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 SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that employees may use their company e-mail accounts to discuss workplace issues, including union organization. The decision overturns a 2007 NLRB ruling that workers did not have a right to use company e-mail to discuss workplace conditions and compensation. The NLRB revisited the issue at the request of the Communications Workers of America, which argued that prohibiting employees from using company e-mail was an impediment to workers’ right to organize. 

In its ruling, the NLRB agreed that “employee use of e-mail for statutorily protected communications on nonworking time must presumptively be permitted by employers who have chosen to give employees access to their e-mail systems.” 

Key leaders in Congress disagreed with the NLRB finding and expressed their intent to introduce legislation to overturn the ruling. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that employees may use their company e-mail accounts to discuss workplace issues, including union organization. The decision overturns a 2007 NLRB ruling that workers did not have a right to use company e-mail to discuss workplace conditions and compensation. The NLRB revisited the issue at the request of the Communications Workers of America, which argued that prohibiting employees from using company e-mail was an impediment to workers’ right to organize. 

In its ruling, the NLRB agreed that “employee use of e-mail for statutorily protected communications on nonworking time must presumptively be permitted by employers who have chosen to give employees access to their e-mail systems.” 

Key leaders in Congress disagreed with the NLRB finding and expressed their intent to introduce legislation to overturn the ruling. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that employees may use their company e-mail accounts to discuss workplace issues, including union organization. The decision overturns a 2007 NLRB ruling that workers did not have a right to use company e-mail to discuss workplace conditions and compensation. The NLRB revisited the issue at the request of the Communications Workers of America, which argued that prohibiting employees from using company e-mail was an impediment to workers’ right to organize. 

In its ruling, the NLRB agreed that “employee use of e-mail for statutorily protected communications on nonworking time must presumptively be permitted by employers who have chosen to give employees access to their e-mail systems.” 

Key leaders in Congress disagreed with the NLRB finding and expressed their intent to introduce legislation to overturn the ruling. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	The 2015 Dakar Rally will be held January 4–17, spanning three countries—Argentina, Chile and Bolivia—and nearly 5,650 miles.

Toyo Tires and Race-Dezert Team Up for the 2015 Dakar Rally

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. and Race-Dezert have teamed up to bring off-road fans coverage of the 2015 Dakar Rally. For the first time ever, Race-Dezert will have an independently operating team on the ground to capture photos, videos and stories from beginning to end of this legendary race.

The 2015 edition of the marathon rally will be held January 4–17, spanning three countries—Argentina, Chile and Bolivia—and nearly 5,650 miles. The 13-stage race is known for the challenging terrain, including remote deserts, soaring mountain passes and vast sand dunes.

The three-man team includes veteran off-road journalist and founder of Race-Dezert.com, Klaus Rasch, and award-winning desert-racing photographer/journalist, Art Eugenio. Adrian Puente, motorsports coordinator for Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., will also make the journey. He has the experience of four Dakar Rallies and the Toyo Tires Dakar blog under his belt. Race-Dezert will also have a team stateside tracking race results.

Rasch, Eugenio and Puente will drive a specially prepared ’14 Toyota 4Runner, which was shipped to Buenos Aires earlier this month. Modifications include a set of Toyo Open Country R/T tires, a Rigid Lights 30-in. LED light bar, KMC wheels, a Fox Shox-installed suspension and Speedstrap recovery straps.

Racing for Team Toyo in the 2015 Dakar Rally is multiple-championship-winning driver Robby Gordon with his SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires #308 Gordini, and Guerlain Chicherit of Team X-Raid driving the #323 buggy. Both drivers have won multiple Dakar stages in the past. Daily coverage begins on New Year’s Day from Buenos Aires.

	Lisa Noble, president of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), accepted the 2014 Women's Sports Foundation Project Podium Leadership Award.

VP Racing Fuels to Be Official Fuel of 2015 NMRA, NMCA and NMCA WEST

ProMedia Events officials have announced its newest major sponsor for the 2015 season. VP Racing Fuels will be the Official Fuel of the NMRA, NMCA and NMCA WEST, and the required spec fuel for all heads-up classes except NMCA and NMCA WEST Pro Mod. The agreement between ProMedia Events and VP Racing Fuels begins with 2015 season openers and continues through 2017. VP Racing Fuels has also stepped up in 2015 as the NMRA Street Outlaw class sponsor, NMCA Pro Mod class sponsor and NMCA WEST title sponsor.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	The 2015 Dakar Rally will be held January 4–17, spanning three countries—Argentina, Chile and Bolivia—and nearly 5,650 miles.

Toyo Tires and Race-Dezert Team Up for the 2015 Dakar Rally

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. and Race-Dezert have teamed up to bring off-road fans coverage of the 2015 Dakar Rally. For the first time ever, Race-Dezert will have an independently operating team on the ground to capture photos, videos and stories from beginning to end of this legendary race.

The 2015 edition of the marathon rally will be held January 4–17, spanning three countries—Argentina, Chile and Bolivia—and nearly 5,650 miles. The 13-stage race is known for the challenging terrain, including remote deserts, soaring mountain passes and vast sand dunes.

The three-man team includes veteran off-road journalist and founder of Race-Dezert.com, Klaus Rasch, and award-winning desert-racing photographer/journalist, Art Eugenio. Adrian Puente, motorsports coordinator for Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., will also make the journey. He has the experience of four Dakar Rallies and the Toyo Tires Dakar blog under his belt. Race-Dezert will also have a team stateside tracking race results.

Rasch, Eugenio and Puente will drive a specially prepared ’14 Toyota 4Runner, which was shipped to Buenos Aires earlier this month. Modifications include a set of Toyo Open Country R/T tires, a Rigid Lights 30-in. LED light bar, KMC wheels, a Fox Shox-installed suspension and Speedstrap recovery straps.

Racing for Team Toyo in the 2015 Dakar Rally is multiple-championship-winning driver Robby Gordon with his SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires #308 Gordini, and Guerlain Chicherit of Team X-Raid driving the #323 buggy. Both drivers have won multiple Dakar stages in the past. Daily coverage begins on New Year’s Day from Buenos Aires.

	Lisa Noble, president of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), accepted the 2014 Women's Sports Foundation Project Podium Leadership Award.

VP Racing Fuels to Be Official Fuel of 2015 NMRA, NMCA and NMCA WEST

ProMedia Events officials have announced its newest major sponsor for the 2015 season. VP Racing Fuels will be the Official Fuel of the NMRA, NMCA and NMCA WEST, and the required spec fuel for all heads-up classes except NMCA and NMCA WEST Pro Mod. The agreement between ProMedia Events and VP Racing Fuels begins with 2015 season openers and continues through 2017. VP Racing Fuels has also stepped up in 2015 as the NMRA Street Outlaw class sponsor, NMCA Pro Mod class sponsor and NMCA WEST title sponsor.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	The crew at Brake Parts Inc. raised more than $150,000 for the United Way of Greater McHenry County (Illinois) during the company's annual campaign drive.

Brake Parts Raises $150,000 for United Way
Brake Parts Inc. (BPI) raised more than $150,000 for the United Way of Greater McHenry County (Illinois) during its annual campaign drive that ran from early October through the end of November. The United Way will use the funds to support 27 local health and human service agencies in the area. Brake Parts matched the initial $75,000 raised by employees for a total donation of more than $150,000. For their part, employees conducted special fundraising projects, many held at the company’s headquarters, such as “Jeans Day,” where employees paid $5 to wear jeans to work. Employees also conducted a raffle, a pizza lunch sale, a bake sale, a computer sale and a brake sale. In addition to the fall campaign, BPI raised money through a car show held in August 2014, with the raffle proceeds benefitting six United Way agencies. The company is also partnering with a United Way agency through a “giving tree” to help families in the McHenry area this holiday season.

Brake Parts has been the largest contributor to the United Way in McHenry County for several years and has received the Landmark Award three times. The Landmark Award was created in 2011 and is reserved for companies who reach an outstanding level of success by raising $100,000 or more during their United Way campaign.

Rick Stempien

Hopkins Names Rick Stempien to Vice President of Sales
Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. has announced the addition of Rick Stempien as vice president of sales. Stempien will lead and direct the sales activities for Hopkins with its leading market positions in the automotive and recreational vehicle aftermarket. Most recently, Stempien was the vice president of sales and marketing for Trico Products Corp. Prior to this, he was the vice president of sales for Fabsol and Holley Performance Products.

Champion Oil Announces RK Motors Charlotte as Newest Master Warehouse
Champion Oil has announced that RK Motors Charlotte is its newest master warehouse distributor featuring Champion Classic and Muscle “Purpose-Built” motor oils. RK Motors Charlotte is a restorer, re-seller and provider of classic, muscle and high-performance cars. The company was created in 2010 when Robert Kauffman, founder of RK Collection and co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, and Joseph M. Carroll, founder of Best of Show Automotive, leveraged their success and experience to create RK Motors Charlotte.

Champion Classic and Muscle motor oils are designed to meet the demands of contemporary and retrospective performance gasoline engines, especially carbureted vehicles that have flat tappet, roller cams and/or high-pressure valve springs. Champion utilizes its ZDDP anti-wear protection package, which contains high levels of premium zinc, moly, calcium, sodium and phosphorus. Champion Classic and Muscle oils contain Thermal Viscosity Stabilizer (TVS) technology, which, according to the company, delivers film strength at high temperatures, better piston ring seal for maximum compression and increases horsepower and torque in most engines.

	Randy George

Betts Co. Welcomes Randy George as Marketing Manager
Randy George, a marketing and sales professional with more than 20 years of experience, has joined Betts Co. as marketing manager. George is responsible for the execution of all marketing communications activities for Betts Co. and its three divisions—BettsHD, Betts Spring Manufacturing and Betts Truck Parts & Service.

Before joining Betts Co., George was business development/senior account executive for Bixly—a software and web application development firm based in Fresno, California. George earned a B.S. degree in international business from California State University, Fresno.

In 2015, Avery Dennison will offer 10 workshops and certification programs across the United States and Canada.

Avery Dennison Announces 2015 Car Wrap Training Courses and Schedule
Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions has announced the Avery Dennison hands-on car wrap workshops and certification programs 2015 schedule. With programs scheduled in 17 cities in the United States and Canada, car wrap installers can enhance or test their skills by attending the Avery Dennison/Mutoh Car Wrap Training courses, Supreme Wrapping Film Workshops and the Avery Dennison Certification Test. Master installer Justin Pate will teach all the car wrap installation workshops.

The Avery Dennison/Mutoh Wrap Training is a two-day course, recommended for basic- to intermediate-skilled vehicle wrap installers. The wrap training course focuses on full-print commercial wraps using Avery Dennison MPI 1005 Supercast Easy Apply RS. Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions will offer a 10-class wrap training schedule in 2015.

The Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping Film Workshop is a one-day course for intermediate to advanced wrap installers. The workshop focuses on installation techniques for Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping Films and Conform Chrome Accent Films. A complete car wrap training schedule of the 12 classes is available for installers to pick and choose their sessions.

The Avery Dennison Certification Test is open to all installers; attending an Avery Dennison wrap class is not required to take the exam. Avery Dennison Certified Wrap Installers receive a free listing on Avery Dennison’s “Find an Installer” directory. In addition, an Avery Dennison Certified Wrap Installer will receive a full marketing package for their shop and for themselves to showcase their certification in marketing efforts and to customers.

Installers can register for car wrap classes and participants can submit questions or requests to grpd.technicalservice@averydennison.com prior to the class explaining specific areas of interest and what they want to learn.

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 SEMA Editors

One of the first projects that helped to break in the SEMA Garage Industry Innovations Center was a vehicle build for rock guitarist Billy Gibbons. The car, which SO-CAL Speed Shop helped prepare for the 2014 SEMA Show, is based on a ’34 Ford three-window coupe and is chopped and loaded with custom features, including a headlight that retracts into the hood and a jagged line that runs from front to back.

The jagged accent line had been executed in paint, but the plan is to make a 3D piece. To do that, the car was scanned using the SEMA Garage FaroArm laser tool, producing a CAD file. By scanning the curvature of the car surface and the exact shape of the trim design, a new 3D trim piece can be quickly fabricated.

By SEMA Editors

One of the first projects that helped to break in the SEMA Garage Industry Innovations Center was a vehicle build for rock guitarist Billy Gibbons. The car, which SO-CAL Speed Shop helped prepare for the 2014 SEMA Show, is based on a ’34 Ford three-window coupe and is chopped and loaded with custom features, including a headlight that retracts into the hood and a jagged line that runs from front to back.

The jagged accent line had been executed in paint, but the plan is to make a 3D piece. To do that, the car was scanned using the SEMA Garage FaroArm laser tool, producing a CAD file. By scanning the curvature of the car surface and the exact shape of the trim design, a new 3D trim piece can be quickly fabricated.

By SEMA Editors

One of the first projects that helped to break in the SEMA Garage Industry Innovations Center was a vehicle build for rock guitarist Billy Gibbons. The car, which SO-CAL Speed Shop helped prepare for the 2014 SEMA Show, is based on a ’34 Ford three-window coupe and is chopped and loaded with custom features, including a headlight that retracts into the hood and a jagged line that runs from front to back.

The jagged accent line had been executed in paint, but the plan is to make a 3D piece. To do that, the car was scanned using the SEMA Garage FaroArm laser tool, producing a CAD file. By scanning the curvature of the car surface and the exact shape of the trim design, a new 3D trim piece can be quickly fabricated.