Join the SEMA Council Family
SEMA hosts 10 distinct councils and committees that represent
focused niches within the specialty-equipment industry. These groups
are comprised of elected volunteers (Select Committee) who guide and
direct council activities while representing the membership at large.
Although each council acts independently and represents a different
segment, they are all focused on the betterment of the industry as a
whole.
The value councils provide SEMA and the industry is beyond refute.
It is inspiring to witness a diverse collection of company
representatives, many of which are direct competitors, come together
and develop educational, training, youth awareness and networking
events that are, at the core, designed to give back and promote
business. An equally important council function is to ensure that
SEMA sustains a pulse on the industry and maintains a
presence with its members.
The question is often asked, “Why should my company join a council?”
The answer is simple. SEMA councils open the doors and provide you
exposure to industry leaders, decision makers, trendsetters and a
community of like-minded individuals who share your passion and desire
to see business succeed and prosper. Once the doors are open, it is your
responsibility to take advantage of the benefits by becoming actively
involved.
Learn more today.
Hot Rodder Highlight
SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will spotlight a member of the Council each month through its newly created Hot Rodder Highlight. The HRIA, which is dedicated to ensuring the future prosperity of the hot-rod industry and promoting awareness of the hobby, will highlight a new HRIA member on its website on a monthly basis.
HRIA would like to welcome Rich Barsamian, national sales manager for Advanced Clutch Technology, located in Lancaster, California. He enjoys helping customers adapt and grow to the ever-changing market and distribution channels.
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Rich Barsamian
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| Barsamian's ’51 Mercury Monterey
project vehicle. |
Twenty-six years ago, Barsamian began his automotive aftermarket career in a rep agency doing demos at various auto part store grand openings. During his career, he was named the 2001 Young Executive of the Year, finalist for PWA person of the Year 2002 and 2003, SEMA'S Young Executive Network (YEN) Vanguard of the Year 2010 and he belongs to the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC).
Barsamian’s current hot rod of choice is a ’51 Mercury Monterey. While it has that streamline look with a great profile, this car is a tribute to his dad. On a personal note, Barsamian has been married for 16 years to his beautiful wife Saundra and they have three boys, ages 10–13. He enjoys playing music in the industry band Led Foot to help raise money for the Childhelp children's charity. If you haven’t heard of Led Foot, check them out at the SEMA Show's after-banquet party on Thursday, November 3.
Have You Registered a Patent or Trademark? Your Competition Has
Protecting the intellectual property rights (IPR) of its members is a top SEMA priority. The process begins when companies register their patents, trademarks and copyrights with government agencies in the United States (and other countries). Registration is a key to establishing legal rights.
To assist its members, SEMA has created a webpage called Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights, explaining the different types of IP, including protecting new products (utility patents) and product designs (design patent), identifying the source of the product (trademarks) and protecting product brochures or website designs (copyright). It also contains information on how to register IP along with links to seminars, webinars and SEMA News articles.
With respect to enforcing IP rights at the SEMA Show, the association has developed an effective policy for pursuing infringement allegations. SEMA’s IP enforcement policy is posted on the IPR webpage and is also published as part of the Exhibitor Services Manual. Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein (stuartg@sema.org).
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? HRIA is!
Be sure to follow HRIA on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/hria and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
HRIA Column in SEMA Member News
Read HRIA's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about HRIA and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.
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ARMO New Products Showcase Gallery Now Open
Check out all the cool, new ARMO-member restoration products that were on display in the 2011 ARMO New Products Showcase tent at Spring Carlisle. For only the cost of shipping the product, ARMO-member companies have their newest product(s) on display in front of the largest gathering of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the country. While on display, each product is professionally photographed, and the photograph and description are then hosted on the ARMO website. The same photographs will also be shown in the ARMO booth and at the ARMO reception at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
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ARMO-member companies display the latest products in front of 100,000+ restoration enthusiasts each year at Spring Carlisle.
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Not an ARMO member? Go to www.sema.org/armo and join now to participate in the 2012 ARMO New Products Showcase!
ARMO Seminars Available on SEI’s New ARMO Education Track
Two ARMO-sponsored education seminars, recorded earlier this year at the 2011 Hotrod & Restoration Show, are now available as part of the ARMO Education Track on the new SEI eLearning Center. The seminars may also be accessed directly from the ARMO website at www.sema.org/armo.
Dick Dixon presents “The Art of Selling” in session one. Dixon is a popular speaker who combines his passion for all things automotive and his experience as an educator to present ideas in new and informative fashion.
Session two features ARMO Chairperson Laura Bergan moderating a panel of industry experts through “Internet Marketing on a Budget.” Panelists Tyler Tanaka, Eric Saltrick and Robert Basha answer questions and provide “real-world” examples of how a small business can utilize the benefits of the Internet without breaking the budget.
Each seminar is approximately one hour in length, and each is presented in its entirety. Nothing has been edited out, so it’s as if you were actually there!
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? ARMO Is!
Be sure to follow ARMO on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/armo and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
ARMO Column in SEMA Member News
Read ARMO's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.
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2011 TORA New Products Showcase Event
TORA-member company products filled the New Products tent to the seams at this year’s second TORA New Products Showcase. The second annual event took place August 5–7, as part of the Carlisle Truck Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
The New Products Showcase gives TORA-member companies the opportunity to display their latest products in front of one of the largest gatherings of light-truck enthusiasts in the country. In addition, each product is professionally photographed, and the photos and product descriptions are posted in a gallery on the TORA website where they live until the next year’s products are posted. Click here to view the 2010
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| More than 60 products from 35 TORA-member companies were on display at the 2011 TORA New Products Showcase.
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| Shawn Pitts
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TORA New Products Showcase entries. The 2011 gallery will be open in a few weeks. The photos are also presented in a video in the TORA booth and during the TORA Fall Nationals Awards Reception at the SEMA Show. Exhibitors gain all of this product exposure for only the cost of shipping!
Not yet an TORA member? Let the TORA New Products Showcase be your reason. Companies may download the TORA application from the TORA website at www.sema.org/TORA. Just click on the big red button that says “Join This Council.”
TORA Select Committee Interviews
Name: Shawn Pitts
Company: Considine Sales and Marketing
Title: Sales
What is your history in the industry and in TORA?
I worked at Dee Zee for 17 years before coming to Considine Sales and Marketing. I’ve been with Considine for the last four years.
Why do you feel it’s important to serve on the TORA Select Committee?
I want to keep a pulse on the industry and work alongside some of the top people in our industry.
What do you see TORA doing well?
I haven’t been involved long enough to grasp where it’s at or where it’s going. But I did enjoy my first Select Committee conference call. I think the team that has been put together is capable of great things.
What do you think TORA could improve upon?
Again, I haven’t been involved long enough to see any areas for improvement. I was impressed with the way the group communicated.
How do you plan to contribute?
I will sit back, listen and then contribute once I get a feeling of where I need to fill in. I like to be a part of successful teams, and it appears this will be a good one.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
You could pick one of the people on this board for President. You heard it here first!
TORA and SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology Provide “Technology Tips”
Emerging vehicle technologies, such as electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring and anti-lock brakes directly impact the livelihood of many companies. For several years, SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak has been leading efforts to help SEMA-member companies integrate with this technology. A recent article in the April issue of SEMA News presented answers from Waraniak on a whole range of technology issues. But, trying to digest all of the information in one sitting can be a daunting task.
To that end, Waraniak has agreed to field specific questions about new vehicle technologies and, more specifically, how TORA companies should address them, and provide replies right here in the TORA SEMA eNews column. Questions may be directed to incoming TORA Chair-elect Melanie White at Hellwig Products at mwhite@hellwigproducts.com. Questions and answers will be published the first week of the month in SEMA eNews, and an archive will be kept on the TORA website.
Technology Tip #3
Question: When do aftermarket companies have to comply with Electronic Stability Control (ESC)?
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued FMVSS 126—a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requiring all motor vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) less than 10,000 lbs. to have an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system that complies with specific design, performance and diagnostic requirements. OEMs must have ESC as standard equipment on all applicable vehicles as of September 1, 2011. Due to the efforts of SEMA’s Washington, D.C. office, the aftermarket was granted a one-year exemption. Specifically, “... vehicles built in two or more stages and altered vehicles…are permitted an additional one year for compliance (i.e., until Sept. 1, 2012)” [Federal Register April 6, 2007 – Part II 49CFR Parts 571 and 586 p. 6].
What's the Value of Being an TORA Member?
New Products Showcase – Put your product in front of one of the largest gathering of truck enthusiasts in the country at the Carlisle Truck Nationals.
Networking – TORA mixer at the Carlisle All Truck Nationals, Annual Long-Range Planning meeting and access to TORA members and light-truck industry professionals around the world.
Tools and resources for the retailer and installer – "Pickup Bed Dimensions Sheet," "Keyless Entry Wiring Pickup Points Reference Sheet," "Why Paints Don’t Match" DVD and more.
Education – and TORA-specific learning track on the new SEI from SEMA, coming soon!
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? TORA Is!
Be sure to follow TORA on all of your favorite social networking sites.
To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/TORA and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
TORA Column in SEMA Member News
Read TORA's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.
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Media Trade Conference Exhibitor Registration Closes Tomorrow, September 9
Have you registered your MPMC-member company for a chance at one of the 100 available exhibitor suites at the 2012 MPMC Media Trade Conference? Time is running out! Registration closes next Friday, September 9. Any registration received after the deadline will not be eligible for participation in the lottery used to select the 100 exhibitors. MPMC-member manufacturers may register online.
The 2012 MPMC Media Trade Conference takes place on January 24–26, 2012, at the Embassy Suites LAX South Hotel in El Segundo, California. This is a truly unique event that brings together editorial staff from all over the world with racing and high-performance parts manufacturers for three days of face-to-face meetings. Nowhere else can a manufacturer have the opportunity to spend so much face time with automotive journalists from all over the world.
Not yet an MPMC member? Join now! Only MPMC-member companies have a chance at being one of the “lucky 100” to spend three days with automotive editors.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MPMC Is!
Be sure to follow MPMC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mpmc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
Take a Friend to a Race Fan Page
The MPMC Motorsports Awareness campaign, highlighted by the Take a Friend to a Race program, now has its very own Fanpage on Facebook. If you’re not a fan yet, you should be!
MPMC Column in SEMA Member News
Read MPMC's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.
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A Message From MRC Chair Wade Cobb
The MRC council has been chipping away at what our Long-Range Planning session of 2010 identified as a need—benefits for our membership! MRC recently put a program together with TeleNotes, offering our members a business tool to elevate their company’s ability to capture data and reporting. We are also continuing to work on travel programs, possibly offering an “MRC” rate at our industry events, such as PWA and the SEMA Show, with select lodging. We also recognized the need to reach out to our general members and non-members to determine what it is they need from MRC.
In February we conducted an online survey to 3,500 rep agencies associated with SEMA to find out more about reps and how MRC can maximize its efforts as a council to provide you with benefits. Thanks to all who took the time to respond; it’s the only way we can build a better MRC. Just as any council or association, it’s imperative to get the feedback from its members on what works or needs to be fixed. As we move on reviewing the data MRC has been able to obtain through the survey and the information from our LRP, the council will continue to put action plans in place to address the concerns.
In our most recent tele-conference, MRC has established the date and time for the MRC event to be held at the 2011 SEMA Show, Sunday, October 30, from 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. The MRC Rep Conference task force headed by our own Thomas Jordan is in the midst of debating the topic and format to ensure we have the best possible event for you.
Looking to continue the efforts put forth by our members, MRC attended the MPMC Media Trade Conference held in Los Angeles this past January with the purpose of representing MRC to the manufacturers present. MRC Chair-Elect Chris Fairless and I had a MRC room all three days of the event, conducting meetings with members interested in utilizing reps and showing them the value of using rep agencies. We provided each exhibiting company with a MRC brochure and offered the MRC DVD for additional information. Both Chris and I were very pleased with the event, realizing this was a first for MRC and a great opportunity given to MRC by MPMC to explore the venue and take away ideas to build even better programs for coming events. We truly wish to thank Kyle Fickler and Vic Wood of MPMC for working with us during the MPMC Media Trade Conference.
We look forward to working with other industry segments to continue educating our fellow industry members on the benefits of utilizing a rep agency as their sales force. Your thoughts and comments are welcome any time. We need to hear your voice, so please speak out!
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MRC is!
Be sure to follow MRC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mrc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
MRC Column in SEMA Member News
Read MRC's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MRC, contact Zane Clark.
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Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? PRO Is!
Be sure to follow PRO on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/pro and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
PRO Column in SEMA Member News
Read PRO's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.
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SEMA Businesswomen's Highlight
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is spotlighting a feature member this month. The SBN creates an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth and networking opportunities that will enrich the growth of the entire automotive aftermarket.
The first member to be featured is Erika Garcia, retail sales manager in the aftermarket division of
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Erika Garcia
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BOLT—a Strattec Security Corp., located in Milwaukee. The company is a supplier of automotive locks, keys and other vehicle-access products.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
Getting to participate in the introduction of BOLT series locks into new markets, including truck accessories.
How long have you been involved in the aftermarket industry?
About 18 months.
What brought you into this industry?
The introduction of this new line of locks.
What are your major professional accomplishments?
I’m very proud to be the primary point of contact for our company for any external aspects related to the BOLT series locks. There is a team behind the scenes that supports me, and I give them a lot of credit for a successful launch.
Are you a member of any other organizations?
SEMA's Young Executives Network (YEN).
Who is your industry mentor?
Jerry Nuñez, manufacturer sales rep for IMS Products.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Smile at all times.
What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?
I’m not only a pretty friendly face, but I’m knowledgeable about my products and the industry.
What is your dream car?
Lexus IS F.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading.
SEMA Businesswomen’s Network Debuts Speed Networking Event Video
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has released its 2010 Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by SBN event video. If you attended this sold-out event—or even if you missed it—you must check out the video so you can plan ahead to attend this year’s event.
While the SBN Speed Networking Breakfast is not exclusively for women, it clearly focuses on recognizing women who significantly contribute to the aftermarket and performance industries.
With special thanks to James and Melissa Lawrence of PowerTV, who covered this event, we are able to share the highlights with our members. Captured on video are glimpses of the event, which includes an exclusive interview with SBN's 2010 Woman of the Year Award recipient Kellie Colf of Aftermarketer Club Inc., and Zan Martin of Martin & Company Advertising. Both discuss the significance of each award.
Also accepting an SBN Award was Wade Kawasaki of Exports International, who was awarded the 2010 Athena Award for his support of women in the automotive aftermarket industry. And presenting the Mentor of the Year Award to a deserving John Menzler of Comp Performance Group was Joe St. Lawrence of RTM Productions Inc.—Titanium Sponsor of the event.
SBN’s annual breakfast event held during SEMA Show week is a great opportunity to network, learn and forge new relationships with others who share the same goals and interests of growing the automotive aftermarket industry and promoting the success of all.
Check out the following links to view video and photos from the 2010 SBN Annual Speed Networking Breakfast:
You Ought to Be in Pictures!
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network committee is a great resource of minds. All ladies in the specialty-equipment industry can join the SBN, so pass the word around to your colleagues and friends! We are encouraging all new and existing SBN members to log-in to the MySEMA portal to update their profile with a photo so we get to know each other's faces before the SEMA Show.
And don’t forget to turn your notifications settings “ON” so you can stay in “the loop.” Want to know more about the SBN? Interested in becoming a member?
Want to get involved in the industry but don't know how? We have an app for that! Go to www.SEMA.org, click on the Leadership tab, click on Council/Committee, click on SBN and join! Don't delay—get involved and join now. You are just a few clicks away! We look forward to "seeing" everyone!
Don’t Be Out of the Loop—Stay in Touch
The very best way to stay in touch and to read the latest news, discussions and topics posted from SEMA and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is to make sure that your notification settings are turned on in your MySEMA account. Next to your photo on your MySEMA page, at the top right, is a link to the "Edit My Settings" page.
On the “settings” page, look for the “notifications” tab, where it will ask how you would like to receive your news. Check whichever method is most convenient, but either way, make sure you're in the loop by turning “on” your notifications. Visit http://my.sema.org to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN
“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker
Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s
Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your
questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information
for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a
new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.
“Ask A
Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA
mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related
questions.
Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a
specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the
expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with
your project.
Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing
your professional career. In this program segment you will be paired
with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and
assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.
So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to
cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by
the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help
from our friends.
Visit the SEMA Mentoring Program now.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SBN is!
Be sure to follow SBN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/sbn and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
SBN Column in SEMA Member News
Read SBN's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SBN, contact Bryan Harrison.
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Find the Business Possibilities Through the SPC
Participate in the automotive aftermarket at a whole new level by joining the SPC.
The purpose of SEMA councils is to help our member companies succeed
and prosper. In the SPC, our mission is to provide market information,
education and support to our members concerning new and emerging
trends. Whether it’s the latest business technology, forecasting sales,
future marketing solutions or up and coming vehicle platforms, we give
you and your company the chance to see what’s on the horizon.
Then we’ll help you understand and acquire the skills, tools and
technologies to lead the way. The SPC has the most diverse membership
of any SEMA council, and that will allow you to network with other
professionals from every facet of our industry and gain insights into
areas you may not have previously considered. Find out about the parts,
people, technologies, strategies, trends and, most important,
possibilities.
This is your chance to give something back to the industry, your
profession and to grow personally along the way. Join the SPC today and
become an active member of the specialty equipment and automotive
market — Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, SPC Chairman
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SPC is!
Be sure to follow SPC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/spc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
SPC Column in SEMA Member News
Read SPC's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SPC, contact Bryan Harrison.
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Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Wheel and Tire (WTC) Council?
What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their WTC efforts, and for that we say “thank you” to those companies!
The leaders of the WTC gathered earlier this year at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the WTC-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each WTC member.
Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “identify common problems and opportunities relating to the wheel and tire industries that the council, as an interested body of companies, can address for the common good.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.
Science and Technology Task Force
Tim Dietz (Standards Testing Laboratories Inc.) and can be reached at tdietz@stllabs.com. This group focuses on aftermarket and OEM advances that affect our industry. From creating wheel standards to improved processes for tire-pressure monitoring systems and electronic stability control, the Science and Technology Task Force plays a pivotal role in the industry’s advancement.
Education Task Force
Kelly Austin (Ultra Wheel Company) chairs this group and can be reached at kelly@mail.ultrawheel.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The WTC Task Force is responsible for partnering with the SEMA Educational Institute to create and promote online learning resources.
Communication and Marketing Task Force
Doug Frymer (Law Offices of Douglas A. Frymer) chairs this group and can be reached at legal@starshieldarmor.com. This group focuses on membership outreach, growth and retention. It is imperative that councils effectively communicate services provided by WTC and SEMA to our members. Communication and services ensure that there is proper dialogue between leadership and membership.
SEMA Show Task Force
David Insull (American Tire Distributors) chairs this group and can be reached at dinsull@atd-us.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making WTC’s awards reception an ideal place to get together, honor one another and network with all those who share a common passion.
There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year. You are the expert at what your business needs and this council wants to deliver. Feel free to get in touch with us or come to one of our WTC events. Our hope is that, if you haven’t been a part of WTC yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? WTC is!
Be sure to follow WTC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/wtc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
WTC Column in SEMA Member News
Read WTC's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about WTC and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call or 909/978-6696.
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Join the YEN Mixer on September 20
Members of YEN located in or traveling to the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Conference or the Phoenix area are invited to the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)/Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC) Mixer, Tuesday, September 20, 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., at Aunt Chiladas.
The event is a great opportunity to meet other young executives in the specialty-equipment market, learn from top industry veterans and enjoy some appetizers and drinks with a few new friends.
RSVP to SEMA's Senior Manager of Councils Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or call 909/978-6691.
SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program
Since 2004, SEMA's Young Executives Network has been dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their automotive specialty-equipment career.
“SEMA and YEN are believers in higher education,” said Gregory Parker, chairman of the Young Executives Network. “However, with today's higher costs of getting an education, more and more students have to turn to student loans. The new YEN Loan Forgiveness Scholarship Award will now be able to help a previous or current student who has loans they are trying to pay off while working within our industry. Our inaugural scholarship winner, Jaclyn Kilani, worked hard to put herself through school and is now working for a SEMA-member company. We are just glad we are able to recognize and reward her for her hard work, and we look forward to doing the same for other industry peers as we move into the future.”
Kilani, who recently graduated from California State University with a degree in graphic design, is the marketing director at Dannmar Equipment, a manufacturer of automotive repair products. Of the specialty-equipment industry, Kilani says, “I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. It’s an eclectic marketplace with a very unique audience, and I love the challenge of marketing a company in a non-traditional way. This award came at the perfect time, and it's a tremendous step toward my goal of becoming debt-free. I truly appreciate the privilege.”
The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program is dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their specialty-equipment career. SEMA offers a minimum of $1,000 toward outstanding student loans for individuals who are employed by SEMA-member companies. Applications for the next program are available at www.sema.org/scholarships.
Join YEN
Did
you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has more than 500
members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee?
If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of
39, then you can join the SEMA Young Executives Network for FREE. If
you are interested in becoming part of the team, please visit our
website at www.sema.org/yen.
YEN Member of the Month Spotlight
Did you know that YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA
website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections
or to make a nomination, visit www.sema.org/yen.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? YEN is!
Be sure to follow YEN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/yen and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
YEN Column in SEMA Member News
Read YEN's column featured in the September/October issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about YEN, contact Bryan Harrison.
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