MRC MEMBERS STRENGTHEN THEIR CAREERS AND OTHER SEMA COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE NEWS
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)

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, 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 Certifiy@MRERF.org.

  • 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.

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

  • 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.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

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.

  • 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.

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

Build Hype for Your New Product
TORA members exhibiting at the 2008 SEMA Spring Expo or SEMA OFFROAD are encouraged to enter their products into the council's New Product Awards competition.

The award competition provides exhibitors with an excellent opportunity to introduce new products. To provide more exposure for TORA-member products, this year's award competition was incorporated into the SEMA Spring Expo/SEMA OFFROAD New Products Showcase. The awards will be presented during the TORA/PRO Industry Awards Reception on Friday, February 8.

For complete details on the award competition, including judging, product categories and criteria, click here. Ready to enter your new product? Click here.  The SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD are scheduled for February 8 and 9 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. For show details, visit www.semaspringexpo.com or www.semaoffroad.com.

  • 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.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

  • 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.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

  • 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.

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

  • 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.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

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.

  • 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.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

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

For information about SBN, visit www.sema.org/sbn or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

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.

  • 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.

PHOTO GALLERY—HOT LEXUS LS, IS AND GS MODELS FROM THE SEMA SHOW
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

Filler for eNews

FREE EDUCATION TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS AND INCREASE REVENUE
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

Headed to the 2008 SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD events? Then take advantage of the multiple seminars and presentations designed to equip you with information and strategies to improve your business and increase revenue.

The free sessions kick-off on Thursday, February 7, 1:00–2:30 p.m., with "Making Your Business a Great Investment for You," where you'll gain access to an online calculator that provides updates on your investment returns and how to create larger dividends.

The following morning from 9:45–10:45 a.m., don't miss keynote speaker Richard Picciotto, the highest-ranking New York firefighter to survive the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11. Be inspired and motivated as Picciotto recounts his leadership during that harrowing day, lessons that you can apply to your business and life.

Additional topics in the educational series include "5 Powerful Ways to Boost Your Business and Increase Revenue," "Internet Mediums (Websites, Blogs and Podcasts) to Maximize your Marketing Success" and "Merchandising Restyling to New Car Dealers."

For times and a complete event calendar, click here.

Registration for SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD, February 8–9, 2008, is in full swing and available for attendees online by visiting www.semaspringexpo.com and www.semaoffroad.com. The spring events deliver the acclaimed SEMA Show experience to the Indianapolis area and surrounding regions.

With a special emphasis on trucks and SUVs, exhibitors will display a variety of products and services covering accessories, restyling, wheels and tires, and mobile electronics. To see all industry manufacturers exhibiting at SSE/SOR, click here.

Additionally, make sure to watch for Ford's 2008 Styling Awards for Best Use of Accessories on a Ford truck/SUV. Awards will be judged by Ford's Warren Nally and are available to any Ford truck/SUV on display at SEMA Spring Expo/SEMA OFFROAD.

For more information about the events, contact Gary Vigil at: garyv@sema.org.

STAY AHEAD OF TRENDS AT SEMA'S NATIONAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

The SEMA National Education Conference, scheduled 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.

The market is an ever-changing force. Do you know where it’s headed? Before becoming vice president of market research and information for SEMA, Jim Spoonhower was director of research for a company whose clients included IBM, GTE, Wells Fargo and the University of California. Jim highlights trends over the last 10 years and shows you where the market is going—as well as how to stay ahead.  

Thursday, April 10
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Speaker: Jim Spoonhower
Title: "Trends: What Are the Signs Along the Road?”

DON’T MISS OUT! FEATURE YOUR PRODUCT ON VEHICLE BUILDUPS AT SEMA SPRING EXPO
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

SEMA Spring Expo exhibitors: This is your last chance to have your product showcased in a live installation at the show. The vehicle buildups will feature two vehicles being transformed from completely stock to completely accessorized trucks right on the show floor.

The first truck, a black 2008 GMC 2500 crew cab shortbed 4x4 will be transformed into a stylized, “personal-use” -type vehicle on Friday. On Saturday, a white 2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty crew cab 4x4 will be converted into a real-world “contractor’s truck." Both trucks are diesel-powered. A team of professional installation experts will be on hand to install the products or you may specify that your own team will do the installation. Wireless microphones will be available to provide step-by-step commentary and/or question-and-answer sessions following the installation.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to show how easy it is to install your product. Interested manufacturers are encouraged to contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org. Include a description of the product, any special tools needed for installation, and whether or not you will have your own installers on hand for the program. A schedule for the installs will be released shortly.

FORD WANTS THE BEST TRUCKS AND SUVs AT SEMA SPRING EXPO
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

Ford Motor Company is once again presenting two Ford Styling Awards at the SEMA Spring Expo in Indianapolis. Known as the “2008 Ford Styling Awards—Best Use of Accessories on a Ford Truck or SUV," the awards recognize creativity, ingenuity and craftsmanship for accessorized Ford vehicles.

These prestigious awards will be judged by Ford's Warren Nally, who will announce the winners Friday evening during the inaugural TORA/PRO Awards Reception. The competition is open to all Ford trucks and SUVs on display at the SEMA Spring Expo. Pre-registration is not required, but to make sure your vehicle is included in the judging, notify the TORA of your interest by e-mailing Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org, or stop by the SEMA Association booth at the show.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

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

>> SEMA Spring Expo/SEMA OFFROAD, February 8–9, 2008, Indianapolis
>> SEMA Webinar: Building an Online Parts Presence: How to Use the Internet to Maximize Your Parts Business, February 14, 10:00 a.m. (PST)
>> SEMA Webinar: PIES: What You Need to Know, February 15, 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 inclusion in the calendar, e-mail company name and the date(s), location and name of the event to Shirley Presecan at shirleyp@sema.org.

MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities at www.sema.org/classifieds. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more. The newest classified listings posted under Positions Available include:

  • Merchandise/Purchasing Manager, Northern Ohio
  • Field Specialist, Seattle, Washington
  • Washington Sales Rep, Portland, Oregon
  • Instrumentation Technician - Automotive, Azusa, California
  • Project Engineer/Program Manager, Corona, California

SEMA members: Have a job opening that you need filled? Members are invited to post classified ads on www.sema.org/classifieds free of charge. Categories available are: Positions Available, Positions Wanted, Rep Opportunities, WD Opportunities, For Sale, Items Wanted, Business Opportunities and Internships. Visit the site for details.

CHROME AND GRILLES TOP STYLING CHOICES
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00


Chrome trim kits, such as this FJ Cruiser package from Putco, were one of the most popular new products shown at the 2007 SEMA Show.

Exhibitors at the 2007 SEMA Show introduced nearly 400 new restyling, interior and accessory products—the most popular among them including grille inserts, chrome trim and seat/seat accessories.

Entries in the New Product Showcase for “Best New Interior/Exterior Accessory Product” numbered 299. Companies exhibiting in the Restyling & Accessories section of the Show contributed 68 products to the New Product Showcase.

Cleaning accessories led all products in the Interior/Exterior category (10%), followed by chrome trim (8.7%) and grille inserts (7.4%). Seats/seat accessories and wheels tied for fourth, comprising 4.7% of new product entries, while headlights/taillights and lens covers rounded out the top five (4.3%).

Among the exhibitors in the Restyling & Accessories category, 130 were American companies, the largest contingent coming from California (33%), Florida (10%) and Michigan (7%), while 53 were international companies, led by those from Taiwan (32%), Canada and China (both 18.9%) and Korea (7.5%).

For more industry insights and research, visit www.sema.org/research.

PHOTO GALLERY—50 OF THE SEMA SHOW'S HOTTEST HONDAS
Thu, 01/24/2008 - 00:00

Filler for eNews