Heather Lutze

By Heather Lutze, Findability Group

Join us for the next SEMA Webinar, entitled "The Psychology of Search & the Findability Formula—What Is Really in the Mind of the Online Searcher?" This webinar will be led by Heather Lutze of the Findability Group, August 30, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Does blogging really qualify as social media? Some say yes, some say no. The fact is, it doesn’t matter. Social media or not, this popular form of communication should be a part of your Internet marketing strategy. I can already feel you squirming and moaning, “Yeah, yeah, but I have no time, nothing to say, no one will read it, I’m not a writer, yada yada yada.”

Frankly, if you are not blogging, you’re missing a golden opportunity. Here’s why:

Search engines are on the lookout for fresh, updated content. They regard blogs as a more relevant, continuous source of content than websites. You’ve most likely invested a ton of money into your website, and that’s ok. But, it’s important to remember that things change rapidly in the world of search-engine marketing.

Look at it this way—having a blog allows you to continually freshen and update your content and give search engines, such as Google, what they’re looking for without constantly having to change your website. However, it’s important to remember that blogs are about worthwhile content that someone actually wants to spend time reading.

So, always consider your readers first and search engines second.

Advantages to Blogging

There are a number of advantages to blogging. Here are a few to consider:

• You can show off your expertise.
• You can demonstrate what your company stands for—how you are different, what you’re great at. 
• It enables you to provide in-depth information of real value.
• It allows you to present thoughts and concepts in a lengthier and more detailed format than Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Each post can immediately be announced or presented on each of those three sites.
• You can connect with readers who will become your loyal customers. When they need the service or product your business provides, they will automatically think of you because they already know and trust you.

Do not underestimate the power of connection, relationship and trust in this social media age.

A Few Blogging Tips

As you build or fine-tune your blogging strategy, consider these key tips:

• Keep your optimal keyword density between 2% and 5% for a blog post. (Repeating keywords over and over may annoy readers.)
• There are many sources for great blogging ideas already at your fingertips—upcoming events where your company might have a presence, press releases, new products, cost-saving techniques, industry news and events, guest interviews, etc.
• There is great value in adding links to other sites—Google expects experts to link to experts.
• You should monitor your comments carefully and delete spam immediately.
• Have a crystal-clear understanding of whom it is you are trying to reach.

It is critical to consider what your readers will love and find useful. This is the key to blogging success. Over time, if you are putting out relevant content, you will attract more readers, generate interesting discussions and comments and, hopefully, at the end of the day, build a growing, loyal group of customers.

Join us for Lutze’s SEMA webinar, entitled "The Psychology of Search & the Findability Formula—What is Really in the Mind of the Online Searcher?" August 30, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Also, don’t miss Lutze at the SEMA Online Marketing Conference, October 29, 2012, at the Las Vegas Hotel.

	Heather Lutze

By Heather Lutze, Findability Group

Join us for the next SEMA Webinar, entitled "The Psychology of Search & the Findability Formula—What Is Really in the Mind of the Online Searcher?" This webinar will be led by Heather Lutze of the Findability Group, August 30, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Does blogging really qualify as social media? Some say yes, some say no. The fact is, it doesn’t matter. Social media or not, this popular form of communication should be a part of your Internet marketing strategy. I can already feel you squirming and moaning, “Yeah, yeah, but I have no time, nothing to say, no one will read it, I’m not a writer, yada yada yada.”

Frankly, if you are not blogging, you’re missing a golden opportunity. Here’s why:

Search engines are on the lookout for fresh, updated content. They regard blogs as a more relevant, continuous source of content than websites. You’ve most likely invested a ton of money into your website, and that’s ok. But, it’s important to remember that things change rapidly in the world of search-engine marketing.

Look at it this way—having a blog allows you to continually freshen and update your content and give search engines, such as Google, what they’re looking for without constantly having to change your website. However, it’s important to remember that blogs are about worthwhile content that someone actually wants to spend time reading.

So, always consider your readers first and search engines second.

Advantages to Blogging

There are a number of advantages to blogging. Here are a few to consider:

• You can show off your expertise.
• You can demonstrate what your company stands for—how you are different, what you’re great at. 
• It enables you to provide in-depth information of real value.
• It allows you to present thoughts and concepts in a lengthier and more detailed format than Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Each post can immediately be announced or presented on each of those three sites.
• You can connect with readers who will become your loyal customers. When they need the service or product your business provides, they will automatically think of you because they already know and trust you.

Do not underestimate the power of connection, relationship and trust in this social media age.

A Few Blogging Tips

As you build or fine-tune your blogging strategy, consider these key tips:

• Keep your optimal keyword density between 2% and 5% for a blog post. (Repeating keywords over and over may annoy readers.)
• There are many sources for great blogging ideas already at your fingertips—upcoming events where your company might have a presence, press releases, new products, cost-saving techniques, industry news and events, guest interviews, etc.
• There is great value in adding links to other sites—Google expects experts to link to experts.
• You should monitor your comments carefully and delete spam immediately.
• Have a crystal-clear understanding of whom it is you are trying to reach.

It is critical to consider what your readers will love and find useful. This is the key to blogging success. Over time, if you are putting out relevant content, you will attract more readers, generate interesting discussions and comments and, hopefully, at the end of the day, build a growing, loyal group of customers.

Join us for Lutze’s SEMA webinar, entitled "The Psychology of Search & the Findability Formula—What is Really in the Mind of the Online Searcher?" August 30, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Also, don’t miss Lutze at the SEMA Online Marketing Conference, October 29, 2012, at the Las Vegas Hotel.

	Heather Lutze

By Heather Lutze, Findability Group

Join us for the next SEMA Webinar, entitled "The Psychology of Search & the Findability Formula—What Is Really in the Mind of the Online Searcher?" This webinar will be led by Heather Lutze of the Findability Group, August 30, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Does blogging really qualify as social media? Some say yes, some say no. The fact is, it doesn’t matter. Social media or not, this popular form of communication should be a part of your Internet marketing strategy. I can already feel you squirming and moaning, “Yeah, yeah, but I have no time, nothing to say, no one will read it, I’m not a writer, yada yada yada.”

Frankly, if you are not blogging, you’re missing a golden opportunity. Here’s why:

Search engines are on the lookout for fresh, updated content. They regard blogs as a more relevant, continuous source of content than websites. You’ve most likely invested a ton of money into your website, and that’s ok. But, it’s important to remember that things change rapidly in the world of search-engine marketing.

Look at it this way—having a blog allows you to continually freshen and update your content and give search engines, such as Google, what they’re looking for without constantly having to change your website. However, it’s important to remember that blogs are about worthwhile content that someone actually wants to spend time reading.

So, always consider your readers first and search engines second.

Advantages to Blogging

There are a number of advantages to blogging. Here are a few to consider:

• You can show off your expertise.
• You can demonstrate what your company stands for—how you are different, what you’re great at. 
• It enables you to provide in-depth information of real value.
• It allows you to present thoughts and concepts in a lengthier and more detailed format than Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Each post can immediately be announced or presented on each of those three sites.
• You can connect with readers who will become your loyal customers. When they need the service or product your business provides, they will automatically think of you because they already know and trust you.

Do not underestimate the power of connection, relationship and trust in this social media age.

A Few Blogging Tips

As you build or fine-tune your blogging strategy, consider these key tips:

• Keep your optimal keyword density between 2% and 5% for a blog post. (Repeating keywords over and over may annoy readers.)
• There are many sources for great blogging ideas already at your fingertips—upcoming events where your company might have a presence, press releases, new products, cost-saving techniques, industry news and events, guest interviews, etc.
• There is great value in adding links to other sites—Google expects experts to link to experts.
• You should monitor your comments carefully and delete spam immediately.
• Have a crystal-clear understanding of whom it is you are trying to reach.

It is critical to consider what your readers will love and find useful. This is the key to blogging success. Over time, if you are putting out relevant content, you will attract more readers, generate interesting discussions and comments and, hopefully, at the end of the day, build a growing, loyal group of customers.

Join us for Lutze’s SEMA webinar, entitled "The Psychology of Search & the Findability Formula—What is Really in the Mind of the Online Searcher?" August 30, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Also, don’t miss Lutze at the SEMA Online Marketing Conference, October 29, 2012, at the Las Vegas Hotel.

	Friends of Carroll Shelby, including Ford Motor Co., Shelby American, Ford Racing and many others, have built a special tribute ’13 Shelby GT500 Cobra.

850hp 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra Created as a Tribute to Carroll Shelby
Friends of Carroll Shelby, including Ford Motor Co., Shelby American, Ford Racing and many others, have built a special tribute ’13 Shelby GT500 Cobra. Ford is also announcing a renamed road in Dearborn, Michigan, at the Product Development Center as a tribute to the late Carroll Shelby. Cobra has been the performance label as Shelby worked with Ford for most of the past 60 years. Shelby was instrumental in the establishment of Ford performance, including the Cobra, GT40 and Mustang’s performance credentials since its earliest days in the mid-’60s.

This tribute vehicle was unveiled by Ford Motor Co. board member Edsel Ford II, Group Vice President for Sales and Marketing Jim Farley, and Shelby American President John Luft at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, where the Cobra is the featured marque of show.

Using the 662hp ’13 Shelby GT500 as a foundation, “Friends of Carroll” created a one-of-a-kind ’13 Shelby GT500 Cobra wide-body Mustang that now generates more than 850 hp with the help of a Ford Racing 4.0L Whipple supercharger. The 13-in.-wide rear wheels are wrapped in 345-section high-performance tires for extra grip.

Ford Motor Co. teamed with Shelby American for several key components on the Carroll Shelby tribute car. Shelby American provided a specially designed hood, new rear wide-body kit, Shelby Wilwood brakes and new 20x13-in. rear and 20x10-in. front wheels. The bodywork is finished in the same Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes that graced so many of the Cobra roadsters built in the ’60s.

Aftermarket Foundation Launches New Website
On Monday, August 13, the Aftermarket Foundation launched a new website, www.aftermarketfoundation.org. Established 52 years ago, the Foundation has helped countless members of the automotive aftermarket who, because of a catastrophic illness or terrible accident, have fallen on hard times with no place to turn.

"When we receive a case, we vett it completely, ascertain the problem, make certain that all government agencies have been tried and then we attempt to help make up the monthly shortfall," said Joe Mittelman, Aftermarket Foundation vice president.

Comments left on the website are not only from Foundation recipients, but also board members, headed by Chairman Don Schlenger and President Bob Hirsch. All 29 board members are major players in the automotive aftermarket and represent many of the major aftermarket corporations and trade associations, including SEMA. A list of supporting donors is displayed on the website.

"These people give freely of their time and energy to work on our behalf," said Mittelman. "We are able to do our good work because of their intense efforts in collecting charitable contributions for this tax-deductible 501(3)C entity." 

	Larry Fisher

Fisher Named Executive Director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
Larry Fisher has been named executive director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by Automobile Club of Southern California at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. 

Fisher is a longtime automotive enthusiast, holding membership in the Society of Automotive Historians and himself a collector of vintage autocycles, motorcycles and microcars. Most recently, Fisher was an interpretive, planning and experience design consultant providing expertise to cultural heritage institutions, parks and attractions. He served as CEO and executive director of the Herreshoff Marine Museum/America’s Cup Hall of Fame in Providence, Rhode Island. Fisher also was a consultant to the president on the creation of the Experience Design Department for The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan.

In his new position, Fisher will be responsible for administrative operations and fundraising efforts for the museum, which is located on the grounds of the Los Angeles County Fairplex complex—also home to Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. He will also be responsible for the overall management of the museum’s two biggest fundraising events—the Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California.

Fisher has more than 20 years of experience working in the museum and exhibition field in senior-level positions as well as consultation.

Parker Hannifin Corp.’s ParkerStore Retail Network will Open 2,000th Store Location
In 1993, Parker Hannifin Corp.—a motion and control technologies company—introduced an Industrial Retail concept that would serve as an environment for the immediate and direct sale of industrial products through an approved, service-based platform—the ParkerStore. Working with Parker’s global distribution partners, Parker designed the ParkerStore concept to reach the walk-in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) or “industrial retail” marketplace. Nearly 20 years after its introduction, ParkerStore will celebrate a significant milestone in its global growth—the opening of its 2,000th store, situated near Lyon, France.

When the ParkerStore concept was developed, trade counters were the norm in the industrial space. Combining the trade counter and retail models, ParkerStores would allow customers to order custom, while-you-wait hydraulic hose assemblies while shopping for complementary products typically also required, such as couplings, filters, lubricants, oil, tooling and safety equipment.

The ParkerStore environment was designed to bring the warehouse out to the showroom. ParkerStore also provided immediate access to critical components, which would have a big impact on a business’ bottom line by helping to reduce the money and time lost due to equipment downtime, according to the company.

The store that has been nominated to celebrate the 2,000th ParkerStore opening is located in Chassieu, France—a suburb of Lyon. It opens in October 2012, with approximately 1,600 sq.-ft. of retail space. It is the 12th ParkerStore that Patrick Martin, CEO and owner of industrial supply company Mabéo Industries, has opened in the last 14 years. 

Rick Seitz and Michael Harding

Power Automedia Expands Editorial Team
As the Power Automedia readership expands, so does its team of professional writers. Mike Alexander comes on board as editor of Power Automedia’s RodAuthority.com. Michael Harding has been drafted from StreeLegalTV.com staff writer to now serve as associate editor and Rick Seitz is joining the Power Automedia team as staff writer for StreetLegalTV and LSXTV.com.

Alexander brings 10 years of print editorial experience to his new position as editor. Harding joined the Power Automedia team in May, and has ascended from staff writer to associate editor for StreetLegalTV. He brings 27 years of industry experience to Power Automedia, 18 of which as an automotive technical editor. His projects range from a ’65 Plymouth Belvedere for cruising to a vintage open-track car. Seitz, relocated from Ohio to California. A performance enthusiast from a very early age, Seitz has always preferred GM vehicles, and today's LS-series engines further reinforce his love of the brand.

The photo gallery located at www.semaphotos.com features thousands of products in the Show's New Products Showcase, vehicles on display and exhibiting companies from the 2011 SEMA Show. Each week in SEMA eNews, a new collection of vehicle photos is highlighted. In the spotlight this week are vehicles from Hyundai.

In addition to the vehicle photos, the product photos also include key details, such as product name, a brief description and exhibitor contact information.

The photo gallery located at www.semaphotos.com features thousands of products in the Show's New Products Showcase, vehicles on display and exhibiting companies from the 2011 SEMA Show. Each week in SEMA eNews, a new collection of vehicle photos is highlighted. In the spotlight this week are vehicles from Hyundai.

In addition to the vehicle photos, the product photos also include key details, such as product name, a brief description and exhibitor contact information.

It’s only August, and we’re already getting a pretty clear preview of one of the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) introductions—the ’14 SRT8 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Wearing just light Van Gogh-type tape up front, we can still see the new front fascia, including the grille and lower air intake. In addition, we were also able to snap a few photos of the interior, very clearly showing the dash and console/touchscreen updates.

Sources are telling us to expect an NAIAS introduction, with sales to begin in the second quarter of 2013.

Photo: Jeremy Kupfer for Brenda Priddy & Co.

It’s only August, and we’re already getting a pretty clear preview of one of the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) introductions—the ’14 SRT8 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Wearing just light Van Gogh-type tape up front, we can still see the new front fascia, including the grille and lower air intake. In addition, we were also able to snap a few photos of the interior, very clearly showing the dash and console/touchscreen updates.

Sources are telling us to expect an NAIAS introduction, with sales to begin in the second quarter of 2013.

Photo: Jeremy Kupfer for Brenda Priddy & Co.

	Jerry Grant, an avid racer, passed away Sunday, August 12, 2012.

Jerry Grant passed away Sunday, August 12, 2012, at 3:50 a.m. in Orange, California. Always a passionate racer with a natural-born gift for driving fast, Grant was born January 23, 1935, in Seattle. Grant was a big man, even by the standards of the day, compared to the jockeys who occupy the computerized cockpits of today's miniature versions of the cars Grant chauffeured around the steel- and hay bale-lined courses of his day.

Grant is credited with the first official 200-mph lap on a closed-race track. He raced against, and for, some of the greatest names in the business, including Dan Gurney, Carroll Shelby, Bobby Unser, Bob Bondurant and many more. He drove the great cars of the era, including Ferrari, Corvette, Lotus, Eagle, Cobra and Ford GT. He drove all the great circuits of any era, including Indianapolis, Daytona, LeMans and Targa Florio, among others.

When Grant finally hung up his helmet, he exchanged it for a Champion Spark Plugs ball cap. He brought that same winning dedication to his job as vice president of motorsports for Champion Spark Plugs as he had to every car he had ever driven. After leaving Champion, Grant started Motor Sports Unlimited and worked directly with Honda. Later, with his efforts and Rolodex, he was instrumental in Prolong Lubricants' brand development.

Grant is survived by his wife of more than 55 years, Sandy, his daughters Yvonne and Tammy and five grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the Grant family requests that donations be made to First Love Ministries USA.

	The SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast is the quickest and easiest way to meet new people, connect with business leaders and expand your contacts network to give your business a boost.

The SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)—to be held Thursday, November 1, 2012, from 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m. in Ballroom A of the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino— is the quickest and easiest way to meet new people, connect with business leaders and expand your contacts network to give your business a boost. Plus, you'll enjoy a delicious breakfast and help the SBN recognize several leaders in the automotive aftermarket during the annual award presentation.

In a survey of 2011 attendees, 83% reported that they’d recommend this event to others and 62% said that they planned on attending again this year.

This event is open to all SEMA Show attendees; the cost is $35 for SEMA members and $49 for non-members. Bring lots of business cards and join us for one the best networking opportunities at the SEMA Show! With seating limited to 250 participants, the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast has sold out every year, so register today before you miss out!

For questions about the event, please call Senior Manager of Councils Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6694 or email BryanH@sema.org.