The SEMA Cares/Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler JK will be auctioned through Barrett-Jackson on Wednesday, January 27.

By Jason Catullo

The Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited donated by Omix-ADA to SEMA Cares and displayed at the 2015 SEMA Show, will be auctioned through Barrett-Jackson on Wednesday, January 27. The Jeep, which is customized with Rugged Ridge products, was designed by Arianny Celeste, LFTD & LVLD magazine, Rugged Ridge, SEMA Cares and built by DUB Garage.

Celeste, best known for her work as a ring girl for the UFC, also co-hosts the automotive reality TV show “Overhaulin’,” which features a team of builders completing a custom car or truck in just a matter of days.

The custom Jeep marks Omix-ADA’s third partnership with SEMA Cares over the past three years.

To read more about the Jeep and its full list of custom upgrades, visit Barrett-Jackson’s website.

The SEMA Cares Committee was established by SEMA’s Board of Directors in 2007 and strives to make a positive difference through outreach programs and various fundraising efforts. SEMA Cares makes its mission to foster industry leadership by supporting the education of students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket.

For more information on SEMA Cares and its work with local communities, visit www.SEMA.org/sema-cares.

The SEMA Cares/Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler JK will be auctioned through Barrett-Jackson on Wednesday, January 27.

By Jason Catullo

The Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited donated by Omix-ADA to SEMA Cares and displayed at the 2015 SEMA Show, will be auctioned through Barrett-Jackson on Wednesday, January 27. The Jeep, which is customized with Rugged Ridge products, was designed by Arianny Celeste, LFTD & LVLD magazine, Rugged Ridge, SEMA Cares and built by DUB Garage.

Celeste, best known for her work as a ring girl for the UFC, also co-hosts the automotive reality TV show “Overhaulin’,” which features a team of builders completing a custom car or truck in just a matter of days.

The custom Jeep marks Omix-ADA’s third partnership with SEMA Cares over the past three years.

To read more about the Jeep and its full list of custom upgrades, visit Barrett-Jackson’s website.

The SEMA Cares Committee was established by SEMA’s Board of Directors in 2007 and strives to make a positive difference through outreach programs and various fundraising efforts. SEMA Cares makes its mission to foster industry leadership by supporting the education of students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket.

For more information on SEMA Cares and its work with local communities, visit www.SEMA.org/sema-cares.

The SEMA Cares/Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler JK will be auctioned through Barrett-Jackson on Wednesday, January 27.

By Jason Catullo

The Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited donated by Omix-ADA to SEMA Cares and displayed at the 2015 SEMA Show, will be auctioned through Barrett-Jackson on Wednesday, January 27. The Jeep, which is customized with Rugged Ridge products, was designed by Arianny Celeste, LFTD & LVLD magazine, Rugged Ridge, SEMA Cares and built by DUB Garage.

Celeste, best known for her work as a ring girl for the UFC, also co-hosts the automotive reality TV show “Overhaulin’,” which features a team of builders completing a custom car or truck in just a matter of days.

The custom Jeep marks Omix-ADA’s third partnership with SEMA Cares over the past three years.

To read more about the Jeep and its full list of custom upgrades, visit Barrett-Jackson’s website.

The SEMA Cares Committee was established by SEMA’s Board of Directors in 2007 and strives to make a positive difference through outreach programs and various fundraising efforts. SEMA Cares makes its mission to foster industry leadership by supporting the education of students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket.

For more information on SEMA Cares and its work with local communities, visit www.SEMA.org/sema-cares.

SEMA News recently spoke with Nicky Fowler, vice president of fixed operations for Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center, about the parts store and the the company’s business philosophy.

In the late ’20s, cousins A.L. Scoggin and J. Ray Dickey were in the grocery business together in a small town outside Lubbock, Texas, when they heard that a GM franchise was going to become available. They decided to sell the store and pool their money, and they opened a Buick franchise in Lubbock in 1929. Scoggin-Dickey Chevrolet Buick is now in the fourth generation of family ownership, although the Dickeys retired several years ago, and the associated Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center is one of the largest operations of its kind in the country.

SEMA News recently spoke with Nicky Fowler, vice president of fixed operations for Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center, about the parts store and the the company’s business philosophy.

In the late ’20s, cousins A.L. Scoggin and J. Ray Dickey were in the grocery business together in a small town outside Lubbock, Texas, when they heard that a GM franchise was going to become available. They decided to sell the store and pool their money, and they opened a Buick franchise in Lubbock in 1929. Scoggin-Dickey Chevrolet Buick is now in the fourth generation of family ownership, although the Dickeys retired several years ago, and the associated Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center is one of the largest operations of its kind in the country.

SEMA News recently spoke with Nicky Fowler, vice president of fixed operations for Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center, about the parts store and the the company’s business philosophy.

In the late ’20s, cousins A.L. Scoggin and J. Ray Dickey were in the grocery business together in a small town outside Lubbock, Texas, when they heard that a GM franchise was going to become available. They decided to sell the store and pool their money, and they opened a Buick franchise in Lubbock in 1929. Scoggin-Dickey Chevrolet Buick is now in the fourth generation of family ownership, although the Dickeys retired several years ago, and the associated Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center is one of the largest operations of its kind in the country.

By SEMA Editors

Students preparing for careers in the automotive or auto parts industries are encouraged to apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Scholarship applications for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund are now being accepted. Students preparing for careers in the automotive or auto parts industries are encouraged to apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Scholarship awards range from $2,000–$3,000, with $5,000 going to the top student.

In addition to students planning for automotive-related careers, individuals currently working for SEMA-member companies can get financial assistance through SEMA’s Loan Forgiveness Program, which offers $2,000 toward outstanding student loans.

The deadline to complete the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund application is March 1, 2016.

For more information on the program or to apply, visit www.sema.org/scholarships or contact Juliet Marshall, SEMA education manager, at julietm@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Students preparing for careers in the automotive or auto parts industries are encouraged to apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Scholarship applications for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund are now being accepted. Students preparing for careers in the automotive or auto parts industries are encouraged to apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Scholarship awards range from $2,000–$3,000, with $5,000 going to the top student.

In addition to students planning for automotive-related careers, individuals currently working for SEMA-member companies can get financial assistance through SEMA’s Loan Forgiveness Program, which offers $2,000 toward outstanding student loans.

The deadline to complete the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund application is March 1, 2016.

For more information on the program or to apply, visit www.sema.org/scholarships or contact Juliet Marshall, SEMA education manager, at julietm@sema.org.

SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference offers manufacturers the opportunity to explore the potential for their products in the UAE and neighboring countries.

By Linda Spencer

A limited number of slots are still available for the fifth SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 29–April 2, 2016, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

The event provides SEMA-member manufacturers the opportunity to explore the potential for their products in the UAE and neighboring countries, where consumers seek out the latest and greatest products to personalize their rides. Buyers from throughout the Middle East are eager for the newest American products for classic-car restoration, off-roading and street performance.

The program includes a turnkey booth at the Abu-Dhabi-based Custom Show Emirates, networking events with pre-vetted buyers from nearly a dozen countries, visits to local customizing shops, participation in a measuring session of vehicles featuring popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States, a briefing with U.S. Government officials and seasoned exporters on the “do’s and don’ts” of setting up successful distribution in the region, pre-trip support and a pre-trip briefing on what to bring and what to expect.

For more information on how to exhibit, visit the SEMA website or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org. For a recap of last year’s event, read the SEMA News article or view video highlights of the 2015 and 2014 events.

Register now!

What your peers have to say about the SEMA Middle East Program:

	The Middle East Business Development Conference includes a measuring session of vehicles featuring popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States.

- “The SEMA Middle East Business Conference was a perfect opportunity for us as a new entrant to the Middle Eastern market,” said Michael Sampson, director of operations and foreign sales for Rock-Slide Engineering. “Attending the SEMA Middle East Business Conference allowed us to find our first customers and begin what should be a long and profitable relationship in the Middle East for Rock-Slide Engineering.”

- “The Middle East continues to prosper for the automotive industry,” said Kevin Floody, director of international sales for aFe Power. “Each year I come, I become more excited about the great opportunities for growth. We are seeing tremendous interest in our products because of their compatibility with the vehicles sold here and the desire to modify them.”

- “We have been doing business in the Middle East for the past 14 or 15 years, and although our brand is very well known and respected in the region, SEMA’s contribution to our success is crucial, and these trips are undeniably beneficial for us,” said Josh Abbott, international sales manager for Borla Performance Industries. “The fact that we are provided with the chance to meet a group of hand-selected, pre-qualified buyers is priceless, and we very much appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this effort of bringing companies and markets together for the greater good of the industry.”

SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference offers manufacturers the opportunity to explore the potential for their products in the UAE and neighboring countries.

By Linda Spencer

A limited number of slots are still available for the fifth SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 29–April 2, 2016, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

The event provides SEMA-member manufacturers the opportunity to explore the potential for their products in the UAE and neighboring countries, where consumers seek out the latest and greatest products to personalize their rides. Buyers from throughout the Middle East are eager for the newest American products for classic-car restoration, off-roading and street performance.

The program includes a turnkey booth at the Abu-Dhabi-based Custom Show Emirates, networking events with pre-vetted buyers from nearly a dozen countries, visits to local customizing shops, participation in a measuring session of vehicles featuring popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States, a briefing with U.S. Government officials and seasoned exporters on the “do’s and don’ts” of setting up successful distribution in the region, pre-trip support and a pre-trip briefing on what to bring and what to expect.

For more information on how to exhibit, visit the SEMA website or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org. For a recap of last year’s event, read the SEMA News article or view video highlights of the 2015 and 2014 events.

Register now!

What your peers have to say about the SEMA Middle East Program:

	The Middle East Business Development Conference includes a measuring session of vehicles featuring popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States.

- “The SEMA Middle East Business Conference was a perfect opportunity for us as a new entrant to the Middle Eastern market,” said Michael Sampson, director of operations and foreign sales for Rock-Slide Engineering. “Attending the SEMA Middle East Business Conference allowed us to find our first customers and begin what should be a long and profitable relationship in the Middle East for Rock-Slide Engineering.”

- “The Middle East continues to prosper for the automotive industry,” said Kevin Floody, director of international sales for aFe Power. “Each year I come, I become more excited about the great opportunities for growth. We are seeing tremendous interest in our products because of their compatibility with the vehicles sold here and the desire to modify them.”

- “We have been doing business in the Middle East for the past 14 or 15 years, and although our brand is very well known and respected in the region, SEMA’s contribution to our success is crucial, and these trips are undeniably beneficial for us,” said Josh Abbott, international sales manager for Borla Performance Industries. “The fact that we are provided with the chance to meet a group of hand-selected, pre-qualified buyers is priceless, and we very much appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this effort of bringing companies and markets together for the greater good of the industry.”