Thu, 11/09/2017 - 13:20

By Katie Carson

MPMC
Several MPMC-sponsored events and education programs will be held at the upcoming 2017 PRI Trade Show.

Just weeks after the 2017 SEMA Show, Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week full of exhibiting, meeting with clients, networking and attending MPMC-sponsored events and education seminars at the 2017 PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members who plan to come to PRI are encouraged to attend the following MPMC events during the week:

General Membership Meeting

A general membership meeting will be held Wednesday, December 6, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m., to update members on the most current and ongoing council initiatives. This meeting serves as a great opportunity to meet the select committee and learn how to become more involved. The select committee is particularly interested in sharing its strategic plan with the membership. Register now.

Manufacturers and Sanctioning Body Discussion

This session, to be held Thursday, December 7, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., will feature a moderated discussion between motorsports manufacturers and a panel of official representatives from major sanctioning bodies. For the second year in a row, representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, Formula DRIFT and ProMedia NMRA/NMCA series will discuss topics including the vision and direction of their series, as well as opportunities and challenges for marketing and communication with MPMC-member manufacturers.

Alan Reinhart, NHRA and Fox Sports announcer, will once again moderate the discussion. This session is open to motorsports parts manufacturers only. Register now.

How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals

When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecast for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: Which events should I be a part of? What opportunities should I jump on? How do I negotiate maximum exposure within my budget? The event will take place Friday, December 8, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Register now.

Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers #4

Numerous state and federal regulations apply to your operations and distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. A panel of experts with extensive experience in navigating the myriad regulations of hauling race cars and equipment will lend clarity to common misconceptions or issues you may be currently facing, and will answer any questions you may have. This popular session will take place Friday, December 8, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Register now.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception

The reception, to be held Friday, December 8, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center, serves as an opportunity to close out the second day of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of the event—open to all manufacturers and media—is the induction of the newest member of the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. Register now.

Thu, 11/09/2017 - 13:13

By SEMA Editors

Jeep has released images of the next-generation ’18 Wrangler. The company describes the vehicle as a modern design that stays true to the original, with advanced fuel-efficient powertrains, more open-air options and loaded with more safety features and advanced technology than ever before. 

The all-new Wrangler’s interior design is intended to deliver authentic styling, precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials to provide improved versatility and comfort for drivers and passengers. 

The all-new exterior design includes a keystone-shaped grille, round headlamps and square taillamps, improved aerodynamics, a fold-down windshield for off-road purists, even more open-air freedom and dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations.

Jeep
The all-new Wrangler’s exterior design includes improved aerodynamics, a fold-down windshield for off-road purists, even more open-air freedom and dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations.
Jeep
The all-new Wrangler’s interior design is intended to deliver authentic styling, precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials to provide improved versatility and comfort for drivers and passengers.
Thu, 11/09/2017 - 13:13

By SEMA Editors

Jeep has released images of the next-generation ’18 Wrangler. The company describes the vehicle as a modern design that stays true to the original, with advanced fuel-efficient powertrains, more open-air options and loaded with more safety features and advanced technology than ever before. 

The all-new Wrangler’s interior design is intended to deliver authentic styling, precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials to provide improved versatility and comfort for drivers and passengers. 

The all-new exterior design includes a keystone-shaped grille, round headlamps and square taillamps, improved aerodynamics, a fold-down windshield for off-road purists, even more open-air freedom and dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations.

Jeep
The all-new Wrangler’s exterior design includes improved aerodynamics, a fold-down windshield for off-road purists, even more open-air freedom and dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations.
Jeep
The all-new Wrangler’s interior design is intended to deliver authentic styling, precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials to provide improved versatility and comfort for drivers and passengers.
Thu, 11/09/2017 - 12:51

By Chad Simon

Banquet
More than 3,000 automotive aftermarket industry professionals attended the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, held Thursday, November 2, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

Themed “You: Leading Our Future,” the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, held Thursday, November 2, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, celebrated the specialty-equipment market’s contributors and innovators. Guided by emcees Jarod DeAnda and Jessi Combs, the evening also featured live music from legendary rock n’ roll musicians Billy F Gibbons, Jimmie Vaughan and Michael Anthony, who were backed by Vaughan’s Tilt-A-Whirl band.

More than 3,000 automotive aftermarket industry attendees paid tribute to the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame—industry pioneers, volunteers and personalities who helped to pave the way and shape a specialty automotive marketplace that is now $42 billion strong. The 2017 Hall of Fame inductees were GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar.

The annual celebration included an awards program in which SEMA's Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award, Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year honors were presented. The winners were:

  • Person of the Year – John Johnson, The Spartan Group
  • Manufacturer of the Year – MagnaFlow
  • GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award – Pete Gonzales, Darkside Scientific, creators of LumiLor Light Emitting Coating
  • Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year – Considine Sales & Marketing
  • WD of the Year – Meyer Distributing

“I am honored to receive the Person of the Year recognition and humbled being in the company of predecessor recipients,” said John Johnson of The Spartan Group. “My involvement in SEMA has always been a labor of love and a means to return in some small measure the many benefits I and my firm have received. The staff and my fellow Board members have been wonderful to work with. I encourage other executives serving the industry to participate in the SEMA organization.”

Jessi Combs and Jarod DeAnda
Jessi Combs and Jarod DeAnda emceed the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, themed “You: Leading Our Future.”
Billy Gibbons
Backed by the Tilt-A-Whirl band, (L-R): Billy F Gibbons, Jimmie Vaughan and Michael Anthony rocked the house, providing musical entertainment to those in attendance.
Chris Kersting
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomed guests to the industry-wide gathering and paid tribute to the icons who passed in 2017.
Wade Kawasaki
SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki stressed the importance of replenishing the automotive specialty-equipment industry with young talent and outlined SEMA’s youth initiatives.
John Johnson
John Johnson of The Spartan Group was honored as the 2017 SEMA Person of the Year.
Doug Evans
Doug Evans (center), SEMA immediate past chairman and 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, was recognized for his SEMA youth and political outreach initiatives. He was named SEMA Person of the Year in 2009.
GiGi Carleton
2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee GiGi Carleton (center) spent 50 years working for Petersen Publishing Company and the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Foundation as a special events coordinator and party planner for trade-show exhibitors and advertisers. She helped promote the inaugural SEMA Show at Dodger Stadium in 1967.
Barry Meguiar
Barry Meguiar (left), third-generation president of Meguiar’s car-care products, was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame class of 2017. Noted for his passion, he transformed the small family business with a dozen employees into a global company offering up hundreds of products in 120 countries. Through his radio show “Car Crazy,” Meguiar has helped to popularize the specialty automotive market.
Magnaflow
MagnaFlow won the Manufacturer of the Year award.
Pete Gonzales
Pete Gonzales, Darkside Scientific, creators of LumiLor Light Emitting Coating, accepted the GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award.
Meyer Distributing
Meyer Distributing was named WD of the Year.
Considine Sales
Considine Sales & Marketing was presented with the Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year award.
Thu, 11/09/2017 - 12:51

By Chad Simon

Banquet
More than 3,000 automotive aftermarket industry professionals attended the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, held Thursday, November 2, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

Themed “You: Leading Our Future,” the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, held Thursday, November 2, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, celebrated the specialty-equipment market’s contributors and innovators. Guided by emcees Jarod DeAnda and Jessi Combs, the evening also featured live music from legendary rock n’ roll musicians Billy F Gibbons, Jimmie Vaughan and Michael Anthony, who were backed by Vaughan’s Tilt-A-Whirl band.

More than 3,000 automotive aftermarket industry attendees paid tribute to the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame—industry pioneers, volunteers and personalities who helped to pave the way and shape a specialty automotive marketplace that is now $42 billion strong. The 2017 Hall of Fame inductees were GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar.

The annual celebration included an awards program in which SEMA's Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award, Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year honors were presented. The winners were:

  • Person of the Year – John Johnson, The Spartan Group
  • Manufacturer of the Year – MagnaFlow
  • GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award – Pete Gonzales, Darkside Scientific, creators of LumiLor Light Emitting Coating
  • Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year – Considine Sales & Marketing
  • WD of the Year – Meyer Distributing

“I am honored to receive the Person of the Year recognition and humbled being in the company of predecessor recipients,” said John Johnson of The Spartan Group. “My involvement in SEMA has always been a labor of love and a means to return in some small measure the many benefits I and my firm have received. The staff and my fellow Board members have been wonderful to work with. I encourage other executives serving the industry to participate in the SEMA organization.”

Jessi Combs and Jarod DeAnda
Jessi Combs and Jarod DeAnda emceed the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, themed “You: Leading Our Future.”
Billy Gibbons
Backed by the Tilt-A-Whirl band, (L-R): Billy F Gibbons, Jimmie Vaughan and Michael Anthony rocked the house, providing musical entertainment to those in attendance.
Chris Kersting
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomed guests to the industry-wide gathering and paid tribute to the icons who passed in 2017.
Wade Kawasaki
SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki stressed the importance of replenishing the automotive specialty-equipment industry with young talent and outlined SEMA’s youth initiatives.
John Johnson
John Johnson of The Spartan Group was honored as the 2017 SEMA Person of the Year.
Doug Evans
Doug Evans (center), SEMA immediate past chairman and 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, was recognized for his SEMA youth and political outreach initiatives. He was named SEMA Person of the Year in 2009.
GiGi Carleton
2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee GiGi Carleton (center) spent 50 years working for Petersen Publishing Company and the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Foundation as a special events coordinator and party planner for trade-show exhibitors and advertisers. She helped promote the inaugural SEMA Show at Dodger Stadium in 1967.
Barry Meguiar
Barry Meguiar (left), third-generation president of Meguiar’s car-care products, was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame class of 2017. Noted for his passion, he transformed the small family business with a dozen employees into a global company offering up hundreds of products in 120 countries. Through his radio show “Car Crazy,” Meguiar has helped to popularize the specialty automotive market.
Magnaflow
MagnaFlow won the Manufacturer of the Year award.
Pete Gonzales
Pete Gonzales, Darkside Scientific, creators of LumiLor Light Emitting Coating, accepted the GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award.
Meyer Distributing
Meyer Distributing was named WD of the Year.
Considine Sales
Considine Sales & Marketing was presented with the Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year award.
Thu, 11/09/2017 - 12:51

By Chad Simon

Banquet
More than 3,000 automotive aftermarket industry professionals attended the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, held Thursday, November 2, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

Themed “You: Leading Our Future,” the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, held Thursday, November 2, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, celebrated the specialty-equipment market’s contributors and innovators. Guided by emcees Jarod DeAnda and Jessi Combs, the evening also featured live music from legendary rock n’ roll musicians Billy F Gibbons, Jimmie Vaughan and Michael Anthony, who were backed by Vaughan’s Tilt-A-Whirl band.

More than 3,000 automotive aftermarket industry attendees paid tribute to the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame—industry pioneers, volunteers and personalities who helped to pave the way and shape a specialty automotive marketplace that is now $42 billion strong. The 2017 Hall of Fame inductees were GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar.

The annual celebration included an awards program in which SEMA's Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award, Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year honors were presented. The winners were:

  • Person of the Year – John Johnson, The Spartan Group
  • Manufacturer of the Year – MagnaFlow
  • GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award – Pete Gonzales, Darkside Scientific, creators of LumiLor Light Emitting Coating
  • Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year – Considine Sales & Marketing
  • WD of the Year – Meyer Distributing

“I am honored to receive the Person of the Year recognition and humbled being in the company of predecessor recipients,” said John Johnson of The Spartan Group. “My involvement in SEMA has always been a labor of love and a means to return in some small measure the many benefits I and my firm have received. The staff and my fellow Board members have been wonderful to work with. I encourage other executives serving the industry to participate in the SEMA organization.”

Jessi Combs and Jarod DeAnda
Jessi Combs and Jarod DeAnda emceed the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, themed “You: Leading Our Future.”
Billy Gibbons
Backed by the Tilt-A-Whirl band, (L-R): Billy F Gibbons, Jimmie Vaughan and Michael Anthony rocked the house, providing musical entertainment to those in attendance.
Chris Kersting
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomed guests to the industry-wide gathering and paid tribute to the icons who passed in 2017.
Wade Kawasaki
SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki stressed the importance of replenishing the automotive specialty-equipment industry with young talent and outlined SEMA’s youth initiatives.
John Johnson
John Johnson of The Spartan Group was honored as the 2017 SEMA Person of the Year.
Doug Evans
Doug Evans (center), SEMA immediate past chairman and 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, was recognized for his SEMA youth and political outreach initiatives. He was named SEMA Person of the Year in 2009.
GiGi Carleton
2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee GiGi Carleton (center) spent 50 years working for Petersen Publishing Company and the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Foundation as a special events coordinator and party planner for trade-show exhibitors and advertisers. She helped promote the inaugural SEMA Show at Dodger Stadium in 1967.
Barry Meguiar
Barry Meguiar (left), third-generation president of Meguiar’s car-care products, was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame class of 2017. Noted for his passion, he transformed the small family business with a dozen employees into a global company offering up hundreds of products in 120 countries. Through his radio show “Car Crazy,” Meguiar has helped to popularize the specialty automotive market.
Magnaflow
MagnaFlow won the Manufacturer of the Year award.
Pete Gonzales
Pete Gonzales, Darkside Scientific, creators of LumiLor Light Emitting Coating, accepted the GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award.
Meyer Distributing
Meyer Distributing was named WD of the Year.
Considine Sales
Considine Sales & Marketing was presented with the Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year award.
Thu, 11/09/2017 - 12:44
Thu, 11/09/2017 - 12:21

By Linda Spencer

Four SEMA member companies received Export Achievement Awards at the 2017 SEMA Show from the U.S. Department of Commerce. All have participated in at least one of SEMA’s business development trips this year in Australia, the Middle East and/or China. The recipients were presented the award in recognition of their significant export sales abroad.    

Exhibitor registration for the 2018 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program (April 3–8) and 2018 SEMA Australia Business Development Program (May 24–28) are now open. U.S. government grants are available for qualified companies.

For more information, view the SEMA Middle East Exhibitor Flyer, SEMA Australia Exhibitor Flyer, or email Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call to discuss trip details and whether it may be a good fit for your company. 

International
(L-R): Freddie Turza, technical director, VP Racing Fuels; Marc Wesler, international sales manager, VP Racing Fuels; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.
global media awards
Allison Blackstein, COO, Dynocom Industries Inc. (third from the right); Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect (second from the right); and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce (right).
International
(L-R): Robert Scheid, director of business development, McLeod Racing LLC (left); Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.
International
(L-R): Pauline Scully, office manager, Baja Designs; Brennan Scully, sales manager, Baja Designs; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.

“Participating in the SEMA trips has given us the platform to grow both our export sales and our brand awareness in markets that we were not overly familiar with. SEMA continues to provide its members with the tools to be successful and the opportunities to build relationships in the export markets. We can attribute a portion of our export success directly to our recent involvement in the SEMA trips. Every company interested in exporting should be utilizing [SEMA].” 

—Marc Wesler, international sales manager, VP Racing Fuels

“Without the help of SEMA and the Department of Commerce, this wouldn’t be possible. This SEMA [overseas business-development program] helps businesses to make vital connections globally.”

—Allison Blackstein, COO, Dynocom Industries Inc.

“McLeod is very proud that our relationship with SEMA and our participation in its international trips have been so successful that the Department of Commerce has chosen to recognize our accomplishments.”

—Robert Scheid, director of business development, McLeod Racing LLC

“SEMA played a big part in our growth in the international market, specifically in Australia and the Middle East. Not only did they make it affordable to travel overseas, but they also made the entire process as worry-free as possible. SEMA brought the customers to us. In less than a week, we were able to have more quality conversations and make quality contacts than we could have on our own.”

—Pauline Scully, office manager, Baja Designs

Thu, 11/09/2017 - 12:21

By Linda Spencer

Four SEMA member companies received Export Achievement Awards at the 2017 SEMA Show from the U.S. Department of Commerce. All have participated in at least one of SEMA’s business development trips this year in Australia, the Middle East and/or China. The recipients were presented the award in recognition of their significant export sales abroad.    

Exhibitor registration for the 2018 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program (April 3–8) and 2018 SEMA Australia Business Development Program (May 24–28) are now open. U.S. government grants are available for qualified companies.

For more information, view the SEMA Middle East Exhibitor Flyer, SEMA Australia Exhibitor Flyer, or email Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call to discuss trip details and whether it may be a good fit for your company. 

International
(L-R): Freddie Turza, technical director, VP Racing Fuels; Marc Wesler, international sales manager, VP Racing Fuels; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.
global media awards
Allison Blackstein, COO, Dynocom Industries Inc. (third from the right); Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect (second from the right); and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce (right).
International
(L-R): Robert Scheid, director of business development, McLeod Racing LLC (left); Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.
International
(L-R): Pauline Scully, office manager, Baja Designs; Brennan Scully, sales manager, Baja Designs; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.

“Participating in the SEMA trips has given us the platform to grow both our export sales and our brand awareness in markets that we were not overly familiar with. SEMA continues to provide its members with the tools to be successful and the opportunities to build relationships in the export markets. We can attribute a portion of our export success directly to our recent involvement in the SEMA trips. Every company interested in exporting should be utilizing [SEMA].” 

—Marc Wesler, international sales manager, VP Racing Fuels

“Without the help of SEMA and the Department of Commerce, this wouldn’t be possible. This SEMA [overseas business-development program] helps businesses to make vital connections globally.”

—Allison Blackstein, COO, Dynocom Industries Inc.

“McLeod is very proud that our relationship with SEMA and our participation in its international trips have been so successful that the Department of Commerce has chosen to recognize our accomplishments.”

—Robert Scheid, director of business development, McLeod Racing LLC

“SEMA played a big part in our growth in the international market, specifically in Australia and the Middle East. Not only did they make it affordable to travel overseas, but they also made the entire process as worry-free as possible. SEMA brought the customers to us. In less than a week, we were able to have more quality conversations and make quality contacts than we could have on our own.”

—Pauline Scully, office manager, Baja Designs

Thu, 11/09/2017 - 12:21

By Linda Spencer

Four SEMA member companies received Export Achievement Awards at the 2017 SEMA Show from the U.S. Department of Commerce. All have participated in at least one of SEMA’s business development trips this year in Australia, the Middle East and/or China. The recipients were presented the award in recognition of their significant export sales abroad.    

Exhibitor registration for the 2018 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program (April 3–8) and 2018 SEMA Australia Business Development Program (May 24–28) are now open. U.S. government grants are available for qualified companies.

For more information, view the SEMA Middle East Exhibitor Flyer, SEMA Australia Exhibitor Flyer, or email Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call to discuss trip details and whether it may be a good fit for your company. 

International
(L-R): Freddie Turza, technical director, VP Racing Fuels; Marc Wesler, international sales manager, VP Racing Fuels; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.
global media awards
Allison Blackstein, COO, Dynocom Industries Inc. (third from the right); Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect (second from the right); and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce (right).
International
(L-R): Robert Scheid, director of business development, McLeod Racing LLC (left); Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.
International
(L-R): Pauline Scully, office manager, Baja Designs; Brennan Scully, sales manager, Baja Designs; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.

“Participating in the SEMA trips has given us the platform to grow both our export sales and our brand awareness in markets that we were not overly familiar with. SEMA continues to provide its members with the tools to be successful and the opportunities to build relationships in the export markets. We can attribute a portion of our export success directly to our recent involvement in the SEMA trips. Every company interested in exporting should be utilizing [SEMA].” 

—Marc Wesler, international sales manager, VP Racing Fuels

“Without the help of SEMA and the Department of Commerce, this wouldn’t be possible. This SEMA [overseas business-development program] helps businesses to make vital connections globally.”

—Allison Blackstein, COO, Dynocom Industries Inc.

“McLeod is very proud that our relationship with SEMA and our participation in its international trips have been so successful that the Department of Commerce has chosen to recognize our accomplishments.”

—Robert Scheid, director of business development, McLeod Racing LLC

“SEMA played a big part in our growth in the international market, specifically in Australia and the Middle East. Not only did they make it affordable to travel overseas, but they also made the entire process as worry-free as possible. SEMA brought the customers to us. In less than a week, we were able to have more quality conversations and make quality contacts than we could have on our own.”

—Pauline Scully, office manager, Baja Designs