By SEMA Editors

	William Hodge of Houston was the winner of JRi Shocks’ Ride Height system giveaway, which will be installed on his ’69 Camaro.

William Hodge of Houston was the winner of JRi Shocks’ 2014 SEMA Show sweepstakes—the Ride Height system giveaway. SEMA Show attendees in Las Vegas had the opportunity to enter a drawing at the JRi Shocks booth for a complete Hydraulic Ride Height system.

“I almost deleted the email as spam,” said Hodge “I had no expectations of actually winning the contest and have been thinking about it since!”

Hodge is nearing completion of a ’69 Camaro project that has been underway since 2010. The car was a gift from his parents back in ’97 and has been a part of his life for more than 17 years.

JRi Shocks debuted its hydraulic ride-height system at the 2013 SEMA Show and, after receiving a remarkable level of interest, decided to make it the featured giveaway product at the 2014 SEMA Show.

“The industry seems really fascinated by what we have created,” said Seth Fargher, marketing manager for JRi Shocks. “People are so conditioned to air-controlled systems that it takes them a minute to realize what we’re really offering; all the performance of a non, single or double adjustable coilover with the added benefit of ride-height control.”

JRi displayed the system on a ’69 C10 pickup at the 2014 SEMA Show where attendees could operate the system and raise and lower the truck themselves.

“I am very excited to get this system and install it on my ’69 Camaro with the help of GAP Racing here in Houston. The car has been part of my life for more than 17 years and will be forever,” Hodge said.

JRi and Hodge will provide a detailed feature on the car and the shock system upon its completion.

According to Hodge, the following companies and products have been incorporated into the ’69 Camaro build:

• GAP Racing: Involved in much of the build
• Forgeline/DV8Motoring.com: Wheels
• Michelin/Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels: Tires
• DSE/JRi Shocks: Suspension
• Vintage Air: HVAC
• Wilwood: Brakes
• AutoRAD: Cooling system
• Ricks Stainless Tanks/Vaporworx: Fuel system
• Garrett/TiAL/Speed Inc.: Turbo parts
• Holley: Engine Management/Oil pan
• School of Automotive Machinists: Parts
• Atech/Summit Racing: Parts
• KP Racing: Parts
• Dynamat: Sound deadening
• Marquez Designs: Lights/parts
• Fesler: Parts
• Anvil: Parts
• Texas Speed and Performance: Engine
• Rockland Standard Gear: Transmission
• Spec: Clutch
• Matt's Classic Bowties: Parts
• Ididit: Steering column

By Becca Butler

	Several press conferences were held throughout the course of the 2014 SEMA Show, targeting the more than 2,000 credentialed media in attendance.

More than 2,000 credentialed media attended the 2014 SEMA Show in search of the newest products and latest developments that are driving the market today.

Below are a few of the top trends that journalists discovered at the Show:

• The New York Times – 2014 SEMA Show Tracks Industry Trends
• Consumer Reports – 5 Coolest New Car Products and Trends
• On All Cylinders – Our Top 6 Automotive Trends from SEMA 2014
• AutoGuide.com – Top 5 Trends of the 2014 SEMA Show
• Hot Rod – Top 10 Automotive Trends From the 2014 SEMA Show
• Driving Line – Major Trends from SEMA 2014
• MSN Autos – Top 10 Automotive Trends From the 2014 SEMA Show

By Becca Butler

	Several press conferences were held throughout the course of the 2014 SEMA Show, targeting the more than 2,000 credentialed media in attendance.

More than 2,000 credentialed media attended the 2014 SEMA Show in search of the newest products and latest developments that are driving the market today.

Below are a few of the top trends that journalists discovered at the Show:

• The New York Times – 2014 SEMA Show Tracks Industry Trends
• Consumer Reports – 5 Coolest New Car Products and Trends
• On All Cylinders – Our Top 6 Automotive Trends from SEMA 2014
• AutoGuide.com – Top 5 Trends of the 2014 SEMA Show
• Hot Rod – Top 10 Automotive Trends From the 2014 SEMA Show
• Driving Line – Major Trends from SEMA 2014
• MSN Autos – Top 10 Automotive Trends From the 2014 SEMA Show

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

As a member of the association, we need your recommendation of 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:

• One seat in the Chairman-elect category
• Two seats in the Manufacturer category
• Two seats in the Distributor/Retailer category
• One seat in the Services category
• There are no seats open in the Manufacturer’s Representatives category this year.

Nominations for the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors are due Tuesday, January 6, 2015. 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 and CEO

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

As a member of the association, we need your recommendation of 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:

• One seat in the Chairman-elect category
• Two seats in the Manufacturer category
• Two seats in the Distributor/Retailer category
• One seat in the Services category
• There are no seats open in the Manufacturer’s Representatives category this year.

Nominations for the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors are due Tuesday, January 6, 2015. 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 and CEO

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• California Customs Sport Trucks, located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, is hiring a lead installer to install lift kits, wheels and tires and aftermarket performance parts and accessories on all makes and models of trucks and SUVs. The successful candidate must be ASE certified in suspension and steering, have extensive knowledge of the automotive aftermarket and more than three years’ related experience.

• Rostra Precision Controls, Inc., located in Laurinburg, North Carolina, is hiring a quality engineer to support quality assurance activities to improve customer satisfaction and successful achievement of company quality objectives. This position will be responsible for supplier quality development and maintenance, process quality control and monitoring and customer quality assurance maintenance and development. The successful candidate will have at least a two-year degree in an engineering-related field and three years’ quality-related work experience preferably in automotive Tier 1 or 2. Related experience in automotive electronics or electro-mechanical disciplines and a thorough understanding of GD&T and 2D CAD are required.

• JEGS Automotive Inc., located in Delaware, Ohio, is hiring a new product development buyer responsible for developing/managing a supply base of suppliers of raw material/metal forming/sub assemblies/hardware components, negotiating and executing long-term purchase contracts with key suppliers and product sourcing/developing private-brand goods. The successful candidate must have experience in product design/development, current knowledge of trends in the high-performance market, a strong background in procurement and high-performance auto parts experience.

• Husky Liners, located in Atlanta, is hiring a regional sales manager responsible for building relationships with and educating accessory retailers’ sales staffs and installers about the features and benefits of the company's products. The successful candidate will be an outgoing, results-oriented self starter with a track record of success in the light-truck accessory category.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit MPMC's website.

Voting Underway for Robert E. Petersen Award

The slate is set, and votes for MPMC’s Robert E. Petersen Award will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. (PST), Friday, January 9. The award honors a member of the print, electronic or broadcast media whose work over the previous year had a significant impact on the motorsports industry.

Members eligible to vote received an e-mail invitation from Jim Skelly via Survey Monkey. Vote today to ensure that your voice is represented.

The award recipient will be honored during the MPMC media reception, Tuesday, January 20, at the Media Trade Conference in Santa Ana, California. For more information about the award or the voting process, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

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Visit ETTN's website

Application Deadline Next Week for Professional Development Program

The application deadline is December 29 for the first of three Professional Development Programs (PDP) powered by ETTN in 2015. Each program was selected to help network members enhance leadership skills, improve task skills and provide insight into the latest trends and technical advancements.

The first event is the Social Media Strategies Summit, February 10–12, 2015, in Las Vegas. This conference addresses common challenges marketing professionals face in social media, customer service, employee engagement and analytics. With seven hands-on workshops and 30 interactive sessions, the program will take a deeper dive into these topics. Attendees will gain a new perspective and develop the skills to better incorporate social media into their organizations.

Applicants have the opportunity to attend one of the three conferences, along with SEMA staff and a group of 10 like-minded industry professionals. Participants receive a specially negotiated conference registration rate, and the company of the participating employee receives a grant from SEMA to reduce the costs associated with registration (all benefits received are considered taxable income).

Summit Registration Cost: $1,195
SEMA ETTN Attendee Discounted Rate: $716 (discount coupon provided upon selection)
Net Total Cost with $500 SEMA grant: $216

To learn more about the program and apply, visit ETTN's website or contact Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison.

Social Media Strategies Summit
February 10–12, 2015, Las Vegas
SEMA application deadline: December 29, 2014

This conference is designed to address some of the common challenges marketing professionals face in social media, customer service, employee engagement and analytics. With seven hands-on workshops and 30 interactive sessions, the program will take a deeper dive into these topics. Attendees will gain a new perspective and develop the skills to better incorporate social media into their organizations.

99U
April 30–May 1, 2015, New York City
SEMA application deadline: March 24, 2015

99U is all about ideas. The conference presenters are some of the world's foremost authorities in the areas of research and idea execution, and they are dedicated to helping attendees take the next step in their plans. Master class offerings throughout the conference also allow participants to learn from the experts in smaller groups and develop invaluable leadership skills.

Disney Quality Service
September 23, 2015, Anaheim, California
SEMA application deadline: August 18, 2015

The Disney Quality Service course gives participants the background and skills needed to provide outstanding customer service. The one-day course takes a close look at the small details that make a big difference in the environment for both customers and staff. The course not only introduces attendees to the principles that Disney lives by but also provides resources for them to adapt the ideas to their own unique brands.

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Visit WTC's website

Wheel and Tire Council to Host Open Meeting and Industry Discussion in Southern California

Members of the wheel and tire industry will gather at the SEMA Garage Industry Innovations Center for an industry discussion, Thursday, February 5, 2015, from 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

On the agenda is discussion of the “Ride Guide” promotional efforts and additional vehicle data being compiled, the latest news on Chinese tire tariffs, industry support of tire safety education and more.
This is members’ opportunity to let the council know what other challenges and opportunities they see in the wheel and tire industry. By participating in this open meeting, individuals can help determine the focus and direction of the council for the next year and beyond. 

The meeting will include a networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC-member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Register today [netforum link] to save your seat and submit discussion topics.

For more information about WTC or this event, contact Senior Manager of Councils Clayton Drescher.

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Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities.

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By Linda Spencer

	David Borla (far left), sales and marketing manager for Borla Performance, provided details on his company’s products to U.S. Ambassador Michael Corbin (dark suit) and Sheikh Salem Bin Abdulrahman Al Qassimi (front, center), director of the Office of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.
	Scott Sobie (right), sales manager of Mustang Dynamometer, talked with buyers from Abu Dhabi.
	From L-R: Jason Mrachina, Dee Zee vice president of sales, met with Mahmoud Skhiri, senior commercial specialist for the U.S. Embassy in Doha, Qatar; Salih Hamid, Dee Zee’s export sales manager; and an unidentified buyer from Doha.

Register now for the 2015 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference and get your products in front of key buyers from throughout the region. From March 24–28, 2015, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), join U.S. manufacturers of a wide array of street and off-road performance products, including specialty lights, performance air filters, sport exhaust systems, film protection, air intake systems, lubricants, dynamometers, running boards and toolboxes. Branding for participating exhibitors will be viewed by thousands of pre-vetted buyers in pre-event promotions and on regional websites.

New highlights for 2015 include:

• Exhibiting in the SEMA section at the customs show emirates.
• A day-long International Measuring Session providing participants access to popular overseas vehicles not sold in the United States.
• The show is based at an onsite hotel so that participants can walk to the convention center.

—Chris Clark, director, Kooks Headers

“This is our very first time in the Middle East, ever, and it is way more than I expected. The level of infra­structure, the passion about motorsports, the sophistication of the speed shops we’ve vis­ited—it’s every bit of what we have on Main Street USA, right here. It’s not anything I could have understood without being here, feeling it and seeing it.”

—Lake Speed Jr., general manager, Driven Racing Oil

“The Middle East represents a viable market filled with customers eager to buy American-made products. We were surprised by the quality of the vehicle builds and the knowledge of the people managing the stores we visited.”

—Jason Mrachina, vice president of sales and marketing, Dee Zee

“I’ve been impressed with the architecture we’ve seen and the reception that we’ve received. As far as doing business with Ameri­cans, it’s refreshing that they want the quality of our products genuinely and seem apprecia­tive that we made the trip here to see them and their businesses and to understand their marketplace. The impression I’ve gotten is that they truly want to develop relationships with their suppliers, which is great.”

—Lisa Chissus, president, Flex-a-lite

“International growth is continuing to build our performance lubricant business. At Dubai this year, we gained relationships with ware­house distributors, dealers, jobbers and race teams. It’s a wildly active market, and this huge Middle East region is a great hub for high-end synthetic lubricants and motor oils. To properly manage this new business, Champion is adding partners to represent all of our lubricant lines and the growing demand in the region.”

—Karl Dedolph, director of inter­national sales, Champion Oil

“Customer contact was great at the show, with qualified buyers who spoke perfect English and were ready to find distribution products. Customers in the Middle East are perfor­mance savvy and have almost a California-like relationship with their cars. All seg­ments are represented.”

—Wayland “Butch” Cox, vice president of sales, Royal Purple Inc.

By Linda Spencer

	David Borla (far left), sales and marketing manager for Borla Performance, provided details on his company’s products to U.S. Ambassador Michael Corbin (dark suit) and Sheikh Salem Bin Abdulrahman Al Qassimi (front, center), director of the Office of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.
	Scott Sobie (right), sales manager of Mustang Dynamometer, talked with buyers from Abu Dhabi.
	From L-R: Jason Mrachina, Dee Zee vice president of sales, met with Mahmoud Skhiri, senior commercial specialist for the U.S. Embassy in Doha, Qatar; Salih Hamid, Dee Zee’s export sales manager; and an unidentified buyer from Doha.

Register now for the 2015 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference and get your products in front of key buyers from throughout the region. From March 24–28, 2015, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), join U.S. manufacturers of a wide array of street and off-road performance products, including specialty lights, performance air filters, sport exhaust systems, film protection, air intake systems, lubricants, dynamometers, running boards and toolboxes. Branding for participating exhibitors will be viewed by thousands of pre-vetted buyers in pre-event promotions and on regional websites.

New highlights for 2015 include:

• Exhibiting in the SEMA section at the customs show emirates.
• A day-long International Measuring Session providing participants access to popular overseas vehicles not sold in the United States.
• The show is based at an onsite hotel so that participants can walk to the convention center.

—Chris Clark, director, Kooks Headers

“This is our very first time in the Middle East, ever, and it is way more than I expected. The level of infra­structure, the passion about motorsports, the sophistication of the speed shops we’ve vis­ited—it’s every bit of what we have on Main Street USA, right here. It’s not anything I could have understood without being here, feeling it and seeing it.”

—Lake Speed Jr., general manager, Driven Racing Oil

“The Middle East represents a viable market filled with customers eager to buy American-made products. We were surprised by the quality of the vehicle builds and the knowledge of the people managing the stores we visited.”

—Jason Mrachina, vice president of sales and marketing, Dee Zee

“I’ve been impressed with the architecture we’ve seen and the reception that we’ve received. As far as doing business with Ameri­cans, it’s refreshing that they want the quality of our products genuinely and seem apprecia­tive that we made the trip here to see them and their businesses and to understand their marketplace. The impression I’ve gotten is that they truly want to develop relationships with their suppliers, which is great.”

—Lisa Chissus, president, Flex-a-lite

“International growth is continuing to build our performance lubricant business. At Dubai this year, we gained relationships with ware­house distributors, dealers, jobbers and race teams. It’s a wildly active market, and this huge Middle East region is a great hub for high-end synthetic lubricants and motor oils. To properly manage this new business, Champion is adding partners to represent all of our lubricant lines and the growing demand in the region.”

—Karl Dedolph, director of inter­national sales, Champion Oil

“Customer contact was great at the show, with qualified buyers who spoke perfect English and were ready to find distribution products. Customers in the Middle East are perfor­mance savvy and have almost a California-like relationship with their cars. All seg­ments are represented.”

—Wayland “Butch” Cox, vice president of sales, Royal Purple Inc.