Tue, 05/31/2011 - 11:03

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Street Performance Council (SPC)
Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Young Executives Network (YEN)


TORA Logo
 
Visit TORA's website.  

TORA and SEMA VP 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 March 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

Question: What does SEMA Vehicle Dynamics mean for you as an TORA member?

SEMA Vehicle Dynamics encompasses all the performance aspects of the aftermarket. If your product improves vehicle acceleration, deceleration or handling, you need to be able to objectively describe the improvement as well as be aware of the growing regulatory requirements that must be met. With the growing interaction between vehicle systems and active electronic controls of the throttle, brakes, steering and suspension, even aftermarket products for appearance (lowered suspension, low-profile tires, etc.) or convenience (roof racks, etc.) may need to be evaluated for their compatibility with a vehicle’s active safety systems. Most importantly, the SEMA Vehicle Dynamics initiative provides access to industry-standard tools and measurements for marketing performance improvements to an increasingly technically savvy consumer while also documenting due engineering diligence in product development.

TORA Select Committee Elections

Don’t forget to return your ballot for the TORA Select Committee elections. Balloting opened on May 17, when a link to the electronic ballot was sent to each TORA-member company. All ballots must be returned no later than June 6, 2011. The TORA Select Committee members volunteer their time on behalf of the TORA membership and the restoration industry as a whole. Make sure that your company’s voice is included on the Select Committee by completing and returning your ballot. Only one ballot per company is permitted. If you did not receive a ballot, and believe that you are the council contact for your company, please e-mail Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

TORA New Products Showcase Registration is Open!

Registration for the second annual TORA New Products Showcase is now open at www.sema.org/TORA. The New Products Showcase takes place August 5–7, 2011, at 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 for an entire year, until the next year’s products are posted. (Click here to view the 2010 TORA New Products Showcase entries.) The photos are also displayed in a video in the TORA booth at SEMA Show 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. There is no fee for participation, as a benefit of TORA membership.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.

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ARMO Logo

Visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Select Committee Elections

Don’t forget to return your ballot for the ARMO Select Committee elections. Balloting opened on May 17 when a link to the electronic ballot was sent to each ARMO-member company. All ballots must be returned no later than June 6, 2011. The ARMO Select Committee members volunteer their time on behalf of the ARMO membership and the restoration industry as a whole. Make sure that your company’s voice is included on the Select Committee by completing and returning your ballot. Only one ballot per company is permitted. If you did not receive a ballot, and believe that you are the council contact for your company, please e-mail Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

New Products Showcase Draws Record Participants

The 2011 ARMO New Products Showcase had 64 products from 26 ARMO-member companies on display in “the big white tent,” located center stage during Spring Carlisle, April 28–30. In addition to having product on display in front of the largest gathering of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the country, participation also includes a professional photograph of the product, which is then displayed in a photo gallery on the ARMO website, in a looping video played in the ARMO booth at the 2011 SEMA Show, and during the ARMO awards reception, also at the SEMA Show. All of this product exposure is free to ARMO-member companies. The only cost incurred is shipping of the product. Look for the gallery of products very soon on the ARMO website.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.

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HRIA Logo
 
Visit HRIA's website

Join the SEMA Council Family

SEMA hosts 10 distinct councils and committees that serve to 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—the association—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 door 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 door is open, it is your responsibility to take advantage of the benefits by becoming actively involved.

Learn more today
.

Councils in Action

education day

There were many reasons to celebrate March 17. Saint Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament to name a few, but just as important was the Hot Rod Industry Alliance's (HRIA) annual Education and Training Day that took place during the Hotrod and Restoration Show in Indianapolis.

Picture the scene: 40 companies, five classrooms, 500 or more attendees and one goal—education. Education Day is offered at no charge to attendees and made possible through the efforts of HRIA and participating manufacturers. The event runs from 8:00 a.m. and concludes after 6:30 p.m. With five sessions running every hour, this truly unique experience allows attendees to select the seminars that are of most interest and relevant to their business. Each session lasts an hour and covers subjects, such as air conditioning, suspension, brakes, rapid prototyping, instrumentation, performance, insurance and steering.

In addition to the premier education and training that take place, there exists a real community for individuals to share ideas and network with one another. The interaction between manufacturer and attendee and between peers serves to heighten the experience and develop a genuine camaraderie that embodies what SEMA is all about.

Learn more here.

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 May/June 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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MPMC Logo
 
Visit MPMC's website.  

MPMC Select Committee Elections

Don’t forget to return your ballot for the MPMC Select Committee elections. Balloting opened on May 17 when a link to the electronic ballot was sent to each MPMC-member company. All ballots must be returned no later than June 6, 2011. The MPMC Select Committee members volunteer their time on behalf of the MPMC membership and the restoration industry as a whole. Make sure that your company’s voice is included on the Select Committee by completing and returning your ballot. Only one ballot per company is permitted. If you did not receive a ballot, and believe that you are the council contact for your company, please e-mail Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.



For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.

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MRC Logo
 
Visit MRC's website.  

A Message From MRC Chair Wade Cobb

The MRC council has been chipping away at what our Long-Range Planning session of 2010 indentified 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 on 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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about MRC, contact Zane Clark.

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PRO Logo
 
Visit PRO's website.  
Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) 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 PRO efforts, and for that we say, “thank you,” to those companies!

The leaders of the PRO gathered earlier this year in Lima, Ohio, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the PRO-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 PRO member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “address the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to develop effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues.” 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.

Education Task Force
Brian Champa (Check Corporation) and Bill North (Webasto Product North America) co-chair this task force and can be reached at bchampa@checkcorp.com or bill.north@webasto-us.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) recently launched, and the group is tasked with expanding the number of events each year to ensure that training and education become primary drivers for our industry.

NovemberFest Task Force
Mike Stanifer (Innovative Creations Inc.) chairs this group and can be reached at mike@icionline.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making PRO’s awards reception the place to be and offering a fun forum to bring passionate members with common interests together.

Membership Task Force
Joey Johnston (Tops & Trends) chairs this group and can be reached at joey@topsandtrends.com. The success of any council or initiative is dependent upon its members. This task force focuses on growth, promotion and retention. It is important that we mentor new members on council activities, events, meetings and benefits.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

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SBN Logo
 
Visit SBN's website.
 

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:

www.sema.org/sbn
www.sema.org/sbn/gallery/2010-breakfast
www.facebook.com/semasbn

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SBN, contact Staci Bostock.

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SPC Logo
 
Visit SPC's website.  
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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SPC, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

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WTC Logo
 
Visit WTC's website

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 May/June 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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YEN Logo

Visit YEN's website

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 open in December 2010 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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about YEN, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

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Tue, 05/31/2011 - 11:03

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Street Performance Council (SPC)
Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Young Executives Network (YEN)


TORA Logo
 
Visit TORA's website.  

TORA and SEMA VP 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 March 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

Question: What does SEMA Vehicle Dynamics mean for you as an TORA member?

SEMA Vehicle Dynamics encompasses all the performance aspects of the aftermarket. If your product improves vehicle acceleration, deceleration or handling, you need to be able to objectively describe the improvement as well as be aware of the growing regulatory requirements that must be met. With the growing interaction between vehicle systems and active electronic controls of the throttle, brakes, steering and suspension, even aftermarket products for appearance (lowered suspension, low-profile tires, etc.) or convenience (roof racks, etc.) may need to be evaluated for their compatibility with a vehicle’s active safety systems. Most importantly, the SEMA Vehicle Dynamics initiative provides access to industry-standard tools and measurements for marketing performance improvements to an increasingly technically savvy consumer while also documenting due engineering diligence in product development.

TORA Select Committee Elections

Don’t forget to return your ballot for the TORA Select Committee elections. Balloting opened on May 17, when a link to the electronic ballot was sent to each TORA-member company. All ballots must be returned no later than June 6, 2011. The TORA Select Committee members volunteer their time on behalf of the TORA membership and the restoration industry as a whole. Make sure that your company’s voice is included on the Select Committee by completing and returning your ballot. Only one ballot per company is permitted. If you did not receive a ballot, and believe that you are the council contact for your company, please e-mail Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

TORA New Products Showcase Registration is Open!

Registration for the second annual TORA New Products Showcase is now open at www.sema.org/TORA. The New Products Showcase takes place August 5–7, 2011, at 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 for an entire year, until the next year’s products are posted. (Click here to view the 2010 TORA New Products Showcase entries.) The photos are also displayed in a video in the TORA booth at SEMA Show 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. There is no fee for participation, as a benefit of TORA membership.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.

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ARMO Logo

Visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Select Committee Elections

Don’t forget to return your ballot for the ARMO Select Committee elections. Balloting opened on May 17 when a link to the electronic ballot was sent to each ARMO-member company. All ballots must be returned no later than June 6, 2011. The ARMO Select Committee members volunteer their time on behalf of the ARMO membership and the restoration industry as a whole. Make sure that your company’s voice is included on the Select Committee by completing and returning your ballot. Only one ballot per company is permitted. If you did not receive a ballot, and believe that you are the council contact for your company, please e-mail Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

New Products Showcase Draws Record Participants

The 2011 ARMO New Products Showcase had 64 products from 26 ARMO-member companies on display in “the big white tent,” located center stage during Spring Carlisle, April 28–30. In addition to having product on display in front of the largest gathering of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the country, participation also includes a professional photograph of the product, which is then displayed in a photo gallery on the ARMO website, in a looping video played in the ARMO booth at the 2011 SEMA Show, and during the ARMO awards reception, also at the SEMA Show. All of this product exposure is free to ARMO-member companies. The only cost incurred is shipping of the product. Look for the gallery of products very soon on the ARMO website.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.

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HRIA Logo
 
Visit HRIA's website

Join the SEMA Council Family

SEMA hosts 10 distinct councils and committees that serve to 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—the association—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 door 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 door is open, it is your responsibility to take advantage of the benefits by becoming actively involved.

Learn more today
.

Councils in Action

education day

There were many reasons to celebrate March 17. Saint Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament to name a few, but just as important was the Hot Rod Industry Alliance's (HRIA) annual Education and Training Day that took place during the Hotrod and Restoration Show in Indianapolis.

Picture the scene: 40 companies, five classrooms, 500 or more attendees and one goal—education. Education Day is offered at no charge to attendees and made possible through the efforts of HRIA and participating manufacturers. The event runs from 8:00 a.m. and concludes after 6:30 p.m. With five sessions running every hour, this truly unique experience allows attendees to select the seminars that are of most interest and relevant to their business. Each session lasts an hour and covers subjects, such as air conditioning, suspension, brakes, rapid prototyping, instrumentation, performance, insurance and steering.

In addition to the premier education and training that take place, there exists a real community for individuals to share ideas and network with one another. The interaction between manufacturer and attendee and between peers serves to heighten the experience and develop a genuine camaraderie that embodies what SEMA is all about.

Learn more here.

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 May/June 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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MPMC Logo
 
Visit MPMC's website.  

MPMC Select Committee Elections

Don’t forget to return your ballot for the MPMC Select Committee elections. Balloting opened on May 17 when a link to the electronic ballot was sent to each MPMC-member company. All ballots must be returned no later than June 6, 2011. The MPMC Select Committee members volunteer their time on behalf of the MPMC membership and the restoration industry as a whole. Make sure that your company’s voice is included on the Select Committee by completing and returning your ballot. Only one ballot per company is permitted. If you did not receive a ballot, and believe that you are the council contact for your company, please e-mail Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.



For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.

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MRC Logo
 
Visit MRC's website.  

A Message From MRC Chair Wade Cobb

The MRC council has been chipping away at what our Long-Range Planning session of 2010 indentified 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 on 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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about MRC, contact Zane Clark.

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PRO Logo
 
Visit PRO's website.  
Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) 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 PRO efforts, and for that we say, “thank you,” to those companies!

The leaders of the PRO gathered earlier this year in Lima, Ohio, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the PRO-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 PRO member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “address the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to develop effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues.” 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.

Education Task Force
Brian Champa (Check Corporation) and Bill North (Webasto Product North America) co-chair this task force and can be reached at bchampa@checkcorp.com or bill.north@webasto-us.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) recently launched, and the group is tasked with expanding the number of events each year to ensure that training and education become primary drivers for our industry.

NovemberFest Task Force
Mike Stanifer (Innovative Creations Inc.) chairs this group and can be reached at mike@icionline.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making PRO’s awards reception the place to be and offering a fun forum to bring passionate members with common interests together.

Membership Task Force
Joey Johnston (Tops & Trends) chairs this group and can be reached at joey@topsandtrends.com. The success of any council or initiative is dependent upon its members. This task force focuses on growth, promotion and retention. It is important that we mentor new members on council activities, events, meetings and benefits.

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

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SBN Logo
 
Visit SBN's website.
 

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:

www.sema.org/sbn
www.sema.org/sbn/gallery/2010-breakfast
www.facebook.com/semasbn

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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SBN, contact Staci Bostock.

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SPC Logo
 
Visit SPC's website.  
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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SPC, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

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WTC Logo
 
Visit WTC's website

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 May/June 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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YEN Logo

Visit YEN's website

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 open in December 2010 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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about YEN, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

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Tue, 05/31/2011 - 11:01
Tue, 05/31/2011 - 10:37
torchmate
The Torchmate SuperLite Championship Truck driven by Dawson Kirchner took first place at the sixth round of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Round at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California.
ramrunner
Mopar has announced details of its new Ram Runner kit for off-road enthusiasts.

Torchmate Racing SuperLite Driver Dawson Kirchner Puts Truck in First Place
The Torchmate SuperLite Championship Truck driven by Dawson Kirchner went all the way to first place Sunday, May 22, at the sixth round of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California. Kirchner started out the weekend with the fastest lap time in practice on Friday. Saturday was no different when the Torchmate truck took the fastest qualifying time. On Sunday, the SuperLite Torchmate Truck hit the track with authority at practice where Dawson Kirchner again led the pack with the fastest lap time. This time, his qualifying position would pay off, putting him on the pole position of Sunday's SuperLite Main event. After the awards ceremony on Sunday, Kirchner handed over his first place trophy to Jeff “OX” Kargola’s younger brother Tanner Huffer. SuperLite Championship displayed the Kargola truck in his memory at the Glen Helen race. The Torchmate SuperLite Truck will be at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, June 25–26 for rounds 7 and 8 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

Mopar Announces Details of Ram Runner Kit for Off-Road Enthusiasts
Ram Truck owners may now transform their truck into a Mopar-powered desert racer. Just a little more than one year after Mopar debuted its Ram Runner image vehicle at the 2010 Moab Jeep Safari, the brand has announced details of its new Ram Runner kit for off-road enthusiasts. The Mopar Ram Runner Kit, developed with Baja off-road racer Kent Kroeker, includes the following: a Pre-Runner Stage II Lift Kit, an off-road front bumper, off-road front and rear fenders, an off-road rear-tire carrier, a sport performance hood and a cat-back exhaust. Each element of the kit may also be purchased separately. The street-legal kit may be installed by do-it-yourselfers or in a Ram dealership. The Mopar Ram Runner Kit's heavy-duty suspension system can handle practically any abuse the off-road dishes out. Front lower control arms are constructed of 4130 chrome moly steel in order to withstand off-road punishment. Upper control arms include rebuildable high-angle ball joints. At the rear, a five-link coil spring rear suspension is utilized and helps provide a 30-degree departure angle. The Pre-Runner Stage II kit offers a boost in suspension travel—14 in. both front and rear. Ground clearance is approximately 13 in. at the center of the front cross-member and 16 in. at the rocker panels. The front bumper is constructed of steel with an integrated aluminum skid plate. Front and rear fiberglass fenders are lightweight, tough and durable with wider wheel wells. The stamped aluminum, dual-scooped sport performance hood adds even more to the forceful appearance of the Ram Runner kit.

DEI Introduces Special Contingency Program for the 2011 19th Annual DSM/EVO Shootout
Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), in cooperation with event sponsor Buschur Racing, will introduce a special contingency program for this year’s DSM/EVO Shootout, to be held at Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio, the weekend of August 20–21. The program will provide qualifying racers with a payout that will exceed $2,000 in DEI product certificates, redeemable for DEI-branded performance products, either direct from DEI or Buschur Racing. The contingency program will reward qualifying racers with product certificates valued at $100, $50 and $25 respectively for a first-, second- and third-place finish, which can be used to purchase DEI performance products. Also, in coordination with the newly announced contingency program and in cooperation with Buschur Racing, DEI will offer a 25% price discount on select DEI performance products with the use of a discount code that will be provided specifically for this event. The special pricing will be effective June 1, 2011, and conclude at the closing of the two-day event on August 21. DEI’s new contingency program is available to racers participating in any class of the autocross or drag-racing events. 

Tue, 05/31/2011 - 10:37
torchmate
The Torchmate SuperLite Championship Truck driven by Dawson Kirchner took first place at the sixth round of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Round at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California.
ramrunner
Mopar has announced details of its new Ram Runner kit for off-road enthusiasts.

Torchmate Racing SuperLite Driver Dawson Kirchner Puts Truck in First Place
The Torchmate SuperLite Championship Truck driven by Dawson Kirchner went all the way to first place Sunday, May 22, at the sixth round of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California. Kirchner started out the weekend with the fastest lap time in practice on Friday. Saturday was no different when the Torchmate truck took the fastest qualifying time. On Sunday, the SuperLite Torchmate Truck hit the track with authority at practice where Dawson Kirchner again led the pack with the fastest lap time. This time, his qualifying position would pay off, putting him on the pole position of Sunday's SuperLite Main event. After the awards ceremony on Sunday, Kirchner handed over his first place trophy to Jeff “OX” Kargola’s younger brother Tanner Huffer. SuperLite Championship displayed the Kargola truck in his memory at the Glen Helen race. The Torchmate SuperLite Truck will be at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, June 25–26 for rounds 7 and 8 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

Mopar Announces Details of Ram Runner Kit for Off-Road Enthusiasts
Ram Truck owners may now transform their truck into a Mopar-powered desert racer. Just a little more than one year after Mopar debuted its Ram Runner image vehicle at the 2010 Moab Jeep Safari, the brand has announced details of its new Ram Runner kit for off-road enthusiasts. The Mopar Ram Runner Kit, developed with Baja off-road racer Kent Kroeker, includes the following: a Pre-Runner Stage II Lift Kit, an off-road front bumper, off-road front and rear fenders, an off-road rear-tire carrier, a sport performance hood and a cat-back exhaust. Each element of the kit may also be purchased separately. The street-legal kit may be installed by do-it-yourselfers or in a Ram dealership. The Mopar Ram Runner Kit's heavy-duty suspension system can handle practically any abuse the off-road dishes out. Front lower control arms are constructed of 4130 chrome moly steel in order to withstand off-road punishment. Upper control arms include rebuildable high-angle ball joints. At the rear, a five-link coil spring rear suspension is utilized and helps provide a 30-degree departure angle. The Pre-Runner Stage II kit offers a boost in suspension travel—14 in. both front and rear. Ground clearance is approximately 13 in. at the center of the front cross-member and 16 in. at the rocker panels. The front bumper is constructed of steel with an integrated aluminum skid plate. Front and rear fiberglass fenders are lightweight, tough and durable with wider wheel wells. The stamped aluminum, dual-scooped sport performance hood adds even more to the forceful appearance of the Ram Runner kit.

DEI Introduces Special Contingency Program for the 2011 19th Annual DSM/EVO Shootout
Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), in cooperation with event sponsor Buschur Racing, will introduce a special contingency program for this year’s DSM/EVO Shootout, to be held at Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio, the weekend of August 20–21. The program will provide qualifying racers with a payout that will exceed $2,000 in DEI product certificates, redeemable for DEI-branded performance products, either direct from DEI or Buschur Racing. The contingency program will reward qualifying racers with product certificates valued at $100, $50 and $25 respectively for a first-, second- and third-place finish, which can be used to purchase DEI performance products. Also, in coordination with the newly announced contingency program and in cooperation with Buschur Racing, DEI will offer a 25% price discount on select DEI performance products with the use of a discount code that will be provided specifically for this event. The special pricing will be effective June 1, 2011, and conclude at the closing of the two-day event on August 21. DEI’s new contingency program is available to racers participating in any class of the autocross or drag-racing events. 

Wed, 05/25/2011 - 14:33

Yokohama Tire Corp. Names Yasushi Tanaka President and CEO
Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) announced that Yasushi Tanaka will be the company’s new president and CEO, effective June 29. Tanaka succeeds Takao Oishi, who has been at the helm of YTC since April 2008. Tanaka was with The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (YRC) in Tokyo, Japan, where he was the corporate officer in charge of the corporate planning department, secretariat, GD100 promotion department. Tanaka, who joined YRC in 1982, will now be based at YTC’s corporate headquarters in Fullerton, California. His promotion also includes being named president of Yokohama Corporation of America and president of Yokohama Corporation of North America. Tanaka remains a YRC corporate officer.

AutoTrader Classics Publications Switch to Online Only
AutoTrader announced that July will be the last month of AutoTrader Classics print publications, including Mustang & Ford, Classic Cars & Parts, Corvette & Chevy, Kustoms & Hot Rods and Classic Cars & Parts – Price Guide. AutoTrader Classics will become an online-only brand with classic car content, photos, features and classified listings at www.AutoTraderClassics.com.

AMP Research Named Title Sponsor of Motorz TV
Duke Networks LLC, producers of the automotive show Motorz TV, announced that AMP Research is the title sponsor of the upcoming fifth season of Motorz TV. Hosted by Chris Duke, the show airs on the Pursuit Channel Wednesday nights at 10:00 p.m. (PDT) to 40 million homes nationwide, according to Duke Networks.

Hemmings Motor News to Release Illustrated Collector-Car Encyclopedia
Hemmings Motor News is publishing the Illustrated Collector-Car Encyclopedia. Referred to by Hemmings as a one-of-a-kind reference source for everything collector car, the encyclopedia aims to provide a visual guide to the history of the automobile, starting with its earliest years. Hemmings announced that the encyclopedia will include 30 categories (engines, wheels, racing, hot rodding, etc.) and is set to be published at the end of October. For additional information, including advertising and sponsorship details, contact Jeff Yager at jyager@hemmings.com.

WyoTech Students to Build Custom Bike With Founder of Orange County Choppers
Through a partnership with Orange County Choppers and its founder Paul Teutul Sr., Wyotech students will help construct an OCC custom-built, WyoTech-branded motorcycle under the guidance of Teutul. In addition, WyoTech, “The Official Technical School of OCC” has also arranged for students to intern at the world-renowned bike building facility in Upstate New York. Students will be selected from all WyoTech campuses, including Daytona and Fremont where motorcycle mechanic training is offered. The bike will be revealed in an episode of "American Chopper," airing this fall on the Discovery Channel.

American Rods and Rides, LoJack Provide Discount for Specialty-Vehicle Owners
American Rods and Rides and LoJack Corporation have partnered to provide fans of American Rods and Rides a significant discount on a LoJack for Classics Stolen Vehicle Recovery System. “Our fans place high emotional and financial value on their cars, so we’re thrilled to be able to offer them a savings on the peace-of-mind that comes with having a LoJack for Classics tracking device in their specialty vehicles,” said Don Freedman, owner and president of AmericanRodsandRides.com. The LoJack for Classics system is specially designed to meet the unique requirements of specialty-vehicle owners. AmericanRodsandRides.com fans pay a one-time fee of only $295 for the LoJack for Classics system, a savings of $400. To take advantage of the special offer, call 800/4-LOJACK (800/456-5225) or visit www.lojackforclassics.com and use the promo code CCA1AR295.

AST Suspension Acquires Moton Suspension Technology B.V. Assets
AST Suspension
acquired all Moton Suspension Technology B.V. assets. AST Suspension and Moton Suspension Technology will continue to be produced as two separate brands using two different design philosophies. AST will keep Moton headquarters in Uden, Netherlands. North American service and sales will move from Cumming, Georgia, to AST USA’s headquarters in Plano, Texas, over the next few weeks. Further information about the acquisition of Moton assets will be made available in the near future on the AST – USA website at www.ast-usa.com.

AutoWare Technologies' NextWheels Online Adds MGP Caliper Covers
AutoWare Technologies has added a new "Brake" feature as part of its NextWheels Online Program featuring MGP Caliper Covers. In addition to previewing how different custom wheels and tires will look on their cars, users can now preview MGP caliper covers in various colors. Details are available at www.calipercovers.com.

Wed, 05/25/2011 - 13:30

In a last-minute flurry of activity before the adjournment of the legislature, SEMA-model legislation (H.B. 890) to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was passed by the full Texas Senate. The bill has already been approved by the full Texas House of Representatives and will now be sent to Governor Rick Perry for his signature and enactment into law. H.B. 890 defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill also allows for the use of non-original materials and creates a titling and registration criterion that assigns these vehicles the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. 

For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Wed, 05/25/2011 - 13:30

In a last-minute flurry of activity before the adjournment of the legislature, SEMA-model legislation (H.B. 890) to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was passed by the full Texas Senate. The bill has already been approved by the full Texas House of Representatives and will now be sent to Governor Rick Perry for his signature and enactment into law. H.B. 890 defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill also allows for the use of non-original materials and creates a titling and registration criterion that assigns these vehicles the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. 

For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Wed, 05/25/2011 - 12:25
  racing
  The 5th annual Open House event on May 28 will include John Force Racing, Tony Pedregon Racing, Don Schumacher Racing, Morgan Lucas Racing and many more.

John Force Racing Brownsburg Shop Open This Saturday
On the eve of the centennial Indianapolis 500, more than half a dozen of the premier motorsports race shops in Brownsburg, Indiana, will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. The 5th annual Open House event on May 28 will include John Force Racing, Tony Pedregon Racing, Don Schumacher Racing, Morgan Lucas Racing and many more. At John Force Racing, fans can tour the 150,000-sq.-ft. shop and see a number of Ford Mustang Funny Cars, trailers and shop machines. Also, fans can see the Eric Medlen Tribute Room and the John Force Racing museum. The shop tour is free and 15-time Funny Car champion John Force, 2009 Funny Car champion and recent Summer Nationals winner Robert Hight, along with Full Throttle Funny Car points leader Mike Neff and rising star Courtney Force, will be in attendance signing autographs at 11:00 a.m.

Brian Deegan Will Auction Fiberglass at Lucas Oil Off-Road Series to Benefit Local Children’s Hospital
Metal Mulisha founder and 2010 Lucas Oil Rider of the Year Brian Deegan will auction signed fiberglass parts and other race-day memorabilia from his Lucas Oil Off Road Series races to benefit The Loma Linda Children’s Foundation. After both of Deegan’s Pro 2 Races at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, fans can head to the Metal Mulisha pits for the chance to bid. All proceeds will be given to The Loma Linda Children’s Hospital in Loma Linda, California.

Quarter Mile Foundation to Help Vintage Drag-Car Restorers
In mid-March, the Quarter Mile Foundation Board of Directors was approached by Jon Lundberg of Southwest Valuations LLC, himself a board member, with the concept of the Foundation being the vehicle that would help establish guideline criteria for the growing restoration of vintage/nostalgia drag-racing cars. Lundberg felt, as a drag-racing historian and an accredited senior appraiser by the American Society of Appraisers, the need to establish criteria that would define various types of vehicle restoration/recreation, which would help establish its value and validity. He had been a part of an online discussion with the members of the “Standard 1320” group regarding categorization of various types of restorations and recreations. He told the group he would develop a set of criteria, based upon points raised in that discussion. He then contacted several other individuals who had deep roots in the vintage/nostalgia drag-racing vehicle world, including Greg Sharp (curator of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum), Bill Pitts (restorer of the famed “Magicar” front engine Top Fuel dragster), Carl Olson (former NHRA vice president and restorer of sprint cars and drag-racing cars) and Steve Gibbs (former NHRA vice president of competition, Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum board member and co-founder of the California and National Hot Rod Reunion events). Gibbs and Sharp also co-created the “Cacklefest” concept. All shared concerns about the current state of the restoration/recreation market environment. Gibbs authored the designations while the group supplied project suggestions and proof-reading. Then, he and Olson proposed the Quarter Mile Foundation be utilized to distribute the Guideline White Paper to those who participate as restorers/recreators, event promoters and automotive vehicle appraisers. Gibbs and Olson are also board members of the Quarter Mile Foundation.

Wed, 05/25/2011 - 12:25
  racing
  The 5th annual Open House event on May 28 will include John Force Racing, Tony Pedregon Racing, Don Schumacher Racing, Morgan Lucas Racing and many more.

John Force Racing Brownsburg Shop Open This Saturday
On the eve of the centennial Indianapolis 500, more than half a dozen of the premier motorsports race shops in Brownsburg, Indiana, will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. The 5th annual Open House event on May 28 will include John Force Racing, Tony Pedregon Racing, Don Schumacher Racing, Morgan Lucas Racing and many more. At John Force Racing, fans can tour the 150,000-sq.-ft. shop and see a number of Ford Mustang Funny Cars, trailers and shop machines. Also, fans can see the Eric Medlen Tribute Room and the John Force Racing museum. The shop tour is free and 15-time Funny Car champion John Force, 2009 Funny Car champion and recent Summer Nationals winner Robert Hight, along with Full Throttle Funny Car points leader Mike Neff and rising star Courtney Force, will be in attendance signing autographs at 11:00 a.m.

Brian Deegan Will Auction Fiberglass at Lucas Oil Off-Road Series to Benefit Local Children’s Hospital
Metal Mulisha founder and 2010 Lucas Oil Rider of the Year Brian Deegan will auction signed fiberglass parts and other race-day memorabilia from his Lucas Oil Off Road Series races to benefit The Loma Linda Children’s Foundation. After both of Deegan’s Pro 2 Races at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, fans can head to the Metal Mulisha pits for the chance to bid. All proceeds will be given to The Loma Linda Children’s Hospital in Loma Linda, California.

Quarter Mile Foundation to Help Vintage Drag-Car Restorers
In mid-March, the Quarter Mile Foundation Board of Directors was approached by Jon Lundberg of Southwest Valuations LLC, himself a board member, with the concept of the Foundation being the vehicle that would help establish guideline criteria for the growing restoration of vintage/nostalgia drag-racing cars. Lundberg felt, as a drag-racing historian and an accredited senior appraiser by the American Society of Appraisers, the need to establish criteria that would define various types of vehicle restoration/recreation, which would help establish its value and validity. He had been a part of an online discussion with the members of the “Standard 1320” group regarding categorization of various types of restorations and recreations. He told the group he would develop a set of criteria, based upon points raised in that discussion. He then contacted several other individuals who had deep roots in the vintage/nostalgia drag-racing vehicle world, including Greg Sharp (curator of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum), Bill Pitts (restorer of the famed “Magicar” front engine Top Fuel dragster), Carl Olson (former NHRA vice president and restorer of sprint cars and drag-racing cars) and Steve Gibbs (former NHRA vice president of competition, Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum board member and co-founder of the California and National Hot Rod Reunion events). Gibbs and Sharp also co-created the “Cacklefest” concept. All shared concerns about the current state of the restoration/recreation market environment. Gibbs authored the designations while the group supplied project suggestions and proof-reading. Then, he and Olson proposed the Quarter Mile Foundation be utilized to distribute the Guideline White Paper to those who participate as restorers/recreators, event promoters and automotive vehicle appraisers. Gibbs and Olson are also board members of the Quarter Mile Foundation.