Proceeds from this year's Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

Each year, generous individuals around the United States step up to sponsor pinewood race cars, and SEMA councils challenge each other to special competitions. This is all done in support of two great charities that support children in need—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

This year's event will take place near historic Pomona Raceway—the perfect setting for a drag race! No one is more encouraged by the volume of this year's Pinewood Derby sponsorships than SEMA Chairman of the Board, Scooter Brothers. "I can't think of an easier way for someone to say they raced at Pomona than to sponsor one of these cool little pinewood racers," said Brothers. "Isn't this what we all wanted to do growing up…to race at Pomona? Help yourself and a kid realize that dream by sponsoring a pinewood racer."

Sponsoring a Pinewood Derby racer is easy, fun and, who knows, you just might win! Every SEMA member is encouraged to help a child in need and show that our industry can come together to raise money for two great charities.

Sponsor your Pinewood Derby car today.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, take place at 12:00 p.m., Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today.

	Proceeds from this year's Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

Each year, generous individuals around the United States step up to sponsor pinewood race cars, and SEMA councils challenge each other to special competitions. This is all done in support of two great charities that support children in need—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

This year's event will take place near historic Pomona Raceway—the perfect setting for a drag race! No one is more encouraged by the volume of this year's Pinewood Derby sponsorships than SEMA Chairman of the Board, Scooter Brothers. "I can't think of an easier way for someone to say they raced at Pomona than to sponsor one of these cool little pinewood racers," said Brothers. "Isn't this what we all wanted to do growing up…to race at Pomona? Help yourself and a kid realize that dream by sponsoring a pinewood racer."

Sponsoring a Pinewood Derby racer is easy, fun and, who knows, you just might win! Every SEMA member is encouraged to help a child in need and show that our industry can come together to raise money for two great charities.

Sponsor your Pinewood Derby car today.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, take place at 12:00 p.m., Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today.

	Proceeds from this year's Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities.

Each year, generous individuals around the United States step up to sponsor pinewood race cars, and SEMA councils challenge each other to special competitions. This is all done in support of two great charities that support children in need—Childhelp and Victory Junction.

This year's event will take place near historic Pomona Raceway—the perfect setting for a drag race! No one is more encouraged by the volume of this year's Pinewood Derby sponsorships than SEMA Chairman of the Board, Scooter Brothers. "I can't think of an easier way for someone to say they raced at Pomona than to sponsor one of these cool little pinewood racers," said Brothers. "Isn't this what we all wanted to do growing up…to race at Pomona? Help yourself and a kid realize that dream by sponsoring a pinewood racer."

Sponsoring a Pinewood Derby racer is easy, fun and, who knows, you just might win! Every SEMA member is encouraged to help a child in need and show that our industry can come together to raise money for two great charities.

Sponsor your Pinewood Derby car today.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, take place at 12:00 p.m., Friday, July 27, 2012, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today.

	Nancy Friedman

Bottom line—business is all about making sales. How are you and your team measuring up? Are you aware of key sales do's and don'ts? Whether you are a seasoned sales veteran or a novice, it's always a good time to brush up on essential sales techniques—and learn a few new ones.

Join Nancy Friedman, the Telephone Doctor, and the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) for this informative webinar, "The 21 Golden Nuggets of Sales," Thursday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

You will walk away with not just one, two or three nuggets—you will have 21! You may have heard a few, but Friedman will also share several new ones.

During this session, Friedman will share advice, tips and techniques, including:

• E-mail sales tips
• When to use a speaker phone
• Voicemail sales tips

Friedman is a four-time SEMA Show speaker. Her passion for retail sales and counter training goes above and beyond. As a customer service specialist, Friedman has brought programs to Car-X, Tuffy, Carstar, Precision Tune, LA Tire Dealers, Midas, NTDRA and a host of other automotive companies and associations over the years.

Join her Thursday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), as she conducts this lively session on essential sales techniques.

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

What are some best sales techniques you’ve you received or learned? Share them with other SEMA members on LinkedIn. Note: You must belong to the SEMA Members group on LinkedIn to participate.

	Nancy Friedman

Bottom line—business is all about making sales. How are you and your team measuring up? Are you aware of key sales do's and don'ts? Whether you are a seasoned sales veteran or a novice, it's always a good time to brush up on essential sales techniques—and learn a few new ones.

Join Nancy Friedman, the Telephone Doctor, and the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) for this informative webinar, "The 21 Golden Nuggets of Sales," Thursday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

You will walk away with not just one, two or three nuggets—you will have 21! You may have heard a few, but Friedman will also share several new ones.

During this session, Friedman will share advice, tips and techniques, including:

• E-mail sales tips
• When to use a speaker phone
• Voicemail sales tips

Friedman is a four-time SEMA Show speaker. Her passion for retail sales and counter training goes above and beyond. As a customer service specialist, Friedman has brought programs to Car-X, Tuffy, Carstar, Precision Tune, LA Tire Dealers, Midas, NTDRA and a host of other automotive companies and associations over the years.

Join her Thursday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), as she conducts this lively session on essential sales techniques.

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

What are some best sales techniques you’ve you received or learned? Share them with other SEMA members on LinkedIn. Note: You must belong to the SEMA Members group on LinkedIn to participate.

	Nancy Friedman

Bottom line—business is all about making sales. How are you and your team measuring up? Are you aware of key sales do's and don'ts? Whether you are a seasoned sales veteran or a novice, it's always a good time to brush up on essential sales techniques—and learn a few new ones.

Join Nancy Friedman, the Telephone Doctor, and the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) for this informative webinar, "The 21 Golden Nuggets of Sales," Thursday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

You will walk away with not just one, two or three nuggets—you will have 21! You may have heard a few, but Friedman will also share several new ones.

During this session, Friedman will share advice, tips and techniques, including:

• E-mail sales tips
• When to use a speaker phone
• Voicemail sales tips

Friedman is a four-time SEMA Show speaker. Her passion for retail sales and counter training goes above and beyond. As a customer service specialist, Friedman has brought programs to Car-X, Tuffy, Carstar, Precision Tune, LA Tire Dealers, Midas, NTDRA and a host of other automotive companies and associations over the years.

Join her Thursday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), as she conducts this lively session on essential sales techniques.

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

What are some best sales techniques you’ve you received or learned? Share them with other SEMA members on LinkedIn. Note: You must belong to the SEMA Members group on LinkedIn to participate.

 

	The goal of the SEMA Data Co-op is to enable any manufacturer to take control of their product data, maintain its compliance to standards, and provide a seamless means to distribute that data to approved data receivers of their choice in the most affordable way possible.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has doubled its capacity for the beta phase running through September and now has spots available for suppliers and receivers interested in getting a head start in providing or receiving data through the co-op.

Participating suppliers receive free help-desk support, data validation, secure storage and data exports to receivers of their choice through the beta phase, and are first in line to "go live" with the production system later this year. Receivers get a free custom requirements study and unlimited data exports designed especially for their specific needs.

Join the industry leaders who have already started the beta process and help make the SEMA Data Co-op the central source for SEMA market product data!

 

	The goal of the SEMA Data Co-op is to enable any manufacturer to take control of their product data, maintain its compliance to standards, and provide a seamless means to distribute that data to approved data receivers of their choice in the most affordable way possible.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has doubled its capacity for the beta phase running through September and now has spots available for suppliers and receivers interested in getting a head start in providing or receiving data through the co-op.

Participating suppliers receive free help-desk support, data validation, secure storage and data exports to receivers of their choice through the beta phase, and are first in line to "go live" with the production system later this year. Receivers get a free custom requirements study and unlimited data exports designed especially for their specific needs.

Join the industry leaders who have already started the beta process and help make the SEMA Data Co-op the central source for SEMA market product data!

This Sunday, fathers will be honored for many things. For the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), this is also a time to pay tribute to those men who have passed down the love of the hobby to their own kids. Walk through any typical American neighborhood and you will see garage doors open with classic cars inside and wrenches being turned. For enthusiasts, the time spent in the garage is about much more than finding ways to make more horsepower, get the car running for the next local show or just cruising through your hometown with a sense of pride. It is about life, passion and, most importantly, building memories with your kids. This is the story of hot rodding. This is the story of America. And, this is how the industry will continue and thrive long into the future.

	George Major with his ’57 Chevy stock car.

HRIA reached out to its membership and asked them to pay tribute to dads and share their stories and their pictures. Throughout the month of June, HRIA will do just that. Visit the HRIA Facebook page to read these stories and create your own. Here is a glimpse of what you will find:

I learned a great deal helping my father at his Texaco station, working on street rods, stock cars and the occasional classic truck. He inspired me to do the highest-quality work possible at anything I did, regardless of how small the task, and he instilled in me a passion for hot rods, especially the classic pickup trucks.

When I started Bed Wood and Parts, it was that passion from my childhood that fueled this business.

 Our family, comprised of my wife, myself and four children (ages nine, 13, 14 and 16), are currently building a project together as I write—a ’29 Model A hot-rod pickup, and they attend several shows with me throughout each year. I think it is very important, and my duty as a father, to expose our children to opportunities to be involved in the industry and serve others through various life experiences.



—Jeff Major, Bedwood Parts

	John McLeod (left) and his dad at the top of the famous race course Pike's Peak.

My father has everything to do with why I’m in this industry, and I mean everything!

My grandfather owned a pattern-making shop in Detroit (Lincoln model). He was a pattern/model maker as my father was. My grandfather died before I was born and my father was too young to take over the family business, so he continued to work in the industry during the ’50s and ’60s. My dad was one of those guys who knocked off the hub caps and raced at Detroit Drag Strip or on Woodward Avenue.

My dad tired of the Detroit grind. He said he was starting to see the writing on the wall for the industry, loaded up our family and moved to Boyne City, Michigan, where we owned a local greenhouse and florist shop.

Dad was one of those men who was able to fix or build anything, and this is how my brother and I were brought up—working on cars, trucks, lawn mowers and all the mechanical devices that are in and around a greenhouse (farm)-type world. There was always something that needed fixing, and we never called for help; we had to figure it out.

After high school, I went back to Detroit to Motech (Chrysler Trade School) and graduated and never looked back. Cars have always been a part of my life. It became a hobby for 11 years as I went back to college and then the police academy, after which I worked as a police officer until I started managing Great Lakes Motor Works building and restoring hot rods and restoration projects. I still do 16 years later. Hardly a week goes by where I do not call Dad and have some type of question or head over to his garage to help him with a project that he is tinkering with.

Ten years ago, I became the owner of Classic Instruments and my dad still is close by and continues to help me whenever I need it (which is often). He never ceases to amaze me with what he knows and remembers (and all sorts of cool little tricks). And with building Classic Instruments and working on cars, I really need my dad around. The greatest thing to happen in the past two years is my younger brother (Jason) has come to work at Classic Instruments, too. He is one of the builders in the custom shop.

Yes, without my Father, living my dream would have never happened (of course, the hard work ethic I got from my mom).

—John McLeod, Classic Instruments

This Sunday, fathers will be honored for many things. For the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), this is also a time to pay tribute to those men who have passed down the love of the hobby to their own kids. Walk through any typical American neighborhood and you will see garage doors open with classic cars inside and wrenches being turned. For enthusiasts, the time spent in the garage is about much more than finding ways to make more horsepower, get the car running for the next local show or just cruising through your hometown with a sense of pride. It is about life, passion and, most importantly, building memories with your kids. This is the story of hot rodding. This is the story of America. And, this is how the industry will continue and thrive long into the future.

	George Major with his ’57 Chevy stock car.

HRIA reached out to its membership and asked them to pay tribute to dads and share their stories and their pictures. Throughout the month of June, HRIA will do just that. Visit the HRIA Facebook page to read these stories and create your own. Here is a glimpse of what you will find:

I learned a great deal helping my father at his Texaco station, working on street rods, stock cars and the occasional classic truck. He inspired me to do the highest-quality work possible at anything I did, regardless of how small the task, and he instilled in me a passion for hot rods, especially the classic pickup trucks.

When I started Bed Wood and Parts, it was that passion from my childhood that fueled this business.

 Our family, comprised of my wife, myself and four children (ages nine, 13, 14 and 16), are currently building a project together as I write—a ’29 Model A hot-rod pickup, and they attend several shows with me throughout each year. I think it is very important, and my duty as a father, to expose our children to opportunities to be involved in the industry and serve others through various life experiences.



—Jeff Major, Bedwood Parts

	John McLeod (left) and his dad at the top of the famous race course Pike's Peak.

My father has everything to do with why I’m in this industry, and I mean everything!

My grandfather owned a pattern-making shop in Detroit (Lincoln model). He was a pattern/model maker as my father was. My grandfather died before I was born and my father was too young to take over the family business, so he continued to work in the industry during the ’50s and ’60s. My dad was one of those guys who knocked off the hub caps and raced at Detroit Drag Strip or on Woodward Avenue.

My dad tired of the Detroit grind. He said he was starting to see the writing on the wall for the industry, loaded up our family and moved to Boyne City, Michigan, where we owned a local greenhouse and florist shop.

Dad was one of those men who was able to fix or build anything, and this is how my brother and I were brought up—working on cars, trucks, lawn mowers and all the mechanical devices that are in and around a greenhouse (farm)-type world. There was always something that needed fixing, and we never called for help; we had to figure it out.

After high school, I went back to Detroit to Motech (Chrysler Trade School) and graduated and never looked back. Cars have always been a part of my life. It became a hobby for 11 years as I went back to college and then the police academy, after which I worked as a police officer until I started managing Great Lakes Motor Works building and restoring hot rods and restoration projects. I still do 16 years later. Hardly a week goes by where I do not call Dad and have some type of question or head over to his garage to help him with a project that he is tinkering with.

Ten years ago, I became the owner of Classic Instruments and my dad still is close by and continues to help me whenever I need it (which is often). He never ceases to amaze me with what he knows and remembers (and all sorts of cool little tricks). And with building Classic Instruments and working on cars, I really need my dad around. The greatest thing to happen in the past two years is my younger brother (Jason) has come to work at Classic Instruments, too. He is one of the builders in the custom shop.

Yes, without my Father, living my dream would have never happened (of course, the hard work ethic I got from my mom).

—John McLeod, Classic Instruments