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 niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.
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Bob Millard
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Bob Millard Inducted Into the Detroit Autorama’s Circle of Champions
By Amanda Gubbins
Bob Millard, long-time SEMA supporter and current HRIA Select Committee member, has been chosen as one of this year’s three inductees into the Detroit Autorama’s Circle of Champions. Millard has judged hundreds of car shows during his 50-year career in the custom car show industry. He is currently general manager for the International Show Car Association (ISCA), where he has held several positions since the early ’70s. In 2010, HRIA recognized him for his achievements and contributions when he was awarded the council’s Industry Recognition of an Individual Award. Millard sees one of his greatest achievements as passing his love of hot rods on to his son, Brian, who is now one of the top ISCA officials.
“It’s always gratifying to see good people recognized for their efforts and accomplishments,” said HRIA Chair Rick Love. “Bob has dedicated his life to the hot-rod industry, and the student programs he has developed through ISCA continue to introduce young people to car shows and help pass the torch to the next generation. He has been an integral part of the HRIA Select Committee, and we were all excited to be in Detroit to see him inducted into The Circle of Champions.”
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Restoration Parts Registration Open for Hot Products Showcase
Registration is now open for the Automotive Restoration Market Organization’s (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase, which will take place April 23–26, 2014, at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
This event is an opportunity for council members to display one or more products in front of one of the single-largest gatherings of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the world.
In addition to having products on display in the Hot Products tent, a professional photographer will photograph each one. The photos will be available to manufacturers and will also be used in a slideshow at the ARMO booth and reception at the SEMA Show. A gallery on the ARMO webpage also houses each of the photos, along with a product description for those unable to attend the event. This publicity is available to ARMO members for only the cost of shipping the product entries to the Carlisle Fairgrounds.
Product entries must meet the following criteria:
- Must be the product of an ARMO member-company.
- Must be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the Showcase, April 23.
- Must demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.
Members can register products by filling out the online application. All applications must be received by April 18, 2014. Not an ARMO member? Join today to gain access to this event and other council benefits.
Restoration Professionals Gather for Networking at the Hot Products Showcase
ARMO will host a networking mixer in the Hot Products Tent at the Showcase, Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. The mixer will be a chance for members to grab a drink and spend some time interacting one-on-one with council leadership and fellow ARMO members. The council leadership believes this event holds enormous potential for new ideas and partnerships to be formed as members network with new and old industry friends. RSVP to save your spot.
Make Your Voice Heard at the ARMO Industry Discussion
This year, the council will also hold an industry discussion, Friday, April 25, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Hot Products Tent. The session will allow members and others interested in joining the council to voice their concerns, ask questions and offer input to the group. For members who would like to be a part of shaping future projects and events, this will be a chance to make their voices heard. Send in your RSVP today.
For more information about any of these events, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.
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Manufacturers in the industry participate with 4 Wheel Parts to put on a weekend sales event, which is open to the public with free admission. |
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Regional Show Recap – 4 Wheel Part Truck & Jeep Fest
Ryan Few of Rigid Industries recently attended the 4 Wheel Part Truck & Jeep Fest in Honolulu and shared some notes for other TORA members.
Please provide an overview of the event.
Manufacturers in the industry participate with 4 Wheel Parts to put on a weekend sales event, which is open to the public with free admission. The event draws a crowd, with automotive enthusiasts lining up at the front doors on both Saturday and Sunday.
What is the manufacturers’ experience like?
Close to 100 of the industry’s leading manufacturers take advantage of this time to connect and support 4 Wheel Parts in selling their products.
Why is this event important for an TORA member’s business?
To the locals it’s the one time a year to meet with manufacturers directly; it’s a time for manufacturers to really connect with and inform consumers about their product lines. 4 Wheel Parts goes above and beyond to make sure the event is beneficial for everyone involved.
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SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour this summer. |
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SEMA Takes 10 Young Executives on the Hot Rod Power Tour
By Lindsay Hubley
SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour this summer as ambassadors for the industry and the network. These YENsters will represent different niches in the specialty-equipment market as they interact with tour attendees and visit schools along the seven-city, seven-day journey to share about their careers with the next generation of industry executives. The participants will also take the tour online through the YEN Facebook page, Twitter and other social media outlets.
With a dedication for cultivating young talent in the industry, YEN provides educational and networking opportunities for employees of SEMA-member companies who are under the age of 40. The Hot Rod Power Tour attracts more than 5,000 vehicles. YEN’s leadership believes the Power Tour is a way to engage these professionals and create consumer awareness by educating young enthusiasts about the diversity of the industry, and highlighting the variety of automotive career paths available in the specialty-equipment market.
"The YEN Power Tour is about more than hitting the road in your musclecar or hot rod; it's about forging relationships and making connections,” said YEN Chair Dan Kahn. “There are literally thousands of job opportunities in the automotive aftermarket for young people across the nation—we want to tell that story and show that in our high-performance family, young people aren't afraid to get their hands dirty."
Participants in the YEN Power Tour will be awarded a prize package, including hotel accommodations for the trip, airfare, complimentary meals, a gas allowance, an iON Air Pro Wi-Fi Lite, free entry into the tour, gifts from the tour and sponsors, premier parking at each stop and a variety of SEMA swag items.
Learn more and apply today to join the YEN Power Tour as a participant. Applications will be accepted through April 11, 2014. All members of YEN are eligible to apply. Not yet a member? Join today.
