The Global Media Awards will be presented at SEMA's 8th annual International Happy Hour.

The eighth annual International Happy Hour (IHH)—taking place Wednesday, November 2, 2011, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room S224—is the largest annual international networking event for the specialty-parts industry, featuring leading importers, distributors and retailers from more than 120 countries.

In addition, the IHH will provide an opportunity to meet with a distinguished panel of international journalists who will serve as judges for the annual Global Media Awards.

Register now for the IHH.

	The Global Media Awards will be presented at SEMA's 8th annual International Happy Hour.

The eighth annual International Happy Hour (IHH)—taking place Wednesday, November 2, 2011, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room S224—is the largest annual international networking event for the specialty-parts industry, featuring leading importers, distributors and retailers from more than 120 countries.

In addition, the IHH will provide an opportunity to meet with a distinguished panel of international journalists who will serve as judges for the annual Global Media Awards.

Register now for the IHH.

Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to require companies that sell goods via the Internet and catalogs to collect sales tax in the same manner as “brick-and-mortar” retailers. The “Marketplace Equity Act” (MEA) is similar to the “Main Street Fairness Act” introduced earlier this year. Both bills would allow states to force retailers to collect sales tax from consumers even when the companies otherwise have no physical presence in that state.

The Main Street Fairness Act requires states to participate in the Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement, which sets uniform tax rules. To date, 24 states are full participants. In contrast, the MEA would set minimum federal rules and then allow states flexibility in establishing individual rules. The state would have three choices in selecting a tax rate—a single rate, a maximum state rate or a rate based on customer’s location. If the latter, the state would be required to supply tax software.  

Both bills authorize a “small-seller exemption.” The Main Street Fairness legislation does not set a limit but instead defers to the Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement, which currently establishes a threshold of $500,000 and below. The MEA exempts companies from collecting sales tax if they have either less than $1 million in total sales or less than $100,000 in sales in a particular state.

Under a 1992 U.S. Supreme Court decision, states cannot force retailers to collect use taxes unless the company has a physical presence in the state (“nexus”). However, the Court also noted that Congress could pass legislation authorizing states to collect use taxes within the scope of interstate commerce. In lieu of the federal law, many states have expanded the definition of nexus in order to compel companies to collect taxes. 

For more information, please contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to require companies that sell goods via the Internet and catalogs to collect sales tax in the same manner as “brick-and-mortar” retailers. The “Marketplace Equity Act” (MEA) is similar to the “Main Street Fairness Act” introduced earlier this year. Both bills would allow states to force retailers to collect sales tax from consumers even when the companies otherwise have no physical presence in that state.

The Main Street Fairness Act requires states to participate in the Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement, which sets uniform tax rules. To date, 24 states are full participants. In contrast, the MEA would set minimum federal rules and then allow states flexibility in establishing individual rules. The state would have three choices in selecting a tax rate—a single rate, a maximum state rate or a rate based on customer’s location. If the latter, the state would be required to supply tax software.  

Both bills authorize a “small-seller exemption.” The Main Street Fairness legislation does not set a limit but instead defers to the Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement, which currently establishes a threshold of $500,000 and below. The MEA exempts companies from collecting sales tax if they have either less than $1 million in total sales or less than $100,000 in sales in a particular state.

Under a 1992 U.S. Supreme Court decision, states cannot force retailers to collect use taxes unless the company has a physical presence in the state (“nexus”). However, the Court also noted that Congress could pass legislation authorizing states to collect use taxes within the scope of interstate commerce. In lieu of the federal law, many states have expanded the definition of nexus in order to compel companies to collect taxes. 

For more information, please contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to seek independent scientific analysis on the effects of 15%-blend ethanol gasoline (E15) on vehicles and engines. The review would include an evaluation of the short- and long-term environmental, safety and performance effects of E15 on both on- and off-road vehicle engines. Last January, the EPA decided to allow the use of E15 in vehicles manufactured after 2001 based solely on a limited study by the U.S. Department of Energy.  

SEMA has been a strong supporter of further testing to gauge the effects of E15. SEMA opposes the introduction of E15 into the marketplace due to concerns that the additional content will harm automobiles of all ages, including special-interest collector and historic vehicles. In addition to the potential harm of E15 on engine components, the EPA has no procedure in place to ensure that misfueling does not occur or any plan for ensuring regular gasoline continues to be available for older vehicles. SEMA’s concerns have been echoed by a number of other organizations. 

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to seek independent scientific analysis on the effects of 15%-blend ethanol gasoline (E15) on vehicles and engines. The review would include an evaluation of the short- and long-term environmental, safety and performance effects of E15 on both on- and off-road vehicle engines. Last January, the EPA decided to allow the use of E15 in vehicles manufactured after 2001 based solely on a limited study by the U.S. Department of Energy.  

SEMA has been a strong supporter of further testing to gauge the effects of E15. SEMA opposes the introduction of E15 into the marketplace due to concerns that the additional content will harm automobiles of all ages, including special-interest collector and historic vehicles. In addition to the potential harm of E15 on engine components, the EPA has no procedure in place to ensure that misfueling does not occur or any plan for ensuring regular gasoline continues to be available for older vehicles. SEMA’s concerns have been echoed by a number of other organizations. 

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

	Yakima will use a wind tunnel to demonstrate the effectiveness of its quiet, fuel-efficient Whispbar vehicle roof rack in its booth at the 2011 SEMA Show.

At the 2011 SEMA Show, Yakima—a designer and manufacturer of vehicle racks for boats, bikes, camping, winter sports gear, trailers and cargo solutions—will introduce a quiet, fuel-efficient roof rack called the Whispbar, which, according to the company, reduces wind drag by up to 70%.

Whispbar’s original designer—a former Rolls-Royce aircraft engineer—developed the aerofoil wing shape, which is designed to reduce wind noise and vibration. The Whispbar’s proprietary Smartfoot technology can easily transfer to virtually any vehicle. Yakima will be the first to provide a product demonstration at its booth (#30099) using a wind tunnel.

“Whispbar by Yakima is the result of our clear focus on innovation and technology and providing a first-class product,” said Ron Ten Berge, senior vice president/CMO at Yakima Products. “We worked extremely hard to minimize noise and drag, which have been at the top of the list of consumer complaints when it comes to the rack category. Whispbar was not only wind tested, but also subjected to the most stringent conditions in laboratories in addition to thousands of miles of road testing. Also, Whispbar fits well with the styling of European vehicles.”

Whispbar by Yakima can be purchased at www.yakima.com and at select retailers throughout the United States.


 





	Yakima will use a wind tunnel to demonstrate the effectiveness of its quiet, fuel-efficient Whispbar vehicle roof rack in its booth at the 2011 SEMA Show.

At the 2011 SEMA Show, Yakima—a designer and manufacturer of vehicle racks for boats, bikes, camping, winter sports gear, trailers and cargo solutions—will introduce a quiet, fuel-efficient roof rack called the Whispbar, which, according to the company, reduces wind drag by up to 70%.

Whispbar’s original designer—a former Rolls-Royce aircraft engineer—developed the aerofoil wing shape, which is designed to reduce wind noise and vibration. The Whispbar’s proprietary Smartfoot technology can easily transfer to virtually any vehicle. Yakima will be the first to provide a product demonstration at its booth (#30099) using a wind tunnel.

“Whispbar by Yakima is the result of our clear focus on innovation and technology and providing a first-class product,” said Ron Ten Berge, senior vice president/CMO at Yakima Products. “We worked extremely hard to minimize noise and drag, which have been at the top of the list of consumer complaints when it comes to the rack category. Whispbar was not only wind tested, but also subjected to the most stringent conditions in laboratories in addition to thousands of miles of road testing. Also, Whispbar fits well with the styling of European vehicles.”

Whispbar by Yakima can be purchased at www.yakima.com and at select retailers throughout the United States.


 





	Zan Martin

In today’s business environment, companies have to be more creative than ever with their marketing budgets. Some companies are finding success in combining resources to reach a new consumer base using both traditional automotive channels and non-automotive channels. By developing strategic partnerships, marketing efforts can be expanded without breaking the bank.

The SEMA Education Institute (SEI) will feature a panel of industry veterans to take a deeper dive into this subject at the 2011 SEMA Show, Wednesday, November 2, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

This intriguing discussion, moderated by Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising, will challenge you to consider new ways to market your company and reach an all-new customer base.

Panelists will include:

• Tim Martin, vice president, K&N Engineering, has various responsibilities in sales, marketing, operations and information technology. K&N is the market-leading manufacturer of performance air filters and air intake kits. Martin leads K&N in a variety of automotive-oriented marketing as well as non-traditional consumer events, advertising and promotions.
• Jim O’Connell, vice president and chief sales officer, NASCAR, oversees all assets carrying the NASCAR trademark, including the divisions of partnership marketing, business solutions, automotive aftermarket, licensing and new business. He began his tenure with NASCAR in 2006 as vice president of corporate marketing, and has also held senior management positions with Viacom, the NFL and Frito-Lay. With a large and growing national fan base, NASCAR has relationships with more major corporations than any other sport and is demonstrated to produce measurable results for its sponsors.
• Myles Kovacs, president and co-founder, DUB Publishing, is a leading voice of the influential, trendsetting youth market. He connects with young consumers through America’s influencers—entertainers, media, hot product designers and mainstream corporations—and through his cornerstone asset, DUB magazine. Kovacs has propelled DUB Publishing Inc. and its family of companies into an annual $50 million-plus business. He has partnered with such organizations as Best Buy, Chrysler, Energizer, General Motors, Microsoft, Mobil 1, NASCAR, Procter & Gamble and Wal-Mart, targeting the youth market. Newsweek named Kovacs one of the nation’s “10 Big Thinkers for Big Business in the 21st Century.”
• Todd Hoffman, vice president of sales and marketing, A.R.E Truck Caps & Truck Accessories, has been responsible for the development of the company's technical support and warranty departments, as well as implementation of e-tools, e-lead systems, e-marketing and dealer-based support initiatives. He has been active in broadening A.R.E brand awareness among non-traditional markets, including the recent build of a Pro Football Hall of Fame F-150 project vehicle and participation in music festivals and outdoorsman events whose audience demographics attract high numbers of truck owners.
• Dennis Kurtz, Showgun Entertainment, specializes in artist development. He has been involved in sponsorship programming, execution and artist relations/brand relations. He has been involved with sponsorships for Janet Jackson, *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Travis Tritt, George Strait Country Music Fest, Ozzfest, Matt Stillwell, Jason Sturgeon and more. His expertise is in ensuring that everyone wins and all deal points are realized for both sides.

Don't miss this intriguing panel discussion that will challenge you to consider new ways to market your company. Join us Wednesday, November 2, at 9:30 a.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N257.

View the entire SEMA Show Education Days calendar.

Other sessions you may be interested in:

Date: Mondy, October 31

Time: 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Session: How to Build Synergy Between Your Advertising, Marketing, PR and Social Media Campaigns
Presenter: Tom Marx, The Marx Group

TIme: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Session: 8 Steps to Master Marketing
Presenter: Jon Goldman, Brand Launcher

Time: 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Session: Shoestring Marketing – The Media Conundrum
Presenter: Larry Mersereau, PromoPower.com

Time: 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Session: The Moment of Truth – Converting Shoppers to Buyers, Upselling and Creating Evangelists
Presenter: Larry Mersereau, PromoPower.com

Wednesday, November 2

Time: 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Session: Strategic Partnerships: Reaching New Customers Through Non-Traditional Channels
Panel: Zan Martin, Martin & Company Advertising; Myles Kovacs, DUB; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering; Jim O’Connell, NASCAR; Todd Hoffman, ARE Accessories; Dennis Kurtz, Showgun Entertainment

Time: 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Session: Changing Landscape of Media
Presenter: Steve Parker Jr., Levelwing

Thursday, November 3

Time: 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Session: Creating Store Layouts that Sell, Sell, Sell!
Presenters: Kizer & Bender

Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Session: Retail Revolution: How to Make Your Store Stand Out
Presenters: Kizer & Bender

All sessions will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N257.

	Zan Martin

In today’s business environment, companies have to be more creative than ever with their marketing budgets. Some companies are finding success in combining resources to reach a new consumer base using both traditional automotive channels and non-automotive channels. By developing strategic partnerships, marketing efforts can be expanded without breaking the bank.

The SEMA Education Institute (SEI) will feature a panel of industry veterans to take a deeper dive into this subject at the 2011 SEMA Show, Wednesday, November 2, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

This intriguing discussion, moderated by Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising, will challenge you to consider new ways to market your company and reach an all-new customer base.

Panelists will include:

• Tim Martin, vice president, K&N Engineering, has various responsibilities in sales, marketing, operations and information technology. K&N is the market-leading manufacturer of performance air filters and air intake kits. Martin leads K&N in a variety of automotive-oriented marketing as well as non-traditional consumer events, advertising and promotions.
• Jim O’Connell, vice president and chief sales officer, NASCAR, oversees all assets carrying the NASCAR trademark, including the divisions of partnership marketing, business solutions, automotive aftermarket, licensing and new business. He began his tenure with NASCAR in 2006 as vice president of corporate marketing, and has also held senior management positions with Viacom, the NFL and Frito-Lay. With a large and growing national fan base, NASCAR has relationships with more major corporations than any other sport and is demonstrated to produce measurable results for its sponsors.
• Myles Kovacs, president and co-founder, DUB Publishing, is a leading voice of the influential, trendsetting youth market. He connects with young consumers through America’s influencers—entertainers, media, hot product designers and mainstream corporations—and through his cornerstone asset, DUB magazine. Kovacs has propelled DUB Publishing Inc. and its family of companies into an annual $50 million-plus business. He has partnered with such organizations as Best Buy, Chrysler, Energizer, General Motors, Microsoft, Mobil 1, NASCAR, Procter & Gamble and Wal-Mart, targeting the youth market. Newsweek named Kovacs one of the nation’s “10 Big Thinkers for Big Business in the 21st Century.”
• Todd Hoffman, vice president of sales and marketing, A.R.E Truck Caps & Truck Accessories, has been responsible for the development of the company's technical support and warranty departments, as well as implementation of e-tools, e-lead systems, e-marketing and dealer-based support initiatives. He has been active in broadening A.R.E brand awareness among non-traditional markets, including the recent build of a Pro Football Hall of Fame F-150 project vehicle and participation in music festivals and outdoorsman events whose audience demographics attract high numbers of truck owners.
• Dennis Kurtz, Showgun Entertainment, specializes in artist development. He has been involved in sponsorship programming, execution and artist relations/brand relations. He has been involved with sponsorships for Janet Jackson, *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Travis Tritt, George Strait Country Music Fest, Ozzfest, Matt Stillwell, Jason Sturgeon and more. His expertise is in ensuring that everyone wins and all deal points are realized for both sides.

Don't miss this intriguing panel discussion that will challenge you to consider new ways to market your company. Join us Wednesday, November 2, at 9:30 a.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N257.

View the entire SEMA Show Education Days calendar.

Other sessions you may be interested in:

Date: Mondy, October 31

Time: 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Session: How to Build Synergy Between Your Advertising, Marketing, PR and Social Media Campaigns
Presenter: Tom Marx, The Marx Group

TIme: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Session: 8 Steps to Master Marketing
Presenter: Jon Goldman, Brand Launcher

Time: 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Session: Shoestring Marketing – The Media Conundrum
Presenter: Larry Mersereau, PromoPower.com

Time: 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Session: The Moment of Truth – Converting Shoppers to Buyers, Upselling and Creating Evangelists
Presenter: Larry Mersereau, PromoPower.com

Wednesday, November 2

Time: 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Session: Strategic Partnerships: Reaching New Customers Through Non-Traditional Channels
Panel: Zan Martin, Martin & Company Advertising; Myles Kovacs, DUB; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering; Jim O’Connell, NASCAR; Todd Hoffman, ARE Accessories; Dennis Kurtz, Showgun Entertainment

Time: 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Session: Changing Landscape of Media
Presenter: Steve Parker Jr., Levelwing

Thursday, November 3

Time: 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Session: Creating Store Layouts that Sell, Sell, Sell!
Presenters: Kizer & Bender

Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Session: Retail Revolution: How to Make Your Store Stand Out
Presenters: Kizer & Bender

All sessions will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N257.