Thu, 01/08/2009 - 00:00

Vehicle technologies continue to shape the specialty-equipment industry with the breakthrough of advanced products. SEMA’s most recent completed webinar, “Telematics: Vehicle Technology That Will Impact Your Business,” presented by Derek Kaufman, president of C3 Network Inc., explores telematics and how it could affect the way your business moves forward in a technologically advancing industry.

“Derek walks us through the robust applications in vehicle Wi-Fi, green driving and planning, advanced GPS and how telematics could change the way we buy and own cars and, ultimately, how this new technology is going to impact your business,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA senior director of member services.

Kaufman defines telematics in automotive terms—the ability to establish two-way connection with a moving vehicle. Telematics is applied in GPS tracking, GPS navigation, GPS stolen vehicle tracking, green commuting, DSRC traffic and road conditions, entertainment, vehicle-to-vehicle communication and a number of additional applications.

The presentation identifies the following tips and trends regarding telematics in the near future:

  • Smart OEMs will offer a “wired-for-telematics” option
  • Connect your product to a vehicle’s value
  • Connect to rising fuel prices
  • Meet a hacker
  • Think partnership, not empire
  • Go open source
  • Expand the notion of CSI

“From a business case standpoint, we obviously see smart OEMs beginning to do a wired-for-telematics type of option,” said Kaufman. “We think that longer term, if you are connecting your product to a vehicle’s value so that you can do a real-time Kelley Blue Book on the car for what you have added to it, that is very interesting." 

SEMA's Next Webinar

The automotive industry is undergoing one of the most rapid and significant structural changes in decades. "The Specialty Equipment Supplier of the Future," the final report for Phase I of the SEMA Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Research Program, highlights several important insights expected to shape the specialty-equipment industry in the next three to seven years, including body and chassis electronics integration, OEM-aftermarket collaboration and new customization opportunities with more models produced from fewer platforms.

Tune into the "Specialty Equipment Automotive Company of the Future: Guideposts for Strategic Planning (Phase I)" webinar to learn more about the trends, challenges and solutions facing your industry.

When: Thursday, January 15, 2009, 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. (PST)

Presenter: Brett Smith, CAR Assistant Director, Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology, and Richard Wallace, CAR Senior Project Manager.

Moderator: John Waraniak, SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology

To register: Click Here

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 00:00

Position Yourself for Success During Historic Industry Shift - SEMA eNews, Vol. 12, No. 1 - Jan 08, 2009 | www.sema.org

The automotive industry is undergoing one of the most rapid and significant structural changes in decades. "The Specialty Equipment Supplier of the Future," the final report for Phase I of the SEMA Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Research Program, highlights several important insights expected to shape the specialty-equipment industry in the next three to seven years, including body and chassis electronics integration, OEM-aftermarket collaboration and new customization opportunities with more models produced from fewer platforms.

Tune into the "Specialty Equipment Automotive Company of the Future: Guideposts for Strategic Planning (Phase I)" webinar to learn more about the trends, challenges and solutions facing your industry.
 
When: Thursday, January 15, 2009, 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. (PST)
Presenter: Brett Smith, Assistant Director, Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology, Center for Automotive Research (CAR), and Richard Wallace, Senior Project Manager, CAR
Moderator: John Waraniak, SEMA Vice President, Vehicle Technology
To register: Click Here

Also, don't forget to mark your calendar for SEMA's upcoming webinar, “Social Media: A New Way to Take Your Business to the Top,” Thursday, January 22, 2009.

Learn several ways that the right marketing plan can increase your company's website traffic. Presenter Aaron Kahlow, chairman and founder of Online Marketing Summit and Managing Partner of Business Online, will show you the best practices in search engine optimization (SEO), web analytics and social media (Web 2.0) to build a winning online marketing plan.

Kahlow has delivered more than 170 seminars nationwide and is frequently quoted by online marketing publications.

When: Thursday, January 22, 2009, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PST)
Presenter: Aaron Kahlow, CEO and Founder, Online Marketing Summit (OMS)
To register: Click Here

SEMA's Webinar Program: The SEMA webinar program brings the world-class business seminars featured during the SEMA Show right to your desktop. Different business-building sessions are constantly added to the program, offering members the latest insight and practices from today’s leading speakers.

All SEMA webinars are conducted live and are open to all employees of SEMA-member companies free of charge. To participate, all you need is a computer with Internet access and a telephone. All previous SEMA webinars are available for download by clicking here. To view upcoming presentations that you can attend via telephone and Internet, click here.

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 00:00

New Products and Technology | Spy Shots: Ford's Bullish Future—2010 Taurus Debuts Next Week - SEMA eNews, Vol. 12, No. 1 - Jan 08, 2009 | www.sema.org

Brenda Priddy & Co. photographer Brian Williams recently caught the forthcoming Ford Taurus shuttling between Ford buildings. Unlike past photos that showed the Taurus wrapped in yards of vinyl, these photos finally show all the sheetmetal, marred only by the funky mitochondrial wrap job.

Officially the new Taurus—a revival of the best-selling car in the United States in the early '90s and a nameplate silent since late 2006 (although its DNA showed up in the Ford Five Hundred)—will debut in Detroit next week at the North American International Auto Show.

New Products and Technology | Spy Shots: Ford's Bullish Future—2010 Taurus Debuts Next Week - SEMA eNews, Vol. 12, No. 1 - Jan 08, 2009 | www.sema.org

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 00:00

New Products and Technology | Spy Shots: Ford's Bullish Future—2010 Taurus Debuts Next Week - SEMA eNews, Vol. 12, No. 1 - Jan 08, 2009 | www.sema.org

Brenda Priddy & Co. photographer Brian Williams recently caught the forthcoming Ford Taurus shuttling between Ford buildings. Unlike past photos that showed the Taurus wrapped in yards of vinyl, these photos finally show all the sheetmetal, marred only by the funky mitochondrial wrap job.

Officially the new Taurus—a revival of the best-selling car in the United States in the early '90s and a nameplate silent since late 2006 (although its DNA showed up in the Ford Five Hundred)—will debut in Detroit next week at the North American International Auto Show.

New Products and Technology | Spy Shots: Ford's Bullish Future—2010 Taurus Debuts Next Week - SEMA eNews, Vol. 12, No. 1 - Jan 08, 2009 | www.sema.org

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 00:00

Filler for eNews

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 00:00

The 2010 Mustang is one of several vehicles available in Ford's Project Vehicle Program.  - SEMA eNews, Vol. 12, No. 1 - Jan 08, 2009 | www.sema.org
The 2010 Mustang is one of several vehicles available in Ford's Project Vehicle Program.

Looking for a 2010 Mustang to build for next year’s SEMA Show? Take note: Ford is now accepting project proposals for its 2009 Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Project Vehicle Program.

Proposals need to be submitted in two parts: a one-page preliminary project summary due by February 23 (January 5 if you want a Mustang), and a more detailed proposal by March 1 (January 5 for Mustang). Companies requesting vehicles should be a manufacturer or restyler dedicated to new-product development, able to promote and market the vehicle, and a SEMA member.

This year, a limited number of vehicles will be awarded for modifications that result in significant fuel-economy gains and/or reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Projects that go beyond bio-fuel conversion will be given greater consideration.

For additional details, click here to download the PDF file (if you’re having trouble downloading the file, e-mail semainfo@ford.com).

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 00:00

SETTLEMENT: NASCAR reached a settlement with former series official Mauricia Grant in her discrimination lawsuit against the sanctioning body. The arrangements of the December 18 settlement were not released.

NO GO: The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix has been canceled for the 2009 season because of the Michigan economy. The event featuring the IndyCar Series and the American Le Mans Series was scheduled for Labor Day weekend.

CLOSED: Mansfield Motorsports Park has closed its gates and the NASCAR Camping World Series race at the track has been moved to Iowa Speedway. The half-mile asphalt oval originally opened as a three-eighths-mile dirt track in 1959.

INDOOR ACES: Lou Cicconi, Tony Stewart, Jerry Coons Jr., Bryan Clauson, Billy Wease and Jon Stanbrough each won indoor midget races during the holiday season.

NEW EVENT: The NASCAR Whelen Modified Series, the sanctioning body’s oldest division, will make its debut at Bristol (Tennessee) Motor Speedway August 19.

AN OLD ROOKIE: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series veteran Brendan Gaughan will race for rookie of the year honors in the NASCAR Nationwide Series this season, driving for team owner Rusty Wallace.

CONFIRMATION: Just before the Christmas holiday, NHRA Top Fuel team owner Alan Johnson confirmed that two-time Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon will drive for his new Alan Johnson Al-Anabi Racing team in 2009.

SOLD: Bill Davis Racing has been sold to Triad Racing Development, which is a partnership between Mike Held and Marty Gaunt.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News, click on the following link for a special industry rate: www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/subscribe.html?pid=NQ%2BVfhkepT4%3D.

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 00:00

NEWS NUGGETS

DIXON TO DRIVE ALAN JOHNSON TOP FUEL DRAGSTER IN 2009: Two-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon will climb into the seat as the driver of the Alan Johnson Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel dragster for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle season, with Jason McCulloch as the team’s crew chief. Dixon, who won world championships in 2002 and 2003, will make the move to the new team after a 20-year career with Don Prudhomme Racing, which saw Dixon start out as a crewmember in 1988 and work his way into the cockpit in 1995.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to this opportunity and new chapter in my career,” Dixon said. “It’s a new team, and everybody will be in a new position. It could take us a while to jell as a team, but everyone on this team has won at least one championship in previous ventures, so I’d like to think we can hit the ground running.”

After more than five years with Don Schumacher Racing, legendary NHRA crew chief Johnson announced plans to return to team ownership in 2009 with Alan Johnson Al-Anabi Racing with a two-car, Top Fuel and Funny Car, entry. In September, Del Worsham and Aaron Brooks were named the team’s Funny Car driver and crew chief, respectively.

NHRA DRIVERS FAIR WELL AT BOBSLED CHALLENGE: Top Fuel pilot Morgan Lucas won the NHRA vs. NASCAR portion of the fourth annual Whelen Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge when his Team USA competition Bo-Dyn bobsled turned in a time of 47.78 seconds—just enough to get past final-round competitor and NASCAR driver Todd Bodine after Bodine flipped his sled on the final run. NHRA drivers J.R. Todd, Jeg Coughlin and Bob Vandergriff also competed in the annual event at Lake Placid, New York.

The charity event created by NASCAR veteran Bodine raises money for the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project, which designs and makes bobsleds exclusively for Team USA. For more information on the fourth annual Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge or to see how all NHRA drivers finished at the event, visit www.nhra.com.

SEMA eNews, Vol. 12, No. 1 - Jan 08, 2009 | www.sema.org  

WILL WINS SCOTT KALITTA MEMORIAL TROPHY IN SYDNEY: Top Fuel pilot Hillary Will claimed the inaugural Scott Kalitta Memorial Trophy during the Shannons USA vs. Australia Top Fuel Showdown at Western Sydney International Dragway in Sydney, Australia. Led by crew chief Jim Oberhofer and her Ken Black racing team, Will was able to overcome many mechanical problems throughout the event and post the quickest lap in the final round when she defeated Aussie Terry Sainty and posted a 4.743-second run at 303.16 mph.

“This means so much to me and this team,” Will said. “To get this trophy and take it back to the States is such an honor for us. Scott was my mentor, and he was like a brother to me. We miss him so much, but we are so happy to win this trophy for Connie, Doug, Scott’s wife, Kathy, and his boys, Corey and Colin, and the entire Kalitta family.”

Kalitta, a teammate of Will’s and the 2005 and 2006 champion of the USA vs. Australia Top Fuel Showdown, died June 21, 2008, from injuries he suffered in a Funny Car racing accident at Old Bridge Township Raceway park in Englishtown, New Jersey. The trophy was named in honor of the two-time Showdown champion.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

KRAGEN O’REILLY NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, FEBRUARY 5–8: The 2009 NHRA Full Throttle season gets underway in sunny Southern California as drivers in three professional categories begin their bid for the NHRA Full Throttle world championship. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock).  

NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS, FIREBIRD RACEWAY, FEBRUARY 20–22: From palm trees to cactus, the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle series makes its second stop of the season in the warm desert of Phoenix, Arizona. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); and V Gaines (Pro Stock).

ACDELCO NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, MARCH 12–15: The Pro Stock Motorcycle category opens its 2009 season at the Gatornationals, annually one of the most popular stops on the NHRA Full Throttle Series tour. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Matt Guidera (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

WINNING ONE FOR THE TEAM: Top Fuel pilot Morgan Lucas on his winning run during the Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge: “We finally got the win light for the NHRA,” Lucas said. “It took us straight-liners a few years but we got it done, and I feel great. The Team USA guys decided to let us drive the real bobsleds in the final round, and they are completely different than the ones we’ve been driving. It was like going from a Yugo to a Ferrari; a totally different feeling of speed.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

31: Days until the official start of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle season, the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that Funny Car sensation Ashley Force and longtime fiancé Daniel Hood tied the knot in beautiful Lake Tahoe Saturday, December 13. Force officially became Ashley Force Hood in a reception attended by such NHRA guests as Brandon and Tracey Bernstein, Del and Connie Worsham and the Tim Wilkerson family.

For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 00:00

Have you moved on? Up? Know someone who has? Let us know: editors@sema.org.

The Yokohama Tire Corp. named Jim MacMaster as its COO. In addition to the responsibility of Yokohama’s daily business operations, MacMaster will also retain his current title of executive vice president, business division. The company also promoted Jim Quinn from director of operations to vice president of operations.

Yokohama's Jim MacMaster - SEMA eNews, Vol. 12, No. 1 - Jan 08, 2009 | www.sema.org  
Jim MacMaster  

Six-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher was voted the Al Holbert Memorial Eastern Motorsports Press Association (EMPA) National Driver of the Year. Also, Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champion Billy Decker was named the Richie Evans EMPA Northeast Driver of the Year. Both racers will be honored during the 41st annual EMPA Convention, January 23–25, at the Radisson Hotel & Convention Center in Trevose, Pennsylvania.

Toyo Tires promoted corporate officials in both Toyo Tire Holdings of America Inc. (TTHA) and its subsidiary, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. Carlos (Shozo) Kibata, current president and CEO of TTHA, was named TTHA chairman. Masaharu Yoshimoto, current president and CEO of Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., was promoted to president and CEO of TTHA. Yasushi Takagi, who was appointed executive vice president and COO of Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. in September 2008, was promoted to president and CEO of Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.

Hella Inc., the North American aftermarket subsidiary of Hella, is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a U.S.-based lighting and electronics supplier. The company was founded in 1983 when Hella opened its first American distribution center in Cranford, New Jersey.

J.R. Thompson Company opened a new satellite office in Marina Del Rey, California, to expand its service offerings to the West Coast. The company named Rachel (Moreen) Richards as its California-based liaison to operate out of the new location.

Advantage Truck Accessories added a unique feature to its website: a fuel-savings calculator that helps customers determine the cost savings of the company’s tonneau covers based on driving habits and fuel price.

Several U.S. battery and advanced materials companies, including 3M, ActaCell, All Cell Technologies, Altair Nanotechnologies, Dontech Global, EaglePicher Corp., Enersys, Envia Systems, FMC, MicroSun Technologies, Mobius Power, SiLyte, Superior Graphite and Townsend Advanced Energy have formed the National Alliance for Advanced Transportation Battery Cell Manufacture.

The group will manufacture advanced lithium ion battery cells for transportation applications in the United States. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory has served in an advisory role to the Alliance. 

Have you moved on? Up? Know someone who has? Let us know: editors@sema.org.

Thu, 01/08/2009 - 00:00

 


Click on the logo to visit SPC's website.

 

SPC Long-Range Planning Meeting
The SPC Long-Range Planning Meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2009, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in El Segundo, California. The session will be held at 10:00 a.m.

RSVP by Friday, January 16, 2009 with Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112
or paulm@sema.org.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News


Read SPC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.


For information about SPC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

______________________________________________________________________________________



Click on the logo to visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Long-Range Planning Meeting


The annual ARMO Long-Range Planning Meeting is scheduled during Auction Week in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Friday, January 16, 2009, at the Resort Suites of Scottsdale. The open general membership session will be held 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. This meeting is the most important council meeting members could attend.


In addition to networking with peers, each ARMO member has the opportunity to participate in setting the agenda for ARMO’s future. Please attend, participate and take an active part in our industry! For more details and to make your reservation, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.


Carlisle Events Named 2008 ARMO Business of the Year

Carlisle Events was recognized and honored as the 2008 ARMO Business of the Year at the ARMO Industry Awards Reception in Las Vegas. The award recognizes a company that continually seeks to make a difference and improve the automotive hobby and industry. The award is selected by votes from the membership council consisting of 275 businesses members, all of whom are a part of ARMO.

In addition to the exceptional service, integrity and business ethics that Carlisle Events demonstrated as a company in 2008, it was the local charitable participation which the company makes a priority that was spotlighted during the ceremony. Specific local actions that were highlighted included the 4th Annual Salvation Army Charitable Auto Auction, which raised $60,000 and 100% of the proceeds went directly to the Salvation Army of Carlisle.


Also mentioned was the support of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Museum in Hershey, the hosting of the Carlisle Area July 4th Fireworks and the United Way Community Yard Sale.

When asked about ARMO and the prestigious award, Lance Miller, Carlisle Events senior manager had this to say: “Carlisle Events is a firm supporter of ARMO and what they set out to accomplish. We are honored to be the proud recipient of the ARMO Business of the Year award. We appreciate the restoration community’s support and look forward to growing with the hobby.


"Another wonderful asset ARMO carries is the ‘Take a Kid to a Car Show’ and we will continue to do everything in our might to help push their efforts and hope the rest of the hobby does so as well, as a way of sharing our passion for classic and collector cars with future generations.”


Attention ARMO Members Attending the Hotrod and Restoration Show

The Hotrod and Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis from March 12–14, 2009, is a definite “don’t miss” event! Not only is this one of the greatest trade shows for our niche industry, but there are several educational and networking opportunities in store for ARMO members:

  • Exhibitors of the Hotrod and Restoration show can sign up to host a workshop/seminar during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance’s (HRIA) Education Day on Thursday, March 12. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with attendees during your own one-hour session. Click here for details.
  • All ARMO members are invited to attend a networking mixer hosted by the Young Executive’s Network (YEN) at The Ram Restaurant & Brewery at 140 S. Illinois St. from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Mix, mingle and meet new and old industry friends!
  • Saturday, March 14, at 9:00 a.m., ARMO is hosting a seminar on "10 Things You Can Do Today to Improve Your Website Results Tomorrow" by Brian Offenberger.  

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read ARMO's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
______________________________________________________________________________________



Click on the logo to visit HRIA's website.

 

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read HRIA's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

 

For more information about HRIA, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

______________________________________________________________________________________

 


Click on the logo to visit TORA's website.


2009 SEMA Technical Skills & Training Conference
March 27–28, 2009, Orlando, Florida

SEMA's all-new truck and restyling education expo, the Technical Skills & Training Conference, is designed to give jobbers, retailers and installers a competitive advantage in this challenging economy. New products, technical and educational seminars, and hands-on product demos with manufacturers lead the agenda of this powerful knowledge fest. Register to attend online by March 13 for $75.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/tstc.  

TORA Column in SEMA Member News


Read TORA's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.


For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

______________________________________________________________________________________



Click on the logo to visit MPMC's website.

 

Media Registers for Annual MPMC Media Trade Conference

 

Media who wish to attend the 12th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference may register online now at www.sema.org/media. The MPMC Media Trade Conference provides media attendees the opportunity to have up to 42 individual, 30-minute, face-to-face meetings with various manufacturers to gather technical and new-product content.


During the registration process, attendees are asked to prioritize each of the 100 exhibiting manufacturers as “must meet with,” “okay to meet with” or “do not wish to meet with.” Individualized schedules are produced for each attendee and exhibitor, utilizing the prioritizations as much as possible. 

 

The MPMC Media Trade Conference is widely regarded by both manufacturers and media as a “must attend” event. Now in its 12th consecutive year, the conference has grown to an extent that the number of exhibitor spots is capped at 100, due to time and space constraints. Even so, many media attendees report that they gather enough editorial and technical content in three days to last them an entire 12 months.


Likewise, exhibiting manufacturers acknowledge that the Media Trade Conference gives them exposure to media that is not available at any other venue. Only MPMC member manufacturers are eligible to apply for an exhibitor suite, making the conference a true council member benefit.

 

MPMC Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read MPMC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

 

For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

______________________________________________________________________________________



Click on the logo to visit MRC's website.


Manufacturers Seeking Rep List Now Available

Manufacturers’ representatives are encouraged to contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org to request the Manufacturers Seeking Rep List, which is available at no cost. Compiled using information collected from manufacturers prior to the 2008 SEMA Show, the listing contains details on manufacturers currently seeking the services of manufacturers’ representatives along with the lines available and company contact information. The list was originally available in the Manufacturers’ Representatives Council (MRC) Rep Center during the week of the 2008 SEMA Show.

 

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read MRC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

 

For information about MRC, contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org. 

______________________________________________________________________________________



Click on the logo to visit PRO's website.

 

2009 SEMA Technical Skills & Training Conference
March 27–28, 2009, Orlando, Florida

SEMA's all-new truck and restyling education expo, the Technical Skills & Training Conference, is designed to give jobbers, retailers and installers a competitive advantage in this challenging economy. New products, technical and educational seminars, and hands-on product demos with manufacturers lead the agenda of this powerful knowledge fest. Register to attend online by March 13 for $75.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/tstc.

PRO Business Development Guidebook Now On Sale


In today’s ever-changing marketplace, staying ahead of the competition is more important and challenging than ever. To be successful, you not only need an effective business strategy, but also the tools and resources to help your company excel and stand out from the pack. The PRO Business Development Guidebook is your handy reference guide.

 

Beginning with an overview of the importance of having a business plan—including tips on how to develop a business plan and the many purposes it can serve—the manual offers chapter-by-chapter strategies for making your business a success.


From understanding the basics of business finance and the importance of quality and service and how to make them hallmarks of your business, to building knowledge and skills among your employees to branding your restyling business as a market leader, the guidebook offers information critical to the day-to-day and long-term operation of your business.

 

Whether you’re starting your own restyling business or already own one—be it mobile or brick and mortar—you’ll find the answers that you’ve been looking for in the guidebook. PRO Council members contributed much of the information contained in the guidebook, drawing on their experience and knowledge to present a valuable business tool.


Click here to download the business guidebook order form, or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

 

PRO Column in SEMA Member News


Read PRO's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

 

For information about PRO, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

______________________________________________________________________________________



Click on the logo to visit WTC's website.

 

WTC Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read WTC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about WTC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org. 

______________________________________________________________________________________

 


Click on the logo to 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.

 

For more information on the program, click here.

 

SBN Column in SEMA Member News

Read SBN's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about SBN, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

______________________________________________________________________________________

 


Click on the logo to visit YEN's website.

 

YEN Mixer
The YEN Mixer at the MPMC Media Trade Conference is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2009, at Capistrano’s Lounge in the Embassy Suites Hotel in El Segundo, California. The mixer will be held from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
 
For more information, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org.


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.

 

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.

For more information on the program, click here.

YEN Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read YEN's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about YEN, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.