The SEMA webinar program brings the world-class business insight featured during the SEMA Show Education Week right to your desktop. Different business-building sessions are constantly being added to the program, offering members the latest insight and practices from today’s leading speakers. Plus, all sessions are recorded and ready for download anytime. Click on the categories below to view available sessions, then simply download and play.

Webinars by Category
Government & Legal Issues
Human Resources
International
Internet
Jobber/Installer
Management
Marketing/Advertising/PR
Sales
SEMA Member Benefits
SEMA Show

All SEMA webinars are conducted live and are open to all employees of SEMA-member companies free of charge. To participate, all you need is a computer with Internet access and a telephone.

For complete information on the webinar program and to view information on upcoming sessions, visit www.sema.org/main/semaorghome.aspx?id=51488. 

For additional information about webinars or to learn about SEMA’s other education initiatives, contact Pat Benson at patt@sema.org.

Filler for eNews

Each year, the specialty-equipment industry puts together 30-second clips for the SEMA Show Awards Banquet, featuring the products, people and technology from our industry. Here's your chance to vote for the most innovative marketing ideas and concepts from the creative minds of the industry. Favorite clips will win a free table at the 2008 SEMA Show Awards Banquet.

View the clips here: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8795748374102081795

Vote for your favorite by sending an e-mail to peterm@sema.org.

Paint your latest creation in one of 12 Hot Wheels Spectraflame colors from PPG’s Vibrance Collection and you could win the opportunity to have your prized possession showcased at the 2008 SEMA Show as a guest of PPG Refinish. The Grand Prize winner will also receive an exclusive Hot Wheels 1/18th-scale award trophy featuring the winning paint scheme, and have the wining paint scheme featured on a production Hot Wheels toy car to be introduced in 2009. The Grand-Prize-winning vehicle will also be featured on the cover of a 2009 PPG calendar and a feature spot in PPG's Repaint Reporter magazine.

For more information and to fill out an entry form, visit http://corporateportal.ppg.com/NA/Refinish/PPGRefinish/Features/Hot_Wheels_Contest.htm

The following is a press release from Kinderhook Industries LLC announcing its acquisitions of Extang Corp. and TruXedo, a division of Shur-Co.

Extang Corporation of Ann Arbor, Michigan, along with TruXedo, a division of Shur-Co. based in Yankton, South Dakota, are pleased to announce that they have been acquired by Kinderhook Industries LLC, a highly respected New York based private equity firm. Kinderhook Industries completed the transactions through THI, an investment vehicle created to pursue opportunities in the truck aftermarket.

Extang and TruXedo are the two leading manufacturers of soft tonneau covers historically recognized for their high quality and innovative products. Both companies bring tremendous brand reputation and market strength to the $38 billion automotive aftermarket.

“I am very excited to be working with Bill Reminder and Kelly Kneifl as they lead the combined Extang/TruXedo organization to the next level. Kinderhook intends to support a vigorous investment program in marketing and new product development to expand the tonneau market. Additionally, we believe the consolidation of the Extang/TruXedo businesses will serve as a platform for further acquisitions in the truck aftermarket,” said Thomas Tuttle, Managing Director of Kinderhook.

As part of this merger, both companies will combine their existing management teams and lay the foundation for further expansion into the next generation of truck bed covers and other related product categories. The companies will strive to leverage their respective best practices and operational strengths, while retaining the creativity, innovation and commitment to quality that has made their products the “best in class” in the tonneau market.

“Kinderhook brings the capital, experience and resources needed to grow our two businesses and supports our continued efforts to be at the forefront of the tonneau cover market. With the capital provided by Kinderhook, we will be able to accelerate our new development initiatives to expand our product offering and selectively pursue acquisition opportunities in related accessories,” said Bill Reminder, CEO of THI.

“TruXedo and Extang are a perfect match. Combining the operational excellence and extensive product offerings of both companies will have a tremendous impact in the marketplace. This is an exciting new chapter in the history of Extang and TruXedo,” said Kelly Kneifl, COO of THI.

For additional information visit www.kinderhook.com.

This story was originally published on November 22, 2007. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

Registration for the SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD, February 8–9, 2008, in Indianapolis, is in full swing and available for attendees online by visiting www.semaspringexpo.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.

Both shows are sponsored by the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA) and Professional Restylers Organization (PRO). For more information about TORA, click here or e-mail Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org. For more information about PRO, click here or e-mail Ellen McKoy at ellenm@sema.org.   

Want to exhibit at the SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD? Get started by clicking here.

2008 SEMA Spring Expo/SEMA OFFROAD Exhibitors (as of November 19, 2007)

• $2.95 Guys
• 3M
• 4x4.com
• A.R.E.
• ANCRA International
• Aero-Tech Services Inc.
• Agri-Cover Inc.
• Airaid Filter Company
• Aluminum Tank & Truck Accessories Inc.
• Amer-Rac Van & Pickup Truck Ladder Racks
• American Technology Components Inc.
• Andersen Manufacturing
• ArmorThane USA Inc.
• Atwood Mobile Products
• Auto Meter
• B&W Trailer Hitches
• BD Diesel Performance
• Bed Rug
• Bedliner.com/Superwraps.com
• Bedslide
• CHA Gear
• CLC Pit Crew
• California Dream by AAC
• Coast to Coast International
• Crown Automotive Co.
• DuPont Company
• Dual Liner
• Durakon
• Eurosport Daytona Inc.
• Extang Corporation
• Flitz International Ltd.
• Flowmaster Inc.
• GE Money
• Global Accessories Inc.
• Hamsar Diversco Inc.
• Hella Inc.
• Hibshman Screw Machine Products Inc.
• Hotwire Auto a division of Squier Inc.
• Hushpower
• Illinois Lock Company
• Innovative Creations Inc.
• Jotto Cargo Slide
• Keystone Automotive Operations
• Leer/Raider/Century/Pace Edwards
• Luverne Truck Equipment Inc.
• MacNeil Automotive Products Limited
• Magid Glove & Safety Manufacturing Company LLC
• Midwest Control Products
• Nikolas Vehicle Coatings
• Omix-Ada/Rugged Ridge
• Penda Corporation
• Pilot Automotive
• Power Trends, Raptor Series, Armor Lid
• ProRYDE Suspension Systems
• ProRac Systems/Hauler Racks
• Putco
• QRP Inc.
• Ranch Hand Truck Accessories
• Reflex Truck Liners
• Reflexxion Automotive Products LLC
• Restylers' Choice LLC
• Restyling Magazine
• Ride-Rite
• Robin Aftermarket
• Roll-N-Lock Corp.
• Rugged Liner
• SUSPA
• Scorpion Truck Bed Linings
• Skyjacker Suspensions
• SunTek Window Films
• Superchips Inc.
• TeraFlex
• The Tale Gator
• Thule Inc.
• Tonneau Masters
• Top Gun Accessories
• TopDawg Tonneau Covers
• Tough Country Products
• Toyo Tires
• TracRac Inc.
• Tricel Honeycomb Corporation
• TruXedo
• Trucking Times Magazine
• True Flow
• UWS
• Undercover
• United Covers Inc.
• Valley
• Vortex Sprayliners Inc.
• Westin Automotive
• Woodshed Technologies Inc.

Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative (CPMR)

The Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative (CPMR) program offered by the Manufacturers’ Representative Educational Research Foundation (MRERF) provides executive management education for manufacturers’ representatives. The program is primarily geared toward firm owners, managers and future owners and managers facing management challenges or preparing to manage a firm. No matter the size of the company, the program will deliver the management skills needed to make a business excel.

CPMR Program Objectives

• Raise the standards of professional field sales organizations throughout the  industry
• Promote certified members as professionals so that they are recognized at both public and private levels as leaders in their fields
• Encourage self-assessment of members by offering guidelines for achievement
• Convey that ethical conduct should be an integral component of being a performance-oriented member
• Improve performance through continuing education and professional development programs
• Instill members with knowledge of and commitment to the highest principles and practices

Certified Sales Professional

The MRERF also offers sales training and certification through the organization’s Certified Sales Professional (CSP) program. The CSP marks a sales professional as possessing expert sales competencies and a thorough commitment to professional development and self-improvement. The CSP program provides a comprehensive curriculum outlining the consultative sales process.

CSP Program Curriculum

• Understanding and Managing Yourself
  - Personality Traits for Sales Success
  
• The Selling Process
  - The Art of Influencing Buying Decisions
  
• Keeping Customers and Building Business
  - Strategic Territory Planning

For more complete information on these two certification programs offered by MRERF and for registration and curriculum details, visit www.mrerf.org.

SEMA is looking for four vehicles from the winning categories of “The Most Accessory-Friendly Vehicles” awarded at the 2007 SEMA Show. The four vehicles are:

• Car: Cadillac CTS
• Truck: Nissan Titan
• SUV: Hummer H2
• Hybrid: Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid

One vehicle in each category will be selected to appear on display at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, February 8–17. If you are a builder/owner of one of these vehicles and would be interested in having your vehicle featured in the SEMA Exhibit, send a photo and information (name, address, phone, e-mail) to Bill Wolf at billw@sema.org, or call 909/396-0289, ext. 177, by December 1.

Manufacturers’ representatives are encouraged to contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org to request the Manufacturers Seeking Rep List, which is available at no cost. Compiled using information collected from manufacturers prior to the 2007 SEMA Show, the listing contains details on manufacturers currently seeking the services of manufacturers’ representatives along with the lines available and company contact information. The list was originally available in the Manufacturers’ Representatives Council (MRC) Rep Center during the week of the Show. For information on the MRC, visit www.sema.org/mrc.

The next SEMA webinar provides members with the knowledge needed to enhance customer relationships at many levels within the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Title: "CRM for the Aftermarket: It's All About the Customer"
Presenter: Chris Horn, COO - Bullfrog Solutions Inc.
Date: Thursday, November 29, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

Description

Connect with your customers and improve customer relationships by using Customer Relationship Management (CRM), a business strategy covering the focus your business has on customers—including vendors, suppliers, business contacts and employees. Tune in on November 29 and learn how applying CRM will improve productivity, sales, marketing, customer service and make a huge impact on your business.

How to Participate

To view the presentation during the webinar, click here on the day of the webinar (November 29).

To connect to the audio (phone only) portion of the webinar, call toll-free 866/637-2754, pin 1542 (five minutes prior to the webinar start time).

For complete information on SEMA's webinar program and to view past webinar sessions available for download, click here. For additional details on the webinar program or information on SEMA's other education initiatives, contact Pat Benson at patt@sema.org.