By Katie Carson

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is hosting a general membership meeting in conjunction with the Ontario Truck and Jeep Fest. All TORA members and prospective members are encouraged to mix and mingle with fellow industry associates and learn about the latest council initiatives and activities.

The meeting will take place the day before the show opens, Friday, June 9, at 12:00 p.m., at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, California. The TORA is dedicated to the advancement of the light-truck aftermarket segment. The general membership meeting is a great opportunity to get involved and make your voice heard.

RSVP now!

For questions regarding the meeting or TORA, please contact Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

By Katie Carson

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is hosting a general membership meeting in conjunction with the Ontario Truck and Jeep Fest. All TORA members and prospective members are encouraged to mix and mingle with fellow industry associates and learn about the latest council initiatives and activities.

The meeting will take place the day before the show opens, Friday, June 9, at 12:00 p.m., at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, California. The TORA is dedicated to the advancement of the light-truck aftermarket segment. The general membership meeting is a great opportunity to get involved and make your voice heard.

RSVP now!

For questions regarding the meeting or TORA, please contact Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

By Katie Carson

The Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) has released a new Vehicle Technology Resource Alert in partnership with the SEMA Garage, which explains the impact of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) performance on businesses and products as well as accompanying regulatory compliance.

ESC is an active safety vehicle technology that helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles during extreme steering maneuvers by stabilizing and keeping the vehicle headed in the driver’s intended direction, even when the vehicle nears or exceeds the limits of traction. FMVSS 126 requires that all new vehicles sold in the United States since September 1, 2011, with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of 10,000 lbs. or less include ESC as standard equipment, with multi-stage manufacturers and small-volume manufacturers in compliance since September 1, 2012. Aftermarket modifications must maintain ESC functionality and cannot take a vehicle out of compliance with FMVSS 126. ESC, along with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), are the gateway technologies to connected and automated driving.  

More information is available on the SEMA Garage website. Download the full ESC Tech Alert.

By Katie Carson

The Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) has released a new Vehicle Technology Resource Alert in partnership with the SEMA Garage, which explains the impact of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) performance on businesses and products as well as accompanying regulatory compliance.

ESC is an active safety vehicle technology that helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles during extreme steering maneuvers by stabilizing and keeping the vehicle headed in the driver’s intended direction, even when the vehicle nears or exceeds the limits of traction. FMVSS 126 requires that all new vehicles sold in the United States since September 1, 2011, with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of 10,000 lbs. or less include ESC as standard equipment, with multi-stage manufacturers and small-volume manufacturers in compliance since September 1, 2012. Aftermarket modifications must maintain ESC functionality and cannot take a vehicle out of compliance with FMVSS 126. ESC, along with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), are the gateway technologies to connected and automated driving.  

More information is available on the SEMA Garage website. Download the full ESC Tech Alert.

By Katie Carson

The Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) has released a new Vehicle Technology Resource Alert in partnership with the SEMA Garage, which explains the impact of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) performance on businesses and products as well as accompanying regulatory compliance.

ESC is an active safety vehicle technology that helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles during extreme steering maneuvers by stabilizing and keeping the vehicle headed in the driver’s intended direction, even when the vehicle nears or exceeds the limits of traction. FMVSS 126 requires that all new vehicles sold in the United States since September 1, 2011, with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of 10,000 lbs. or less include ESC as standard equipment, with multi-stage manufacturers and small-volume manufacturers in compliance since September 1, 2012. Aftermarket modifications must maintain ESC functionality and cannot take a vehicle out of compliance with FMVSS 126. ESC, along with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), are the gateway technologies to connected and automated driving.  

More information is available on the SEMA Garage website. Download the full ESC Tech Alert.

By Chad Simon

Mitch Fogle, chair-elect candidate.	Tim Martin, chair-elect candidate.

Voting for the 2017 SEMA Board of Directors is now open!

The following is the slate of candidates vying for a seat on the Board:

Chair-elect Category (one open seat)

• Mitch Fogle, president and CEO, Lund International
• Tim Martin, vice president, K&N Engineering

Distributor/Retailer Category (one open seat)

• Greg Adler, CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
• Brian Lounsberry, CEO, Motovicity Distribution

Manufacturers Category (one open seat)

• James Lawrence, CEO, Power Automedia
• Shahriar “Nick” Niakan, president and CEO, Advanced Flow Engineering Inc. (aFe Power)
• Dennis Weese, president, LINE-X

SEMA members will receive an email from “SEMA Election Coordinator (noreply@directvote.net)” that will provide an electronic ballot and include a security code unique to each member company. All votes must be returned using the link provided. Each company may vote for candidates on the ballot in any of the categories. Voting credentials are sent via email to the primary contact for each SEMA-member company.

Voting is open from now through May 24. To learn more about this year's candidates, visit www.sema.org/2017-bod-candidates. The site contains biographical information and statements by candidates running for an open position on the SEMA Board of Directors. SEMA members are urged to review the background information provided and cast qualified votes for the candidates of their choice.

If you have questions about your company’s primary contact, email SEMA’s Membership Data Manager Timothy Johnson.

By Chad Simon

Mitch Fogle, chair-elect candidate.	Tim Martin, chair-elect candidate.

Voting for the 2017 SEMA Board of Directors is now open!

The following is the slate of candidates vying for a seat on the Board:

Chair-elect Category (one open seat)

• Mitch Fogle, president and CEO, Lund International
• Tim Martin, vice president, K&N Engineering

Distributor/Retailer Category (one open seat)

• Greg Adler, CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
• Brian Lounsberry, CEO, Motovicity Distribution

Manufacturers Category (one open seat)

• James Lawrence, CEO, Power Automedia
• Shahriar “Nick” Niakan, president and CEO, Advanced Flow Engineering Inc. (aFe Power)
• Dennis Weese, president, LINE-X

SEMA members will receive an email from “SEMA Election Coordinator (noreply@directvote.net)” that will provide an electronic ballot and include a security code unique to each member company. All votes must be returned using the link provided. Each company may vote for candidates on the ballot in any of the categories. Voting credentials are sent via email to the primary contact for each SEMA-member company.

Voting is open from now through May 24. To learn more about this year's candidates, visit www.sema.org/2017-bod-candidates. The site contains biographical information and statements by candidates running for an open position on the SEMA Board of Directors. SEMA members are urged to review the background information provided and cast qualified votes for the candidates of their choice.

If you have questions about your company’s primary contact, email SEMA’s Membership Data Manager Timothy Johnson.

By Zane Clark

John Waraniak	Jeff Varick	Scott Wolin

On Wednesday, June 14, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Michigan District Office, will host the “Financing Your Growth” panel discussion in conjunction with SEMA’s Regional Education and Networking event. Attendees will learn how federal loan programs can help them get approved for a commercial loan. Guests will also hear from an expert panel, including a commercial banker from the SBA, focusing on loan programs to help with working capital, real estate, business acquisition, debt refinancing, export finance and more.

The program will kick-off at 3:00 p.m. with the “Planning for the Future: New Vehicle Technologies” session, which will address the aftermarket industry’s increasingly important role in retrofitting and installing connected and automated systems and technologies on the 250-million vehicles already on U.S. roads.

Panelists include:

• John Waraniak, vice president of vehicle technology, SEMA
• Jeff Varick, president, Brandmotion
• Scott Wolin, district sales manager—restyling, Chicago Parts & Sound LLC

The educational programs will be immediately followed by a networking reception.

As an added bonus, on the following morning, attendees will be invited to tour both the American Center for Mobility and the innovative Mobility Transformation Facility, more commonly known as Mcity, at the University of Michigan. The 32-acre facility is located on campus, and is the first of its kind in testing new automated vehicle technologies and their capabilities to safely maneuver actual roadways. Hosted by SEMA’s Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), attendees will enjoy a guided private tour of the facility.

When: Wednesday, June 14, from 3:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (EDT)
Where: Detroit Metro Airport Marriott, 30559 Flynn Dr., Romulus, MI 48174
Cost:  $25 SEMA members/$35 non-members. Fees include the education program, networking mixer and optional tour (June 15).

Space is limited, so register now!

For more information, contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark.

By Zane Clark

John Waraniak	Jeff Varick	Scott Wolin

On Wednesday, June 14, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Michigan District Office, will host the “Financing Your Growth” panel discussion in conjunction with SEMA’s Regional Education and Networking event. Attendees will learn how federal loan programs can help them get approved for a commercial loan. Guests will also hear from an expert panel, including a commercial banker from the SBA, focusing on loan programs to help with working capital, real estate, business acquisition, debt refinancing, export finance and more.

The program will kick-off at 3:00 p.m. with the “Planning for the Future: New Vehicle Technologies” session, which will address the aftermarket industry’s increasingly important role in retrofitting and installing connected and automated systems and technologies on the 250-million vehicles already on U.S. roads.

Panelists include:

• John Waraniak, vice president of vehicle technology, SEMA
• Jeff Varick, president, Brandmotion
• Scott Wolin, district sales manager—restyling, Chicago Parts & Sound LLC

The educational programs will be immediately followed by a networking reception.

As an added bonus, on the following morning, attendees will be invited to tour both the American Center for Mobility and the innovative Mobility Transformation Facility, more commonly known as Mcity, at the University of Michigan. The 32-acre facility is located on campus, and is the first of its kind in testing new automated vehicle technologies and their capabilities to safely maneuver actual roadways. Hosted by SEMA’s Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), attendees will enjoy a guided private tour of the facility.

When: Wednesday, June 14, from 3:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (EDT)
Where: Detroit Metro Airport Marriott, 30559 Flynn Dr., Romulus, MI 48174
Cost:  $25 SEMA members/$35 non-members. Fees include the education program, networking mixer and optional tour (June 15).

Space is limited, so register now!

For more information, contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark.

By Zane Clark

John Waraniak	Jeff Varick	Scott Wolin

On Wednesday, June 14, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Michigan District Office, will host the “Financing Your Growth” panel discussion in conjunction with SEMA’s Regional Education and Networking event. Attendees will learn how federal loan programs can help them get approved for a commercial loan. Guests will also hear from an expert panel, including a commercial banker from the SBA, focusing on loan programs to help with working capital, real estate, business acquisition, debt refinancing, export finance and more.

The program will kick-off at 3:00 p.m. with the “Planning for the Future: New Vehicle Technologies” session, which will address the aftermarket industry’s increasingly important role in retrofitting and installing connected and automated systems and technologies on the 250-million vehicles already on U.S. roads.

Panelists include:

• John Waraniak, vice president of vehicle technology, SEMA
• Jeff Varick, president, Brandmotion
• Scott Wolin, district sales manager—restyling, Chicago Parts & Sound LLC

The educational programs will be immediately followed by a networking reception.

As an added bonus, on the following morning, attendees will be invited to tour both the American Center for Mobility and the innovative Mobility Transformation Facility, more commonly known as Mcity, at the University of Michigan. The 32-acre facility is located on campus, and is the first of its kind in testing new automated vehicle technologies and their capabilities to safely maneuver actual roadways. Hosted by SEMA’s Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), attendees will enjoy a guided private tour of the facility.

When: Wednesday, June 14, from 3:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (EDT)
Where: Detroit Metro Airport Marriott, 30559 Flynn Dr., Romulus, MI 48174
Cost:  $25 SEMA members/$35 non-members. Fees include the education program, networking mixer and optional tour (June 15).

Space is limited, so register now!

For more information, contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark.