SEMA Compiles Comprehensive Guide to Federal Regulation of Aftermarket Parts
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:05
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA’s Government Affairs Office has compiled a comprehensive guide on how motor-vehicle parts are regulated by the federal government. It is a must-read document for every SEMA member.  

The guide is generally presented in a question/answer format, with links to online resources for more information. Topics include an overview of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, emissions standards (EPA and California), and special sections on lighting equipment, wheels and tires and fuel economy. The guide also answers questions, such as: Is my company required to register with the NHTSA? What are my obligations as an importer? What is self-certification? Is “DOT-approved” a legal term? How is lighting equipment regulated by the federal and state government? Where can I download NHTSA rules and regulations?  

To learn more about the SEMA government affairs efforts and how your company can stay current with federal and state laws and regulations, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
Wisconsin Senate Approves Bill to Ease Restrictions on Collector Cars and Historic Military Vehicles
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:01

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
 
Legislation to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements, and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners was approved by the Wisconsin Senate. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a vote by the Wisconsin Assembly. Among other things, the bill would allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles, as long as the bodies of these vehicles are not modified. Currently, upgrades including safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration. Information regarding the forthcoming Assembly vote will be provided when it becomes available. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Wisconsin Senate Approves Bill to Ease Restrictions on Collector Cars and Historic Military Vehicles
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:01

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
 
Legislation to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements, and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners was approved by the Wisconsin Senate. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a vote by the Wisconsin Assembly. Among other things, the bill would allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles, as long as the bodies of these vehicles are not modified. Currently, upgrades including safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration. Information regarding the forthcoming Assembly vote will be provided when it becomes available. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Wisconsin Senate Approves Bill to Ease Restrictions on Collector Cars and Historic Military Vehicles
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:01

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
 
Legislation to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements, and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners was approved by the Wisconsin Senate. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a vote by the Wisconsin Assembly. Among other things, the bill would allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles, as long as the bodies of these vehicles are not modified. Currently, upgrades including safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration. Information regarding the forthcoming Assembly vote will be provided when it becomes available. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Industry Executive Bob Schoeberl Passes Away
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 09:58

By SEMA Editors

  schoeberl
Bob Schoeberl
  

Robert R. “Bob” Schoeberl, 77, of Naples, Florida, and the Stonebridge community of Aurora, Illinois, died Thursday, September 19, 2013, at Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois.

Schoeberl grew up on a farm near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and was a graduate of Immaculate Conception High School. He attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, and later served in the U.S. Army. He was employed by Montgomery Ward & Co. for almost 40 years, retiring in 1994 as a president and senior officer.

Schoeberl was active on many boards and civic organizations, including: Mount Mercy University, Cedar Rapids, and was a longtime board member and member of the executive committee of the Automotive Aftermarket Foundation and board advisor to the Heidts Automotive Group. He was also a former board member of TBC Corp., Lund Industries, and was former CEO/chairman of Midas Corp.

Schoeberl is survived by his wife Nancy Heche Schoeberl; daughter Elaine (Brett) Trainor; grandchildren Madeline, Sydney and Emma; brother Jerry (Grace) Schoeberl, Don (Paula) Schoeberl and Eugene (Sharon) Schoeberl; and sisters Leanne Mraz, Karen Robison and Karol (Charles) Smith.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in the memory of Robert R. Schoeberl can be made to the Northwestern Scleroderma Program at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. For contribution details, contact Maureen Mizwicki at 312-503-1090.

Closing Online Marketing Conference Keynote to Examine Amazon's Success
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 09:45

By SEMA Editors

  eisenberg
Bryan Eisenberg
  

Bryan Eisenberg returns to the 2013 SEMA Show Online Marketing Conference, taking place Monday, November 4, from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., to deliver the closing keynote address entitled, “Hidden Secrets of Amazon.” Eisenberg is the recognized authority and pioneer in online marketing, improving online conversion rates, persuasive content and persona marketing. He was been recognized by eConsultancy members as one of the top 10 User Experience Gurus; was selected as one of the inaugural iMedia Top 25 Marketers; and was a DMEF Rising Star Award winner in 2010.

Amazon.com sold its first book in July 1995. The company did not start out knowing substantially more than most other businesses, but because it was willing to think ahead, develop big data technologies and push the boundaries of how best to do business on the web. It is now the largest online retailer, capturing about 30% of every e-commerce dollar.


Amazon is 10 years ahead of the curve and even leads strongly data-centric companies, including Walmart. Every business needs to ask itself whether it will adopt big data business strategies. If the answer is "yes," then right now is the time to act. The nature of the game is changing so fast that waiting out the next 10 years trying to decide how or whether to change will leave many businesses in the dust. They will not be able to compete; they won’t even be able to catch up.


In this exciting, perhaps daunting, climate, you are probably wondering how you can start experimenting with and implementing big data solutions that solve your business problems and fit with your business goals. But, how do you do that? What does "using big data to solve business problems and fit business goals" mean? This keynote will ensure you uncover and understand how to use the hidden secrets behind Amazon's success and make it yours.

Eisenberg has been a featured expert by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times and been quoted in Business 2.0, CXO Europe, Advertising Age, CNN, Forrester Research, Jupiter Research, Miami Herald, Publish, Internet Advertising Report (IAR), Chicago Business Tribune, Inc Magazine, Entrepreneur, Target Marketing, DM News, Microsoft’s bCentral, MarketingSherpa, Toronto Star, Smart Money and Internet Retailer for his thoughts on leadership in the critical area of Internet marketing and improving online conversion rates.

Many conferences this caliber typically run $800 per person. SEMA provides this one for $119 (for members) and $219 for non-members if your register before October 15, 2013. Conference registration includes sessions and lunch.

Register now and save!

Closing Online Marketing Conference Keynote to Examine Amazon's Success
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 09:45

By SEMA Editors

  eisenberg
Bryan Eisenberg
  

Bryan Eisenberg returns to the 2013 SEMA Show Online Marketing Conference, taking place Monday, November 4, from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., to deliver the closing keynote address entitled, “Hidden Secrets of Amazon.” Eisenberg is the recognized authority and pioneer in online marketing, improving online conversion rates, persuasive content and persona marketing. He was been recognized by eConsultancy members as one of the top 10 User Experience Gurus; was selected as one of the inaugural iMedia Top 25 Marketers; and was a DMEF Rising Star Award winner in 2010.

Amazon.com sold its first book in July 1995. The company did not start out knowing substantially more than most other businesses, but because it was willing to think ahead, develop big data technologies and push the boundaries of how best to do business on the web. It is now the largest online retailer, capturing about 30% of every e-commerce dollar.


Amazon is 10 years ahead of the curve and even leads strongly data-centric companies, including Walmart. Every business needs to ask itself whether it will adopt big data business strategies. If the answer is "yes," then right now is the time to act. The nature of the game is changing so fast that waiting out the next 10 years trying to decide how or whether to change will leave many businesses in the dust. They will not be able to compete; they won’t even be able to catch up.


In this exciting, perhaps daunting, climate, you are probably wondering how you can start experimenting with and implementing big data solutions that solve your business problems and fit with your business goals. But, how do you do that? What does "using big data to solve business problems and fit business goals" mean? This keynote will ensure you uncover and understand how to use the hidden secrets behind Amazon's success and make it yours.

Eisenberg has been a featured expert by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times and been quoted in Business 2.0, CXO Europe, Advertising Age, CNN, Forrester Research, Jupiter Research, Miami Herald, Publish, Internet Advertising Report (IAR), Chicago Business Tribune, Inc Magazine, Entrepreneur, Target Marketing, DM News, Microsoft’s bCentral, MarketingSherpa, Toronto Star, Smart Money and Internet Retailer for his thoughts on leadership in the critical area of Internet marketing and improving online conversion rates.

Many conferences this caliber typically run $800 per person. SEMA provides this one for $119 (for members) and $219 for non-members if your register before October 15, 2013. Conference registration includes sessions and lunch.

Register now and save!

2013 SEMA Show NHRA Breakfast to Honor the "Legends Behind the Microphone"
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 09:45
By SEMA Editors

nhra
The annual NHRA Breakfast has showcased many of NHRA’s legendary drivers, team owners and other characters within the sport.
 
NHRA officials have announced that the 2013 NHRA Breakfast at the SEMA Show will honor the “Legends Behind the Microphone.” The popular annual event, which has showcased many of NHRA’s legendary drivers, team owners and other characters within the sport, has grown into a must-attend affair for SEMA Show attendees, and this year’s program promises to continue that tradition.

The NHRA will bring together some of the most iconic voices and personalities to ever hold a microphone during the past six decades of racing in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Dave McClelland, Bob Frey and Alan Reinhart will take the stage to share some “behind-the-scenes” stories of NHRA Drag Racing and the special moments they have witnessed throughout the years.

The NHRA Breakfast will be held Wednesday, November 6, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. at the Las Vegas Hotel (LVH), Ballrooms A & B. The NHRA Breakfast is open to all registered SEMA Show attendees. A continental breakfast will be served.

The panel will be moderated by current ESPN2 lead announcer and long-time NHRA television personality Dave Rieff. A special tribute is planned for the late Steve Evans, including a video presentation.

This event is open to all registered SEMA Show attendees at no cost; however, tickets are required. To order your event ticket or register for the show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register and click "Add Event Tickets."
2013 SEMA Show NHRA Breakfast to Honor the "Legends Behind the Microphone"
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 09:45
By SEMA Editors

nhra
The annual NHRA Breakfast has showcased many of NHRA’s legendary drivers, team owners and other characters within the sport.
 
NHRA officials have announced that the 2013 NHRA Breakfast at the SEMA Show will honor the “Legends Behind the Microphone.” The popular annual event, which has showcased many of NHRA’s legendary drivers, team owners and other characters within the sport, has grown into a must-attend affair for SEMA Show attendees, and this year’s program promises to continue that tradition.

The NHRA will bring together some of the most iconic voices and personalities to ever hold a microphone during the past six decades of racing in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Dave McClelland, Bob Frey and Alan Reinhart will take the stage to share some “behind-the-scenes” stories of NHRA Drag Racing and the special moments they have witnessed throughout the years.

The NHRA Breakfast will be held Wednesday, November 6, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. at the Las Vegas Hotel (LVH), Ballrooms A & B. The NHRA Breakfast is open to all registered SEMA Show attendees. A continental breakfast will be served.

The panel will be moderated by current ESPN2 lead announcer and long-time NHRA television personality Dave Rieff. A special tribute is planned for the late Steve Evans, including a video presentation.

This event is open to all registered SEMA Show attendees at no cost; however, tickets are required. To order your event ticket or register for the show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register and click "Add Event Tickets."
2013 SEMA Show NHRA Breakfast to Honor the "Legends Behind the Microphone"
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 09:45
By SEMA Editors

nhra
The annual NHRA Breakfast has showcased many of NHRA’s legendary drivers, team owners and other characters within the sport.
 
NHRA officials have announced that the 2013 NHRA Breakfast at the SEMA Show will honor the “Legends Behind the Microphone.” The popular annual event, which has showcased many of NHRA’s legendary drivers, team owners and other characters within the sport, has grown into a must-attend affair for SEMA Show attendees, and this year’s program promises to continue that tradition.

The NHRA will bring together some of the most iconic voices and personalities to ever hold a microphone during the past six decades of racing in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Dave McClelland, Bob Frey and Alan Reinhart will take the stage to share some “behind-the-scenes” stories of NHRA Drag Racing and the special moments they have witnessed throughout the years.

The NHRA Breakfast will be held Wednesday, November 6, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. at the Las Vegas Hotel (LVH), Ballrooms A & B. The NHRA Breakfast is open to all registered SEMA Show attendees. A continental breakfast will be served.

The panel will be moderated by current ESPN2 lead announcer and long-time NHRA television personality Dave Rieff. A special tribute is planned for the late Steve Evans, including a video presentation.

This event is open to all registered SEMA Show attendees at no cost; however, tickets are required. To order your event ticket or register for the show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register and click "Add Event Tickets."