Council and Network Select Committee Elections Open May 18
Thu, 05/12/2016 - 13:41

By Katie Carson

Council Election
The SEMA Council & Network election period runs May 18–June 3. Meet the final candidates!

SEMA’s councils and networks are holding elections for open positions on their select committees, where members serve as leaders for the specific automotive aftermarket segment which their council or network represents.

Through monthly, general membership and long-range planning meetings, select committee members identify the current issues the industry is facing and move SEMA resources toward solutions for the membership.

An open nomination period was held in March, where any individual member of a council or network could either be nominated by an industry associate or raise their hand to volunteer and self-nominate.

The slates have been finalized, and now council-member companies are being called upon to elect the industry’s future leaders. The election period is May 18–June 3.

Meet the final candidates!

 

 

 

Lock in Guaranteed Hotel Rates Now
Thu, 05/12/2016 - 11:47

By Jason Catullo

Las Vegas Strip

Attendee, media and exhibitor registration for the 2016 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Exhibitors and attendees of the 2016 SEMA Show are encouraged to visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel and view the hotel rates currently being offered. Booking through the official housing providers of the SEMA Show, OnPeak, Showgoers will enjoy unmatched service and benefits, including guaranteed low rates.

SEMA Show visitors can confidently secure a hotel room for the SEMA Show knowing that the rate is locked in and will not change as the Show approaches. In addition to guaranteed rates, other benefits for booking through the official travel provider include no extra fees for changes or cancellations, and no penalties for adjustments to existing reservations.

The SEMA Show Travel and Lodging page lists more than 30 hotels and their rates. Properties can be searched by several categories, including price, location, amenities and rating.

For assistance with booking, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CT), Monday–Friday.

Attendee, media and exhibitor registration for the 2016 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

To secure booth space for the 2016 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Lock in Guaranteed Hotel Rates Now
Thu, 05/12/2016 - 11:47

By Jason Catullo

Las Vegas Strip

Attendee, media and exhibitor registration for the 2016 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Exhibitors and attendees of the 2016 SEMA Show are encouraged to visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel and view the hotel rates currently being offered. Booking through the official housing providers of the SEMA Show, OnPeak, Showgoers will enjoy unmatched service and benefits, including guaranteed low rates.

SEMA Show visitors can confidently secure a hotel room for the SEMA Show knowing that the rate is locked in and will not change as the Show approaches. In addition to guaranteed rates, other benefits for booking through the official travel provider include no extra fees for changes or cancellations, and no penalties for adjustments to existing reservations.

The SEMA Show Travel and Lodging page lists more than 30 hotels and their rates. Properties can be searched by several categories, including price, location, amenities and rating.

For assistance with booking, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CT), Monday–Friday.

Attendee, media and exhibitor registration for the 2016 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

To secure booth space for the 2016 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Lock in Guaranteed Hotel Rates Now
Thu, 05/12/2016 - 11:47

By Jason Catullo

Las Vegas Strip

Attendee, media and exhibitor registration for the 2016 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Exhibitors and attendees of the 2016 SEMA Show are encouraged to visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel and view the hotel rates currently being offered. Booking through the official housing providers of the SEMA Show, OnPeak, Showgoers will enjoy unmatched service and benefits, including guaranteed low rates.

SEMA Show visitors can confidently secure a hotel room for the SEMA Show knowing that the rate is locked in and will not change as the Show approaches. In addition to guaranteed rates, other benefits for booking through the official travel provider include no extra fees for changes or cancellations, and no penalties for adjustments to existing reservations.

The SEMA Show Travel and Lodging page lists more than 30 hotels and their rates. Properties can be searched by several categories, including price, location, amenities and rating.

For assistance with booking, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CT), Monday–Friday.

Attendee, media and exhibitor registration for the 2016 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

To secure booth space for the 2016 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Lock in Guaranteed Hotel Rates Now
Thu, 05/12/2016 - 11:47

By Jason Catullo

Las Vegas Strip

Attendee, media and exhibitor registration for the 2016 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Exhibitors and attendees of the 2016 SEMA Show are encouraged to visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel and view the hotel rates currently being offered. Booking through the official housing providers of the SEMA Show, OnPeak, Showgoers will enjoy unmatched service and benefits, including guaranteed low rates.

SEMA Show visitors can confidently secure a hotel room for the SEMA Show knowing that the rate is locked in and will not change as the Show approaches. In addition to guaranteed rates, other benefits for booking through the official travel provider include no extra fees for changes or cancellations, and no penalties for adjustments to existing reservations.

The SEMA Show Travel and Lodging page lists more than 30 hotels and their rates. Properties can be searched by several categories, including price, location, amenities and rating.

For assistance with booking, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CT), Monday–Friday.

Attendee, media and exhibitor registration for the 2016 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

To secure booth space for the 2016 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Take Advantage of SEMA's New Research—Vehicles in Operation Numbers
Thu, 05/12/2016 - 11:39

By Gavin Knapp

SEMA Market Research
Through Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In OperationSM, SEMA Market Research can provide members with comprehensive counts of vehicles on the road in the United States.

Thinking of offering your products for the ’05 Ford Mustang, but not sure of the sales potential? SEMA Market Research can help you assess how many of those Mustangs are still on the road.

Planning to stock products or create specials marketed to Nissan 350z owners? SEMA Market Research can show you how many 350zs are within your service area.

Introducing SEMA-Member VIO Counts

SEMA has partnered with Experian Automotive to provide SEMA members the opportunity to request Vehicles In Operation (VIO) counts. SEMA Market Research can now utilize Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In OperationSM to offer members new insight into the opportunities available for their businesses. Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In OperationSM gives SEMA Market Research access to comprehensive counts of vehicles on the road in the United States.

SEMA-member VIO counts can help you understand opportunities for:

  • New Product Development
  • Product Planning
  • Inventory Management
  • Sales Planning
  • Location Decisions

For more information, visit www.sema.org/vio.

This program is available on a trial basis for current SEMA members in manufacturing, distribution and retail/installation. This program allows SEMA members to request specific VIO counts to facilitate a current project, but does not grant direct access or transfer of the AutoCount database. Additional restrictions and limitations apply. Visit www.sema.org/vio for terms and conditions.

Learn more about Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In OperationSM here: www.autocount.com.

Take Advantage of SEMA's New Research—Vehicles in Operation Numbers
Thu, 05/12/2016 - 11:39

By Gavin Knapp

SEMA Market Research
Through Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In OperationSM, SEMA Market Research can provide members with comprehensive counts of vehicles on the road in the United States.

Thinking of offering your products for the ’05 Ford Mustang, but not sure of the sales potential? SEMA Market Research can help you assess how many of those Mustangs are still on the road.

Planning to stock products or create specials marketed to Nissan 350z owners? SEMA Market Research can show you how many 350zs are within your service area.

Introducing SEMA-Member VIO Counts

SEMA has partnered with Experian Automotive to provide SEMA members the opportunity to request Vehicles In Operation (VIO) counts. SEMA Market Research can now utilize Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In OperationSM to offer members new insight into the opportunities available for their businesses. Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In OperationSM gives SEMA Market Research access to comprehensive counts of vehicles on the road in the United States.

SEMA-member VIO counts can help you understand opportunities for:

  • New Product Development
  • Product Planning
  • Inventory Management
  • Sales Planning
  • Location Decisions

For more information, visit www.sema.org/vio.

This program is available on a trial basis for current SEMA members in manufacturing, distribution and retail/installation. This program allows SEMA members to request specific VIO counts to facilitate a current project, but does not grant direct access or transfer of the AutoCount database. Additional restrictions and limitations apply. Visit www.sema.org/vio for terms and conditions.

Learn more about Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In OperationSM here: www.autocount.com.

Take Advantage of SEMA's New Research—Vehicles in Operation Numbers
Thu, 05/12/2016 - 11:39

By Gavin Knapp

SEMA Market Research
Through Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In OperationSM, SEMA Market Research can provide members with comprehensive counts of vehicles on the road in the United States.

Thinking of offering your products for the ’05 Ford Mustang, but not sure of the sales potential? SEMA Market Research can help you assess how many of those Mustangs are still on the road.

Planning to stock products or create specials marketed to Nissan 350z owners? SEMA Market Research can show you how many 350zs are within your service area.

Introducing SEMA-Member VIO Counts

SEMA has partnered with Experian Automotive to provide SEMA members the opportunity to request Vehicles In Operation (VIO) counts. SEMA Market Research can now utilize Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In OperationSM to offer members new insight into the opportunities available for their businesses. Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In OperationSM gives SEMA Market Research access to comprehensive counts of vehicles on the road in the United States.

SEMA-member VIO counts can help you understand opportunities for:

  • New Product Development
  • Product Planning
  • Inventory Management
  • Sales Planning
  • Location Decisions

For more information, visit www.sema.org/vio.

This program is available on a trial basis for current SEMA members in manufacturing, distribution and retail/installation. This program allows SEMA members to request specific VIO counts to facilitate a current project, but does not grant direct access or transfer of the AutoCount database. Additional restrictions and limitations apply. Visit www.sema.org/vio for terms and conditions.

Learn more about Experian’s AutoCount Vehicles In OperationSM here: www.autocount.com.

Honor Your Company’s Young Standouts Through SEMA News’ 35 Under 35
Thu, 05/12/2016 - 10:40

By Carr Winn

SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

The following is a short profile on one of last year's 35 Under 35 winners—Jason Starkey, 27. Starkey is the president and owner of Starkey Products.

Jason Starkey, 27, President, Owner—Starkey Products

Jason StarkeyJason Starkey began his aftermarket career with VMP Tuning at a mere 13 years of age before joining Superchips in an entry-level capacity. Eventually, the encouragement of his Superchips manager Laurel Dasher and his older brother Justin led Jason to launch Starkey Products, which has grown from manufacturing a single wiring harness into a fully staffed company producing 50 different wiring assemblies.

“The aftermarket is rapidly evolving, and it’s difficult for small companies like us to keep up with changes,” observed Starkey. “Specifically, OEMs are adopting complex technology and making frequent adjustments to their vehicles, making the design of safe and effective aftermarket products more challenging than in the past. On the flip side, we can now leverage technology like never before, allowing us to cut down significantly on our administrative and support costs and reach customers in new ways.”

“Part of our business model in the past was to support niche markets,” he continued. “This involved listening more to what customers desired than creating products we hoped they would buy. Amid the adversity of rising costs for designing, engineering and manufacturing products also comes opportunity.”

In his briefcase: Starkey carries a backpack with an always-open, 17-in., ProWorkFlow-equipped laptop for project management as well as an iPhone and a flash drive with all his business files constantly backed up.

Do you have a friend or colleague who deserves to be recognized? If so, please contact the editorial team at SEMA News and submit a nomination for the 2016 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31, 2016. Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

For more details on the 35 Under 35 program and complete details on all of last year's winners, read through this article taken from the September 2015 issue of SEMA News.

Honor Your Company’s Young Standouts Through SEMA News’ 35 Under 35
Thu, 05/12/2016 - 10:40

By Carr Winn

SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

The following is a short profile on one of last year's 35 Under 35 winners—Jason Starkey, 27. Starkey is the president and owner of Starkey Products.

Jason Starkey, 27, President, Owner—Starkey Products

Jason StarkeyJason Starkey began his aftermarket career with VMP Tuning at a mere 13 years of age before joining Superchips in an entry-level capacity. Eventually, the encouragement of his Superchips manager Laurel Dasher and his older brother Justin led Jason to launch Starkey Products, which has grown from manufacturing a single wiring harness into a fully staffed company producing 50 different wiring assemblies.

“The aftermarket is rapidly evolving, and it’s difficult for small companies like us to keep up with changes,” observed Starkey. “Specifically, OEMs are adopting complex technology and making frequent adjustments to their vehicles, making the design of safe and effective aftermarket products more challenging than in the past. On the flip side, we can now leverage technology like never before, allowing us to cut down significantly on our administrative and support costs and reach customers in new ways.”

“Part of our business model in the past was to support niche markets,” he continued. “This involved listening more to what customers desired than creating products we hoped they would buy. Amid the adversity of rising costs for designing, engineering and manufacturing products also comes opportunity.”

In his briefcase: Starkey carries a backpack with an always-open, 17-in., ProWorkFlow-equipped laptop for project management as well as an iPhone and a flash drive with all his business files constantly backed up.

Do you have a friend or colleague who deserves to be recognized? If so, please contact the editorial team at SEMA News and submit a nomination for the 2016 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31, 2016. Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

For more details on the 35 Under 35 program and complete details on all of last year's winners, read through this article taken from the September 2015 issue of SEMA News.