By Ashley Reyes; Video Edited by Fredy Ramirez

SEMA Chairman Tim Martin and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting shared essential updates on the state of the industry, the association’s programs and what to expect from this year’s SEMA and PRI Shows during last week’s SEMA General Membership Meeting.

Those who were unable to attend the virtual event and would like to discover how SEMA is continuing to support the industry and establish new initiatives to assist the membership can watch the full meeting online.

Among the new initiatives shared during the meeting was the Board approval of a new SEMA Garage & Vehicle Technology Center in Detroit. This facility will expand and build upon the product-development services available in the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. Martin noted during the meeting that the Detroit SEMA Garage facility will include a new emissions test lab and new equipment and resources to help members develop aftermarket products that are compatible with advanced driver assistance systems and other new vehicle technology.

SEMA is also moving forward with expanding services and support for racing businesses, suppliers, tracks and sanctions bodies. As part of this initiative, a new president position for the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) was created earlier this year, and Dr. Jaime Meyer was hired to lead the PRI division, including establishing a PRI office in Indianapolis.

Kersting and Martin also shared how SEMA is helping members during the pandemic. Kersting reported that market research shows that many companies are actually prospering, but the challenges remain. SEMA launched an online Back-to-Business Resource page, released the 2020 SEMA Market Report and introduced safety guidelines for the 2020 SEMA Show.

Additionally, year-round benefits available to SEMA members are listed on the member benefits homepage. For the latest news and updates on the association, visit www.sema.org. For updates on the Performance Racing Industry, visit www.performanceracing.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Harold Menke

Centerforce Hires Harold Menke as Director of Sales

Centerforce has announced that Harold Menke will join the Centerforce team as its new director of sales, bringing nearly three decades of sales experience to the company’s sales department. Menke will work to expand Centerforce’s sales, drawing upon his expertise and strong relationships in the automotive aftermarket. Having worked for various auto parts manufacturers, Menke will utilize his experience to develop key sales strategies and explore new markets as well as strengthen current ones. Menke brings more than 29 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, specializing in sales through traditional warehouse distributors, retail chains, specialty accounts, performance specialists and export customers. He joins Centerforce following 10 years at brake component manufacturer Centric Parts.

Beginning in April, Hot Shot’s Secret began distributing the care packages to truckers working hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hot Shot’s Secret Distributes More Than 500 Trucker Appreciation Care Packages for Truckers Going the Extra Mile

Hot Shot’s Secret (HSS) has announced that more than 500 Trucker Appreciation Care packages were delivered to truckers working hard during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep essential medical supplies and groceries stocked. Beginning in April, the company began distributing the care packages that included a bottle of Hot Shot’s Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment, Hot Shot’s Secret hand sanitizer, company decal, LSI Magazine and HSS product guide and a 15% product discount. The initiative wrapped up with a final giveaway event this month at the company’s headquarters in central Ohio on July 1–2. For this final giveaway event, a local White Castle restaurant also donated food. LSI’s CEO and founder Chris Gabrelcik shared more about the Trucker Appreciation Care Package giveaway in this video and why the company felt compelled to help.

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.

Here’s a first look at the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake. The prototype was snapped undergoing testing in Germany. While heavily camo’d, it's obvious that we’re looking at the G70 wagon, which is expected to sport the Shooting Brake moniker.

The more utilitarian body style of the Genesis G70 will launch with the facelift of the current model. It features the split horizontal headlights and taillights similar to the larger G80 sedan and GV80 SUV. We’ve already seen the same lighting on the facelifted Genesis G70 prototypes, so these photos make it clear that the G70 Shooting Brake will wear them as well. To justify the Shooting Brake description, the G70 wagon appears to favor sporty styling over practicality.

The sloping roofline and C-pillar treatment are testament to that, though for now it remains a mystery what’s behind that black cloth covering the area between the C-pillars and the tailgate. That’s because of the rather curious location for the shark fin antenna.

Expect an official debut in 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake. The prototype was snapped undergoing testing in Germany. While heavily camo’d, it's obvious that we’re looking at the G70 wagon, which is expected to sport the Shooting Brake moniker.

The more utilitarian body style of the Genesis G70 will launch with the facelift of the current model. It features the split horizontal headlights and taillights similar to the larger G80 sedan and GV80 SUV. We’ve already seen the same lighting on the facelifted Genesis G70 prototypes, so these photos make it clear that the G70 Shooting Brake will wear them as well. To justify the Shooting Brake description, the G70 wagon appears to favor sporty styling over practicality.

The sloping roofline and C-pillar treatment are testament to that, though for now it remains a mystery what’s behind that black cloth covering the area between the C-pillars and the tailgate. That’s because of the rather curious location for the shark fin antenna.

Expect an official debut in 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake. The prototype was snapped undergoing testing in Germany. While heavily camo’d, it's obvious that we’re looking at the G70 wagon, which is expected to sport the Shooting Brake moniker.

The more utilitarian body style of the Genesis G70 will launch with the facelift of the current model. It features the split horizontal headlights and taillights similar to the larger G80 sedan and GV80 SUV. We’ve already seen the same lighting on the facelifted Genesis G70 prototypes, so these photos make it clear that the G70 Shooting Brake will wear them as well. To justify the Shooting Brake description, the G70 wagon appears to favor sporty styling over practicality.

The sloping roofline and C-pillar treatment are testament to that, though for now it remains a mystery what’s behind that black cloth covering the area between the C-pillars and the tailgate. That’s because of the rather curious location for the shark fin antenna.

Expect an official debut in 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake. The prototype was snapped undergoing testing in Germany. While heavily camo’d, it's obvious that we’re looking at the G70 wagon, which is expected to sport the Shooting Brake moniker.

The more utilitarian body style of the Genesis G70 will launch with the facelift of the current model. It features the split horizontal headlights and taillights similar to the larger G80 sedan and GV80 SUV. We’ve already seen the same lighting on the facelifted Genesis G70 prototypes, so these photos make it clear that the G70 Shooting Brake will wear them as well. To justify the Shooting Brake description, the G70 wagon appears to favor sporty styling over practicality.

The sloping roofline and C-pillar treatment are testament to that, though for now it remains a mystery what’s behind that black cloth covering the area between the C-pillars and the tailgate. That’s because of the rather curious location for the shark fin antenna.

Expect an official debut in 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s a first look at the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake. The prototype was snapped undergoing testing in Germany. While heavily camo’d, it's obvious that we’re looking at the G70 wagon, which is expected to sport the Shooting Brake moniker.

The more utilitarian body style of the Genesis G70 will launch with the facelift of the current model. It features the split horizontal headlights and taillights similar to the larger G80 sedan and GV80 SUV. We’ve already seen the same lighting on the facelifted Genesis G70 prototypes, so these photos make it clear that the G70 Shooting Brake will wear them as well. To justify the Shooting Brake description, the G70 wagon appears to favor sporty styling over practicality.

The sloping roofline and C-pillar treatment are testament to that, though for now it remains a mystery what’s behind that black cloth covering the area between the C-pillars and the tailgate. That’s because of the rather curious location for the shark fin antenna.

Expect an official debut in 2021.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Business New Hampshire Magazine Names Hypertherm Business of the Decade

Hypertherm has announced its selection as a Business of the Decade winner by Business New Hampshire Magazine and the New Hampshire Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Hypertherm earned the top spot for the Manufacturing and Technology category joining organizations in eight other categories including Health Care, Financial Services and Insurance, Retail and Wholesale, and Tourism and Hospitality. Hypertherm was invited to apply by virtue of its selection as a Business of the Year during the preceding decade. Nearly 50 judges participated in scoring applications through two rounds of competition to determine the winners. Judges first narrowed the field to three companies in each category weighing each company’s business success, contributions to the community, and industry leadership. A panel comprised of executives from the 2010 Business of the Decade winning companies then undertook the difficult task of selecting one winner in each category. In considering Hypertherm, judges were impressed by the respect Hypertherm has within the fabrication industry and its reputation for technological and manufacturing excellence. In addition, judges cited the breadth and depth of Hypertherm’s work in the community. From its Community Service Time program, charitable giving through the HOPE Foundation, and its Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Friendly Workplace programs to its workforce training and STEM program designed to create interest among school aged children in technology and engineering jobs in the Granite State.

Carroll Shelby Foundation to Donate $150,000 to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association

The Carroll Shelby Foundation will donate a total of $150,000 to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association’s (COTA) Hope Fund over the next three years. The donation will help provide a safety net for families facing the financial and emotional challenges of raising a child who needs a life-saving transplant. COTA provides a lifetime of support to transplant patients. Over the last three decades, COTA has grown from a regional organization assisting transplant families in Indiana to a national network of families and volunteers in all 50 states. COTA helps families with transplant-related expenses and provides fundraising assistance to community volunteers.

RANDYS Worldwide Announces New COO, Director Of Distribution Operations

RANDYS Worldwide Automotive, the parent company of Yukon Gear & Axle, has announced Ted Caldwell as its new chief operation officer (COO) and Tim Spiller as its new director of distribution operations. In his new position with the Everett, Washington-based drivetrain product provider, Caldwell will focus on creating a scalable operational structure, optimizing warehouse growth, system automation and supply-chain management and more, according to published reports. Spiller, who has been coordinating distribution and logistics involving mass-market fulfillment for a decade, comes to RANDYS from Europe-based Funko, where he was responsible for its expansion in the United States.

Quadratec Launches New Digital Media Channel

Quadratec Inc. has announced the launch of its newly redesigned digital media channel “Torque,” which features written and video content that focuses on all facets of Jeep ownership, vehicles, products, trends and lifestyle. The new site offers users a modern design with fresh, engaging information that is searchable by vehicle type or category and includes a navigation bar that highlights topics from a library of information. The site also includes product reviews, how-to advice, Jeep vehicle builds, feature stories, profiles, event coverage and insight into current trends, such as overlanding.

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 Jason Catullo

The SEMA Show brings together today's top specialty-equipment manufacturers and service providers to introduce new products and application methods, provide tool and product demonstrations, and showcase the industry's creative talent through an eclectic collection of the latest custom vehicles.

Registration is available online for the 2020 SEMA Show, taking place Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, in Las Vegas. The annual, trade-only event brings together today's top specialty-equipment manufacturers and service providers to introduce new products and application methods, provide tool and product demonstrations, and showcase the industry's creative talent through an eclectic collection of the latest custom vehicles.

To help proactively support SEMA’s safety efforts this year, Showgoers are encouraged to register online. Online registrants will have the convenience of having their badges mailed directly, and will help to reduce touch points for visitors.

The three Show registration categories are:

• Attendee—distributors, retailers, installers, buyers
• Exhibitor—booth personnel
• Media—Journalists, including qualified social media

The 2020 Show will be different, and Show management is making plans to preserve the Show’s core business value in a safety-first environment. Face coverings are required for entry into the 2020 SEMA Show. Those who arrive without a face covering will be provided a complimentary mask on-site.

With health and safety a top priority, SEMA Show organizers advise all Showgoers to register early to help with distancing measures. For visitors who need to register when they arrive at the Show, registration will still be available on-site, and the registration area will include space for social distancing, signage outlining current safety protocols, and one-way aisles. Satellite registration stations will also be available to reduce traffic and lessen density.

For more information about the 2020 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Jason Catullo

The SEMA Show brings together today's top specialty-equipment manufacturers and service providers to introduce new products and application methods, provide tool and product demonstrations, and showcase the industry's creative talent through an eclectic collection of the latest custom vehicles.

Registration is available online for the 2020 SEMA Show, taking place Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, in Las Vegas. The annual, trade-only event brings together today's top specialty-equipment manufacturers and service providers to introduce new products and application methods, provide tool and product demonstrations, and showcase the industry's creative talent through an eclectic collection of the latest custom vehicles.

To help proactively support SEMA’s safety efforts this year, Showgoers are encouraged to register online. Online registrants will have the convenience of having their badges mailed directly, and will help to reduce touch points for visitors.

The three Show registration categories are:

• Attendee—distributors, retailers, installers, buyers
• Exhibitor—booth personnel
• Media—Journalists, including qualified social media

The 2020 Show will be different, and Show management is making plans to preserve the Show’s core business value in a safety-first environment. Face coverings are required for entry into the 2020 SEMA Show. Those who arrive without a face covering will be provided a complimentary mask on-site.

With health and safety a top priority, SEMA Show organizers advise all Showgoers to register early to help with distancing measures. For visitors who need to register when they arrive at the Show, registration will still be available on-site, and the registration area will include space for social distancing, signage outlining current safety protocols, and one-way aisles. Satellite registration stations will also be available to reduce traffic and lessen density.

For more information about the 2020 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.