By SEMA Editors

SEMA members have the opportunity to nominate individuals for the 2014 SEMA Hall of Fame. Nominations are being accepted online.

SEMA is now accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. Created in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is the most prestigious honor presented to an individual by the association. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate a person for the 2014 SEMA Hall of Fame.

The award is designed to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or association's growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the Hall of Fame website and SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2014 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit a nomination before the Friday, March 21, 2014, deadline.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.semahof.com or contact Gina Ledesma at ginal@sema.org, 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA members have the opportunity to nominate individuals for the 2014 SEMA Hall of Fame. Nominations are being accepted online.

SEMA is now accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. Created in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is the most prestigious honor presented to an individual by the association. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate a person for the 2014 SEMA Hall of Fame.

The award is designed to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or association's growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the Hall of Fame website and SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2014 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit a nomination before the Friday, March 21, 2014, deadline.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.semahof.com or contact Gina Ledesma at ginal@sema.org, 909-978-6692.

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• Canepa Group Inc., located in Scotts Valley, California, is hiring a vehicle upholstery fabricator. The successful candidate will must be Journeyman/Craftsman level with extensive experience in antique, custom, sports car and collectable automotive upholstery fabrication, production and design. Extensive knowledge of all materials and a full understanding of each material's suitability for the given application are required.

• Nitrous Express Inc., located in Wichita Falls, Texas, is hiring a research and development specialist with complete knowledge of the Solid Works CAD program. Experience with 3D printing and machine shop skills are preferable.

• American Tire Distributors, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is hiring a performance specialist to generate sales in all wheel and accessory product lines and assist customers and employees with application fitments and product knowledge. The ideal candidate will have experience managing major accounts and customers, particularly in achieving genuine sales development.

• American Eagle Wheel Corp., located in Chino, California, is hiring a national sales manager to oversee the sales department throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. The successful candidate will develop a business plan and sales strategy for the market that ensures attainment of company sales goals and profitability, be able to accurately forecast sales trends in the wheel and/or tire industry and react quickly and develop new customer relationships and grow sales. A minimum of five years of sales and management experience with an emphasis in the wheel and/or tire industry is required.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• Canepa Group Inc., located in Scotts Valley, California, is hiring a vehicle upholstery fabricator. The successful candidate will must be Journeyman/Craftsman level with extensive experience in antique, custom, sports car and collectable automotive upholstery fabrication, production and design. Extensive knowledge of all materials and a full understanding of each material's suitability for the given application are required.

• Nitrous Express Inc., located in Wichita Falls, Texas, is hiring a research and development specialist with complete knowledge of the Solid Works CAD program. Experience with 3D printing and machine shop skills are preferable.

• American Tire Distributors, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is hiring a performance specialist to generate sales in all wheel and accessory product lines and assist customers and employees with application fitments and product knowledge. The ideal candidate will have experience managing major accounts and customers, particularly in achieving genuine sales development.

• American Eagle Wheel Corp., located in Chino, California, is hiring a national sales manager to oversee the sales department throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. The successful candidate will develop a business plan and sales strategy for the market that ensures attainment of company sales goals and profitability, be able to accurately forecast sales trends in the wheel and/or tire industry and react quickly and develop new customer relationships and grow sales. A minimum of five years of sales and management experience with an emphasis in the wheel and/or tire industry is required.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

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.

Visit TORA's website.

Nominations Open for Truck and Off-Road Alliance Select Committee

By Amanda Gubbins

Nominations for the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Select Committee are currently open. SEMA members can nominate themselves or another individual to fill an open seat. As professionals in the diesel, Jeep, lowered, raised and off-road categories, these volunteers know the pulse of the industry and are well-equipped to guide the direction of the council to offer value to the entire membership.

Having served in many capacities during his time as a SEMA volunteer, George Lathouris of Keystone Automotive Operations has a great deal of experience and advice to share with those considering taking that next step of running for a seat. Lathouris ran for a seat when other members who had served on the Select Committee extended a personal invitation.

“My decision to become involved came from a desire to give back to an industry that has given so much to me,” Lathouris recalled.

Lathouris led several task forces focused on industry events, communications and providing resources for lift kit laws and truck bed measurements before becoming chair of the council from 2011–2012. Through his years of experience, Lathouris continued to grow as a professional. He was also honored as SEMA’s 2013 Person of the Year.

“It is so humbling; I can’t begin to tell you what it means. I just describe it as surreal. I guess I did some of the right things by the industry—trying to get people involved at whatever level they could, coaching, sharing business experience. I always tried to teach others how to approach business and live with integrity, because it’s not always as much about making the next deal as it is about doing the right thing.”

Lathouris encourages anyone who is hesitant to take that next step, “If you are looking to give back and get something in return, this is a great place to do that. If you want to do a little bit more and make connections, it’s the best place to start.”

He also counsels new volunteers to be patient in their efforts, “Rome wasn’t built in a day and little things do matter, even if they seem like small tasks. Great things happen over time.”

Members who would like to run for a Select Committee seat or suggest another individual can submit nominations online. All nominees must be employees of SEMA-member companies that belong to the council. Nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT), Friday, March 21, 2014.

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Visit ARMO's website.

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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Visit SBN's website.

Start a Conversation with Other Women in the Industry

By Gigi Ho

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN, desires to discuss topics that are closely tied to members’ business or career growth. 

The SBN has more than 500 members, and each one has faced and overcome many hurdles during their career in the automotive aftermarket. Each woman’s experience—even if it seems routine—can help others gain a new perspective and open discussions to benefit the entire group.

SBN offers discussion forums through Facebook and LinkedIn for members to connect, share thoughts, start discussions or share articles that they have found helpful. Because of the participation that is already taking place in the LinkedIn group, SBN’s leadership encourages members to join the conversation. 

This is also a great forum for members to  share updates about vehicles and other projects they are working on, or have recently completed. These projects often garner a lot of interest from SBN members and other SEMA members.

LinkedIn is an open forum for everyone in the industry, so whenever there are ideas, please post to the SBN Group.

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Visit YEN's website

	SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour this summer.

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.

	YEN members are invited to register their musclecars for the Street Machine and Muscle Car Nationals in Pomona, California.

Young Executives Invited to Participate in the Street Machine and Muscle Car Nationals

By SEMA Editors

Young executives in the specialty-equipment market are invited to register their musclecars for the Street Machine and Muscle Car Nationals, and the first 25 applicants can receive free admission for themselves, their vehicle and a guest.

The event will take place March 22–23, 2014, at Fairplex in Pomona, California, and will feature a collection of high-performance musclecars, pro-touring cars and street machines for a weekend of festivities focused on vintage vehicles.

At the event, participants will be able to take a spin in their own musclecars on the Autocross timed obstacle course, enjoy cruising lanes, smoke tires in the burnout contests and more. Participants will be required to place their vehicle in the designated outdoor “YEN Corral” both days for the duration of the event; however, vehicles will not be required to remain on the grounds overnight.

Showgoers will enjoy a Miss Street Machine Nationals Contest, pro car builders, seeing their custom creations on display, live music and games, products, demos and displays in the Performance Midway. The weekend will give members of SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) an opportunity to meet and network in a relaxed and fun environment.

Applicants must be YEN members for consideration. The network is free for employees of SEMA-member companies who are under the age of 40. If you have not yet joined the network, sign up today before sending in your application.

For additional information about this event, visit www.streetmachinenationals.net or contact Bryan Harrison, senior manager of networks.

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By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Washington State Senate approved legislation to exempt collectible vehicles of any age from emissions testing.

Legislation to exempt collectible vehicles of any age from emissions testing was approved by the Washington State Senate. Having already been passed by the House the bill will now be sent to Governor Jay Inslee for his signature and enactment into law.

The bill defines collectible vehicles as “a vehicle of unique or rare design, of limited production, and an object of curiosity that is maintained primarily for use in car club activities, exhibitions, parades, or other functions of public interest or for a private collection, and is used only infrequently for other purposes.”

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Washington State Senate approved legislation to exempt collectible vehicles of any age from emissions testing.

Legislation to exempt collectible vehicles of any age from emissions testing was approved by the Washington State Senate. Having already been passed by the House the bill will now be sent to Governor Jay Inslee for his signature and enactment into law.

The bill defines collectible vehicles as “a vehicle of unique or rare design, of limited production, and an object of curiosity that is maintained primarily for use in car club activities, exhibitions, parades, or other functions of public interest or for a private collection, and is used only infrequently for other purposes.”

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Washington State Senate approved legislation to exempt collectible vehicles of any age from emissions testing.

Legislation to exempt collectible vehicles of any age from emissions testing was approved by the Washington State Senate. Having already been passed by the House the bill will now be sent to Governor Jay Inslee for his signature and enactment into law.

The bill defines collectible vehicles as “a vehicle of unique or rare design, of limited production, and an object of curiosity that is maintained primarily for use in car club activities, exhibitions, parades, or other functions of public interest or for a private collection, and is used only infrequently for other purposes.”

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

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

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

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