SEMA Member News—March/April 2011

A Few Words With the Chair-Elect

	Chris Fairless, new MRC chair-elect, has been a member of the automotive specialty-equipment industry for 32 years. He recently became a principal with SS Sales & Marketing.

Chris Fairless has been involved in the automotive specialty-equipment industry for 32 years, combining 10 years in retail and wholesale for Van Iderstine Speed Centers with five years in manufacturing for Russell Performance and 17 years as a manufacturer’s representative. He recently became a principal with SS Sales & Marketing.

Fairless joined the Manufacturers’ Rep Council (MRC) 17 years ago, serving on many task forces and subcommittees as well as the MRC Select Committee. He was chosen as the council’s chair-elect in July 2010.

SEMA Member News: What are your priorities as MRC chair-elect? What specific things do you want to accomplish?

Chris Fairless: MRC’s mission is to provide our members with the tools and benefits to strengthen our segment of the industry. Our goals are to increase benefits for MRC members through educational and professional development programs, provide tools and programs to increase productivity and seek ways to help the sales representative community with cost-cutting programs in areas such as travel, heath care and communications.

SMN: In light of recent economic changes, why should companies join SEMA and MRC?

CF: The resources that SEMA and MRC provide are invaluable. Also, the networking opportunities and getting involved to strengthen the industry as a whole are priorities that we all share. SEMA and MRC provide the forum needed to help grow and strengthen the automotive specialty-equipment industry. MRC must assist all member reps in networking, sharing successful concepts, systems and educational opportunities to ensure that every participating rep and rep agency is as effective, successful and profitable as possible.

SMN: Is there anything else you would like to emphasize to the MRC membership and the industry as a whole?

CF: Get involved! With the challenges we all have faced and are going to continue to face, we need to work together for the good of the entire industry. SEMA and MRC are built upon the strength of the people involved and making a difference to improve and strengthen the automotive specialty-equipment market. State your concerns and ideas. Recruit other reps to join. The MRC is for all reps who are concerned about the industry, their occupation and their futures. Task force participation requires only a limited investment of time but provides a great way to network and share ideas.

For more information about volunteering, visit the MRC website.

MRERF Donates Tuitions The Manufacturers Representatives Education Research Foundation (MRERF) is the only nationally accredited certification program for manufacturers’ representatives. The curriculum is designed as executive management education that allows the participants to gain knowledge and insight into how to more effectively operate their businesses. This year, MRERF has generously gifted MRC with three tuitions to its Certified Professional Manufacturers Representatives (CPMR) program. MRC announced the winners at its MRC Rep Conference and awards ceremony on Sunday, October 31, 2010, prior to the SEMA Show. Congratulations go to the 2010 MRERF award recipients: Cody LaDuke of Evan Mecham & Associates, Mike Hansen of SS Sales & Marketing and Mark Petro of R&R Marketing.		MRC Chairman Wade Cobb (left) and Chair-Elect Chris Fairless (right) congratulate Cody LaDuke of Evan Mecham & Associates on being awarded one of three tuitions to the Manufacturers Representatives Education Research Foundation’s Certified Professional Manufacturers Representatives program. The other two awards went to Mike Hansen of SS Sales & Marketing and Mark Petro of R&R Marketing.

Your Trade Association Needs You!

It is election time for the MRC Select Committee, and the MRC needs your support. The election will be processed electronically this year, so there should be no excuse for not voting! The ballots will be e-mailed to MRC members, so all you need to do is click and send. We’ll need the ballot responses returned by June 7, 2011, and the new members will officially join the committee on July 1, 2011.

The MRC Select Committee continues to work on ways to offer more service and value to our members. We need input from you and your staff. Every agency should empower at least one associate to get involved in the MRC. When we work together, we accomplish more for our rep members and for the industry.

SEMA Member News—March/April 2011

A Few Words With the Chair-Elect

	Chris Fairless, new MRC chair-elect, has been a member of the automotive specialty-equipment industry for 32 years. He recently became a principal with SS Sales & Marketing.

Chris Fairless has been involved in the automotive specialty-equipment industry for 32 years, combining 10 years in retail and wholesale for Van Iderstine Speed Centers with five years in manufacturing for Russell Performance and 17 years as a manufacturer’s representative. He recently became a principal with SS Sales & Marketing.

Fairless joined the Manufacturers’ Rep Council (MRC) 17 years ago, serving on many task forces and subcommittees as well as the MRC Select Committee. He was chosen as the council’s chair-elect in July 2010.

SEMA Member News: What are your priorities as MRC chair-elect? What specific things do you want to accomplish?

Chris Fairless: MRC’s mission is to provide our members with the tools and benefits to strengthen our segment of the industry. Our goals are to increase benefits for MRC members through educational and professional development programs, provide tools and programs to increase productivity and seek ways to help the sales representative community with cost-cutting programs in areas such as travel, heath care and communications.

SMN: In light of recent economic changes, why should companies join SEMA and MRC?

CF: The resources that SEMA and MRC provide are invaluable. Also, the networking opportunities and getting involved to strengthen the industry as a whole are priorities that we all share. SEMA and MRC provide the forum needed to help grow and strengthen the automotive specialty-equipment industry. MRC must assist all member reps in networking, sharing successful concepts, systems and educational opportunities to ensure that every participating rep and rep agency is as effective, successful and profitable as possible.

SMN: Is there anything else you would like to emphasize to the MRC membership and the industry as a whole?

CF: Get involved! With the challenges we all have faced and are going to continue to face, we need to work together for the good of the entire industry. SEMA and MRC are built upon the strength of the people involved and making a difference to improve and strengthen the automotive specialty-equipment market. State your concerns and ideas. Recruit other reps to join. The MRC is for all reps who are concerned about the industry, their occupation and their futures. Task force participation requires only a limited investment of time but provides a great way to network and share ideas.

For more information about volunteering, visit the MRC website.

MRERF Donates Tuitions The Manufacturers Representatives Education Research Foundation (MRERF) is the only nationally accredited certification program for manufacturers’ representatives. The curriculum is designed as executive management education that allows the participants to gain knowledge and insight into how to more effectively operate their businesses. This year, MRERF has generously gifted MRC with three tuitions to its Certified Professional Manufacturers Representatives (CPMR) program. MRC announced the winners at its MRC Rep Conference and awards ceremony on Sunday, October 31, 2010, prior to the SEMA Show. Congratulations go to the 2010 MRERF award recipients: Cody LaDuke of Evan Mecham & Associates, Mike Hansen of SS Sales & Marketing and Mark Petro of R&R Marketing.		MRC Chairman Wade Cobb (left) and Chair-Elect Chris Fairless (right) congratulate Cody LaDuke of Evan Mecham & Associates on being awarded one of three tuitions to the Manufacturers Representatives Education Research Foundation’s Certified Professional Manufacturers Representatives program. The other two awards went to Mike Hansen of SS Sales & Marketing and Mark Petro of R&R Marketing.

Your Trade Association Needs You!

It is election time for the MRC Select Committee, and the MRC needs your support. The election will be processed electronically this year, so there should be no excuse for not voting! The ballots will be e-mailed to MRC members, so all you need to do is click and send. We’ll need the ballot responses returned by June 7, 2011, and the new members will officially join the committee on July 1, 2011.

The MRC Select Committee continues to work on ways to offer more service and value to our members. We need input from you and your staff. Every agency should empower at least one associate to get involved in the MRC. When we work together, we accomplish more for our rep members and for the industry.

SEMA Member News—March/April 2011

A Few Words With the Chair-Elect

	Chris Fairless, new MRC chair-elect, has been a member of the automotive specialty-equipment industry for 32 years. He recently became a principal with SS Sales & Marketing.

Chris Fairless has been involved in the automotive specialty-equipment industry for 32 years, combining 10 years in retail and wholesale for Van Iderstine Speed Centers with five years in manufacturing for Russell Performance and 17 years as a manufacturer’s representative. He recently became a principal with SS Sales & Marketing.

Fairless joined the Manufacturers’ Rep Council (MRC) 17 years ago, serving on many task forces and subcommittees as well as the MRC Select Committee. He was chosen as the council’s chair-elect in July 2010.

SEMA Member News: What are your priorities as MRC chair-elect? What specific things do you want to accomplish?

Chris Fairless: MRC’s mission is to provide our members with the tools and benefits to strengthen our segment of the industry. Our goals are to increase benefits for MRC members through educational and professional development programs, provide tools and programs to increase productivity and seek ways to help the sales representative community with cost-cutting programs in areas such as travel, heath care and communications.

SMN: In light of recent economic changes, why should companies join SEMA and MRC?

CF: The resources that SEMA and MRC provide are invaluable. Also, the networking opportunities and getting involved to strengthen the industry as a whole are priorities that we all share. SEMA and MRC provide the forum needed to help grow and strengthen the automotive specialty-equipment industry. MRC must assist all member reps in networking, sharing successful concepts, systems and educational opportunities to ensure that every participating rep and rep agency is as effective, successful and profitable as possible.

SMN: Is there anything else you would like to emphasize to the MRC membership and the industry as a whole?

CF: Get involved! With the challenges we all have faced and are going to continue to face, we need to work together for the good of the entire industry. SEMA and MRC are built upon the strength of the people involved and making a difference to improve and strengthen the automotive specialty-equipment market. State your concerns and ideas. Recruit other reps to join. The MRC is for all reps who are concerned about the industry, their occupation and their futures. Task force participation requires only a limited investment of time but provides a great way to network and share ideas.

For more information about volunteering, visit the MRC website.

MRERF Donates Tuitions The Manufacturers Representatives Education Research Foundation (MRERF) is the only nationally accredited certification program for manufacturers’ representatives. The curriculum is designed as executive management education that allows the participants to gain knowledge and insight into how to more effectively operate their businesses. This year, MRERF has generously gifted MRC with three tuitions to its Certified Professional Manufacturers Representatives (CPMR) program. MRC announced the winners at its MRC Rep Conference and awards ceremony on Sunday, October 31, 2010, prior to the SEMA Show. Congratulations go to the 2010 MRERF award recipients: Cody LaDuke of Evan Mecham & Associates, Mike Hansen of SS Sales & Marketing and Mark Petro of R&R Marketing.		MRC Chairman Wade Cobb (left) and Chair-Elect Chris Fairless (right) congratulate Cody LaDuke of Evan Mecham & Associates on being awarded one of three tuitions to the Manufacturers Representatives Education Research Foundation’s Certified Professional Manufacturers Representatives program. The other two awards went to Mike Hansen of SS Sales & Marketing and Mark Petro of R&R Marketing.

Your Trade Association Needs You!

It is election time for the MRC Select Committee, and the MRC needs your support. The election will be processed electronically this year, so there should be no excuse for not voting! The ballots will be e-mailed to MRC members, so all you need to do is click and send. We’ll need the ballot responses returned by June 7, 2011, and the new members will officially join the committee on July 1, 2011.

The MRC Select Committee continues to work on ways to offer more service and value to our members. We need input from you and your staff. Every agency should empower at least one associate to get involved in the MRC. When we work together, we accomplish more for our rep members and for the industry.

SEMA Member News—March/April 2011

A Few Words With the Chair-Elect

	Chris Fairless, new MRC chair-elect, has been a member of the automotive specialty-equipment industry for 32 years. He recently became a principal with SS Sales & Marketing.

Chris Fairless has been involved in the automotive specialty-equipment industry for 32 years, combining 10 years in retail and wholesale for Van Iderstine Speed Centers with five years in manufacturing for Russell Performance and 17 years as a manufacturer’s representative. He recently became a principal with SS Sales & Marketing.

Fairless joined the Manufacturers’ Rep Council (MRC) 17 years ago, serving on many task forces and subcommittees as well as the MRC Select Committee. He was chosen as the council’s chair-elect in July 2010.

SEMA Member News: What are your priorities as MRC chair-elect? What specific things do you want to accomplish?

Chris Fairless: MRC’s mission is to provide our members with the tools and benefits to strengthen our segment of the industry. Our goals are to increase benefits for MRC members through educational and professional development programs, provide tools and programs to increase productivity and seek ways to help the sales representative community with cost-cutting programs in areas such as travel, heath care and communications.

SMN: In light of recent economic changes, why should companies join SEMA and MRC?

CF: The resources that SEMA and MRC provide are invaluable. Also, the networking opportunities and getting involved to strengthen the industry as a whole are priorities that we all share. SEMA and MRC provide the forum needed to help grow and strengthen the automotive specialty-equipment industry. MRC must assist all member reps in networking, sharing successful concepts, systems and educational opportunities to ensure that every participating rep and rep agency is as effective, successful and profitable as possible.

SMN: Is there anything else you would like to emphasize to the MRC membership and the industry as a whole?

CF: Get involved! With the challenges we all have faced and are going to continue to face, we need to work together for the good of the entire industry. SEMA and MRC are built upon the strength of the people involved and making a difference to improve and strengthen the automotive specialty-equipment market. State your concerns and ideas. Recruit other reps to join. The MRC is for all reps who are concerned about the industry, their occupation and their futures. Task force participation requires only a limited investment of time but provides a great way to network and share ideas.

For more information about volunteering, visit the MRC website.

MRERF Donates Tuitions The Manufacturers Representatives Education Research Foundation (MRERF) is the only nationally accredited certification program for manufacturers’ representatives. The curriculum is designed as executive management education that allows the participants to gain knowledge and insight into how to more effectively operate their businesses. This year, MRERF has generously gifted MRC with three tuitions to its Certified Professional Manufacturers Representatives (CPMR) program. MRC announced the winners at its MRC Rep Conference and awards ceremony on Sunday, October 31, 2010, prior to the SEMA Show. Congratulations go to the 2010 MRERF award recipients: Cody LaDuke of Evan Mecham & Associates, Mike Hansen of SS Sales & Marketing and Mark Petro of R&R Marketing.		MRC Chairman Wade Cobb (left) and Chair-Elect Chris Fairless (right) congratulate Cody LaDuke of Evan Mecham & Associates on being awarded one of three tuitions to the Manufacturers Representatives Education Research Foundation’s Certified Professional Manufacturers Representatives program. The other two awards went to Mike Hansen of SS Sales & Marketing and Mark Petro of R&R Marketing.

Your Trade Association Needs You!

It is election time for the MRC Select Committee, and the MRC needs your support. The election will be processed electronically this year, so there should be no excuse for not voting! The ballots will be e-mailed to MRC members, so all you need to do is click and send. We’ll need the ballot responses returned by June 7, 2011, and the new members will officially join the committee on July 1, 2011.

The MRC Select Committee continues to work on ways to offer more service and value to our members. We need input from you and your staff. Every agency should empower at least one associate to get involved in the MRC. When we work together, we accomplish more for our rep members and for the industry.

SEMA Member News—March/April 2011

A Few Words With the Chair-Elect

	Chris Fairless, new MRC chair-elect, has been a member of the automotive specialty-equipment industry for 32 years. He recently became a principal with SS Sales & Marketing.

Chris Fairless has been involved in the automotive specialty-equipment industry for 32 years, combining 10 years in retail and wholesale for Van Iderstine Speed Centers with five years in manufacturing for Russell Performance and 17 years as a manufacturer’s representative. He recently became a principal with SS Sales & Marketing.

Fairless joined the Manufacturers’ Rep Council (MRC) 17 years ago, serving on many task forces and subcommittees as well as the MRC Select Committee. He was chosen as the council’s chair-elect in July 2010.

SEMA Member News: What are your priorities as MRC chair-elect? What specific things do you want to accomplish?

Chris Fairless: MRC’s mission is to provide our members with the tools and benefits to strengthen our segment of the industry. Our goals are to increase benefits for MRC members through educational and professional development programs, provide tools and programs to increase productivity and seek ways to help the sales representative community with cost-cutting programs in areas such as travel, heath care and communications.

SMN: In light of recent economic changes, why should companies join SEMA and MRC?

CF: The resources that SEMA and MRC provide are invaluable. Also, the networking opportunities and getting involved to strengthen the industry as a whole are priorities that we all share. SEMA and MRC provide the forum needed to help grow and strengthen the automotive specialty-equipment industry. MRC must assist all member reps in networking, sharing successful concepts, systems and educational opportunities to ensure that every participating rep and rep agency is as effective, successful and profitable as possible.

SMN: Is there anything else you would like to emphasize to the MRC membership and the industry as a whole?

CF: Get involved! With the challenges we all have faced and are going to continue to face, we need to work together for the good of the entire industry. SEMA and MRC are built upon the strength of the people involved and making a difference to improve and strengthen the automotive specialty-equipment market. State your concerns and ideas. Recruit other reps to join. The MRC is for all reps who are concerned about the industry, their occupation and their futures. Task force participation requires only a limited investment of time but provides a great way to network and share ideas.

For more information about volunteering, visit the MRC website.

MRERF Donates Tuitions The Manufacturers Representatives Education Research Foundation (MRERF) is the only nationally accredited certification program for manufacturers’ representatives. The curriculum is designed as executive management education that allows the participants to gain knowledge and insight into how to more effectively operate their businesses. This year, MRERF has generously gifted MRC with three tuitions to its Certified Professional Manufacturers Representatives (CPMR) program. MRC announced the winners at its MRC Rep Conference and awards ceremony on Sunday, October 31, 2010, prior to the SEMA Show. Congratulations go to the 2010 MRERF award recipients: Cody LaDuke of Evan Mecham & Associates, Mike Hansen of SS Sales & Marketing and Mark Petro of R&R Marketing.		MRC Chairman Wade Cobb (left) and Chair-Elect Chris Fairless (right) congratulate Cody LaDuke of Evan Mecham & Associates on being awarded one of three tuitions to the Manufacturers Representatives Education Research Foundation’s Certified Professional Manufacturers Representatives program. The other two awards went to Mike Hansen of SS Sales & Marketing and Mark Petro of R&R Marketing.

Your Trade Association Needs You!

It is election time for the MRC Select Committee, and the MRC needs your support. The election will be processed electronically this year, so there should be no excuse for not voting! The ballots will be e-mailed to MRC members, so all you need to do is click and send. We’ll need the ballot responses returned by June 7, 2011, and the new members will officially join the committee on July 1, 2011.

The MRC Select Committee continues to work on ways to offer more service and value to our members. We need input from you and your staff. Every agency should empower at least one associate to get involved in the MRC. When we work together, we accomplish more for our rep members and for the industry.

SEMA Member News—March/April 2011

The TORA New Products tent featured 35 TORA-member products. The tent was strategically located at the entrance to the manufacturers’ midway and was flanked by fullsize trucks from A.R.E. and Undercover.

The inaugural Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) New Products Showcase event, held at the All Truck Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on August 6–8, 2010, proved to be a hit with both the TORA participants and event attendees.
This brand-new TORA member benefit gave participating companies the opportunity to display products in front of one of the largest gatherings of truck enthusiasts in the country. Each product was placed for display, and an information sign was prepared for each one, providing enthusiasts with a product description, suggested retail price, company contact information and All Truck Nationals booth number (if the company was displaying at the event). Carlisle Events located the TORA New Products Showcase tent strategically at the entrance to the manufacturer’s midway, ensuring that virtually every midway visitor would pass through the area. Thirty-five products from 15 TORA-member companies were on display inside the tent, and A.R.E. and Undercover each provided a fullsize truck to display their products on. The trucks made perfect bookends on either side of the tent.

TORA had each product professionally photographed in order to provide additional exposure. The photos were then used in a looping video shown in the TORA booth and at the TORA Fall Nationals Awards Reception held at the 2010 SEMA Show. Finally, the same photos are now housed on the TORA webpages.

The program will be repeated at this year’s Carlisle event. There is no fee for having a product in the TORA New Products Showcase. Everything except shipping costs is included in the annual TORA membership dues. If a member company is exhibiting at the All Truck Nationals, company staff may hand-deliver their product(s) to the Showcase tent. Non-exhibitors need only pay for shipping to be included in the Showcase. SEMA and Carlisle Events staff take care of receiving, unpacking, placing, photographing, repacking and reshipping of all products.

On p. 8 is a list of all the companies and products that were on display in the 2010 TORA New Products Showcase. Be sure to visit the TORA website to see photographs and complete descriptions of the products. And look for further details in the coming months as TORA prepares for the second New Products Showcase, again hosted by the Carlisle All Truck Nationals on August 5–7, 2011. For more information about the event, visit www.carlisleevents.com.

TORA New Products Showcase Manufacturers

Airaid Filter Co. Carbureted Air Filter Assembly and MPX Series Cold-Air Intake A.R.E. Truck Vault and Z-Series Fiberglass Truck Cap Bedrug Bedrug Full Bed Liner and Bedtred Full Bed Liner Big Country Widesider Dual Bar/Step Pad Cal Trend Custom-Tailored Seat Covers Extang Revolution Roll-Up Tonneau Cover, Solid Fold Tonneau Cover and Trifecta Tonneau Cover Go Rhino! Dominator III Bar/Step Pad and “Step N Tow” Hitch and Step Hella Inc. 500 Black Magic Driving Lamps				Hellwig Products Hellwig Air Suspension Husky Liners Huskyliner Floor Liners Rolling Big Power RBP Diesel Fuel Additive and RBP Exhaust Tip Superchips Racing Diesel Tuner TruXedo Edge Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover, Lo Pro QT Roll-Up Tonneau Cover and Truxport Tonneau Cover Undercover Inc. Classic Tonneau Cover, SE Tonneau Cover and “Swingcase” Lockable Bed Storage Weathertech Floor Liners, All-Weather Floor Mats, Cargo/Truck Liners, Exterior Side-Window Deflectors, License Plate Frames and Mud Flaps

Select Committee Nominations

TORA is currently accepting nominations for its Select Committee. While service does require volunteer time, there is no better way to get involved with SEMA or to “give back” to the industry. Visit here for more information if you think you might be interested.

 

SEMA Member News—March/April 2011

The TORA New Products tent featured 35 TORA-member products. The tent was strategically located at the entrance to the manufacturers’ midway and was flanked by fullsize trucks from A.R.E. and Undercover.

The inaugural Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) New Products Showcase event, held at the All Truck Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on August 6–8, 2010, proved to be a hit with both the TORA participants and event attendees.
This brand-new TORA member benefit gave participating companies the opportunity to display products in front of one of the largest gatherings of truck enthusiasts in the country. Each product was placed for display, and an information sign was prepared for each one, providing enthusiasts with a product description, suggested retail price, company contact information and All Truck Nationals booth number (if the company was displaying at the event). Carlisle Events located the TORA New Products Showcase tent strategically at the entrance to the manufacturer’s midway, ensuring that virtually every midway visitor would pass through the area. Thirty-five products from 15 TORA-member companies were on display inside the tent, and A.R.E. and Undercover each provided a fullsize truck to display their products on. The trucks made perfect bookends on either side of the tent.

TORA had each product professionally photographed in order to provide additional exposure. The photos were then used in a looping video shown in the TORA booth and at the TORA Fall Nationals Awards Reception held at the 2010 SEMA Show. Finally, the same photos are now housed on the TORA webpages.

The program will be repeated at this year’s Carlisle event. There is no fee for having a product in the TORA New Products Showcase. Everything except shipping costs is included in the annual TORA membership dues. If a member company is exhibiting at the All Truck Nationals, company staff may hand-deliver their product(s) to the Showcase tent. Non-exhibitors need only pay for shipping to be included in the Showcase. SEMA and Carlisle Events staff take care of receiving, unpacking, placing, photographing, repacking and reshipping of all products.

On p. 8 is a list of all the companies and products that were on display in the 2010 TORA New Products Showcase. Be sure to visit the TORA website to see photographs and complete descriptions of the products. And look for further details in the coming months as TORA prepares for the second New Products Showcase, again hosted by the Carlisle All Truck Nationals on August 5–7, 2011. For more information about the event, visit www.carlisleevents.com.

TORA New Products Showcase Manufacturers

Airaid Filter Co. Carbureted Air Filter Assembly and MPX Series Cold-Air Intake A.R.E. Truck Vault and Z-Series Fiberglass Truck Cap Bedrug Bedrug Full Bed Liner and Bedtred Full Bed Liner Big Country Widesider Dual Bar/Step Pad Cal Trend Custom-Tailored Seat Covers Extang Revolution Roll-Up Tonneau Cover, Solid Fold Tonneau Cover and Trifecta Tonneau Cover Go Rhino! Dominator III Bar/Step Pad and “Step N Tow” Hitch and Step Hella Inc. 500 Black Magic Driving Lamps				Hellwig Products Hellwig Air Suspension Husky Liners Huskyliner Floor Liners Rolling Big Power RBP Diesel Fuel Additive and RBP Exhaust Tip Superchips Racing Diesel Tuner TruXedo Edge Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover, Lo Pro QT Roll-Up Tonneau Cover and Truxport Tonneau Cover Undercover Inc. Classic Tonneau Cover, SE Tonneau Cover and “Swingcase” Lockable Bed Storage Weathertech Floor Liners, All-Weather Floor Mats, Cargo/Truck Liners, Exterior Side-Window Deflectors, License Plate Frames and Mud Flaps

Select Committee Nominations

TORA is currently accepting nominations for its Select Committee. While service does require volunteer time, there is no better way to get involved with SEMA or to “give back” to the industry. Visit here for more information if you think you might be interested.

 

SEMA Member News—March/April 2011

The TORA New Products tent featured 35 TORA-member products. The tent was strategically located at the entrance to the manufacturers’ midway and was flanked by fullsize trucks from A.R.E. and Undercover.

The inaugural Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) New Products Showcase event, held at the All Truck Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on August 6–8, 2010, proved to be a hit with both the TORA participants and event attendees.
This brand-new TORA member benefit gave participating companies the opportunity to display products in front of one of the largest gatherings of truck enthusiasts in the country. Each product was placed for display, and an information sign was prepared for each one, providing enthusiasts with a product description, suggested retail price, company contact information and All Truck Nationals booth number (if the company was displaying at the event). Carlisle Events located the TORA New Products Showcase tent strategically at the entrance to the manufacturer’s midway, ensuring that virtually every midway visitor would pass through the area. Thirty-five products from 15 TORA-member companies were on display inside the tent, and A.R.E. and Undercover each provided a fullsize truck to display their products on. The trucks made perfect bookends on either side of the tent.

TORA had each product professionally photographed in order to provide additional exposure. The photos were then used in a looping video shown in the TORA booth and at the TORA Fall Nationals Awards Reception held at the 2010 SEMA Show. Finally, the same photos are now housed on the TORA webpages.

The program will be repeated at this year’s Carlisle event. There is no fee for having a product in the TORA New Products Showcase. Everything except shipping costs is included in the annual TORA membership dues. If a member company is exhibiting at the All Truck Nationals, company staff may hand-deliver their product(s) to the Showcase tent. Non-exhibitors need only pay for shipping to be included in the Showcase. SEMA and Carlisle Events staff take care of receiving, unpacking, placing, photographing, repacking and reshipping of all products.

On p. 8 is a list of all the companies and products that were on display in the 2010 TORA New Products Showcase. Be sure to visit the TORA website to see photographs and complete descriptions of the products. And look for further details in the coming months as TORA prepares for the second New Products Showcase, again hosted by the Carlisle All Truck Nationals on August 5–7, 2011. For more information about the event, visit www.carlisleevents.com.

TORA New Products Showcase Manufacturers

Airaid Filter Co. Carbureted Air Filter Assembly and MPX Series Cold-Air Intake A.R.E. Truck Vault and Z-Series Fiberglass Truck Cap Bedrug Bedrug Full Bed Liner and Bedtred Full Bed Liner Big Country Widesider Dual Bar/Step Pad Cal Trend Custom-Tailored Seat Covers Extang Revolution Roll-Up Tonneau Cover, Solid Fold Tonneau Cover and Trifecta Tonneau Cover Go Rhino! Dominator III Bar/Step Pad and “Step N Tow” Hitch and Step Hella Inc. 500 Black Magic Driving Lamps				Hellwig Products Hellwig Air Suspension Husky Liners Huskyliner Floor Liners Rolling Big Power RBP Diesel Fuel Additive and RBP Exhaust Tip Superchips Racing Diesel Tuner TruXedo Edge Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover, Lo Pro QT Roll-Up Tonneau Cover and Truxport Tonneau Cover Undercover Inc. Classic Tonneau Cover, SE Tonneau Cover and “Swingcase” Lockable Bed Storage Weathertech Floor Liners, All-Weather Floor Mats, Cargo/Truck Liners, Exterior Side-Window Deflectors, License Plate Frames and Mud Flaps

Select Committee Nominations

TORA is currently accepting nominations for its Select Committee. While service does require volunteer time, there is no better way to get involved with SEMA or to “give back” to the industry. Visit here for more information if you think you might be interested.

 

SEMA Member News—March/April 2011

The TORA New Products tent featured 35 TORA-member products. The tent was strategically located at the entrance to the manufacturers’ midway and was flanked by fullsize trucks from A.R.E. and Undercover.

The inaugural Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) New Products Showcase event, held at the All Truck Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on August 6–8, 2010, proved to be a hit with both the TORA participants and event attendees.
This brand-new TORA member benefit gave participating companies the opportunity to display products in front of one of the largest gatherings of truck enthusiasts in the country. Each product was placed for display, and an information sign was prepared for each one, providing enthusiasts with a product description, suggested retail price, company contact information and All Truck Nationals booth number (if the company was displaying at the event). Carlisle Events located the TORA New Products Showcase tent strategically at the entrance to the manufacturer’s midway, ensuring that virtually every midway visitor would pass through the area. Thirty-five products from 15 TORA-member companies were on display inside the tent, and A.R.E. and Undercover each provided a fullsize truck to display their products on. The trucks made perfect bookends on either side of the tent.

TORA had each product professionally photographed in order to provide additional exposure. The photos were then used in a looping video shown in the TORA booth and at the TORA Fall Nationals Awards Reception held at the 2010 SEMA Show. Finally, the same photos are now housed on the TORA webpages.

The program will be repeated at this year’s Carlisle event. There is no fee for having a product in the TORA New Products Showcase. Everything except shipping costs is included in the annual TORA membership dues. If a member company is exhibiting at the All Truck Nationals, company staff may hand-deliver their product(s) to the Showcase tent. Non-exhibitors need only pay for shipping to be included in the Showcase. SEMA and Carlisle Events staff take care of receiving, unpacking, placing, photographing, repacking and reshipping of all products.

On p. 8 is a list of all the companies and products that were on display in the 2010 TORA New Products Showcase. Be sure to visit the TORA website to see photographs and complete descriptions of the products. And look for further details in the coming months as TORA prepares for the second New Products Showcase, again hosted by the Carlisle All Truck Nationals on August 5–7, 2011. For more information about the event, visit www.carlisleevents.com.

TORA New Products Showcase Manufacturers

Airaid Filter Co. Carbureted Air Filter Assembly and MPX Series Cold-Air Intake A.R.E. Truck Vault and Z-Series Fiberglass Truck Cap Bedrug Bedrug Full Bed Liner and Bedtred Full Bed Liner Big Country Widesider Dual Bar/Step Pad Cal Trend Custom-Tailored Seat Covers Extang Revolution Roll-Up Tonneau Cover, Solid Fold Tonneau Cover and Trifecta Tonneau Cover Go Rhino! Dominator III Bar/Step Pad and “Step N Tow” Hitch and Step Hella Inc. 500 Black Magic Driving Lamps				Hellwig Products Hellwig Air Suspension Husky Liners Huskyliner Floor Liners Rolling Big Power RBP Diesel Fuel Additive and RBP Exhaust Tip Superchips Racing Diesel Tuner TruXedo Edge Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover, Lo Pro QT Roll-Up Tonneau Cover and Truxport Tonneau Cover Undercover Inc. Classic Tonneau Cover, SE Tonneau Cover and “Swingcase” Lockable Bed Storage Weathertech Floor Liners, All-Weather Floor Mats, Cargo/Truck Liners, Exterior Side-Window Deflectors, License Plate Frames and Mud Flaps

Select Committee Nominations

TORA is currently accepting nominations for its Select Committee. While service does require volunteer time, there is no better way to get involved with SEMA or to “give back” to the industry. Visit here for more information if you think you might be interested.

 

SEMA Member News—March/April 2011

The TORA New Products tent featured 35 TORA-member products. The tent was strategically located at the entrance to the manufacturers’ midway and was flanked by fullsize trucks from A.R.E. and Undercover.

The inaugural Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) New Products Showcase event, held at the All Truck Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on August 6–8, 2010, proved to be a hit with both the TORA participants and event attendees.
This brand-new TORA member benefit gave participating companies the opportunity to display products in front of one of the largest gatherings of truck enthusiasts in the country. Each product was placed for display, and an information sign was prepared for each one, providing enthusiasts with a product description, suggested retail price, company contact information and All Truck Nationals booth number (if the company was displaying at the event). Carlisle Events located the TORA New Products Showcase tent strategically at the entrance to the manufacturer’s midway, ensuring that virtually every midway visitor would pass through the area. Thirty-five products from 15 TORA-member companies were on display inside the tent, and A.R.E. and Undercover each provided a fullsize truck to display their products on. The trucks made perfect bookends on either side of the tent.

TORA had each product professionally photographed in order to provide additional exposure. The photos were then used in a looping video shown in the TORA booth and at the TORA Fall Nationals Awards Reception held at the 2010 SEMA Show. Finally, the same photos are now housed on the TORA webpages.

The program will be repeated at this year’s Carlisle event. There is no fee for having a product in the TORA New Products Showcase. Everything except shipping costs is included in the annual TORA membership dues. If a member company is exhibiting at the All Truck Nationals, company staff may hand-deliver their product(s) to the Showcase tent. Non-exhibitors need only pay for shipping to be included in the Showcase. SEMA and Carlisle Events staff take care of receiving, unpacking, placing, photographing, repacking and reshipping of all products.

On p. 8 is a list of all the companies and products that were on display in the 2010 TORA New Products Showcase. Be sure to visit the TORA website to see photographs and complete descriptions of the products. And look for further details in the coming months as TORA prepares for the second New Products Showcase, again hosted by the Carlisle All Truck Nationals on August 5–7, 2011. For more information about the event, visit www.carlisleevents.com.

TORA New Products Showcase Manufacturers

Airaid Filter Co. Carbureted Air Filter Assembly and MPX Series Cold-Air Intake A.R.E. Truck Vault and Z-Series Fiberglass Truck Cap Bedrug Bedrug Full Bed Liner and Bedtred Full Bed Liner Big Country Widesider Dual Bar/Step Pad Cal Trend Custom-Tailored Seat Covers Extang Revolution Roll-Up Tonneau Cover, Solid Fold Tonneau Cover and Trifecta Tonneau Cover Go Rhino! Dominator III Bar/Step Pad and “Step N Tow” Hitch and Step Hella Inc. 500 Black Magic Driving Lamps				Hellwig Products Hellwig Air Suspension Husky Liners Huskyliner Floor Liners Rolling Big Power RBP Diesel Fuel Additive and RBP Exhaust Tip Superchips Racing Diesel Tuner TruXedo Edge Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover, Lo Pro QT Roll-Up Tonneau Cover and Truxport Tonneau Cover Undercover Inc. Classic Tonneau Cover, SE Tonneau Cover and “Swingcase” Lockable Bed Storage Weathertech Floor Liners, All-Weather Floor Mats, Cargo/Truck Liners, Exterior Side-Window Deflectors, License Plate Frames and Mud Flaps

Select Committee Nominations

TORA is currently accepting nominations for its Select Committee. While service does require volunteer time, there is no better way to get involved with SEMA or to “give back” to the industry. Visit here for more information if you think you might be interested.