Chevrolet North American Vice President Ed Peper, a 24-year General Motors veteran, will deliver the keynote address at the 2008 SEMA Show during the SEMA Show Luncheon and Keynote Address, scheduled for Monday, November 3, at 12:00 p.m. Peper's address coincides with Chevrolet featuring its 2010 Camaro as the official vehicle of the 2008 SEMA Show.

Named North American vice president of Chevrolet Motor Division in June, Peper began his career with GM as a Cadillac sales representative in 1984—the same year his father Ed retired from the company after 34 years of service. Prior to his current position, Peper served as Chevrolet general manager and oversaw the launch of more than a dozen new vehicles.

General Motors, a long-time supporter of the SEMA Show, has exhibited at the event since 1996 and demonstrates a strong commitment to vehicle personalization by collaborating in numerous SEMA initiatives. As a supporter of programs such as SEMA Tech Transfer, for example, (www.sema.org/techtransfer), SEMA manufacturing members can access confidential drawings and data on new GM vehicles.

For tickets to the SEMA Show Luncheon and Keynote address, CLICK HERE (PDF file).

For a complete listing of all the 2008 SEMA Show seminars and special events, visit www.SEMAshow.com.

Ryan Friedlinghaus (front right), owner/CEO of West Coast Customs.

SEMA has selected Ryan Friedlinghaus, owner and CEO of West Coast Customs (WCC), to be the New Product Awards Breakfast speaker at the 2008 SEMA Show. 

Friedlinghaus gained national fame through WCC's appearance on MTV’s "Pimp My Ride." The series showcased the shop’s talent in restoring old junk vehicles into elaborate, hip-hop-themed rides.

Friedlinghaus ended WCC's involvement with "Pimp" because he found that the show's platform had become too gimmicky. He now stars in "Street Customs" on TLC, which he says is a more realistic depiction of how a custom car shop operates.

In 1993, an 18-year-old Friedlinghaus, who was born in Los Angeles and raised in Las Vegas borrowed $5,000 and opened WCC. Friedlinghaus says that the privately held company now exceeds $10 million a year in revenue. His factory is located in Corona, California, where he also resides.

In addition to attending the breakfast, Show exhibitors still have time to submit entries for the New Products Showcase.

“The New Products Showcase is a great value and opportunity for SEMA Show exhibitors to gain tremendous exposure for their new products," said Gary Vigil, SEMA trade shows director. "Products will be displayed to all the media and attendees at the Show and will be posted on SEMAshow.com for months after."

The first product entered is free. To submit a product, CLICK HERE.

The awards breakfast will be held on November 4, 2008, the first morning of the Show. To obtain your free ticket to the event, CLICK HERE.

Last year, Hot Rod magazine spotted a void within the aftermarket performance industry: the lack of a formal, permanent Hall of Fame recognizing the impact of specific performance parts on our industry's success, culture and enthusiasts. So the magazine started its own: the Hot Rod Speed Parts Hall of Fame.

Last year's inaugural recipients were celebrated at the 2007 SEMA Show and are currently part of the Hot Rod 60th Anniversary display at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. They include: 

• American Racing Equipment Torq-Thrust Wheel
• Auto Meter Monster Tachometer
• Bell Helmets 
• Cragar S/S Wheels 
• Flowmaster Mufflers 
• Holley 3310, 750cfm Vacuum Secondary Carburetor 
• Hilborn Mechanical Fuel Injection 
• Hurst Competition Plus Shifter 
• Iskenderian Camshafts 
• M&H Racemaster Slicks

For 2008, Hot Rod has compiled a list of 75 products that have played a significant role in shaping the specialty-equipment market. The magazine is asking SEMA members and industry insiders to take a few minutes to vote on the top five products that they feel are most worthy to join the Speed Parts Hall of Fame. You will also have the opportunity to write in your own candidates.

In addition to determining the winners, your votes and write-ins this year will be used to compile the lists for future Hall of Fame voting.

To vote, CLICK HERE.

The 2008 Hot Rod Speed Parts Hall of Fame will have five charter inductees that will be featured in the December issue of Hot Rod magazine. They will also be announced at the SEMA New Product Awards Breakfast during the SEMA Show, alongside a historic display within the New Products area.

Don't delay in recognizing the contributions of this industry's pioneers and visionaries. Voting ends August 20.

Couldn't make it to the silent auction at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser last month? No problem. We saved some of the best for later. Bid now on a selection of great gear, including the one-of-a-kind Motor Trend-branded Les Paul Custom electric guitar, via eBay auctions. All proceeds benefit SEMA charities Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Motor Trend Les Paul Custom electric guitar. One-piece mahogany neck, mahogany body, maple top, ebony fretboard with pearl-inlaid Motor Trend logo. Humbucker pickups for that rich, classic Les Paul sound. One of only 15 Motor Trend-branded Les Paul Customs made.

To bid now: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220263907623&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123

2x8 advertising space for one year on the guardwall of Virginia Motorsports Park's dragstrip, home of the Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals.

To bid now: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220263907778&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123

GPI (Great Plains Industries Bulk Oil Transfer Pump). 115v and 16 quarts-per-minute flow rate. Includes hose, nozzle and suction pipe (intended use: dispensing non-flammable fluids, such as waste oil, hydraulic fluids, antifreeze and oil-based solvents). Mounts directly to tanks or barrels. 

To bid now: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=ADME%3AL%3ALCA%3AUS%3A11&viewitem=&item=220263907643

The SEMA membership number for fiscal year 2009 is 7,358, which is approximately a 4% increase compared to fiscal year 2008's membership of 7,094.

"The current growth in the membership number reinforces the resiliency of the companies that comprise the industry and is a testimony of the value of the Association," said Tom Myroniak, SEMA vice president of marketing and member services. "In the midst of a slowing economy, companies continue to find value in the member benefits, such as our freight savings plan, consumer credit programs and business insurance protection. Ultimately, members who take advantage of the member benefits view Association membership as significant to their bottom lines."

To access the SEMA membership application form, click here.

To update your membership information, click here.

Lexus is inviting SEMA members to test-drive the new high-performance IS-F sedan at the legendary Laguna Seca Raceway. The one-hour program begins with professional drivers taking participants around the course for turn-by-turn instruction, then participants taking their own hot laps in the new 400+ horsepower machine.

When: Wednesday, August 13, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (appointments on the hour)
Where: Laguna Seca Raceway, 1021 Monterey-Salinas Hwy., Salinas, California 93908
Who: RSVP required. Call 888/747-4504

Looking to extend your business into international territories? There’s no better place to start than by forging relationships with international buyers at the SEMA Show. And the 2008 SEMA Show is already shaping up to be a great opportunity, as international buyer registrations are up year-to-date compared to the 2007 Show.

The 2008 SEMA Show will see an increased presence of buyers from Australia, Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, and, in a large leap (nearly four times as many) from Pakistan compared to 2007. Slightly fewer buyers from Denmark, El Salvador, Japan, Turkey, Venezuela and Mexico are currently registered to attend the 2008 Show.

For more information on international opportunities available to SEMA members, please visit: www.sema.org/international.

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), a SEMA council, launched a new campaign to increase attendance at motorsports events and public awareness of the industry. The program is titled “Take a Friend to a Race” and includes a series of ads and promotional pieces that urge enthusiasts to invite and introduce friends, relatives and neighbors who have never attended a motorsports event to do so.

“MPMC members are in the business of manufacturing parts that are designed specifically for race cars,” said MPMC Chairman Bill Floyd. “That gives us a vested interest in the health of the motorsports industry, which translates directly into event attendance. ‘Take a Friend to a Race’ will have a significant effect on motorsports attendance and participation, and will improve communication between the parts manufacturers, track operators and sanctioning bodies.”

A key component of the campaign is the designation of August as Motorsports Awareness Month.

“We are urging individuals within the industry to reach out and physically bring a new potential fan to a race,” continued Floyd, “so they can experience the sights and sounds that television just cannot capture. Auto racing is a family-oriented sport, so families can plan days or even vacations around events. Companies can plan outings to motorsports events. Marking August as the official Motorsports Awareness Month gives the idea an annual focus throughout the industry.”

The MPMC is dedicated to representing the collective interests of all SEMA-member companies that manufacture parts used in sanctioned racing events and to developing effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues. Companies interested in joining SEMA and MPMC can contact SEMA headquarters at member@sema.org. More information about the MPMC is available at www.sema.org/mpmc.  

Filler for eNews

Last Thursday’s webinar, “Highly Effective Low-Cost Marketing Strategies,” communicated that a company does not have to make huge investments in order to reap big rewards.

Presenter Debbie Allen, a Certified Public Speaking Professional, advised companies that they should never stop marketing, despite any tough times. 

"The problem is that when people cut costs, they cut their marketing and then they cut the stream of more prospects coming to them," said Allen. "So cutting advertising costs is not effective for you."

Instead, she revealed that free exposure can be gained both on and off the web by participating in expert articles and by getting involved in social media and blogs. Allen also encouraged members to apply for awards and speak at events in order to showcase their expertise.

For an audio or PDF download of the webinar, click here.

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