By AJ Carney

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to the first stop of the 2014 Town Hall tour, where members and prospective members will gather at Flowmaster, B&M & Hurst Warehouse in Sacramento, California, Wednesday, January 29, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff.

Panelists include:

• Nate Shelton – B&M Racing and Performance Products Inc.
• Joel Ayres – Bedslide/Takit Inc.
• John Hotchkis – Hotchkis Performance LLC

SEMA's Town Hall Meetings provide members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions provide members with the chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. They also give SEMA staff valuable feedback that will help identify current benefits to enhance members' business operations and better meet their needs.

SEMA has led Town Hall Meetings in several cities across the United States. We invite you to attend a Town Hall near you.

For more information or to register, visit www.sema.org/townhall/sacramento or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

	SEMA Show speaker and noted author Christine Corelli will kick-off SEMA's 2014 webinar series, Thursday, January 9.

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

By SEMA Editors

	SEMA Show speaker and noted author Christine Corelli will kick-off SEMA's 2014 webinar series, Thursday, January 9.

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

	Employees of SEMA-member companies, like Laura Conrad (above) of Kahn Media, have taken advantage of the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program and have received money to help repay student loans.

By Jason Catullo

Employees of SEMA-members companies who are currently paying off students loans may be able to receive money through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund's Loan Forgiveness Program. Those employee selected to receive the award will receive $2,000 toward outstanding student loans.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program is dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their automotive aftermarket careers.

“I’ve received Loan Forgiveness funds from SEMA, and it’s been a huge help in repaying my student loans and reducing what I pay in interest,” said Laura Conrad of Kahn Media. “It’s really great to work in an industry that is so supportive of recent graduates and to have my hard work recognized by SEMA.”

Here are the requirements needed to be eligible for assistance through SEMA Loan Forgiveness:

• Have completed a program of study at an accredited university, college or private vocational/technical program in the United States, with one of the following:
  
  
  • Graduate level degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Associates degree
  • Certificate of program completion

• Have graduated with a minimum 2.5 grade point average

• Have a minimum $2,000 student loan(s) outstanding

• Have a minimum of one full year of full-time employment at a SEMA member company by the application deadline

For more information or to begin the application process, visit www.sema.org/scholarship. The deadline to complete the application is Friday, March 28, 2014. For additional information, contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org.

	Employees of SEMA-member companies, like Laura Conrad (above) of Kahn Media, have taken advantage of the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program and have received money to help repay student loans.

By Jason Catullo

Employees of SEMA-members companies who are currently paying off students loans may be able to receive money through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund's Loan Forgiveness Program. Those employee selected to receive the award will receive $2,000 toward outstanding student loans.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program is dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their automotive aftermarket careers.

“I’ve received Loan Forgiveness funds from SEMA, and it’s been a huge help in repaying my student loans and reducing what I pay in interest,” said Laura Conrad of Kahn Media. “It’s really great to work in an industry that is so supportive of recent graduates and to have my hard work recognized by SEMA.”

Here are the requirements needed to be eligible for assistance through SEMA Loan Forgiveness:

• Have completed a program of study at an accredited university, college or private vocational/technical program in the United States, with one of the following:
  
  
  • Graduate level degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Associates degree
  • Certificate of program completion

• Have graduated with a minimum 2.5 grade point average

• Have a minimum $2,000 student loan(s) outstanding

• Have a minimum of one full year of full-time employment at a SEMA member company by the application deadline

For more information or to begin the application process, visit www.sema.org/scholarship. The deadline to complete the application is Friday, March 28, 2014. For additional information, contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org.

	Employees of SEMA-member companies, like Laura Conrad (above) of Kahn Media, have taken advantage of the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program and have received money to help repay student loans.

By Jason Catullo

Employees of SEMA-members companies who are currently paying off students loans may be able to receive money through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund's Loan Forgiveness Program. Those employee selected to receive the award will receive $2,000 toward outstanding student loans.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program is dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their automotive aftermarket careers.

“I’ve received Loan Forgiveness funds from SEMA, and it’s been a huge help in repaying my student loans and reducing what I pay in interest,” said Laura Conrad of Kahn Media. “It’s really great to work in an industry that is so supportive of recent graduates and to have my hard work recognized by SEMA.”

Here are the requirements needed to be eligible for assistance through SEMA Loan Forgiveness:

• Have completed a program of study at an accredited university, college or private vocational/technical program in the United States, with one of the following:
  
  
  • Graduate level degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Associates degree
  • Certificate of program completion

• Have graduated with a minimum 2.5 grade point average

• Have a minimum $2,000 student loan(s) outstanding

• Have a minimum of one full year of full-time employment at a SEMA member company by the application deadline

For more information or to begin the application process, visit www.sema.org/scholarship. The deadline to complete the application is Friday, March 28, 2014. For additional information, contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Bondurant, Gurney, Hubbard, Downing, Hylton, Barnes Join SCCA Hall of Fame
Kathy Barnes, Bob Bondurant, Dan Gurney, Dr. Bob Hubbard, Jim Downing and Pete Hylton will be recognized as the 2014 SCCA Hall of Fame class. The newest members of the Hall will be formally inducted during the Hall of Fame Induction Banquet presented by Mazda at the yearly SCCA Convention, Saturday, March 8, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Barnes has helped shape the SCCA as a director, a multiple national championship-winning solo driver, a solo event organizer and a club racing steward, as well as a region leader in the Northeast Division.

Today, Bondurant may be more well-known for the driving school that bears his name, but before teaching his students how to go faster, Bondurant had already racked up victories at some of the world’s most famous racing venues. He also spent two full seasons representing the United States of America in the Formula One World Championship.

Gurney became a motorsports legend as a driver, engineer and pioneer. The mark that Gurney put on the sport as a driver, winning most of the world’s most famous races, is matched only by the mark he left as an innovator. The “Gurney flap,” full-faced helmet and the ceremonial spraying of champagne after a win are all credited to Gurney and remain commonplace for today’s SCCA racers.

Dr. Hubbard and Jim Downing developed the Head and Neck Support (HANS) device in the mid-’80s, following the loss of a close friend to a basilar skull fracture.

Hylton was instrumental in the founding of the very Hall of Fame of which he now becomes enshrined. He held numerous leadership positions in the Indianapolis Region SCCA and served on the club’s board of directors.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Bondurant, Gurney, Hubbard, Downing, Hylton, Barnes Join SCCA Hall of Fame
Kathy Barnes, Bob Bondurant, Dan Gurney, Dr. Bob Hubbard, Jim Downing and Pete Hylton will be recognized as the 2014 SCCA Hall of Fame class. The newest members of the Hall will be formally inducted during the Hall of Fame Induction Banquet presented by Mazda at the yearly SCCA Convention, Saturday, March 8, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Barnes has helped shape the SCCA as a director, a multiple national championship-winning solo driver, a solo event organizer and a club racing steward, as well as a region leader in the Northeast Division.

Today, Bondurant may be more well-known for the driving school that bears his name, but before teaching his students how to go faster, Bondurant had already racked up victories at some of the world’s most famous racing venues. He also spent two full seasons representing the United States of America in the Formula One World Championship.

Gurney became a motorsports legend as a driver, engineer and pioneer. The mark that Gurney put on the sport as a driver, winning most of the world’s most famous races, is matched only by the mark he left as an innovator. The “Gurney flap,” full-faced helmet and the ceremonial spraying of champagne after a win are all credited to Gurney and remain commonplace for today’s SCCA racers.

Dr. Hubbard and Jim Downing developed the Head and Neck Support (HANS) device in the mid-’80s, following the loss of a close friend to a basilar skull fracture.

Hylton was instrumental in the founding of the very Hall of Fame of which he now becomes enshrined. He held numerous leadership positions in the Indianapolis Region SCCA and served on the club’s board of directors.

By Linda Spencer

	The 2014 Middle East Business Development Conference will include visits to local specialty-equipment retailers, briefings by United States embassy officials, networking receptions and a day-long expo at the Middle East Motor Tuning Show (MEMTS).

Take advantage of the early-bird rates and register before the end of the year. 

After January 1, 2014, registration fees will increase.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA.org/MiddleEast. 
Questions? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

	The 2014 Middle East Business Development Conference will include visits to local specialty-equipment retailers, briefings by United States embassy officials, networking receptions and a day-long expo at the Middle East Motor Tuning Show (MEMTS).

Take advantage of the early-bird rates and register before the end of the year. 

After January 1, 2014, registration fees will increase.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA.org/MiddleEast. 
Questions? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.