The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring educational and media events throughout the Los Angeles area focusing on the costs and safety threats of counterfeiting and piracy. Each day's events will address a specific topic including the impact of this growing problem on California's small- and medium-size businesses. For more information and to register to participate, visit www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp?EventId=143270.

The August 21 event at the Grand at Willow Street Centre in Long Beach will include presentations on law-enforcement efforts to stop counterfeiting/piracy, recommendations on how to best protect your intellectual property and first-hand accounts on lessons learned the hard way. Speakers will include officials from Customs, the Department of Justice and the Patent & Trademark Office, along with patent/trademark attorneys. The events are free, but advance registration is required.

SEMA works with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as part of the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP), an industry initiative to work with the government and consumers to fight counterfeiting.

For additional information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.  

NEWS NUGGETS

NHRA POWERADE SERIES TELECONFERENCE TUESDAY, AUGUST 14 AT 1 P.M. EST/10 A.M. PST: The NHRA POWERade Series will be hosting the second in a series of teleconferences to preview the inaugural Countdown to the Championship season on Tuesday, August 14 at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST. If you need the phone number and access code to join the call, please reply to this e-mail. The drivers on the call will be Top Fuel drivers Dave Grubnic, Melanie Troxel and Cory McClenathan, all locked in a tight battle for the final playoff spot, the coveted No. 8 position in the Top Fuel point standings.

MORE DRIVERS CLINCH COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTS IN BRAINERD: Seven more drivers—Bob Vandergriff Jr. in Top Fuel, Mike Ashley, Jack Beckman, Tony Pedregon, Gary Scelzi and John Force in Funny Car, and Andrew Hines in Pro Stock Motorcycle—locked up spots in the Countdown to Four as the result of the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. With just the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals next weekend in Reading, Pennsylvania, left in the regular season portion of the Countdown to the Championship, two spots remain open in the Top Fuel field, one in Funny Car, three in Pro Stock and a whopping five in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Whit Bazemore and David Grubnic hold down the two vulnerable spots in Top Fuel while Jim Head is eighth in Funny Car. Kurt Johnson, Warren Johnson and Larry Morgan currently hold down spots six through eight in Pro Stock and are still vulnerable while the Pro Stock Motorcycle field remains wide open after the three clinched drivers.

COUGHLIN EARNS 50TH NATIONAL EVENT TITLE: One race after Greg Anderson scored his 50th career national event win, Jeg Coughlin collected his 50th victory by beating Anderson in the Pro Stock final. Coughlin's 50 career wins have come in both the pro and sportsman categories. He has 37 Pro Stock wins, including three this year and 13 Sportsman wins in four different classes: Super Stock (seven), Super Gas (four), Competition (one) and Top Dragster (one). Coughlin is the 11th racer in NHRA history to win 50 national events.  "This was big," Coughlin said. "To get our 50th win against the competition we run these days is special. Getting to 50 wins was one of my goals when I returned to Pro Stock. It's special to think that only 10 other people have achieved that mark in 50-plus years of drag racing. Fortunately, I've had a great hot rod with [team owner] Victor Cagnazzi and his entire team of technicians and mechanics, and they've given me a car capable of winning races. I remember winning Indy in 1992 [in Super Gas] and standing in the winner's circle with [NHRA founder] Wally Parks. That was my second win, and now I look back and see how far we've come as a sport. It's just phenomenal the vision Wally had and how it's grown."

SOX AND MARTIN TO BE INDUCTED INTO MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME: Legendary NHRA Pro Stock teammates Ronnie Sox and Buddy Martin are among the eight inductees this year into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, which will expand its honor roll of racing greats at its 19th annual induction ceremony Wednesday, August 15, at the Fillmore Detroit. Three-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion Shirley Muldowney, who already is enshrined in the hall, will help induct Goodyear and IRL executive Leo Mehl.  The class of 2007 also includes former NASCAR champion Bill Elliott; Indy car mechanic/team manager Jim McGee; 1960 Indy 500 king Jim Rathmann; America's first national sports car champion, John Fitch; and dirt-track and pavement motorcycle hero Bubba Shobert.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

TOYO TIRES NHRA NATIONALS, MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY, AUGUST 16–19: The final race of the Countdown to the Championship regular season, this will be the last chance for drivers to either maintain or move into position to clinch a playoff berth. Defending event winners include J.R. Todd, Phil Burkart, Greg Anderson and Karen Stoffer.

INDY NHRA SPORT COMPACT NATIONALS PRES. BY BP, O’REILLY RACEWAY PARK, AUGUST 18–19: The NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series will be coming to O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis for the inaugural Indy NHRA Sport Compact Nationals presented by BP, August 18–19. This will mark the first time that the Xplod Series has come to Indianapolis as a stand-alone event. For more information, log onto NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series home page www.nhrasportcompact.com.  

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS, O’REILLY RACEWAY PARK, AUGUST 29–SEPTEMBER 3: Long known as the most prestigious race in the POWERade Drag Racing Series, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals takes on an even more significant role in 2007 with the inception of the Countdown to the Championship. The Mac Tools U.S. Nationals is the first race in the four-race Countdown playoff that will halve the field of eligible championship teams from eight to four. The annual Skoal Showdown (Funny Car) and the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle (Pro Stock Motorcycle) bonus events also will be contested during the popular Labor Day weekend event.

O’REILLY NHRA MID-SOUTH NATIONALS, MEMPHIS MOTORSPORTS PARK, SEPTEMBER 14–16: Doug Kalitta, John Force, Kurt Johnson and Andrew Hines look to defend their 2006 titles at this second event in the Countdown to Four. 

.INSIDE THE NUMBERS

2: Entering the final regular season event in the POWERade Countdown to the Championship the tightest battle for the final No. 8 points position is in Top Fuel. Only two points separate No. 8 Dave Grubnic from No. 9 Melanie Troxel, which means that qualifying position could determine who advances into the inaugural Countdown. Cory McClenathan is 50 points back, and within range to also make the field with a solid performance at the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway. The next closest battle is in Pro Stock Motorcycle, where Steve Johnson sits outside the Top 8 by 25 points. In Pro Stock, Vieri Gaines and Richie Stevens are 55 and 56 points out respectively. In Funny Car, Jim Head is holding on tight to the eighth position, while Tommy Johnson Jr. (83 points) and Del Worsham (84 points) trail.

DRIVERS TELL ALL

NHRA LEGENDS FORCE AND BERNSTEIN BATTLE AT BRAINERD: The John Force versus Kenny Bernstein Funny Car final at Brainerd was a classic with both men leaving with nearly identical reaction times and then racing all the way down the strip side-by-side. In the end, Force's Castrol GTX High Mileage Ford Mustang inched ahead to take the finish line first with a 4.794 at 316.60 mph to Bernstein's 4.801 at 320.43 mph in his Monster Energy Drink Dodge Charger R/T. Force and Bernstein last faced each other in 1989 at the SuperNationals in Englishtown, New Jersey, an event that Bernstein went on to win for his last Funny Car victory. Bernstein now holds a 13-8 mark against Force, including a 6-2 record in final rounds. "Bernstein had been hitting the lights all day and (crew chief Austin) Coil said I needed a light in the final if I wanted to win,” Force said. “He said the motor was all the way up; there was nothing left. That race took me back to 1978 when Kenny Bernstein was the king and he beat me, and I told myself that one day I'd beat him. But then he left the class, and I never got my chance.”

NEW RIDE: Kyle Busch has officially been named to replace J.J. Yeley in the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 NASCAR Nextel Cup car next season.

OVERSEAS: Three-time Champ Car World Series titlist Sebastien Bourdais will leave the series at the end of the season and go Formula One racing with the Toro Ross team.

NEW WRENCH: Rahn Tobler has joined Cruz Pedregon Racing as crew chief for the NHRA Funny Car operation.

NEW GIG: Defending World of Outlaws champion Donny Schatz will join Tony Stewart Racing next season. He’ll keep his No. 15 and most of his team members, but Stewart will foot the bill, not the Schatz family. Schatz will be a teammate to the Paul McMahan, who drives Stewart’s familiar No. 20.

TOP DOG: With a dominant performance at the Knoxville Nationals, Donny Schatz won the $150,000 top prize for the second consecutive year and moved back to the top of 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.

Edmunds Inc. announced that veteran automotive journalist John O'Dell has joined its editorial team as senior editor. O'Dell reports to Editorial Director Kevin Smith and works in Edmunds' Santa Monica office. O'Dell was previously with the Los Angeles Times as a reporter and occasional editor since 1980. His 35-year career as a journalist has been marked by numerous awards for professional excellence in writing, research and project development. In his new role O'Dell is focusing on an area of great personal interest—the automotive industry's environmental efforts and undertakings. Using the existing Edmunds' Green Car Guide as a foundation, he will build the popular channel to meet growing interest in topics such as hybrid cars, alternative fuels, technological developments and gas-saving tips.

Hancock Park Associates, the primary investor in Saleen Inc., recently completed the acquisition of assets of American Specialty Cars Incorporated (ASC), and also named Paul Wilbur, current president and CEO of ASC, to president and CEO of Saleen. In the near-term, both ASC and Saleen will remain as separate companies, although the long-term vision is to strategically integrate the two operations, the companies said. While each company will maintain its unique focus, both companies have common platforms as low-volume, specialty-vehicle manufacturers. The combined group will be comprised of OEM, Tier 1 and aftermarket business units.

Internet Brands Inc. announced that it acquired Ford Truck Enthusiasts (www.Ford-Trucks.com), and www.F150online.com. Internet Brands plans to maintain Ford-Trucks.com and F150online.com as thriving, stand-alone websites, while leveraging Internet Brands’ extensive technology and content resources to enhance the sites. Both Ford-Trucks.com and F150online.com were founded in 1996.

The Marx Group announced that won three print media awards in the 13th annual Communicator Awards competition. The Marx Group received one “Award of Excellence” and two “Awards of Distinction” in the print media competition. The Award of Excellence was presented to The Marx Group for its “Serenity Now Campaign” for FusionStorm/Hitachi. The company received an Award of Distinction for its work on the H3R Clean Agents “System Backup Program” brochure and for the agency’s work on its own “25th Anniversary Logo.” 

Steve Weinger of Toyo Tires will serve as Grand Marshall for the upcoming Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, located near Reading, Pennsylvania, August 16–19. Weinger is senior vice president of sales and marketing for Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corporation and is a 25-year veteran of the company. In addition, Paul “Skip” Levengood Sr., president and owner of CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services, will serve as the “Honorary Starter” for the event.    

Richard Schroeder: A special online forum has been created in honor of the late Richard Schroeder, who passed away August 13 after a brief bout with cancer. The forum is located at http://schrodo.com/tinc?key=NsDOvKiY&start=-1&reverse=1.

Schroeder was a charter member of the Import Performance Committee, which is now known at the Sport-Compact Council. Learn more about Schroeder’s life and passion for motorsports, visit his website at http://www.schrodo.com/index.html. 

The latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

SEMA has hired Jim Skelly as Council Relations Director. Skelly brings with him more than 15 years of experience at the NHRA, and he will serve as the staff liaison for the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) and the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA). As an auto enthusiast and a strong communicator, Skelly will be instrumental in helping the councils move forward and achieve their respective goals. He can be reached at jimsk@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 103.

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

ARMO traditionally recognizes and celebrates outstanding members who made a difference in the restoration industry throughout the year. The ARMO Industry Awards Reception during the SEMA Show is only two months away!

The Manufacturer of the Year, the Dealer/Retailer of the Year and the Associate Company of the Year awards have merged now known as the Business of the Year Award.

The following prestigious council awards will be given this year:

• Person of the Year
• Business of the Year
• Restoration Event of the Year*
• Best New Product of the Year (Voted on at Spring Carlisle 2007, presented at ARMO Reception) Original Restoration; Resto-Mod

To review criteria and download a copy of the nomination forms click here. Nomination forms must be received by SEMA on or before Friday, August 22, 2007.

• To better serve the membership of the council, the leadership of ARMO is determined to involve more members in their planning sessions and allow more time to research viable projects before submitting budgetary items for fiscal year 2008. Members are asked to make plans to head east in October to attend this yearly open meeting. The council leadership recognizes one of the many strengths ARMO has lies in networking with other industry professionals. A networking opportunity prior to the Long Range Planning Meeting is in place. Members are invited to attend the ARMO Mixer on Sunday, October 7, at the close of Fall Carlisle. Situated on fairgrounds property, a nostalgic car dealership will provide the back drop for this event and will also host the Long Range Planning meeting.
  
  
  Date:  Monday, October 8, 2007
  Location: Carlisle Fairgrounds – Carlisle, Pennsylvania
  Schedule: 7:30 a.m. (Continental Breakfast available) 
  8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.–Open Session
  12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch
  
  All ARMO member companies, branch offices and individuals are welcome to attend and are encouraged to participate. For more information or to reserve your space, contact Jan Desma at armo@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 134. For travel assistance, contact Manya Petropaki, Travel Store USA, 888/219-1915 x19268 or 949/930-9268, manya.p@travelstoreUSA.com.

To learn more about ARMO, visit www.sema.org/armo or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

HRIA recognizes and celebrates those outstanding individuals and companies who continually seek to make a difference and improve our hobby and industry niche. This celebration traditionally takes place at the HRIA Industry Awards Reception during the SEMA Show and will once again be held this year.

Not only will we have our inductees into our Hall of Fame, we will recognize the HRIA Business of the Year and give Industry Recognition to an exceptional Individual.

• Hall of Fame
• Business of the Year
• Industry Recognition of an Individual
• Recognition of the Best New Product of the Year (Judged from the New Products display at the SEMA Show)

To review criteria and download a copy of the nomination forms click here. Nomination forms must be received by SEMA on or before Friday, August 22, 2007.

To learn more about the HRIA, visit www.sema.org/hria or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

• TORA's Open Long-Range Planning Meetings is set for Wednesday, August 22, at the Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Lakefront Hotel, Chicago. For flight and hotel arrangements, contact Manya Petropaki at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268 or e-mail manya.p@travelstoreUSA.com.
  
• The DVD “Why Paint Colors Vary?” This valuable resource is now available. TORA members now have a valuable new tool that will help educate consumers about the challenges of the paint-color-matching process. Available for dealers and installers to play in their waiting areas, the video is presented in a professional format and brings a consistent message on why paint colors vary. The TORA “Why Paint Colors Vary?” DVD is available to TORA council members free of charge (or $49.95 for non-TORA members). Other tools available from TORA are the CHMSL and altered-height CDs. For details or to place an order, contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289, ext. 104, or e-mail stacib@sema.org.

To learn more about the TORA, visit www.sema.org/TORA or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

• The 11th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference is set for Tuesday, January 22–Thursday, January 24, 2008, at the Embassy Suites Hotel LAX South in Los Angeles. For more information on the MPMC Media Trade Conference, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

To learn more about the MPMC, visit www.sema.org/mpmc.

Manufacturers' Representatives Council (MRC)

The MRC Hall of Fame was designed to honor outstanding persons in the segment of the automotive industry known as manufacturers' representatives. It is the most prestigious award presented by the council to dedicated individuals who enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the manufacturers' rep profession or the council’s growth.

Members of the MRC Hall of Fame include: Bob Patteri and Bob Airheart.

The STAR (Sales Team Annual Recognition) Award is presented to an outstanding sales team working with the MRC Manufacturers' Rep.

• Deals professionally with manufacturers representatives.
• Provides timely and accurate updates on products and company policies.
• Introduces new products and updates products as demand warrants.
• Considers manufacturer representatives and customers comments when developing products and forecasting.
• Provides representatives with necessary sales strategies including samples, sales literature and competitive comparisons.
• Participates with representatives in fieldwork, making sales calls as necessary.
• Asks for and evaluates feedback from manufacturer representatives on competitive activity and customer comments.
• Regularly reviews goals and targets accounts with manufacturers representatives.
• Participates and supports SEMA by attending events and promoting the organization.
• Provides sales figures on a monthly basis.

Past recipients of this award include:

• AIRAID Premium Filters (two years in a row!), Lund International
• Westin Automotive, Auto Meter Products Inc and MSD Ignition

To review criteria and download a copy of the nomination forms click here. Nomination forms must be received by SEMA on or before Friday, August 22, 2007.

SEMA and the Manufacturers Rep council cordially invite you to participate in The SEMA/MRC Interactive Town Hall Dinner, a new component of the SEMA MRC Rep Conference that is designed specifically for manufacturers, WDs and reps. The MRC Rep Conference Town Hall Interactive Dinner takes place immediately following the close of the PWA Conference on Wednesday, September 26, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the famed MRC sponsored cocktail hour. Dinner service will begin at 6:20 p.m., and the Town Hall discussion will begin at 7:00 p.m. lasting until 9:00 p.m.

The Town Hall is a unique interactive discussion that will explore the expectations the manufacturer, the warehouse distributor, and the manufacturers rep all have in an agency or rep servicing a satellite warehouse location. 

• Join leading manufacturers and WD’s in uncovering the best way to address sales training for WDs.
• Discover new ways to introduce new products, ultimately leading to more sales.
• Go home with practical solutions to your biggest challenges.

Reserving your seat is easy, click here to download a copy of the registration form. To learn more about the MRC Rep Conference, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Jan Desma at mrc@sema.org or call 909/396-0289, ext. 134.

To learn more about the MRC, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

To learn more about PRO, visit www.sema.org/pro or contact Ellen McKoy at ellenm@sema.org.

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

• SCC Business of the Year, Person of the Year, Industry Image and Industry Icon Award nomination forms have been mailed to all SCC members. The awards will be presented during the SCC Reception on Wednesday, October 31, 5 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton, Pavilion 6. Your nominations and support are important to your council. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the SCC Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Nominations are due by Friday, August 24.
  

• Get Connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking—a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes you can meet someone new in the automotive industry; you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

To learn more about the SCC, visit www.sema.org/scc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

• WTC Lifetime Achievement and Person of the Year Award nomination forms have been mailed to all WTC members. The awards will be presented during the WTC Reception set for Wednesday, November 1, 5:00–7:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. Your nominations and support are important to your council. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the WTC Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Nominations are due by Friday, August 17.
  
  
• Like to get some exposure for your company in front of the wheel and tire industries’ top companies and also have a good time? Become a sponsor of the WTC Reception during the 2007 SEMA Show. The reception is scheduled for Wednesday, November 1, 5:00–7:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. Sponsorship Agreement forms have been mailed to all WTC members. If you need a Sponsorship Agreement form or have any questions about the WTC Reception, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship Agreements must be received by Friday, September 28.
  
  
• Get connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking—a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes you can meet someone new in the automotive industry; you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

To learn more about the WTC, visit www.sema.org/wtc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

• SBN Athena and Woman of the Year Award nomination forms have been mailed to all SBN members. The awards will be presented during the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN on Thursday, November 1, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Your nominations and support are important to your committee. Return all nominations by Friday, August 17. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the SBN Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org.
  
  
• Like to get some exposure for your company in front of the industries’ top companies and also meet new people? Become a sponsor of the SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN during the 2007 SEMA Show. The breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Sponsorship Agreement forms have been mailed to all SBN members. If you need a Sponsorship Agreement form or have any questions about the WTC Reception, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship Agreements must be received by Friday, September 28.
  
  
• Get expert advice on a business-related problem. The SEMA Mentoring Program, Powered by the SBN, is available to all employees of SEMA-member companies. Ask a one-time question or be matched with an established leader. Visit www.sema.org/mentoring for details.
  
  
• SBN has sponsorship opportunities available for its annual breakfast held in conjunction with the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. For information, visit www.sema.org/images/pdf/2007SBNBreakfastSponsorshipAgreement.pdf.
  

To learn more about the SBN, visit www.sema.org/sbn.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

• YEN Young Executive of the Year and Vanguard Award nomination forms have been mailed to all YEN members. The awards will be presented during the YEN Reception scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, 5:00–7:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. Your nominations and support are important to your council. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the YEN Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Return all nominations by Friday, August 17.
  
  
• Would you like to gain more exposure for your company among our industry’s rising young executives?  Would you like to enjoy a fun evening getting to know these future industry leaders? Become a sponsor of the Young Executives Network Reception! The reception is scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, 5:00–7:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. The reception will have a '50s theme. Sponsorship Agreement forms have been mailed to all YEN members. If you need a Sponsorship Agreement form or have any questions about the YEN Reception, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship Agreements must be received by Friday, September 28, 2007.
  
  
• Get Connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking—a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes you will meet someone new in the automotive industry; you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.
  
• The annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, hosted by the YEN, raised more than $70,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in 2006. If you are interested in donating an item or becoming involved in the 2007 Silent Auction, visit the YEN website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Did you know that YEN sponsors networking events and mixers at most of the major trade shows and conferences? If you are interested in becoming a member of the SEMA Young Executive’s Network, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Did you know that the 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 our website at www.sema.org/yen.

To learn more about the YEN, visit www.sema.org/yen or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Filler for eNews

The annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, hosted by SEMA's Young Executives Network (YEN), raised more than $70,000 for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund in 2006. The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students pursuing careers in automotive-related fields. SEMA members and Show exhibitors interested in donating an item or becoming involved in the 2007 Silent Auction are encouraged to visit the SEMA Silent Auction website at www.sema.org/silentauction or the YEN SEMA Silent Auction website at www.semasilentauction.com.

For more information about YEN, visit www.sema.org/yen, or contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or e-mail paulm@sema.org.

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation will host its second annual Racing to Recovery Golf Tournament Monday, October 29, 2007, at the exclusive South Shore Golf Club at the Lake Las Vegas Resort. The 18-hole "SouthShore" course in Henderson, Nev., was designed by Jack Nicklaus and features 6,917 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. It has been recognized as a Golf Digest Top 10 course nationally on several occasions.

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) helps individuals overcome spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and technological advances. This research benefits stroke victims, and people diagnosed with ALS, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The foundation's namesake was in the hunt for the IndyRacing League Championship in 1999 up until the final race. He had won that year at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and had lead the Indianapolis 500. A devastating accident in January 2000 left him paralyzed from the neck down. Schmidt founded the SSPF and also became a successful team owner in the Indy Pro Series.

Parties interested in playing in or sponsoring the tournament can contact Ida Cahill at 317/236-9999, or by mail:

Ida Cahill
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation
PO Box 3661
Princeton, NJ 08543-3661

More information also available at www.samschmidt.org

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

>> SEMA Webinar: Boost Your Company Image, Sales and Profitability With Good Product Data, August 16, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> SEMA Webinar: Effective Communication Tips for Professional Success, August 23, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> SEMA Webinar: Stop Wasting Your Time at Trade Shows and Start Making Some Money, August 29, at 10 a.m. (PST)
>> MRC Rep Conference, September 26–27, Phoenix
>> SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, Las Vegas
>> MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 22–24, 2008, Los Angeles

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

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 enable the employee to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more. The newest classified listings posted under Positions Available include:

• Outside Sales Rep, Orange County, California
• Product Manager, Pennsylvania 
• Electronics Engineer PCB Designer, Azusa, California
• Shipping Lead, Azusa, California

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