By SEMA Editors

John Evankovich	Ted Wentz III

SEMA has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to administer the 2020 SEMA Board of Directors election. To assure your election-specific broadcast email arrives safely in your inbox on May 12, 2020, simply add the following email address as an approved sender: noreply@directvote.net.  

If you do not receive your election email by May 12, 2020, please check your spam filter or junk mail folder. If you do not find it there, contact support@directvote.net.

The following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Distributors/Retailers Category (one open seat):

• John Evankovich – Director, Sam’s Club
• Ted Wentz III – CEO, Quadratec, Inc.

The winner will be announced by May 29.

Get to know more about at JohnEvankovich and Ted Wentz III at www.sema.org/2020-bod-candidates.

By Della Domingo

The SEMA Compliance Center is available to assist members with performance products that may impact a vehicle’s emissions and are in need of an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB EO).

Automotive aftermarket manufacturers seeking to develop products during “stay-at-home” orders can tap into several exclusive SEMA-member benefits that lend themselves to physical distancing. Available throughout the year and popular amongst SEMA manufacturing members, these benefits may prove even more valuable given the current landscape:

• Vehicles in Operations (VIO): The SEMA-member VIO program helps companies make informed decisions by understanding the number of target vehicles currently on the road for any make or model. The information is key to helping members identify the vehicle platforms that have the greatest opportunities, develop a strategic distribution strategy and target their marketing. To learn more, click here. 
• Tech Transfer/CAD Data: Computer Aided Design (CAD) data from automakers is available exclusively to SEMA-member manufacturers to assist with developing products quickly, accurately and efficiently. Through the SEMA Tech Transfer Program, members may be able to eliminate the need to source, disassemble and digitally create CAD models. More than 40,000 CAD files are already in the library and available to use, and additional data may be available through supplemental 3D scanning from the SEMA Garage. Click here for details about the Tech Transfer Program.
• Rapid Prototyping/3D Printing: When members have completed design for their aftermarket products, they may want to create a low-cost prototype before going into full production. SEMA’s 3D printing is available. Use of the machine and labor is available free of charge, and members simply pay for the cost of material. Click here for additional information about SEMA’s Rapid Prototyping/3D Printing Services.
• EO Preparation and Advocacy Services: The SEMA Compliance Center is available to assist members with performance products that may impact a vehicle’s emissions and are in need of an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB EO). Expert staff will help members review their products to determine what may be required to obtain an EO, assist with the application process and even interact with CARB on behalf of members. Details can be found here.

To learn more about how manufacturers can tap into resources to help with product development and other benefits, visit the SEMA website.

By Della Domingo

The SEMA Compliance Center is available to assist members with performance products that may impact a vehicle’s emissions and are in need of an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB EO).

Automotive aftermarket manufacturers seeking to develop products during “stay-at-home” orders can tap into several exclusive SEMA-member benefits that lend themselves to physical distancing. Available throughout the year and popular amongst SEMA manufacturing members, these benefits may prove even more valuable given the current landscape:

• Vehicles in Operations (VIO): The SEMA-member VIO program helps companies make informed decisions by understanding the number of target vehicles currently on the road for any make or model. The information is key to helping members identify the vehicle platforms that have the greatest opportunities, develop a strategic distribution strategy and target their marketing. To learn more, click here. 
• Tech Transfer/CAD Data: Computer Aided Design (CAD) data from automakers is available exclusively to SEMA-member manufacturers to assist with developing products quickly, accurately and efficiently. Through the SEMA Tech Transfer Program, members may be able to eliminate the need to source, disassemble and digitally create CAD models. More than 40,000 CAD files are already in the library and available to use, and additional data may be available through supplemental 3D scanning from the SEMA Garage. Click here for details about the Tech Transfer Program.
• Rapid Prototyping/3D Printing: When members have completed design for their aftermarket products, they may want to create a low-cost prototype before going into full production. SEMA’s 3D printing is available. Use of the machine and labor is available free of charge, and members simply pay for the cost of material. Click here for additional information about SEMA’s Rapid Prototyping/3D Printing Services.
• EO Preparation and Advocacy Services: The SEMA Compliance Center is available to assist members with performance products that may impact a vehicle’s emissions and are in need of an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB EO). Expert staff will help members review their products to determine what may be required to obtain an EO, assist with the application process and even interact with CARB on behalf of members. Details can be found here.

To learn more about how manufacturers can tap into resources to help with product development and other benefits, visit the SEMA website.

By Della Domingo

The SEMA Compliance Center is available to assist members with performance products that may impact a vehicle’s emissions and are in need of an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB EO).

Automotive aftermarket manufacturers seeking to develop products during “stay-at-home” orders can tap into several exclusive SEMA-member benefits that lend themselves to physical distancing. Available throughout the year and popular amongst SEMA manufacturing members, these benefits may prove even more valuable given the current landscape:

• Vehicles in Operations (VIO): The SEMA-member VIO program helps companies make informed decisions by understanding the number of target vehicles currently on the road for any make or model. The information is key to helping members identify the vehicle platforms that have the greatest opportunities, develop a strategic distribution strategy and target their marketing. To learn more, click here. 
• Tech Transfer/CAD Data: Computer Aided Design (CAD) data from automakers is available exclusively to SEMA-member manufacturers to assist with developing products quickly, accurately and efficiently. Through the SEMA Tech Transfer Program, members may be able to eliminate the need to source, disassemble and digitally create CAD models. More than 40,000 CAD files are already in the library and available to use, and additional data may be available through supplemental 3D scanning from the SEMA Garage. Click here for details about the Tech Transfer Program.
• Rapid Prototyping/3D Printing: When members have completed design for their aftermarket products, they may want to create a low-cost prototype before going into full production. SEMA’s 3D printing is available. Use of the machine and labor is available free of charge, and members simply pay for the cost of material. Click here for additional information about SEMA’s Rapid Prototyping/3D Printing Services.
• EO Preparation and Advocacy Services: The SEMA Compliance Center is available to assist members with performance products that may impact a vehicle’s emissions and are in need of an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB EO). Expert staff will help members review their products to determine what may be required to obtain an EO, assist with the application process and even interact with CARB on behalf of members. Details can be found here.

To learn more about how manufacturers can tap into resources to help with product development and other benefits, visit the SEMA website.

By Della Domingo

The SEMA Compliance Center is available to assist members with performance products that may impact a vehicle’s emissions and are in need of an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB EO).

Automotive aftermarket manufacturers seeking to develop products during “stay-at-home” orders can tap into several exclusive SEMA-member benefits that lend themselves to physical distancing. Available throughout the year and popular amongst SEMA manufacturing members, these benefits may prove even more valuable given the current landscape:

• Vehicles in Operations (VIO): The SEMA-member VIO program helps companies make informed decisions by understanding the number of target vehicles currently on the road for any make or model. The information is key to helping members identify the vehicle platforms that have the greatest opportunities, develop a strategic distribution strategy and target their marketing. To learn more, click here. 
• Tech Transfer/CAD Data: Computer Aided Design (CAD) data from automakers is available exclusively to SEMA-member manufacturers to assist with developing products quickly, accurately and efficiently. Through the SEMA Tech Transfer Program, members may be able to eliminate the need to source, disassemble and digitally create CAD models. More than 40,000 CAD files are already in the library and available to use, and additional data may be available through supplemental 3D scanning from the SEMA Garage. Click here for details about the Tech Transfer Program.
• Rapid Prototyping/3D Printing: When members have completed design for their aftermarket products, they may want to create a low-cost prototype before going into full production. SEMA’s 3D printing is available. Use of the machine and labor is available free of charge, and members simply pay for the cost of material. Click here for additional information about SEMA’s Rapid Prototyping/3D Printing Services.
• EO Preparation and Advocacy Services: The SEMA Compliance Center is available to assist members with performance products that may impact a vehicle’s emissions and are in need of an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB EO). Expert staff will help members review their products to determine what may be required to obtain an EO, assist with the application process and even interact with CARB on behalf of members. Details can be found here.

To learn more about how manufacturers can tap into resources to help with product development and other benefits, visit the SEMA website.

By Rich Hail

The next SEMA Young Guns regional qualifier will be held in the Southeast region Sunday, April 26, with the winner to be announced the following week on social media.

SEMA continues the national search for young builders to compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders with the next virtual Young Guns regional qualifier to be held for the Southeast region, Sunday, April 26, with the winner to be announced the following week on social media. Builders ages 27 and younger who live in the following participating Southeast states—Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida—are invited to register and submit photos and a written description of their vehicles for judging. Rules and judging criteria for the Young Guns regionals remain the same; however, all judging will take place via video.

“The virtual regional qualifier for the Young Guns has allowed SEMA to open up the competition to a much wider audience than ever before”, said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “During this period, great stories have emerged of young builders spending more time working on their vehicles with the desire to earn a spot at the SEMA Show, which is the biggest stage of the automotive aftermarket industry. With the virtual qualifier, we’re now reaching young builders all over the country through social media.”

For the past six years, young, up-and-coming builders from across North America have had the opportunity to display their talents through the Battle of the Builders Young Guns competition. Entrants are given the opportunity to compete across the United States at various regional events with the winners recognized for their talents with an all-expenses-paid trip for two, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot at the SEMA Show and automatic entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

For more information and to register for a Young Guns event, visit www.semayoungguns.com.

By Rich Hail

The next SEMA Young Guns regional qualifier will be held in the Southeast region Sunday, April 26, with the winner to be announced the following week on social media.

SEMA continues the national search for young builders to compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders with the next virtual Young Guns regional qualifier to be held for the Southeast region, Sunday, April 26, with the winner to be announced the following week on social media. Builders ages 27 and younger who live in the following participating Southeast states—Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida—are invited to register and submit photos and a written description of their vehicles for judging. Rules and judging criteria for the Young Guns regionals remain the same; however, all judging will take place via video.

“The virtual regional qualifier for the Young Guns has allowed SEMA to open up the competition to a much wider audience than ever before”, said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “During this period, great stories have emerged of young builders spending more time working on their vehicles with the desire to earn a spot at the SEMA Show, which is the biggest stage of the automotive aftermarket industry. With the virtual qualifier, we’re now reaching young builders all over the country through social media.”

For the past six years, young, up-and-coming builders from across North America have had the opportunity to display their talents through the Battle of the Builders Young Guns competition. Entrants are given the opportunity to compete across the United States at various regional events with the winners recognized for their talents with an all-expenses-paid trip for two, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot at the SEMA Show and automatic entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

For more information and to register for a Young Guns event, visit www.semayoungguns.com.

By Rich Hail

The next SEMA Young Guns regional qualifier will be held in the Southeast region Sunday, April 26, with the winner to be announced the following week on social media.

SEMA continues the national search for young builders to compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders with the next virtual Young Guns regional qualifier to be held for the Southeast region, Sunday, April 26, with the winner to be announced the following week on social media. Builders ages 27 and younger who live in the following participating Southeast states—Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida—are invited to register and submit photos and a written description of their vehicles for judging. Rules and judging criteria for the Young Guns regionals remain the same; however, all judging will take place via video.

“The virtual regional qualifier for the Young Guns has allowed SEMA to open up the competition to a much wider audience than ever before”, said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “During this period, great stories have emerged of young builders spending more time working on their vehicles with the desire to earn a spot at the SEMA Show, which is the biggest stage of the automotive aftermarket industry. With the virtual qualifier, we’re now reaching young builders all over the country through social media.”

For the past six years, young, up-and-coming builders from across North America have had the opportunity to display their talents through the Battle of the Builders Young Guns competition. Entrants are given the opportunity to compete across the United States at various regional events with the winners recognized for their talents with an all-expenses-paid trip for two, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot at the SEMA Show and automatic entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

For more information and to register for a Young Guns event, visit www.semayoungguns.com.

By Rich Hail

The next SEMA Young Guns regional qualifier will be held in the Southeast region Sunday, April 26, with the winner to be announced the following week on social media.

SEMA continues the national search for young builders to compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders with the next virtual Young Guns regional qualifier to be held for the Southeast region, Sunday, April 26, with the winner to be announced the following week on social media. Builders ages 27 and younger who live in the following participating Southeast states—Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida—are invited to register and submit photos and a written description of their vehicles for judging. Rules and judging criteria for the Young Guns regionals remain the same; however, all judging will take place via video.

“The virtual regional qualifier for the Young Guns has allowed SEMA to open up the competition to a much wider audience than ever before”, said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “During this period, great stories have emerged of young builders spending more time working on their vehicles with the desire to earn a spot at the SEMA Show, which is the biggest stage of the automotive aftermarket industry. With the virtual qualifier, we’re now reaching young builders all over the country through social media.”

For the past six years, young, up-and-coming builders from across North America have had the opportunity to display their talents through the Battle of the Builders Young Guns competition. Entrants are given the opportunity to compete across the United States at various regional events with the winners recognized for their talents with an all-expenses-paid trip for two, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot at the SEMA Show and automatic entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

For more information and to register for a Young Guns event, visit www.semayoungguns.com.

By Ashley Reyes

As a trade association, SEMA represents the automotive specialty-equipment industry and provides benefits and resources to help businesses in the industry succeed and prosper. While the association has a team of professionals who execute the day-to-day operations, the staff relies on volunteers from the industry to direct, guide and lead its efforts.

In recognition of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 19–25, SEMA would like to recognize and thank the thousands of members who lend their time, knowledge and expertise to help the industry. Many programs and services originated and exist because of SEMA volunteers, from idea and inception to development and execution.

“The ability for the association to grow and develop new resources for our members is attributed to the dedicated and caring people who volunteer their time with us,” said Nathan Ridnour, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “Without our volunteers, we would not be able to execute the various programs that provide so much value to the industry.”

Over the past two years, the council leadership contributed nearly 20 new ideas for SEMA Board consideration—many supporting strategic initiatives and others offering new value to members.

Recent programs that resulted from volunteers include the Student UTV Build Pilot Program, powered by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN), which connected aspiring industry professionals to serve as mentors for high school students, and the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Cup Challenge. Developed to raise awareness and encourage the customization of new model cars and trucks for mainstream consumers, the PRO Cup Challenge kicked off at the 2019 SEMA Show to showcase how simple and affordable it was to create a customized package that would appeal to a large number of consumers.

By focusing on community building and networking, many volunteers have also implemented new ways to connect with members on social media. Member spotlights, Facebook Live Chats and Member Insights are just a few initiatives that are solely volunteer driven.

“Whether they are out at regional events, participating in education seminars, or serving the aftermarket community within their business, they are always willing to help out and inspire others to carry out our mission,” said Ridnouer. “One week isn’t enough to express our gratitude for all they do for the industry, and for this we are extremely grateful.”

By sharing their experience and vision, SEMA volunteers provide creative solutions to challenges businesses are facing and help plan educational and networking opportunities for members in various market segments. They are comprised of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry enthusiasts who care about the future of the specialty equipment market. SEMA appreciates all that they do for our members and community.