SEMA's Business Technology Committee (BTC) has announced the speakers to be featured in the BTC-sponsored session during Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education & Training Day at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The HRIA Education Day—featuring workshops covering product installations, new products, marketing, sales techniques and tips for running a business—is scheduled for Thursday, March 22, from 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

The BTC session, which will be moderated by Luanne Brown and S. Kellie Colf of eTool Developers, is entitled "Internet Marketing Basics Explained," and will take place March 22, from 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. The panel will include:

• Steve Strope, Owner, Pure Vision
• Sheila Perkins, Vice President of Sales, MadStache/My Classic Car
• Jacqueline Parral, Account Executive, Family Events
• L.J. "Lou" Lobsinger Jr., National Sales Manager for Specialty Auto Parts, Owner of Detroit Muscle Apparel

The workshops are free on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you register and get there early. To register for HRIA Education & Training Day or to view all of the sessions taking place, visit www.hotrodshow.com/Page/Education.aspx.

SEMA's Business Technology Committee (BTC) has announced the speakers to be featured in the BTC-sponsored session during Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education & Training Day at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The HRIA Education Day—featuring workshops covering product installations, new products, marketing, sales techniques and tips for running a business—is scheduled for Thursday, March 22, from 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

The BTC session, which will be moderated by Luanne Brown and S. Kellie Colf of eTool Developers, is entitled "Internet Marketing Basics Explained," and will take place March 22, from 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. The panel will include:

• Steve Strope, Owner, Pure Vision
• Sheila Perkins, Vice President of Sales, MadStache/My Classic Car
• Jacqueline Parral, Account Executive, Family Events
• L.J. "Lou" Lobsinger Jr., National Sales Manager for Specialty Auto Parts, Owner of Detroit Muscle Apparel

The workshops are free on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you register and get there early. To register for HRIA Education & Training Day or to view all of the sessions taking place, visit www.hotrodshow.com/Page/Education.aspx.

SEMA's Business Technology Committee (BTC) has announced the speakers to be featured in the BTC-sponsored session during Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education & Training Day at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The HRIA Education Day—featuring workshops covering product installations, new products, marketing, sales techniques and tips for running a business—is scheduled for Thursday, March 22, from 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

The BTC session, which will be moderated by Luanne Brown and S. Kellie Colf of eTool Developers, is entitled "Internet Marketing Basics Explained," and will take place March 22, from 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. The panel will include:

• Steve Strope, Owner, Pure Vision
• Sheila Perkins, Vice President of Sales, MadStache/My Classic Car
• Jacqueline Parral, Account Executive, Family Events
• L.J. "Lou" Lobsinger Jr., National Sales Manager for Specialty Auto Parts, Owner of Detroit Muscle Apparel

The workshops are free on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you register and get there early. To register for HRIA Education & Training Day or to view all of the sessions taking place, visit www.hotrodshow.com/Page/Education.aspx.

A SEMA-supported bill to create a statutory definition of a “vintage travel trailer” and provide for a one-time $40 registration fee was approved by the Utah Senate and now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. The bill has already been approved by the House of Representatives. Under the bill, vintage travel trailers would also be eligible for a special group license plate and exempted from wheel cover, mudguard, flap or splash apron requirements.  

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A SEMA-supported bill to create a statutory definition of a “vintage travel trailer” and provide for a one-time $40 registration fee was approved by the Utah Senate and now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. The bill has already been approved by the House of Representatives. Under the bill, vintage travel trailers would also be eligible for a special group license plate and exempted from wheel cover, mudguard, flap or splash apron requirements.  

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

On March 1, 2012, the Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee will consider legislation allowing the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide information to gas stations encouraging the stations to offer E15 as an option for customers. The bill also allows the Department to provide information to gas stations on any financial assistance that may be available to subsidize the cost of providing E15-blended fuel to consumers. 

The bill was introduced despite the fact that a bill is moving through the U.S. House of Representatives, which would require the National Academy of Sciences to further analyze the effects of E15 on engines and other components before the EPA can permit its sale. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

On March 1, 2012, the Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee will consider legislation allowing the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide information to gas stations encouraging the stations to offer E15 as an option for customers. The bill also allows the Department to provide information to gas stations on any financial assistance that may be available to subsidize the cost of providing E15-blended fuel to consumers. 

The bill was introduced despite the fact that a bill is moving through the U.S. House of Representatives, which would require the National Academy of Sciences to further analyze the effects of E15 on engines and other components before the EPA can permit its sale. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate, or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was passed by the Washington State House of Representatives. It has already been approved by the Senate and now will be sent to Governor Chris Gregoire for her signature and enactment into law. 

Under a SEMA-drafted provision, the bill would allow restoration and custom shops to bill at least every two weeks on a time and materials basis. Shops would be able to accurately inform customers of actual costs and materials, removing vagueness associated with shops attempting to “guess” probable time for unique tasks and probable costs for unique and, in some cases, yet to be fabricated parts. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate, or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was passed by the Washington State House of Representatives. It has already been approved by the Senate and now will be sent to Governor Chris Gregoire for her signature and enactment into law. 

Under a SEMA-drafted provision, the bill would allow restoration and custom shops to bill at least every two weeks on a time and materials basis. Shops would be able to accurately inform customers of actual costs and materials, removing vagueness associated with shops attempting to “guess” probable time for unique tasks and probable costs for unique and, in some cases, yet to be fabricated parts. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

	MPMC members produced the “Business of Engine Building” seminar at the 2011 PRI Show in Orlando. From left to right, veteran engine builders Tracy Dennis, Keith Dorton, Ron Hutter, David Reher, Scott Shafiroff and Carl Wegner answered questions from moderator Alan Reinhart. Have an idea for another seminar topic? Join MPMC now and help make it happen!

Does your company manufacture parts used in sanctioned motorsports events? The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)—a SEMA council—provides a number of benefits to its more than 200 member companies.

Benefits include access to a best practices reference guide dedicated to common manufacturing business questions, contact information for more than 200 fellow motorsports parts manufacturers and an opportunity to have three days of 30-minute meetings with editors from print and electronic media.

Four Reasons to Join the MPMC:

• Business Guidelines Manual: Written, produced and designed specifically for performance product manufacturers, the manual addresses the many challenges faced by manufacturing companies like yours. Definitions, resources, options, examples and even sample documents are included in the various sections. Each section is written and formatted for quick and easy referencing. Topics include bar coding, catalogs, counterfeiting, electronic data exchange, freight policies and much more. The manual is available for download or viewing, but only to MPMC members, through the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) MPMC Education Track.

• Media Trade Conference: Another opportunity unique to MPMC, and available only to MPMC-member companies, is the MPMC Media Trade Conference (MTC). The MTC brings 100 MPMC manufacturers together with 200+ editorial staff from national and international media for three days of 30-minute, face-to-face meetings to discuss editorial content. Space is limited each year to 100 manufacturers, selected via lottery, but only MPMC members have the opportunity to participate.

• Industry Outreach: MPMC members work with other industry contacts to produce seminars, panel discussions and events for the benefit of not only fellow manufacturers, but the shop owners and consumers who ultimately use their products. This past year at the PRI Show in Orlando, Florida, MPMC hosted a two-hour discussion in which six of the most renowned engine builders in the country shared their business experiences with an audience of 150+ shop owners and aspiring engine builders.

• Networking: MPMC hosts various events throughout the year to further promote relationship building. A networking breakfast at the U.S. Nationals and a Hall of Fame Breakfast at the PRI Show are examples of how MPMC works to bring manufacturers together with media and other industry colleagues. In addition to meetings with the media, the Media Trade Conference also offers two evening receptions, lunches and break periods that present myriad networking opportunities.

MPMC is the only SEMA council dedicated specifically to manufacturing companies. If you are not already a member, there is no better time to join than right now. Membership is only $100 annually and an application is available on the MPMC website.

Contact MPMC’s staff liaison Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org for more information.