By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Sales Associate: Hotchkis Performance is hiring a sales associate to interact with customers on a daily basis; some occasional travel is required. This position is responsible for managing, maintaining and growing assigned accounts, answering product and technical questions via telephone and emails and following up on sales leads and making cold calls to potential customers. This position requires basic knowledge of automotive suspension; two years’ related experience is preferred.

CNC Machine Operator: JMS is hiring a CNC machine operator responsible for machine warm up, loading raw materials onto pre-built fixtures, loading pre-built NC files that control the machining operations, inspecting machined parts, normal daily maintenance, and cleaning the machine. No experience is necessary.

Automotive Technicians: DES of Wilmington Inc. is hiring experienced automotive technicians DES, specifically for leather installation and minor trim work. Industrial sewing experience is a plus, but not required. The company is willing to train the right individual. A good work ethic, positive attitude and continuous desire to learn and improve are required.

Performance Technician: GT Technik is hiring a performance technician with a strong background in European automobiles and an understanding of aftermarket parts/installation. Candidates must have experience in factory service, maintenance, diagnostics and troubleshooting. Engine and gearbox rebuilding and turbo systems and installation are pluses. Road racing experience a is plus, but not mandatory. A valid California driver’s license and a clean driving record are required.

Fabricator: Ambition Road Hot Rods & Muscle Cars is hiring an experienced fabricator. The ideal candidate will have at least three years’ experience in TIG welding, metal finishing and fabricating custom parts. Body work and paint experience are pluses. A strong work ethic and the ability to produce high-quality work are musts.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

By Katie Carson

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.

By Katie Carson

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.

By Katie Carson

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

By Chad Simon

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 emceed the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, themed “You: Leading Our Future.”	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.
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomed guests to the industry-wide gathering and paid tribute to the icons who passed in 2017.	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 of The Spartan Group was honored as the 2017 SEMA Person of the Year.	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.
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 (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 won the Manufacturer of the Year award.	Pete Gonzales, Darkside Scientific, creators of LumiLor Light Emitting Coating, accepted the GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award.
Meyer Distributing was named WD of the Year.	Considine Sales & Marketing was presented with the Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year award.

By Chad Simon

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 emceed the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, themed “You: Leading Our Future.”	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.
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomed guests to the industry-wide gathering and paid tribute to the icons who passed in 2017.	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 of The Spartan Group was honored as the 2017 SEMA Person of the Year.	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.
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 (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 won the Manufacturer of the Year award.	Pete Gonzales, Darkside Scientific, creators of LumiLor Light Emitting Coating, accepted the GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award.
Meyer Distributing was named WD of the Year.	Considine Sales & Marketing was presented with the Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year award.

By Chad Simon

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 emceed the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, themed “You: Leading Our Future.”	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.
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomed guests to the industry-wide gathering and paid tribute to the icons who passed in 2017.	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 of The Spartan Group was honored as the 2017 SEMA Person of the Year.	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.
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 (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 won the Manufacturer of the Year award.	Pete Gonzales, Darkside Scientific, creators of LumiLor Light Emitting Coating, accepted the GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award.
Meyer Distributing was named WD of the Year.	Considine Sales & Marketing was presented with the Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year award.