SEMA News—September 2015

FAST FACTS

	Peter Clifford

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has promoted Peter Clifford, the organization’s longtime executive vice president and general manager, to president. Clifford succeeds Tom Compton, who retired from the NHRA following 15 years as president. Dallas Gardner, chairman of the NHRA board of directors, made the announcement to NHRA employees assembled at the organization’s headquarters. Gardner also thanked Compton for his years of service to the organization, which he joined in 1993 as vice president and chief financial officer. NHRA, Glendora, CA; 626-914-4761.

Matt Harris

Red Kap added Matt Harris of 40 Cal Customs as the second builder in Red Kap Craftsmen—a video series profiling custom builders who embody the brand’s core values of heritage, craftsmanship and passion. Harris was selected because he is a builder true to his craft, a devoted family man and a hardworking entrepreneur passionate about living the American dream. Red Kap will continue to add more Craftsmen to this program, each chosen based on authentic character, style and commitment. The Craftsmen series of videos began rolling out in August 2015. Red Kap, Nashville, TN; 800-733-5271.

Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. announced Team Nitto driver Shannon Campbell’s induction into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, with the distinction of being the first-ever rocksports competitor inducted. A member of the off-road community who excels as a driver, technological innovator and an ambassador for motorized off-pavement recreation, Campbell received a unanimous vote from the selection committee. Nitto Tire U.S.A., Cypress, CA; 800-648-8652.

	Devin Hart

Devin Hart, a seasoned executive with more than 20 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, joined The Marx Group as the firm’s new president and co-CEO. Hart also became executive vice president of Marx Group Advisors. Tom Marx, founder, president and CEO of The Marx Group since its inception, was named co-CEO and chairman. He will continue as CEO of Marx Group Advisors. The Marx Group, San Rafael, CA; 415-451-0166.

Tom Kenny, a 33-year tire industry veteran, replaced Dan Guiney as Yokohama Tire Corp.’s director of technical service. Guiney retired after 43 years in the tire business. During his 13 years with Yokohama Tire Corp., Guiney held leadership assignments in all aspects of customer technical support. He also served as chairman of the RMA Tire Policy Committee and represented Yokohama on the Tire and Rim Board of Trustees and the Tire Society. These responsibilities will be passed on to Kenny, who is also responsible for technical engineering and product service support. Yokohama Tire Corp., Santa Ana, CA; 800-423-4544.

CRP Industries Inc. named Scott Shea as its new chief operating officer. Daniel N. Schildge, CEO of CRP Industries Inc., noted that this was a newly created executive role in the company when he made the announcement. As COO, Shea will be responsible for supply-chain management, operations, the CRP Industrial Group and CRP de Mexico. Shea comes to CRP Industries after serving as the COO for Astriva LLC since 2010. CRP Industries Inc., Cranbury, NJ; 609-578-4100.

Federal-Mogul Motorparts expanded its Garage Gurus technical education network, adding regional training centers in Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Rancho Dominguez, California. Garage Gurus is a “Tech First” initiative designed to help repair professionals keep pace with the latest automotive technologies. Each training center offers more than 100 courses taught by the company’s team of more than 100 ASE-certified “Gurus.” Eight additional Garage Gurus training centers are scheduled to open later this year.

SEMA was recognized as a winner of Ragan’s PR Daily 2015 Nonprofit PR Award in the best marketing campaign category for its Seymour Profits—The Official Nerd of the SEMA Data Co-op marketing initiative. SEMA also won a PR Daily award for best social media campaign for the 2014 SEMA Show. Entries came in from around the globe, consisting of success stories from nonprofit organizations, the agencies that represent them and from individual PR specialists.

ECS Tuning LLC announced the acquisition of Turner Motorsport LLC. ECS hopes that the addition of Turner Motorsport will make it a premier destination for BMW parts online and enable both companies to offer a broader selection of high-quality engineered solutions and enhancements for the BMW marketplace. Will Turner, founder of Turner Motorsport, confirmed that the Turner Motorsport Racing team will remain unchanged, with ECS and Turner Motorsport continuing as primary sponsors. ECS Tuning, Wadsworth, OH; 330-825-4393.

RxSpeed announced the launch of RxSpeed for Business and its flagship Brand Dashboard—a secure login for manufacturers to access product and pricing information. This cloud-based solution was designed to help companies manage their digital catalogs while monitoring their online retailers and pricing. Manufacturers currently list products free of charge on RxSpeed.com and now have the ability to view their complimentary dashboard by verifying their contact information.

Luken Communications LLC announced an affiliation agreement between Luken’s latest network offering, “Rev’n,” and KFLA–Los Angeles (DMA 2). KFLA, a longtime affiliate of Luken’s Retro TV, launched “Rev’n” on July 1, 2015. Los Angeles-area viewers can find “Rev’n” over the air on channel 8.6, in addition to Retro TV on 8.3. “Rev’n” also added Valvoline Racing Radio to its programming lineup—a NASCAR talk show produced by Whitfield Media Group on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. (EDT) and Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. (EDT). Valvoline Racing Radio features Shawn Whitfield, executive producer and host; Casey Orr, host; and “Big Daddy” Kyle, producer. Luken Communications LLC, Chattanooga, TN; 423-468-5102.

Weld Racing Inc. awarded a $1,000 prize to Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) student Noah Geiger for his directional on-spoke wheel design. This was Weld’s first KCAI Performance Design Challenge contest, open to students enrolled in the virtual sculpture design program at KCAI. The contest was part of the KCAI Art of the Car Concours event held at the school’s Kansas City campus, which Weld sponsors. Geiger, a native of Rapid City, South Dakota, is a junior studying sculpture. Geiger designed his wheel to be coated in black except for the exterior face, which is polished. Weld Racing Inc., Kansas City, MO; 800-788-9353.

TruckVault Inc. announced the hiring of longtime industry professional David McInturf to work closely with its growing upfitter, commercial fleet and sport markets. McInturf previously worked with Bedslide as an independent rep, managed the southeast territory and then took on the role of vice president of sales and marketing. He later founded CargoGlide. He will work on TruckVault’s Southern California LE upfitter business and with key accounts in the company’s expanding commercial fleet and sport divisions.

Tint World expanded its location in Roswell, Georgia, with the addition of 12-volt industry veteran Calvin Thomas. A past finalist for Mobile Electronics magazine’s Installer of the Year award, Thomas brings decades of car audio, fabrication and integration experience to the Automotive Styling Centers location. Thomas has also been named one of the Top 100 Installers by Mobile Electronics. Tint World of Roswell, GA; 678-865-8468.

NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd. announced the acquisition of Wells Manufacturing L.P. and the Wells Vehicle Electronics business from UCI Holdings Limited. Wells is a global manufacturer and supplier of advanced vehicle electronics components for automotive original-equipment and replacement applications. NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd., Wixom, MI; 248-926-6352.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

The Latest From ETTN: Meet Your Chair and Chair-Elect

Regis Finn is the ETTN chair.

Regis Finn began his automotive career sweeping floors at a local speed shop when he was 15. In his early 20s, he made a cross-country move to California, where he landed at B&M Racing and Performance. He started in the customer service department and has since held many positions in sales and marketing for B&M and other industry-leading companies. For the past year, he has been the marketing manager for Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America. Finn has past experience serving with SEMA councils and became the chair of the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) on July 1.

	Marla Moore is the ETTN chair-elect.

Chair-Elect Marla Moore is the marketing director for the Coker Group, where she is responsible for all marketing and advertising for six aftermarket companies and 10 brands. She has worked in the aftermarket for more than 30 years and held positions at Hypertech, Comp Cams and AutoZone. In 2012, Moore received one of the industry’s highest honors: SEMA’s Person of the Year award. In 2013, she was recognized as the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network’s (SBN) Woman of the Year. In the past, Moore served as a member of the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) select committee as well as chair of SBN.

The two recently chatted with SEMA Member News, sharing their unique experiences and perspectives on why network membership is a valuable SEMA benefit.

SEMA Member News: Why are you involved in ETTN?

Regis Finn: I want to give back to the industry I love. I have been very fortunate to do what I love while making a good living. I’ve seen drastic changes in the industry over the years and want to ensure that it continues to strive for generations to come. Everyone can make a difference, and this is how I choose to do so.

Marla Moore: I believe that it is important to give back to our industry. Recognizing and utilizing emerging trends is crucial to the future of the aftermarket—and especially to small businesses. By volunteering to help lead ETTN, I hope to contribute to the focus and growth of this network so that its purpose serves all SEMA members.

SMN: What have you gained from your involvement?

RF: By surrounding myself with very successful people from our industry, I’ve picked up on many of the traits that made them successful. I’ve been able to use this newfound knowledge to advance my company’s place in the industry. I’ve also gained better insight into our industry on many levels and now better understand the many challenges our industry faces. The networking opportunities and good friends made while serving with ETTN are some of the most treasured benefits gained from my involvement.

MM: The contacts you make are so valuable. I have met some of my heroes, gained mentors and forged lifelong friendships with some of the most amazing people in the industry. Learning how a select committee works, conducting meetings, chairing a task force or committee are very valuable experiences that may only be obtainable by volunteering. SEMA does an exceptional job of educating and training select committee members on strategic thinking, governance, feasibility and focus.

SMN: What do you hope to accomplish during your term?

RF: As a relatively new network, ETTN is still trying to gain traction. We are narrowing our focus and striving to become more relevant. Over the next year, we are going to concentrate primarily on vehicle technology/engineering trends and technologies. With a narrowed focus, our chance of success will increase. Trying to be everything to everyone is a very difficult task that often ends in failure.

It is almost impossible for a single person to keep up with the current pace of changing vehicle technology. Technologies that appear to be many years away are already arriving in new vehicles. New legislation will impact vehicle technologies, too. It is important to understand how these changes will affect you and your company. ETTN should be your source for vehicle technology alerts and education.

SMN: Why should individuals join ETTN?

MM: ETTN is a network, so individuals who work for SEMA-member companies can join for free! There are no dues. You will have the opportunity to make some great contacts, interact through social media and networking functions with other members who are passionate about our industry, and volunteer to serve on a task force. It’s a great way to get involved with SEMA and make connections that will benefit you throughout your career.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

The Latest From ETTN: Meet Your Chair and Chair-Elect

Regis Finn is the ETTN chair.

Regis Finn began his automotive career sweeping floors at a local speed shop when he was 15. In his early 20s, he made a cross-country move to California, where he landed at B&M Racing and Performance. He started in the customer service department and has since held many positions in sales and marketing for B&M and other industry-leading companies. For the past year, he has been the marketing manager for Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America. Finn has past experience serving with SEMA councils and became the chair of the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) on July 1.

	Marla Moore is the ETTN chair-elect.

Chair-Elect Marla Moore is the marketing director for the Coker Group, where she is responsible for all marketing and advertising for six aftermarket companies and 10 brands. She has worked in the aftermarket for more than 30 years and held positions at Hypertech, Comp Cams and AutoZone. In 2012, Moore received one of the industry’s highest honors: SEMA’s Person of the Year award. In 2013, she was recognized as the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network’s (SBN) Woman of the Year. In the past, Moore served as a member of the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) select committee as well as chair of SBN.

The two recently chatted with SEMA Member News, sharing their unique experiences and perspectives on why network membership is a valuable SEMA benefit.

SEMA Member News: Why are you involved in ETTN?

Regis Finn: I want to give back to the industry I love. I have been very fortunate to do what I love while making a good living. I’ve seen drastic changes in the industry over the years and want to ensure that it continues to strive for generations to come. Everyone can make a difference, and this is how I choose to do so.

Marla Moore: I believe that it is important to give back to our industry. Recognizing and utilizing emerging trends is crucial to the future of the aftermarket—and especially to small businesses. By volunteering to help lead ETTN, I hope to contribute to the focus and growth of this network so that its purpose serves all SEMA members.

SMN: What have you gained from your involvement?

RF: By surrounding myself with very successful people from our industry, I’ve picked up on many of the traits that made them successful. I’ve been able to use this newfound knowledge to advance my company’s place in the industry. I’ve also gained better insight into our industry on many levels and now better understand the many challenges our industry faces. The networking opportunities and good friends made while serving with ETTN are some of the most treasured benefits gained from my involvement.

MM: The contacts you make are so valuable. I have met some of my heroes, gained mentors and forged lifelong friendships with some of the most amazing people in the industry. Learning how a select committee works, conducting meetings, chairing a task force or committee are very valuable experiences that may only be obtainable by volunteering. SEMA does an exceptional job of educating and training select committee members on strategic thinking, governance, feasibility and focus.

SMN: What do you hope to accomplish during your term?

RF: As a relatively new network, ETTN is still trying to gain traction. We are narrowing our focus and striving to become more relevant. Over the next year, we are going to concentrate primarily on vehicle technology/engineering trends and technologies. With a narrowed focus, our chance of success will increase. Trying to be everything to everyone is a very difficult task that often ends in failure.

It is almost impossible for a single person to keep up with the current pace of changing vehicle technology. Technologies that appear to be many years away are already arriving in new vehicles. New legislation will impact vehicle technologies, too. It is important to understand how these changes will affect you and your company. ETTN should be your source for vehicle technology alerts and education.

SMN: Why should individuals join ETTN?

MM: ETTN is a network, so individuals who work for SEMA-member companies can join for free! There are no dues. You will have the opportunity to make some great contacts, interact through social media and networking functions with other members who are passionate about our industry, and volunteer to serve on a task force. It’s a great way to get involved with SEMA and make connections that will benefit you throughout your career.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

The Latest From ETTN: Meet Your Chair and Chair-Elect

Regis Finn is the ETTN chair.

Regis Finn began his automotive career sweeping floors at a local speed shop when he was 15. In his early 20s, he made a cross-country move to California, where he landed at B&M Racing and Performance. He started in the customer service department and has since held many positions in sales and marketing for B&M and other industry-leading companies. For the past year, he has been the marketing manager for Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America. Finn has past experience serving with SEMA councils and became the chair of the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) on July 1.

	Marla Moore is the ETTN chair-elect.

Chair-Elect Marla Moore is the marketing director for the Coker Group, where she is responsible for all marketing and advertising for six aftermarket companies and 10 brands. She has worked in the aftermarket for more than 30 years and held positions at Hypertech, Comp Cams and AutoZone. In 2012, Moore received one of the industry’s highest honors: SEMA’s Person of the Year award. In 2013, she was recognized as the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network’s (SBN) Woman of the Year. In the past, Moore served as a member of the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) select committee as well as chair of SBN.

The two recently chatted with SEMA Member News, sharing their unique experiences and perspectives on why network membership is a valuable SEMA benefit.

SEMA Member News: Why are you involved in ETTN?

Regis Finn: I want to give back to the industry I love. I have been very fortunate to do what I love while making a good living. I’ve seen drastic changes in the industry over the years and want to ensure that it continues to strive for generations to come. Everyone can make a difference, and this is how I choose to do so.

Marla Moore: I believe that it is important to give back to our industry. Recognizing and utilizing emerging trends is crucial to the future of the aftermarket—and especially to small businesses. By volunteering to help lead ETTN, I hope to contribute to the focus and growth of this network so that its purpose serves all SEMA members.

SMN: What have you gained from your involvement?

RF: By surrounding myself with very successful people from our industry, I’ve picked up on many of the traits that made them successful. I’ve been able to use this newfound knowledge to advance my company’s place in the industry. I’ve also gained better insight into our industry on many levels and now better understand the many challenges our industry faces. The networking opportunities and good friends made while serving with ETTN are some of the most treasured benefits gained from my involvement.

MM: The contacts you make are so valuable. I have met some of my heroes, gained mentors and forged lifelong friendships with some of the most amazing people in the industry. Learning how a select committee works, conducting meetings, chairing a task force or committee are very valuable experiences that may only be obtainable by volunteering. SEMA does an exceptional job of educating and training select committee members on strategic thinking, governance, feasibility and focus.

SMN: What do you hope to accomplish during your term?

RF: As a relatively new network, ETTN is still trying to gain traction. We are narrowing our focus and striving to become more relevant. Over the next year, we are going to concentrate primarily on vehicle technology/engineering trends and technologies. With a narrowed focus, our chance of success will increase. Trying to be everything to everyone is a very difficult task that often ends in failure.

It is almost impossible for a single person to keep up with the current pace of changing vehicle technology. Technologies that appear to be many years away are already arriving in new vehicles. New legislation will impact vehicle technologies, too. It is important to understand how these changes will affect you and your company. ETTN should be your source for vehicle technology alerts and education.

SMN: Why should individuals join ETTN?

MM: ETTN is a network, so individuals who work for SEMA-member companies can join for free! There are no dues. You will have the opportunity to make some great contacts, interact through social media and networking functions with other members who are passionate about our industry, and volunteer to serve on a task force. It’s a great way to get involved with SEMA and make connections that will benefit you throughout your career.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

The Latest From ETTN: Meet Your Chair and Chair-Elect

Regis Finn is the ETTN chair.

Regis Finn began his automotive career sweeping floors at a local speed shop when he was 15. In his early 20s, he made a cross-country move to California, where he landed at B&M Racing and Performance. He started in the customer service department and has since held many positions in sales and marketing for B&M and other industry-leading companies. For the past year, he has been the marketing manager for Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America. Finn has past experience serving with SEMA councils and became the chair of the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) on July 1.

	Marla Moore is the ETTN chair-elect.

Chair-Elect Marla Moore is the marketing director for the Coker Group, where she is responsible for all marketing and advertising for six aftermarket companies and 10 brands. She has worked in the aftermarket for more than 30 years and held positions at Hypertech, Comp Cams and AutoZone. In 2012, Moore received one of the industry’s highest honors: SEMA’s Person of the Year award. In 2013, she was recognized as the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network’s (SBN) Woman of the Year. In the past, Moore served as a member of the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) select committee as well as chair of SBN.

The two recently chatted with SEMA Member News, sharing their unique experiences and perspectives on why network membership is a valuable SEMA benefit.

SEMA Member News: Why are you involved in ETTN?

Regis Finn: I want to give back to the industry I love. I have been very fortunate to do what I love while making a good living. I’ve seen drastic changes in the industry over the years and want to ensure that it continues to strive for generations to come. Everyone can make a difference, and this is how I choose to do so.

Marla Moore: I believe that it is important to give back to our industry. Recognizing and utilizing emerging trends is crucial to the future of the aftermarket—and especially to small businesses. By volunteering to help lead ETTN, I hope to contribute to the focus and growth of this network so that its purpose serves all SEMA members.

SMN: What have you gained from your involvement?

RF: By surrounding myself with very successful people from our industry, I’ve picked up on many of the traits that made them successful. I’ve been able to use this newfound knowledge to advance my company’s place in the industry. I’ve also gained better insight into our industry on many levels and now better understand the many challenges our industry faces. The networking opportunities and good friends made while serving with ETTN are some of the most treasured benefits gained from my involvement.

MM: The contacts you make are so valuable. I have met some of my heroes, gained mentors and forged lifelong friendships with some of the most amazing people in the industry. Learning how a select committee works, conducting meetings, chairing a task force or committee are very valuable experiences that may only be obtainable by volunteering. SEMA does an exceptional job of educating and training select committee members on strategic thinking, governance, feasibility and focus.

SMN: What do you hope to accomplish during your term?

RF: As a relatively new network, ETTN is still trying to gain traction. We are narrowing our focus and striving to become more relevant. Over the next year, we are going to concentrate primarily on vehicle technology/engineering trends and technologies. With a narrowed focus, our chance of success will increase. Trying to be everything to everyone is a very difficult task that often ends in failure.

It is almost impossible for a single person to keep up with the current pace of changing vehicle technology. Technologies that appear to be many years away are already arriving in new vehicles. New legislation will impact vehicle technologies, too. It is important to understand how these changes will affect you and your company. ETTN should be your source for vehicle technology alerts and education.

SMN: Why should individuals join ETTN?

MM: ETTN is a network, so individuals who work for SEMA-member companies can join for free! There are no dues. You will have the opportunity to make some great contacts, interact through social media and networking functions with other members who are passionate about our industry, and volunteer to serve on a task force. It’s a great way to get involved with SEMA and make connections that will benefit you throughout your career.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

	Mike Spagnola (left), SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting (right), SEMA president and CEO, presented a $10,000 donation to Jon Bilkenstaff of AXC.

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

An open-house event showcased the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), now located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, as part of the Robert E. Petersen Garage.

Enthusiasts, industry icons and AXC students celebrated the new center, which was developed in collaboration with automotive business owners and classic-car enthusiasts from the Inland Valley. The two-year AXC program gives students the necessary confidence and hands-on experience to enter the automotive industry.

The AXC has received donations and seed money from a wide cross section of industry sources, including SEMA and, notably, the Margie & Robert E. Petersen Foundation.

At the open house, SEMA presented a $10,000 donation, which was allocated based on a generous donation from Omix-ADA. Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, were on hand to present the check.

SCRS Releases OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Schedule

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) released session details for the upcoming OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, which will be held Thursday, November 5, during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The Collision Repair Technology Summit puts SEMA Show attendees in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology.

The summit will focus on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology and how both of those aspects influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

This year, the program will provide three different segments, which can be selected individually or collectively as part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) full series pass.

The sessions will feature companies and individuals with rich histories of producing sophisticated advancements in the automotive and collision-repair fields. They will highlight architectural and technological developments in modern vehicles and how those advancements intersect with the repair process.

For more information and to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

	Mike Spagnola (left), SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting (right), SEMA president and CEO, presented a $10,000 donation to Jon Bilkenstaff of AXC.

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

An open-house event showcased the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), now located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, as part of the Robert E. Petersen Garage.

Enthusiasts, industry icons and AXC students celebrated the new center, which was developed in collaboration with automotive business owners and classic-car enthusiasts from the Inland Valley. The two-year AXC program gives students the necessary confidence and hands-on experience to enter the automotive industry.

The AXC has received donations and seed money from a wide cross section of industry sources, including SEMA and, notably, the Margie & Robert E. Petersen Foundation.

At the open house, SEMA presented a $10,000 donation, which was allocated based on a generous donation from Omix-ADA. Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, were on hand to present the check.

SCRS Releases OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Schedule

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) released session details for the upcoming OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, which will be held Thursday, November 5, during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The Collision Repair Technology Summit puts SEMA Show attendees in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology.

The summit will focus on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology and how both of those aspects influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

This year, the program will provide three different segments, which can be selected individually or collectively as part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) full series pass.

The sessions will feature companies and individuals with rich histories of producing sophisticated advancements in the automotive and collision-repair fields. They will highlight architectural and technological developments in modern vehicles and how those advancements intersect with the repair process.

For more information and to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

	Mike Spagnola (left), SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting (right), SEMA president and CEO, presented a $10,000 donation to Jon Bilkenstaff of AXC.

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

An open-house event showcased the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), now located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, as part of the Robert E. Petersen Garage.

Enthusiasts, industry icons and AXC students celebrated the new center, which was developed in collaboration with automotive business owners and classic-car enthusiasts from the Inland Valley. The two-year AXC program gives students the necessary confidence and hands-on experience to enter the automotive industry.

The AXC has received donations and seed money from a wide cross section of industry sources, including SEMA and, notably, the Margie & Robert E. Petersen Foundation.

At the open house, SEMA presented a $10,000 donation, which was allocated based on a generous donation from Omix-ADA. Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, were on hand to present the check.

SCRS Releases OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Schedule

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) released session details for the upcoming OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, which will be held Thursday, November 5, during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The Collision Repair Technology Summit puts SEMA Show attendees in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology.

The summit will focus on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology and how both of those aspects influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

This year, the program will provide three different segments, which can be selected individually or collectively as part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) full series pass.

The sessions will feature companies and individuals with rich histories of producing sophisticated advancements in the automotive and collision-repair fields. They will highlight architectural and technological developments in modern vehicles and how those advancements intersect with the repair process.

For more information and to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

	Mike Spagnola (left), SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting (right), SEMA president and CEO, presented a $10,000 donation to Jon Bilkenstaff of AXC.

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

An open-house event showcased the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), now located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, as part of the Robert E. Petersen Garage.

Enthusiasts, industry icons and AXC students celebrated the new center, which was developed in collaboration with automotive business owners and classic-car enthusiasts from the Inland Valley. The two-year AXC program gives students the necessary confidence and hands-on experience to enter the automotive industry.

The AXC has received donations and seed money from a wide cross section of industry sources, including SEMA and, notably, the Margie & Robert E. Petersen Foundation.

At the open house, SEMA presented a $10,000 donation, which was allocated based on a generous donation from Omix-ADA. Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, were on hand to present the check.

SCRS Releases OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Schedule

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) released session details for the upcoming OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, which will be held Thursday, November 5, during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The Collision Repair Technology Summit puts SEMA Show attendees in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology.

The summit will focus on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology and how both of those aspects influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

This year, the program will provide three different segments, which can be selected individually or collectively as part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) full series pass.

The sessions will feature companies and individuals with rich histories of producing sophisticated advancements in the automotive and collision-repair fields. They will highlight architectural and technological developments in modern vehicles and how those advancements intersect with the repair process.

For more information and to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

	Mike Spagnola (left), SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting (right), SEMA president and CEO, presented a $10,000 donation to Jon Bilkenstaff of AXC.

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

An open-house event showcased the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), now located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, as part of the Robert E. Petersen Garage.

Enthusiasts, industry icons and AXC students celebrated the new center, which was developed in collaboration with automotive business owners and classic-car enthusiasts from the Inland Valley. The two-year AXC program gives students the necessary confidence and hands-on experience to enter the automotive industry.

The AXC has received donations and seed money from a wide cross section of industry sources, including SEMA and, notably, the Margie & Robert E. Petersen Foundation.

At the open house, SEMA presented a $10,000 donation, which was allocated based on a generous donation from Omix-ADA. Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, were on hand to present the check.

SCRS Releases OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Schedule

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) released session details for the upcoming OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, which will be held Thursday, November 5, during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The Collision Repair Technology Summit puts SEMA Show attendees in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology.

The summit will focus on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology and how both of those aspects influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

This year, the program will provide three different segments, which can be selected individually or collectively as part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) full series pass.

The sessions will feature companies and individuals with rich histories of producing sophisticated advancements in the automotive and collision-repair fields. They will highlight architectural and technological developments in modern vehicles and how those advancements intersect with the repair process.

For more information and to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.