Thu, 01/10/2019 - 13:44



More and more businesses looking to hyper-personalize how their websites interact with visitors are turning to artificial intelligence (AI).

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2018/12/upping-your-game-with-an-ai-personalized-website

Thu, 01/10/2019 - 11:19

Exhibit at the 2019 SEMA Show—Get Started Here

The 2019 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

http://www.semashow.com/buyabooth

Thu, 01/10/2019 - 11:19

Exhibit at the 2019 SEMA Show—Get Started Here

The 2019 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

http://www.semashow.com/buyabooth

Thu, 01/10/2019 - 11:19

Exhibit at the 2019 SEMA Show—Get Started Here

The 2019 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

http://www.semashow.com/buyabooth

Thu, 01/10/2019 - 11:10

By Kristopher Porter

SheIs
Taylor Bostick

With a brand-new year comes a fresh start. The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) dedicates January’s Member Spotlight to Taylor Bostick, a mechanical engineering student from Oklahoma State University, who was a recipient of a 2018 SEMA Scholarship and also won the SBN Athena Rising Star Award. Take a look at Taylor’s Q&A below:

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?   

Taylor Bostick: Do not let people limit your dreams because you are a minority in the industry. Be strong, keep your head high and work hard toward your dreams.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

TB: It gives me motivation knowing that there are so many strong and independent women out there in this industry, killing it without regard to what people say or think about them.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?  

TB: Working on my ’96 Chevy truck or helping my friends with their vehicles. I love to go to the drag races in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and also the dirt-track races close to my house on Saturdays. I love to be around cars and racing, especially when my friends and family are there too.

SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?  

TB: I’m there at least 15 minutes early. I am a punctual kind of person no matter if it’s in the workplace or just hanging with friends. Being early shows initiative and proves that you are ready to take on that meeting.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?   

TB: Jessi Combs, because I grew up watching her succeed in this career, and she was a major influence on my decision to do what I do. She works hard and believes all girls can do what they put their minds to.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured in SBN’s social media channels, SEMA eNews and on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While you’re there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and paving the way for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form and join the action today!

Thu, 01/10/2019 - 11:10

By Kristopher Porter

SheIs
Taylor Bostick

With a brand-new year comes a fresh start. The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) dedicates January’s Member Spotlight to Taylor Bostick, a mechanical engineering student from Oklahoma State University, who was a recipient of a 2018 SEMA Scholarship and also won the SBN Athena Rising Star Award. Take a look at Taylor’s Q&A below:

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?   

Taylor Bostick: Do not let people limit your dreams because you are a minority in the industry. Be strong, keep your head high and work hard toward your dreams.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

TB: It gives me motivation knowing that there are so many strong and independent women out there in this industry, killing it without regard to what people say or think about them.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?  

TB: Working on my ’96 Chevy truck or helping my friends with their vehicles. I love to go to the drag races in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and also the dirt-track races close to my house on Saturdays. I love to be around cars and racing, especially when my friends and family are there too.

SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?  

TB: I’m there at least 15 minutes early. I am a punctual kind of person no matter if it’s in the workplace or just hanging with friends. Being early shows initiative and proves that you are ready to take on that meeting.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?   

TB: Jessi Combs, because I grew up watching her succeed in this career, and she was a major influence on my decision to do what I do. She works hard and believes all girls can do what they put their minds to.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured in SBN’s social media channels, SEMA eNews and on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While you’re there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and paving the way for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form and join the action today!

Thu, 01/10/2019 - 11:00

By Kristopher Porter

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites members who are in town for the MPMC Media Trade Conference or the Grand National Roadster Show to its open meeting, to be held Friday, January 25, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

This is a great opportunity to learn about HRIA’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large. HRIA select committee members, along with SEMA staff, will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in joining HRIA. A continental breakfast will be provided.  

For more information, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, or via email at jimsk@sema.org.

Register now!

Thu, 01/10/2019 - 11:00

By Kristopher Porter

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites members who are in town for the MPMC Media Trade Conference or the Grand National Roadster Show to its open meeting, to be held Friday, January 25, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

This is a great opportunity to learn about HRIA’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large. HRIA select committee members, along with SEMA staff, will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in joining HRIA. A continental breakfast will be provided.  

For more information, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, or via email at jimsk@sema.org.

Register now!

Thu, 01/10/2019 - 10:46

By Kristopher Porter

Bill Cole
William A. Cole

William A. Cole, 72, a lifelong Tewksbury, Massachusetts, resident and Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Hall of Fame inductee, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Sunday, December 30, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Judith E. (Ford) Cole, with whom he celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary April 19, 2018.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, May 14, 1946, he was the son of the late Kenneth R. Cole and the late Mildred (Ricker) Cole. He was raised in Tewksbury and graduated from Tewksbury High School. Following graduation, he attended Lowell Tech, where he received his degree in business management.

In 1970, Cole founded and operated Yankee Custom, a full-line truck, van and SUV accessory-supply company with locations in Tewksbury; Saugus, Massachusetts; Brockton, Massachusetts; Nashua, New Hampshire; and Portland, Maine. He started the company in his garage, where he specialized in the fabrication and installation of wood-framed aluminum truckbed caps and enclosures. From those humble beginnings, Cole expanded the business and its offerings to what is now considered one of New England’s largest retail distributors of truck, van and SUV accessories.

Cole was also involved in the founding and creation of SEMA’s LTAA, which at the time was known as the Truck Cap Industry Association (TCIA). During his spare time, He enjoyed restoring his antique ’46 Mack EH, watching John Wayne movies, listening to the music of Frank Sinatra, hosting the annual Cole family pig roast and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Cole is survived by his children: Scott W. Cole of Manchester, New Hampshire; Kathryn M. Alonis and her husband Kevin of Merrimack, New Hampshire; and Jeffrey A. Cole and his wife Allison of Tewksbury; his grandchildren Katherine, Olivia, Caitlin and Prayla Cole, and Alexander Alonis; three sisters Dr. Elizabeth Proper of Hatfield, Massachusetts; Carolyn Maggard of Williston, Florida; and Patricia Allen and her husband Charles of Casco, Maine; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Thu, 01/10/2019 - 10:46

By Kristopher Porter

Bill Cole
William A. Cole

William A. Cole, 72, a lifelong Tewksbury, Massachusetts, resident and Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Hall of Fame inductee, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Sunday, December 30, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Judith E. (Ford) Cole, with whom he celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary April 19, 2018.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, May 14, 1946, he was the son of the late Kenneth R. Cole and the late Mildred (Ricker) Cole. He was raised in Tewksbury and graduated from Tewksbury High School. Following graduation, he attended Lowell Tech, where he received his degree in business management.

In 1970, Cole founded and operated Yankee Custom, a full-line truck, van and SUV accessory-supply company with locations in Tewksbury; Saugus, Massachusetts; Brockton, Massachusetts; Nashua, New Hampshire; and Portland, Maine. He started the company in his garage, where he specialized in the fabrication and installation of wood-framed aluminum truckbed caps and enclosures. From those humble beginnings, Cole expanded the business and its offerings to what is now considered one of New England’s largest retail distributors of truck, van and SUV accessories.

Cole was also involved in the founding and creation of SEMA’s LTAA, which at the time was known as the Truck Cap Industry Association (TCIA). During his spare time, He enjoyed restoring his antique ’46 Mack EH, watching John Wayne movies, listening to the music of Frank Sinatra, hosting the annual Cole family pig roast and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Cole is survived by his children: Scott W. Cole of Manchester, New Hampshire; Kathryn M. Alonis and her husband Kevin of Merrimack, New Hampshire; and Jeffrey A. Cole and his wife Allison of Tewksbury; his grandchildren Katherine, Olivia, Caitlin and Prayla Cole, and Alexander Alonis; three sisters Dr. Elizabeth Proper of Hatfield, Massachusetts; Carolyn Maggard of Williston, Florida; and Patricia Allen and her husband Charles of Casco, Maine; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.