SEMA members have noticed a trend in late-model musclecars from the ’60s–’90s.

As the world’s premier automotive specialty-products trade show, the 2010 SEMA Show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 2–5, attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries and also provides a unique opportunity for buyers and exhibitors to connect.

The Show covers the entire realm of the specialty-equipment industry and is comprised of 12 categories: Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Hot Rod Alley; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Paint, Body & Equipment; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Racing & Performance; Restoration Marketplace; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Tools & Equipment; Trucks, SUVs and Off-Road; Wheels & Accessories; and OEM.

Each will be highlighted separately every week in SEMA eNews. This week’s category is Hot Rod Alley. So far, 80 hot-rod companies—13 of which are first-timers—are exhibiting in 258 booths in the Central Hall.

In 1988, exhibitors gathered in what was referred to as "Street Rod Equipment," making this the oldest section of the SEMA Show and a clear sign of how integral the niche is to the industry. The hot-rod market is made up of restoration, street-performance and street-rod and custom niches, and each is segmented into three categories: accessories; performance; and wheels, tires and suspension. According to SEMA research, in 2009, 45% of buyers sold to street performance and 43% sold to restoration.

“Hot Rod Alley is among the few sections of the Show that has been with us from the start and it's the cornerstone of our industry,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “It's not the largest section in terms of numbers, but in value and importance, everything else was built around the hot-rod market. It's not a branch on a tree; it's one of the roots.”

Retail sales for the street-rod and custom niche experienced a 20% increase from 2004–2008, while restoration retail sales have increased 17% during that same period. The top three products purchased among hot-rod enthusiasts were carburetors (43%), intake manifolds (42%) and exhaust headers (42%), while 25% planned to purchase exhaust kits. Sixty-five percent spent more than $1,000 on accessories and performance parts in a 12-month period. And, despite the slumping economy, according to SEMA research, 65% of jobbers and retailers surveyed said business was either flat or up last year.

SEMA members also have noticed a trend in late-model musclecars from the ’60s–’90s. According to Experian, last year there were 802,578 Chrysler, Ford and General Motors vehicles, model years ’67–’72, registered in the United States. They were made up of ’68 and ’69 Camaros and ’67 Mustangs.

Hot rodding is a hobby centered around making drastic improvements to old cars in both aesthetics and performance. Hot rodders may delay their purchases of parts and/or vehicles, but once the economy rebounds, they should return.

Buyers: Click here to register for the 2010 SEMA Show.

Exhibitors: Click here to reserve your space for the 2010 SEMA Show.

Click here to view the online floor plan.

	Hurst Performance is backing its products, parts and installations with a three-year/30,000-mile warranty through SEMA's ProPledge Program.

In an effort to continue providing its automotive OEM and dealership consumers with added value, Hurst Performance Vehicles has joined the rapidly growing SEMA ProPledge warranty program as a manufacturer.

The leading performance brand’s partnership with ProPledge ensures a three-year/36,000-mile warranty on its products, parts and installations, resulting in a win-win situation for all parties involved with the sale and purchase of a Hurst aftermarket performance vehicle.

“We are confident that our involvement as a SEMA ProPledge manufacturer will provide our automotive OEM and dealership customers with quality assurance and peace of mind, while allowing us to garner increased market visibility and possible new business opportunities,” said Nate Shelton, president of Hurst Performance Vehicles.

ProPledge is an industry-wide initiative targeted to overcome the traditional barriers associated with specialty aftermarket products sold during the new-vehicle sales process—namely warranty and customer satisfaction scores.

It is a cooperative initiative comprised of SEMA-member manufacturers and installers committed to delivering quality products and services. By way of ProPledge, dealers can offer to customers industry-backed warranted products from participating manufacturers and restylers ensuring dealership confidence and consumer satisfaction.

“The ProPledge program has proven to be an effective tool for helping manufacturers increase sales and brand recognition at the dealership level,” said Joe Sebergandio, ProPledge operations director. “Having an iconic brand such as Hurst join the program is a testament to the value of ProPledge. It’s also significant because it adds a comprehensive line of performance products to the list of items included in the ProPledge program” (an in-depth discussion with Sebergandio about ProPledge can be found here.)

By partnering with Hurst Performance Vehicles—one of the most recognized and revered names in automobile history—SEMA is adding additional value to the ProPledge program by providing an effective communication medium connecting aftermarket manufacturers to restylers to dealers, which, ultimately, communicates the ProPledge advantage to the retail consumer.

Read more about the benefits of ProPledge from these participating members:

Alliant Insurance
Auto Trim of Denver
Check Corporation

For more information on the Hurst-ProPledge partnership, visit www.propledge.com.

	Hurst Performance is backing its products, parts and installations with a three-year/30,000-mile warranty through SEMA's ProPledge Program.

In an effort to continue providing its automotive OEM and dealership consumers with added value, Hurst Performance Vehicles has joined the rapidly growing SEMA ProPledge warranty program as a manufacturer.

The leading performance brand’s partnership with ProPledge ensures a three-year/36,000-mile warranty on its products, parts and installations, resulting in a win-win situation for all parties involved with the sale and purchase of a Hurst aftermarket performance vehicle.

“We are confident that our involvement as a SEMA ProPledge manufacturer will provide our automotive OEM and dealership customers with quality assurance and peace of mind, while allowing us to garner increased market visibility and possible new business opportunities,” said Nate Shelton, president of Hurst Performance Vehicles.

ProPledge is an industry-wide initiative targeted to overcome the traditional barriers associated with specialty aftermarket products sold during the new-vehicle sales process—namely warranty and customer satisfaction scores.

It is a cooperative initiative comprised of SEMA-member manufacturers and installers committed to delivering quality products and services. By way of ProPledge, dealers can offer to customers industry-backed warranted products from participating manufacturers and restylers ensuring dealership confidence and consumer satisfaction.

“The ProPledge program has proven to be an effective tool for helping manufacturers increase sales and brand recognition at the dealership level,” said Joe Sebergandio, ProPledge operations director. “Having an iconic brand such as Hurst join the program is a testament to the value of ProPledge. It’s also significant because it adds a comprehensive line of performance products to the list of items included in the ProPledge program” (an in-depth discussion with Sebergandio about ProPledge can be found here.)

By partnering with Hurst Performance Vehicles—one of the most recognized and revered names in automobile history—SEMA is adding additional value to the ProPledge program by providing an effective communication medium connecting aftermarket manufacturers to restylers to dealers, which, ultimately, communicates the ProPledge advantage to the retail consumer.

Read more about the benefits of ProPledge from these participating members:

Alliant Insurance
Auto Trim of Denver
Check Corporation

For more information on the Hurst-ProPledge partnership, visit www.propledge.com.

	Hurst Performance is backing its products, parts and installations with a three-year/30,000-mile warranty through SEMA's ProPledge Program.

In an effort to continue providing its automotive OEM and dealership consumers with added value, Hurst Performance Vehicles has joined the rapidly growing SEMA ProPledge warranty program as a manufacturer.

The leading performance brand’s partnership with ProPledge ensures a three-year/36,000-mile warranty on its products, parts and installations, resulting in a win-win situation for all parties involved with the sale and purchase of a Hurst aftermarket performance vehicle.

“We are confident that our involvement as a SEMA ProPledge manufacturer will provide our automotive OEM and dealership customers with quality assurance and peace of mind, while allowing us to garner increased market visibility and possible new business opportunities,” said Nate Shelton, president of Hurst Performance Vehicles.

ProPledge is an industry-wide initiative targeted to overcome the traditional barriers associated with specialty aftermarket products sold during the new-vehicle sales process—namely warranty and customer satisfaction scores.

It is a cooperative initiative comprised of SEMA-member manufacturers and installers committed to delivering quality products and services. By way of ProPledge, dealers can offer to customers industry-backed warranted products from participating manufacturers and restylers ensuring dealership confidence and consumer satisfaction.

“The ProPledge program has proven to be an effective tool for helping manufacturers increase sales and brand recognition at the dealership level,” said Joe Sebergandio, ProPledge operations director. “Having an iconic brand such as Hurst join the program is a testament to the value of ProPledge. It’s also significant because it adds a comprehensive line of performance products to the list of items included in the ProPledge program” (an in-depth discussion with Sebergandio about ProPledge can be found here.)

By partnering with Hurst Performance Vehicles—one of the most recognized and revered names in automobile history—SEMA is adding additional value to the ProPledge program by providing an effective communication medium connecting aftermarket manufacturers to restylers to dealers, which, ultimately, communicates the ProPledge advantage to the retail consumer.

Read more about the benefits of ProPledge from these participating members:

Alliant Insurance
Auto Trim of Denver
Check Corporation

For more information on the Hurst-ProPledge partnership, visit www.propledge.com.

	Register for BTS 2010 and not only will you leave with the latest online marketing knowledge, but also possibly an iPad, Flip camcorder or hundreds of dollars worth on online advertising credits.

Want to know how you can put social media to work to drive revenues, increase sales and establish a dialogue with prospective customers? The SEMA Business Technology Symposium, scheduled July 23 in Pasadena, California, will provide you with practical advice, case studies—good and bad—and real-world tips that can put all aspects of social media to work for your business.

Attend the SEMA 2010 Business Technology Symposium, sponsored by SEMA and the Street Performance Council (SPC), and learn:

• How Facebook, Twitter and YouTube can multiply your company’s sales
• Do’s and Don’ts from an all-star lineup of marketing professionals
• Strategies for avoiding social media disasters that can jeopardize sales and your company’s reputation
• Reasons why social media is so much different, and often less expensive, than traditional media
• How to take advantage of the smart phones and iPads your prospective customers are using, including coupons, rebates and instant rewards
• Specific tips for creating content and entire campaigns
• Tools for measuring your social media return on investment

Marketing has changed dramatically in the past two years. If you’re not tuned in, you’re in danger of falling behind to your competitors. The early-bird registration allows you to save $30 and is available by midnight tonight:

• Council Members: $99–includes Symposium and lunch.
• SEMA Members: $149–includes Symposium, lunch and one-year SPC membership (up to $100 value). After the first registration, additional company employees may register for the discounted fee of $99.
• Non-Members: $199–includes Symposium and lunch.

Attend the 2010 Business Technology Symposium and you'll walk away with essential social media and mobile marketing secrets presented by speakers from eBay Motors and J.D. Power and Associates, and just maybe $1,000 of online forum advertising from Cie Studios; an Apple iPad courtesy of Parts Pro ($499 MSRP), $250 worth of Google mobile advertising from Schiefer Media; a Pure Digital Flip Ultra camcorder ($149 MSRP) courtesy of Advanced Clutch Technology; or one of five Apple iPods courtesy of eBay Motors ($59 MSRP) or any of several other giveaways. At the conclusion of the conference, we will randomly draw each lucky winner's name for each one of the these giveaways*.

Don’t wait—register now at www.sema.org/bts.

The Business Technology Symposium is part of SEMA 2010 Leadership Days, a two-day event series that includes the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Pinewood Drag Races and Show ‘N Shine car show.

*Symposium participation is not required to win any of the giveaways and participation will not improve your chances of winning. To be entered in the drawing, simply e-mail your name, address and phone number to StaciB@sema.org.

Visit SPC's website.

In today’s competitive marketplace, every business must take advantage of technology to build brand awareness, connect with customers and promote sales. Whether you’re a business owner, IT professional or in charge of your company’s marketing, you can’t afford to miss the Business Technology Symposium (BTS), powered by the Street Performance Council (SPC). Eight essential eCommerce supersessions, presented by industry experts, will inform, entertain and provide you with skills you need for success moving forward.

• Mobile Devices: The Future of Mobile Marketing: Mobile device applications are on the verge of revolutionizing sales and marketing just as radically as the Internet did during the past decade. Learn how to apply mobile applications to your promotions, including Microsoft “Get Tag,” mobile barcoding and more. Presenter: Nathan Sacco, eBay.

• Reaching Your Customers on Forums and Blogs: In this Internet age, everyone uses the web to research, select and buy products. Forums and blogs have become sounding boards for consumers around the world, informing peer networks about innovations and markets. Small businesses must take advantage of these resources. Learn how to create, manage and interact on your own forums or blogs to bring maximum impact for your brand. Moderator: Tyler Tanaka, PostRelease. Panelists: Adrian Harris, Internet Brands; Stewart Lawson, VerticalScope; Mike Martinez, izmocars.

• Grab Market Share with Search Engine Marketing & Pay-Per-Click: Search engines are the indispensible tool people use to find products in the modern world, and they partner with pay-per-click advertising for the most efficient way to obtain customers. Any business that operates a website to market its products must understand how to use keywords and pay-per-click to attract traffic and maximize sales. Learn the top techniques in this supersession. Presenter: Matt Bailey, SiteLogic Online Marketing.

• Getting People to Read Your E-mails: Write, click and send. Easy, eh? But it’s also easy for your recipient to hit delete. Learn how to ensure that your e-mails are not only opened but compel the recipient to act. This session will explain the optimum techniques for small-business owners, focusing on case studies and best practices, software tools and templates for success. Presenter: Michael Kelly, ClickMail.

• Market Research in the Digital Age: Information is king in online marketing, and compiling information from your customers can help you build a better business. Learn how to use online surveying tools, focus groups and social media sites, and then develop your own surveys by understanding the right types of questions to ask. Moderator: Tom Myroniak, SEMA. Panelists: Michael Cooperman, J.D. Power & Associates; Dan Hall, AutoPacific; David Parcell, Harris Interactive; Famous Rhodes, eBay Motors.

• Converting Leads to Sales With Customer Relationship Management: Find new clients and retain current customers by using technology to organize and automate your business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, learn about the features and benefits of the latest software packages. There’s money to be saved by managing your customers’ data. Presenter: Jeff Scott, C-Level Management.

• Good Data=More Sales: If your customers can’t find your products or don’t understand how the information on your website is presented, they won’t buy today and won’t be back tomorrow. In this session, learn how to organize and maintain your data. A relatively modest investment in time and resources now will bring the reward of success far into the future. Moderator: Famous Rhodes, eBay Motors. Panelists: Rob Eberhart, DCi; Cameron Evans, Red Line Oil; Matt Gold, RPMware; Gigi Ho, Digital Performance.

• Social Media for Your Business: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube can multiply your company’s sales, but proper use of social media involves much more than just showing up. Learn the do’s and don’ts of these new communications forms from an all-star lineup of marketing professionals. Even more important, learn how to avoid social media disasters that can jeopardize sales. Moderator: Tyler Tanaka, PostRelease. Panelists: Mark Davidson, Shift+One Media; Bryan Elliott, SoCal Action Sports Network; Matt Martelli, Mad Media; Mike Martinez, izmocars.

Attend the 2010 Business Technology Symposium and you’ll walk away with essential social media and mobile marketing secrets and a whole lot more and just maybe, an Apple iPad with an MSRP of $499. At the conclusion of the conference we will randomly draw the name of one lucky person who will win the iPad. But don’t wait, register now at www.sema.org/bts and save $30.

SEMA council members can register for $99, which includes entrance to the 2010 Business Technology Symposium and lunch.
 The rate for SEMA members is $149, includes entrance to the 2010 Business Technology Symposium, lunch and a one-year SPC membership (up to $100 value). After the first BTS registration, additional company employees may register for the discounted fee of $99.

Registration fee for non-members is $199 and includes entrance to the 2010 Business Technology Symposium and lunch. Parking is available in, and adjacent to, the Convention Center for $9. For more information and to register for SEMA’s SPC Business Technology Symposium, visit www.sema.org/bts.

The Business Technology Symposium is part of Leadership Days. Other Leadership Days activities include the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the Pinewood Drag Races and the Show ‘N Shine car show.

Find the Business Possibilities Through the SPC

Participate in the automotive aftermarket at a whole new level by joining the SPC.

The purpose of SEMA councils is to help our member companies succeed and prosper. In the SPC, our mission is to provide market information, education and support to our members concerning new and emerging trends. Whether it’s the latest business technology, forecasting sales, future marketing solutions or up and coming vehicle platforms, we give you and your company the chance to see what’s on the horizon.

Then we’ll help you understand and acquire the skills, tools and technologies to lead the way. The SPC has the most diverse membership of any SEMA council, and that will allow you to network with other professionals from every facet of our industry and gain insights into areas you may not have previously considered. Find out about the parts, people, technologies, strategies, trends and, most important, possibilities.

This is your chance to give something back to the industry, your profession and to grow personally along the way. Join the SPC today and become an active member of the specialty equipment and automotive market — Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, SPC Chairman

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SPC is!

Be sure to follow SPC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/spc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

Read SPC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SPC, contact Angela Lee.

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Visit MPMC's website.

Media Trade Conference Exhibitor Registration Now Open

MPMC-member companies may now register for one of the 100 available exhibitor suites at the 2011 MPMC Media Trade Conference. Exhibitor registrations must be submitted using the online registration form [here].

The 14th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference takes place on January 25–27, 2011, at the Embassy Suites LAX South in El Segundo, California. A maximum of 100 MPMC manufacturers are assigned a suite in the hotel and host as many as 42 one-on-one, 30-minute meetings with editorial staff from national and international automotive media.

Exhibitor registration is open until August 20, 2010. If more than 100 registrations are received by the deadline, then the 100 available suites will be assigned via lottery. See event Rules and Regulations or via the online registration form.

MPMC Business Guidelines Manual
An MPMC task force is currently working on updates to the MPMC Business Guidelines Manual. A survey was emailed to all MPMC companies on July 1, 2010, asking for input on topics and content for the next update. If you are the primary MPMC contact and have not seen the survey, please check your spam or junk folder, as survey attachments or links often get caught in spam filters. If you are unable to locate the e-mail, please contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org and we will forward another right away.

Deadline for submission is Wednesday, July 21, so don’t delay.

MPMC Hall of Fame—Who Will Be the First Inductees?

MPMC is proud to announce the formation of the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council Hall of Fame. The MPMC Hall of Fame will permanently acknowledge those who have made a significant contribution to the motorsports manufacturing segment of the aftermarket and/or the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council.

Nominations are currently being accepted online from the MPMC website at www.sema.org/mpmc.

There are many individuals who deserve a place in the MPMC Hall of Fame. Of course, only so many can be inducted each year. The online form is quick and easy to use, so don’t delay. Get your nomination or nominations in now.

MPMC Welcomes New Select Committee Members

MPMC welcomes six brand new members to the Select Committee as a result of recent elections. They are:

• William Baty, Centerforce Clutches
• Todd Gartshore, Baer Inc.
• Scott Hall, Moroso Performance Products
• John Sonnefeldt, Holley Performance
• Steve Williams, K&N Engineering
• Gary Wright, Painless Performance Products.

“This year saw quite a turnover in the Select Committee,” said newly installed Chairman Kyle Fickler of Weld Racing. “We have an interesting mix of returning incumbents and fresh faces which should make for a dynamic group. Vic Wood (newly installed chair-elect) and I are looking forward to working with everyone.”

The MPMC Select Committee, with member profiles, can be seen on the MPMC homepage at www.sema.org/mpmc.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MPMC Is!

Be sure to follow MPMC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mpmc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

Take a Friend to a Race Fan Page

The MPMC Motorsports Awareness campaign, highlighted by the Take a Friend to a Race program, now has its very own Fanpage on Facebook. If you’re not a fan yet, you should be!

MPMC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MPMC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.

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Visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Welcomes New Select Committee Members

As a result of the recent elections, ARMO has four new members on the Select Committee. Todd Bidwell of Parts Unlimited and Camee Edelbrock of Schiefer Media each began their first term as a Select Committee member last Thursday, July 1. Matt Agosta of Steele Rubber Products, while “new” for this year, is actually beginning his second round on the Select Committee. Agosta is a former ARMO chair, and former SEMA Board of Directors member. The complete ARMO Select Committee roster for 2010–2011 may be found on the ARMO website at www.sema.org/armo.

ARMO Industry Award Nominations Open

Nominations for the annual ARMO Industry awards are now open. Nomination forms are completely electronic this year, simply click on the “Nominate Your ARMO Top Performers Today” link in the upper left corner of the ARMO homepage at www.sema.org/armo. Each form takes just a minute or less to complete and submit, and all ARMO members are encouraged to participate.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? ARMO Is!

Be sure to follow ARMO on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/armo and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News

Read ARMO's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.

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Visit HRIA's website

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? HRIA is!

Be sure to follow HRIA on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/hria and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

Read HRIA's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about HRIA and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

 

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Visit TORA's website.

TORA Award Nominations Are Open

Each year, the TORA recognizes industry achievements through its annual awards program. The winners of these prestigious awards will be recognized at the 2010 SEMA Show TORA Awards reception taking place on November 3, 2010, at the Las Vegas Renaissance Hotel.

Online nomination forms are available on the TORA website at www.sema.org/TORA.

Nominations are currently being accepted for:

• 2010 TORA Retailer of the Year Award
• 2010 TORA Hall of Fame Award
• 2010 TORA Ron Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence

The new online nomination forms are quick and easy to use. Don’t miss this opportunity to nominate a person or company that deserves recognition.

TORA Welcomes New Select Committee Members

As a result of recent elections, TORA welcomes two brand-new Select Committee members. David Crocket of Rolling Big Power and Isaac Ronquillo of Big Country/Go Rhino Products began their first terms as select committee members last Thursday, July 1. The election results also included returning incumbents Tom Brooks of Truckin’ Thunder, Bill Cole of Yankee Customs Inc., Fred Snow of Hella Lighting and Melanie White of Hellwig Products.

The complete 2010–2011 TORA Select Committee may be found on the TORA homepage at www.sema.org/TORA.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? TORA Is!

Be sure to follow TORA on all of your favorite social networking sites.

To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/TORA and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

TORA Column in SEMA Member News

Read TORA's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.

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Visit MRC's website.

MRC Long-Range Planning Meeting

MRC will host its annual Long-Range Planning meeting at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix, on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, from 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Dinner will be served. All reps are welcome and encouraged to participate in this open and interactive forum.

Participate in the meeting: Be part of the present—be part of the future—address issues faced daily by reps in all segments of the automotive industry.

For meeting coordinators to be able to accommodate food and beverage, attendees are asked to take a moment and download the RSVP form, call 909/978-6693 or e-mail stacib@sema.org by September 15, 2010.

MRC Rep Conference Coming to Vegas!!

The 9th annual MRC Rep Conference moves to Las Vegas at the 2010 SEMA Show. Bryan Shirley, president and CEO of the Manufacturers’ Agents National Association will host an open and interactive session titled “Survival of the Fittest! Is that You?” The economy has redefined the new automotive aftermarket…now it’s time to redefine yourself!

The MRC Rep Conference will convene at the Las Vegas Hilton on Sunday, October 31, 2010, from 4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. The early-bird price for SEMA members is $49 ($69 for non-members). Online event registration is now available! For additional information, contact SEMA Council Liaison Staci Bostock at 909/978-6693 or stacib@sema.org.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MRC is!

Be sure to follow MRC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mrc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MRC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about MRC, contact Staci Bostock.

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Visit PRO's website.

Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Council?

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their PRO efforts, and for that we say, “thank you,” to those companies!

The leaders of the PRO gathered earlier this year in Lima, Ohio, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the PRO-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies, and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each PRO member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “address the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to develop effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Education Task Force
Brian Champa (Check Corporation) and Bill North (Webasto Product North America) co-chair this task force and can be reached at bchampa@checkcorp.com or bill.north@webasto-us.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) recently launched, and the group is tasked with expanding the number of events each year to ensure that training and education become primary drivers for our industry.

NovemberFest Task Force
Mike Stanifer (Innovative Creations Inc.) chairs this group and can be reached at mike@icionline.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making PRO’s awards reception the place to be and offering a fun forum to bring passionate members with common interests together.

Membership Task Force
Joey Johnston (Tops & Trends) chairs this group and can be reached at joey@topsandtrends.com. The success of any council or initiative is dependent upon its members. This task force focuses on growth, promotion and retention. It is important that we mentor new members on council activities, events, meetings and benefits.

ProPledge Task Force
David Stringer (Insignia Group) chairs this group and can be reached at dstringer@insigniagroup.com. The purpose of this group is to promote industry standards and to improve the perception of aftermarket installations throughout the restyling industry. ProPledge offers dealers a warranty program and is committed to delivering quality products and services.

There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year. You are the expert at what your business needs, and this council wants to deliver. Feel free to get in touch with us or come to one of our PRO events. Our hope is that if you haven’t been a part of PRO yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? PRO Is!

Be sure to follow PRO on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/pro and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

PRO Column in SEMA Member News

Read PRO's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

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Visit SBN's website.

Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career. In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

Visit the SEMA Mentoring Program now.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SBN is!

Be sure to follow SBN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/sbn and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

SBN Column in SEMA Member News

Read SBN's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SBN, contact Angela Lee.

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Visit WTC's website

Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Wheel and Tire (WTC) Council?

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their WTC efforts, and for that we say “thank you” to those companies!

The leaders of the WTC gathered earlier this year at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the WTC-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each WTC member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “identify common problems and opportunities relating to the wheel and tire industries that the council, as an interested body of companies, can address for the common good.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Science and Technology Task Force
Tim Dietz (Standards Testing Laboratories Inc.) and can be reached at tdietz@stllabs.com. This group focuses on aftermarket and OEM advances that affect our industry. From creating wheel standards to improved processes for tire-pressure monitoring systems and electronic stability control, the Science and Technology Task Force plays a pivotal role in the industry’s advancement.

Education Task Force
Kelly Austin (Ultra Wheel Company) chairs this group and can be reached at kelly@mail.ultrawheel.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The WTC Task Force is responsible for partnering with the SEMA Educational Institute to create and promote online learning resources.

Communication and Marketing Task Force
Doug Frymer (Law Offices of Douglas A. Frymer) chairs this group and can be reached at legal@starshieldarmor.com. This group focuses on membership outreach, growth and retention. It is imperative that councils effectively communicate services provided by WTC and SEMA to our members. Communication and services ensure that there is proper dialogue between leadership and membership.

SEMA Show Task Force
David Insull (American Tire Distributors) chairs this group and can be reached at dinsull@atd-us.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making WTC’s awards reception an ideal place to get together, honor one another and network with all those who share a common passion.

There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year. You are the expert at what your business needs and this council wants to deliver. Feel free to get in touch with us or come to one of our WTC events. Our hope is that, if you haven’t been a part of WTC yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? WTC is!

Be sure to follow WTC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/wtc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

WTC Column in SEMA Member News

Read WTC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about WTC and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call or 909/978-6696.

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Visit YEN's website.

Join YEN

Did you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the SEMA Young Executives Network for FREE. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

YEN Member of the Month Spotlight

Did you know that YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections or to make a nomination, visit www.sema.org/yen.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? YEN is!

Be sure to follow YEN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/yen and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

YEN Column in SEMA Member News

Read YEN's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about YEN, contact Angela Lee.

	For 2010, SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) have created a tire industry-only part of the SEMA Show called the Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA. The new Expo will be open to all segments of the tire industry.

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has announced the "Truck Tires at 10" educational sessions for the 2010 Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA, which is a part of the 2010 SEMA Show, taking place November 2–5, 2010 in Las Vegas. For the latest Expo information and updates, visit the "Events" section of www.tireindustry.org.

Truck Tires at 10: Wednesday, November 3: Bead Lubricants and Chamber Fires: Commercial tire service and retreading have basically operated independent of each other for years, but the problem of chamber fires has been linked to certain bead lubricants and release agents. Besides the possible link to chamber fires, the use of these compounds also poses an occupational health risk to employees. This seminar will address the risks of using flammable bead lubricants and introduce extensive research on a new bead lubricant and release agent that is petroleum-free and non-flammable.

Thursday, November 4: TMC Radial Tire & Disc Wheel Service Manual: Last year, the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) released the TMC Radial Tire & Disc Wheel Service Manual, a project that took years to complete and is the work of TMC's S.2 Tire and Wheel Study Group. This seminar will outline the information contained in the TMC Radial Tire & Disc Wheel Service Manual and demonstrate how it can be used as a reference in the field.

Interested Expo attendees can find out the latest session and speaker information, as well as hotel reservations and TIA special-event information, by visiting the "Events" section of www.tireindustry.org.

Environment Canada issued a SEMA-supported final rule to indefinitely extend an exemption allowing the use of leaded gasoline in competition motor vehicles. The exemption has been renewed several times since it was first established in 1996. SEMA had previously opposed efforts to permanently terminate the exemption and effectively ban racing vehicles using leaded fuel. The new rule recognizes the relationship between the Canadian and U.S. racing industries and adopts a consistent environmental approach to leaded fuel use.

In comments to Environment Canada, SEMA identified a number of reasons to continue the exemption, including:

• In the United States, the Clean Air Act specifically exempts leaded fuels for competition-use vehicles;
• The North American racing industry is fully integrated, with both competitors and spectators crossing country borders to participate in and attend events;
• There are an estimated 165 racing facilities operating in Canada that support thousands of jobs and generate millions of dollars of economic benefit for local businesses and communities;
• Although there are fuel alternatives for some racing vehicles, the drag-racing industry still requires leaded gasoline; and
• While the racing industry continues to move towards long-term independence from leaded fuel, the amount used in Canada is miniscule when compared to total leaded fuel use: 2% by competition vehicles versus 98% by piston engine aircraft. To put the issue in perspective, 99.8% of gasoline used in Canada is already lead free.

Environment Canada will conduct a five-year review and revisit the exemption issue if necessary based on science, technology and fuel replacement developments. Meanwhile, Environment Canada will work with the racing industry to encourage a voluntary reduction or phase-out of leaded racing fuel.

For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Environment Canada issued a SEMA-supported final rule to indefinitely extend an exemption allowing the use of leaded gasoline in competition motor vehicles. The exemption has been renewed several times since it was first established in 1996. SEMA had previously opposed efforts to permanently terminate the exemption and effectively ban racing vehicles using leaded fuel. The new rule recognizes the relationship between the Canadian and U.S. racing industries and adopts a consistent environmental approach to leaded fuel use.

In comments to Environment Canada, SEMA identified a number of reasons to continue the exemption, including:

• In the United States, the Clean Air Act specifically exempts leaded fuels for competition-use vehicles;
• The North American racing industry is fully integrated, with both competitors and spectators crossing country borders to participate in and attend events;
• There are an estimated 165 racing facilities operating in Canada that support thousands of jobs and generate millions of dollars of economic benefit for local businesses and communities;
• Although there are fuel alternatives for some racing vehicles, the drag-racing industry still requires leaded gasoline; and
• While the racing industry continues to move towards long-term independence from leaded fuel, the amount used in Canada is miniscule when compared to total leaded fuel use: 2% by competition vehicles versus 98% by piston engine aircraft. To put the issue in perspective, 99.8% of gasoline used in Canada is already lead free.

Environment Canada will conduct a five-year review and revisit the exemption issue if necessary based on science, technology and fuel replacement developments. Meanwhile, Environment Canada will work with the racing industry to encourage a voluntary reduction or phase-out of leaded racing fuel.

For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published answers to “frequently asked questions” (FAQs) to help businesses better understand the FTC’s “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The guides were revised in October 2009 to clarify that they apply to all types of advertising, including via social media websites and blogs. Disclosure to consumers of the relationship between ads and advertisers has always been the focus of the guides, and the October 2009 revisions detail which messages qualify as advertisements in the digital age.

The FTC clarified that messages must either be easily discernable to consumers as advertisements, and when they are not conspicuous ads, include disclaimers. The FAQ document breaks-down what is and is not permissible in online advertising endorsements/testimonials. It explains that advertisers utilizing online forums to post testimonials must include a disclaimer to inform consumers that the testimonials have been influenced by the company producing, selling or marketing the product that is being recommended.

The FAQ document may be downloaded here.

For more information, contact Ashley Ailsworth at ashleya@sema.org.