By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

President Obama used his power under the Antiquities Act to designate a 1.35-million-acre Bears Ears National Monument in southeast Utah and a 300,000-acre Gold Butte National Monument in southern Nevada. The designation is consequential since national monuments automatically prohibit new roads or trails for motorized vehicles and require a new land-management plan be drafted that could lead to more road closures.

Despite strong opposition to both monuments from state and local leaders, President Obama has now designated 29 national monuments and set aside 550 million acres of public lands and waters as monuments, national parks and wilderness. However, the fate of some of these designations is unclear, as key members of Congress are asking President-elect Trump to reverse many of these designations. To date, no president has ever reversed the designations of their predecessors, although Congress may overturn or reduce the size of national monuments through legislation.  

SEMA supports legislation in the U.S. Congress to curtail the President’s power to unilaterally designate national monuments by requiring their approval by Congress and the impacted state legislature(s). 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

While video marketing is already on the radar of most web-savvy businesses, recent indications are that the medium will continue to explosively transform the internet for years to come. For example, video-based social-media startup Instagram—a mere blip on the web’s radar a few years ago—now boasts nearly 500 million users. Snapchat, another video-centered social-media network is growing nearly as ferociously. And online video king YouTube cruises along these days at more than a billion users. YouTube reaches more 18- to 49-year-olds than any cable TV network in the United States, according to the company’s stats page (www.youtube.com/yt/press/statistics.html).

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has an opening for chairman-elect, one seat in the Manufacturers category and one seat in the Distributor/Retailer category.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• Chairman-elect
• One seat in the Manufacturers category
• One seat in the Distributor/Retailer category

Nominations for the 2017 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 5, 2017. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President & CEO

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has an opening for chairman-elect, one seat in the Manufacturers category and one seat in the Distributor/Retailer category.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• Chairman-elect
• One seat in the Manufacturers category
• One seat in the Distributor/Retailer category

Nominations for the 2017 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 5, 2017. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President & CEO

By SEMA Editors

Project vehicle proposals for Ford's project vehicle program, which includes the Mustang, must be received by February 17, 2017.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2017. 

2017 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2017
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2017

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary—must be received by February 17, 2017. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2017 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2017. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at: www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker's compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner's discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Social media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Information on the specific vehicles Ford plans to emphasize at the 2017 SEMA Show will follow in January. Details will be provided to allow you to research those products and find high-resolution images for renderings.

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Mike Nicopolis & Bob Galan
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

Project vehicle proposals for Ford's project vehicle program, which includes the Mustang, must be received by February 17, 2017.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2017. 

2017 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2017
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2017

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary—must be received by February 17, 2017. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2017 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2017. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at: www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker's compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner's discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Social media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Information on the specific vehicles Ford plans to emphasize at the 2017 SEMA Show will follow in January. Details will be provided to allow you to research those products and find high-resolution images for renderings.

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Mike Nicopolis & Bob Galan
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

Project vehicle proposals for Ford's project vehicle program, which includes the Mustang, must be received by February 17, 2017.

Ford Motor Co. has announced its project-vehicle program for 2017. 

2017 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2017
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2017

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

Email a one-page project summary—must be received by February 17, 2017. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New-product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2017 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 1, 2017. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at: www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker's compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner's discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Social media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration

Information on the specific vehicles Ford plans to emphasize at the 2017 SEMA Show will follow in January. Details will be provided to allow you to research those products and find high-resolution images for renderings.

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Mike Nicopolis & Bob Galan
semainfo@ford.com

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Tyler Crossnoe

Tyler Crossnoe Joins NMRA/NMCA Event Team

ProMedia Events & Publishing has announced that Tyler Crossnoe has joined the NMRA/NMCA event team as race master. Crossnoe will work closely with recently hired Competition Director Kurt Johnson, Chief Starter T.J. “El Prepe” Bailey, Race Operations Director Gene Bergstrom and General Manger Rollie Miller at most of the events in 2017. As race master, Crossnoe will be responsible for pre-event track prep at NMRA and NMCA partner tracks. He will also work with Johnson and Bailey on track prep during each event while running the ready line and working directly with staging team members Daniel Rosner, Kevin Lamphere and Chuck Danbom. Crossnoe’s work history includes drag-strip manager at Memphis International Raceway and traction consultant specialist for VP Racing Fuels. He’s acted as promoter of the Outlaw Street Car Reunion drag radial event and is co-owner of Southern Speed Promotions. Crossnoe’s company, Dream Team Traction Consulting, has provided assistance to the NMRA/NMCA event team in the past. Crossnoe will start the 2017 season with the 9th Annual NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals, April 6–9, at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia.

Luanne Brown

eTool Developers Celebrates Milestone Anniversary

Inspired to launch eTool Developers after attending her first SEMA Show in Las Vegas in 2001, company President Luanne Brown has announced her firm is now celebrating its 15th year as a provider of internet-based software applications. An accomplished ecommerce specialist, and a former member of the SEMA Board of Directors, Brown’s Grand Rapids, Michigan, firm specializes in the development of websites, dealer portals, shopping carts, product information management systems and online learning platforms for the automotive aftermarket. In addition to service on the SEMA Board, Brown previously chaired the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, which honored her with the 2007 Athena Award. Brown is also the former chair of the SEMA Cares Committee, which engages in charitable fundraising initiatives. She currently sits on the board of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation, and was the 2015 recipient of the Women’s Automotive Association International Spirit of Leadership Award.

Meyer Distributing Announces Omaha, Nebraska, Location

Meyer Distributing Inc. has announced the addition of its Omaha, Nebraska, location. The cross-dock will have a direct feed from Meyer’s Jasper, Indiana, distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories and RV parts in the country.

Autologic Great prize giveaway: Matt Walker (left); Coastland Autmotive Services President Matt Walker.

Autologic Diagnostics Names Winner of Annual Great Prize Giveaway

Autologic Diagnostics announced the winner of its Assist solution in the Great Prize Giveaway 2016, sponsored by VehicleServicePros.com, Professional Tool & Equipment News and Fleet Maintenance magazines. The annual Great Prize Giveaway contest offers industry participants the chance to win a range of prizes valued at $579 or more. This year's winner of an Autologic Assist solution, valued at $15,040, is Coastland Automotive Services. Coastland President Matt Walker was presented with the fully integrated, cloud-based Autologic Assist solution by both Allan Heller, national sales manager, and Edwin Centeno, sales representative for Southern Florida, of Autologic. The presentation took place at the shop’s Bonita Springs location. Founded in 1980, Coastland provides collision repairs and auto maintenance services across all automobile brands.

Dymag Unveiled as Carbon Wheel Partner for Fisker Inc.’s EMotion All-Electric Vehicle

Dymag has been chosen as the exclusive carbon wheel partner for the new Henrik Fisker-designed EMotion Performance EV. The UK-based wheel manufacturer will work with the automotive designer’s company, Fisker Inc. The partnership will see Dymag’s new lightweight Boxstrom Carbon Rim, with a bespoke Fisker design forged aluminium spoke system, fitted to the EMotion production cars. The deal between Dymag and Fisker Inc. was negotiated at the 2016 SEMA Show. The Fisker Inc. deal is the latest OEM collaboration announced by Dymag, following a partnership with UK-based Briggs Automotive Company (BAC), which has seen carbon composite wheels, featuring Dymag’s Boxstrom Carbon Rim, fitted to the BAC Mono supercar.

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 Amelia Zwecher

Recruiting new employees is a process that requires a lot of time and patience.

Many different strategies can be used for recruiting new employees—a process that requires a lot of time and patience. Here are some tips hiring managers can utilize to help ease this process and improve their chances of attracting and hiring qualified employees:

1. Survey new hires during orientation/onboarding and follow new hires’ first weeks of employment; this information may help improve processes (sample questions are available upon request).
2. Create Service Level Agreements (SLA) between hiring managers and recruiters; this will ensure that the hiring process follows an expedient standard that places accountability on the hiring managers (sample SLAs are available).
3. Encourage employee referrals through bonuses and other non-monetary or monetary rewards. Statistics show that referrals are often the best source of new hires because referrals reflect the quality of the referee.
4. Make sure to post openings to your company’s website and remove closed positions. At minimum, post an e-mail address for more information about career opportunities.
5. Post to more than one job board (a few examples are below). There is no one way to recruit top talent, and what was a great method for one role may require a different method for another position.

• sema.org/jobs
• ziprecruiter.com
• indeed.com
• careerbuilder.com
• linkedin.com
• monster.com

For more information, contact Amelia F. Zwecher, TAS (manager, career services) at ameliaz@sema.org.

By Amelia Zwecher

Recruiting new employees is a process that requires a lot of time and patience.

Many different strategies can be used for recruiting new employees—a process that requires a lot of time and patience. Here are some tips hiring managers can utilize to help ease this process and improve their chances of attracting and hiring qualified employees:

1. Survey new hires during orientation/onboarding and follow new hires’ first weeks of employment; this information may help improve processes (sample questions are available upon request).
2. Create Service Level Agreements (SLA) between hiring managers and recruiters; this will ensure that the hiring process follows an expedient standard that places accountability on the hiring managers (sample SLAs are available).
3. Encourage employee referrals through bonuses and other non-monetary or monetary rewards. Statistics show that referrals are often the best source of new hires because referrals reflect the quality of the referee.
4. Make sure to post openings to your company’s website and remove closed positions. At minimum, post an e-mail address for more information about career opportunities.
5. Post to more than one job board (a few examples are below). There is no one way to recruit top talent, and what was a great method for one role may require a different method for another position.

• sema.org/jobs
• ziprecruiter.com
• indeed.com
• careerbuilder.com
• linkedin.com
• monster.com

For more information, contact Amelia F. Zwecher, TAS (manager, career services) at ameliaz@sema.org.