GOVERNMENT CRAFTS RECOMMENDED "BEST PRACTICES" FOR IMPORTERS
Thu, 07/24/2008 - 00:00

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking public comments on a draft "best practices" for importers. The guidelines are intended to reduce the likelihood that imported automobiles and auto parts may contain safety defects or not comply with federal safety standards. NHTSA joins a number of federal government agencies that are pursuing the same initiative for other types of consumer products, from toys to pet food and pharmaceuticals. The goal is to compile useful advice when a company outsources its products. NHTSA's draft guidelines include the following key recommendations:

  • Fully understand the importer's obligations under motor-vehicle safety statutes and regulations. By definition, importers are considered to be the product "manufacturer" and subject to the same oversight, including the potential obligation to conduct a recall if there is a safety defect or noncompliance.
  • Exercise great care in selecting foreign manufacturers and have a sound business plan so as to minimize risks. Issues to be addressed would include requiring manufacturing quality controls and documenting production information.
  • Inspect foreign manufacturing facilities to confirm that the supplier is properly licensed and quality controls are being implemented.
  • Inspect goods either before they are exported to or distributed in the United States. This could include having products independently tested to verify compliance.
  • Identify product country of origin. Statutes generally require every article of foreign origin (or its container) imported into the United States be marked with the country of origin.
  • Establish a consumer service program. An effective program could assist the importer in quickly identifying quality control and safety-related problems and allow the importer to remedy problems before they become widespread.
  • Contact NHTSA about manufacturer/importer reporting requirements, safety compliance and defect issues.

After it considers public comments, NHTSA intends to publish the final recommended best practices and post on its website. CLICK HERE for a copy of the draft proposal.

SEMA intends to submit comments which are due by August 7, 2008. Please contact Stuart Gosswein if you have suggestions or questions: stuartg@sema.org.

It is useful to note that SEMA published a two-part series in the December 2007 and February 2008 editions of SEMA News on the same topic. The article is entitled "Sourcing Your Products from China without Losing Your Shirt, Your Intellectual Property, or Your Customers" by Merritt R. Blakeslee of deKieffer & Horgan. Click on the links to download:     

ANOTHER STIMULUS BILL MAY BE IN THE WORKS
Thu, 07/24/2008 - 00:00

Democratic leaders are discussing passage of a second economic stimulus package before Congress adjourns in late September, although legislative specifics remain unclear. The talking points include a need to create jobs and spur economic activity by improving the nation's infrastructure—roads, bridges, harbors—and by targeting relief to lower-income Americans.

Congressional Republicans want to tie a second stimulus package to more off-shore drilling for oil and natural gas as a way to dampen rising energy prices, since many of the first-round stimulus checks were offset by increased energy prices. President Bush has cautioned that Congress should wait for the full effects of the February stimulus package to work its way through the economy.

The first economic stimulus included several business tax breaks, such as a temporary increase in the first-year direct-expensing allowance and a bonus depreciation deduction of 50% for 2008. The direct-expensing allowance increased to $250,000 from the current level of $128,000.

The stimulus also provided an increase in the phase-out cap based on total equipment purchases in a year, rising to $800,000 from the current $510,000. It is not known if a second measure would go beyond the relief already provided through the first stimulus.

For additional information, contact Brian Duggan at briand@sema.org.

NOBUHIRO TAJIMA WINS SECOND STRAIGHT PIKES PEAK CLIMB AND OTHER RACING NEWS
Thu, 07/24/2008 - 00:00

CUTTING SPENDING: General Motors is cutting its spending by $10 billion, and those cuts are certain to have an impact on motorsports sponsorship packages.

BACK IN BUSINESS: After nine years of inactivity, Ohio’s Millstream Speedway returned to action Sunday night with Dale Blaney winning an All Star sprint-car race before an overflow crowd at the Findlay, Ohio, half-mile dirt track. Dean Miracle is promoting the race track.

A WINNER: Kevin Harvick won Monday’s rain-delayed Oxford 250 stock-car race at Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine. The event remains one of the country’s longest-running and most-prestigious stock-car races.

TRAGEDY: Midwest Supermodified Association pilot Terry Gibson was killed in a crash during a heat race Friday night at Toledo (Ohio) Speedway. Gibson was 46.

RESIGNED: Lowe’s Motor Speedway Vice President of Events Roger Slack has resigned from his position. Slack is seeking work in the short-track industry.

REPEAT: Nobuhiro Tajima, driving a Suzuki ZL7, won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for the second consecutive year. However, Tajima failed to break under the 10-minute mark for the 12.42-mile climb, clocking in at 10 minutes and 18.250 seconds.

HE’S BACK: Canadian Indy car driver Paul Tracy will make his open-wheel racing return in Saturday’s IRL IndyCar Series event at Edmonton, Alberta. Tracy has a one-race deal to drive a Vision Racing car fielded by Walker Racing.

POWER RANKINGS: NASCAR Sprint Cup point-leader Kyle Busch kept the top spot in the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings, but NHRA Top Fuel kingpin Tony Schumacher moved up to second and is closing quickly. The National Speed Sport News Power Rankings are published weekly in the 74-year-old motorsports publication.

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.

TONY BARTONE GETS FIRST CAREER WIN AND OTHER NHRA NEWSMAKERS
Thu, 07/24/2008 - 00:00

NEWS NUGGETS

BARTONE GETS FIRST CAREER WIN; SCHUMACHER CONTINUES HIS DOMINATION ON SECOND LEG OF WESTERN SWING: Tony Bartone collected his first Funny Car win Sunday at the Schuck’s Auto Supply NHRA Nationals, as the NHRA POWERade Series competed in Seattle, the second stop on the famed Western Swing. It was Bartone’s first win since joining the highly competitive Funny Car class more than seven years ago.
    Funny Car points leader Tim Wilkerson clinched a spot in the Countdown to 1 with his first round finish at Pacific Raceways. In Top Fuel, defending POWERade world champion Tony Schumacher continued his domination of the field, picking up his seventh win of the season and fourth win in five races. It was also Schumacher’s third consecutive win at Pacific Raceways.
    Pro Stock’s Jason Line raced to his second win of the season, driving the Summit Racing Equipment Pontiac GXP past Allen Johnson in the final round, while teammate Greg Anderson clinched a spot in the Countdown to 1. For more results from the Schuck’s Auto Supply NHRA Nationals, visit www.nhra.com.

SCHUMACHER LOOKS TO MAKE HISTORY ON FINAL STOP OF WESTERN SWING; SONOMA: Heading into this week’s FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals, Top Fuel points leader Tony Schumacher has the chance to do something only achieved by five other drivers—sweep the Western Swing. With a win at Infineon Raceway (a track where he is the defending event champion), Schumacher would join a select list started by Top Fuel pilot Joe Amato in 1991.
    Since Amato’s history-making run, only four drivers have ever achieved the three-race sweep (John Force in 1994, Cory McClenathan in 1997, Larry Dixon in 2003 and Greg Anderson in 2004) and none have done it since 2004.
    “I don’t think about records or streaks when I am in the race car,” Schumacher said, following his win Sunday in Seattle. “You can’t be thinking of anything but the job at hand, which is winning the round. If you worry about anything else, if you don’t stay focused, you won’t win.”

DOUG KALITTA TO BE INDUCTED: Top Fuel pilot Doug Kalitta is no stranger to Infineon Raceway. The driver of the Mac Tools dragster has the most Top Fuel wins (five) at the famed Sonoma track, and this Sunday at the FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals, Kalitta will be inducted into Infineon Raceway's “Wall of Fame," joining such drag racing legends as Warren Johnson, John Force and Gary Scelzi.
    “I’m really happy the raceway has selected me to go into the Wall of Fame,” Kalitta said. “It really means a lot to me, considering all of the success I’ve had there.”
    Other members of the Wall of Fame include NASCAR legends Jeff Gordon, Ricky Rudd, Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin, as well as Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman O. Bruton Smith.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FRAM AUTOLITE NHRA NATIONALS, INFINEON RACEWAY, JULY 25–27: Heading to the beautiful Sonoma Valley, the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series travels to northern California for the third and final race of the Western Swing. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). 

LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS, BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, AUGUST 7–10: The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series returns to central Minnesota for the third to last race where drivers can earn points to get into the Countdown to 1. Defending event winners include Brandon Bernstein (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

TOYO TIRES NHRA NATIONALS, MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY, AUGUST 14–17: Returning to the East Coast, drivers in the NHRA POWERade Series have one final chance before Indy to make a run at the Top 10 point standings. Defending event winners include Doug Herbert (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Dave Connolly (Pro Stock); and Matt Guidera (Pro Stocky Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID
 
FLYING HIGH: Top Fuel pilot Brandon Bernstein got the chance of a lifetime last week when he had the opportunity to ride shotgun with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Bernstein describes his F-16 ride with Major Anthony Mulhare: "While we were performing maneuvers, the major asked if I was ready for my 9-G pull and I said ‘Bring it on.’ We registered at 9.2 Gs. It was an amazing rush on my body.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

-5,845: The difference in elevation from Bandimere Speedway, the first race on the Western Swing, to Infineon Raceway, the last race on the Western Swing. Drivers and crews face the daunting task each year of preparing a car to run at 5,860 feet above sea level (Denver) the first week, 280 feet above sea level (Seattle) the second week, and 15 feet above sea level (Sonoma) in the third and final week.

DID YOU KNOW…
 …that since Pro Stock Motorcycles were added to the Sonoma event in 2002, there have been six different winners in as many years: Craig Treble (2002), Geno Scali (2003), Angelle Sampey (2004), Andrew Hines (2005), Chip Ellis (2006) and Matt Smith (2007).
 
For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

BUCKAROO COMMUNICATIONS CELEBRATES HEADQUARTERS RESTORATION
Thu, 07/24/2008 - 00:00

Filler for eNews

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EARL MCMAHON, JOE FASSO, JUSTIN POLITTE, SEMA-MEMBER COMPANIES FEATURED ON “WORLD’S GREATEST…” AND MORE
Thu, 07/24/2008 - 00:00

OnSight Solutions (OSS) promoted two key employees, Earl McMahon and Joe Fasso. McMahon, who has been with OSS since March of 2005, was promoted from productions manager to operations manager. This is a new position specifically created by the company for McMahon, who will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of information technology, ongoing website initiatives; implementing all new software; and acting as a direct liaison between franchisees and management.
     Fasso, hired last January for the company’s graphic design department, will move in to the position of production manager. While he will continue to participate in designing, Fasso will also oversee all aspects of the production and order-fulfillment departments.

Adam’s Polishes Inc. hired Justin Politte as shine consultant. In 2005, Politte began a car detailing business and preferred Adam’s Polishes for his clients. His business was so successful that he decided to become a distributor for the company. Adam Pitale, founder of Adam’s Polishes was impressed and asked him to be a part of the Adam’s Polishes online forum, answering consumer questions about the product line.
    “Justin knew almost as much as I did about the products," Pitale said. “The next step was easy—we hired him as a salesperson.”


Justin Politte

Crown Point Productions and the ION Media Network announced that the 'World's Greatest!...' episode 111, featuring the segment "Maximum Performance," will air on the ION Network on the following dates and times: July 23 (7:00 a.m. EST/PST), July 25 (11:00 a.m. EST/PST) and July 28 (7:00 a.m., EST/PST). “World’s Greatest!...” is a 30-minute show dedicated to highlighting the world’s greatest companies, products, places and people. Each show is a fast-paced tour around the world featuring behind-the-scenes footage, informative interviews and exciting visuals.

Companies Featured:

  • Ameraguard
  • Corrosion Free of North America
  • Diesel Performance Products
  • Miller Electric Manufacturing
  • SureFit Truck Racks
  • Cutler Repaving
  • Hypertherm
  • Monaco Coach Corporation

“These are exactly the type of companies that we like to feature on “World’s Greatest!..”. They’re innovative and exciting, and they all have a great story to tell,” said Gordon Freeman, executive producer of the show. For ION airing information, visit www.ionline.tv.

The Collectors Foundation announced that Ford Motor Company provided a grant to the company in support of its educational outreach. With the grant, the Collectors Foundation extends the educational mission of Ford Motor Company Fund and aids the Collectors Foundation in serving its mission to reach young people and grow the interest in historic automobiles.

Yokohama Tire Corporation's ADVAN will expand its role as the Official Tire Sponsor of Hooked on Driving (HOD) as Yokohama Tire becomes the official event sponsor of two new HOD events—Buttonwillow Raceway Park on July 18, in Buttonwillow, California, and Spring Mountain Raceway on September 5, in Pahrump, Nevada. HOD (www.hookedondriving.com) is an advanced driving instructional program aimed at improving the technique of high-performance car drivers. Each event provides drivers valuable time on the track and access to driving coaches.

COUNCILS NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS AND OTHER COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE NEWS
Thu, 07/24/2008 - 00:00


Click on the logo to visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Special Projects in Motion

The Automotive Restoration Market Organization Select Committee wants to hear from you. We are looking to celebrate, honor and recognize outstanding industry individuals and businesses during the council reception at the SEMA Show. Who should receive these prestigious awards? 
 
The nomination process is underway for Business of the Year and Person of the Year. Candidates should meet all criteria.
 
Click link to download and print a Business of the Year nomination form.
Click link to download and print a Person of the Year nomination form.
 
All nomination forms are due on August 15, 2008, so don’t delay!

Sponsorships are being accepted for the ARMO Industry Awards Reception. Now is the time to participate in this great opportunity to show your support of the restoration market, its community, its people and its businesses. Click here to download and print a sponsorship form.
 
For more information, contact any Select Committee member or Jan Desma, 909/396-0289 ext. 134 or e-mail jand@sema.org.

ARMO Council Announces Election Results       
 
Effective July 1, 2008, Jim Barber of Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc. took the reigns as ARMO chairman, with Laura Bergan of American Collectors Insurance Inc. taking the chairman-elect seat.
 
ARMO welcomes its newly elected leaders and looks forward to working closely with them. Join us in welcoming:

  • Ken DeVries – AutoTrader Classics
  • Michael Manning – American Autowire
  • Sal Perez – American Muscle Car

ARMO welcomes back its returning members:

  • Jeff Broadus – Car Collector magazine
  • Kim Mitchell – Eaton Detroit Spring Inc.
  • Sheila Perkins – Bradley David Productions
  • Alex Tainsh – TrimParts Inc.

ARMO thanks its retiring member Walter Vaughan of Steele Rubber Products for his years of dedication and volunteer service to the ARMO membership.
 
Contact Chairman Barber and Chairman-Elect Bergan or any of the Select Committee members with any questions or to introduce yourself to them. Jan Desma, SEMA council relations director and staff liaison for ARMO, can be reached at 909/396-0289, ext. 134 or e-mail jand@sema.org.

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News

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

ARMO Select Committee Elections

If you have any questions about the election, contact Jan Desma at 909/396-0289, ext. 134, or jand@sema.org.

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

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Click on the logo to visit HRIA's website.

HRIA Special Projects in Motion

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance Select Committee is looking to celebrate, honor and recognize outstanding industry individuals and businesses during the council reception at the SEMA Show. 

Who should receive these prestigious awards?  We want to hear from you.
 
The nomination process is underway for Business of the Year and Industry Recognition of an Individual. Candidates should meet all criteria.
 
Click link to download and print a Business of the Year nomination form.
Click link to download and print a Industry Recognition of an Individual nomination form.
 
All nomination forms are due on August 15, 2008, so don’t delay!

Sponsorships are being accepted for the HRIA Industry Awards Reception. Participate in this great opportunity to show your support of the hot-rod community, its people and its businesses. Click here to download and print a sponsorship form.
 
For more information contact any Select Committee member or Jan Desma, 909/396-0289 ext. 134 or email jand@sema.org.
 
HRIA Announces New Leadership Team

Effective July 1, 2008, the council welcomed its newest members to the select committee. Please join us in welcoming: 

  • Sandie Denton – Made For You Products
  • Kerry Hopperstad – Hopperstad Customs

HRIA welcomes back its returning members:

  • Ed Capen – Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
  • John McLeod – Classic Instruments Inc.
  • John Menzler – Comp Performance Group
  • Stacy Tucker – Detroit Speed and Engineering Inc.

HRIA thanks its retiring members Yogi Somerville of Yogi’s Inc. and Chico Kodama of Mooneyes USA Inc. for their years of dedication and volunteer service to the HRIA membership.

Jeanette Ladina of Flaming River Industries Inc. and Dennis Overholser of Painless Performance continue in their leadership roles as chairman and chairman-elect, respectively.  

Contact Chairman Ladina and Chairman-Elect Overholser or any of the Select Committee members with any questions or to introduce yourself to them.

Jan Desma, SEMA council relations director and staff liaison for HRIA, can be reached at 909/396-0289, ext. 134 or e-mail jand@sema.org.

A Message From HRIA Chairman-Elect Dennis Overholser

Fellow Council Leaders:

HRIA has purchased two pinewood cars for the upcoming Pinewood Drag Race at the Gala. Each committee person has chipped in with a donation, and two committee members are building the cars. After the races, the cars will be donated to the two charities—one for each charity—for the kids to enjoy. I challenge each of you to do the same: To not only help the kids with a cash donation, but the more cars we can give them, the more fun they can have in the future.

Dennis Overholser,
HRIA Chairman-Elect

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

Read HRIA's column featured in the July/August 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 Welcomes New Select Committee Members 

Bill Cole of Yankee Custom Truck Caps, Brad Leach of Tom’s Camperland and Melanie White of Hellwig Products all joined the TORA Select Committee effective July 1, 2008. “I am extremely pleased with the election results,” said TORA Chairman Ron DiVincenzo.

“Bill Cole has been in the industry for many years, not only as a business owner, but as an active force in the TORA. Bill was on the original Board of Directors of TCAA when it all started, and we are grateful that he has the dedication to step up and serve on the Select Committee once again. Brad and Melanie, while representing the 'younger generation,' also have lifetimes of experience, each having grown up in family-operated businesses. I’m very excited about the coming year for TORA.”

Webinar CD added to TORA’s List of Member Benefits

The TORA, in conjunction with the SEMA education and marketing departments, has created a CD compilation of SEMA webinars. Having access to webinars online is a great SEMA-member benefit, but listening to one still requires sitting down at the computer and downloading.

With this CD, TORA members can listen to 11 TORA-relevant seminars without the need for Internet access. You can listen in the car or on a plane. If you are savvy enough to convert and load the files onto your iPod, you can even listen to them while tearing up the treadmill!

The 11 seminars included on the CD are:

  1. Making sure your web store is open for business
  2. Secrets to marketing a highly effective website
  3. How reps can help installers sell to car dealers
  4. Your customer doesn’t live here any more
  5. How manufacturers can communicate more effectively with distributors and customers
  6. The mindset of leadership—timeless qualities of a successful leader
  7. Lean Manufacturing—how to eliminate waste in manufacturing and distribution
  8. Management strategies for the most challenging situations
  9. Six Sigma—the secret weapon of success
  10. Financial management for the non-financial manager
  11. Get Paid: Avoiding slow/non-paying customers and collecting debt.

For a copy of the "TORA Education & Training Benefits Webinar CD," TORA members can contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org. The 11 seminars featured on the CD are but a small sampling of what’s available from the SEMA website. On the SEMA homepage, click on “Shows and Events” then “webinars.” You can search the webinars by author or topic.

TORA Column in SEMA Member News

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

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Click on the logo to visit MRC's website.

The New MRC       
 
Effective July 1, 2008, Joel Rosenthal of Gantt-Thomas & Associates Inc. moved into the position of chairman of the MRC, with Wade Cobb of Hapco LLC as his wing-man and chairman-elect.

We look forward to working closely with MRC’s newly elected members:

  • Tommy Jourdan – True High Performance Sales
  • Les Rudd – Bob Cook Sales

We welcome back returning Select Committee members:

  • Bill Chamberlain – JSC&A
  • Evan Mecham – Evan Mecham & Associates

And we thank the following retiring members for their years of volunteer service and dedication to the MRC:

  • Bob Bader – Hapco
  • Mark Adin – PSKB
  • Zane Shaffer – Wes-Coast Marketing
  • Alex Walker – Bob Cook Sales

MRC re-evaluated and decreased the amount of seats on the Select Committee thus allowing more focus on membership participation. The council has 14 leaders on the Select Committee serving its membership.
 
Please feel free to contact Chairman Rosenthal and Chairman-Elect Cobb or any of the Select Committee members with any questions or to introduce yourself to them. Staci Bostock, SEMA council relations coordinator and staff liaison for MRC, can be reached at 909/396-0289, ext. 104 or e-mail stacib@sema.org.
 
MRC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MRC's column featured in the July/August 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 MPMC's website.

MPMC Welcomes New Select Committee Members
Jason Bruce of Advanced Flow Engineering, Marc Erickson of Auto Meter and Ron Johnson of ADDCO Manufacturing are the latest additions to the MPMC Select Committee roster. This is Marc’s first term on the Select Committee, but Jason and Ron both have previous experience with MPMC.

“Ron Johnson was a previous chairman of MPMC,” said current Chairman Bill Floyd. “And we are very pleased to have him back on the committee. His experience and history, both in MPMC as well as the industry, is invaluable to us. We have a very good mix of industry veterans and young guns on the Select Committee this year. I am very fortunate to have such a strong team to work with during my tenure as chairman.”


2007 MPMC Media Trade Conference

Media Trade Conference Exhibitor Registration Now Open!
Exhibitor Registrations for the 2009 MPMC Media Trade Conference are now being accepted! A downloadable registration form is available on the MPMC webpage, www.sema.org/mpmc. Each MPMC member company will also receive a link to the registration form via e-mail and a hard copy via U.S. Postal Service. If you do not receive either the e-mail or hard-copy version, or if you have any questions, please contact Jim Skelly, the MPMC council liaison, at jimsk@sema.org. You should also e-mail Jim to request confirmation that your application has been received. The 2009 MPMC Media Trade Conference is on January 20–22 at the Embassy Suites LAX South, next to Los Angeles International Airport.

Registration is only available to MPMC member companies. Exhibitor registration will close on August 15, 2008, at which time all registrations will be assigned a random number. Exhibitors with six or more years of seniority, who complete the registration process by August 15, 2008, are guaranteed an exhibitor suite. The remaining suites will be assigned by the random number tagged to the registration. (Receipt date of application has no bearing on whether or not you are assigned a suite.) Due to the logistics of the event, only 100 exhibitor suites are available. Any company that does not receive a suite assignment will be placed on a waiting list in random number order. More details of the registration process are available on the form itself.

MPMC Column in SEMA Member News

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

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

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Click on the logo to visit PRO's website.

PRO Welcomes New Select Committee Members
Five new members joined the PRO Select Committee roster, effective July 1, 2008. “We lost a total of five outstanding Select Committee members this year,” said PRO Chairman Chuck Blum. “We will miss their experience on the Select Committee. But at the same time, we picked up five new members who are talented and eager to contribute, and I look forward to working with them in the coming year.”  A complete roster of the PRO Select Committee may be found on the PRO Council homepage at www.sema.org/pro. The five newest Select Committee members are:

  • Mike Bolio - Scafidi Bolio & Associates
  • Stefan Majlinger - Katzkin Leather
  • Shari McCullough-Arfons - McCullough Public Relations
  • Doug Perez - Automotive Essentials
  • Dale R. Sterwart - 3M Automotive Division

Record Attendance Highlights Annual PRO Long Range Planning Meeting
The Professional Restylers Organization held its annual Long Range Planning Meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Detroit, June 12–13, with a record 40 members in attendance. “This is the largest attendance that I can remember in recent history,” commented PRO Chairman Chuck Blum. “Not only was I impressed by the attendance numbers, but the participation by all the attendees was inspiring. This meeting proves once again that PRO Council members are committed to the restyling industry, and they believe in the networking and collaboration opportunities provided by PRO.”

PRO Open Meeting at SEMA Show 2008!
PRO will hold an open meeting during the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The meeting is open to all PRO Council members, and will be in meeting rooms N219-222, located in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Now more than ever, PRO needs input from all its members. So please plan to attend on Thursday morning at the Show, and bring all your ideas with you!

What: PRO Open Meeting
When: Thursday, November 6, 2008, 7:30 am to 9:30 am
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, rooms N219-222

PRO Column in SEMA Member News

Read PRO's column featured in the July/August 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 SBN's website.

SBN Projects in Motion

Nominations are now being accepted for SBN Woman of the Year and the SBN Athena Award. 
 
SBN Woman of the Year Award
Do you know a woman who deserves recognition for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the automotive aftermarket? If you know of an individual who is worthy of this prestigious award, click here to download and print the SBN Woman of the Year Award Nomination Form.

SBN Athena Award
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network Athena Award has been established to honor an industry person (male or female) or company for outstanding contributions to women in the automotive aftermarket. Click here to download and print the SBN Athena Award Nomination Form.

Don’t delay! The deadline to submit your nominations is August 1, 2008.

The recipients of these prestigious awards are recognized and honored during the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast–Powered by SBN and SEMA Show week. Reserve your spot today. Show your support by sponsoring this event. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To order your tickets today, click here.

For more information, contact any Select Committee member or Jan Desma, 909/396-0289 ext. 134 or email jand@sema.org.

Congratulations to the Newly Elected SBN Select Committee Members
 
The ballots are in and the votes have been counted for elections of the 2008 SBN Select Committee. With record voter turnout and a slate of excellent candidates, the SBN Select Committee elected to add two seats bringing the count to 17. It was an exciting and close race. We now have two new members of the Select Committee and five returning incumbents.

I would like to welcome our two newest members:

  • Daytona Dayton - President, Daytona & Friends Global Enterprises Inc.
  • Rose Kawasaki - Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Exports International

And we are glad to see the return of our five incumbents:

  • Lee McGuire - Skyjacker Suspensions
  • Bianca Hennings - Window Canvas
  • Tracy Teuscher - The Buzz Maker!
  • Lauren Fix - Classic Tube
  • Leslie Maxwell - The Marx Group

Their two-year terms began July 1, 2008. We look forward to an exciting future for the SBN with many new and improved programs.
 
Thank you to everyone who participated in the elections.

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 Select Committee Election

If you have any questions about the Select Committee elections, contact Jan Desma at 909/396-0289, ext. 134 or jand@sema.org.

SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by SBN

Check out this video of SBN members in action during the valuable SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by SBN held annually at the SEMA Show. Check out the video by clicking here

SBN Column in SEMA Member News

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

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

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Click on the logo to visit SPC's website.

Improve Your Online Presence and Message at SEMA’s Internet Symposium

Discover better ways to connect with your customers through the SEMA Internet Symposium on July 25, in Irvine, California. From everyday products to specialty items, the Internet has changed the way customers research and buy. To meet the needs of the more empowered consumer, businesses need to take advantage of opportunities through the Internet to deliver product messages and drive sales. Whether your company is ready to learn the fundamentals or prepared for focused Internet solutions, take advantage of the 2008 SEMA Internet Symposium on July 25.

The symposium’s curriculum covers broad-based topics, such as Internet marketing and understanding legal rights online, as well as more advanced subjects, such as pay-per-click web design and web-based customer relationship management.    

The event is facilitated by SEMA’s Street Performance Council, and course descriptions, complete information and registration for the SEMA Internet Symposium are available by clicking here. The 2008 SEMA Internet Symposium is held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. For more information on the Gala and its related fundraising activities, click here.

New Council Name

The SEMA Board of Directors has approved Street Performance Council (SPC) as the replacement for the Sport-Compact Council (SCC) name. The council’s current Select Committee recommended the change to better serve its members in the extremely diverse street-performance industry. The council is committed to maintaining its mission statement and current objectives—to provide market information, education and support members concerning new and emerging trends. This council name represents a broader market and provides new growth and educational opportunities for the diverse council membership.

SPC Chairman Eric Breslow remarks, “As SEMA itself has expanded to include different facets of the automotive aftermarket, the street-performance parts manufacturers and distributors didn’t have an exclusive council representing their interests. Some gravitated to the Sport-Compact Council, but with our new name, member benefits and initiatives, we welcome those diverse companies with open arms.”

A Message From SPC Chairman Eric Breslow

Dear SPC Member:

In today's volatile economy, member companies must exploit every opportunity to get product messages in front of the end consumer and drive that all-important purchase dollar to their coffers. All levels of commerce have unprecedented access to product knowledge via the Internet. Take advantage of another exclusive SEMA-member benefit and attend the 2008 Internet Symposium, July 25, 2008, in Irvine, California.

Your SPC Select Committee has been busy developing this year's Internet Symposium. Thanks to attendee suggestions from last year, the day's events have been split into two separate tracks. One for people who are seeking a broad "50,000-ft." view of understanding how the Internet impacts an individual business, and a more focused track for in-depth Internet solutions.

It is the mission of SPC to make sure that our valued members have the first opportunity to sign up. Last year we sold out in just one week. For the schedule and online registration, click here.

See you in July.

Best regards,
Eric Breslow, SPC Chairman

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

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

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

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Click on the logo to visit WTC's website.

Congratulations to the Newly Elected WTC Select Committee Members

  • Linda Blumer - SenDel Wheel/TIRECO Inc.
  • Barry Horlick - Voxx Products Inc.
  • Jim Husted - Discount Tire Co.
  • David Insull - American Tire Distributors
  • Bob Riegel - Bridgestone/Firestone - Incumbent
  • Carl Robinson - Mickey Thompson Performance Tires - Incumbent
  • Brandon Stotsenburg - Mobile Awareness LLC - Incumbent
  • Shelly Urwiler - Ultra Wheel 

WTC Column in SEMA Member News

Read WTC's column featured in the July/August 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 YEN's website.

Congratulations to the Newly Elected YEN Select Committee Members

  • Tim Watts - Superlift Suspension Systems - Incumbent
  • Fred Snow - Hella Inc. - Incumbent
  • Rachel Fernandez - TruXedo by Shur-Co Automotive
  • Lee McGuire - Skyjacker Suspensions - Incumbent 

Join YEN

Did you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has over 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.

SEMA Silent Auction

Efforts for the 2008 SEMA Silent Auction are beginning NOW! To learn more about the silent auction and how it has raised nearly $150,000 for SEMA scholarships in the last two years, visit the SEMA Silent Auction website at www.semasilentauction.com.

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 July/August issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

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

THE MOST PRODUCTIVE 15 MINUTES YOU'LL SPEND AT THE SEMA SHOW
Thu, 07/24/2008 - 00:00

Filler for eNews

PHOTO GALLERY—50+ TUNDRAS FROM THE 2007 SEMA SHOW
Thu, 07/24/2008 - 00:00

Filler for eNews

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Thu, 07/24/2008 - 00:00

Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are:

>> SEMA Internet Symposium, July 25, Irvine, California
>> SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 25, Irvine, California
>> SEMA Webinar, "Highly Effective Low-Cost Marketing Strategies," July 31, 2008 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
>> SEMA Webinar, "Inventory Management: Mark It Down, Move It Out and Make More Money," August 14, 2008 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
>> SEMA Show 2008, November 4–7, 2008, Las Vegas 
>> SEMA Dealer Day, November 5, 2008, Las Vegas

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268.

Looking for Some Extra Publicity for Your Industry Event?
Publicize your events through the SEMA Online Calendar of Events located at www.sema.org/calendar. The calendar is stocked with information on events taking place throughout the year, broken down by month. Examples of events featured in the calendar include consumer shows and club events, educational and training workshops, conventions and trade shows, races and more.

To submit your event details for the calendar, e-mail company name and the date(s), location and name of the event to Shirley Presecan at shirleyp@sema.org.