Donnie Eatherly of P&E Distributors accepted the award for 2009 SEMA WD of the Year.

The SEMA WD of the Year Award has been established to honor a warehouse distributor for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Congratulations to Meyer Distributing, Motor State Distributing and Racer’s Equipment Warehouse on becoming finalists for the 2010 SEMA WD of the Year Award. The winner of the SEMA WD of the Year will be announced at the SEMA Industry Awards Reception and Banquet on Thursday, November 4, 2010, at the Las Vegas Hilton. The award is chosen based on the following criteria:

• SEMA involvement (i.e., member, ambassador, service on committees, task forces, councils, board etc.).
• Works with jobbers for sales training and support programs.
• Promptly distributes catalogs, price sheets, merchandising aids and general collateral materials.
• Attends industry shows and events.
• Creates programs to further the suppliers' and resellers' chances for successfully getting the product to the consumer.
• Maintains proper inventories to service the resellers on a timely basis.
• Provides the suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed.
• Allows for regular training of their personnel to keep them updated on new products, promotions and trends through rep, factory and/or industry training.
• Presents suppliers, their products and promotions to the reseller in a professional manner.
• Operates in a professional and efficient manner.
• Regularly pays their bills as agreed and in a timely manner.
• Provides the means to get the suppliers product to the reseller in a timely and efficient manner.

	Participants of the Speed Networking Breakfast will meet someone new in the automotive industry every few minutes. Last year, the average attendee walked away with five to seven quality industry contacts.

For the second consecutive year, the annual Speed Networking Breakfast powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, being held at 7:15 a.m. Thursday, November 4, at the Las Vegas Hilton Ballroom A, is sold out. The SBN would like to thank this year’s event sponsors for their support:

Titanium Sponsor:
RTM Productions

Platinum Sponsor:
COMP Performance Group

Gold Sponsors:
Advanced Clutch Technologies
K&N Engineering Inc.
Martin & Company
Source Interlink Media
Toyota Motor Sales
TruXedo

Silver Sponsors:
Direct Communications Inc.
Driver Alliant Insurance Services/SEIA
Exports International
Harsch Speedway Commerce Center
Hypertech
Kahn Media
The Marx Group
Masters Entertainment Group Inc.
Mickey Thompson Tires
Skyjacker Suspensions

	Participants of the Speed Networking Breakfast will meet someone new in the automotive industry every few minutes. Last year, the average attendee walked away with five to seven quality industry contacts.

For the second consecutive year, the annual Speed Networking Breakfast powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, being held at 7:15 a.m. Thursday, November 4, at the Las Vegas Hilton Ballroom A, is sold out. The SBN would like to thank this year’s event sponsors for their support:

Titanium Sponsor:
RTM Productions

Platinum Sponsor:
COMP Performance Group

Gold Sponsors:
Advanced Clutch Technologies
K&N Engineering Inc.
Martin & Company
Source Interlink Media
Toyota Motor Sales
TruXedo

Silver Sponsors:
Direct Communications Inc.
Driver Alliant Insurance Services/SEIA
Exports International
Harsch Speedway Commerce Center
Hypertech
Kahn Media
The Marx Group
Masters Entertainment Group Inc.
Mickey Thompson Tires
Skyjacker Suspensions

A SEMA Show sponsor, UPS, will provide attendees the opportunity to learn how to advance their company’s bottom line through exporting.

In a session on Monday, November 1, a SEMA Show sponsor, UPS, will provide attendees the opportunity to learn how to advance their company’s bottom line through exporting. UPS is a long-time advocate of the benefits of international commerce.

Founders of TheEntrepreneurSchool.com, Jim Beach and Chris Hanks will facilitate an informative seminar entitled “Growth Through Global Trade On-Site at the SEMA Show.”

“Jim and Chris have a keen expertise in helping U.S.-based businesses understand the opportunities for exporting, and their insights will certainly prove beneficial for SEMA Show attendees,” said Kristin DeBates, UPS marketing manager serving customers in the automotive industry. “Having learned the challenges of exporting first-hand, Jim and Chris will share tips on how to ease into international markets and where to turn for help.”

The Internet, global communications and an increasingly dynamic global supply chain have opened opportunities for SEMA members to supply goods and services to international markets. With the right partners and advice, SEMA members can begin a new exporting program or pursue additional exporting opportunities in new markets. Below are some tips to help get an exporting program off the ground:

• Lessen the Risk; Find the Right Partners: There are numerous organizations, such as the U.S. Commercial Service (www.trade.gov/cs), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (www.traderoots.org) and SEMA’s own International Relations Program (www.sema.org/international) that offer programs and services to help companies find viable exporting opportunities.
• Frustration-Free Financing: Financing is a key concern for businesses seeking to grow internationally. SEMA members looking for financing options to help advance an exporting program should investigate options with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (www.exim.gov). UPS also offers small business loans, credit lines and insurance options through its UPS Capital subsidiary.
• Research at Your Fingertips: Market research is the foundation of a company’s global growth. With the Internet, learning about new markets is easier than ever. Some great resources include the U.S. government’s export portal (www.export.gov) and country-by-country commercial guides from the U.S. Commercial Service (www.buyusa.gov) and UPS (www.pressroom.ups.com/snapshotsforsmallbiz).
• Find a Shipper Who Can Make Logistics Your Competitive Advantage: Transactions in today’s global arena depend on fast and reliable transportation. When selecting a logistics partner, choose a shipper with a strong presence in countries and cities where you want to do business. Ultimately, this will facilitate greater expertise and flexibility. Shippers with a deep knowledge of your international markets will ensure that there are zero gaps in the supply chain.

To learn more about creating a powerful export program, visit UPS’ booth at this year’s SEMA Show, #11937 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. You can also join one of the UPS-sponsored seminars at the SEMA Show on Monday, November 1: “Growth Through Global Trade” (1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.) or “Business Management: Shipping Technology as a Competitive Advantage” (3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.).

Drop your business card in the specially designated entry box at each of the UPS-sponsored seminars at the 2010 SEMA Show to be entered for a chance to win a tablet computer. Participants may submit one entry at each of the two UPS sessions held on November 1, 2010. Limit of two entries per person. One prize will be awarded. Subject to official rules available at the UPS booth at the SEMA Show.

Contact Kristin DeBates (kdebates@ups.com) for more information about how UPS can put logistics to work for your business.

A SEMA Show sponsor, UPS, will provide attendees the opportunity to learn how to advance their company’s bottom line through exporting.

In a session on Monday, November 1, a SEMA Show sponsor, UPS, will provide attendees the opportunity to learn how to advance their company’s bottom line through exporting. UPS is a long-time advocate of the benefits of international commerce.

Founders of TheEntrepreneurSchool.com, Jim Beach and Chris Hanks will facilitate an informative seminar entitled “Growth Through Global Trade On-Site at the SEMA Show.”

“Jim and Chris have a keen expertise in helping U.S.-based businesses understand the opportunities for exporting, and their insights will certainly prove beneficial for SEMA Show attendees,” said Kristin DeBates, UPS marketing manager serving customers in the automotive industry. “Having learned the challenges of exporting first-hand, Jim and Chris will share tips on how to ease into international markets and where to turn for help.”

The Internet, global communications and an increasingly dynamic global supply chain have opened opportunities for SEMA members to supply goods and services to international markets. With the right partners and advice, SEMA members can begin a new exporting program or pursue additional exporting opportunities in new markets. Below are some tips to help get an exporting program off the ground:

• Lessen the Risk; Find the Right Partners: There are numerous organizations, such as the U.S. Commercial Service (www.trade.gov/cs), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (www.traderoots.org) and SEMA’s own International Relations Program (www.sema.org/international) that offer programs and services to help companies find viable exporting opportunities.
• Frustration-Free Financing: Financing is a key concern for businesses seeking to grow internationally. SEMA members looking for financing options to help advance an exporting program should investigate options with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (www.exim.gov). UPS also offers small business loans, credit lines and insurance options through its UPS Capital subsidiary.
• Research at Your Fingertips: Market research is the foundation of a company’s global growth. With the Internet, learning about new markets is easier than ever. Some great resources include the U.S. government’s export portal (www.export.gov) and country-by-country commercial guides from the U.S. Commercial Service (www.buyusa.gov) and UPS (www.pressroom.ups.com/snapshotsforsmallbiz).
• Find a Shipper Who Can Make Logistics Your Competitive Advantage: Transactions in today’s global arena depend on fast and reliable transportation. When selecting a logistics partner, choose a shipper with a strong presence in countries and cities where you want to do business. Ultimately, this will facilitate greater expertise and flexibility. Shippers with a deep knowledge of your international markets will ensure that there are zero gaps in the supply chain.

To learn more about creating a powerful export program, visit UPS’ booth at this year’s SEMA Show, #11937 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. You can also join one of the UPS-sponsored seminars at the SEMA Show on Monday, November 1: “Growth Through Global Trade” (1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.) or “Business Management: Shipping Technology as a Competitive Advantage” (3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.).

Drop your business card in the specially designated entry box at each of the UPS-sponsored seminars at the 2010 SEMA Show to be entered for a chance to win a tablet computer. Participants may submit one entry at each of the two UPS sessions held on November 1, 2010. Limit of two entries per person. One prize will be awarded. Subject to official rules available at the UPS booth at the SEMA Show.

Contact Kristin DeBates (kdebates@ups.com) for more information about how UPS can put logistics to work for your business.

	History’s fleet of “Top Gear Taxis” will offer free rides all week outside the Las Vegas Convention Center during the SEMA Show.

The History channel will be hosting a special private screening of the U.S. version of “Top Gear” on November 3 at the Las Vegas Hilton. Look out for details for your chance to attend. Also, check out History’s fleet of “Top Gear” Taxis, offering free rides all week outside the Convention Center. Be sure to check out “Top Gear” when it premieres on History Sunday, November 21 at 9:00 p.m.

	History’s fleet of “Top Gear Taxis” will offer free rides all week outside the Las Vegas Convention Center during the SEMA Show.

The History channel will be hosting a special private screening of the U.S. version of “Top Gear” on November 3 at the Las Vegas Hilton. Look out for details for your chance to attend. Also, check out History’s fleet of “Top Gear” Taxis, offering free rides all week outside the Convention Center. Be sure to check out “Top Gear” when it premieres on History Sunday, November 21 at 9:00 p.m.

	Famous Rhodes of eBay Motors (far right) said at the 2010 Business Technology Symposium that 70% of online buyers are do-it-yourself customers.

For the first time since its creation four years ago, SEMA and the Street Performance Council (SPC) have made all of the presentations from the 2010 Business Technology Symposium (BTS) available on one DVD. This professionally filmed and edited DVD is the next-best thing to being at the symposium in person, and it provides members professional insight on how to capitalize on social media trends, company-data organization and current market research techniques.

Are you using geo-location in social media outlets to maximize reach? What about using mobile tagging to tap into the $630 billion of mobile Internet sales that are expected in the next two years? Does your company comply with ACES? These are just some of the topics covered during the BTS. Learn how to answer these questions for the benefit of your business by ordering your DVD.

Complete with matching slides so you can follow along with the presenters and panelists, the presentations can be downloaded for free at www.sema.org/bts-downloads. The DVD is available for only $19.99 for SPC members and $29.99 for SEMA members. For more information and to order the SPC Business Technology Symposium DVD, follow this link.

Obtain these sessions featured during the BTS to gain the latest tactics and techniques for getting the most from industry research, data standards and social networking.

During the BTS social media sessions, attendees learned that 60% of consumers interacted with companies via social media, and 93% of consumers believed companies should have a presence in that space. Participants also learned that businesses should become involved to improve communications, generate leads and reduce costs. Perhaps most importantly, the many panelists talked about focusing company efforts to improve consumer relations in an open and transparent way to encourage brand trust, enrich the consumer experience and, hopefully, continue on to brand loyalty.

If that is not a compelling case enough for you to attend next year, maybe it should be the 41% who say companies should use social media to solicit feedback about products and services. Reinforcing the idea that companies need to get into the social media space sooner rather than later, 85% of consumers polled say that a company should not only be present but also interact with its customers via social media.

The BTS had panelists giving real-world case studies and data in spades, so don’t miss it the next time around. Remember, people are begging for your company and brand to reach out and make a connection with them. As the saying goes, "strike while the iron is hot," and don’t pass up any opportunity to learn new ways to connect with potential customers. Attending an event such as the BTS can provide tremendous ROI and can help increase your brand equity if you put the tips and tricks that were revealed to good use.

	Famous Rhodes of eBay Motors (far right) said at the 2010 Business Technology Symposium that 70% of online buyers are do-it-yourself customers.

For the first time since its creation four years ago, SEMA and the Street Performance Council (SPC) have made all of the presentations from the 2010 Business Technology Symposium (BTS) available on one DVD. This professionally filmed and edited DVD is the next-best thing to being at the symposium in person, and it provides members professional insight on how to capitalize on social media trends, company-data organization and current market research techniques.

Are you using geo-location in social media outlets to maximize reach? What about using mobile tagging to tap into the $630 billion of mobile Internet sales that are expected in the next two years? Does your company comply with ACES? These are just some of the topics covered during the BTS. Learn how to answer these questions for the benefit of your business by ordering your DVD.

Complete with matching slides so you can follow along with the presenters and panelists, the presentations can be downloaded for free at www.sema.org/bts-downloads. The DVD is available for only $19.99 for SPC members and $29.99 for SEMA members. For more information and to order the SPC Business Technology Symposium DVD, follow this link.

Obtain these sessions featured during the BTS to gain the latest tactics and techniques for getting the most from industry research, data standards and social networking.

During the BTS social media sessions, attendees learned that 60% of consumers interacted with companies via social media, and 93% of consumers believed companies should have a presence in that space. Participants also learned that businesses should become involved to improve communications, generate leads and reduce costs. Perhaps most importantly, the many panelists talked about focusing company efforts to improve consumer relations in an open and transparent way to encourage brand trust, enrich the consumer experience and, hopefully, continue on to brand loyalty.

If that is not a compelling case enough for you to attend next year, maybe it should be the 41% who say companies should use social media to solicit feedback about products and services. Reinforcing the idea that companies need to get into the social media space sooner rather than later, 85% of consumers polled say that a company should not only be present but also interact with its customers via social media.

The BTS had panelists giving real-world case studies and data in spades, so don’t miss it the next time around. Remember, people are begging for your company and brand to reach out and make a connection with them. As the saying goes, "strike while the iron is hot," and don’t pass up any opportunity to learn new ways to connect with potential customers. Attending an event such as the BTS can provide tremendous ROI and can help increase your brand equity if you put the tips and tricks that were revealed to good use.

	Famous Rhodes of eBay Motors (far right) said at the 2010 Business Technology Symposium that 70% of online buyers are do-it-yourself customers.

For the first time since its creation four years ago, SEMA and the Street Performance Council (SPC) have made all of the presentations from the 2010 Business Technology Symposium (BTS) available on one DVD. This professionally filmed and edited DVD is the next-best thing to being at the symposium in person, and it provides members professional insight on how to capitalize on social media trends, company-data organization and current market research techniques.

Are you using geo-location in social media outlets to maximize reach? What about using mobile tagging to tap into the $630 billion of mobile Internet sales that are expected in the next two years? Does your company comply with ACES? These are just some of the topics covered during the BTS. Learn how to answer these questions for the benefit of your business by ordering your DVD.

Complete with matching slides so you can follow along with the presenters and panelists, the presentations can be downloaded for free at www.sema.org/bts-downloads. The DVD is available for only $19.99 for SPC members and $29.99 for SEMA members. For more information and to order the SPC Business Technology Symposium DVD, follow this link.

Obtain these sessions featured during the BTS to gain the latest tactics and techniques for getting the most from industry research, data standards and social networking.

During the BTS social media sessions, attendees learned that 60% of consumers interacted with companies via social media, and 93% of consumers believed companies should have a presence in that space. Participants also learned that businesses should become involved to improve communications, generate leads and reduce costs. Perhaps most importantly, the many panelists talked about focusing company efforts to improve consumer relations in an open and transparent way to encourage brand trust, enrich the consumer experience and, hopefully, continue on to brand loyalty.

If that is not a compelling case enough for you to attend next year, maybe it should be the 41% who say companies should use social media to solicit feedback about products and services. Reinforcing the idea that companies need to get into the social media space sooner rather than later, 85% of consumers polled say that a company should not only be present but also interact with its customers via social media.

The BTS had panelists giving real-world case studies and data in spades, so don’t miss it the next time around. Remember, people are begging for your company and brand to reach out and make a connection with them. As the saying goes, "strike while the iron is hot," and don’t pass up any opportunity to learn new ways to connect with potential customers. Attending an event such as the BTS can provide tremendous ROI and can help increase your brand equity if you put the tips and tricks that were revealed to good use.