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| 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
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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).
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 March/April 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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| Visit ARMO's website. |
When: April 27–May 1, 2011
Where: Spring Carlisle, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
ARMO will once again host the ARMO New Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle. This event continues to be one of the premier benefits of ARMO membership.
More than 100,000 automotive hobbyists attend Spring Carlisle each year, and the ARMO Showcase Tent is located at the very center of the show in prime position, guaranteeing your products will be seen. This is a fantastic opportunity for ARMO-member companies to put their new products in front of one of the largest gatherings of restoration enthusiasts in the country each year. But the product exposure does not stop at Spring Carlisle. ARMO has each product professionally photographed during the event. The photos and descriptions are then uploaded to SEMA eNews and the ARMO website on sema.org, where they are available for viewing 24/7. In addition, the photos are displayed in a looping video in the ARMO booth during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Participation is open to all ARMO-member companies, and it’s FREE!
Look for online registration to begin very shortly through the ARMO website at www.sema.org/armo, and be sure to take advantage of this opportunity.
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 March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
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 March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit MPMC's website. |
MPMC Media Trade Conference Another Success Story!
After a rain-soaked, one-year hiatus in 2010, the MPMC Media Trade Conference returned to the Embassy Suites LAX South in El Segundo on January 25–27, 2011. Exhibitors and media attendees alike voted this, the 14th annual event, the best one yet. The MPMC Media Trade Conference hosts 100 MPMC-member manufacturers for three days of 30-minute, face-to-face meetings with editorial staff from more than 130 national and international automotive media outlets. MPMC also hosts two receptions during the event, presents annual awards to media, provides lunch over the three days, and this year held a Long-Range Planning meeting on the Monday before the event.
“This year is absolutely the best Media Trade Conference yet,” said MPMC Chairman Kyle Fickler of Weld Racing. “Now that the execution and operation of the event seems to be working properly, we can focus our energies on strategies for attracting new media who have never been there.”
A photo gallery of the event can be found here.
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 March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.
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| 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 NewsRead MRC's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MRC, contact Zane Clark.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
Think Outside the Shop: Training to Boost Sales and Profits
“One of the main reasons for going to TSTC is to bring together the installer and manufacturer to learn proper installation of their products and the way they are designed to work; not only to become proficient at installing, but to also understand the benefits their product brings to your customer. The more qualified installers there are, the stronger presence the aftermarket will have in the consumers’ mind, knowing there are qualified people to install these products, as well as manufacturers that have quality products to sell. This program benefits everyone if we work as a team [of PRO].”
—Raymond Ott, Auto Trim Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio
- Looking for new business opportunities?
- Want to expand your product lines?
- Interested in receiving hands-on training?
- Keen on learning new sales techniques and strategies?
- Want to network with leading manufacturers, installers and restylers?
If the answer is “yes,” then make plans now to attend the second annual Technical Skills & Training Conference, March 28, 2011, at WyoTech Blairsville in Blairsville, Pennsylvania.
Restylers: Help Shape the Industry’s Future
On March 29, 2011, the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will host its Long-Range Planning meeting (LRP) at WyoTech Blairsville in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. The LRP serves as a critical council function and helps to determine the group’s agenda over the next 12 to 24 months. As PRO looks to the future to assess how it can best represent the restyling segment of the specialty-equipment industry, it becomes increasingly evident that participation will be a fundamental building block.
The industry is evolving and whether it be technology, sales, technical training or networking, the challenges and opportunities your business faces on a daily basis is not unique. As a collective body, we become more in tune and better suited to move forward and prosper. This starts with your input and will continue through PRO’s effort.
The LRP will take place the day following PRO’s second-annual Technical Skills & Training Conference. This must-attend event delivers tremendous value for attendees by offering premier hands-on training and networking opportunities. This year’s conference will also feature a dedicated session on "Sales Training." The panel discussion will feature industry insight from Jon Titman of Automotive Essentials and a dealership representative. The panel will be moderated by PRO Chairman Karl Stearns and focus on best practices for maximizing sales and building dealer relationships.
Get Involved. To participate in the PRO LRP and TSTC event, visit www.sema.org/tstc.
Twelve PRO-Member Manufacturers to Present Training Workshops at TSTC 2011
The second annual Technical Skills & Training Conference, sponsored by SEMA’s Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), will feature a dozen PRO-member accessory manufacturers presenting hands-on training in a wide range of product categories. The conference, open to PRO members as well as nonmembers, is slated for Monday, March 28, at Wyotech Blairsville in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. During the all-day event, manufacturers will deliver practical information and training aimed at sharpening installation and business skills. Product categories run the gamut from sunroofs, leather interiors, towing equipment and spray-on bedliners to paint protection film, wraps, graphics, mobile electronics and stainless steel accessories.
The manufacturer roster includes Artlux, Cequent Performance Products, Classic Design Concepts, Eagle Enterprises, Innovative Creations, Katzkin Leather, Restylers’ Choice, Roadwire, Rosen Entertainment, Signature Automotive Products, 3M and Webasto Product North America. Each week, for the next six weeks, two participating manufactuers will be highlighted briefly in SEMA eNews, beginning with Artlux and Signature Automotive.
As a manufacturer of spray-on bedliners, Artlux offers restylers and accessory specialists the opportunity to diversify their business and differentiate themselves from their competitors by creating a “business within a business” that will help generate a new revenue stream and bring them one step closer to being a one-stop shop. During its training session, “Spray-on Bedliners 101,” Artlux experts will share their experience and knowledge of the business by demonstrating different types of equipment, explaining solvent-based and solid chemicals, sharing the best techniques for prepping and spraying, as well as presenting the profitability of adding spray-on liners to a shop’s current product mix.
Signature Automotive Products, formerly Inalfa Sunroofs, is a manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket roof systems. The Signature line of inbuilt sunroofs includes four models that feature different glass and overall dimensions for applications ranging from sporty compacts to flat-roofed SUVs and trucks. The sunroofs incorporate the Mark Optimum OE mechanism developed by Tier One supplier Inalfa Roof Systems. Other recent enhancements include upgrades to the side rails, interior mounting frame, water channels, electronics and the external trim ring and, for the Signature 845 sunroof, curved side rails and other components designed specifically for ease of installation in sloped-roof vehicles. Signature’s trainers and technical experts will provide step-by-step training in the installation of its sunroofs, including cutting the vehicle roof, installation of the sunroof module, electronic hook-up and headliner wrapping.
For more information on the Technical Skills & Training Conference, including the attendee registration form, go to www.sema.org/tstc.
PRO Releases Preliminary List of Speakers
On March 28, 2011, the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will host the second annual Technical Skills & Training Conference at Wyotech Blairsville in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Every restyling, auto trim and accessories business needs tools to get the job done right—not just tools of the trade, but also resources to sharpen installation and business skills. That’s why PRO has teamed up with WyoTech Blairsville to deliver:
• Installation Workshops
• Hands-on Training
• Product Knowledge
• Sales-Training Seminar
• Networking
Leading the way will be:
1. Artlux: Artlux is a vertically integrated chemical company that conducts research and development, manufactures and distributes TOFF spray-on bedliners and equipment all over the world. By owning every part of the process, Artlux prides itself in making high-quality protective coating systems while maintaining a green standard.
2. Cequent Performance Group: Cequent, a TriMas company, is
an operating group that is a leading designer, manufacturer and
marketer of a broad range of accessories for light trucks,
sport/utility vehicles, recreation vehicles, passenger cars and
trailers of all types.
3. Classic Design Concepts: Since 1990, Classic Design Concepts has been an innovator in the design and manufacturing of quality systematic restyling components. Using OE-certified materials and manufacturing procedures that meet or exceed OE standards, CDC’s classic restyling designs offer factory fit and finish, with one-of-a-kind appeal.
4. Innovative Creations Inc.: For the past 20 years, Innovative Creations Inc. (ICI) has been manufacturing high-quality automotive accessories. When you purchase an ICI product, not only are you getting the best product money can buy, but you're also getting the service and support you need and expect from a leader in the automotive industry.
5. Katzkin Leather: The quality of Katzkin interiors rivals the look, feel and durability of even the finest interiors offered by auto manufacturers. Superior craftsmanship, world-class engineering and extraordinary design capabilities have made Katzkin a world leader in automotive interiors. Exercise your freedom of choice.
6. Restylers Choice: Offers an industry-leading distributor of pinstripes, vinyl graphics, spoilers, chrome accessories, clear bras, rear-window graphics and vehicle wraps geared to the professional restyler. The company is also a growing manufacturer with several brands of rear-window graphics, spoilers, vinyl graphics kits and chrome accessories.
7. Roadwire: Roadwire innovated the aftermarket leather interior industry and has become one of the world’s leading providers of OEM leather interiors and OEM-styled and custom aftermarket leather-trimmed interiors. Continuously recognized as innovators in design and craftsmanship, Roadwire is a proud member of SEMA and PRO.
8. Rosen Entertainment: Rosen offers in-dash navigation systems, DVD headrest and overhead systems.
9. 3M: 3M offers Scotchgard and Venture Shield paint-protection films, automotive window films and a headlight lens restoration system.
10. Webasto Product North America: Webasto has been family-owned since its foundation in 1901. The company has been supplying the automotive industry for more than 75 years. Today, it is split into the divisions Convertible, Roof & Body and Global Comfort Solutions for heating and air-conditioning systems.
Come for the training, stay for the PRO open meeting and the hosted networking reception. PRO Members: $25 for first attendee per company; $15 for each additional attendee: Non-members: $50 for first attendee per company; $30 for each additional attendee. Fee includes all workshop sessions, hands-on training, a continental breakfast and the networking reception.
Space is limited so register today!
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 March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.
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| 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
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 March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SBN, contact Angela Lee.
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| Visit SPC's website. |
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 March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SPC, contact Angela Lee.
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| 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 March/April 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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| Visit YEN's website |
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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 March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about YEN, contact Angela Lee.
Establishing valuable competitive advantages—whether from better products, better service or exclusive offerings—is becoming more important as our customers are exposed to more options for pursuing their interests. 
Our industry should avoid turning itself upside down in a vain attempt to appease those who may be aggressive toward our activities with green-based initiatives. Motorsports actually has a miniscule carbon footprint compared to many other forms of recreation. For instance, consider the emissions created by the cars that carry all the kids being individually driven to soccer on Saturday morning. Further, racing has motivated many people to pursue careers in the automobile industry. They’re now at Ford, General Motors and Chrysler making lighter, faster, safer and more efficient vehicles. In addition, the quality and durability of engine components continues to improve while their end-use costs drop. 
