Joseph Grenchik (second from left).

By SEMA Editors

Joseph Grenchik Named Mitchell 1/ASE Technician of the Future
Joseph Grenchik of New Lenox, Illinois, was named the Mitchell 1/Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Technician of the Future as part of the 2014 ASE Fall Board of Governors Meeting and Annual Technician Awards, held November 18–19, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Grenchik received a $500 cash prize and a $2,000 gift certificate for a one-year subscription to ProDemand from Mitchell 1.

Grenchik has been a technician for one year and is currently a full-time student at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, where he is working toward a bachelor’s of science degree in automotive technology. He entered the automotive field because it was a good match with his skill set and there are many options for advancement. The head instructor at his junior college suggested he pursue a bachelor’s degree, so he took the advice and is happy with his decision to go beyond the community college level.

Black Book Expands Role of Senior VP of Sales
Black Book promoted Jared Kalfus to senior vice president of sales, where he will expand his current role of overseeing data licensing and lender solutions to include the sales team of Black Book’s Activator Division. With 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Kalfus joined Black Book in June 2012 as vice president of automotive licensing. He remains responsible for overseeing the national sales team focused on licensing Black Book data to automotive OEMs, auctions, VARs and marketing companies. He also leads the Black Book Lender Solutions team that supports automotive lenders, finance customers, banks, credit unions and title lenders.

Asbury Automotive Group Acquires Sandy Springs Ford
Asbury Automotive Group Inc. has acquired Sandy Springs Ford, which generates approximately $110 million in revenues annually. The dealership has been rebranded Nalley Ford Sandy Springs and brings the number of Asbury stores in Georgia to 16. The newly acquired store is located at 7555 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs—a northern suburb of Atlanta. For 30 years, the Ford store has served customers from all over Georgia. In 2011, the Ford store won the President's Award for Superior Customer Service and Sales Excellence, which is the highest honor from Ford. Asbury Automotive is dedicated to continuing this tradition of excellence.

The message is clear: Automotive customization is thriving, and American-based businesses are at the forefront of product technology and innovation for the industry. As highlighted in the recent “SEMA Annual Market Study,” the automotive specialty-equipment market now represents $33 billion in annual sales—a 7% increases compared to 2013.

This month’s “Required Reading” highlights several SEMA-member companies that have achieved success and are examples of the leading innovation that exists in the industry. These companies typify many SEMA-member companies, manufacturing product created by people with a passion for the industry andy he desire to create superior products.

The message is clear: Automotive customization is thriving, and American-based businesses are at the forefront of product technology and innovation for the industry. As highlighted in the recent “SEMA Annual Market Study,” the automotive specialty-equipment market now represents $33 billion in annual sales—a 7% increases compared to 2013.

This month’s “Required Reading” highlights several SEMA-member companies that have achieved success and are examples of the leading innovation that exists in the industry. These companies typify many SEMA-member companies, manufacturing product created by people with a passion for the industry andy he desire to create superior products.

By SEMA Editors

	During the 2015 MPMC Media Trade Conference, journalists will have the opportunity to conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers.

The priority media registration deadline for the annual MPMC Media Trade Conference is Tuesday, December 16. Media who register before the early deadline will be able to obtain the best schedule possible.

The online registration form allows editors and reporters a chance to select the companies with which they wish to meet. A confirmation e-mail will automatically be sent to applicants, allowing them a chance to review the companies they are requesting to meet.

Complete details and registration is available at www.sema.org/mtcreg or can be obtained from Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

	During the 2015 MPMC Media Trade Conference, journalists will have the opportunity to conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers.

The priority media registration deadline for the annual MPMC Media Trade Conference is Tuesday, December 16. Media who register before the early deadline will be able to obtain the best schedule possible.

The online registration form allows editors and reporters a chance to select the companies with which they wish to meet. A confirmation e-mail will automatically be sent to applicants, allowing them a chance to review the companies they are requesting to meet.

Complete details and registration is available at www.sema.org/mtcreg or can be obtained from Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• One seat in the Chairman-elect category
• Two seats in the Manufacturer category
• Two seats in the Distributor/Retailer category
• One seat in the Services category
• There are no seats open in the Manufacturer Representatives category this year.

Nominations for the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors are due Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well.  We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO