By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area hosts the famous “King of the Hammers” Race, which drew more than 50,000 people to the 2014 event.

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. Congress to include “National” within the title “Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.” Last year, congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which designated nearly 100,000 acres of Johnson Valley, California, as a federal OHV recreation area. Under the new law, about 79,000 acres of the same area was transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps for military training needs. Although the State of California had set aside most of Johnson Valley in 1980 for OHV recreation, last year was the first time the federal government had specifically dedicated land for this type of motorized activity.

“This might seem like a small change, but it’s important,” said the bill sponsor, Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA). “It will show that Johnson Valley is of national significance, raising its profile for economic purposes and within the federal government, which owns the land.”

The Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area contains a unique mix of open desert, dry lake beds and formidable rock-crawling formations that attracts four-wheeler enthusiasts from around the world. The area hosts the famous “King of the Hammers” Race, which drew more than 50,000 people to the 2014 event.

Rep. Cook led last year’s effort in congress to designate the OHV area. SEMA worked collaboratively with the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and a number of other organizations to support that pursuit.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area hosts the famous “King of the Hammers” Race, which drew more than 50,000 people to the 2014 event.

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. Congress to include “National” within the title “Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.” Last year, congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which designated nearly 100,000 acres of Johnson Valley, California, as a federal OHV recreation area. Under the new law, about 79,000 acres of the same area was transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps for military training needs. Although the State of California had set aside most of Johnson Valley in 1980 for OHV recreation, last year was the first time the federal government had specifically dedicated land for this type of motorized activity.

“This might seem like a small change, but it’s important,” said the bill sponsor, Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA). “It will show that Johnson Valley is of national significance, raising its profile for economic purposes and within the federal government, which owns the land.”

The Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area contains a unique mix of open desert, dry lake beds and formidable rock-crawling formations that attracts four-wheeler enthusiasts from around the world. The area hosts the famous “King of the Hammers” Race, which drew more than 50,000 people to the 2014 event.

Rep. Cook led last year’s effort in congress to designate the OHV area. SEMA worked collaboratively with the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and a number of other organizations to support that pursuit.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

	The SEMA Show typically attracts more than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries, making the annual show the world's premier automotive trade event where buyers and sellers meet to do business.

Companies interested in participating in the Priority Booth Selection process for the 2014 SEMA Show need to submit booth-space applications by the Friday, April 11, deadline.

Although booth space applications are accepted any time before the Show in November, manufacturers that apply before the deadline benefit by being eligible for the Priority Booth Selection process, where exhibitors are assigned their locations in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

After the selection process, remaining space is assigned to companies whose applications came in after the priority deadline.

The SEMA Show, set for November 4–7, 2014, in Las Vegas, typically attracts more than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries, making the annual Show the world's premier automotive trade event where buyers and sellers meet to do business.

"Buyers from all over the world come to the SEMA Show to find automotive accessories that they can sell at their businesses," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "As a trade-only event, these buyers represent businesses that are looking to purchase large supplies of products that their customers will demand."

In addition to the Priority Booth Selection process in April, exhibitors may want check out the hotels deal that have been recently made available. Visit the SEMA's Show Travel and Lodging page online. 

Secure a space at the 2014 SEMA Show, or call 909-396-0289 or e-mail sales@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

	The SEMA Show typically attracts more than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries, making the annual show the world's premier automotive trade event where buyers and sellers meet to do business.

Companies interested in participating in the Priority Booth Selection process for the 2014 SEMA Show need to submit booth-space applications by the Friday, April 11, deadline.

Although booth space applications are accepted any time before the Show in November, manufacturers that apply before the deadline benefit by being eligible for the Priority Booth Selection process, where exhibitors are assigned their locations in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

After the selection process, remaining space is assigned to companies whose applications came in after the priority deadline.

The SEMA Show, set for November 4–7, 2014, in Las Vegas, typically attracts more than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries, making the annual Show the world's premier automotive trade event where buyers and sellers meet to do business.

"Buyers from all over the world come to the SEMA Show to find automotive accessories that they can sell at their businesses," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "As a trade-only event, these buyers represent businesses that are looking to purchase large supplies of products that their customers will demand."

In addition to the Priority Booth Selection process in April, exhibitors may want check out the hotels deal that have been recently made available. Visit the SEMA's Show Travel and Lodging page online. 

Secure a space at the 2014 SEMA Show, or call 909-396-0289 or e-mail sales@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

	The SEMA Show typically attracts more than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries, making the annual show the world's premier automotive trade event where buyers and sellers meet to do business.

Companies interested in participating in the Priority Booth Selection process for the 2014 SEMA Show need to submit booth-space applications by the Friday, April 11, deadline.

Although booth space applications are accepted any time before the Show in November, manufacturers that apply before the deadline benefit by being eligible for the Priority Booth Selection process, where exhibitors are assigned their locations in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

After the selection process, remaining space is assigned to companies whose applications came in after the priority deadline.

The SEMA Show, set for November 4–7, 2014, in Las Vegas, typically attracts more than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries, making the annual Show the world's premier automotive trade event where buyers and sellers meet to do business.

"Buyers from all over the world come to the SEMA Show to find automotive accessories that they can sell at their businesses," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "As a trade-only event, these buyers represent businesses that are looking to purchase large supplies of products that their customers will demand."

In addition to the Priority Booth Selection process in April, exhibitors may want check out the hotels deal that have been recently made available. Visit the SEMA's Show Travel and Lodging page online. 

Secure a space at the 2014 SEMA Show, or call 909-396-0289 or e-mail sales@sema.org.

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.

• Holley Performance Products Inc., located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is hiring a senior electrical engineer responsible for leading the design, development and testing of microprocessor-based electronic assemblies for performance automotive applications. The successful candidate must have 10+ years’ experience in a related field and a passion for performance automotive aftermarket/racing and experience with relevant automotive control systems.

• Helicon Automotive, located in Los Angeles, is hiring a regional salesperson to work with select local restylers promoting to new- and used-car dealers. Positions are available in the Northeastern United States and Southern California.

• Powerteq, located in Sanford, Florida, is hiring a software engineer to oversee all technical activities related to developing software tools to ensure products and services meet customer expectations and corporate targets. This position will be responsible for new software tool development, updates to software compilers and sustaining maintenance to databases. The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering or equivalent experience.

• Premiere Motoring Concepts West is hiring an outside salesperson to sell the company's line of OEM aftermarket accessories to new-car dealers. This position would be granted the entire Pacific Northwest down to the Bay area and call on approximately 40 dealers. This is a commission-only arrangement.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

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.

• Holley Performance Products Inc., located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is hiring a senior electrical engineer responsible for leading the design, development and testing of microprocessor-based electronic assemblies for performance automotive applications. The successful candidate must have 10+ years’ experience in a related field and a passion for performance automotive aftermarket/racing and experience with relevant automotive control systems.

• Helicon Automotive, located in Los Angeles, is hiring a regional salesperson to work with select local restylers promoting to new- and used-car dealers. Positions are available in the Northeastern United States and Southern California.

• Powerteq, located in Sanford, Florida, is hiring a software engineer to oversee all technical activities related to developing software tools to ensure products and services meet customer expectations and corporate targets. This position will be responsible for new software tool development, updates to software compilers and sustaining maintenance to databases. The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering or equivalent experience.

• Premiere Motoring Concepts West is hiring an outside salesperson to sell the company's line of OEM aftermarket accessories to new-car dealers. This position would be granted the entire Pacific Northwest down to the Bay area and call on approximately 40 dealers. This is a commission-only arrangement.

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 niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.

Visit TORA's website.

Exclusive Media Opportunity for TORA Manufacturers at the 2014 SEMA Show

By SEMA Editors

TORA will host a Media Preview for a limited number of manufacturer members at the 2014 SEMA Show. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with a wide variety of truck and off-road editors and writers in a designated area, Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

These focused meetings ensure editors and reporters can ask their most pressing questions and photograph new products while manufacturers give the full story.

By participating just before the start of the SEMA Show, media members gain an early scoop on the latest products, and manufacturers have quality time with editors and reporters without sacrificing valuable floor time with customers. Participating manufacturers will be provided with various media training resources through the SEMA Education Institute to help them prepare and maximize their meetings. To give manufacturers the best chance for success, participants will be asked to meet media kit production milestones.

To be considered for participation in the 2014 TORA Media Preview, your company’s application must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT), Friday, May 16, 2014. Review the rules and regulations and apply today.

Not yet an TORA member? Join today to become eligible for the 2014 Media Preview.

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Visit ARMO's website.

Restoration Parts Registration Open for Hot Products Showcase

Registration is now open for the Automotive Restoration Market Organization’s (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase, which will take place April 23–26, 2014, at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

This event is an opportunity for council members to display one or more products in front of one of the single largest gatherings of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the world.

In addition to having products on display in the Hot Products tent, a professional photographer will photograph each one. The photos will be available to manufacturers and will also be used in a slideshow at the ARMO booth and reception at the SEMA Show. A gallery on the ARMO webpage also houses each of the photos, along with a product description for those unable to attend the event. This publicity is available to ARMO members for only the cost of shipping the product entries to the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

Product entries must meet the following criteria:

• Must be the product of an ARMO member-company.
• Must be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the Showcase, April 23.
• Must demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.

Members can register products by filling out the online application. All applications must be received by April 18, 2014. Not an ARMO member? Join today to gain access to this event and other council benefits.

Restoration Professionals Gather for Networking at the Hot Products Showcase

ARMO will host a networking mixer in the Hot Products Tent at the Showcase, Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. The mixer will be a chance for members to grab a drink and spend some time interacting one-on-one with council leadership and fellow ARMO members. The council leadership believes this event holds enormous potential for new ideas and partnerships to be formed as members network with new and old industry friends. RSVP to save your spot.

Make Your Voice Heard at the ARMO Industry Discussion

This year, the council will also hold an industry discussion, Friday, April 25, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Hot Products Tent. The session will allow members and others interested in joining the council to voice their concerns, ask questions and offer input to the group. For members who would like to be a part of shaping future projects and events, this will be a chance to make their voices heard. Send in your RSVP today.

For more information about any of these events, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

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Visit SBN's website.

	Kristin Moore

SBN Member of the Month: Kristin Moore, Workshop Hero

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Visit YEN's website

Launch Pad Competition to Return for 2014 SEMA Show

By Bryan Harrison

After the success of last year’s Launch Pad competition, SEMA has announced that it will return for a second year.

This competition offers innovators under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business for marketing a new automotive product or service.

Industrywide Awareness


The top 10 competitors will compete for top votes on SEMA’s official Facebook/YouTube voting platform. The top five competitors will receive an invitation to pitch their businesses in front of an industry-packed crowd during a live event at the SEMA Show.

Tools to Fuel Your Biz


The winner’s prize package will take their business to the next level, including a 10x10 booth at the 2015 SEMA Show, a one-page ad in SEMA News, an ad in Hot Rod magazine or 4-Wheel & Off Road magazine, a rep consultation with the Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN), public relations and social media consultation from Kahn Media, an event-level sponsorship package to either a Family Events truck and off-road group property or a Family Events performance car group property and much more.

Access to Decision Makers


This year’s event will feature another judging panel composed of industry experts who will offer coaching and advice to the contestants. Returning from the 2013 event will be Doug Evans, executive vice president and group publisher at Source Interlink Media, and SEMA’s chairman-elect of the Board, and Ron Coleman, president & CEO of COMP Performance Group. Joining them will be Tracie Nunez, president of the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA); Todd Ballard, director of sports marketing at GoPro; and Glenn Rogers, partner at Beyond Marketing.

Interested? It’s time to launch the next young automotive entrepreneur. For more information and to fill out an application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, please contact Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.

	SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour this summer.

By Lindsay Hubley

SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour this summer as ambassadors for the industry and the network. These YENsters will represent different niches in the specialty-equipment market as they interact with tour attendees and visit schools along the seven-city, seven-day journey to share about their careers with the next generation of industry executives. The participants will also take the tour online through the YEN Facebook page, Twitter and other social media outlets.

With a dedication for cultivating young talent in the industry, YEN provides educational and networking opportunities for employees of SEMA-member companies who are under the age of 40. The Hot Rod Power Tour attracts more than 5,000 vehicles. YEN’s leadership believes the Power Tour is a way to engage these professionals and create consumer awareness by educating young enthusiasts about the diversity of the industry, and highlighting the variety of automotive career paths available in the specialty-equipment market.

"The YEN Power Tour is about more than hitting the road in your musclecar or hot rod; it's about forging relationships and making connections,” said YEN Chair Dan Kahn. “There are literally thousands of job opportunities in the automotive aftermarket for young people across the nation—we want to tell that story and show that in our high-performance family, young people aren't afraid to get their hands dirty."

Participants in the YEN Power Tour will be awarded a prize package, including hotel accommodations for the trip, airfare, complimentary meals, a gas allowance, an iON Air Pro Wi-Fi Lite, free entry into the tour, gifts from the tour and sponsors, premier parking at each stop and a variety of SEMA swag items.

Learn more and apply today to join the YEN Power Tour as a participant. Applications will be accepted through April 11, 2014. All members of YEN are eligible to apply. Not yet a member? Join today.

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

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