News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Convertible Caught Sporting Minimal Camo

Mon, 03/28/2011 - 14:44

We're not sure why Mercedes bothered with the few pieces of black tape around the lights and badges on this SLS Roadster prototype, but it's looking fantastic in "iridium silver" paint and a bright red convertible top!

Unlike the coupe’s gullwing doors, the convertible will have a more traditional entry, as well as an SLR-like powered soft-top. We expect the vert will be somewhat heavier due to the chassis reinforcement all verts need.

Watch for the official debut of the SLS AMG Convertible in the first half of 2011.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Convertible Caught Sporting Minimal Camo

Mon, 03/28/2011 - 14:44

We're not sure why Mercedes bothered with the few pieces of black tape around the lights and badges on this SLS Roadster prototype, but it's looking fantastic in "iridium silver" paint and a bright red convertible top!

Unlike the coupe’s gullwing doors, the convertible will have a more traditional entry, as well as an SLR-like powered soft-top. We expect the vert will be somewhat heavier due to the chassis reinforcement all verts need.

Watch for the official debut of the SLS AMG Convertible in the first half of 2011.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

Movers & Shakers: Holley Announces Rick Anderson as Midwest Technical Sales Rep; Bert Zech Named CFO at Eastern Catalytic

Mon, 03/28/2011 - 13:47

Holley Announces Rick Anderson as Midwest Technical Sales Representative
Holley Performance has announced Rick Anderson as its Midwest technical sales representative. Anderson comes to Holley from Anderson Ford Motorsport with more than two decades of expertise in the performance industry. His experience includes design work with piggyback computers, cold-air intakes, camshafts and digital mass air meters. He has logged thousands of hours on the dyno, twisting wrenches, tuning and prototyping products. He is also a technical writer for magazines such as Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords, 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords, Modified Mustangs & Fords and Race Pages with more than 80 technical stories to his credit.

Bert Zech Named CFO at Eastern Catalytic
Eastern Catalytic has appointed Bert Zech as the company's new chief financial officer. In his new position, Zech will be responsible for all financial activities and the health of the company, including accounting, treasury, risk management and systems integration. The announcement was made by George Schafer, president of Eastern Manufacturing, who noted that Zech comes to Eastern with an excellent record of accomplishment as an upper-level financial executive. Before joining the Eastern Catalytic team, Zech enjoyed a successful, five-year career at Conair Corp. as its divisional vice president of finance. Before his work at Conair, he was the vice president of finance at Scunci International for more than 10 years.

Mike Copeland

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Names Mike Copeland Operations Manager
Ken Lingenfelter, owner of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE), has announced that Mike Copeland has joined the company as operations manager. In his new role, Copeland will lead the Michigan-based operations of LPE and work with the existing leadership team at LPE's facility in Decatur, Indiana. With more than 25 years of experience at General Motors, Copeland brings a wealth of knowledge to the position. He has held numerous positions within GM, the latest as project manager for the GM Performance Division, where his responsibilities included the engineering and building of GM performance and show-related vehicles. These vehicles include the Hot Rod magazine Solstice, Reggie Jackson's LSX-powered ’69 Camaro and Popular Hot Rodding's ’57 Chevy Project "X." Copeland also supported the development of GMPP LSX and E-Rod programs. In addition to his technical background, Copeland is CEO of Diversified Creations, a retail performance and off-road business in Brighton, Michigan. He has also written technical articles for top automotive performance magazines, such as Super Chevy and Diesel Power.

Want to Be a Seminar Presenter at the 2011 SEMA Show?

Mon, 03/28/2011 - 12:05

If you're interested in becoming a session speaker or panelist at the 2011 SEMA Show, complete this online speaker form by Friday, April 8.

Planning for the 2011 SEMA Show education program is well under way. This year's schedule will once again feature several "tracks," including Business Management, Customer Service and Sales, Marketing, Industry Trends, Online Marketing and more.

Are you interested in being a session presenter or panelist? We'd love to hear from you. Please complete our online speaker form (www.SEMAShow.com/speakers) by Friday, April 8.

To increase the likelihood of having your recommendation used, please be sure to include three or four bullet points on the topic, who the target audience will be and why the subject is of importance. Also, note that all sessions will be one hour in length.

These sessions are designed for general business topics (i.e. marketing, customer service, sales, etc.) and do not include product-specific topics. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to sign up for a separate program—Exhibitor Product Training sessions—in June.

Please submit suggestions on or before Friday, April 1, using the online speaker submission form at www.SEMAShow.com/speakers or contact Jamie Eriksen at JamieE@sema.org.

Want to Be a Seminar Presenter at the 2011 SEMA Show?

Mon, 03/28/2011 - 12:05

If you're interested in becoming a session speaker or panelist at the 2011 SEMA Show, complete this online speaker form by Friday, April 8.

Planning for the 2011 SEMA Show education program is well under way. This year's schedule will once again feature several "tracks," including Business Management, Customer Service and Sales, Marketing, Industry Trends, Online Marketing and more.

Are you interested in being a session presenter or panelist? We'd love to hear from you. Please complete our online speaker form (www.SEMAShow.com/speakers) by Friday, April 8.

To increase the likelihood of having your recommendation used, please be sure to include three or four bullet points on the topic, who the target audience will be and why the subject is of importance. Also, note that all sessions will be one hour in length.

These sessions are designed for general business topics (i.e. marketing, customer service, sales, etc.) and do not include product-specific topics. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to sign up for a separate program—Exhibitor Product Training sessions—in June.

Please submit suggestions on or before Friday, April 1, using the online speaker submission form at www.SEMAShow.com/speakers or contact Jamie Eriksen at JamieE@sema.org.

SEMA Scholarship Application Deadline Extended to April 15

Mon, 03/28/2011 - 11:41

Students preparing for careers in the automotive industry may be eligible to receive financial awards ranging from $1,000–$4,000 through the 2011 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF). The scholarship application deadline has been extended to April 15, 2011, and requires college transcripts and letters of recommendation. It is now available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

“Paying for a high-quality education is a challenge for many, particularly in today’s tough economy,” said Jamie Eriksen, SEMA education director. “SEMA is pleased to play a part in helping students prepare for careers in an innovative and exciting industry.”

Unlike financial aid and student loans, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship is a one-time award that does not have to be paid back. Awards are granted to eligible applicants based on academic achievements, work experience, community involvement, essay content and recommendations. Students may re-apply each year, provided that they still meet the eligibility criteria. A loan forgiveness award is also available to recent graduates who are working for SEMA-member companies and paying off existing student loans. Details and applications for both the scholarship and the loan-forgiveness awards are available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Winners will be notified in the summer of 2011. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student’s college, university, trade or vocational school to help offset the cost of tuition. Loan-forgiveness payments are sent directly to the financial institutions.

For complete details, visit www.sema.org/scholarships or contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org or 909/978-6655.

SEMA Scholarship Application Deadline Extended to April 15

Mon, 03/28/2011 - 11:41

Students preparing for careers in the automotive industry may be eligible to receive financial awards ranging from $1,000–$4,000 through the 2011 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF). The scholarship application deadline has been extended to April 15, 2011, and requires college transcripts and letters of recommendation. It is now available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

“Paying for a high-quality education is a challenge for many, particularly in today’s tough economy,” said Jamie Eriksen, SEMA education director. “SEMA is pleased to play a part in helping students prepare for careers in an innovative and exciting industry.”

Unlike financial aid and student loans, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship is a one-time award that does not have to be paid back. Awards are granted to eligible applicants based on academic achievements, work experience, community involvement, essay content and recommendations. Students may re-apply each year, provided that they still meet the eligibility criteria. A loan forgiveness award is also available to recent graduates who are working for SEMA-member companies and paying off existing student loans. Details and applications for both the scholarship and the loan-forgiveness awards are available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Winners will be notified in the summer of 2011. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student’s college, university, trade or vocational school to help offset the cost of tuition. Loan-forgiveness payments are sent directly to the financial institutions.

For complete details, visit www.sema.org/scholarships or contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org or 909/978-6655.

Help Shape How Industry Concerns Are Addressed—Tips for Select Committee Volunteers

Mon, 03/28/2011 - 10:57

SEMA Member News—March/April 2011

Message From the Chair

By Karl Stearns

The PRO Select Committee determines which issues can best be addressed by the council. We need passionate, enthusiastic people to bring their ideas and skills to the table. Are you one of them?

Serving on the Select Committee or as chairman of a council is a huge honor. It signifies that you’ve earned the confidence and respect of your peers. It also gives you an opportunity to be closely involved in the issues affecting your industry and to have a part in shaping how those issues are addressed. I’ve been privileged to serve as a member of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Select Committee since 2000. I’ve also joined the ranks of the few who have become the chairman of PRO. As I’ve worked for the council for the last few months of my term as chairman, I wanted to share some thoughts on volunteer leadership.

Serve for the Right Reasons

While it’s ego-enhancing to be elected to serve on the Select Committee, it’s important to remember why you’re doing it. If you have a strong passion for helping to create an environment in which your industry peers can increase and enhance their business opportunities while solving common problems, you will flourish as a Select Committee member. On the other hand, if your underlying motive is to promote your business interests or your company’s business first, you’re serving for the wrong reasons. People who have such motives often prove ineffectual on a Select Committee because they are quickly missing in action when there’s nothing to gain for them personally.

Stay Involved

The Select Committee determines which issues can best be addressed by the council. Task forces or standing committees may be formed to do the necessary work. A chair or co-chair oversees the agenda of the group to keep it on track to accomplish its goal. Any member of PRO can volunteer to serve on a committee or task force. Participation generally involves time for teleconferences and caring for any assignments you have been entrusted with.

It is a challenge to stay involved with the work of your task force or committee. Periodic communication with other members, a clear picture of the goals to reach and remembering the benefits that will result from successful completion of your task force’s work will help you stay actively involved. Without active involvement, a task force will bog down. This means one must stay in touch via e-mail and teleconferences. Notices must be sent out in a timely manner, and all members are asked to respond and attend the teleconferences. As an industry leader, you must keep yourself informed of meetings and be present. Remember, too, that we’re all volunteers who are giving up our time, so always express your appreciation for the efforts of others and keep them enthused about the tasks you’re accomplishing.

Lead by Example

Serving as a council leader requires respect for others and a willingness to put your personal wishes aside at times. This means adjusting your personal expectations to the reality: People can only devote so much time and effort to council work, and you must be willing to accept that while being appreciative of what they can offer up. The example a good leader sets in this regard will go a long way toward the success of a council. Exhibiting an understanding attitude and a willingness to listen to the ideas and suggestions of others will also set the tone and pace of a council that gets things done.

Have a “Future Forward” Vision

Every leader in a council should have an idea of how he or she would like to see the council progress. For those who are entrusted with the chair-elect or chairman’s position, the development of the “big picture” is critical to seeing the council prosper. A true leader will be able to envision things years down the road and will formulate a plan of action that will involve the council in reaching those goals. Along the way, there must be mentoring of new council members, encouragement for chairs of committees and task forces, and patience, patience, patience.

PRO has done some exciting things over the last few years. I’m enthused about the future of the council as I work though the next few months and hand the leadership duties over to Chair-Elect Eldon Bracken. We need passionate, enthusiastic people to bring their ideas and skills to the table. Are you one of them?

Help Shape How Industry Concerns Are Addressed—Tips for Select Committee Volunteers

Mon, 03/28/2011 - 10:57

SEMA Member News—March/April 2011

Message From the Chair

By Karl Stearns

The PRO Select Committee determines which issues can best be addressed by the council. We need passionate, enthusiastic people to bring their ideas and skills to the table. Are you one of them?

Serving on the Select Committee or as chairman of a council is a huge honor. It signifies that you’ve earned the confidence and respect of your peers. It also gives you an opportunity to be closely involved in the issues affecting your industry and to have a part in shaping how those issues are addressed. I’ve been privileged to serve as a member of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Select Committee since 2000. I’ve also joined the ranks of the few who have become the chairman of PRO. As I’ve worked for the council for the last few months of my term as chairman, I wanted to share some thoughts on volunteer leadership.

Serve for the Right Reasons

While it’s ego-enhancing to be elected to serve on the Select Committee, it’s important to remember why you’re doing it. If you have a strong passion for helping to create an environment in which your industry peers can increase and enhance their business opportunities while solving common problems, you will flourish as a Select Committee member. On the other hand, if your underlying motive is to promote your business interests or your company’s business first, you’re serving for the wrong reasons. People who have such motives often prove ineffectual on a Select Committee because they are quickly missing in action when there’s nothing to gain for them personally.

Stay Involved

The Select Committee determines which issues can best be addressed by the council. Task forces or standing committees may be formed to do the necessary work. A chair or co-chair oversees the agenda of the group to keep it on track to accomplish its goal. Any member of PRO can volunteer to serve on a committee or task force. Participation generally involves time for teleconferences and caring for any assignments you have been entrusted with.

It is a challenge to stay involved with the work of your task force or committee. Periodic communication with other members, a clear picture of the goals to reach and remembering the benefits that will result from successful completion of your task force’s work will help you stay actively involved. Without active involvement, a task force will bog down. This means one must stay in touch via e-mail and teleconferences. Notices must be sent out in a timely manner, and all members are asked to respond and attend the teleconferences. As an industry leader, you must keep yourself informed of meetings and be present. Remember, too, that we’re all volunteers who are giving up our time, so always express your appreciation for the efforts of others and keep them enthused about the tasks you’re accomplishing.

Lead by Example

Serving as a council leader requires respect for others and a willingness to put your personal wishes aside at times. This means adjusting your personal expectations to the reality: People can only devote so much time and effort to council work, and you must be willing to accept that while being appreciative of what they can offer up. The example a good leader sets in this regard will go a long way toward the success of a council. Exhibiting an understanding attitude and a willingness to listen to the ideas and suggestions of others will also set the tone and pace of a council that gets things done.

Have a “Future Forward” Vision

Every leader in a council should have an idea of how he or she would like to see the council progress. For those who are entrusted with the chair-elect or chairman’s position, the development of the “big picture” is critical to seeing the council prosper. A true leader will be able to envision things years down the road and will formulate a plan of action that will involve the council in reaching those goals. Along the way, there must be mentoring of new council members, encouragement for chairs of committees and task forces, and patience, patience, patience.

PRO has done some exciting things over the last few years. I’m enthused about the future of the council as I work though the next few months and hand the leadership duties over to Chair-Elect Eldon Bracken. We need passionate, enthusiastic people to bring their ideas and skills to the table. Are you one of them?

Help Shape How Industry Concerns Are Addressed—Tips for Select Committee Volunteers

Mon, 03/28/2011 - 10:57

SEMA Member News—March/April 2011

Message From the Chair

By Karl Stearns

The PRO Select Committee determines which issues can best be addressed by the council. We need passionate, enthusiastic people to bring their ideas and skills to the table. Are you one of them?

Serving on the Select Committee or as chairman of a council is a huge honor. It signifies that you’ve earned the confidence and respect of your peers. It also gives you an opportunity to be closely involved in the issues affecting your industry and to have a part in shaping how those issues are addressed. I’ve been privileged to serve as a member of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Select Committee since 2000. I’ve also joined the ranks of the few who have become the chairman of PRO. As I’ve worked for the council for the last few months of my term as chairman, I wanted to share some thoughts on volunteer leadership.

Serve for the Right Reasons

While it’s ego-enhancing to be elected to serve on the Select Committee, it’s important to remember why you’re doing it. If you have a strong passion for helping to create an environment in which your industry peers can increase and enhance their business opportunities while solving common problems, you will flourish as a Select Committee member. On the other hand, if your underlying motive is to promote your business interests or your company’s business first, you’re serving for the wrong reasons. People who have such motives often prove ineffectual on a Select Committee because they are quickly missing in action when there’s nothing to gain for them personally.

Stay Involved

The Select Committee determines which issues can best be addressed by the council. Task forces or standing committees may be formed to do the necessary work. A chair or co-chair oversees the agenda of the group to keep it on track to accomplish its goal. Any member of PRO can volunteer to serve on a committee or task force. Participation generally involves time for teleconferences and caring for any assignments you have been entrusted with.

It is a challenge to stay involved with the work of your task force or committee. Periodic communication with other members, a clear picture of the goals to reach and remembering the benefits that will result from successful completion of your task force’s work will help you stay actively involved. Without active involvement, a task force will bog down. This means one must stay in touch via e-mail and teleconferences. Notices must be sent out in a timely manner, and all members are asked to respond and attend the teleconferences. As an industry leader, you must keep yourself informed of meetings and be present. Remember, too, that we’re all volunteers who are giving up our time, so always express your appreciation for the efforts of others and keep them enthused about the tasks you’re accomplishing.

Lead by Example

Serving as a council leader requires respect for others and a willingness to put your personal wishes aside at times. This means adjusting your personal expectations to the reality: People can only devote so much time and effort to council work, and you must be willing to accept that while being appreciative of what they can offer up. The example a good leader sets in this regard will go a long way toward the success of a council. Exhibiting an understanding attitude and a willingness to listen to the ideas and suggestions of others will also set the tone and pace of a council that gets things done.

Have a “Future Forward” Vision

Every leader in a council should have an idea of how he or she would like to see the council progress. For those who are entrusted with the chair-elect or chairman’s position, the development of the “big picture” is critical to seeing the council prosper. A true leader will be able to envision things years down the road and will formulate a plan of action that will involve the council in reaching those goals. Along the way, there must be mentoring of new council members, encouragement for chairs of committees and task forces, and patience, patience, patience.

PRO has done some exciting things over the last few years. I’m enthused about the future of the council as I work though the next few months and hand the leadership duties over to Chair-Elect Eldon Bracken. We need passionate, enthusiastic people to bring their ideas and skills to the table. Are you one of them?