By Rachel Tatum

Exhibitors who have breaking news announcements can utilize press conferences to reach their audience.

Applications for SEMA Show exhibitors to be included in the official 2020 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule are now available. Press conferences are not recommended for every exhibiting company and should be reserved for those who have breaking news announcements. The final schedule will be created so that it is conducive and easy for journalists to attend the press conferences. The submission deadline is July 24.

After submitting an application, exhibitors should receive an automatic email confirming that the application was received. Those who do not receive the automatic email may have experienced a technical problem.

For additional details, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By Rachel Tatum

Exhibitors who have breaking news announcements can utilize press conferences to reach their audience.

Applications for SEMA Show exhibitors to be included in the official 2020 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule are now available. Press conferences are not recommended for every exhibiting company and should be reserved for those who have breaking news announcements. The final schedule will be created so that it is conducive and easy for journalists to attend the press conferences. The submission deadline is July 24.

After submitting an application, exhibitors should receive an automatic email confirming that the application was received. Those who do not receive the automatic email may have experienced a technical problem.

For additional details, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By Ashley Reyes

Amber Miller

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has named Amber Miller of Life Without Doors as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight member. Miller was first introduced to the industry after buying her first Jeep in 2017 and has since grown her knowledge and experience with build modifications through the guidance of industry mentors.

After purchasing her Jeep, Miller discovered she did not want to take the doors off-and-on in bad weather, so she developed a rain curtain for her vehicle. Although she did not intend to produce the rain curtains, the product gained popularity amongst locals. Miller went on to become the owner and CEO of Life Without Doors and started a new career providing Jeep owners with drier interiors. 

Learn more about Miller in her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN:

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

Amber Miller: Keep going! There have been many challenges with launching Life Without Doors, including a pandemic and losing my job. We launched in January and it has been an uphill climb. We keep going!

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

AM: As a new company with a unique product, we are enjoying seeing it hit the market and people’s reactions to it. So far everything has been overwhelmingly positive. There are a few naysayers, but they just give me fuel.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

AM: Saturday activities can vary from working, trail riding, events and sometimes even family time.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

AM: I would like to say confident, but usually I am nervous. However, once I get to talking about what I'm doing, I feel much better as I am confident in my endeavor.

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

AM: Charlene Bower.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

By Ashley Reyes

Amber Miller

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has named Amber Miller of Life Without Doors as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight member. Miller was first introduced to the industry after buying her first Jeep in 2017 and has since grown her knowledge and experience with build modifications through the guidance of industry mentors.

After purchasing her Jeep, Miller discovered she did not want to take the doors off-and-on in bad weather, so she developed a rain curtain for her vehicle. Although she did not intend to produce the rain curtains, the product gained popularity amongst locals. Miller went on to become the owner and CEO of Life Without Doors and started a new career providing Jeep owners with drier interiors. 

Learn more about Miller in her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN:

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

Amber Miller: Keep going! There have been many challenges with launching Life Without Doors, including a pandemic and losing my job. We launched in January and it has been an uphill climb. We keep going!

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

AM: As a new company with a unique product, we are enjoying seeing it hit the market and people’s reactions to it. So far everything has been overwhelmingly positive. There are a few naysayers, but they just give me fuel.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

AM: Saturday activities can vary from working, trail riding, events and sometimes even family time.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

AM: I would like to say confident, but usually I am nervous. However, once I get to talking about what I'm doing, I feel much better as I am confident in my endeavor.

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

AM: Charlene Bower.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

PT Muldoon

CRP Industries Names Automotive Industry Veteran PT Muldoon Director of Engineering

CRP Industries has appointed automotive industry veteran PT Muldoon as the company’s director of engineering. Muldoon will be responsible for all engineering activities and initiatives in the development of new automotive opportunities with OEMs and Tier-One suppliers, as well as the improvement and expansion of current products and product lines. Prior to joining CRP Automotive, Muldoon served as the director of new product development – electronics remanufacturing for BBB Industries, where he headed the company’s Detroit Technical Center. He also spent two years as vice president of operations/engineering at Electronics Remanufacturing Company LLC (Walled Lake, Michigan), and was responsible for engineering and test cell development and all production operations. Muldoon was also head of engineering at AxleTech’s Electronics Remanufacturing Business Unit (Troy, Michigan). Muldoon spent more than 23 years with FCA Chrysler, where he served as senior product engineer for Powertrain Electrical and Powertrain Adaptation, manager of Remanufactured Product Development Engineering and chief engineering lead for Mopar.

Jonathon West of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, is the official winner of its 2020 LS Engine Sweepstakes.

2020 LS Engine Sweepstakes Winner Announced

Holley has announced that Jonathon West of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, is the official winner of its 2020 LS Engine Sweepstakes. As the winner, West will receive a twin-supercharged 427ci LS engine totaling $23,364.44 in value. West plans to install the engine in his ’69 Camaro where it will replace the current big block sourced from a ’70s pickup. On the heels of the LS Engine Sweepstakes, Holley and Prestige Motorsports are planning a 2020 Hemi Engine Sweepstakes, and will announce a winner September 30. Enter to win the HEMI giveaway.

Carl Boyer

Stertil-Koni Names Lift Industry Pro, Carl Boyer, Midwest Regional Sales Manager

Stertil-Koni has announced that Carl Boyer has been named midwest regional sales manager. In his new post, Boyer brings nearly three decades of client-focused sales management, business development and customer service experience to this key Stertil-Koni role. Boyer will manage a territory that includes Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and parts of Wisconsin, supporting Stertil-Koni’s exclusive distributor network serving these states. Most recently, Boyer served as shop equipment Specialist at Stertil-Koni, where he focused on the expansion of the company’s product line and customer base in the heavy-duty equipment field. In that post, he was responsible for product sourcing, sales, new business development and managing relationships with customers.

Yoni Kellman

New Sales And Marketing Manager Joins Sparta Evolution

Sparta Evolution has announced Yoni Kellman as its new sales and marketing manager. Kellman will be responsible for driving revenue, marketing and business strategies. As a member of the aftermarket industry for more than 15 years, Kellman has sales and marketing experience working with various manufacturers, distributors and retailers including Exedy, Motovicity and DBA USA.

Hopkins Names J. Scott Mosteller to Senior Vice President of Operations

Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. has announced the addition of J. Scott Mosteller as senior vice president – operations. He will have responsibility for all supply-chain, manufacturing, and distribution operations for Hopkins; ensuring customer satisfaction; managing inventory investment; and optimizing costs across the system. He brings to Hopkins a background in operations, including experience in the automotive aftermarket. This experience spans operations in North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia in sourcing, distribution and manufacturing. Most recently, Mosteller was the corporate vice president of supply chain for Genuine Parts Company (GPC) for 13 years, including time in a newly acquired business in
Australia and as president of its Rayloc Division. Prior to GPC, Scott owned his own sourcing and distribution consulting firm. He also has held a number of operational positions with the Russell Corp., DeSoto Mills, Simpson Performance Products and Sara Lee.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

STAR accreditation means that a facility has an infectious disease prevention program to limit risks associated with infectious agents.

To help ensure a safe business environment with the proper protocols in place, the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) has implemented several health measures, including the training needed complete the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR Accreditation Program.

The program is the cleaning industry's only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation for facilities. Earning the accreditation means that a facility has maintained an infectious disease prevention program to limit risks associated with infectious agents. The training includes the proper methods and best practices for biohazard situations, such as the novel coronavirus.

SEMA's Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso complimented the convention center's level ofcommitment to being a world class tradeshow venue.

"We're pleased to see that the Las Vegas Convention Center is among the first facilities in the country to apply for the GBAC Star program," said Gattuso. "The Show's safety plan will compliment the efforts of the LVCC, and together we will build an optimal environment for business connections to take place.”

The accreditation process is similar in approach to other relevant industry programs, such as ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 35001. 

More information is available at www.gbac.issa.com/issa-gbac-star-facility-accreditation.

By SEMA Editors

STAR accreditation means that a facility has an infectious disease prevention program to limit risks associated with infectious agents.

To help ensure a safe business environment with the proper protocols in place, the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) has implemented several health measures, including the training needed complete the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR Accreditation Program.

The program is the cleaning industry's only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation for facilities. Earning the accreditation means that a facility has maintained an infectious disease prevention program to limit risks associated with infectious agents. The training includes the proper methods and best practices for biohazard situations, such as the novel coronavirus.

SEMA's Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso complimented the convention center's level ofcommitment to being a world class tradeshow venue.

"We're pleased to see that the Las Vegas Convention Center is among the first facilities in the country to apply for the GBAC Star program," said Gattuso. "The Show's safety plan will compliment the efforts of the LVCC, and together we will build an optimal environment for business connections to take place.”

The accreditation process is similar in approach to other relevant industry programs, such as ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 35001. 

More information is available at www.gbac.issa.com/issa-gbac-star-facility-accreditation.

By Rachel Tatum

The SEMA Show Online Media Center, available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, allows exhibitors to submit press releases and photos at no cost.

Journalists are often bombarded with press releases and emails. The SEMA Show Online Media Center is an easy and effective tool to help exhibitors get their press releases to journalists covering the SEMA Show. Available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, the site allows them to submit press releases and photos at no cost. Note the following tips prior to submitting a press release:

• Post early. Many publications, including SEMA News, run preview stories with deadlines beginning in July. Releases often run in the order they are submitted.
• Include a photo. Releases with photos are more likely to be used than those without photos.
• Tag correctly when you upload to the site. Many editors use the search function to find news that is relevant to their audience.

An easy-to-read press release with relevant content can create a lasting impression, generate media coverage and ultimately drive traffic to an exhibitor’s booth. Exhibitors can upload their press releases now. SEMA provides services to help exhibitors connect with media at the SEMA Show and is available to assist.

For details about SEMA Show exhibitor PR opportunities, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By Rachel Tatum

The SEMA Show Online Media Center, available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, allows exhibitors to submit press releases and photos at no cost.

Journalists are often bombarded with press releases and emails. The SEMA Show Online Media Center is an easy and effective tool to help exhibitors get their press releases to journalists covering the SEMA Show. Available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, the site allows them to submit press releases and photos at no cost. Note the following tips prior to submitting a press release:

• Post early. Many publications, including SEMA News, run preview stories with deadlines beginning in July. Releases often run in the order they are submitted.
• Include a photo. Releases with photos are more likely to be used than those without photos.
• Tag correctly when you upload to the site. Many editors use the search function to find news that is relevant to their audience.

An easy-to-read press release with relevant content can create a lasting impression, generate media coverage and ultimately drive traffic to an exhibitor’s booth. Exhibitors can upload their press releases now. SEMA provides services to help exhibitors connect with media at the SEMA Show and is available to assist.

For details about SEMA Show exhibitor PR opportunities, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By SEMA Editors

Dan Kahn, founder of Kahn Media, 2019 SEMA Person of the Year.

Nominations for the 2020 SEMA Person of the Year Award are now being accepted at www.sema.org/awards. The award is one of the trade association’s highest honors and recognizes an outstanding individual for making invaluable contributions to the industry during the fiscal year of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

While the award celebrates the accomplishments of a person who has made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market, the candidate must meet certain requirements, including working directly within the industry and being employed by a SEMA-member company.

“SEMA recognizes that it takes dedication, hard work and drive to make a specialty-equipment business—and the industry as a whole—successful,” said Lindsay Bianco, SEMA senior manager, membership projects. "Award nominees must have a proven record of advancing the success of the marketplace and helping to propel the industry forward.”

In addition to SEMA Person of the Year, the SEMA Industry Awards also include Manufacturer of the Year, Rep Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year, and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. The award winners will be celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2020 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

To learn more about the additional criteria for each award and to submit your nominations, visit www.sema.org/awards or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.