. Res. 154 states that the Senate “recognizes that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.”



The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. “Last year, the U.S. Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. As we move forward, SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive-restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.”



Senators Tester and Burr, both members of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington. By sponsoring S. Res. 154, Tester and Burr have reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history. 



Business owners, car clubs and individuals are encouraged to organize events to help celebrate the day. For a listing of 2011 Collector Car Appreciation Day events already planned, please visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN). For more information or to have your event included, please contact Ashley Ailsworth at ashleya@sema.org.

	Senate Resolution 154 has been approved by the United States Senate to officially designate July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” This is a significant step in recognizing the integral role collector cars, such as this Chevy Bel Air, have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

At the request of SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils, Senator John Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) have introduced and the Senate has approved Senate Resolution 154 (S. Res. 154) in the United States Senate, officially designating July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” S. Res. 154 states that the Senate “recognizes that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.”



The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. “Last year, the U.S. Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. As we move forward, SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive-restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.”



Senators Tester and Burr, both members of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington. By sponsoring S. Res. 154, Tester and Burr have reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history. 



Business owners, car clubs and individuals are encouraged to organize events to help celebrate the day. For a listing of 2011 Collector Car Appreciation Day events already planned, please visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN). For more information or to have your event included, please contact Ashley Ailsworth at ashleya@sema.org.

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• Wheel Mart, located in Seattle, is hiring a custom wheel sales manager responsible for maintaining a neat and orderly distribution location while growing and expanding the existing customer base in the Northwest territory. This position requires the ability to plan, execute and deliver sales objectives. The successful candidate must have exceptional customer service skills, proven sales performance in the aftermarket wheel industry and a minimum of three years in a managerial sales position.
• PHX Sales and Marketing, located in Northern California, is hiring an outside sales representative. The successful candidate must have previous experience in the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket and will be responsible to call on customers at all levels of distribution, including jobbers and dealerships.
• A financially strong and multi-location auto dealer expediting company specializing in mobile electronics seeks experienced 12V installation technicians for several locations throughout the country. Successful candidates must have a minimum of two years experience installing mobile video, Bluetooth, remote start, security, vehicle tracking, in-dash navigation systems, back-up camera systems, satellite radio and more.
• Keystone Automotive Operations, located in Carrollton, Texas, is hiring a customer support agent with strong analytical skill sets. The ideal candidate will be computer savvy, possess a strong business acumen and help the company to drive its development and business growth. An associate or undergraduate degree or relevant work experience is preferred.