Compiled by SEMA Staff

NEWS NUGGETS

TOP FUEL AND FUNNY CAR POINT LEADS CHANGE HANDS IN ENGLISHTOWN: The points battles are heating up as the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series heads into the summer months and Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Michael Ray (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all took home wins at the Toyota NHRA Summernationals. Langdon and Hagan also took over the points lead in their respective categories with the victories. Visit NHRA.com for more.

NEFF HOSTS NEW YORK CITY CHILDREN AT ENGLISHTOWN: Mike Neff hosted 17 youths from the Metro World Child organization from New York city during the Toyota NHRA Summernationals in Englishtown. The underprivileged children met John, Courtney and Brittany Force, Robert Hight, Tony Schumacher, Antron Brown, Jack Beckman and Ron Capps, and took a tour of the JFR pits. They also received suites passes, lunch and goodie bags.

“This is a great day and really helps you put everything in your life in perspective. I want to thank Raceway Park, especially Kim Beyer, Castrol, Don Schumacher Racing and the NHRA for making this happen. These kids might not be able to ever get out of the city, and showing them opportunities likes this could have a huge impact. Pastor Bill [Wilson]—the founder of Metro World Child—does some amazing things all around the world to help kids,” said Neff.

BERNSTEIN SIDELINED FOR RACES; TODD TO FILL IN: Top Fuel driver Brandon Bernstein will undergo a procedure to repair a herniated disc in his back following the Toyota NHRA Summernationals and will miss the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events in Bristol and Epping, Morgan Lucas Racing announced. Bernstein will be replaced in the ProtectTheHarvest.com/MavTV dragster by six-time national event winner J.R. Todd.

"The bottom line is when my doctors told me my right foot could completely go numb and I could not have any feeling in my foot ever, that was when a red flag was raised: 'OK, I've got to do this now,'" Bernstein said. "Honestly, I would love to drive the rest of the season like this because I can deal with the pain, but when they told me that about my foot, I thought, 'that's not just my career; that's my quality of life.'"

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS, Bristol Dragway, June 14–16: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will return to the hills of East Tennessee for the 13th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, June 14–16, at Bristol Dragway. Set for Father’s Day weekend, this event is the 10th of 24 races in the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock drivers will battle on the legendary dragstrip all weekend for the Wally trophy. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) are the defending winners of the event that will be televised on ESPN2HD. For tickets, call Bristol Dragway at 423-989-6900 or visit www.bristoldragway.com.

AUTO-PLUS NHRA NEW ENGLAND NATIONALS, New England Dragway, June 20–23: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series arrives at New England Dragway for the inaugural NHRA New England Nationals, June 20–23. To kick off the weekend’s festivities, the stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, including 15-time Funny Car world champ John Force, his teammate 2009 Funny Car world champion Robert Hight, Rhode Island native Bob Tasca III and Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon participate in the NHRA New England Nationals Fan Fest and Press Conference to be held in the heart of Boston—Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Wednesday, June 19, starting at 12:00 p.m.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“Drag racing is a very streaky sport, just like any sport, when you get on a roll and you can start winning races you can build that confidence. When you build that confidence in yourself and in your team nothing can beat that. So going to the next race, coming off the two wins we have a lot of confidence.”

–Top Fuel points leader Shawn Langdon on advancing to three finals in the last four races and winning two of them.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

40: Number of children who attended the event in Englishtown from local Boys and Girls Clubs who were guests of Kalitta Motorsports, Optima Batteries and Golden State Foods Foundations and took part in the Build-A-Bike program. Each child was able to build and customize a bike with the assistance of Kalitta Motorsports’ pit crew mechanics. Dave Grubnic led the children on a parade down the return round on Sunday prior to the first round of eliminations.

"When I was a kid growing up in Australia, I first started learning about tools and tinkering with things with my first bicycle," Grubnic said. "That is absolutely what eventually led to my interest in hot rods, racing and to becoming a Top Fuel dragster driver for Kalitta Motorsports and OPTIMA Batteries.”

DID YOU KNOW…

Alexis DeJoria took CNN reporter Rachel Nichols for the ride of her life when Alexis drove her down the track at nearly 150 mph in a two-seat Super Comp dragster-style car from the Doug Foley Drag Racing School. DeJoria hosted Nichols during media day at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park prior to the Toyota NHRA Summernationals.

Compiled by SEMA Staff

NEWS NUGGETS

TOP FUEL AND FUNNY CAR POINT LEADS CHANGE HANDS IN ENGLISHTOWN: The points battles are heating up as the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series heads into the summer months and Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Michael Ray (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all took home wins at the Toyota NHRA Summernationals. Langdon and Hagan also took over the points lead in their respective categories with the victories. Visit NHRA.com for more.

NEFF HOSTS NEW YORK CITY CHILDREN AT ENGLISHTOWN: Mike Neff hosted 17 youths from the Metro World Child organization from New York city during the Toyota NHRA Summernationals in Englishtown. The underprivileged children met John, Courtney and Brittany Force, Robert Hight, Tony Schumacher, Antron Brown, Jack Beckman and Ron Capps, and took a tour of the JFR pits. They also received suites passes, lunch and goodie bags.

“This is a great day and really helps you put everything in your life in perspective. I want to thank Raceway Park, especially Kim Beyer, Castrol, Don Schumacher Racing and the NHRA for making this happen. These kids might not be able to ever get out of the city, and showing them opportunities likes this could have a huge impact. Pastor Bill [Wilson]—the founder of Metro World Child—does some amazing things all around the world to help kids,” said Neff.

BERNSTEIN SIDELINED FOR RACES; TODD TO FILL IN: Top Fuel driver Brandon Bernstein will undergo a procedure to repair a herniated disc in his back following the Toyota NHRA Summernationals and will miss the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events in Bristol and Epping, Morgan Lucas Racing announced. Bernstein will be replaced in the ProtectTheHarvest.com/MavTV dragster by six-time national event winner J.R. Todd.

"The bottom line is when my doctors told me my right foot could completely go numb and I could not have any feeling in my foot ever, that was when a red flag was raised: 'OK, I've got to do this now,'" Bernstein said. "Honestly, I would love to drive the rest of the season like this because I can deal with the pain, but when they told me that about my foot, I thought, 'that's not just my career; that's my quality of life.'"

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS, Bristol Dragway, June 14–16: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will return to the hills of East Tennessee for the 13th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, June 14–16, at Bristol Dragway. Set for Father’s Day weekend, this event is the 10th of 24 races in the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock drivers will battle on the legendary dragstrip all weekend for the Wally trophy. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) are the defending winners of the event that will be televised on ESPN2HD. For tickets, call Bristol Dragway at 423-989-6900 or visit www.bristoldragway.com.

AUTO-PLUS NHRA NEW ENGLAND NATIONALS, New England Dragway, June 20–23: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series arrives at New England Dragway for the inaugural NHRA New England Nationals, June 20–23. To kick off the weekend’s festivities, the stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, including 15-time Funny Car world champ John Force, his teammate 2009 Funny Car world champion Robert Hight, Rhode Island native Bob Tasca III and Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon participate in the NHRA New England Nationals Fan Fest and Press Conference to be held in the heart of Boston—Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Wednesday, June 19, starting at 12:00 p.m.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“Drag racing is a very streaky sport, just like any sport, when you get on a roll and you can start winning races you can build that confidence. When you build that confidence in yourself and in your team nothing can beat that. So going to the next race, coming off the two wins we have a lot of confidence.”

–Top Fuel points leader Shawn Langdon on advancing to three finals in the last four races and winning two of them.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

40: Number of children who attended the event in Englishtown from local Boys and Girls Clubs who were guests of Kalitta Motorsports, Optima Batteries and Golden State Foods Foundations and took part in the Build-A-Bike program. Each child was able to build and customize a bike with the assistance of Kalitta Motorsports’ pit crew mechanics. Dave Grubnic led the children on a parade down the return round on Sunday prior to the first round of eliminations.

"When I was a kid growing up in Australia, I first started learning about tools and tinkering with things with my first bicycle," Grubnic said. "That is absolutely what eventually led to my interest in hot rods, racing and to becoming a Top Fuel dragster driver for Kalitta Motorsports and OPTIMA Batteries.”

DID YOU KNOW…

Alexis DeJoria took CNN reporter Rachel Nichols for the ride of her life when Alexis drove her down the track at nearly 150 mph in a two-seat Super Comp dragster-style car from the Doug Foley Drag Racing School. DeJoria hosted Nichols during media day at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park prior to the Toyota NHRA Summernationals.

Compiled by SEMA Staff

NEWS NUGGETS

TOP FUEL AND FUNNY CAR POINT LEADS CHANGE HANDS IN ENGLISHTOWN: The points battles are heating up as the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series heads into the summer months and Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Michael Ray (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all took home wins at the Toyota NHRA Summernationals. Langdon and Hagan also took over the points lead in their respective categories with the victories. Visit NHRA.com for more.

NEFF HOSTS NEW YORK CITY CHILDREN AT ENGLISHTOWN: Mike Neff hosted 17 youths from the Metro World Child organization from New York city during the Toyota NHRA Summernationals in Englishtown. The underprivileged children met John, Courtney and Brittany Force, Robert Hight, Tony Schumacher, Antron Brown, Jack Beckman and Ron Capps, and took a tour of the JFR pits. They also received suites passes, lunch and goodie bags.

“This is a great day and really helps you put everything in your life in perspective. I want to thank Raceway Park, especially Kim Beyer, Castrol, Don Schumacher Racing and the NHRA for making this happen. These kids might not be able to ever get out of the city, and showing them opportunities likes this could have a huge impact. Pastor Bill [Wilson]—the founder of Metro World Child—does some amazing things all around the world to help kids,” said Neff.

BERNSTEIN SIDELINED FOR RACES; TODD TO FILL IN: Top Fuel driver Brandon Bernstein will undergo a procedure to repair a herniated disc in his back following the Toyota NHRA Summernationals and will miss the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events in Bristol and Epping, Morgan Lucas Racing announced. Bernstein will be replaced in the ProtectTheHarvest.com/MavTV dragster by six-time national event winner J.R. Todd.

"The bottom line is when my doctors told me my right foot could completely go numb and I could not have any feeling in my foot ever, that was when a red flag was raised: 'OK, I've got to do this now,'" Bernstein said. "Honestly, I would love to drive the rest of the season like this because I can deal with the pain, but when they told me that about my foot, I thought, 'that's not just my career; that's my quality of life.'"

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS, Bristol Dragway, June 14–16: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will return to the hills of East Tennessee for the 13th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, June 14–16, at Bristol Dragway. Set for Father’s Day weekend, this event is the 10th of 24 races in the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock drivers will battle on the legendary dragstrip all weekend for the Wally trophy. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) are the defending winners of the event that will be televised on ESPN2HD. For tickets, call Bristol Dragway at 423-989-6900 or visit www.bristoldragway.com.

AUTO-PLUS NHRA NEW ENGLAND NATIONALS, New England Dragway, June 20–23: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series arrives at New England Dragway for the inaugural NHRA New England Nationals, June 20–23. To kick off the weekend’s festivities, the stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, including 15-time Funny Car world champ John Force, his teammate 2009 Funny Car world champion Robert Hight, Rhode Island native Bob Tasca III and Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon participate in the NHRA New England Nationals Fan Fest and Press Conference to be held in the heart of Boston—Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Wednesday, June 19, starting at 12:00 p.m.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

“Drag racing is a very streaky sport, just like any sport, when you get on a roll and you can start winning races you can build that confidence. When you build that confidence in yourself and in your team nothing can beat that. So going to the next race, coming off the two wins we have a lot of confidence.”

–Top Fuel points leader Shawn Langdon on advancing to three finals in the last four races and winning two of them.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

40: Number of children who attended the event in Englishtown from local Boys and Girls Clubs who were guests of Kalitta Motorsports, Optima Batteries and Golden State Foods Foundations and took part in the Build-A-Bike program. Each child was able to build and customize a bike with the assistance of Kalitta Motorsports’ pit crew mechanics. Dave Grubnic led the children on a parade down the return round on Sunday prior to the first round of eliminations.

"When I was a kid growing up in Australia, I first started learning about tools and tinkering with things with my first bicycle," Grubnic said. "That is absolutely what eventually led to my interest in hot rods, racing and to becoming a Top Fuel dragster driver for Kalitta Motorsports and OPTIMA Batteries.”

DID YOU KNOW…

Alexis DeJoria took CNN reporter Rachel Nichols for the ride of her life when Alexis drove her down the track at nearly 150 mph in a two-seat Super Comp dragster-style car from the Doug Foley Drag Racing School. DeJoria hosted Nichols during media day at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park prior to the Toyota NHRA Summernationals.

By Bryan Harrison

	Alain Eboli

Alain Eboli is a graduate of Southern Polytechnic State University in Atlanta. He is a father of a four-year-old boy who also shares a strong interest in cars and trucks. Eboli's role is engineering manager for OMIX-ADA/Rugged Ridge/Alloy USA—an independent manufacturer of Jeep replacement parts and accessories.

How long have you been in the automotive aftermarket? What other industries have you worked in?

I have been with OMIX-ADA/Rugged Ridge/Alloy USA for about five years with a brief period of about six months where I worked for Newell Rubbermaid's Graco children's products brand. I returned to OMIX in August 2012 to fill the role of engineering manager. Prior to my initial employment with OMIX, I worked as a design engineer, designing LED billboard structures and other signage solutions for outdoor applications, stadiums and arenas.

What does it take to create innovative products?

It’s much easier to invent than it is to innovate. Creating innovative products starts with understanding the consumer and the problems they face. Arriving at the most elegant solution instead of settling for the easiest is difficult but can differentiate a good product from a great product.

Can you give me an example of where you didn’t “settle” for an easy solution and what the outcome was?

Currently, we are developing a product with a release lever that was noticed to be difficult to grab. Additional plastic housings were developed to provide a hand grip. This product could have done without this additional component; however, the user experience would have been compromised. The result is enhanced usability and a happier end user.

If you had to make a call between form and function for a specific vehicle accessory, which would you choose?

This depends on what type of problem the product is solving. In the off-road industry, it’s usually function before form because these products typically solve a functional problem. But this doesn’t mean a product can’t look good at the same time.

Do you find the off-road business to be a do-it-yourself or do-it-for-me market? What role does this play when designing product?

I believe the market is still very much a do-it-yourself market. The true off-road consumer typically doesn’t have a choice if something goes wrong on the trail. So they will be a lot more willing and capable to perform their own vehicle modifications. And although this type of consumer will often have high mechanical aptitude, the product should not take advantage of this.

What advice would you give SEMA companies in recruiting and maintaining young engineers and designers?

It is absolutely necessary for SEMA companies to offer young engineers opportunities for growth and development. Also, encourage them to understand the big picture of our industry. Nothing does this better than spending a few days at the SEMA Show.

Take me through the process from start to finish for a new product.

A new product usually starts with a consumer problem. With a clear understanding of the problem, ideation is used to explore any and all possible solutions. This usually results in a fuzzy concept for a product. Prototyping is the most effective way to bring a concept to life and refine it into its simplest form. Here ends the fun part. The rest of the process, which requires endless tweaks for cost, manufacturing, assembly, installation, usability, performance testing, etc. takes lots of focus and discipline.

How many new products does your company release each year?

Typically, OMIX-ADA/Rugged Ridge/Alloy USA show between 20–30 new products at the SEMA Show each year.

A grizzly bear and a bull shark: who wins a fight in three feet of water?

Grizzly bear. In this scenario, the bull shark is nothing more than an oversized salmon.

By Bryan Harrison

	Alain Eboli

Alain Eboli is a graduate of Southern Polytechnic State University in Atlanta. He is a father of a four-year-old boy who also shares a strong interest in cars and trucks. Eboli's role is engineering manager for OMIX-ADA/Rugged Ridge/Alloy USA—an independent manufacturer of Jeep replacement parts and accessories.

How long have you been in the automotive aftermarket? What other industries have you worked in?

I have been with OMIX-ADA/Rugged Ridge/Alloy USA for about five years with a brief period of about six months where I worked for Newell Rubbermaid's Graco children's products brand. I returned to OMIX in August 2012 to fill the role of engineering manager. Prior to my initial employment with OMIX, I worked as a design engineer, designing LED billboard structures and other signage solutions for outdoor applications, stadiums and arenas.

What does it take to create innovative products?

It’s much easier to invent than it is to innovate. Creating innovative products starts with understanding the consumer and the problems they face. Arriving at the most elegant solution instead of settling for the easiest is difficult but can differentiate a good product from a great product.

Can you give me an example of where you didn’t “settle” for an easy solution and what the outcome was?

Currently, we are developing a product with a release lever that was noticed to be difficult to grab. Additional plastic housings were developed to provide a hand grip. This product could have done without this additional component; however, the user experience would have been compromised. The result is enhanced usability and a happier end user.

If you had to make a call between form and function for a specific vehicle accessory, which would you choose?

This depends on what type of problem the product is solving. In the off-road industry, it’s usually function before form because these products typically solve a functional problem. But this doesn’t mean a product can’t look good at the same time.

Do you find the off-road business to be a do-it-yourself or do-it-for-me market? What role does this play when designing product?

I believe the market is still very much a do-it-yourself market. The true off-road consumer typically doesn’t have a choice if something goes wrong on the trail. So they will be a lot more willing and capable to perform their own vehicle modifications. And although this type of consumer will often have high mechanical aptitude, the product should not take advantage of this.

What advice would you give SEMA companies in recruiting and maintaining young engineers and designers?

It is absolutely necessary for SEMA companies to offer young engineers opportunities for growth and development. Also, encourage them to understand the big picture of our industry. Nothing does this better than spending a few days at the SEMA Show.

Take me through the process from start to finish for a new product.

A new product usually starts with a consumer problem. With a clear understanding of the problem, ideation is used to explore any and all possible solutions. This usually results in a fuzzy concept for a product. Prototyping is the most effective way to bring a concept to life and refine it into its simplest form. Here ends the fun part. The rest of the process, which requires endless tweaks for cost, manufacturing, assembly, installation, usability, performance testing, etc. takes lots of focus and discipline.

How many new products does your company release each year?

Typically, OMIX-ADA/Rugged Ridge/Alloy USA show between 20–30 new products at the SEMA Show each year.

A grizzly bear and a bull shark: who wins a fight in three feet of water?

Grizzly bear. In this scenario, the bull shark is nothing more than an oversized salmon.

Compiled by Jason Catullo

Mike Provencher to Lead Customer Services at ASA Automotive Systems
ASA Automotive Systems appointed Mike Provencher to director of customer services. In this new position, which was created to increase the company's focus on providing customer value, Provencher will direct and manage ASA’s customer service organization, including the Installation and Training Group, the Documentation Group, and the Software Support Group. A key focus of Provencher’s appointment is to enhance support to ASA customers through improved process development, including internal and external communication and timely responses to customer needs.

	As part of its sponsorship of the 42 annual Country Music Association Music Festival, and in partnership with the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, A.R.E. will give away two free Taylor Swift tickets for the country artist's September 20 concert.

A.R.E. Sponsors Country Music Association Music Festival
A.R.E. announced that it will sponsor the Live Music Stages at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, June 5–9, during the 42 annual Country Music Association Music Festival in Nashville, Tennessee. A.R.E. will showcase its A.R.E. Overland truck cap during the event. Also, as part of its sponsorship, A.R.E. and Hard Rock Cafe Nashville will give away two free Taylor Swift tickets for the country superstar's September 20 concert at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, as well as three nights in a downtown hotel with dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville.

Vantage Parts and Service Joins VIPAR Heavy Duty as New Stockholder
Vantage Parts and Service has joined the VIPAR Heavy Duty network of distributors as a stockholder. The company is the only independent heavy-duty warehouse distribution company in the area. Vantage Parts and Service offers a complete selection of parts and service for class 6 through 8 trucks and tractor trailers. Vantage Parts and Service is led by Mark "Whitey" Caudy, CEO—a veteran of the heavy-duty industry having spent 10 years as the general manager of a truck dealership and as a heavy-duty truck technician.

"Vantage Parts and Service strategically positions VIPAR Heavy Duty with a strong presence in the Anchorage area," said Jim Pennig, vice president, business development, VIPAR Heavy Duty. “Vantage has a reputation for providing great service to all their customers, including those who are located in remote areas outside of Anchorage.”

Maradyne High Performance Fans named Chuck Clayton national sales rep to supervise Maradyne's sales, marketing, technical support, customer relations, business and product development, as well as oversee all manufacturer's rep groups nationwide.

Maradyne Names Chuck Clayton National Sales Representative
Maradyne High Performance Fans named Chuck Clayton the company's national sales representative. Clayton will supervise Maradyne's sales, marketing, technical support, customer relations, business and product development, as well as oversee all manufacturer's rep groups nationwide. Prior to joining Maradyne, Clayton spent six years for All-Midwest Sales LLC, where he represented 25 different product lines, including Maradyne High Performance Fans in North and South Carolina. Earlier in his career, Clayton worked for MBNA America for 12 years as the company's motorsports coordinator, where he was responsible for all aspects of race support. Most notably, Clayton worked with the Bill Davis #22 NASCAR team with driver Ward Burton.

Don Bickle Jr. Earns Federated's Industry Advocacy Award
Don Bickle Jr., president of S&W Supply and Warehouse Inc., was recently presented the Industry Advocacy Award from Federated. “Don Bickle truly exemplifies the idea of giving back for the betterment of everyone,” said Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. “Not only does Don play a leadership role with the Federated membership, he volunteers a considerable amount of his time, as well as his great knowledge, on behalf of the automotive aftermarket. We congratulate Don on receiving our Industry Advocacy Award—a truly well-deserved honor.” In the late ’80s, Bickle joined the Board of Governors of Federated and served as chairman in ’91. He currently serves on the Federated executive committee and is chairman of the Federated audit committee. He has also previously served on the AWDA board from ’98–’01 and ’08–’11 and he also represents Federated on AAIA’s government affairs committee.

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

The web-based educational series will help manufacturer's representatives learn more about what the SDC offers through courses designed to build confidence in talking to customers about the SDC’s product data management system.

Participants will have three weeks to complete each of the four sessions and the corresponding quizzes. Those who successfully complete the series will be awarded a certificate of completion, custom lapel pin and be recognized by SEMA and the MRN as SDC ambassadors.

Part one—an overview of the SDC to provide the foundation for the following three courses—is now available to MRN members. This session covers the mission and goals of the SDC, along with key terms reps will need to know when discussing the SDC with customers.

MRN members will soon receive an e-mail from the SEMA Mindflash account with a link to start the first course, including the quiz. In Bennett’s words, “This is your opportunity to be on the front end of something that will make a difference in the business of your suppliers and receivers.”

For questions about the certification program, please contact SDC Director of Membership Jim Graven at JimG@semadatacoop.org or 888-958-6698, ext. 4.

To learn more about the MRN, visit their website or contact Bryan Harrison, senior manager of councils, at BryanH@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

By SEMA Editors

The web-based educational series will help manufacturer's representatives learn more about what the SDC offers through courses designed to build confidence in talking to customers about the SDC’s product data management system.

Participants will have three weeks to complete each of the four sessions and the corresponding quizzes. Those who successfully complete the series will be awarded a certificate of completion, custom lapel pin and be recognized by SEMA and the MRN as SDC ambassadors.

Part one—an overview of the SDC to provide the foundation for the following three courses—is now available to MRN members. This session covers the mission and goals of the SDC, along with key terms reps will need to know when discussing the SDC with customers.

MRN members will soon receive an e-mail from the SEMA Mindflash account with a link to start the first course, including the quiz. In Bennett’s words, “This is your opportunity to be on the front end of something that will make a difference in the business of your suppliers and receivers.”

For questions about the certification program, please contact SDC Director of Membership Jim Graven at JimG@semadatacoop.org or 888-958-6698, ext. 4.

To learn more about the MRN, visit their website or contact Bryan Harrison, senior manager of councils, at BryanH@sema.org or 909-978-6691.