The March 2009 issue of SEMA News will now include the updated 2009 SEMA Membership Directory. Additionally, the 2009 SEMA Membership Directory will be viewable throughout the year at www.sema.org.

Increased distribution, a new digital edition and enhanced video-advertising options are all available now. Reserve your ad today by contacting MOTOR MEDIA Inc. at 818/248-4900 or e-mail sales@motormediainc.com. The deadline is January 9, 2009.

Learn several ways that the right marketing plan can increase your company's website traffic by tuning into the SEMA webinar “Increase Your Website Visibility With Web Analytics,” Thursday, January 22, 2009.

Presenter Aaron Kahlow, chairman and founder of Online Marketing Summit and Managing Partner of Business Online, will show you 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. (PDT)
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.

Brenda Priddy and her spy photographer syndicate got as close as possible to this Audi A8 mule, now wearing its own sheetmetal. Under that new sheetmetal is an extended version of the modular platform used in the A4, but Priddy says aluminum and magnesium materials will likely be used to save weight and improve dynamics.

The A8’s engine lineup will likely mirror the current range, starting with a 2.8L V6, and topping out with the 4.2L V8 FSI. Audi’s new 6.0L V12 TDI is also a possibility.

Like the A7, there will also be more supercharged units as well as increased application of Audi’s latest valve-lift system. The base model will remain FWD, but AWD variants will feature the latest Quattro torque vectoring systems, which distributes power individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability.

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The early months of 2009 are shaping up to be one of the most interesting and active periods in many years for the U.S. Congress and across the federal government. The 111th Congress will begin work in January with 53 new members of the U.S. House of Representatives and seven new members of the U.S. Senate.

This election gives SEMA the opportunity to introduce the auto hobby and our industry to a sizeable number of fresh-faced lawmakers. Along the way, SEMA will be welcoming several old friends who were previously state lawmakers.

• Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho who won the Senate seat vacated by the retirement of Larry Craig, has signaled his desire to work on energy and natural resources issues, which would include preserving off-highway vehicle access to public lands and holding down the price of fuel through domestic exploration and support for development of alternative sources.
  
  
• Incoming Senators Kay Hagan of North Carolina and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, both Democrats, campaigned on lowering the cost of health care to small businesses, including changing the law to allow small businesses to pool coverage and providing tax credits to offset premium payments. Containing the cost of health care has been and will continue to be a top government affairs priority for SEMA.
  
  
• Long-time SEMA ally Bill Posey of Florida will fill the House seat vacated by the retirement of fellow Republican Dave Weldon. Bill Posey was a stalwart supporter of our industry in the Florida legislature, sponsoring SEMA-model legislation to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and to create a new classification for custom vehicles. Bill also introduced legislation to provide an exemption from the regulations governing commercial motor carriers to vehicles occasionally transporting personal property to a motorsports facility.
  
  
• No stranger to SEMA members in the Golden State, State Senator Tom McClintock (R-CA) has been a long-time supporter of the automotive hobby in the California legislature. McClintock was in a hotly contested race, which was decided by 622 votes. In 2004, he worked tirelessly against the repeal of the 30-year rolling emissions exemption in the state. He will now serve as the U.S. Representative for Californians living around Lake Tahoe and other northeastern areas of the state.
  
  
• Newly elected Representatives Larry Kissell (D-NC), Betsy Markey (D-CO), Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Steve Austria (R-NC) each come to public office from a small-business background and pledged support during their campaigns for addressing the issues confronting small businesses, from health-care reform to regulatory relief. Democrat Dan Maffei and Republican Chris Lee of New York have spoken out extensively on a pro-manufacturing agenda and government action to enhance the international competitiveness of American manufacturers.
  
  
• Erik Paulsen (R-MN), who won the seat vacated by the retirement of Jim Ramstad (R-MN), has already taken up our cause by campaigning a 10-year extension of the research and development tax credit. This long-term extension has been sought by SEMA members and other business groups for many years to facilitate business planning and spur development of new products and technologies. 

These newly elected legislators and the rest of the freshman class represent 60 new opportunities for SEMA to tell the story of our industry to lawmakers. Constituent relationships, including hearing from “the folks back home," will play a big role in defining our message. In the weeks and months to come, SEMA’s Washington staff will be reaching out to our members across the country to help us develop these new relationships.

The new lawmakers will also be encouraged to join the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, which helps raise the industry’s profile on Capitol Hill.

For more information on SEMA’s efforts in Congress, visit www.semapac.org.

For details about SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC), contact Jason Tolleson at jasont@sema.org.

For details about SEMA’s legislative activities, contact Brian Duggan at briand@sema.org.

It has come to SEMA's attention that some SEMA members have received a one-page notice offering a "free" listing in The FAIR Guide operated by Construct Data Verlag (also known as Construct Data AG) based in Austria. However, the small print at the bottom of the page notes that by signing and returning the document, you have entered into a three-year, non-retractable contract to pay up to $1,000 a year for the listing.

Six months ago, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) warned that www.expo-guide.com, a company operating out of Mexico, was offering a similar “free” listing. SEMA recommends that you not complete these types of listing forms.

Here is how a “free listing” scam works. A group collects your company's name and mailing address from the yellow pages or other publication, and then sends you a form asking you to provide supplemental information (phone, fax, e-mail, etc.) for your "FREE" listing in their guide.

Nevertheless, the fine print at the bottom of the page states that by signing and returning the form you have agreed to pay for the listing. The group then sends you a collection letter several weeks later. If you don't pay, they continue to send dunning notices and threaten litigation.

While SEMA cannot provide advice on how to respond to collection tactics, we note that many companies have disputed the validity of The Fair Guide contracts. The Austrian Advertising Council has found them to be a breach of the Austrian Advertising Code. On February 13, 2007, Construct Data signed an agreement to cease mailing the misleading contracts from Austria and to cancel their demands for disputed monies. 

Here are links to the issue along with a sample letter to be sent if disputing dunning notices sent from Austria:

• www.stopecg.org/construct_data_fairguide.htm
• www.stopecg.org/cdcancellation.doc

Regarding Expo Guide, the IAEE posted this warning: www.iaee.com/information__resources/warnings_to_exhibitors.

To file a complaint in the United States, you may wish to contact:

Federal Trade Commission
Office of Business Fraud
600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20580
https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/wsolcq$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU01
Tel: 202/326-2800
Fax: 202/326-2034
E-mail: OIG@ftc.gov

You can also file a mail fraud complaint with the United States Postal Service:
http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/contactUs/filecomplaint.aspx

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

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IT’S BACK: The Trans-Am Tour is expected to return in 2009 with the SCCA sanctioning eight events in conjunction with major SCCA club racing events across the country. Rules are to closely resemble those of the SCCA GT-1 classification.

MAZDA SPEED: Mazda will enter the American Le Mans Series next season, with veteran team owner Rob Dyson fielding a pair of Mazda-powered cars in the LMP2 class.

DRAG MOVES: It appears that team owner David Powers will park his Top Fuel dragster because of a lack of funds. Driver Rod Fuller and crew chief Mike Kloeber are hoping to salvage the team under new ownership.

DRAG MOVES II: Team owner Don Prudhomme has released Larry Dixon from his contract and hired Spencer Massey to drive his Top Fueler next season. While nothing is official, the move frees up Dixon to drive for new team owner Alan Johnson next season. Johnson won five straight titles with Tony Schumacher before splitting with the Schumacher team at the end of the season.

UNEMPLOYED: Former NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Bobby Labonte was released from his contract with the financially strapped Petty Enterprises team last week and is currently seeking a job with another team.

CHAMPION: Several days after being named the 2008 Driver of the Year, NHRA Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher became the first two-time winner of the Economaki Champion of Champions Award presented by Speedway Motorsports Inc. and National Speed Sport News. Schumacher accepted the award at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.

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.

Jason Harding

Jason Harding was promoted to director of aftermarket operations for Katech Performance. He will oversee the sales efforts of Katech's aftermarket division. Harding has spent three years in performance parts sales, focusing on expanding Katech's distribution network and establishing new dealer accounts. Harding will continue to oversee Internet promotional initiatives in his new role.

Brad Bricker was named Bestop’s new Eastern regional sales manager. Bricker has held several field and sales positions within Bestop for the past 13 years and has nearly 20 years of overall experience in aftermarket sales.  

Jeff Dahnert

The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Board of Directors have selected SCCA Vice President of Finance and Administration Jeff Dahnert as the club’s next president and CEO. Dahnert will make the transition effective January 1, 2009. Dahnert arrived at SCCA in November of 2004. Prior to his arrival, he spent several years with Sprint as a senior financial analyst.

Ann Durham was promoted to senior vice president and general manager for Global Vehicles USA Inc. Durham, who joined Global Vehicles on January 14, 2008, as vice president of finance and administration, is responsible for company’s overall operations and reports to the company’s Chief Executive Officer John Perez.

Heidi Steele

Heidi Steele became the first woman to win a Best in the Desert (BITD) off-road racing truck championship by placing third at the Fabtech Desert Classic in Henderson, Nevada, on December 6. The Yokohama Tire Corporation-sponsored driver also became the first woman truck champion in SCORE (Class 7SX midsize truck) after taking a second-place class finish in November’s Baja 1000 in Ensenada, Mexico, and received the 2008 Toyota True Grit Award—the first woman to earn the honor—for completing every race mile in the SCORE series.

BFS Retail & Commercial Operations LLC (BFRC) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) named Robert Pauley the BFRC/ASE Master Automobile L1 Technician of the Year. Pauley was selected for his outstanding individual achievements, including top scores on ASE tests, on-the-job excellence and community service.

"Two Guys Garage" host Sam Memmolo offers resto tips in a new do-it-yourself video.

Brenton Productions Inc., producers of "Two Guys Garage" on SPEED, has partnered with 3M’s BONDO division to produce a do-it-yourself bodywork video. The 25-minute video features “Two Guys Garage” host Sam Memmolo offering step-by-step instructions for repairing a dented hood to get it ready for paint. The estimated cost to have the work done at a collision-repair center was $900–$1,200. Memmolo and crew purchased the materials and repaired the hood for approximately $100.  

Yokohama Tire Corporation is the presenting sponsor and official spec tire of the newly minted Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama race series. The single-make series, featuring Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, is a support event for the American Le Mans Series and is entering its fifth season after previously being known as the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Challenge. The agreement between Yokohama and IMSA is for the 2009 and 2010 racing seasons.  

Longtime SEMA Show photographer Peter Rogers was elected mayor of Chino Hills, California.

Longtime SEMA Show photographer Peter Rogers was elected mayor of Chino Hills, California. Rogers was originally elected to the Chino Hills City Council in November 2006 and has been an active volunteer and participant in the community for 19 years. For more information about Rogers and his community and committee involvement, visit www.chinohills.org/index.asp?NID=177.  

Click on the logo to visit ARMO's website.

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 in 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 going 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.”

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.

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 H&R 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 November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
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Click on the logo to visit HRIA's website.

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

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

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

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Click on the logo to visit TORA's website.

TORA Column in SEMA Member News

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

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

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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

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 November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

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

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Click on the logo to visit PRO's website.

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 November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

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

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Click on the logo to visit SPC's website.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

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

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

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

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Click on the logo to visit SBN's website.

Lauren Fix Named Aftermarket Woman of the Year

Aftermarket Woman of the Year Lauren Fix
SEMA Board member Luanne Brown

During the 2008 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas, SBN Select Committee member Lauren Fix was awarded the Aftermarket Woman of the Year Award by the Car Care Women’s Board.

Fix is a nationally recognized automotive expert; a frequently-quoted authority on automotive culture and issues; a journalist; author of three books (most recently Lauren Fix's Guide to Loving Your Car) and several service manuals; contributor to numerous technical and consumer articles; and a noted TV personality. Congratulations, Lauren!

eTool Developers Acquires gNetworks

Luanne Brown, CEO of eTool Developers, SBN Immediate Past Chair and SEMA board member is pleased to announce that eTool Developers has acquired the former gNetworks design/development team and offices following the re-structuring of gNetworks in October.

The new team members have worked closely with eTool Developers over the past seven years and possess exceptional skills in web site development, web-based business applications and eLearning solutions including the revolutionary PWA University developed for the PWA.

The growth of eTool Developers results in the expansion of specialized services to the automotive aftermarket. Congratulations, Luanne!

Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

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 November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

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

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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 November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

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