SEMA News—April 2016

SEMA DATA CO-OP

By Jon Wyly

Death, Taxes and Product Data Maintenance

“Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” —Benjamin Franklin, 1789

I’m sure we have all heard the phrase “death and taxes” used in various ways during our lives, and no matter how used, it has come to identify the inevitable—something we just can’t avoid. Well, another inevitability has become apparent as we explore the outlook for business growth in 2016, and that is the insatiable demand for technology and the fuel to power it.

I was talking with a CEO in our industry the other day, trying to express my concern for the fact that his company didn’t have any 2016 applications in its product data set. Customers (resellers) were complaining to the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) team and looking for answers. Some were threatening to switch to different brands, and others were diving in, trying to patch together a temporary fix so that they could sell the parts in this brand. Sadly, it appeared that the customers cared more about the quality of the data than the CEO of the company did! That, my friends, is a seriously dangerous situation.

Technology is driving business today, and you can’t run the technology without fuel—in this case, product data. If you want to sell those new parts you have invested in, make sure that your selling partners have the data available to populate their point-of-sale, warehouse and eCommerce systems! In the case I mentioned above, the CEO told me that his company had plans to put together a data team to stay on top of the situation, and some of his staff members confirmed that was indeed the plan—promised for the last three years. Meanwhile, the company is frustrating customers and losing sales, leaving the door wide open for an alert competitor to step in and grab some market share. Much is now at risk over something as simple as maintaining product data!

Rarely does an opportunity present itself where sales can be impacted so dramatically with just a modicum of effort. So lead the charge. Data management is no longer a luxury or a “nice to have.” It’s a necessity that can and does drive your sales results. Not sure where to start? Contact the SDC, and we will teach you how to take control of your data and manage it successfully and efficiently. We will gladly train your staff, either online or face-to-face in our Kansas City offices.

As with most business investments, data management can often seem out of sight, out of mind. But the downside is happening right under your nose. After all, slowing sales do tend to creep up on you, don’t they? The good news is that with the advent of the SDC, product data management is more affordable than ever and is supported by your industry association, which is in it for the long run. No up-front costs, free training, powerful online tools and a modest monthly fee once you are up and running make the SDC the ultimate value, while taking the mystery out of what can seem like an intimidating process.

To learn more about how you can take control of your product data and manage it at the lowest possible cost, contact SEMA Data Co-op Director of Membership Jim Graven at jimg@SEMAdatacoop.org or 888-958-6698 x4.

By SEMA Editors

For the fourth consecutive year, SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. We need your input. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2016—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2016 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31, 2016.

It is very likely that SEMA members are currently working with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. They are also the ones who have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas that include marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. These are people who know what’s going on at the ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that may be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

For the fourth consecutive year, SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. We need your input. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2016—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2016 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31, 2016.

It is very likely that SEMA members are currently working with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. They are also the ones who have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas that include marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. These are people who know what’s going on at the ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that may be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

To read more about the RPM Act, visit www.sema.org/rpm or www.sema.org/epa-news. —Photo Courtesy of DSport Magazine

Racing enthusiasts across the country continue to sound the alarm on EPA overreach and call on Congress to pass the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act of 2016.” But don’t take our word for it. See what others are saying and doing:

Hot Rod Network: EPA Update: Members of Congress Joining Fight to Save Racecars
“While most racers are turning their attention to battling on the track, an ongoing battle continues off the track. It is a battle that could prove crucial for the future of the sport… With some allies in congress, the RPM Act is starting to gain momentum.” READ MORE By Matt Panure, March 30, 2016

TruckTrend Network: EPA vs. Diesel Performance – Finding a Better Way    
“If the language proposed by the EPA were to become codified, suddenly, potentially thousands of vehicles at dragstrips, off-road trails, or dirt tracks would be considered illegal…The RPM Act may be the last chance to halt the onslaught of the government against the enthusiast community for a generation.” READ MORE By Edward A. Sanchez, March 28, 2016

Gaston Gazette (Gastonia, North Carolina): McHenry: EPA needs to leave racing alone    
“Jason Snyder doesn't just enjoy motor sports, he has built a Gastonia business around helping drivers modify their cars for competition and offering track-side mechanical support. So when he heard last month the Environmental Protection Agency could start enforcing emission rules for vehicles modified for racing, he said he almost blew a gasket. ‘It’s absurd,’ said Snyder, owner of JBD Customz. ‘As much as I agree with trying to protect the environment, there’s some financial implications that are important too.’” READ MORE By Kevin Ellis, March 18, 2016

DSport Magazine: The Right to Mod
“...This proposal could severely damage the vehicle performance industry, from weekend hobbyists to professional race teams. Are you as pissed off as we are? Reach out to your state representatives and encourage them to join the fight against this proposal.” READ MORE May 2016

Speedway Illustrated: The EPA Attacks Racing
“For our category, the danger is real. It means if you found an ’84 Monte Carlo in the junkyard that had an emissions-controlled V6 and converted it into street stock and changed its engine to a V8 with a carburetor, you’re in violation.” READ MORE By Karl Fredrickson, April 2016

To read these articles and learn more about the RPM Act, visit www.sema.org/rpm or www.sema.org/epa-news.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

To read more about the RPM Act, visit www.sema.org/rpm or www.sema.org/epa-news. —Photo Courtesy of DSport Magazine

Racing enthusiasts across the country continue to sound the alarm on EPA overreach and call on Congress to pass the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act of 2016.” But don’t take our word for it. See what others are saying and doing:

Hot Rod Network: EPA Update: Members of Congress Joining Fight to Save Racecars
“While most racers are turning their attention to battling on the track, an ongoing battle continues off the track. It is a battle that could prove crucial for the future of the sport… With some allies in congress, the RPM Act is starting to gain momentum.” READ MORE By Matt Panure, March 30, 2016

TruckTrend Network: EPA vs. Diesel Performance – Finding a Better Way    
“If the language proposed by the EPA were to become codified, suddenly, potentially thousands of vehicles at dragstrips, off-road trails, or dirt tracks would be considered illegal…The RPM Act may be the last chance to halt the onslaught of the government against the enthusiast community for a generation.” READ MORE By Edward A. Sanchez, March 28, 2016

Gaston Gazette (Gastonia, North Carolina): McHenry: EPA needs to leave racing alone    
“Jason Snyder doesn't just enjoy motor sports, he has built a Gastonia business around helping drivers modify their cars for competition and offering track-side mechanical support. So when he heard last month the Environmental Protection Agency could start enforcing emission rules for vehicles modified for racing, he said he almost blew a gasket. ‘It’s absurd,’ said Snyder, owner of JBD Customz. ‘As much as I agree with trying to protect the environment, there’s some financial implications that are important too.’” READ MORE By Kevin Ellis, March 18, 2016

DSport Magazine: The Right to Mod
“...This proposal could severely damage the vehicle performance industry, from weekend hobbyists to professional race teams. Are you as pissed off as we are? Reach out to your state representatives and encourage them to join the fight against this proposal.” READ MORE May 2016

Speedway Illustrated: The EPA Attacks Racing
“For our category, the danger is real. It means if you found an ’84 Monte Carlo in the junkyard that had an emissions-controlled V6 and converted it into street stock and changed its engine to a V8 with a carburetor, you’re in violation.” READ MORE By Karl Fredrickson, April 2016

To read these articles and learn more about the RPM Act, visit www.sema.org/rpm or www.sema.org/epa-news.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

To read more about the RPM Act, visit www.sema.org/rpm or www.sema.org/epa-news. —Photo Courtesy of DSport Magazine

Racing enthusiasts across the country continue to sound the alarm on EPA overreach and call on Congress to pass the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act of 2016.” But don’t take our word for it. See what others are saying and doing:

Hot Rod Network: EPA Update: Members of Congress Joining Fight to Save Racecars
“While most racers are turning their attention to battling on the track, an ongoing battle continues off the track. It is a battle that could prove crucial for the future of the sport… With some allies in congress, the RPM Act is starting to gain momentum.” READ MORE By Matt Panure, March 30, 2016

TruckTrend Network: EPA vs. Diesel Performance – Finding a Better Way    
“If the language proposed by the EPA were to become codified, suddenly, potentially thousands of vehicles at dragstrips, off-road trails, or dirt tracks would be considered illegal…The RPM Act may be the last chance to halt the onslaught of the government against the enthusiast community for a generation.” READ MORE By Edward A. Sanchez, March 28, 2016

Gaston Gazette (Gastonia, North Carolina): McHenry: EPA needs to leave racing alone    
“Jason Snyder doesn't just enjoy motor sports, he has built a Gastonia business around helping drivers modify their cars for competition and offering track-side mechanical support. So when he heard last month the Environmental Protection Agency could start enforcing emission rules for vehicles modified for racing, he said he almost blew a gasket. ‘It’s absurd,’ said Snyder, owner of JBD Customz. ‘As much as I agree with trying to protect the environment, there’s some financial implications that are important too.’” READ MORE By Kevin Ellis, March 18, 2016

DSport Magazine: The Right to Mod
“...This proposal could severely damage the vehicle performance industry, from weekend hobbyists to professional race teams. Are you as pissed off as we are? Reach out to your state representatives and encourage them to join the fight against this proposal.” READ MORE May 2016

Speedway Illustrated: The EPA Attacks Racing
“For our category, the danger is real. It means if you found an ’84 Monte Carlo in the junkyard that had an emissions-controlled V6 and converted it into street stock and changed its engine to a V8 with a carburetor, you’re in violation.” READ MORE By Karl Fredrickson, April 2016

To read these articles and learn more about the RPM Act, visit www.sema.org/rpm or www.sema.org/epa-news.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

If you haven’t contacted your legislators to support the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act of 2016”, visit www.sema.org/rpm today.

A cell phone and one minute is all it takes to help prevent the EPA from overreaching, and support the Congressional bill that will ensure that street vehicles can continued to be modified for the track.  

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

If you haven’t contacted your legislators to support the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act of 2016”, visit www.sema.org/rpm today.

A cell phone and one minute is all it takes to help prevent the EPA from overreaching, and support the Congressional bill that will ensure that street vehicles can continued to be modified for the track.  

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

If you haven’t contacted your legislators to support the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act of 2016”, visit www.sema.org/rpm today.

A cell phone and one minute is all it takes to help prevent the EPA from overreaching, and support the Congressional bill that will ensure that street vehicles can continued to be modified for the track.  

By SEMA Editors

Paul Shafer, 68, died Sunday, March 27, from complications caused by brain cancer. Owner of SA Motorsports located in Anaheim, California, Shafer retired in June 2015 after spending more than 45 years in the automotive aftermarket industry.

Before starting SA Motorsports, he worked for Hooker Headers, Keystone/Dynamark Wheel Company and was a partner in TWE/Performance Plus.

Shafer is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Bertie).