By Amelia Zwecher

Need to know more about recruiting superior employees? Recruiting and hiring top-quality employees is often a challenge for hiring managers and recruiters. As a recruiter, it’s essential to think outside of the box and to be willing to try different methods to achieve optimal results. Hiring an intern may be just the answer you need. Here’s an interesting myth and truth about recruiting that may help.

Myth: “Hiring interns is for employers who have a large staff, not for small business owners who are often short staffed and too busy to dedicate time to a student.”

Truth: Employers who rush to hire for open positions often find themselves looking for new talent months later. According to Forbes, a bad hire could cost a business at least $30,000 (there’s a formula to obtain this number!). A bad candidate can be worse than no candidate, so choose your employees wisely.

What’s the resolution? Maybe hiring an intern temporarily can minimize expensive bad hiring decisions, but cutting expenses shouldn’t be the only reason to hire interns.

Here’s 6 reasons you should hire an intern:

1. New perspective and fresh ideas on company issues
2. Millennials are technologically savvy
3. The position can remain short-term or become more (part-time/full-time)
4. Gain a brand advocate and positive word of mouth
5. Help to start or complete projects and other tasks that never made it to the top of your priority list
6. Giving back to the community and to youth: Supporting the future of the automotive industry is most important

Posting internships are free for all employers (SEMA members and non-members) on www.sema.org/jobs.

For more information, contact Amelia F. Zwecher, TAS, manager, career services, at ameliaz@sema.org. Also join the SEMA Employer Services LinkedIn Group for daily recruitment updates.

By SEMA Show Management

Buyers and exhibitors participating in the 2017 SEMA Show are encouraged to book hotels early for the best selection and rates.

Buyers and exhibitors participating in the 2017 SEMA Show are encouraged to book hotels early for the best selection and rates. SEMA Show management negotiates travel discounts and secures a limited number of reduced-rate hotel rooms to make Showgoers’ trip to Las Vegas affordable.

The official SEMA Show Housing Services provider is OnPeak, and booking through OnPeak provides Showgoers with benefits, such as:

1. Guaranteed low rates
2. No penalties for adjustments or changes to reservation
3. No booking, change or cancelation fees

The SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page features a frequently updated, real-time listing of the hotel deals and discounts available for the 2017 Show.

Read more about the benefits of booking through the Show’s official housing provider. 

Note: Attendees and exhibitors should be vigilant if approached by companies or services other than OnPeak that implies or claims to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Management is aware of other housing companies and travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing you or your company to book your guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts.

Reservations made through an agency other than OnPeak are at your own risk. Exhibitors and attendees contacted by another housing company trying to sell hotel rooms should notify SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289.

By SEMA Show Management

Buyers and exhibitors participating in the 2017 SEMA Show are encouraged to book hotels early for the best selection and rates.

Buyers and exhibitors participating in the 2017 SEMA Show are encouraged to book hotels early for the best selection and rates. SEMA Show management negotiates travel discounts and secures a limited number of reduced-rate hotel rooms to make Showgoers’ trip to Las Vegas affordable.

The official SEMA Show Housing Services provider is OnPeak, and booking through OnPeak provides Showgoers with benefits, such as:

1. Guaranteed low rates
2. No penalties for adjustments or changes to reservation
3. No booking, change or cancelation fees

The SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page features a frequently updated, real-time listing of the hotel deals and discounts available for the 2017 Show.

Read more about the benefits of booking through the Show’s official housing provider. 

Note: Attendees and exhibitors should be vigilant if approached by companies or services other than OnPeak that implies or claims to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Management is aware of other housing companies and travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing you or your company to book your guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts.

Reservations made through an agency other than OnPeak are at your own risk. Exhibitors and attendees contacted by another housing company trying to sell hotel rooms should notify SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289.

Like many in the automotive aftermarket industry, Herman, Liz and Tray Smith founded H&H Classic Parts after spending many years in the auto service and repair business. Located in Bentonville, Arkansas, H&H shares a passion with neighboring Walmart in providing consumers with a one-stop shopping venue.

Like many in the automotive aftermarket industry, Herman, Liz and Tray Smith founded H&H Classic Parts after spending many years in the auto service and repair business. Located in Bentonville, Arkansas, H&H shares a passion with neighboring Walmart in providing consumers with a one-stop shopping venue.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

For the Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout, ididit Inc. will present Outlaw True Street, a special race category running on Saturday, March 4.

ididit Inc. Outlaw True Street Added to NMRA Spring Break Shootout in Bradenton, Florida

The most recognized Mustang street racers will converge on Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida, the weekend of March 2-5, 2017, for the Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout. ididit Inc., the steering column specialists, will present Outlaw True Street, a special race category that will run on Saturday evening, March 4.  It’s a special street car challenge that will top off a great day of Ford drag racing with a 275/28x10.5 inch tire shootout in “no time" format. For more information on ididit Inc., visit www.ididitinc.com. More information on the NMRA Bradenton, Florida, event is available at www.NMRAdigital.com/FL.

Policaro Automotive Family Launches New Motorsport Division

The Policaro Automotive Family will return to the track once more, this time under the new flag of Policaro Motorsport

The Policaro Automotive Family will bring their leadership and passion to the track once more, this time under the newly minted flag of Policaro Motorsport, which will take to the track alongside their proven partner, Alegra Motorsports. Policaro will enter into the four endurance races of the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship at Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen and Atlanta. Taking the wheel for the team will be Daniel Morad, Jesse Lazare, Michael Christensen, and 17-year-old Michael de Quesada, who will also be wearing the team colours in the Platinum Class of the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama series.

Sports Cars Boutique's SCB Racing will also be fielding a Policaro Motorsport-sponsored vehicle: a BMW M235iR that will be entered in the 2017 Canadian Touring Car Championship in the ST Class. SCB Racing, now in its seventh season, will look to 22-year-old racer and former Formula 1600 and Formula 1600 Super Series National champion, Michael Adams, to lead the team in the #58 BMW.

For more information on the Policaro Motorsport, visit www.policaromotorsport.com.

NHRA Nitro Training to Take Place at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park

For the second consecutive year, NHRA Nitro Spring Training is headed to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona, February 1-4, where fans will have an opportunity to join NHRA’s elite drag racers as they gear up for the 2017 season. Defending champions and rookies will take to the track for the first time in 2017 to prepare for the 24 race NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. With a purchase of a one-day ticket to the NHRA Arizona Nationals, February 24–26, fans will be able to attend the test session on Saturday, February 4, for $15. Visit racewildhorse.com.

Rally America has designated VP Racing Fuels as the Official Fuel of the Rally America National Championship through 2019.

Rally America Extends Spec Fuel Agreement With VP Racing Fuels

Officials with Rally America announced an extension of its agreement with VP Racing Fuels designating VP as the Official Fuel of the Rally America National Championship through 2019. Under the agreement, VP will continue to provide technical expertise and fuel delivery for each Rally America national event, with VP’s Rally Max, MS100 and MS109E racing fuels designated as Spec Fuels for Rally America’s Open Class.

2017 Rally America National Championship Schedule

• January 27-28, Sno*Drift Rally - Atlanta, Michigan
• March 17-18, Rally of the 100 Acre Wood - Salem, Missouri
• May 19-20, Southern Ohio Forests Rally – Chillicothe, Ohio
• July 21-22, Rally Colorado – Colorado Springs, Colorado
• August 5, Sno*Drift Rally - Atlanta, Michigan
• August 25-26, Rally Wyoming – Caspar, Wyoming
• October 7, Show-Me Rally – Potosi, Missouri
• October 20-21, Lake Superior Performance Rally - Houghton, Michigan

Both Regional and National rally teams must pre-order VP Rally Max, MS100 or MS109E Racing Fuel from VP’s regional distributors in advance of each round. Pre-ordered fuel will be delivered to teams at all events during a specified delivery time on the same day that Tech inspection occurs.

By SEMA Editors

Project vehicle proposals for Ford's project vehicle program, which includes the Mustang, must be received by February 17, 2017.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2017. 

2017 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2017
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2017

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary—must be received by February 17, 2017. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2017 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2017. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at: www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker's compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner's discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Social media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Information on the specific vehicles Ford plans to emphasize at the 2017 SEMA Show will follow in January. Details will be provided to allow you to research those products and find high-resolution images for renderings.

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Mike Nicopolis & Bob Galan
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

Project vehicle proposals for Ford's project vehicle program, which includes the Mustang, must be received by February 17, 2017.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2017. 

2017 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2017
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2017

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary—must be received by February 17, 2017. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2017 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2017. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at: www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker's compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner's discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Social media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Information on the specific vehicles Ford plans to emphasize at the 2017 SEMA Show will follow in January. Details will be provided to allow you to research those products and find high-resolution images for renderings.

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Mike Nicopolis & Bob Galan
semainfo@ford.com