Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit PRO's website.

PRO to Host Long-Range Planning Meeting in Detroit

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is hosting its annual Long-Range Planning (LRP) meeting June 15–16 in the nation’s car capital—Detroit. The annual LRP is an opportunity for council members to address restyling industry issues and challenges, and weigh in on the needs of its member companies. Employees of PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, contribute their ideas to push the restyling industry forward and mingle with Select Committee members and SEMA staff to learn how PRO resources can help your business grow.

As an added bonus, attendees will tour 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. Public access to Mcity is limited, but LRP attendees will enjoy a guided, private tour of the facility.

The meetings kick off Wednesday, June 15, at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriot, and will break late morning for the Mcity tour and lunch. The meeting will reconvene back at the hotel after the tour for a group discussion and breakout sessions. A PRO-hosted dinner will take place that evening. The Thursday agenda includes a continental breakfast, breakout sessions, lunch and group project planning, and is slated to end at 3:00 p.m.

RSVP now!

For questions on this event, contact Senior Manager of Councils Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

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Visit YEN's website

Zach Denney

Jason Wieczorek

Zach Denney will drive his ’90 Toyota Supra Turbo on the Hot Rod Power Tour.

Meet the YEN Power Tour Participants

The Young Executives Network (YEN) will hit the road this summer with 10 members to participate in the Hot Rod Power Tour. The YENsters will stop in seven cities along the tour starting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with the finish line in Kansas City, Kansas. Each stop attracts hundreds of local car enthusiasts, students and automotive professionals. YEN members will interact with students showing them around the “traveling car show” and discussing career paths in the automotive aftermarket industry.
You can follow them along their journey via the hashtag #YENPowerTour. Let’s meet one of the teams!

Driver: Zach Denney, President, Wholesale Horsepower

Zach Denney is the president of Wholesale Horsepower, who is the exclusive North American distributor for ECUMaster Engine Management Products, Nashin Brakes and Shadow Auto Electronics. Having enjoyed working in many areas of the automotive aftermarket industry, Denney is excited to join the Power Tour with the SEMA Young Executives Network in an effort to reach out to young enthusiasts.

As an avid reader of Hot Rod magazine, Denney will drive his ’90 Toyota Supra Turbo on the Power Tour. In the true spirit of hot rodding, not much on the car is left as the factory designed it, and his Supra serves as a rolling product development platform for all three of the brands his company represents. Follow Denney via Instagram on the YEN Power Tour @HolyZachrilege.

Passenger: Jason Wieczorek, Sales Representative, Motovicity Distribution

Jason Wieczorek is a senior sales representative at Motovicity Distribution—a performance parts WD based out of the Motor City. He has worked in the automotive industry since the age of 15, starting with a major tire retail chain and working his way into distribution, where he has called Motovicity home for the past nine years. Throughout his career, an emphasis on building lasting relationships has been the key to staying relevant in a competitive market.

“The bonds and friendships I have made with my customers are the greatest part of my job. People don’t buy from businesses, they buy from people,” says Wieczorek.

The proudest moment of his career was in November 2013 when Motovicity won SEMA’s WD of the Year award, being the first sport-compact segment WD to win this award. Traveling to races and attending trade shows, such as the SEMA Show and the PRI Show, are some of his favorite industry events where he can strengthen those relationships. Outside of work, Wieczorek enjoys spending time with his fiancée Gail and his daughter Alexa. His hobbies are as broad as his knowledge of cars and include hunting, playing softball and working on cars.

For more information about the YEN Power Tour, visit www.sema.org/yen-power-tour.

Young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to bring their new products to the SEMA Show to compete for a grand-prize package designed to launch the winner’s business to the next level.

Young Professionals Business Competition Application Period Ending Soon!

Calling all young entrepreneurs with the next big automotive aftermarket product! The SEMA Launch Pad powered by YEN is a platform for you to transform your dream into a growing business.

Young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to bring their new products to the SEMA Show to compete for a grand-prize package designed to launch the winner’s business to the next level. Any executive with an automotive aftermarket product or service is encouraged to apply. You do not have to be a SEMA member to participate.

Ten finalists will be given the opportunity to pitch their product to industry icons in front of a live audience at the 2016 SEMA Show.
Prize packages include:

Semi-Finalist (14 participants):

• One-year complimentary SEMA membership.
• Complimentary registration to the 2016 Exhibitor Summit, two nights of hotel and meals at the event (June 21–22).
• $500 grant to be used toward the cost of travel to the 2016 Exhibitor Summit.

Finalists (10 participants):

• All the semi-finalist prizes, and:
• Complimentary 2016 SEMA Show kiosk booth in the New Products Showcase area.*
• Two exhibitor passes to the SEMA Show.
• Two tickets to the SEMA Banquet.
• A one-hour mentoring session with an industry icon.

Winner (one participant):

• All the semi-finalist prizes, finalist prizes and:
• SEMA News: One full-page, four-color ad.
• SEMA eNews: One full-page article.
• SEMA YEN Member News: Featured section in one article.
• SEMA Show: Turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2017 SEMA Show*
• SEMA Garage: One full day of photography studio usage and up to three hours of free custom scanning services.
• SEMA Data Co-op: 50% off supplier monthly membership fees for your first year. Up to a $3,600 value.
• SEMA Education: One video feature in SEMA's “BizTips” video series.
• SEMA Manufacturers’ Rep Network: Distribution/sales support consultation meeting.
• Hot Rod Magazine: A page equivalent advertisement in Hot Rod magazine and 200k banners on the Hot Rod network.
• Family Events: Event-level sponsorship package to either a Family Events truck and off-road group property or a Family Events performance car group property.

* No changes are permitted to the booth layout. Company does not accrue SEMA Show seniority points by reason of exhibiting at a 2016 SEMA Show kiosk booth in the New Products Showcase area or the turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2017 SEMA Show. All taxes on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize winning company. Tax liability is based on the value of the prizes.

What are you waiting for? Learn more and launch your business today!

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By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By SEMA Editors

The current SEMA Board of Directors.

Voting for the 2016 SEMA Board of Directors election is underway now through through Tuesday, May 24. Election details, ballots and links were sent to each member company's designated primary contact earlier this week. Learn more about the candidates, their backgrounds and campaign goals by visiting www.sema.org/bod16.

To help ensure that the primary contact received the specific voting details, they were encouraged to add the following e-mail address as an approved sender: noreply@directvote.net.

The SEMA Board is comprised of 10 directors, the chairman, the chairman-elect, immediate-past chairman, secretary and treasurer. While there are a limited number of seats available on the SEMA Board, the election process provides all SEMA-member companies the opportunity to influence the direction and future of the association and specialty-equipment market.

Winners will be announced by May 27 and formally welcomed to the SEMA Board of Directors during the SEMA Installation Gala, July 29.

Here are the candidates for this year’s election:

Manufacturers Category (two open seats)

• Chris Douglas – vice president of marketing, COMP Performance Group
• Dave Edmondson – senior vice president, Roadwire
• Kyle Fickler – director of business development, Aeromotive Inc.
• Rick Love – executive vice president, Vintage Air

Manufacturers' Representative Category (one open seat)

• Les Rudd – president, Bob Cook Sales
• Rich Butler – CEO, R&R Marketing

For more information about the 2016 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Susan Alfonso at 909-978-6671 or susana@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The current SEMA Board of Directors.

Voting for the 2016 SEMA Board of Directors election is underway now through through Tuesday, May 24. Election details, ballots and links were sent to each member company's designated primary contact earlier this week. Learn more about the candidates, their backgrounds and campaign goals by visiting www.sema.org/bod16.

To help ensure that the primary contact received the specific voting details, they were encouraged to add the following e-mail address as an approved sender: noreply@directvote.net.

The SEMA Board is comprised of 10 directors, the chairman, the chairman-elect, immediate-past chairman, secretary and treasurer. While there are a limited number of seats available on the SEMA Board, the election process provides all SEMA-member companies the opportunity to influence the direction and future of the association and specialty-equipment market.

Winners will be announced by May 27 and formally welcomed to the SEMA Board of Directors during the SEMA Installation Gala, July 29.

Here are the candidates for this year’s election:

Manufacturers Category (two open seats)

• Chris Douglas – vice president of marketing, COMP Performance Group
• Dave Edmondson – senior vice president, Roadwire
• Kyle Fickler – director of business development, Aeromotive Inc.
• Rick Love – executive vice president, Vintage Air

Manufacturers' Representative Category (one open seat)

• Les Rudd – president, Bob Cook Sales
• Rich Butler – CEO, R&R Marketing

For more information about the 2016 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Susan Alfonso at 909-978-6671 or susana@sema.org.

It's a triple feature at the SEMA Garage. Running concurrently with the 2017 and Titan XD pickup measuring session, the new 2017 Nissan Armada is joining the event at the SEMA Garage for exclusive member access!

With the introduction of the all-new, second-generation Armada full-size SUV, arriving at Nissan dealers nationwide in mid-2016, the last piece of Nissan’s transformation of its SUV and crossover lineup falls into place. As the largest and most powerful vehicle in the portfolio, Armada earns its flagship status by every measure—whether performance, refinement, advanced technology and even heritage. Unlike the original Armada, which was based on the Nissan Titan full-size pickup, the new-generation design traces back to one of Nissan’s most beloved global vehicles, the Patrol.

It's a triple feature at the SEMA Garage. Running concurrently with the 2017 and Titan XD pickup measuring session, the new 2017 Nissan Armada is joining the event at the SEMA Garage for exclusive member access!

With the introduction of the all-new, second-generation Armada full-size SUV, arriving at Nissan dealers nationwide in mid-2016, the last piece of Nissan’s transformation of its SUV and crossover lineup falls into place. As the largest and most powerful vehicle in the portfolio, Armada earns its flagship status by every measure—whether performance, refinement, advanced technology and even heritage. Unlike the original Armada, which was based on the Nissan Titan full-size pickup, the new-generation design traces back to one of Nissan’s most beloved global vehicles, the Patrol.

It's a triple feature at the SEMA Garage. Running concurrently with the 2017 and Titan XD pickup measuring session, the new 2017 Nissan Armada is joining the event at the SEMA Garage for exclusive member access!

With the introduction of the all-new, second-generation Armada full-size SUV, arriving at Nissan dealers nationwide in mid-2016, the last piece of Nissan’s transformation of its SUV and crossover lineup falls into place. As the largest and most powerful vehicle in the portfolio, Armada earns its flagship status by every measure—whether performance, refinement, advanced technology and even heritage. Unlike the original Armada, which was based on the Nissan Titan full-size pickup, the new-generation design traces back to one of Nissan’s most beloved global vehicles, the Patrol.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The Petty’s Garage/SEMA Cares ’15 Ford Mustang will be auctioned off at Mecum auctions in Indianapolis, May 14, to benefit the Victory Junction children’s charity.

Petty’s Garage/SEMA Cares Ford Mustang to Be Auctioned This Weekend

Next Saturday, May 14, the Petty’s Garage/SEMA Cares ’15 Ford Mustang will be auctioned off at Mecum auctions in Indianapolis. All proceeds will benefit Victory Junction, which enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camp experiences in a medically safe environment at no cost to the camper or their family. The car will be the 43rd auctioned off on Saturday, symbolizing Richard Petty’s car number (43). The Mustang—powered by a 5.0L engine mated to a six-speed transmission—was built for Ford to display at the 2014 SEMA Show, and launched the partnership between Ford Motor Co. and Petty’s Garage. The car was featured in Blue Emu commercials with Johnny Bench and used in the filming of AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson’s television show "Cars That Rock," which prompted the purchase of his first domestic car.

Royal Purple Continues Collaboration With Ringbrothers for 2016

Royal Purple has announced the continuation of its partnership with custom vehicle builder Ringbrothers for 2016. This marks Royal Purple’s fifth consecutive year partnering with Mike and Jim Ring—owners of the Wisconsin-based Ringbrothers. As an official product sponsor, Royal Purple will contribute a full range of products, including its synthetic motor oils, Max Gear, Purple Ice and Max EZ, for various Ringbrothers builds to be showcased at different events throughout the year. In past years, Royal Purple has provided high-performance lubricants for a number of Ringbrothers vehicle projects, including its famed “Recoil” ’66 Chevrolet Chevelle, which debuted at the 2014 SEMA Show. Ringbrothers also featured Royal Purple products in its award-winning ’65 all carbon-fiber widebody Mustang “Espionage” and “Blizzard” ’65 Mustang.

Grote Industries has added a new ’16 Ford F-250 Super Duty truck to its Trilliant Technology Tour lineup.

Grote Adds New F-250 to Trilliant Technology Tour

Grote Industries has added a new ’16 Ford F-250 Super Duty truck to its Trilliant Technology Tour lineup. The tour includes three vehicles outfitted with lighting products designed and manufactured using Grote’s LED technology. The trucks travel throughout the United States to educate Grote customers on the newest lighting technology and problem-solving applications. All three trucks cover Grote’s heavy-duty and automotive aftermarket sales regions. The new truck features more than 70 LED lights mounted to the truck itself and on a display box that pulls out of the truck bed. The new F-250 is stationed in Grote’s eastern sales region and will make daily stops at industry retail and fleet locations in the area.

RealTruck Reaches YouTube Milestone

RealTruck.com has recently hit the 30,000 subscriber mark on its YouTube channel. RealTruck’s videos, which focus on truck accessory installs, product demos and fun company culture, have accumulated more than 21 million views. According to socialblade.com, more than 1 million of these views have occurred over the past 30 days.

The “What’s the Diff” axle giveaway contests offered an Ultimate Dana 44 front axle—a new, direct-fit product for Jeep Wrangler JK vehicles introduced at the 2015 SEMA Show—with the winners’ choice of gear ratio.

Dana Announces Ultimate Dana 44 “What’s The Diff” Axle Giveaway Contest Winners

Dana Holding Co. has announced the winners of its Ultimate Dana 44 “What’s the Diff” axle giveaway contests, held at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, King of the Hammers (KOH) in Johnson Valley, California and 2016 Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) in Moab, Utah. The contests, which received thousands of entries, offered an Ultimate Dana 44 front axle—a new, direct-fit product for Jeep Wrangler JK vehicles introduced at the 2015 SEMA Show—with the winners’ choice of gear ratio. The KOH and EJS winners had their Ultimate Dana 44 front axles installed on site in under three hours.

The winners of the “What’s the Diff” axle giveaway contests were:

• SEMA Show: Steve Egbert, Tulare, California
• KOH Winner: Steve Kline, Ridgecrest, California
• EJS Winner: Randy Wright, Arvada, Colorado

Don Hillyard.

Betts Truck Parts & Service Names Don Hillyard New Sacramento Branch Manager

Betts Truck Parts & Service welcomes Don Hillyard as its new Sacramento branch manager. Hillyard will be responsible for the operations of the Sacramento location, one of eight Betts warehouse and distribution centers, offering thousands of OEM, replacement and aftermarket truck and trailer parts along with truck repair and service. Hillyard joins Betts Truck Parts & Service with more than 15 years of experience as a branch manager and general manager in the materials handling industry in the Sacramento area.

Toyo Tires Holds Photo Contest; Calls for Automotive-Themed Photos

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. is holding the Shutter Space Automotive Photo Gallery Contest now through May 27, 2016. Submit your best car or truck photo for a chance to win. Photos will be judged based on the following criteria:

• Representation of the Toyo Tires’ brand and lifestyle.
• Artistic composition and technical aspect.
• Originality.

One first-place winner will have their photo featured in Super Street magazine and displayed during the Toyo Tires Shutter Space Car Meet & Automotive Photo Gallery on June 25, 2016, in Southern California. They will also receive exclusive Toyo Tires x Crooks & Castles merchandise. Fourteen finalists will also have their photo displayed during the Toyo Tires Shutter Space Car Meet & Automotive Photo Gallery and receive exclusive Toyo Tires x Crooks & Castles merchandise. Submissions are due no later than May 27, 2016.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The threat to racing isn’t over. While many lawmakers across the country are supporting the RPM Act, a Congressional bill that will save our industry and pastime, many elected officials have yet to sign on as co-sponsors. SEMA encourages members of the racing community to continue to tell Congress to support this critical bill.

SEMA member companies can easily share these Facebook and Twitter posts on your own social media platforms. Encourage your followers to write Congress and share these posts with their friends and contacts. Every letter counts!

Facebook (Copy and paste the text):

CLICK. SEND. SHARE. Tell your members of Congress to vote for the RPM Act and defend the future of racing. It just takes a few seconds to let your voice be heard. bit.ly/SignRPMAct

(Right click the image and select save as. Name the file, then upload it on your Facebook post.)

Twitter (Copy and paste the text):

It takes a second 2 tell ur lawmakers 2 vote 4 the #RPMAct & defend the future of racing bit.ly/SignRPMAct

Tell your member of Congress to vote for the #RPMAct & defend the future of racing. bit.ly/SignRPMAct

(Right click the image and save as. Name the file, then upload it on your Twitter post.)

Facebook (Copy and paste the text):

CLICK. SEND. SHARE. Tell your members of Congress to vote for the RPM Act and defend the future of racing. It just takes a few seconds to let your voice be heard. bit.ly/SignRPMAct

(Right click the image and select save as. Name the file, then upload it on your Facebook post.)

Twitter (Copy and paste the text):

It takes a second to tell your lawmakers to vote for the #RPMAct & defend the future of racing. bit.ly/SignRPMAct

Tell your member of Congress to vote for the #RPMAct & defend the future of racing. bit.ly/SignRPMAct

(Right click the image and save as. Name the file, then upload it on your Twitter post.)

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The threat to racing isn’t over. While many lawmakers across the country are supporting the RPM Act, a Congressional bill that will save our industry and pastime, many elected officials have yet to sign on as co-sponsors. SEMA encourages members of the racing community to continue to tell Congress to support this critical bill.

SEMA member companies can easily share these Facebook and Twitter posts on your own social media platforms. Encourage your followers to write Congress and share these posts with their friends and contacts. Every letter counts!

Facebook (Copy and paste the text):

CLICK. SEND. SHARE. Tell your members of Congress to vote for the RPM Act and defend the future of racing. It just takes a few seconds to let your voice be heard. bit.ly/SignRPMAct

(Right click the image and select save as. Name the file, then upload it on your Facebook post.)

Twitter (Copy and paste the text):

It takes a second 2 tell ur lawmakers 2 vote 4 the #RPMAct & defend the future of racing bit.ly/SignRPMAct

Tell your member of Congress to vote for the #RPMAct & defend the future of racing. bit.ly/SignRPMAct

(Right click the image and save as. Name the file, then upload it on your Twitter post.)

Facebook (Copy and paste the text):

CLICK. SEND. SHARE. Tell your members of Congress to vote for the RPM Act and defend the future of racing. It just takes a few seconds to let your voice be heard. bit.ly/SignRPMAct

(Right click the image and select save as. Name the file, then upload it on your Facebook post.)

Twitter (Copy and paste the text):

It takes a second to tell your lawmakers to vote for the #RPMAct & defend the future of racing. bit.ly/SignRPMAct

Tell your member of Congress to vote for the #RPMAct & defend the future of racing. bit.ly/SignRPMAct

(Right click the image and save as. Name the file, then upload it on your Twitter post.)