By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Virtual Education includes a comprehensive library of on-demand sessions that members are invited to access anytime, anywhere. Available at www.sema.org/virtual-education, the upcoming calendar is filled with live, simu-live and debut recordings that provide SEMA members with an opportunity to hear from and engage with leading experts, as well as learn about the most current hot topics and trends.

Upcoming sessions are listed below, with new sessions announced throughout the year. Stay tuned to SEMA eNews as new events are announced weekly

Tuesday, January 26, 2021 – Navigating Career Advancement Conversations
Series: Sharpen Your Soft Skills Series, powered by SBN
Track: Industry Segments, powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

As the new year begins, it’s time to think about your career. Promotions and job advancements are likely top of mind, but asking for a raise or promotion is not always easy. In “Navigating Career Advancement Conversations," owner of HR Culture Geek Elizabeth Jacobs will help attendees understand the best methods to connect with management to successfully attain salaries, raises and promotions. The one-hour session will address how to avoid what can potentially be an uncomfortable conversation, and how to focus the discussion on their work and not the finances.

Register here.

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – What Now? Industry Path in the Wake of Disruption
Series: SEMA Industry Insights Series
Track: Trends & Research

As aftermarket businesses enter the new year, the state of the industry will be closely watched for new sales trends and market planning. Join SEMA Market Research as they introduce potential scenarios for 2021 and explore the industry’s path in the wake of disruption, the economy, and changes in vehicle segment sales and market size.

Register here.

Tuesday, February 9, 2021 – How to Protect Your Brand’s Online Reputation
Track: Marketing & Sales

Your online reputation can make or break your business. The challenge is that people are more motivated to post online when they’re unhappy than when they’re happy. How should businesses respond when they receive negative feedback? How can you create a process for acquiring more positive reviews? All this and more will be answered in this session.

Register here.

Tuesday, February 9, 2021 – Facebook Live Chat With Kathryn Reinhardt
Track: Industry Talks

Tune into a Facebook Live Chat with Kathryn Reinhart, SEMA Board of Directors and Senior Marketing Manager at 4 Wheel Parts. Named SEMA Person of the Year in 2015 for her dedication and accomplishments in the industry, Reinhardt will share details about her start in the industry, inspirational stories about women she met along the way, and give advice on knowing what you want and how to ask for it.

Location: SBN Facebook page

Wednesday, February 10, 2021 – Facebook Live Chat with Lindsay Hubley
Track: Industry Talks

Hear from Lodestone Events’ managing partner Lindsay Hubley as she talks about challenges in the events industry during Covid-19 and what her company has planned for 2021. Lodestar Events is an event production company that specializes in event planning and logistics, marketing and communications and sponsorship and exhibitor sales, and oversees the world’s premier overland and adventure travel event, Overland Expo.

Location: YEN Facebook page

By SEMA Editors

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is welcoming three new members to its board of directors in 2021.

The first member being added is Eric Fuller, president and CEO of U.S. Xpress. A 21-year veteran with U.S. Xpress, he was named president and CEO in 2017. In this role, his focus is driving the digital transformation of a traditionally low-technology industry by using machine learning and behavioral science. Fuller’s background will provide vital insight as the foundation grows to new service areas.

“I believe in the mission of the Austin Hatcher Foundation,” Fuller said. “I hope my experience running a large business can provide value to the foundation as they look to expand their reach.”

The second new addition is Rose Kawasaki, vice president of Exports International. She has 33 years of business management experience and volunteering in the non-profit sector. Through her role with Exports International, she has developed strong ties to the automotive community and aftermarket industry, which she brings to the foundation’s Industrial Arts Therapy division. She was the chairwoman of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and the vehicle build chairwoman for the 2012 SEMA SBN Mustang Build Powered by Women. Through her guidance, the vehicle’s marketing campaign in New York City’s Times Square received the Regan Advertising Award.

“I’ve always felt a connection with the community approach that’s at the core of the foundation’s vision,” Kawasaki said. “Providing these children with meaningful programs also allows us to care for the family unit, which is where my heart is. I look forward to working with the rest of the team to heighten awareness of pivotal programs, along with the needs of the foundation.”

Albert Leavengood is the third addition to the foundation’s board. He’s a 22-year veteran with Cigna, where he currently serves as an operations leader, and helps create a multi-year service strategy. Both Leavengood and his wife Karen have been supporters and volunteers of the foundation for more than eight years. Through his career in healthcare and corporate responsibility, Leavengood brings valued knowledge that will help the foundation create new and impactful partnerships with businesses on a large scale.

“I’m looking forward to serving families impacted by pediatric cancer, not only in Chattanooga, but also in many communities throughout the U.S.,” Leavengood said. “Being involved for as long as we have, we’ve seen the foundation grow and serve patients in a meaningful way throughout the country. I hope I can be part of spreading the news about the important work the foundation does.”

By John Santos

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Schedules for the 2021 MPMC Media Trade Conference were finalized and sent to all participants this week. All meetings will be held within a virtual ballroom in an online platform next week, January 26–28. A webinar will be held for media this Friday, January 22, at 10:00 a.m. (PST), to help navigate through the online platform. Register now for this webinar.

Here are a few tips that can be useful to media participants with the year’s online event:

• This online platform is most compatible with the Google Chrome browser. It’s recommended to have your Google Chrome browse updated to the latest version prior to the event.
• Review the exhibitor directory to learn more about the manufacturers you’ll be meeting with.
• Have you schedule readily available to jump from meeting to meeting.

For more information about this event, visit www.sema.org/mtc.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network named Cora Jokinen as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. Jokinen is a volunteer on the SBN select committee, and the president of Torq-Masters Industries, a manufacturer in precision automatic locking differentials for the aftermarket automotive industry.

SEMA: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?

Cora Jokinen: I acquired Torq-Masters in 2014 after being a formerly sponsored driver of Torq-Masters. Meeting fellow enthusiasts is what we enjoy the most followed up closely with innovating new products.

SEMA: What is most challenging part of running your business or job?

CJ: Customer Service. We know what it feels like when USPS loses a part you need to make a trail ride tomorrow and the disappointment that can cause. Or if you are wrenching over the weekend and need to drive to work on Monday morning but have a question about an install and your vehicle is all torn apart. We treat our customers like our friends and try to go out of our way to make their experience awesome and easy—anytime, everyday.

SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? Do you have a specific situation that comes to mind?

CJ: I think being a woman in the automotive industry is an opportunity, not a challenge. If some people expect less of you, and you deliver more, then that’s an even bigger win. One of my first accomplishments in the automotive industry was I won rookie of the year, the first female Monster Jam tech (who was never a registration coordinator prior or related to another tech official) official to do so. Other accomplishments are a number of patents I’ve developed since owning the business.

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?

CJ: Jessi Combs inspired me to go out and take welding classes in 2003 and inspired confidence that I can design and make my own parts. Then later her Rally and Racing inspired me to compete in the Rebelle Rally and race King of the Hammers. She is a legend and has inspired so many people in meaningful ways. Charlene Bower has inspired and mentored me in business, marketing and PR. Emily Miller taught us how to complete with grace and confidence.
SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received? How has this advice helped you either professionally or personally?

CJ: Anyone with project management skills can be great managers and business owners. Doesn't matter which industry your PM skills are in, they translate over to any industry. This has given me confidence to drastically switch career paths when I transitioned into the automotive industry.

Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame.

Established in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame recognizes people who have contributed a significant body of work to the industry over a long period of time, and is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association. It is designed to honor the leaders, innovators, creators and enthusiasts who have helped transform small, burgeoning businesses into an industry worth more than $44.6 billion annually.

Nominate an individual who epitomizes the essence of ingenuity in action, before the Friday, March 19, deadline.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.semahof.com or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Ashley Reyes

Rod Bennett is this week’s SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Volunteer Spotlight member.

Bennett is a current PRO Select Committee volunteer and the general manager at Chrome Enhancements. In his Q&A with SEMA, Bennett shares why he chooses to give back to the industry that he is passionate about, and what dream vehicle he would own again if he had the chance.   

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling/manufacturing?

Rod Bennett: In my early 20s, I worked at Auto Trim Design in Omaha, Nebraska. I was a route salesperson and quickly fell in love with the automotive restyling industry.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO? How has it or will it impact you?

RB: The restyling industry has been very generous to me. I have been fortunate to meet and work with incredible people in various segments of the industry. I wanted to give back to an industry that has been life changing for me and PRO has given me another avenue to learn and meet others. It has also allowed me to share my time and experience, to hopefully better the industry for future generations.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

RB: This industry is not for the faint of heart. It is challenging and brings on new opportunities everyday. It is highly rewarding for those that put every ounce of their energy in being successful. It is a relationship business and requires networking skills. SEMA and its various councils like PRO provide incredible opportunities to network.

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle?

RB: I have been fortunate enough to own multiple vehicles that were my dream vehicles. If I have to choose right now, I would like to own a green, ’72 Chevy Monte Carlo, with a white top. It was my first car and I wouldn't mind if it were my last!

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

RB: You get back what you put in. I have found that with anything, work, relationships, children, etc., the more time you apply to something, the bigger the returns. Years of applying this has taught me that balance is the key.     

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

RB: Each day is different. Different opportunities, different challenges, incredible people, and financially rewarding for those that stick with it!

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

RB: With my beautiful wife, possibly making breakfast for her and our kids, and getting ready to watch football.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Formula DRIFT Link ECU PROSPEC Championship Announced for 2021 Season

Formula DRIFT has announced the evolution of the Link ECU PRO2 Championship. With a multi-year plan to roll out new technical regulations and enhancements for competitors, Formula DRIFT, in partnership with Link ECU, will transform the PRO2 series into the Formula DRIFT Link ECU PROSPEC Championship, effective immediately. The goal of the PROSPEC category over the next few seasons is to provide an increasingly competitive environment and greater exposure for teams entering Formula DRIFT. It will also continue to focus on sustainability and cost containment. As first steps for the 2021 season, PROSPEC qualifying and competition days to coincide with Formula DRIFT PRO qualifying and competition, designed to create a better spectacle for fans. Furthermore, PROSPEC drivers will be added to fan engagement activities, such as driver autograph signing (in accordance with COVID-19 protocols). PROSPEC qualifying and competition will be promoted and broadcast across all Formula DRIFT channels, including the Livestream coverage.

Chevrolet Performance Inks Three-Year Contract Extension With NMCA Muscle Car Nationals

The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals has announced a three-year contract with Chevrolet Performance. The deal includes Chevrolet Performance-sponsored integration of LSX-based categories into the NMCA championship drag racing program, the 15th annual LSX Shootout (World Wide Technology Raceway, May 13-16), the third annual COPO Camaro Shootout (Summit Motorsports Park, August 26-29), and a presenting sponsorship of the NMCA World Street Finals at Lucas Oil Raceway, September 23-26. For the first time-ever the LS/LT-based categories will be full-time NMCA championships categories competing at all six nationals events. Chevrolet Performance and its official host dealer, Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center, will continue celebrating the top-3 in those categories with a Champions Dinner during the PRI Show in December.

The LSX Shootout moves to a new home at World Wide Technology Raceway, located just outside of St. Louis in Madison, Illinois. It runs concurrently with the NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing, May 13-16. The COPO Camaro Shootout returns to Summit Motorsport Park in Norwalk, Ohio, and Chevrolet Performance is the presenting sponsor of the season-ending NMCA World Street Finals held at Lucas Oil Raceway, September 23-26.

More Than  300 Drivers Kick Off 2021 at the Chili Bowl

A total of 309 midget drivers were on hand for the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire at the Tulsa Expo Raceway, located inside the River Spirit Expo Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The 35th annual event took place over the weekend and helped kick off the 2021 racing season. Kyle Larson fended off Justin Grant and 2017-2018 champion Christopher Bell to secure the coveted Golden Driller trophy, his second in two years. Fans were allowed to attend the Chili Bowl in person, although organizers announced a limit of 25% capacity back in November. Officials are already organizing next year's event—the 36th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire—which is scheduled to take place January 10-15, 2022. For more information, visit www.chilibowl.com.

Female-Led Ownership Group Launches New NTT IndyCar Series Team

Paretta Autosport, a new NTT IndyCar Series race team spearheaded by female automotive and motorsports executive Beth Paretta, has announced its entry for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Simona De Silvestro, 2010 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, has been announced as the driver for Paretta Autosport. The 32-year-old from Switzerland is a veteran of five Indianapolis 500 starts. The team is an extension of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s “Race for Equality & Change” announced last July. Team Penske will provide technical support to Paretta Autosport to prepare for the race on Sunday, May 30.

2021 Schedule Announced For Super DIRTcar Series

The Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modified 2021 schedule has been released, which features several premier race tracks in the eastern United States. The season begins in February at Volusia Speedway Park for the DIRTcar Nationals, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Crown Jewel events include the $50,000-to-win Billy Whittaker Cars 200 and the $25,500-to-win Mr. DIRT Track USA. A $10,000-to-win doubleheader at Bristol also joins the schedule along with the two-race Cavalcade Weekend at Weedsport Speedway. Fans can stream every Super DIRTcar Series event with the DIRTVision Fast-Pass. For the complete schedule visit the Super DIRTcar Series website.

Formula DRIFT Announces 2021 Schedule

Formula DRIFT has announced a full schedule for the 2021 season, which kicks off in May at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. The traditional season opener on the streets of Long Beach has been moved to September in conjunction with the rescheduled Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The race will serve as a special, invitational event. Two fresh venues—the new, purpose-built Englishtown Raceway Park in New Jersey and Lake Erie Speedway in Pennsylvania—have been added to the familiar six tracks, including the season finale at Irwindale Speedway in Southern California. Races will be available to stream online at www.formulad.com and on Formula DRIFT social media and YouTube channels. For the complete schedule, visit the Formula DRIFT website.

NHRA Cancels Arizona Nationals, Exploring New Event

NHRA and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park have made the decision to not host the 2021 NHRA Arizona Nationals, leaving an opening on this season's schedule. The ongoing COVID-19 restrictions due to the public health situation in the Phoenix area and the state of Arizona were taken into account as part of the decision. The 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series is set to begin March 11-14, in Gainesville, and currently includes 22 events at racetracks across the country.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Matt VanDyke to Lead FordDirect as CEO

FordDirect, a joint venture between Ford Motor Co. and its franchise dealers, has announced that Matt VanDyke has been appointed as CEO, effective February 1. VanDyke, who for more than 12 years has led and transformed Ford and Lincoln brand positioning in roles around the world, now takes charge of a team responsible for delivering marketing and advertising solutions to Ford and Lincoln Dealers throughout the United States. VanDyke was most recently director of marketing for Ford Motor Co. Prior to that, he was vice president of marketing for Ford of Europe, where he oversaw the Fiesta and Focus vehicle launches. He also served on the FordDirect Board for more than five years. He joined Ford Motor Co. in 2008 as director, U.S. marketing communications and global fixed marketing.

In addition, the FordDirect Board has announced the promotion of Mike Gingell to COO. Gingell joined FordDirect as senior vice president, product, marketing and dealer engagement in 2019. His promotion is effective February 1, 2021. Prior to joining FordDirect in 2019, Gingell spent more than 20 years in the automotive information industry and has led teams that have focused on delivering data and technology solutions for automotive OEMs, automotive retailers, the automotive aftermarket, the commercial truck industry and the finance and insurance markets.

Jim Hairston Transitions to Consulting Role for PerTronix Performance Brands

Effective January 1, Jim Hairston retired from his full-time position at PerTronix Performance Brands and has moved into a consulting role. Hairston has been a critical part of PerTronix for more than two decades and previously served as vice president of sales and marketing and most recently as director of key accounts/business development. This change has been in the works for two years with Hairston working to help ensure a smooth transition. In his new role, he will help the company with market research, competitive analysis, price points and new product ideas. Russell Stephens, vice president of sales and marketing, will assume Hairston’s previous day-to-day responsibilities.

Haig Partners Hires Pete Thiel, Former AutoNation Inc. Vice President of Corporate Development

Haig Partners LLC has announced that Pete Thiel joined the team as managing director. Prior to joining Haig Partners, Thiel was vice president at AutoNation. He has been involved in the purchase or sale of more than 130 dealerships for a value of $2 billion, as well as the evaluation of more than 1,000 acquisition opportunities.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Names Kahn Media Agency of Record

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association has announced that Kahn Media will exclusively represent the automotive event producer as its agency of record. Kahn Media will use its public relations, social media and digital marketing expertise to expand consumer awareness of the Goodguys organization and the 19 events it is hosting around the United States in 2021. Kahn Media will be responsible for managing and growing the Goodguys social media channels, conducting public and media relations campaigns surrounding each of the series’ 19 events in 2021 while also promoting the benefits of the organization’s membership program, creating and facilitating an engaging influencer marketing campaign, and designing and administering a comprehensive and highly-targeted digital marketing campaigns to drive ticket sales for each event and increase membership signups.

Hero Motors Acquires Strategic Stake in EV Transmission Specialist

Automotive component manufacturer Hero Motors Company (HMC) has secured a strategic stake in UK’s Hewland Engineering Ltd. for an undisclosed sum. The move will enable Hewland to further strengthen its product and service portfolio–particularly transmissions for electrified passenger cars–and pursue opportunities among global OEMs and Tier One suppliers.

Meyer Distributing Announces Wytheville, Virginia, Location

Meyer Distributing Inc. has announced a new Wytheville, Virginia location. The cross-dock will have a direct, next-day feed from Meyer’s Jasper, Indiana, distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories and exhaust parts in the region.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

These are the very first shots of the all-new ’23 Ford Ranger as it underwent testing on public roads in Dearborn, Michigan.

Overall, the next-gen Ranger looks more substantial than the current model, with bolder proportions and stance. The front fascia seems to match up perfectly to the leaked image from roughly a year ago, with a set of intricate C-shaped headlamps flanking a two-bar grille.

The cab and bed appear to be carry-overs from the current model, which has been on sale in global markets since 2011. The prototype is riding on a set of black wheels, and a single-exit exhaust can be seen out back, though it seems that the rather unattractive pipe is a placeholder for more gainly equipment.

The ’23 Ranger is expected to launch near the end of the ’22 model year and will serve as the basis for an upcoming Volkswagen midsize pickup truck as a result of a collaboration agreement between Ford and VW announced in 2020.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

Submissions are now being accepted for SEMA-member companies to participate in the 2021 Ford Project Vehicle Program.

Open to SEMA member company manufacturers, designers and/or retailers dedicated to supporting new product development, companies must be willing to actively promote the vehicle with their products through an established marketing plan and be financially capable of spending promotional dollars.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Use Ford accessory products as specified and provided by Ford Motor Company.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in General Liability Insurance, $3 million in Automotive Liability Insurance, $1 million in Employers Liability and demonstrate Workers Compensation coverage; an Umbrella Policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its Dealers for display, at the owner’s discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development.
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event).
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies).
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle.
6. Social media exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration    

To request a project vehicle:

1. E-mail a one-page project summary with the following information to semainfo@ford.com.

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2021 SEMA Show

2. Mail and/or E-mail a detailed project proposal to the following:

Ford Motor Company
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579        
Dearborn, MI 48124    
Attn: Kyle Ebner                      
semainfo@ford.com

Include detail supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicles examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at www.ford.com. 

Proposal submission deadline, vehicle lineup and award recipient notification date will be announced in an upcoming SEMA eNews Ford Project Vehicle announcement.