By Chad Simon

About 400 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the 2018 SEMA Installation & Gala, themed “Success Starts Here,” at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City in Universal City, California, on July 20, to pay tribute to the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers.

About 400 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the 2018 SEMA Installation & Gala, themed “Success Starts Here,” at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City in Universal City, California, on July 20, to pay tribute to the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers.

Jessi Combs and Kevin Oeste served as the evening’s emcees. Honorees included the SEMA Hall of Fame class of 2018—Donnie Eatherly, P&E Distributors; Ed Pink, Ed Pink’s Garage; and Chris Thomson, TMG Performance Products.

The festivities kicked-off with the Pinewood Drag Races—an annual fundraiser for SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. In addition to the Build-It-For-Me (BIFM) class, the races included the Council Cup, People’s Choice, several different industry classes and Industry Cup Challenge. Children living at the Childhelp facilities and Victory Junction campers built the vehicles for the BIFM class and donors sponsored their racecars for $95.

Shortly after the races ended, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting and Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki took the stage to personally recognize the efforts of outgoing Board of Directors officials and welcome the incoming Board. They included:

• Jim Bingham of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc. (outgoing)
• Laurel Dasher of MagnaFlow (outgoing)
• Russ Deane of Trainum, Snowdon & Deane, General Counsel (outgoing)
• Susan Carpenter of CPG (outgoing)
• Donnie Eatherly of P&E Distributors (incoming)
• David Goch of Webster of Chamberlain & Bean LLP, General Counsel
• Nick Gramelspacher of Meyer Distributing (outgoing)
• Dan Kahn of Kahn Media Inc. (re-elected)
• Brian Lounsberry of Motovicity Distribution (incoming)
• Dr. Jamie Meyer of General Motors (incoming)
• Steve Whipple of Edelbrock LLC (incoming)

Here’s a look at the pinewood leaderboard:

Council Cup

1st Place: Automotive Restoration Market Association (ARMO)

Build It For Me Class (cars and trucks built by kids)

1st Place: Hella

People’s Choice

Edelbrock

Industry Cup Challenge

1st Place: Hot Rod

Media Class: Hot Rod
Service Provider’s Class: LGE*CTS
Rep Agency Class: R&R Marketing
Warehouse Distributor Class: RSD
Manufacturer’s Class: A.R.E.

While the racing is over, it’s not too late to make a direct donation to Childhelp and Victory Junction via SEMA Cares.

The following photos showcase activities from the 2018 SEMA Installation & Gala:

The Gala was emceed by industry personalities Kevin Oeste (left) and Jessi Combs (right).		SEMA Board of Directors Chairman Wade Kawasaki welcomed attendees to the annual Installation & Gala.
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) and SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki (right) honored longtime SEMA Counsel Russ Deane, who retired.		SEMA Cares Chairman Rich Barsamian encouraged guests to sponsor a Pinewood car to help raise money for children’s charities.
Outgoing SEMA Board member Jim Bingham (center) of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc. was recognized for his contributions.		Donnie Eatherly of P&E Distributors was welcomed to the SEMA Board.
Outgoing Board member Nick Gramelspacher (center) of Meyer Distributing was thanked for his efforts.		Dan Kahn (center) of Kahn Media Inc. was re-elected to the SEMA Board of Directors.
Outgoing SEMA Board member Laurel Dasher (center) of MagnaFlow was recognized for her contributions.		Dr. Jamie Meyer (center) of General Motors was welcomed to the SEMA Board of Directors.
Brian Lounsberry (center) of Motovicity Distribution was welcomed to the SEMA Board of Directors.		SEMA paid tribute to longtime General Counsel Russ Deane (center), who retired.
Steve Whipple (center) of Edelbrock LLC was welcomed to the SEMA Board.		2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Donnie Eatherly.
2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Ed Pink.		2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Chris Thomson.
The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, held in conjunction with the Installation & Gala, raised money for charities supported by SEMA Cares.		2018–2019 SEMA Board of Directors.

By Chad Simon

About 400 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the 2018 SEMA Installation & Gala, themed “Success Starts Here,” at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City in Universal City, California, on July 20, to pay tribute to the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers.

About 400 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the 2018 SEMA Installation & Gala, themed “Success Starts Here,” at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City in Universal City, California, on July 20, to pay tribute to the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers.

Jessi Combs and Kevin Oeste served as the evening’s emcees. Honorees included the SEMA Hall of Fame class of 2018—Donnie Eatherly, P&E Distributors; Ed Pink, Ed Pink’s Garage; and Chris Thomson, TMG Performance Products.

The festivities kicked-off with the Pinewood Drag Races—an annual fundraiser for SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. In addition to the Build-It-For-Me (BIFM) class, the races included the Council Cup, People’s Choice, several different industry classes and Industry Cup Challenge. Children living at the Childhelp facilities and Victory Junction campers built the vehicles for the BIFM class and donors sponsored their racecars for $95.

Shortly after the races ended, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting and Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki took the stage to personally recognize the efforts of outgoing Board of Directors officials and welcome the incoming Board. They included:

• Jim Bingham of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc. (outgoing)
• Laurel Dasher of MagnaFlow (outgoing)
• Russ Deane of Trainum, Snowdon & Deane, General Counsel (outgoing)
• Susan Carpenter of CPG (outgoing)
• Donnie Eatherly of P&E Distributors (incoming)
• David Goch of Webster of Chamberlain & Bean LLP, General Counsel
• Nick Gramelspacher of Meyer Distributing (outgoing)
• Dan Kahn of Kahn Media Inc. (re-elected)
• Brian Lounsberry of Motovicity Distribution (incoming)
• Dr. Jamie Meyer of General Motors (incoming)
• Steve Whipple of Edelbrock LLC (incoming)

Here’s a look at the pinewood leaderboard:

Council Cup

1st Place: Automotive Restoration Market Association (ARMO)

Build It For Me Class (cars and trucks built by kids)

1st Place: Hella

People’s Choice

Edelbrock

Industry Cup Challenge

1st Place: Hot Rod

Media Class: Hot Rod
Service Provider’s Class: LGE*CTS
Rep Agency Class: R&R Marketing
Warehouse Distributor Class: RSD
Manufacturer’s Class: A.R.E.

While the racing is over, it’s not too late to make a direct donation to Childhelp and Victory Junction via SEMA Cares.

The following photos showcase activities from the 2018 SEMA Installation & Gala:

The Gala was emceed by industry personalities Kevin Oeste (left) and Jessi Combs (right).		SEMA Board of Directors Chairman Wade Kawasaki welcomed attendees to the annual Installation & Gala.
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) and SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki (right) honored longtime SEMA Counsel Russ Deane, who retired.		SEMA Cares Chairman Rich Barsamian encouraged guests to sponsor a Pinewood car to help raise money for children’s charities.
Outgoing SEMA Board member Jim Bingham (center) of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc. was recognized for his contributions.		Donnie Eatherly of P&E Distributors was welcomed to the SEMA Board.
Outgoing Board member Nick Gramelspacher (center) of Meyer Distributing was thanked for his efforts.		Dan Kahn (center) of Kahn Media Inc. was re-elected to the SEMA Board of Directors.
Outgoing SEMA Board member Laurel Dasher (center) of MagnaFlow was recognized for her contributions.		Dr. Jamie Meyer (center) of General Motors was welcomed to the SEMA Board of Directors.
Brian Lounsberry (center) of Motovicity Distribution was welcomed to the SEMA Board of Directors.		SEMA paid tribute to longtime General Counsel Russ Deane (center), who retired.
Steve Whipple (center) of Edelbrock LLC was welcomed to the SEMA Board.		2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Donnie Eatherly.
2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Ed Pink.		2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Chris Thomson.
The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, held in conjunction with the Installation & Gala, raised money for charities supported by SEMA Cares.		2018–2019 SEMA Board of Directors.

By Katie Carson

During the 2018 HRIA Education Days, 12 manufacturers in the hot-rod segment will give hour-long presentations on their product lines, and tips and tricks for attendees’ projects and builds.

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days will be held Thursday, August 2–Friday, August 3, at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. Twelve hot-rod manufacturers will give hour-long presentations on their product lines, and also provide tips and tricks for attendees’ projects and builds.

Sessions will begin at 9:15 a.m., with the last session concluding at 4:30 p.m., and are open to all NSRA Nationals attendees. This is a popular event and seats are limited.

Reserve your spot in the sessions that most interest you.

The following is a sneak peek of the manufacturers and the discussion topics scheduled for the 2018 event:

FAST EFI – “Understanding EFI”
Presenter: Kevin Winstead

FATMAN Fabrications – “Chassis Design”
Presenter: Brent VanDervort

Borgeson – “Power Steering Conversions”
Presenter: Jeff Grantmeyer

Classic Instruments – “Instrumentation For Your Dash”
Presenter: John McLeod

Painless Performance – “Dos and Don’ts of Wire Harness Installations”
Presenter: Dennis Overholser

Edelbrock – “Edelbrock Has Your Fuel System Solutions”
Presenter: Cary Redman

Vintage Air – “Basics of Air Conditioning”
Presenter: Rick Love

Steele Rubber Products – “Pro Tips on Weather Strips”
Presenter: Danny and Matt Agosta

American Autowire – “Wiring Solutions”
Presenter: Scott Hughes

Wilwood Disc Brakes – “Understanding Brake Systems”
Presenter: Bob Roese

Lokar – “Being Prepared for the NSRA Safety 23”
Presenter: Howard Cook and Jeff McClure

Total Cost Involved – “Basics of Modern Suspensions”
Presenter: Evan Dalley

HRIA General Membership Meeting—Louisville

Prior to Education Days, HRIA will kick off NSRA Nationals weekend in Louisville with a General Membership meeting on August 1. The event serves as a great opportunity to get together with industry friends and associates and learn more about what HRIA has been up to and what’s next. The meeting also provides attendees an opportunity to interface directly with HRIA leadership and bring suggestions to the table.

Join HRIA at the Kentucky Expo Center in room B101 on August 1, at 3:30 p.m., where the HRIA select committee will provide updates on the latest council initiatives and activities. Register now for the meeting. 

For questions, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

By Katie Carson

During the 2018 HRIA Education Days, 12 manufacturers in the hot-rod segment will give hour-long presentations on their product lines, and tips and tricks for attendees’ projects and builds.

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days will be held Thursday, August 2–Friday, August 3, at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. Twelve hot-rod manufacturers will give hour-long presentations on their product lines, and also provide tips and tricks for attendees’ projects and builds.

Sessions will begin at 9:15 a.m., with the last session concluding at 4:30 p.m., and are open to all NSRA Nationals attendees. This is a popular event and seats are limited.

Reserve your spot in the sessions that most interest you.

The following is a sneak peek of the manufacturers and the discussion topics scheduled for the 2018 event:

FAST EFI – “Understanding EFI”
Presenter: Kevin Winstead

FATMAN Fabrications – “Chassis Design”
Presenter: Brent VanDervort

Borgeson – “Power Steering Conversions”
Presenter: Jeff Grantmeyer

Classic Instruments – “Instrumentation For Your Dash”
Presenter: John McLeod

Painless Performance – “Dos and Don’ts of Wire Harness Installations”
Presenter: Dennis Overholser

Edelbrock – “Edelbrock Has Your Fuel System Solutions”
Presenter: Cary Redman

Vintage Air – “Basics of Air Conditioning”
Presenter: Rick Love

Steele Rubber Products – “Pro Tips on Weather Strips”
Presenter: Danny and Matt Agosta

American Autowire – “Wiring Solutions”
Presenter: Scott Hughes

Wilwood Disc Brakes – “Understanding Brake Systems”
Presenter: Bob Roese

Lokar – “Being Prepared for the NSRA Safety 23”
Presenter: Howard Cook and Jeff McClure

Total Cost Involved – “Basics of Modern Suspensions”
Presenter: Evan Dalley

HRIA General Membership Meeting—Louisville

Prior to Education Days, HRIA will kick off NSRA Nationals weekend in Louisville with a General Membership meeting on August 1. The event serves as a great opportunity to get together with industry friends and associates and learn more about what HRIA has been up to and what’s next. The meeting also provides attendees an opportunity to interface directly with HRIA leadership and bring suggestions to the table.

Join HRIA at the Kentucky Expo Center in room B101 on August 1, at 3:30 p.m., where the HRIA select committee will provide updates on the latest council initiatives and activities. Register now for the meeting. 

For questions, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

By Katie Carson

During the 2018 HRIA Education Days, 12 manufacturers in the hot-rod segment will give hour-long presentations on their product lines, and tips and tricks for attendees’ projects and builds.

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days will be held Thursday, August 2–Friday, August 3, at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. Twelve hot-rod manufacturers will give hour-long presentations on their product lines, and also provide tips and tricks for attendees’ projects and builds.

Sessions will begin at 9:15 a.m., with the last session concluding at 4:30 p.m., and are open to all NSRA Nationals attendees. This is a popular event and seats are limited.

Reserve your spot in the sessions that most interest you.

The following is a sneak peek of the manufacturers and the discussion topics scheduled for the 2018 event:

FAST EFI – “Understanding EFI”
Presenter: Kevin Winstead

FATMAN Fabrications – “Chassis Design”
Presenter: Brent VanDervort

Borgeson – “Power Steering Conversions”
Presenter: Jeff Grantmeyer

Classic Instruments – “Instrumentation For Your Dash”
Presenter: John McLeod

Painless Performance – “Dos and Don’ts of Wire Harness Installations”
Presenter: Dennis Overholser

Edelbrock – “Edelbrock Has Your Fuel System Solutions”
Presenter: Cary Redman

Vintage Air – “Basics of Air Conditioning”
Presenter: Rick Love

Steele Rubber Products – “Pro Tips on Weather Strips”
Presenter: Danny and Matt Agosta

American Autowire – “Wiring Solutions”
Presenter: Scott Hughes

Wilwood Disc Brakes – “Understanding Brake Systems”
Presenter: Bob Roese

Lokar – “Being Prepared for the NSRA Safety 23”
Presenter: Howard Cook and Jeff McClure

Total Cost Involved – “Basics of Modern Suspensions”
Presenter: Evan Dalley

HRIA General Membership Meeting—Louisville

Prior to Education Days, HRIA will kick off NSRA Nationals weekend in Louisville with a General Membership meeting on August 1. The event serves as a great opportunity to get together with industry friends and associates and learn more about what HRIA has been up to and what’s next. The meeting also provides attendees an opportunity to interface directly with HRIA leadership and bring suggestions to the table.

Join HRIA at the Kentucky Expo Center in room B101 on August 1, at 3:30 p.m., where the HRIA select committee will provide updates on the latest council initiatives and activities. Register now for the meeting. 

For questions, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

By Katie Carson

The upcoming Town Hall meeting in Plano, Texas, will give attendees the opportunity to learn about the Young Executives Network (YEN) and SEMA’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

Toyota Motor Sales will host the Young Executives Network (YEN) Town Hall meeting, August 3, at its new facility in Plano, Texas, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. The one-night-only, free event will be hosted by YEN—a professional network geared toward the advancement of automotive professionals under the age of 40. YEN members and all local young automotive aftermarket professionals are encouraged to attend to discuss important and relevant topics, network with local industry leaders and get plugged into the industry. Attendees do not need to be YEN or SEMA members to participate.

The YEN Town Hall meeting will provide the following benefits for attendees:

• Connect with fellow young professionals.
• Share challenges young people face in their careers and the industry.
• Discuss how SEMA can help.

This event will give attendees with the opportunity to learn about YEN and SEMA’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions offer members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. Attendees can also interact with SEMA staff to gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet the needs of young professionals.  

Register to attend today!

For questions, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.

By Katie Carson

The upcoming Town Hall meeting in Plano, Texas, will give attendees the opportunity to learn about the Young Executives Network (YEN) and SEMA’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

Toyota Motor Sales will host the Young Executives Network (YEN) Town Hall meeting, August 3, at its new facility in Plano, Texas, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. The one-night-only, free event will be hosted by YEN—a professional network geared toward the advancement of automotive professionals under the age of 40. YEN members and all local young automotive aftermarket professionals are encouraged to attend to discuss important and relevant topics, network with local industry leaders and get plugged into the industry. Attendees do not need to be YEN or SEMA members to participate.

The YEN Town Hall meeting will provide the following benefits for attendees:

• Connect with fellow young professionals.
• Share challenges young people face in their careers and the industry.
• Discuss how SEMA can help.

This event will give attendees with the opportunity to learn about YEN and SEMA’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions offer members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. Attendees can also interact with SEMA staff to gain valuable feedback, which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet the needs of young professionals.  

Register to attend today!

For questions, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Dodge has selected Nexen Tire for the debut and launch of the new ’19 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320.

Dodge Selects Nexen Tire as Supplier for New ’19 Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 Launch

Dodge has selected Nexen Tire for the debut and launch of the new ’19 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320. The tire, called the Nexen N-FERA SUR4G Drag Spec, was designed together with Dodge and its high-performance team of engineers at SRT to create a street-legal drag tire that can perform on tracks with either minimal or full track preparation. Named for the quarter-mile distance (1,320 ft.), the Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 is powered by the 392 Hemi V-8 that delivers 485 hp and 475 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission with TransBrake.

Federal-Mogul Motorparts Commemorates 100th Anniversary of Fel-Pro Gaskets Brand

Fel-Pro Gaskets has reached its 100th year. Founded in July 1918 in Chicago, and since 1998 a brand from global vehicle components manufacturer Federal-Mogul Motorparts, Fel-Pro’s 100th anniversary celebration included customer promotions and other activities spanning several months. It culminated in a party last Saturday for more than 1,400 employees and their family members at the 1-million-sq.-ft. Fel-Pro engineering, product management, manufacturing and distribution complex in Skokie, Illinois.

A rendering of the reimagined North American International Auto Show starting in 2020 in and around Cobo Center in Detroit.

Transformational Move Announced for the North American International Auto Show

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has announced that starting in 2020, the show will make a transformational move to June, starting the week of June 8. The reimagined event will take the show from inside Cobo Center to a canvas of brand activation and engagement opportunities. While the foundation of the show inside Cobo Center will continue with vehicles and mobility technologies being showcased, transformation plans call for growth in both branding and event opportunities at multiple venues throughout Detroit, and perhaps beyond. Hosting the show in June sets the stage for exhibitors to conduct outdoor experiential brand activations, immersing and engaging the media and consumers in product experiences. A sampling of outdoor experiential activities might include dynamic vehicle debuts, ride and drives, autonomous/automated driving and off-road challenges. According to NAIAS, the move to June will translate into substantial cost savings for exhibitors. By eliminating November, December and January holidays from the move-in equation, exhibitors will see reduced overtime labor costs for builds. Additionally, the show will have a shorter move-in schedule of three weeks, significantly reduced from the current eight weeks on average it takes for move-in.

Hot Shot’s Secret Builds New Website With Focus on Expanding Markets and Video  

Hot Shot’s Secret now has a new website that expands the company’s focus on new markets identified as Semi, Motorcycle, RV, Automotive and Construction. The new website features additional market landing pages: Powersports, Marine, Lawn & Garden and Racing, and multiple new product pages, including Adrenaline Race Oil, Antifreeze, Blue Diamond Oil and Diesel Winter Anti-Gel. Additionally, all product pages now have in-depth product descriptions. For prospective customers looking for product, the website has a store dealer locator that will guide visitors to the retail store within 50 or 100 miles of their location.

Donna Henson

Covercraft Names Henson Vice President of Finance

Covercraft Industries LLC has named Donna Henson vice president of finance. Previously, Henson operated as the company’s controller from 2013–2017. After serving as treasury services supervisor at Western Farmers Electric Cooperative from 2017–2018, Henson returns to Covercraft in her new role. Henson is based in the Covercraft home office in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.

Rockford Fosgate Named Official Motorcycle Audio Sponsor of the 2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for Fifth Consecutive Year

Rockford Fosgate has announced that for the fifth consecutive year, it will be the “Official Motorcycle Audio Sponsor” of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally during the 78th annual event, August 3–12. Rockford Fosgate will bring high-performance motorcycle audio systems to the crowds of enthusiasts on Lazelle Street in downtown Sturgis, South Dakota, as well as at the Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City, South Dakota, during the Rally. Rockford Fosgate has partnered with its authorized dealers to perform on-site installations for bikers who will also have the opportunity to purchase Rockford Fosgate audio systems at the Lazelle street location during the event. Rockford Fosgate will also sponsor the 16th Annual Mayor’s Ride, held during the Rally.

Tom Marx (front center) of Hart Marx Advisors and Marx Group and other industry leaders met with Chinese aftermarket business leaders to educate and discuss the fundamentals of mergers and acquisitions, as well as marketing within the U.S. automotive aftermarket.

Hart Marx Advisors and Marx Group Work with Shanghai-Based AMInsight Consulting to Educate Chinese Business Leaders on U.S. Aftermarket

Tom Marx of Hart Marx Advisors and Marx Group and other industry leaders met with Chinese aftermarket business leaders to educate and discuss the fundamentals of mergers and acquisitions, as well as marketing within the U.S. automotive aftermarket. Shanghai’s AMInsight Consulting, in partnership with Dave Barbeau of Barbeau Consulting, designed and delivered this program to representatives from 11 Chinese aftermarket companies, comprised primarily of suppliers and distributors. The business leaders visited multiple aftermarket companies during their stay in the United States. Marx focused on valuation multiples and their determining factors, transaction overview from both the buyer and seller perspective and case studies detailing common challenges that business owners face and the benefits of successfully implemented merging and acquisition and organic business growth strategies.

R&R Marketing Partners With E-Z UP in Nationwide Promotions

International E-Z UP Inc. has chosen R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. to promote its products in the automotive and powersports segments across the nation. E-Z UP has more than 150 design patents, award-winning custom printing and a large selection of products and accessories. 

Turn 14 Distribution Adds Fox Factory Inc. to Line Card

Turn 14 Distribution has announced the addition of FOX Factory Inc. to its line card. FOX Factory Inc. designs and develops high-performance shock absorbers and racing suspension products for snowmobiles, mountain bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, off-road cars, trucks and SUVs.

David Cush Appointed New CEO of Service King

Service King Collision Repair Centers has announced the appointment of David Cush as chief executive officer, effective immediately. He replaces Chris Abraham, who has departed from the role. Cush most recently served as CEO of Virgin America. During his tenure at the company, Cush led the airline’s growth into a $2 billion dollar business, with 63 aircraft in operation while winning every major airline quality award. Earlier this year, Cush was appointed to the board of Service King. Prior to his time at Virgin America, Cush spent 20 years in various executive roles at American Airlines in finance, sales and marketing, international planning and operations, exiting the company as senior vice president of global sales and distribution. Cush also spent two years as chief operating officer of Aerolineas Argentinas, the national carrier of Argentina.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Zane Clark

Megan Alexander

Megan Alexander will kick off the 2018 SEMA Show Education program, Monday, October 29, at 8:30 a.m. Alexander is a national news correspondent, author, speaker and actress. She can be seen every evening on the longest-running, top-rated syndicated national news magazine television show Inside Edition.

Alexander has covered a variety of news topics, including the last six Super Bowls, swimming with wild animals, tackling a breaking political story or chatting with celebrities, since joining Inside Edition in fall 2007. She is known for her sense of humor and knack for putting people at ease while entertaining and informing the public. Alexander is an actress and producer; her film credits include roles in the movies Space Warriors, Redeemed, Heartbeats, and the television dramas Nashville on ABC and Still the King on CMT. She hosts the nationally televised Inspirational Country Music Awards each year from Nashville.

In Alexander’s opening keynote, she will share insights from her personal journey that will focus on how to thrive in your career while staying true to your beliefs. Attendees will learn about:

• Plotting a career.
• Coping with rejection.
• Finding and being a mentor.
• Maintaining positive self-esteem.

Seating is limited, so register today!

Preview all SEMA Show Education sessions.

For more information, contact SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark.

By Zane Clark

Megan Alexander

Megan Alexander will kick off the 2018 SEMA Show Education program, Monday, October 29, at 8:30 a.m. Alexander is a national news correspondent, author, speaker and actress. She can be seen every evening on the longest-running, top-rated syndicated national news magazine television show Inside Edition.

Alexander has covered a variety of news topics, including the last six Super Bowls, swimming with wild animals, tackling a breaking political story or chatting with celebrities, since joining Inside Edition in fall 2007. She is known for her sense of humor and knack for putting people at ease while entertaining and informing the public. Alexander is an actress and producer; her film credits include roles in the movies Space Warriors, Redeemed, Heartbeats, and the television dramas Nashville on ABC and Still the King on CMT. She hosts the nationally televised Inspirational Country Music Awards each year from Nashville.

In Alexander’s opening keynote, she will share insights from her personal journey that will focus on how to thrive in your career while staying true to your beliefs. Attendees will learn about:

• Plotting a career.
• Coping with rejection.
• Finding and being a mentor.
• Maintaining positive self-esteem.

Seating is limited, so register today!

Preview all SEMA Show Education sessions.

For more information, contact SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark.