By Rachel Tatum

Media outlets are reaching out to SEMA seeking exhibitors to interview for upcoming stories.

As the SEMA Show quickly approaches, members of the media continue to reach out to SEMA seeking exhibitors to interview for upcoming stories. Media opportunities include:

• Print publications/Off-Road, Powersports and Utility, Overland: Print publications seeking photography, video, press releases and in-person interviews for new truck, overland and off-road products, unique 4x4 truck builds and products to review/install.

Media are still looking for more products that fit the following:

• International publication/Ford Ranger Raptor: International publication seeking products and services for the Ford Ranger Raptor. Interested in aftermarket performance and utility products, accessories and services.
• International publication/Italian Show cars: International publication (United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) covering Italian Show cars—classic and modern, products, services and companies at the SEMA Show.
• Publication/retro Ford market: Publication looking to  locate content relevant to the growing retro Ford market, including cars and pickups. Feature article will report on product offerings specific to modified classic Fords.
• Publication/off-road: Off-road publication seeking products and companies focused on off-road performance, specifically for high-speed, desert-type environments. Looking for high-res product images and information that fits this off-road category, as well as personalities that have experience in high-speed desert off-road and can bring insight for fans and racers.

Exhibitors who fit the above profiles and are interested should send the following information to Rachel Tatum:

• Which opportunity listed above to which you are responding.
• Exhibiting company name.
• Contact person name, title, phone and email address.
• Information including company/product and how your company/product fulfills the reporter’s request. Please include which opportunities you feel your product/service/company fits best.

Journalists seeking SEMA members or exhibitors to interview for stories are invited to reach out to Juan Torres. SEMA PR is available to help connect reporters with members and exhibitors throughout the year.

By Rachel Tatum

Media outlets are reaching out to SEMA seeking exhibitors to interview for upcoming stories.

As the SEMA Show quickly approaches, members of the media continue to reach out to SEMA seeking exhibitors to interview for upcoming stories. Media opportunities include:

• Print publications/Off-Road, Powersports and Utility, Overland: Print publications seeking photography, video, press releases and in-person interviews for new truck, overland and off-road products, unique 4x4 truck builds and products to review/install.

Media are still looking for more products that fit the following:

• International publication/Ford Ranger Raptor: International publication seeking products and services for the Ford Ranger Raptor. Interested in aftermarket performance and utility products, accessories and services.
• International publication/Italian Show cars: International publication (United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) covering Italian Show cars—classic and modern, products, services and companies at the SEMA Show.
• Publication/retro Ford market: Publication looking to  locate content relevant to the growing retro Ford market, including cars and pickups. Feature article will report on product offerings specific to modified classic Fords.
• Publication/off-road: Off-road publication seeking products and companies focused on off-road performance, specifically for high-speed, desert-type environments. Looking for high-res product images and information that fits this off-road category, as well as personalities that have experience in high-speed desert off-road and can bring insight for fans and racers.

Exhibitors who fit the above profiles and are interested should send the following information to Rachel Tatum:

• Which opportunity listed above to which you are responding.
• Exhibiting company name.
• Contact person name, title, phone and email address.
• Information including company/product and how your company/product fulfills the reporter’s request. Please include which opportunities you feel your product/service/company fits best.

Journalists seeking SEMA members or exhibitors to interview for stories are invited to reach out to Juan Torres. SEMA PR is available to help connect reporters with members and exhibitors throughout the year.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued final regulations to raise the cap from $23,660 to $35,568 a year ($455 to $684 a week) for management, administrative and professional employees who are exempt from receiving overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours a week. The pay threshold is frequently called the Fair Labor Standards Act’s “white collar” exemption. In 2016, the Obama administration raised the cap to $47,476 per year, but it was struck down by a federal court. The new rule takes effect January 1, 2020.

The $23,660 threshold was last set in 2004. The Obama administration rule included a periodic cost-of-living adjustment, but the new rule simply commits to updating thresholds on a more regular basis, acknowledging that small employers may be less able to absorb frequent new costs and workforce changes. 

The new rule also raises the total annual compensation level for highly compensated employees from $100,000 to $107,432 per year. It also allows employers to use nondiscretionary bonuses and incentive payments (including commissions) that are paid at least annually to satisfy up to 10% of the standard salary level, in recognition of evolving pay practices. It is estimated that an additional 1.3 million Americans who work more than 40 hours a week would become eligible for overtime pay under the proposed rule. 

For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued final regulations to raise the cap from $23,660 to $35,568 a year ($455 to $684 a week) for management, administrative and professional employees who are exempt from receiving overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours a week. The pay threshold is frequently called the Fair Labor Standards Act’s “white collar” exemption. In 2016, the Obama administration raised the cap to $47,476 per year, but it was struck down by a federal court. The new rule takes effect January 1, 2020.

The $23,660 threshold was last set in 2004. The Obama administration rule included a periodic cost-of-living adjustment, but the new rule simply commits to updating thresholds on a more regular basis, acknowledging that small employers may be less able to absorb frequent new costs and workforce changes. 

The new rule also raises the total annual compensation level for highly compensated employees from $100,000 to $107,432 per year. It also allows employers to use nondiscretionary bonuses and incentive payments (including commissions) that are paid at least annually to satisfy up to 10% of the standard salary level, in recognition of evolving pay practices. It is estimated that an additional 1.3 million Americans who work more than 40 hours a week would become eligible for overtime pay under the proposed rule. 

For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

First-time exhibitor Specialty Vehicle Engineering Inc./DBA Hamburger’s Superchargers Inc. attracted lots of attention among local buyers.

“The SEMA Middle East Business Development Program provides insights into a developing automotive market and customer base in the region,” said Bill O’Roake (left), international sales manager at Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels.

Join SEMA on a trip to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 31–April 7, 2020, for the annual SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference to meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region. Participants can self-certify to qualify for up to $1,250 in U.S. government grants to defray trip costs. An inaugural add-on program will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 5–7.

Explore the potential for your products in this customizing-crazy market, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income, coupled with a passion for personalization, makes this an attractive region.

On this trip, activities will include:

• Exhibiting at the leading customizing show in the region—Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth.
• Participating in a seminar with top distributors.
• Attending an official U.S. government briefing.
• Touring specialty-equipment shops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE featuring performance, off-road and styling upgrades.
• Attending networking receptions

All meals, hotel accommodations, a turnkey booth at the Custom Show Emirates and airfare from the UAE to Saudi Arabia are included.

Register now; slots are limited. For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development program contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/middleeast.

By Linda Spencer

First-time exhibitor Specialty Vehicle Engineering Inc./DBA Hamburger’s Superchargers Inc. attracted lots of attention among local buyers.

“The SEMA Middle East Business Development Program provides insights into a developing automotive market and customer base in the region,” said Bill O’Roake (left), international sales manager at Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels.

Join SEMA on a trip to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 31–April 7, 2020, for the annual SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference to meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region. Participants can self-certify to qualify for up to $1,250 in U.S. government grants to defray trip costs. An inaugural add-on program will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 5–7.

Explore the potential for your products in this customizing-crazy market, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income, coupled with a passion for personalization, makes this an attractive region.

On this trip, activities will include:

• Exhibiting at the leading customizing show in the region—Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth.
• Participating in a seminar with top distributors.
• Attending an official U.S. government briefing.
• Touring specialty-equipment shops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE featuring performance, off-road and styling upgrades.
• Attending networking receptions

All meals, hotel accommodations, a turnkey booth at the Custom Show Emirates and airfare from the UAE to Saudi Arabia are included.

Register now; slots are limited. For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development program contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/middleeast.

By Kristopher Porter

Bob Morreale

On October 3, from 11:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m., SEMA’s Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host a Live Chat featuring The Tuning School’s Bob Morreale on “How Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Are Driving Your Car Into the Future!”

During this highly anticipated ETTN Live Chat, Morreale will discuss artificial intelligence (AI) in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), how artificial neural networks are being used to control engines and the future of AI. A Live Chat is an open Q&A where participants will have the chance to communicate directly with Morreale and ask him questions about the topic.

Through his experience at The Tuning School, Morreale has mastered a balance between being a leader and the guy who loves to do the research and development necessary to grow his company. During his career, he has developed his skillset geared toward computer engineering and vehicle controls. He mainly specializes in research and development of automotive engine controls and factory engine control modules (ECM). Working with computers and programming had become a second nature when he started working with computers in second grade during the ’80s.

“I have specialized in understanding and teaching the process of reprogramming GM, Ford and Dodge ECMs, and have written multiple books on the subject,”  Morreale said.

Currently, he is involved in the process of artificial Intelligence development as it relates to artificial neural networks controlling vehicle engines of the future. In the past, Morreale has given tech talks at conferences, such as the PRI Trade Show, Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) and many others.

Join the ETTN on October 3, at 11:00 a.m., on the ETTN Facebook page.

For more information, contact: Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of councils and networks, at bryanh@sema.org.

By Kristopher Porter

Bob Morreale

On October 3, from 11:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m., SEMA’s Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host a Live Chat featuring The Tuning School’s Bob Morreale on “How Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Are Driving Your Car Into the Future!”

During this highly anticipated ETTN Live Chat, Morreale will discuss artificial intelligence (AI) in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), how artificial neural networks are being used to control engines and the future of AI. A Live Chat is an open Q&A where participants will have the chance to communicate directly with Morreale and ask him questions about the topic.

Through his experience at The Tuning School, Morreale has mastered a balance between being a leader and the guy who loves to do the research and development necessary to grow his company. During his career, he has developed his skillset geared toward computer engineering and vehicle controls. He mainly specializes in research and development of automotive engine controls and factory engine control modules (ECM). Working with computers and programming had become a second nature when he started working with computers in second grade during the ’80s.

“I have specialized in understanding and teaching the process of reprogramming GM, Ford and Dodge ECMs, and have written multiple books on the subject,”  Morreale said.

Currently, he is involved in the process of artificial Intelligence development as it relates to artificial neural networks controlling vehicle engines of the future. In the past, Morreale has given tech talks at conferences, such as the PRI Trade Show, Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) and many others.

Join the ETTN on October 3, at 11:00 a.m., on the ETTN Facebook page.

For more information, contact: Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of councils and networks, at bryanh@sema.org.

By Rich Hail

Now in his third year of competing as a builder, Eddie Pettus of Eddie’s Rod & Custom will show up with a unique vehicle at this year’s SEMA Show. Originally created for the Swedish Armed Forces, Eddie’s ’57 Volvo TP21 is quite a rarity as there were only about 700 that were ever built.

We aren’t 100% sure what’s in store for this former radio communications vehicle, but what we do know is that Eddie has outfitted this overlander with a 500+ hp Cummins 6BT turbo-diesel engine. This is a far cry from the 90 hp straight-six these originally came with. After cleaning up the gaps all around the vehicle, he also plans on adding some creature comforts, such as A/C and a custom Kicker stereo system. After he’s finished with the body, the “Sugga” will roll out on 37-in. Cooper STT Pro Discoverers wrapped around custom 18-in. rims.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition shines the spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the SEMA Show. It allows enthusiasts and fans a chance to learn the stories behind the builds, get to know the builders and be inspired along the way.

By Rich Hail

Now in his third year of competing as a builder, Eddie Pettus of Eddie’s Rod & Custom will show up with a unique vehicle at this year’s SEMA Show. Originally created for the Swedish Armed Forces, Eddie’s ’57 Volvo TP21 is quite a rarity as there were only about 700 that were ever built.

We aren’t 100% sure what’s in store for this former radio communications vehicle, but what we do know is that Eddie has outfitted this overlander with a 500+ hp Cummins 6BT turbo-diesel engine. This is a far cry from the 90 hp straight-six these originally came with. After cleaning up the gaps all around the vehicle, he also plans on adding some creature comforts, such as A/C and a custom Kicker stereo system. After he’s finished with the body, the “Sugga” will roll out on 37-in. Cooper STT Pro Discoverers wrapped around custom 18-in. rims.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition shines the spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the SEMA Show. It allows enthusiasts and fans a chance to learn the stories behind the builds, get to know the builders and be inspired along the way.