The cost of a first-class stamp will rise by $.01 to $.42, starting on May 12. Under a 2006 law reorganizing the U.S. Postal Service, the agency will now adjust postal prices on a yearly basis at a rate tied to inflation. The law change was intended to provide predictability and price protection. The inflation rate since last May’s first class mail increase was 2.9%. While the mailing cost for the first ounce of a first-class letter rises by a $.01, the price of each added ounce will remain $.17 (i.e. a two-ounce letter will go up a penny to &.59). The following is a summary of other announced increases:
• Postcards: $.27, up $.01
• Large envelope: 2 ounces, $1, up $.03
• Certified mail: $2.70, up $.05
• First-class international letter to Canada or Mexico: $.72, up $.03
• First-class international letter to other countries: $.94 cents, up $.04
• New prices for Priority and Express Mail and other services will be announced in March.
For further information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
UNITED: Late last week officials from the Indy Racing League and Champ Car World Series reached an agreement to merge the Champ Car Series into the IRL effective immediately. It will be a difficult transition, with Champ Car teams making the change to IRL cars in time for the season opener at Homestead-Miami Speedway. A press conference to discuss the many details of the arrangement is scheduled during testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway later this week. The deal marks the end of a 13-year split which divided open-wheel racing and its fans.
NAMING RIGHTS: Auto Club of Southern California has purchased the naming rights to California Speedway, with the two-mile superspeedway now known as Auto Club Speedway of Southern California.
MONDAY MOVES: Carl Edwards won the rain-delayed NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and Tony Stewart claimed the Nationwide Series event as both races were held Monday at Auto Club Speedway of Southern California.
NEW TV: After many years on Speed, the Hooters Pro Cup Series will see all of its events televised on Versus this year.
AWARD WINNER: 14-time NHRA Funny Car champion John Force was selected as this year’s winner of the annual Justice Brothers-Shav Glick Award.
FOR SALE: The cars and other assets of the International Race of Champions are scheduled to be sold March 7–8 in an auction at IROC headquarters in Tinton Falls, New Jersey.
SIGNED: Ryan Hunter-Reay will drive the Team Ethanol Indy car for Rahal Letterman Racing in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series. Hunter-Reay ran a partial season for the team last year.
POWER RANKINGS: Donny Schatz clung to his lead in the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings.
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.
NEWS NUGGETS
DIXON PICKS UP FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON IN PHOENIX; BECKMAN, GAINES ALSO FIND WINNERS CIRCLE AT CHECKER SCHUCK’S KRAGEN NHRA NATIONALS: Returning to the spot of his first career win in 1995, Top Fuel pilot Larry Dixon picked up his first win of the season, second at Firebird International Raceway and 42nd career win Sunday at the Checker Schuck’s Kragen NHRA Nationals in Phoenix, Arizona. Dixon drove his U.S. Smokeless Tobacco dragster past runner-up Dave Grubnic to secure the win, which ties him with Tony Schumacher for ninth place on the NHRA all-time wins list and second on the all-time Top Fuel wins list (both trail Joe Amato with 52 wins).
Jack Beckman, battling a bad case of the flu all weekend, drove his Valvoline/MTS Dodge Charger R/T to the win in Funny Car after runner-up finisher and current points leader Robert Hight smoked the tires in the other lane. In Pro Stock, V Gaines picked up his first win in seven years, driving his Kendall Oil Dodge Stratus R/T past Jason Line, whose Summit Racing Pontiac GTO broke shortly after the green light. Gaines’ last win came in 2001 in Dallas against Tom Hammonds. To find the results from last week’s Checker Schuck’s Kragen NHRA Nationals, visit www.nhra.com.
O’REILLY EXTENDS SPONSORSHIP OF SUMMER NATIONALS: Continuing their title-rights sponsorship that began in 2002, O’Reilly Auto Parts has signed a multi-year extension as the title-rights sponsor of the O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals held in Topeka, Kansas through 2010. O’Reilly Auto Parts’ commitment to NHRA includes not only the sponsorship of the Summer Nationals, but also the title-rights sponsorships of NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series events in Houston, Madison, Bristol, Memphis and Dallas.
O’Reilly Auto Parts also recently signed a long-term naming-rights deal to historic O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis and is the series sponsor of the successful NHRA O’Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League.
FORCE WINS JUSTICE BROTHERS-SHAV GLICK AWARD: Though competing in the Checker Schuck’s Kragen NHRA Nationals in Phoenix, 14-time POWERade Series world champion John Force was still able to accept the Justice Brothers-Shav Glick Award nearly 326 miles away in California, thanks to his daughters Brittany, Courtney and Adria, who accepted the award on his behalf. The annual award recognizes those who have made distinguished contributions to motorsports in California.
“Being nominated for an award with Shav’s name on it is an honor by itself,” Force said, “but to be with people like Robert (E.) Petersen, Chris Pook and Jimmie Johnson, the NASCAR champ, makes it even more special. I wish I could have been there myself, but I’m just glad my girls were able to accept it for me. It’ll go right in my museum.”
Glick was a longtime motorsports writer for the Los Angeles Times. He covered the sport of drag racing for more than 30 years, and NHRA’s pressroom at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona bears his name.
FINISHING TOUCHES IN PROGRESS ON GAINESVILLE TOWER: After months of construction and preparation, the new tower at Gainesville Raceway is in the final stages of completion just in time for the ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals, March 13–16 in Gainesville, Florida. To view current pictures of the state-of-the-art tower, click on www.NHRA.com.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
ACDELCO NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, MARCH 13–16: The Pro Stock Motorcycle category opens its 2008 season at the Gatornationals, annually one of the most popular stops on the NHRA POWERade Series tour. Defending event winners include: Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Ron Capps (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle).
O’REILLY NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK, MARCH 28–30: Drivers in all four categories in the POWERade Drag Racing Series will duel it out for a Texas win (at this fourth race in the regular season). Defending event winners include: J.R. Todd (Top Fuel); Ron Capps (Funny Car); Jason Line (Pro Stock); and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle).
SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, APRIL 10–13: The NHRA POWERade series travels to the city that never sleeps for the fifth event of the 2008 season. Defending event winners include: Brandon Bernstein (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock).
HE SAID, SHE SAID
SEEN ANY GOOD MOVIES LATELY?: During the rain-delayed Friday qualifying sessions at the Checker Schuck’s Kragen NHRA Nationals, Funny Car driver John Force had a chance to reflect on the Academy Awards, occurring that week, and some of the movies he’d seen. Surprisingly, the 14-time POWERade Series world champion-turned movie critic made a few good predictions.
“Best supporting actor will be Javier Bardem from 'No Country for Old Men,' and the Best Actor will be Daniel Day Lewis,” Force said. “Nobody else stands a chance. I’ll bet you $1,000 and take a bet with anybody.”
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
10: The number of wins Top Fuel drivers Larry Dixon and Tony Schumacher need to tie NHRA legend Joe Amato for the No. 1 spot in all-time Top Fuel wins. Both Dixon and Schumacher are tied for second with 42 wins each, while Amato holds the top spot with 52.
DRIVERS TELL ALL
TAKE TWO OF THESE AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING: Competing at the Checker Schuck’s Kragen NHRA Nationals with a bad case of the flu, Funny Car driver Jack Beckman battled through a sore throat and aching body to pick up his first win of the season. Beckman, who avoided taking any medication while competing Sunday, remarked on the instructions found on a common flu medicine.
“You get up in the morning and you just feel bad and you look at the back of the cold medicine and it says ‘do not operate heavy machinery,’ and I’m not sure if that counts as a nitro Funny Car,” Beckman said.
For more information, visit www.nhra.com.
The Visteon board of directors elected Steve Hamp to join the board, effective March 1. Hamp previously served on the company's board from January 2001-2005. Hamp has been the principal of Hamp Advisors LLC since March 2007. Previously, he was the vice president and chief of staff for Ford Motor Co. from November 2005 through October 2006.
KICKER-sponsored athlete and television star Ryan Sheckler has partnered with Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) to raise money to help children with cancer. Sheckler already has many awards under his belt, including X Games gold, the Vans Triple Crown, and winning the Gravity Games. On top of that, the MTV hit show "Life of Ryan" has catapulted him to an even bigger audience than ever before.
As part of the three-month charity program, Sheckler is donating his personal KICKER-equipped Range Rover to the donor who raises the most funds for CCRF. The Rover was Ryan’s first vehicle after earning his driver’s license. For more information, visit www.ryansheckler.com.
Ryan Sheckler and his heavily-equipped Range Rover.
Erika Turner was named chief financial officer for Superior Industries International. Prior to joining Superior, Turner was chief financial officer/VP Finance since 2004 at Monogram Systems, a supplier of cabin systems and equipment to the global aerospace industry. Earlier, she served as CFO of the Storage Solutions Group at Quantum Corp.
"With her impressive record of accomplishment, high energy and commitment to success, Erika Turner rounds out the revamped and expanded senior management team we have assembled at Superior with the skills to extend the operational gains we already have achieved and position the company for long-term growth and profitability," said Chairman, President and CEO Steven Borick. "Erika has many years of directly relevant, high-level financial management experience in the automotive and other global manufacturing industries, and we expect her to make a real difference in her critical role at our company."
The Surf City Allstars have joined SEMA to provide quality musical entertainment at automotive-themed events. The band consists of current and former touring musicians with The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean and Brian Wilson's band. The Surf City Allstars were formed by band members who in the slow touring seasons would play private parties or corporate events. This was helpful for smaller groups that didn’t have the budget for The Beach Boys but wanted the authentic sound.
After original Jan & Dean founder Jan Berry passed away, The Surf City Allstars became a full-time endeavor and the band has continued to tour with Dean Torrence and, more recently, original founding members of the Beach Boys Al Jardine and David Marks.
For more information on the Surf City Allstars, contact Eric Breslow at Eric@Automansiononline.com or via telephone at 818/284-1225.
Sony Electronics announced its sponsorship of the Xplod NOPI Drag Racing Series sanctioned by the NHRA for the 2008 season. Sony will have an on-site presence with an interactive tractor trailer display, promoting the Xplod line of car stereo accessories and Sony portable audio products, including Muteki shelf systems. There will also be two exotic show cars that show off Sony’s high-end mobile electronics products.
There are 11 drag racing events sponsored by Sony, and the company will recognize the achievements of the winning teams by offering awards for the overall champions. These champions will be presented with a Sony Electronics hardware product during the final awards ceremony.
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ARMO Members—Help Shape the Future of Your Industry
Members of ARMO have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the restoration industry by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the Select Committee as their eyes, ears and voice.
ARMO’s primary goals are to ensure the longevity and prosperity of the automotive restoration industry and to represent a unified voice on behalf of its members. ARMO is dedicated to developing effective strategies and programs, all of which address the specific needs of the restoration industry.
Nominations forms have been mailed to all ARMO member companies, and are also available online by clicking here. Criteria and responsibilities of Select Committee members are also available here. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 7, 2008. Please do not miss out on this opportunity to shape our industry!
ARMO Members Invited to Participate in Free New Products Showcase
ARMO-member companies are invited to participate in the 11th annual New Products Showcase being held in conjunction with Spring Carlisle, April 23–27. Be sure to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to introduce your creative and innovative products to the industry and enthusiasts.
All ARMO-member companies are eligible to participate for free. There will be two categories for products: Best New Original Restoration Product of the Year and Best Restomod Product of the Year. The winning products and companies will be honored at the ARMO Industry Awards Reception during the 2008 SEMA Show. For an entry form, click here. All entry forms must be received by SEMA no later than Wednesday, April 16, 2008.
ARMO Column in SEMA Member News
Read ARMO's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
For more information about ARMO, visit www.sema.org/armo or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.
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HRIA Seminar Workshop Lineup for the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show
Located in the Indiana Convention Center on Thursday, February 28, 2008, all SEMA members are encouraged to participate in the workshops that focus on product use, tips and techniques at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show Click here to access additional information and a registration form, or contact Jan Desma (jand@sema.org) at 909/396-0289, ext. 134.
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, visit www.sema.org/hria or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.
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TORA Select Committee Nominations
TORA members have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the light-truck accessories industry by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the TORA Select Committee as their eyes, ears and voice. Select Committee nomination forms have been mailed and are due Friday, March 7. The forms are also available on the TORA website at www.sema.org/TORA. If you have any questions regarding the elections, contact Jim Skelly at 909/396-0289, ext. 103, or jimsk@sema.org.
Read TORA's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
For information about TORA, visit www.sema.org/TORA or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.
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MRC Members Get Closer to Certification
The MRC would like to recognize the SEMA/MRC members who attended the Manufacturers' Representatives Educational Research Foundation's (MRERF) Certified Professional Manufacturer Representative (CPMR) 101 at Arizona State University in January. The participants completed their first year of the CPMR training course and are headed toward CPMR Certification.
Left to right: Mike Bolio, Jim Considine III, Greg Bernheisel, Scott Majors, Chris Perry and Tommy Jourdan, with Tom Wilson, CPMR, CSP.
The MRC works with the MRERF to promote the continued education and professionalism of manufacturers' reps. MRERF's CPMR program was developed to provide executive education for owners and managers of field-sales organizations and address the professional-advancement needs of established manufacturers' reps by constructing benchmarks of performance. For more on MRERF, click here. For details on MRERF's CPMR program, click here, or contact Certify@MRERF.org.
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, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.
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MPMC Select Committee Nominations
MPMC members have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the Motorsports parts manufacturing industry by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the MPMC Select Committee as their eyes, ears and voice. Select Committee nomination forms have been mailed and are due Friday, March 7. The forms are also available on the MPMC website at www.sema.org/mpmc. If you have any questions regarding the elections, contact Jim Skelly at 909/396-0289, ext. 103, or jimsk@sema.org
2009 Media Trade Conference News
MPMC members are encouraged to look for a “Save the Date” reminder postcard some time in early April. Exhibitor applications for the 2009 MPMC Media Trade Conference are scheduled to be mailed out in mid-June. In the meantime, stay tuned to the MPMC website at www.sema.org/mpmc for the latest updates.
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, visit www.sema.org/mpmc contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.
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PRO Select Committee Nominations
PRO members have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the restyling industry by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the PRO Select Committee as their eyes, ears and voice. Select Committee nomination forms have been mailed and are due Friday, March 21. The forms are also available on the PRO website at www.sema.org/pro. If you have any questions regarding the elections, contact Jim Skelly at 909/396-0289, ext. 103, or jimsk@sema.org.
Mark Your Calendar!
All members of PRO are invited to join the PRO Select Committee at the annual open Project Planning Meeting.
When: Thursday and Friday, June 12–13, 2008
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Detroit, Michigan
While an agenda is not yet finalized, the open meeting typically runs from 11:00 a.m.–5 p.m. on Thursday, and from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Friday. Stay tuned to the PRO website at www.sema.org/pro for more details, but mark your calendar now!
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, visit www.sema.org/pro or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.
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SCC Select Committee Nominations
SCC members have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the industry by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the SCC Select Committee as their eyes, ears and voice. Select Committee nomination forms have been mailed and are due Friday, March 7. The forms are also available on the SCC website at www.sema.org/scc. If you have any questions regarding the elections, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.
SCC Column in SEMA Member News
Read SCC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
For information about SCC, visit www.sema.org/scc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.
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WTC Select Committee Nominations
WTC members have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the wheel and tire industry by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the WTC Select Committee as their eyes, ears and voice. Select Committee nomination forms have been mailed and are due Friday, March 7. The forms are also available on the WTC website at www.sema.org/wtc. If you have any questions regarding the elections, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.
- All members of the WTC are invited to join the WTC Select Committee at the council’s open Long-Range Planning Meeting. The details are:
When: Thursday, March 13, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: SEMA Headquarters – AAA Building, 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765
If you have any questions about the Long-Range Planning Meeting or to RSVP, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or e-mail paulm@sema.org.
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, visit www.sema.org/wtc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.
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Speed Networking Breakfast Powered by SBN
Check out this video of SBN members in action during the valuable Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by SBN held annually at the SEMA Show. Check out the video by clicking here.
SBN Select Committee Nominations
Members of SBN have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the SBN Select committee as their eyes, ears and voice. Select Committee nomination forms were mailed and are due Friday, March 7. The forms are also available at www.sema.org/sbn. If you have any questions regarding the elections, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.
SBN Column in SEMA Member News
Read SBN's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program, Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network
“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.
“We’ve got CEOs, SEMA Board members and many industry leaders with vast expertise in many different areas signed up as mentors willing to share their knowledge!” explained S. Kellie Colf, SBN Chairman.
The SEMA Mentoring Program is meant to create structured, confidential and trusting relationships between SEMA mentors who offer their automotive industry experience, guidance and support to mentees interested in further developing their professional careers in the automotive industry. This program is available to all SEMA-member company employees and is administered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network.
There are three ways to benefit from the SEMA Mentoring Program:
- One-time question/issue
- Short-term assistance/guidance with a task
- Long-term relationship
“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 submitted on the “Ask a Mentor” section.
If you need help with a specific project or task, sign up for short-term assistance/guidance. A certified SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.
Need help developing your professional career in the automotive industry? Sign up for a long-term relationship. In this program segment you will be paired with a certified SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project. Long-term mentoring relationships are meant to last for more than one year.
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. To sign up as a mentor or mentee online, go to www.sema.org/mentoring. To learn more about SEMA’s Mentoring Program and the opportunity to network with proven industry leaders, attend the free SEMA Mentoring Seminar at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show.
Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program and What It Can Do for You
HRIA Education Day, in conjunction with the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show
Date: February 28, 2008
Time: 4:15—5:15 p.m.
Place: Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
To Register: http://www.hotrodshow.com/v4files/hotrodshow/08_Manufacturers_Workshop_Flyer12-20-07%20Updated.pdf
For information about SBN, visit www.sema.org/sbn or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.
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YEN Select Committee Nominations
YEN members have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the YEN Select Committee as their eyes, ears and voice. Select Committee nomination forms have been mailed and are due Friday, March 7. The forms are also available on the YEN website at www.sema.org/yen. If you have any questions regarding the elections, 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 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.
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, visit www.sema.org/yen or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.
The SEMA National Education Conference, scheduled for April 10–11 in Nashville, is a concentrated, two-day leadership program developed exclusively for automotive specialty-equipment executives. With the knowledge shared at this conference, you'll discover how to lead your company to new levels of success. You'll receive real-world skills for immediate application, targeted information presented specifically for the automotive specialty-equipment industry and inspiration to make the necessary changes to more easily and effectively meet the challenges of a rapidly changing future.
SEMA Vice President of Market Research, Jim Spoonhower (above left), and Vice President of Councils Will Woods, will lead participants in an eye-opening, hands-on session on team-building that will demonstrate the value of group consensus in solving critical problems in the workplace. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team.
Friday, April 11
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Speakers: Jim Spoonhower and Will Woods
Title: “Interactive Team Learning Experience”
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Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are:
>> SEMA Webinar: Analyzing the Income Statement: The Nuts and Bolts, March 6, 10:00 a.m. (PST)
>> SEMA National Education Conference, April 10–11, 2008 Nashville
>> SEMA Washington Rally, May 14–15, 2008, Washington, D.C.
>> PAACE Automechanika Mexico, July, 9–11, 2008, Mexico City
>> 2008 Aftermarket eForum, July 14–16, 2008, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Chicago
>> SEMA Show 2008, November 4–7, 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.
Consumers are holding onto their light trucks a bit longer than they have in the past. Vehicle registration data recently released by R.L. Polk & Co. shows that in 2007, the median age of all light trucks registered in the United States reached 7.1 years, a steady increase from 6.8 in 2006 and 6.6 in 2005. According to the Polk data, the surge of SUVs and pickups purchased in the '90s is pushing up the median age of light trucks on the roads today.
Still, car owners are holding onto their vehicles two years longer. Although remaining flat over the last two years, the median age of cars registered in the United States stayed at 9.2 years in 2006 and 2007 while increasing from the 9.0 years in use for 2005. Of the 248 million vehicles currently on the road today, the biggest percentage of cars and light trucks were purchased new in the late '90s and early this decade, respectively.