SEMA Member News—November/December 2015

SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund

University of Northwest Ohio professors and students/scholarship winners were among those who attended the 2013 SEMA Show Student Welcome Luncheon.

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 to $3,000, with $5,000 going to the top student. Applications for the 2016–2017 academic year will launch November 1, 2015. A full year of tuition, valued up to $29,400, will be awarded to one student attending Ohio Technical College (OTC). Assistance is available for career paths in 12 automotive industry disciplines, including accounting, engineering, race car driving/crew administration, information technology, sales/marketing, advertising, manufacturing, design/graphics/photography and transportation.

A Few Words With a Scholarship Winner

Jeffery Kesterson is a four-time scholarship winner (2012, 2013 “Top Student,” 2014 and 2015). He also drove his car to the SEMA Ignited after-party last year and participated in Battle of the Builders.

SEMA Member News: Getting an education is a commitment that takes a lot of time and effort. What did winning a scholarship from SEMA mean to you?

Jeffery Kesterson: It was a tremendous honor for me because school is very expensive, and it helped offset those costs. It allows you to focus more on school instead of worrying about the financial aspect of it, which allows you to apply yourself more.

SMN: Based on your experience, what are your sentiments for potential student applicants?

JK: If you win a scholarship, even if it’s just a few hundred dollars, that’s going to pay for a book. It doesn’t take a lot of time—the longest part is your essays—and if you’re true and honest, that won’t even take long. I just explained my background and talked about how my dad raised me, how he was into cars and instilled his passion for cars into me, and how I’ve tried to transfer that to my kids as well. There are so many doors and opportunities available to you when you get a SEMA scholarship.

SMN: That’s fantastic! Getting the next generation involved is a huge initiative for SEMA. It’s great to see you keep the tradition going with your own kids.

JK: One of my daughters knows how to use an air impact gun, and I have pictures of her changing her rear tires. Anything and everything that has to do with her car, she does.

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program is dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their automotive aftermarket careers. SEMA offers $2,000 awards toward outstanding student loans for individuals who are employed by SEMA-member companies, with a top applicant potentially receiving $5,000. The 2016–2017 Loan Forgiveness application launches November 1.

A Few Words With a Loan Forgiveness Recipient

Gregory Masterson worked full time for Chemical Guys while he went through school at California State University Long Beach, and he also produces and stars in product training videos on YouTube. He was a recipient of a SEMA loan forgiveness award.

SMN: What was the process like to apply for the loan forgiveness award, and what did receiving it mean
to you?

Gregory Masterson: What made it interesting for me was that you have to get letters of recommendation from different types of people in the industry, and I feel that’s very good for students because you actually have to build a relationship with someone in the industry. It made me make connections with people and build stronger relationships. The loan forgiveness award gives people the opportunity to test and build those skills and build relationships that help you grow and transition into other areas of the automotive industry as well. SEMA made it very easy to apply. I was able to log into the website and found all the information I needed for my applications. I also appreciated the way SEMA got in contact with me and was available to answer any questions and concerns that I had.

SMN: Do you have any advice for potential applicants?

GM: If you want to apply for the SEMA awards and scholarships, do it. If your dream or passion is automotive anything—aftermarket, paint, body, working for a big company like Ford, Chevy or BMW, or even working for a small aftermarket manufacturer that maybe makes vinyl wraps, audio, radar detectors or anything—you’re going to be working in an industry with people who are passionate about what you love. Anybody who wants that type of career should go for it, and SEMA is there to help! You don’t want to let an opportunity like this get away.

SEMA Member News—November/December 2015

SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund

University of Northwest Ohio professors and students/scholarship winners were among those who attended the 2013 SEMA Show Student Welcome Luncheon.

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 to $3,000, with $5,000 going to the top student. Applications for the 2016–2017 academic year will launch November 1, 2015. A full year of tuition, valued up to $29,400, will be awarded to one student attending Ohio Technical College (OTC). Assistance is available for career paths in 12 automotive industry disciplines, including accounting, engineering, race car driving/crew administration, information technology, sales/marketing, advertising, manufacturing, design/graphics/photography and transportation.

A Few Words With a Scholarship Winner

Jeffery Kesterson is a four-time scholarship winner (2012, 2013 “Top Student,” 2014 and 2015). He also drove his car to the SEMA Ignited after-party last year and participated in Battle of the Builders.

SEMA Member News: Getting an education is a commitment that takes a lot of time and effort. What did winning a scholarship from SEMA mean to you?

Jeffery Kesterson: It was a tremendous honor for me because school is very expensive, and it helped offset those costs. It allows you to focus more on school instead of worrying about the financial aspect of it, which allows you to apply yourself more.

SMN: Based on your experience, what are your sentiments for potential student applicants?

JK: If you win a scholarship, even if it’s just a few hundred dollars, that’s going to pay for a book. It doesn’t take a lot of time—the longest part is your essays—and if you’re true and honest, that won’t even take long. I just explained my background and talked about how my dad raised me, how he was into cars and instilled his passion for cars into me, and how I’ve tried to transfer that to my kids as well. There are so many doors and opportunities available to you when you get a SEMA scholarship.

SMN: That’s fantastic! Getting the next generation involved is a huge initiative for SEMA. It’s great to see you keep the tradition going with your own kids.

JK: One of my daughters knows how to use an air impact gun, and I have pictures of her changing her rear tires. Anything and everything that has to do with her car, she does.

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program is dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their automotive aftermarket careers. SEMA offers $2,000 awards toward outstanding student loans for individuals who are employed by SEMA-member companies, with a top applicant potentially receiving $5,000. The 2016–2017 Loan Forgiveness application launches November 1.

A Few Words With a Loan Forgiveness Recipient

Gregory Masterson worked full time for Chemical Guys while he went through school at California State University Long Beach, and he also produces and stars in product training videos on YouTube. He was a recipient of a SEMA loan forgiveness award.

SMN: What was the process like to apply for the loan forgiveness award, and what did receiving it mean
to you?

Gregory Masterson: What made it interesting for me was that you have to get letters of recommendation from different types of people in the industry, and I feel that’s very good for students because you actually have to build a relationship with someone in the industry. It made me make connections with people and build stronger relationships. The loan forgiveness award gives people the opportunity to test and build those skills and build relationships that help you grow and transition into other areas of the automotive industry as well. SEMA made it very easy to apply. I was able to log into the website and found all the information I needed for my applications. I also appreciated the way SEMA got in contact with me and was available to answer any questions and concerns that I had.

SMN: Do you have any advice for potential applicants?

GM: If you want to apply for the SEMA awards and scholarships, do it. If your dream or passion is automotive anything—aftermarket, paint, body, working for a big company like Ford, Chevy or BMW, or even working for a small aftermarket manufacturer that maybe makes vinyl wraps, audio, radar detectors or anything—you’re going to be working in an industry with people who are passionate about what you love. Anybody who wants that type of career should go for it, and SEMA is there to help! You don’t want to let an opportunity like this get away.

SEMA Member News—November/December 2015

YEN at the SEMA Show

The finals will be held Wednesday, November 4, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in SEMA Show Super Session room N258 on the second floor of the North Hall. Plan to arrive early, as attendance is usually high, with more than 300 attendees.

The Young Executives Network (YEN) has a full slate of meetings and networking opportunities on tap at the 2015 SEMA Show for both current and prospective members. YEN is open to employees of SEMA-member companies who are under the age of 40. The network provides the chance to meet with and learn from key influencers in the industry while also getting to know and mingle with industry peers from all areas of the automotive specialty-equipment market.

General Membership Meeting and Mixer

A YEN general membership meeting and mixer will be held Monday, November 2, from 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N242. These meetings provide the opportunity for members to learn about initiatives for the coming year from the network’s select committee. The network leadership answers questions about the focus of the group to help members learn how to gain the most from membership. It also provides a chance for seasoned members to connect, catch up and contribute to the discussion over drinks.

YEN Awards Reception

On Tuesday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. in the Westgate Paradise Center South, YEN will welcome members and guests for the largest networking event for young professionals in the automotive industry. Far from the staid affair that some might expect, YEN’s reception is a celebration of personal growth and passion about the industry. It is open to both current and prospective members of YEN, and it features an awards ceremony to honor young talent along with a fun-filled evening of food, games and opportunities to network with fellow emerging industry professionals as well as seasoned veterans.

As in past years, YEN will honor two exceptional individuals nominated and voted on by peers. The Vanguard Award recipient is an individual, business, organization or sanctioning body that has had a positive effect on a young executive’s career within the automotive industry. The Young Executive of the Year Award honors a current YEN member whose performance over the last year demonstrated an exceptional level of service, integrity, professional growth and business ethics. Many of the past recipients have gone on to serve on various council and network select committees and even SEMA’s Board of Directors.

Be sure to attend this entertaining soirée!

YEN Launch Pad

SEMA Launch Pad, presented by YEN, is an exciting competition that is designed to specifically boost the career and business opportunities of the winning entrepreneur. Launch Pad offers innovators, inventors and businesspeople under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business plans for marketing new automotive products or services.

At the culmination of the competition during the 2015 SEMA Show, five finalists will pitch their businesses to five industry leaders at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The judges will select the winning YEN executive, and the grand-prize winner will receive an extensive prize package that will help take his or her business to the next level. The package includes marketing and advertising elements, consultations with industry leaders, no-cost sponsorship features and much more. Even those entrants who don’t win the grand prize have the opportunity for personal and professional exposure to thousands of industry leaders.

The finals will be held Wednesday, November 4, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in SEMA Show Super Session room N258 on the second floor of the North Hall. Plan to arrive early, as attendance is usually high, with more than 300 attendees.

For more information about any of these activities, contact Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of networks, by phone at 909-978-6691 or via e-mail at bryanh@sema.org.

SEMA Member News—November/December 2015

YEN at the SEMA Show

The finals will be held Wednesday, November 4, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in SEMA Show Super Session room N258 on the second floor of the North Hall. Plan to arrive early, as attendance is usually high, with more than 300 attendees.

The Young Executives Network (YEN) has a full slate of meetings and networking opportunities on tap at the 2015 SEMA Show for both current and prospective members. YEN is open to employees of SEMA-member companies who are under the age of 40. The network provides the chance to meet with and learn from key influencers in the industry while also getting to know and mingle with industry peers from all areas of the automotive specialty-equipment market.

General Membership Meeting and Mixer

A YEN general membership meeting and mixer will be held Monday, November 2, from 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N242. These meetings provide the opportunity for members to learn about initiatives for the coming year from the network’s select committee. The network leadership answers questions about the focus of the group to help members learn how to gain the most from membership. It also provides a chance for seasoned members to connect, catch up and contribute to the discussion over drinks.

YEN Awards Reception

On Tuesday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. in the Westgate Paradise Center South, YEN will welcome members and guests for the largest networking event for young professionals in the automotive industry. Far from the staid affair that some might expect, YEN’s reception is a celebration of personal growth and passion about the industry. It is open to both current and prospective members of YEN, and it features an awards ceremony to honor young talent along with a fun-filled evening of food, games and opportunities to network with fellow emerging industry professionals as well as seasoned veterans.

As in past years, YEN will honor two exceptional individuals nominated and voted on by peers. The Vanguard Award recipient is an individual, business, organization or sanctioning body that has had a positive effect on a young executive’s career within the automotive industry. The Young Executive of the Year Award honors a current YEN member whose performance over the last year demonstrated an exceptional level of service, integrity, professional growth and business ethics. Many of the past recipients have gone on to serve on various council and network select committees and even SEMA’s Board of Directors.

Be sure to attend this entertaining soirée!

YEN Launch Pad

SEMA Launch Pad, presented by YEN, is an exciting competition that is designed to specifically boost the career and business opportunities of the winning entrepreneur. Launch Pad offers innovators, inventors and businesspeople under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business plans for marketing new automotive products or services.

At the culmination of the competition during the 2015 SEMA Show, five finalists will pitch their businesses to five industry leaders at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The judges will select the winning YEN executive, and the grand-prize winner will receive an extensive prize package that will help take his or her business to the next level. The package includes marketing and advertising elements, consultations with industry leaders, no-cost sponsorship features and much more. Even those entrants who don’t win the grand prize have the opportunity for personal and professional exposure to thousands of industry leaders.

The finals will be held Wednesday, November 4, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in SEMA Show Super Session room N258 on the second floor of the North Hall. Plan to arrive early, as attendance is usually high, with more than 300 attendees.

For more information about any of these activities, contact Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of networks, by phone at 909-978-6691 or via e-mail at bryanh@sema.org.

SEMA Member News—November/December 2015

YEN at the SEMA Show

The finals will be held Wednesday, November 4, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in SEMA Show Super Session room N258 on the second floor of the North Hall. Plan to arrive early, as attendance is usually high, with more than 300 attendees.

The Young Executives Network (YEN) has a full slate of meetings and networking opportunities on tap at the 2015 SEMA Show for both current and prospective members. YEN is open to employees of SEMA-member companies who are under the age of 40. The network provides the chance to meet with and learn from key influencers in the industry while also getting to know and mingle with industry peers from all areas of the automotive specialty-equipment market.

General Membership Meeting and Mixer

A YEN general membership meeting and mixer will be held Monday, November 2, from 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N242. These meetings provide the opportunity for members to learn about initiatives for the coming year from the network’s select committee. The network leadership answers questions about the focus of the group to help members learn how to gain the most from membership. It also provides a chance for seasoned members to connect, catch up and contribute to the discussion over drinks.

YEN Awards Reception

On Tuesday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. in the Westgate Paradise Center South, YEN will welcome members and guests for the largest networking event for young professionals in the automotive industry. Far from the staid affair that some might expect, YEN’s reception is a celebration of personal growth and passion about the industry. It is open to both current and prospective members of YEN, and it features an awards ceremony to honor young talent along with a fun-filled evening of food, games and opportunities to network with fellow emerging industry professionals as well as seasoned veterans.

As in past years, YEN will honor two exceptional individuals nominated and voted on by peers. The Vanguard Award recipient is an individual, business, organization or sanctioning body that has had a positive effect on a young executive’s career within the automotive industry. The Young Executive of the Year Award honors a current YEN member whose performance over the last year demonstrated an exceptional level of service, integrity, professional growth and business ethics. Many of the past recipients have gone on to serve on various council and network select committees and even SEMA’s Board of Directors.

Be sure to attend this entertaining soirée!

YEN Launch Pad

SEMA Launch Pad, presented by YEN, is an exciting competition that is designed to specifically boost the career and business opportunities of the winning entrepreneur. Launch Pad offers innovators, inventors and businesspeople under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business plans for marketing new automotive products or services.

At the culmination of the competition during the 2015 SEMA Show, five finalists will pitch their businesses to five industry leaders at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The judges will select the winning YEN executive, and the grand-prize winner will receive an extensive prize package that will help take his or her business to the next level. The package includes marketing and advertising elements, consultations with industry leaders, no-cost sponsorship features and much more. Even those entrants who don’t win the grand prize have the opportunity for personal and professional exposure to thousands of industry leaders.

The finals will be held Wednesday, November 4, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in SEMA Show Super Session room N258 on the second floor of the North Hall. Plan to arrive early, as attendance is usually high, with more than 300 attendees.

For more information about any of these activities, contact Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of networks, by phone at 909-978-6691 or via e-mail at bryanh@sema.org.

SEMA Member News—November/December 2015

SBN Select Committee News

Gear-up Girl is among several programs to be held at the 2015 SEMA Show designed specifically for women participants. The dynamic mixer brings together generations of professionals with female students. (Registration for this event is open to women only.)

It’s been a busy year for the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), and the group is very pleased to welcome its incoming select committee members. Taking the reins as chair is Erin Gilhuly of Toyota Motor Sales. The new chair-elect is Camee Edelbrock of ProMedia. Both have served on the select committee for a number of years and are excited to bring new programs to the membership.

The new SBN select committee members are:

• Coelette Chenier, marketing coordinator for Trans American Auto Parts
• Lana Chrisman, vice president at McLeod Racing
• Tiffany Dorin, national accounts manager for MagnaFlow
• Erika Klein, e-commerce product development manager at Auto Anything

They will be joining incumbent committee members Joann Bortles of Crazy Horse Custom Painting, Jenna Jefferies from K&N Engineering, Julia Johnson of Skyline College, Sherry Kollien of Ford Motor Company, Jennifer LaFever from Roush Yates Engine, and Jacqueline Parral of Family Events.

2015 SEMA Show Events

Two unique networking events are planned by the SBN for this year’s SEMA Show: Gear-Up Girl and the SBN networking reception.

Gear-up Girl is designed to connect women students with industry-leading women professionals. Register for the event on the SEMA Show dashboard, or contact Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of networks, at bryanh@sema.org. (Registration is open to women only.) Gear-Up Girl will be held Monday, November 2, 3:30-5:00 p.m. in room N242 of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

Attendees may also wish to join SBN members at the SBN Networking Reception for a unique opportunity to meet with industry professionals in a relaxed atmosphere while learning about and tasting a unique selection of wines. The reception will take place on Wednesday, November 4, 5:00-7:00 p.m., in the Westgate Paradise Center, north of the Westgate Resort & Casino. To register visit: http://pages.message.sema.org/council-reception-sbn.

Women Driven

In conjunction with SEMA Education, a series of seminars titled Women Driven will focus on a wide variety of topics, including the following listed below.

Women Driven: Communication Roadmap for Men and Women, Powered by SBN (Registration Code: WD1)
Author Joanne Lipman of The Wall Street Journal will attend the SEMA Show to discuss the demystifying of women in the workplace and share advice for the men who work with them. Monday, November 2, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., LVCC, Upper North Hall, room N258.

Women Driven: Leveraging Differences to Drive Success: 5 Best Practices for Building a Diverse Workforce, Powered by SBN (Registration Code: WD2)
Savvy companies are making efforts to look more like the community around them. If you employ only those who identify with a small portion of the market, you don’t have access to the insights, experiences and world views of the full marketplace. Learn five best practices for building a diverse workforce. Tuesday, November 3, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., LVCC, Upper North Hall, room N256.

Women Driven: Women in Business Shattering the Glass Ceiling, Powered by the SBN (Registration Code: WD3)
The last decade has witnessed a growing awareness of the value women bring to the workplace. Hear from a panel of successful women in the automotive industry and participate in an open dialog on the qualities and strategies it takes to excel in business. Panel members include Freda Pratt-Boyer, president of the Tire Industry Association, and Michelle Krebs, director of automotive relations for Auto Trader. (Registration is open to women only.) Wednesday, November 4, 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. LVCC, Upper North Hall, room N219.

Keynote and Coffee: Marketing to Millennial Women, Powered by the SBN
Bridget Brennan, CEO of Female Factor, explores how the millennial generation’s unique perception of the world (and themselves) impacts brand preferences, marketing responses and choice of sales channel. Attendees will learn about the cultural forces that have shaped millennial women and how to apply this knowledge to marketing and sales efforts. Wednesday, November 4, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., LVCC, Upper North Hall, room N219. Register for all these SBN events on the SEMA Show dashboard.

In Other News…

SBN is pleased to announce that it is once again sponsoring an all-girl team in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Build Challenge. Team Edelbrock from Belvidere North High School in Belvidere, Illinois, qualified with a time of 28:49 and will be competing at the 2015 SEMA Show. Team Edelbrock is also the first all-girl team with a female coach.

SEMA Member News—November/December 2015

SBN Select Committee News

Gear-up Girl is among several programs to be held at the 2015 SEMA Show designed specifically for women participants. The dynamic mixer brings together generations of professionals with female students. (Registration for this event is open to women only.)

It’s been a busy year for the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), and the group is very pleased to welcome its incoming select committee members. Taking the reins as chair is Erin Gilhuly of Toyota Motor Sales. The new chair-elect is Camee Edelbrock of ProMedia. Both have served on the select committee for a number of years and are excited to bring new programs to the membership.

The new SBN select committee members are:

• Coelette Chenier, marketing coordinator for Trans American Auto Parts
• Lana Chrisman, vice president at McLeod Racing
• Tiffany Dorin, national accounts manager for MagnaFlow
• Erika Klein, e-commerce product development manager at Auto Anything

They will be joining incumbent committee members Joann Bortles of Crazy Horse Custom Painting, Jenna Jefferies from K&N Engineering, Julia Johnson of Skyline College, Sherry Kollien of Ford Motor Company, Jennifer LaFever from Roush Yates Engine, and Jacqueline Parral of Family Events.

2015 SEMA Show Events

Two unique networking events are planned by the SBN for this year’s SEMA Show: Gear-Up Girl and the SBN networking reception.

Gear-up Girl is designed to connect women students with industry-leading women professionals. Register for the event on the SEMA Show dashboard, or contact Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of networks, at bryanh@sema.org. (Registration is open to women only.) Gear-Up Girl will be held Monday, November 2, 3:30-5:00 p.m. in room N242 of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

Attendees may also wish to join SBN members at the SBN Networking Reception for a unique opportunity to meet with industry professionals in a relaxed atmosphere while learning about and tasting a unique selection of wines. The reception will take place on Wednesday, November 4, 5:00-7:00 p.m., in the Westgate Paradise Center, north of the Westgate Resort & Casino. To register visit: http://pages.message.sema.org/council-reception-sbn.

Women Driven

In conjunction with SEMA Education, a series of seminars titled Women Driven will focus on a wide variety of topics, including the following listed below.

Women Driven: Communication Roadmap for Men and Women, Powered by SBN (Registration Code: WD1)
Author Joanne Lipman of The Wall Street Journal will attend the SEMA Show to discuss the demystifying of women in the workplace and share advice for the men who work with them. Monday, November 2, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., LVCC, Upper North Hall, room N258.

Women Driven: Leveraging Differences to Drive Success: 5 Best Practices for Building a Diverse Workforce, Powered by SBN (Registration Code: WD2)
Savvy companies are making efforts to look more like the community around them. If you employ only those who identify with a small portion of the market, you don’t have access to the insights, experiences and world views of the full marketplace. Learn five best practices for building a diverse workforce. Tuesday, November 3, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., LVCC, Upper North Hall, room N256.

Women Driven: Women in Business Shattering the Glass Ceiling, Powered by the SBN (Registration Code: WD3)
The last decade has witnessed a growing awareness of the value women bring to the workplace. Hear from a panel of successful women in the automotive industry and participate in an open dialog on the qualities and strategies it takes to excel in business. Panel members include Freda Pratt-Boyer, president of the Tire Industry Association, and Michelle Krebs, director of automotive relations for Auto Trader. (Registration is open to women only.) Wednesday, November 4, 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. LVCC, Upper North Hall, room N219.

Keynote and Coffee: Marketing to Millennial Women, Powered by the SBN
Bridget Brennan, CEO of Female Factor, explores how the millennial generation’s unique perception of the world (and themselves) impacts brand preferences, marketing responses and choice of sales channel. Attendees will learn about the cultural forces that have shaped millennial women and how to apply this knowledge to marketing and sales efforts. Wednesday, November 4, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., LVCC, Upper North Hall, room N219. Register for all these SBN events on the SEMA Show dashboard.

In Other News…

SBN is pleased to announce that it is once again sponsoring an all-girl team in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Build Challenge. Team Edelbrock from Belvidere North High School in Belvidere, Illinois, qualified with a time of 28:49 and will be competing at the 2015 SEMA Show. Team Edelbrock is also the first all-girl team with a female coach.

SEMA Member News—November/December 2015

SBN Select Committee News

Gear-up Girl is among several programs to be held at the 2015 SEMA Show designed specifically for women participants. The dynamic mixer brings together generations of professionals with female students. (Registration for this event is open to women only.)

It’s been a busy year for the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), and the group is very pleased to welcome its incoming select committee members. Taking the reins as chair is Erin Gilhuly of Toyota Motor Sales. The new chair-elect is Camee Edelbrock of ProMedia. Both have served on the select committee for a number of years and are excited to bring new programs to the membership.

The new SBN select committee members are:

• Coelette Chenier, marketing coordinator for Trans American Auto Parts
• Lana Chrisman, vice president at McLeod Racing
• Tiffany Dorin, national accounts manager for MagnaFlow
• Erika Klein, e-commerce product development manager at Auto Anything

They will be joining incumbent committee members Joann Bortles of Crazy Horse Custom Painting, Jenna Jefferies from K&N Engineering, Julia Johnson of Skyline College, Sherry Kollien of Ford Motor Company, Jennifer LaFever from Roush Yates Engine, and Jacqueline Parral of Family Events.

2015 SEMA Show Events

Two unique networking events are planned by the SBN for this year’s SEMA Show: Gear-Up Girl and the SBN networking reception.

Gear-up Girl is designed to connect women students with industry-leading women professionals. Register for the event on the SEMA Show dashboard, or contact Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of networks, at bryanh@sema.org. (Registration is open to women only.) Gear-Up Girl will be held Monday, November 2, 3:30-5:00 p.m. in room N242 of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

Attendees may also wish to join SBN members at the SBN Networking Reception for a unique opportunity to meet with industry professionals in a relaxed atmosphere while learning about and tasting a unique selection of wines. The reception will take place on Wednesday, November 4, 5:00-7:00 p.m., in the Westgate Paradise Center, north of the Westgate Resort & Casino. To register visit: http://pages.message.sema.org/council-reception-sbn.

Women Driven

In conjunction with SEMA Education, a series of seminars titled Women Driven will focus on a wide variety of topics, including the following listed below.

Women Driven: Communication Roadmap for Men and Women, Powered by SBN (Registration Code: WD1)
Author Joanne Lipman of The Wall Street Journal will attend the SEMA Show to discuss the demystifying of women in the workplace and share advice for the men who work with them. Monday, November 2, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., LVCC, Upper North Hall, room N258.

Women Driven: Leveraging Differences to Drive Success: 5 Best Practices for Building a Diverse Workforce, Powered by SBN (Registration Code: WD2)
Savvy companies are making efforts to look more like the community around them. If you employ only those who identify with a small portion of the market, you don’t have access to the insights, experiences and world views of the full marketplace. Learn five best practices for building a diverse workforce. Tuesday, November 3, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., LVCC, Upper North Hall, room N256.

Women Driven: Women in Business Shattering the Glass Ceiling, Powered by the SBN (Registration Code: WD3)
The last decade has witnessed a growing awareness of the value women bring to the workplace. Hear from a panel of successful women in the automotive industry and participate in an open dialog on the qualities and strategies it takes to excel in business. Panel members include Freda Pratt-Boyer, president of the Tire Industry Association, and Michelle Krebs, director of automotive relations for Auto Trader. (Registration is open to women only.) Wednesday, November 4, 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. LVCC, Upper North Hall, room N219.

Keynote and Coffee: Marketing to Millennial Women, Powered by the SBN
Bridget Brennan, CEO of Female Factor, explores how the millennial generation’s unique perception of the world (and themselves) impacts brand preferences, marketing responses and choice of sales channel. Attendees will learn about the cultural forces that have shaped millennial women and how to apply this knowledge to marketing and sales efforts. Wednesday, November 4, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., LVCC, Upper North Hall, room N219. Register for all these SBN events on the SEMA Show dashboard.

In Other News…

SBN is pleased to announce that it is once again sponsoring an all-girl team in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Build Challenge. Team Edelbrock from Belvidere North High School in Belvidere, Illinois, qualified with a time of 28:49 and will be competing at the 2015 SEMA Show. Team Edelbrock is also the first all-girl team with a female coach.

SEMA Member News—November/December 2015

MRN at the SEMA Show

The Manufacturers’ Representative Network will once again host a collection of business-critical discussions moderated by industry experts exclusively for manufacturers’ representatives on Sunday, November 1. The Rep Roundtable provides attendees with the opportunity to learn practical solutions to real-world manufacturers’ rep opportunities.

The SEMA Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN) will host a collection of business-critical discussions moderated by industry experts exclusively for manufacturers’ representatives on Sunday, November 1, 3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N256. The Rep Roundtable, powered by the MRN, will provide attendees with the opportunity to ask questions and receive practical solutions to real-world manufacturer rep opportunities and issues. The cost is $25 for SEMA members and $35 for non-members. The topics and speakers will include the following:

How to Handle Private-Equity Acquisitions and Management

Speaker: Mitch Williams
Synopsis: What actions should a rep take when a private-equity firm is acquiring one of his manufacturers? What should he do if he is terminated after a private-equity acquisition? How can he protect himself in the future?

Three Biggest Challenges Facing Reps Today and Tomorrow

Speaker: Clay Taylor, ESQ
Synopsis: What are the challenges facing reps today and in the future? How a rep can strategically plan to face these challenges?

How to Be a Great Rep in the E-Commerce Market

Speaker: Bernard Bolisig
Synopsis: Five things a rep can do to increase his value to the e-commerce customer. How a rep can help non-e-commerce customers enter e-commerce. Future trends in the e-commerce market that a rep should know to increase sales.

Wealth Management for Reps

Speaker: Andrew D. Horowitz
Synopsis: How should a rep without access to company investment plans prepare financially for the future? Discover investment tools a rep can use and how to find a wealth-management professional.

Tools and Trends for a Mobile Workforce

Speaker: Tyler Tanaka
Synopsis: Learn about mobile apps for better communication and digital business trends that manufacturers’ reps should stay on top of, including mobile apps for travel and for better organization.

Improving Your Rep Team’s Communication, Training and Overall Goals

Speaker: Nikki Weiss
Synopsis: Find out how everyone in your rep organization can help improve the overall team, the importance of continuous training with your rep team and improving communication with your rep team and manufacturers.

Education Sessions Offered by the SDC for MRN Members

The Internet and electronic cataloging have changed the market structure and the way companies sell to consumers. The key is great data, and manufacturers’ reps need to be knowledgeable and helpful to their clients. The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has educational sessions that can aid all members of the MRN. This program is designed for real-world small-business people. Rather than focusing on information that goes over the heads of attendees, it will provide practical, feet-on-the-street information that any accessory reseller can use. The topics include:

How Great Data Improves Your Business: Introduction to PIES and ACES

Just getting started with product data? The SDC’s introductory course will explain the industry data standards in easy-to-understand terms, giving you the confidence to begin managing your product data like a pro.

How SEMA Can Help You Create Great Data to Sell More Parts

This seminar for data managers and company executives teaches more about getting the most out of your data sets. SDC staff will discuss how to improve the quality of your data with the goal of helping your customers sell more parts.

E-commerce Solved: Nineteen Things an E-Commerce Site Should Have and How to Make the SDC Work for You

E-commerce requires more than just putting up a site and dumping some products on a page. There are strategies that make e-commerce sites work and best practices you need to apply. In the accessory industry, you must have the 19 things the SDC will discuss. As a SEMA member, you have an additional powerful tool that will put your e-commerce site light years ahead of competitors: the SEMA Data Co-op. How does the SDC help you? Find out in this program what powerful tools have been put in place to make you successful.

SEMA Member News—November/December 2015

MRN at the SEMA Show

The Manufacturers’ Representative Network will once again host a collection of business-critical discussions moderated by industry experts exclusively for manufacturers’ representatives on Sunday, November 1. The Rep Roundtable provides attendees with the opportunity to learn practical solutions to real-world manufacturers’ rep opportunities.

The SEMA Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN) will host a collection of business-critical discussions moderated by industry experts exclusively for manufacturers’ representatives on Sunday, November 1, 3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N256. The Rep Roundtable, powered by the MRN, will provide attendees with the opportunity to ask questions and receive practical solutions to real-world manufacturer rep opportunities and issues. The cost is $25 for SEMA members and $35 for non-members. The topics and speakers will include the following:

How to Handle Private-Equity Acquisitions and Management

Speaker: Mitch Williams
Synopsis: What actions should a rep take when a private-equity firm is acquiring one of his manufacturers? What should he do if he is terminated after a private-equity acquisition? How can he protect himself in the future?

Three Biggest Challenges Facing Reps Today and Tomorrow

Speaker: Clay Taylor, ESQ
Synopsis: What are the challenges facing reps today and in the future? How a rep can strategically plan to face these challenges?

How to Be a Great Rep in the E-Commerce Market

Speaker: Bernard Bolisig
Synopsis: Five things a rep can do to increase his value to the e-commerce customer. How a rep can help non-e-commerce customers enter e-commerce. Future trends in the e-commerce market that a rep should know to increase sales.

Wealth Management for Reps

Speaker: Andrew D. Horowitz
Synopsis: How should a rep without access to company investment plans prepare financially for the future? Discover investment tools a rep can use and how to find a wealth-management professional.

Tools and Trends for a Mobile Workforce

Speaker: Tyler Tanaka
Synopsis: Learn about mobile apps for better communication and digital business trends that manufacturers’ reps should stay on top of, including mobile apps for travel and for better organization.

Improving Your Rep Team’s Communication, Training and Overall Goals

Speaker: Nikki Weiss
Synopsis: Find out how everyone in your rep organization can help improve the overall team, the importance of continuous training with your rep team and improving communication with your rep team and manufacturers.

Education Sessions Offered by the SDC for MRN Members

The Internet and electronic cataloging have changed the market structure and the way companies sell to consumers. The key is great data, and manufacturers’ reps need to be knowledgeable and helpful to their clients. The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has educational sessions that can aid all members of the MRN. This program is designed for real-world small-business people. Rather than focusing on information that goes over the heads of attendees, it will provide practical, feet-on-the-street information that any accessory reseller can use. The topics include:

How Great Data Improves Your Business: Introduction to PIES and ACES

Just getting started with product data? The SDC’s introductory course will explain the industry data standards in easy-to-understand terms, giving you the confidence to begin managing your product data like a pro.

How SEMA Can Help You Create Great Data to Sell More Parts

This seminar for data managers and company executives teaches more about getting the most out of your data sets. SDC staff will discuss how to improve the quality of your data with the goal of helping your customers sell more parts.

E-commerce Solved: Nineteen Things an E-Commerce Site Should Have and How to Make the SDC Work for You

E-commerce requires more than just putting up a site and dumping some products on a page. There are strategies that make e-commerce sites work and best practices you need to apply. In the accessory industry, you must have the 19 things the SDC will discuss. As a SEMA member, you have an additional powerful tool that will put your e-commerce site light years ahead of competitors: the SEMA Data Co-op. How does the SDC help you? Find out in this program what powerful tools have been put in place to make you successful.