Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.

Jim Considine of Considine Sales & Marketing took the stage during the 2009 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet to accept the Rep Agency of the Year honor.

The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award has been established to honor a rep agency for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past twelve (12) months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Congratulations to All Midwest Sales, Michael Kunzman & Associates and R&R Marketing on becoming finalists for the 2010 SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award. The winner of the SEMA Rep Agency of the Year will be announced at the SEMA Industry Awards Reception and Banquet on Thursday, November 4, 2010, at the Las Vegas Hilton. The award is chosen based on the following criteria:

• SEMA involvement (i.e., member, service on committees, task forces, councils, board, etc.).
• Quality and frequency of calls to the WD.
• Knowledge of terms and policies of lines/products represented (i.e., technical, general, presentation).
• Communication of critical information between the supplier and client network and vice versa.
• Ability to provide the services required by the manufacturer and the WD.
• Effective implementation of manufacturers’ programs in a timely manner.
• Maintains current and up-to-date catalogs/database files and price sheets/pricing files.
• Consistently reviews and writes up product warranties in a timely manner. 
• Does periodic inventory reviews to ensure WD’s product coverage and inventory turns.
• Integrity of the agency in all operations.
• Conscientious and timely follow-through by reps on specific issues.
• Pursuit of new marketing opportunities. 
• Maintains continuous training and education programs.
• Troubleshoots and attempts to resolve any problems related to a rep’s line/product.
• Supports and actively participates in WD open houses and other events.
• Makes in-field jobber calls on behalf of the WD and manufacturer and report’s findings.

Jim Considine of Considine Sales & Marketing took the stage during the 2009 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet to accept the Rep Agency of the Year honor.

The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award has been established to honor a rep agency for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past twelve (12) months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Congratulations to All Midwest Sales, Michael Kunzman & Associates and R&R Marketing on becoming finalists for the 2010 SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award. The winner of the SEMA Rep Agency of the Year will be announced at the SEMA Industry Awards Reception and Banquet on Thursday, November 4, 2010, at the Las Vegas Hilton. The award is chosen based on the following criteria:

• SEMA involvement (i.e., member, service on committees, task forces, councils, board, etc.).
• Quality and frequency of calls to the WD.
• Knowledge of terms and policies of lines/products represented (i.e., technical, general, presentation).
• Communication of critical information between the supplier and client network and vice versa.
• Ability to provide the services required by the manufacturer and the WD.
• Effective implementation of manufacturers’ programs in a timely manner.
• Maintains current and up-to-date catalogs/database files and price sheets/pricing files.
• Consistently reviews and writes up product warranties in a timely manner. 
• Does periodic inventory reviews to ensure WD’s product coverage and inventory turns.
• Integrity of the agency in all operations.
• Conscientious and timely follow-through by reps on specific issues.
• Pursuit of new marketing opportunities. 
• Maintains continuous training and education programs.
• Troubleshoots and attempts to resolve any problems related to a rep’s line/product.
• Supports and actively participates in WD open houses and other events.
• Makes in-field jobber calls on behalf of the WD and manufacturer and report’s findings.

Jim Considine of Considine Sales & Marketing took the stage during the 2009 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet to accept the Rep Agency of the Year honor.

The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award has been established to honor a rep agency for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past twelve (12) months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Congratulations to All Midwest Sales, Michael Kunzman & Associates and R&R Marketing on becoming finalists for the 2010 SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award. The winner of the SEMA Rep Agency of the Year will be announced at the SEMA Industry Awards Reception and Banquet on Thursday, November 4, 2010, at the Las Vegas Hilton. The award is chosen based on the following criteria:

• SEMA involvement (i.e., member, service on committees, task forces, councils, board, etc.).
• Quality and frequency of calls to the WD.
• Knowledge of terms and policies of lines/products represented (i.e., technical, general, presentation).
• Communication of critical information between the supplier and client network and vice versa.
• Ability to provide the services required by the manufacturer and the WD.
• Effective implementation of manufacturers’ programs in a timely manner.
• Maintains current and up-to-date catalogs/database files and price sheets/pricing files.
• Consistently reviews and writes up product warranties in a timely manner. 
• Does periodic inventory reviews to ensure WD’s product coverage and inventory turns.
• Integrity of the agency in all operations.
• Conscientious and timely follow-through by reps on specific issues.
• Pursuit of new marketing opportunities. 
• Maintains continuous training and education programs.
• Troubleshoots and attempts to resolve any problems related to a rep’s line/product.
• Supports and actively participates in WD open houses and other events.
• Makes in-field jobber calls on behalf of the WD and manufacturer and report’s findings.

	Donnie Eatherly of P&E Distributors accepted the award for 2009 SEMA WD of the Year.

The SEMA WD of the Year Award has been established to honor a warehouse distributor for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Congratulations to Meyer Distributing, Motor State Distributing and Racer’s Equipment Warehouse on becoming finalists for the 2010 SEMA WD of the Year Award. The winner of the SEMA WD of the Year will be announced at the SEMA Industry Awards Reception and Banquet on Thursday, November 4, 2010, at the Las Vegas Hilton. The award is chosen based on the following criteria:

• SEMA involvement (i.e., member, ambassador, service on committees, task forces, councils, board etc.).
• Works with jobbers for sales training and support programs.
• Promptly distributes catalogs, price sheets, merchandising aids and general collateral materials.
• Attends industry shows and events.
• Creates programs to further the suppliers' and resellers' chances for successfully getting the product to the consumer.
• Maintains proper inventories to service the resellers on a timely basis.
• Provides the suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed.
• Allows for regular training of their personnel to keep them updated on new products, promotions and trends through rep, factory and/or industry training.
• Presents suppliers, their products and promotions to the reseller in a professional manner.
• Operates in a professional and efficient manner.
• Regularly pays their bills as agreed and in a timely manner.
• Provides the means to get the suppliers product to the reseller in a timely and efficient manner.

	Donnie Eatherly of P&E Distributors accepted the award for 2009 SEMA WD of the Year.

The SEMA WD of the Year Award has been established to honor a warehouse distributor for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Congratulations to Meyer Distributing, Motor State Distributing and Racer’s Equipment Warehouse on becoming finalists for the 2010 SEMA WD of the Year Award. The winner of the SEMA WD of the Year will be announced at the SEMA Industry Awards Reception and Banquet on Thursday, November 4, 2010, at the Las Vegas Hilton. The award is chosen based on the following criteria:

• SEMA involvement (i.e., member, ambassador, service on committees, task forces, councils, board etc.).
• Works with jobbers for sales training and support programs.
• Promptly distributes catalogs, price sheets, merchandising aids and general collateral materials.
• Attends industry shows and events.
• Creates programs to further the suppliers' and resellers' chances for successfully getting the product to the consumer.
• Maintains proper inventories to service the resellers on a timely basis.
• Provides the suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed.
• Allows for regular training of their personnel to keep them updated on new products, promotions and trends through rep, factory and/or industry training.
• Presents suppliers, their products and promotions to the reseller in a professional manner.
• Operates in a professional and efficient manner.
• Regularly pays their bills as agreed and in a timely manner.
• Provides the means to get the suppliers product to the reseller in a timely and efficient manner.

	Donnie Eatherly of P&E Distributors accepted the award for 2009 SEMA WD of the Year.

The SEMA WD of the Year Award has been established to honor a warehouse distributor for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Congratulations to Meyer Distributing, Motor State Distributing and Racer’s Equipment Warehouse on becoming finalists for the 2010 SEMA WD of the Year Award. The winner of the SEMA WD of the Year will be announced at the SEMA Industry Awards Reception and Banquet on Thursday, November 4, 2010, at the Las Vegas Hilton. The award is chosen based on the following criteria:

• SEMA involvement (i.e., member, ambassador, service on committees, task forces, councils, board etc.).
• Works with jobbers for sales training and support programs.
• Promptly distributes catalogs, price sheets, merchandising aids and general collateral materials.
• Attends industry shows and events.
• Creates programs to further the suppliers' and resellers' chances for successfully getting the product to the consumer.
• Maintains proper inventories to service the resellers on a timely basis.
• Provides the suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed.
• Allows for regular training of their personnel to keep them updated on new products, promotions and trends through rep, factory and/or industry training.
• Presents suppliers, their products and promotions to the reseller in a professional manner.
• Operates in a professional and efficient manner.
• Regularly pays their bills as agreed and in a timely manner.
• Provides the means to get the suppliers product to the reseller in a timely and efficient manner.

	Participants of the Speed Networking Breakfast will meet someone new in the automotive industry every few minutes. Last year, the average attendee walked away with five to seven quality industry contacts.

For the second consecutive year, the annual Speed Networking Breakfast powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, being held at 7:15 a.m. Thursday, November 4, at the Las Vegas Hilton Ballroom A, is sold out. The SBN would like to thank this year’s event sponsors for their support:

Titanium Sponsor:
RTM Productions

Platinum Sponsor:
COMP Performance Group

Gold Sponsors:
Advanced Clutch Technologies
K&N Engineering Inc.
Martin & Company
Source Interlink Media
Toyota Motor Sales
TruXedo

Silver Sponsors:
Direct Communications Inc.
Driver Alliant Insurance Services/SEIA
Exports International
Harsch Speedway Commerce Center
Hypertech
Kahn Media
The Marx Group
Masters Entertainment Group Inc.
Mickey Thompson Tires
Skyjacker Suspensions

	Participants of the Speed Networking Breakfast will meet someone new in the automotive industry every few minutes. Last year, the average attendee walked away with five to seven quality industry contacts.

For the second consecutive year, the annual Speed Networking Breakfast powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, being held at 7:15 a.m. Thursday, November 4, at the Las Vegas Hilton Ballroom A, is sold out. The SBN would like to thank this year’s event sponsors for their support:

Titanium Sponsor:
RTM Productions

Platinum Sponsor:
COMP Performance Group

Gold Sponsors:
Advanced Clutch Technologies
K&N Engineering Inc.
Martin & Company
Source Interlink Media
Toyota Motor Sales
TruXedo

Silver Sponsors:
Direct Communications Inc.
Driver Alliant Insurance Services/SEIA
Exports International
Harsch Speedway Commerce Center
Hypertech
Kahn Media
The Marx Group
Masters Entertainment Group Inc.
Mickey Thompson Tires
Skyjacker Suspensions

A SEMA Show sponsor, UPS, will provide attendees the opportunity to learn how to advance their company’s bottom line through exporting.

In a session on Monday, November 1, a SEMA Show sponsor, UPS, will provide attendees the opportunity to learn how to advance their company’s bottom line through exporting. UPS is a long-time advocate of the benefits of international commerce.

Founders of TheEntrepreneurSchool.com, Jim Beach and Chris Hanks will facilitate an informative seminar entitled “Growth Through Global Trade On-Site at the SEMA Show.”

“Jim and Chris have a keen expertise in helping U.S.-based businesses understand the opportunities for exporting, and their insights will certainly prove beneficial for SEMA Show attendees,” said Kristin DeBates, UPS marketing manager serving customers in the automotive industry. “Having learned the challenges of exporting first-hand, Jim and Chris will share tips on how to ease into international markets and where to turn for help.”

The Internet, global communications and an increasingly dynamic global supply chain have opened opportunities for SEMA members to supply goods and services to international markets. With the right partners and advice, SEMA members can begin a new exporting program or pursue additional exporting opportunities in new markets. Below are some tips to help get an exporting program off the ground:

• Lessen the Risk; Find the Right Partners: There are numerous organizations, such as the U.S. Commercial Service (www.trade.gov/cs), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (www.traderoots.org) and SEMA’s own International Relations Program (www.sema.org/international) that offer programs and services to help companies find viable exporting opportunities.
• Frustration-Free Financing: Financing is a key concern for businesses seeking to grow internationally. SEMA members looking for financing options to help advance an exporting program should investigate options with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (www.exim.gov). UPS also offers small business loans, credit lines and insurance options through its UPS Capital subsidiary.
• Research at Your Fingertips: Market research is the foundation of a company’s global growth. With the Internet, learning about new markets is easier than ever. Some great resources include the U.S. government’s export portal (www.export.gov) and country-by-country commercial guides from the U.S. Commercial Service (www.buyusa.gov) and UPS (www.pressroom.ups.com/snapshotsforsmallbiz).
• Find a Shipper Who Can Make Logistics Your Competitive Advantage: Transactions in today’s global arena depend on fast and reliable transportation. When selecting a logistics partner, choose a shipper with a strong presence in countries and cities where you want to do business. Ultimately, this will facilitate greater expertise and flexibility. Shippers with a deep knowledge of your international markets will ensure that there are zero gaps in the supply chain.

To learn more about creating a powerful export program, visit UPS’ booth at this year’s SEMA Show, #11937 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. You can also join one of the UPS-sponsored seminars at the SEMA Show on Monday, November 1: “Growth Through Global Trade” (1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.) or “Business Management: Shipping Technology as a Competitive Advantage” (3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.).

Drop your business card in the specially designated entry box at each of the UPS-sponsored seminars at the 2010 SEMA Show to be entered for a chance to win a tablet computer. Participants may submit one entry at each of the two UPS sessions held on November 1, 2010. Limit of two entries per person. One prize will be awarded. Subject to official rules available at the UPS booth at the SEMA Show.

Contact Kristin DeBates (kdebates@ups.com) for more information about how UPS can put logistics to work for your business.