The Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program offered 527 auto enthusiasts admission to the 2009 SEMA Show in exchange for their reportage on top products and trends to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

In an effort to better analyze the tastes and preferences of today’s auto enthusiasts, SEMA, in coordination with Ford, launched the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program at the 2009 SEMA Show.

The program invited 527 enthusiasts, selected through a rigorous application process, to the second day of the Show and tasked them with using social media, including Twitter and Facebook, to broadcast their personal product and trend highlights of the Show.

Beginning with the New Products Showcase, these opinion leaders were asked to post 10 product highlights to personal Twitter accounts. Their activity actually led to the SEMA Show entering Twitter’s top 10 global trends for that day of the Show (November 4, 2009).

Nearly half of the enthusiasts selected (49%) were between the ages of 25 and 44 and were active users of social media; 44% said they updated their personal sites daily. Not only are they hands-on with their computers and smartphones, but they also turn wrenches; 42% said they work on their cars and trucks themselves, and 55% do both their own work, but also use professional installation services.

Nearly nine in 10 (89%) had done performance upgrades to their vehicle, 86% had added wheels and/or tires, and 81% had done an engine swap or upgrade. Truck/SUV modifiers (62%) slightly outweighed street-performance/musclecar modifiers (57%). Almost half of the enthusiasts owned a GM vehicle (48%), edging out Ford owners (36%).

Read more about the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program in the February issue of SEMA News.

	The Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program offered 527 auto enthusiasts admission to the 2009 SEMA Show in exchange for their reportage on top products and trends to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

In an effort to better analyze the tastes and preferences of today’s auto enthusiasts, SEMA, in coordination with Ford, launched the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program at the 2009 SEMA Show.

The program invited 527 enthusiasts, selected through a rigorous application process, to the second day of the Show and tasked them with using social media, including Twitter and Facebook, to broadcast their personal product and trend highlights of the Show.

Beginning with the New Products Showcase, these opinion leaders were asked to post 10 product highlights to personal Twitter accounts. Their activity actually led to the SEMA Show entering Twitter’s top 10 global trends for that day of the Show (November 4, 2009).

Nearly half of the enthusiasts selected (49%) were between the ages of 25 and 44 and were active users of social media; 44% said they updated their personal sites daily. Not only are they hands-on with their computers and smartphones, but they also turn wrenches; 42% said they work on their cars and trucks themselves, and 55% do both their own work, but also use professional installation services.

Nearly nine in 10 (89%) had done performance upgrades to their vehicle, 86% had added wheels and/or tires, and 81% had done an engine swap or upgrade. Truck/SUV modifiers (62%) slightly outweighed street-performance/musclecar modifiers (57%). Almost half of the enthusiasts owned a GM vehicle (48%), edging out Ford owners (36%).

Read more about the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program in the February issue of SEMA News.

	The Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program offered 527 auto enthusiasts admission to the 2009 SEMA Show in exchange for their reportage on top products and trends to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

In an effort to better analyze the tastes and preferences of today’s auto enthusiasts, SEMA, in coordination with Ford, launched the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program at the 2009 SEMA Show.

The program invited 527 enthusiasts, selected through a rigorous application process, to the second day of the Show and tasked them with using social media, including Twitter and Facebook, to broadcast their personal product and trend highlights of the Show.

Beginning with the New Products Showcase, these opinion leaders were asked to post 10 product highlights to personal Twitter accounts. Their activity actually led to the SEMA Show entering Twitter’s top 10 global trends for that day of the Show (November 4, 2009).

Nearly half of the enthusiasts selected (49%) were between the ages of 25 and 44 and were active users of social media; 44% said they updated their personal sites daily. Not only are they hands-on with their computers and smartphones, but they also turn wrenches; 42% said they work on their cars and trucks themselves, and 55% do both their own work, but also use professional installation services.

Nearly nine in 10 (89%) had done performance upgrades to their vehicle, 86% had added wheels and/or tires, and 81% had done an engine swap or upgrade. Truck/SUV modifiers (62%) slightly outweighed street-performance/musclecar modifiers (57%). Almost half of the enthusiasts owned a GM vehicle (48%), edging out Ford owners (36%).

Read more about the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program in the February issue of SEMA News.

	The Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program offered 527 auto enthusiasts admission to the 2009 SEMA Show in exchange for their reportage on top products and trends to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

In an effort to better analyze the tastes and preferences of today’s auto enthusiasts, SEMA, in coordination with Ford, launched the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program at the 2009 SEMA Show.

The program invited 527 enthusiasts, selected through a rigorous application process, to the second day of the Show and tasked them with using social media, including Twitter and Facebook, to broadcast their personal product and trend highlights of the Show.

Beginning with the New Products Showcase, these opinion leaders were asked to post 10 product highlights to personal Twitter accounts. Their activity actually led to the SEMA Show entering Twitter’s top 10 global trends for that day of the Show (November 4, 2009).

Nearly half of the enthusiasts selected (49%) were between the ages of 25 and 44 and were active users of social media; 44% said they updated their personal sites daily. Not only are they hands-on with their computers and smartphones, but they also turn wrenches; 42% said they work on their cars and trucks themselves, and 55% do both their own work, but also use professional installation services.

Nearly nine in 10 (89%) had done performance upgrades to their vehicle, 86% had added wheels and/or tires, and 81% had done an engine swap or upgrade. Truck/SUV modifiers (62%) slightly outweighed street-performance/musclecar modifiers (57%). Almost half of the enthusiasts owned a GM vehicle (48%), edging out Ford owners (36%).

Read more about the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program in the February issue of SEMA News.

	The Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program offered 527 auto enthusiasts admission to the 2009 SEMA Show in exchange for their reportage on top products and trends to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

In an effort to better analyze the tastes and preferences of today’s auto enthusiasts, SEMA, in coordination with Ford, launched the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program at the 2009 SEMA Show.

The program invited 527 enthusiasts, selected through a rigorous application process, to the second day of the Show and tasked them with using social media, including Twitter and Facebook, to broadcast their personal product and trend highlights of the Show.

Beginning with the New Products Showcase, these opinion leaders were asked to post 10 product highlights to personal Twitter accounts. Their activity actually led to the SEMA Show entering Twitter’s top 10 global trends for that day of the Show (November 4, 2009).

Nearly half of the enthusiasts selected (49%) were between the ages of 25 and 44 and were active users of social media; 44% said they updated their personal sites daily. Not only are they hands-on with their computers and smartphones, but they also turn wrenches; 42% said they work on their cars and trucks themselves, and 55% do both their own work, but also use professional installation services.

Nearly nine in 10 (89%) had done performance upgrades to their vehicle, 86% had added wheels and/or tires, and 81% had done an engine swap or upgrade. Truck/SUV modifiers (62%) slightly outweighed street-performance/musclecar modifiers (57%). Almost half of the enthusiasts owned a GM vehicle (48%), edging out Ford owners (36%).

Read more about the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program in the February issue of SEMA News.

	The Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program offered 527 auto enthusiasts admission to the 2009 SEMA Show in exchange for their reportage on top products and trends to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

In an effort to better analyze the tastes and preferences of today’s auto enthusiasts, SEMA, in coordination with Ford, launched the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program at the 2009 SEMA Show.

The program invited 527 enthusiasts, selected through a rigorous application process, to the second day of the Show and tasked them with using social media, including Twitter and Facebook, to broadcast their personal product and trend highlights of the Show.

Beginning with the New Products Showcase, these opinion leaders were asked to post 10 product highlights to personal Twitter accounts. Their activity actually led to the SEMA Show entering Twitter’s top 10 global trends for that day of the Show (November 4, 2009).

Nearly half of the enthusiasts selected (49%) were between the ages of 25 and 44 and were active users of social media; 44% said they updated their personal sites daily. Not only are they hands-on with their computers and smartphones, but they also turn wrenches; 42% said they work on their cars and trucks themselves, and 55% do both their own work, but also use professional installation services.

Nearly nine in 10 (89%) had done performance upgrades to their vehicle, 86% had added wheels and/or tires, and 81% had done an engine swap or upgrade. Truck/SUV modifiers (62%) slightly outweighed street-performance/musclecar modifiers (57%). Almost half of the enthusiasts owned a GM vehicle (48%), edging out Ford owners (36%).

Read more about the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Program in the February issue of SEMA News.

The Sports Car Club of America Inc. (SCCA) appointed Reece White to public relations manager. White will manage the public relations efforts for such SCCA Pro Racing series as the World Challenge Championships, Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup and Trans-Am Series, as well as SCCA’s Club Racing, Solo and Rally programs. His duties will include feature articles, press releases and media materials on each of the SCCA programs.

THI Corp., parent company of Extang, TruXedo and BedRug, has hired Michael McGunagle as marketing director. He will be responsible for the marketing and branding efforts for all THI product lines. McGunagle has 13 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket industry, working with companies such as Maxxis Tires and Eaton Corp.

The team at CWR Electronics will participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Berkley Township, New Jersey, May 15–16. Team CWR will camp out overnight and take turns walking around the track at Veterans Park to raise money and awareness for the battle against cancer.

ididit Inc. will conduct a tour of its facility on Friday, February 26, in conjunction with the Autorama show in Detroit. A charter bus will depart from Cobo Hall—the location of the Autorama—at 11:30 a.m. and travel to the ididit shop in Tecumseh, Michigan. The company will provide lunch and tours of its hot-rod shop and manufacturing facility. The bus will return visitors to Cobo Hall by 4:00 p.m. To reserve your spot on the bus, contact Jane at 517/424-0577.

Carlisle Companies Inc. created Carlisle Engineered Transportation Solutions (ETS)—comprised of Carlisle Tire & Wheel (CTW), Carlisle Industrial Brake & Friction (CIBF) and Carlisle Power Transmission (CPT)—in December 2009. According to the company, combining the operations into one unit will strengthen the value of the Carlisle brand, create a differentiated platform for their markets and bolster Carlisle’s position with key manufacturing and distribution customers.

Deeza Chassis Parts has added e-Commerce capabilities to its website, www.DeezaChassis.com. The enhancements include the ability for customers to review stock quantities, place regular or drop-ship orders and review order history, statements and invoices.

Advantage Truck Accessories Inc. announced that the company’s quality management system has been assessed and registered by Intertek Testing Services NA Inc. as conforming to the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 as of January 25, 2010. Advantage is the manufacturer of the TorzaTop, HardHat, Sure-Fit folding tonneau covers and WeatherBuster windshield protection coverings.

Mishimoto announced that its T-shirt Design Contest is underway as of February 8. The contest provides enthusiasts the opportunity to determine the next installment in the Mishimoto apparel line. See all of the entries and vote for your favorite.

Know someone who has moved on? Moved up? Let us know. Send releases for "Movers & Shakers" to editors@sema.org.

	Performance parts pioneer and SEMA Hall of Fame member John Simmons passed away on Sunday, February 14.

Performance parts pioneer, SEMA Hall of Fame member, and founder of SECO Equipment Company and SECO Performance Centers, John Simmons, passed away on Sunday, February 14.

"John Simmons was more than my mentor for more than 20 years," said SEMA Chairman of the Board Rick Rollins. "He was like a father that you could always go to for the answers, and not the answers that you wanted to hear, but the ones that came from his many years of experience, and more importantly from his heart."

Simmons started his own warehouse distribution business for performance parts in 1962. He began by selling parts from a trailer that he hauled to race tracks on weekends. By 1967, Simmons was committed to the performance parts business, but he also owned and operated the Helena Dragstrip. Soon after the track was closed in 1967 due to noise, Simmons, along with several partners, acquired Lassiter Mountain Speedway, which they ran for 10 years.

Simmons joined SEMA in 1969 in what was the beginning of a fruitful relationship. Simmons served three terms on the SEMA Board of Directors from 1978–1982 and he chaired the SEMA Finance Committee in 1981. He served on the Awards Judging Committee from 1984–1986, chaired the Person of the Year Award in 1987 and also served as Membership Committee chairman.

In 1980, Simmons was named SEMA Person of the Year and was inducted into SEMA's Hall of Fame in 2004. 

In addition to his SEMA efforts, he was elected and served as a Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Area Director from 1974–1991, served two terms as PWA treasurer and two terms as national director of the PWA. He received the PWA Pioneer Award in 1993 and was one of the founding members of the AAM/Parts Pro group.

All along the way, Simmons made it a point to help others grow and succeed in their businesses, and he always encouraged people to join SEMA, urging them to get involved. He was never shy about explaining how SEMA could benefit them and their businesses.

"John didn't have time for the modern day marketing surveys or 30,000-ft. views of what was going on, because he knew," Rollins added. "He stayed in touch with what was going on in the streets, on the race tracks and at the car shows. As a manufacturer sales manager, I made very few decisions concerning selling into distribution or running promotions without first consulting John. I will miss him."

Services for Simmons are as follows:

Visitation
Thursday, February 18, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Service
Friday, February 19, 1:00 p.m. (burial following at the cemetery next door)

Location
Ridout's Elmwood Chapel
800 Dennison Ave. SW
Birmingham, Alabama 35211-3812

	Performance parts pioneer and SEMA Hall of Fame member John Simmons passed away on Sunday, February 14.

Performance parts pioneer, SEMA Hall of Fame member, and founder of SECO Equipment Company and SECO Performance Centers, John Simmons, passed away on Sunday, February 14.

"John Simmons was more than my mentor for more than 20 years," said SEMA Chairman of the Board Rick Rollins. "He was like a father that you could always go to for the answers, and not the answers that you wanted to hear, but the ones that came from his many years of experience, and more importantly from his heart."

Simmons started his own warehouse distribution business for performance parts in 1962. He began by selling parts from a trailer that he hauled to race tracks on weekends. By 1967, Simmons was committed to the performance parts business, but he also owned and operated the Helena Dragstrip. Soon after the track was closed in 1967 due to noise, Simmons, along with several partners, acquired Lassiter Mountain Speedway, which they ran for 10 years.

Simmons joined SEMA in 1969 in what was the beginning of a fruitful relationship. Simmons served three terms on the SEMA Board of Directors from 1978–1982 and he chaired the SEMA Finance Committee in 1981. He served on the Awards Judging Committee from 1984–1986, chaired the Person of the Year Award in 1987 and also served as Membership Committee chairman.

In 1980, Simmons was named SEMA Person of the Year and was inducted into SEMA's Hall of Fame in 2004. 

In addition to his SEMA efforts, he was elected and served as a Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Area Director from 1974–1991, served two terms as PWA treasurer and two terms as national director of the PWA. He received the PWA Pioneer Award in 1993 and was one of the founding members of the AAM/Parts Pro group.

All along the way, Simmons made it a point to help others grow and succeed in their businesses, and he always encouraged people to join SEMA, urging them to get involved. He was never shy about explaining how SEMA could benefit them and their businesses.

"John didn't have time for the modern day marketing surveys or 30,000-ft. views of what was going on, because he knew," Rollins added. "He stayed in touch with what was going on in the streets, on the race tracks and at the car shows. As a manufacturer sales manager, I made very few decisions concerning selling into distribution or running promotions without first consulting John. I will miss him."

Services for Simmons are as follows:

Visitation
Thursday, February 18, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Service
Friday, February 19, 1:00 p.m. (burial following at the cemetery next door)

Location
Ridout's Elmwood Chapel
800 Dennison Ave. SW
Birmingham, Alabama 35211-3812

	Performance parts pioneer and SEMA Hall of Fame member John Simmons passed away on Sunday, February 14.

Performance parts pioneer, SEMA Hall of Fame member, and founder of SECO Equipment Company and SECO Performance Centers, John Simmons, passed away on Sunday, February 14.

"John Simmons was more than my mentor for more than 20 years," said SEMA Chairman of the Board Rick Rollins. "He was like a father that you could always go to for the answers, and not the answers that you wanted to hear, but the ones that came from his many years of experience, and more importantly from his heart."

Simmons started his own warehouse distribution business for performance parts in 1962. He began by selling parts from a trailer that he hauled to race tracks on weekends. By 1967, Simmons was committed to the performance parts business, but he also owned and operated the Helena Dragstrip. Soon after the track was closed in 1967 due to noise, Simmons, along with several partners, acquired Lassiter Mountain Speedway, which they ran for 10 years.

Simmons joined SEMA in 1969 in what was the beginning of a fruitful relationship. Simmons served three terms on the SEMA Board of Directors from 1978–1982 and he chaired the SEMA Finance Committee in 1981. He served on the Awards Judging Committee from 1984–1986, chaired the Person of the Year Award in 1987 and also served as Membership Committee chairman.

In 1980, Simmons was named SEMA Person of the Year and was inducted into SEMA's Hall of Fame in 2004. 

In addition to his SEMA efforts, he was elected and served as a Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Area Director from 1974–1991, served two terms as PWA treasurer and two terms as national director of the PWA. He received the PWA Pioneer Award in 1993 and was one of the founding members of the AAM/Parts Pro group.

All along the way, Simmons made it a point to help others grow and succeed in their businesses, and he always encouraged people to join SEMA, urging them to get involved. He was never shy about explaining how SEMA could benefit them and their businesses.

"John didn't have time for the modern day marketing surveys or 30,000-ft. views of what was going on, because he knew," Rollins added. "He stayed in touch with what was going on in the streets, on the race tracks and at the car shows. As a manufacturer sales manager, I made very few decisions concerning selling into distribution or running promotions without first consulting John. I will miss him."

Services for Simmons are as follows:

Visitation
Thursday, February 18, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Service
Friday, February 19, 1:00 p.m. (burial following at the cemetery next door)

Location
Ridout's Elmwood Chapel
800 Dennison Ave. SW
Birmingham, Alabama 35211-3812