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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 niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.

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	Jonathan Mill, 2013 SEMA Launch Pad winner, pitches his business, E-Stopp, to the judging panel.

SEMA Launch Pad Competitors Announced

By Bryan Harrison

From a large pool of competitors, the top 10 young automotive entrepreneurs have been named in the second-annual SEMA Launch Pad Presented by YEN competition.

Representing new innovative products and services in the specialty automotive aftermarket, these next-gen automotive leaders are looking for a big break to launch their business to the next level.

In this next step of the competition, you can decide the fate of the top five competitors who will advance to a live competition at the SEMA Show. Watch their short business pitches on YouTube and vote today.

Your vote will decide the five competitors who will pitch their business to a celebrity judging panel at the SEMA Show, including automotive industry juggernauts Doug Evans, Ron Coleman, Jessi Combs, Mark Arcenal and Glenn Rogers. The winner will receive a grand prize to launch their business to the next level.

Voting ends September 5, with the live on-stage competition occurring November 5, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in the SEMA Show Super Session Room N258 (second floor, North Hall). Lunch will be provided to the first 125 attendees.

Top 10 SEMA Launch Pad Competitors – Vote now!

	SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their Show floor presence by offering products to builders through SEMA eNews. The information in the list is supplied by this year’s exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product can contact the exhibitor directly.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2014 SEMA Show are expanding their Show floor presence by offering products to builders through the list below. The information is provided by this year’s exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product can contact the exhibitor directly.

All product-placement decisions and negotiations are the responsibility of the manufacturers and the builders. Participation in the list does not guarantee product placement at the 2014 SEMA Show.

Exhibitors: To participate in the list, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form located in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual. Once submitted, the listing will appear in the next available issue of eNews and then added to the complete list on www.SEMAShow.com.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2014 SEMA Show only. For questions or additional information, contact Jason Catullo at jasonc@sema.org.

All previous submissions are listed on www.SEMAShow.com. 

Latest Submissions

Engine/Underhood Components

Fesler Built: Hood hinges, fender braces, bolt and washer kits, headers, engine mounts and trunk hinges. Contact: Chris Fesler, info@feslerbuilt.com; 480-748-2000. Website: www.feslerbuilt.com.

Exterior Components/Accessories

2Way Air/Rock Smasher Engineering: Temporary central air tire complete pressure regulation system for all vehicle types. Contact: Alan Joseph, aj@rocksmasher.com; 702-981-6081. Website: www.rocksmasher.com.

Automatic Cargo Light: Four- and eight-foot dual LED automatic cargo light kits. Contact: Justin Zich, info@automaticcargolight.com; 701-220-9467. Website: www.automaticcargolight.com.

Dinjee Glo Truck Rails: Glo Rails available in red, amber, purple, pink and green. Contact: Bryan Hickman, info@dinjee.com; 936-232-5526. Website: www.dinjee.com.

Fesler Built: ’55–’70s headlights, billet driving lights, taillights and door handles. Contact: Chris Fesler, info@feslerbuilt.com; 480-748-2000. Website: www.feslerbuilt.com.

Lund International: Exterior components from AVS, Lund International and AMP Research. Contact: Joe Thompson, jthompson@lundinter.com; 678-804-3792. Website: www.lundinternational.com; www.amp-research.com.

Interior Components/Accessories

Fesler Built: ’67–’69 Camaro door panels; ’69–’72 Chevelle door panels; ’67–’72 Chevrolet C-10 door panels. Contact: Chris Fesler, info@feslerbuilt.com; 480-748-2000. Website: www.feslerbuilt.com.

Lund International: Interior components. Contact: Joe Thompson, jthompson@lundinter.com; 678-804-3792. Website: www.lundinternational.com.

Suspension/Brake Components

Rare Parts Inc. Diamond Series: Rare Parts, Inc. is seeking to sponsor builders displaying Jeep Wrangler JKs for the 2014 SEMA Show in a booth or parked in front of Central Hall. Qualifying vehicles will be sponsored with: 1) FAB SERIES patented HD steering system, and/or 2) Upper and lower dual load carrying ball joint kit. Contact: Glen Knowles, glen@rareparts.com; 209-323-3924.

Other Products/Services

2Way Air/Rock Smasher Engineering: Temporary central air tire complete pressure regulation system for all vehicle types. Contact: Alan Joseph, aj@rocksmasher.com; 702-981-6081. Website: www.rocksmasher.com.

Dinjee Glo Truck Rails: Hazard lighting system. Glo Rails with wireless controller. Contact: Bryan Hickman, info@dinjee.com; 936-232-5526. Website: www.dinjee.com.

Fesler Built: Fesler Detail products, All_N-1 spray, Wrap It Up spray, Flat Line spray, Soapy Water wheel cleaner, Smooth Like Butta Wax, Tire Stuff, Hand Wash and Brazilian Wax. Complete line of cleaning products. Contact: Chris Fesler, info@feslerbuilt.com; 480-748-2000. Website: www.feslerbuilt.com.

Lund International: Ventvisors, Hoodshields, Aeroskin, running boards, nerf bars, rock rail modular system, PowerStep, BedXtender HD, BedStep, fender flares, tonneaus and storage boxes. Contact: Joe Thompson, jthompson@lundinter.com; 678-804-3792. Website: www.lundinternational.com; www.amp-research.com.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know.

SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to generate more opportunities and awareness for their company and products by announcing SEMA Show incentives in SEMA eNews.

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know. The information will be included each week in SEMA eNews from now until the opening of the 2014 SEMA Show.

To be included, send information to editors@sema.org.

Even though the majority of buyer orders take place in the weeks following the Show, a growing trend is for more business deals to be conducted on site. SEMA research reveals that 45% of buyers in 2013 placed an order at the show, up from 40% in 2012.

SEMA research also indicates that buyers are increasingly eager to take advantage of deals at the Show. Even though only 38% of exhibitors offered a Show discount, 76% of buyers report taking advantage of SEMA Show specials or discounts during the Show.

For more information on the 2014 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know.

SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to generate more opportunities and awareness for their company and products by announcing SEMA Show incentives in SEMA eNews.

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know. The information will be included each week in SEMA eNews from now until the opening of the 2014 SEMA Show.

To be included, send information to editors@sema.org.

Even though the majority of buyer orders take place in the weeks following the Show, a growing trend is for more business deals to be conducted on site. SEMA research reveals that 45% of buyers in 2013 placed an order at the show, up from 40% in 2012.

SEMA research also indicates that buyers are increasingly eager to take advantage of deals at the Show. Even though only 38% of exhibitors offered a Show discount, 76% of buyers report taking advantage of SEMA Show specials or discounts during the Show.

For more information on the 2014 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know.

SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to generate more opportunities and awareness for their company and products by announcing SEMA Show incentives in SEMA eNews.

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know. The information will be included each week in SEMA eNews from now until the opening of the 2014 SEMA Show.

To be included, send information to editors@sema.org.

Even though the majority of buyer orders take place in the weeks following the Show, a growing trend is for more business deals to be conducted on site. SEMA research reveals that 45% of buyers in 2013 placed an order at the show, up from 40% in 2012.

SEMA research also indicates that buyers are increasingly eager to take advantage of deals at the Show. Even though only 38% of exhibitors offered a Show discount, 76% of buyers report taking advantage of SEMA Show specials or discounts during the Show.

For more information on the 2014 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

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

By SEMA Editors

	Mario Andretti will make an appearance in the Magnaflow booth at the 2014 SEMA Show.

Celebrities and popular personalities from across the specialty-equipment industry will make appearances throughout the week of the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7, in Las Vegas. The Association has compiled a partial list of celebrity appearances to date. More will be added in the coming months.

As the largest annual gathering of small businesses in the United States, as well as the hotbed for new parts and equipment from all corners of the industry, booth appearances by recognizable personalities provide buyers with a identifiable, visual connection of the company's target market.

View or print the 2014 SEMA Show Celebrity Appearance list.

By SEMA Editors

	Mario Andretti will make an appearance in the Magnaflow booth at the 2014 SEMA Show.

Celebrities and popular personalities from across the specialty-equipment industry will make appearances throughout the week of the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7, in Las Vegas. The Association has compiled a partial list of celebrity appearances to date. More will be added in the coming months.

As the largest annual gathering of small businesses in the United States, as well as the hotbed for new parts and equipment from all corners of the industry, booth appearances by recognizable personalities provide buyers with a identifiable, visual connection of the company's target market.

View or print the 2014 SEMA Show Celebrity Appearance list.

By SEMA Editors

	Mario Andretti will make an appearance in the Magnaflow booth at the 2014 SEMA Show.

Celebrities and popular personalities from across the specialty-equipment industry will make appearances throughout the week of the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7, in Las Vegas. The Association has compiled a partial list of celebrity appearances to date. More will be added in the coming months.

As the largest annual gathering of small businesses in the United States, as well as the hotbed for new parts and equipment from all corners of the industry, booth appearances by recognizable personalities provide buyers with a identifiable, visual connection of the company's target market.

View or print the 2014 SEMA Show Celebrity Appearance list.

By SEMA Editors

	James "Jim" Jordan

James “Jim” Jordan, founder and chairman of QA1, passed away July 30, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. He was 67 years old. In the early ’70s, Jordan started working in the power transmission industry and quickly worked his way around related industries, eventually becoming an expert on rod ends. He became known as an innovator of numerous industry-changing products that are now standards across a variety of markets. Throughout his career, he was involved in multiple patents for his ground-breaking ideas.

Since founding QA1 in 1993, Jordan marketed rod end and spherical bearings specifically for the performance racing industry. He then expanded QA1’s product lines into a variety of industrial markets, providing rod ends, linkages and custom products. Always looking for new ways to grow, he oversaw the acquisitions of Hal Shocks and Carrera Shocks and quickly saw QA1 become a leader in shock absorbers for drag racing, street performance, street rods and circle track applications.

He retired in 2005, but returned to QA1 in 2011, saying, “I was no good at golf, so I had to return to my day job.” Since then, Jordan helped grow the company even more in product offerings and manufacturing space. QA1 expanded its Lakeville, Minnesota, facility to more than 83,000 sq. ft. to allow for in-house manufacturing of carbon-fiber driveshafts and, with the acquisitions of CAP Auto Products and Edelbrock’s suspension line, fabricated suspension components.

Jordan was involved in all aspects of the company, including engineering, sales and customer service. His visionary leadership played a large role in the success of QA1 and its products.

Read what friends and colleages are saying about Jordan.