By Ashley Reyes

Andreanna Ditton

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) #SheIsSEMA Spotlight member Andreanna Ditton is the content and social media manager for Internet Brands Auto Classifieds Group. Since 2007, Ditton has worked in automotive publishing, specializing in racing performance for motorcycles and cars.  

Throughout her professional career, she has excelled in shaping and leading editorial direction while managing content strategies through email marketing, social media campaigns and business development efforts. Her expertise in brand strategy and editorial management truly makes her contributions to the industry one-of-a-kind. 

Get to know Ditton in her Q&A with SEMA and SBN below:

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

Andreanna Ditton: Be clear, confident and concise—particularly as a journalist and a woman in the auto industry. 
That has served me well, even if I’m usually the opposite of concise!

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

AD: The people, absolutely. It’s an industry that offers such an outpouring of support from its workers, fans, enthusiasts, customers and readers.

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

AD: Hanging out with my two-year-old and husband after breakfast at one of the amazing restaurants in Austin, Texas.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

AD: As prepared as I can be, but ready to improvise on the spot.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

AD: I admire so many women in the auto industry, from racers like Shirley Muldowney to journalist icons like Jean Jennings, and I’d love to learn from them. But honestly, I’d rather go to lunch with people I talk to on a regular basis, like Betsy Bennett from Goodguys, Krista Baldwin or Cora Jokinen of Torq-Masters because they inspire me and they are great to talk to about everything.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

By Ashley Reyes

Andreanna Ditton

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) #SheIsSEMA Spotlight member Andreanna Ditton is the content and social media manager for Internet Brands Auto Classifieds Group. Since 2007, Ditton has worked in automotive publishing, specializing in racing performance for motorcycles and cars.  

Throughout her professional career, she has excelled in shaping and leading editorial direction while managing content strategies through email marketing, social media campaigns and business development efforts. Her expertise in brand strategy and editorial management truly makes her contributions to the industry one-of-a-kind. 

Get to know Ditton in her Q&A with SEMA and SBN below:

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

Andreanna Ditton: Be clear, confident and concise—particularly as a journalist and a woman in the auto industry. 
That has served me well, even if I’m usually the opposite of concise!

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

AD: The people, absolutely. It’s an industry that offers such an outpouring of support from its workers, fans, enthusiasts, customers and readers.

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

AD: Hanging out with my two-year-old and husband after breakfast at one of the amazing restaurants in Austin, Texas.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

AD: As prepared as I can be, but ready to improvise on the spot.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

AD: I admire so many women in the auto industry, from racers like Shirley Muldowney to journalist icons like Jean Jennings, and I’d love to learn from them. But honestly, I’d rather go to lunch with people I talk to on a regular basis, like Betsy Bennett from Goodguys, Krista Baldwin or Cora Jokinen of Torq-Masters because they inspire me and they are great to talk to about everything.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Hot Rod Mechanic
City Classic Cars is hiring a hot-rod mechanic with at least 10 years’ experience working on classic vehicles. Candidates should be familiar with Vintage Air A/C system installation
and electrical systems, be able to follow directions and maintain a high-quality work standard at all times. Experience with older model/classic cars is required.

Brand Activation Specialist
VP Racing Fuels is hiring a brand activation specialist to collaborate closely with sales and marketing to develop and implement a successful marketing strategy for generating awareness, preference and demand for VP Racing Fuels’ products. This role is part front-line brand ambassador and part digital-content creator in the field. This position captures content and designs/executes experiences to engage new and existing customers. The brand activation specialist represents the VP Racing Fuels brand at motorsport races, car culture gatherings, and retail store openings to capture email addresses, increase social media following, and grow product trial and purchase.

Sales Manager
SteerSmarts is hiring a sales manager responsible for managing all day-to-day sales activity for the brand. This position will be tasked with developing sales strategies that support the annual SteerSmarts plan. The sales manager will strive to achieve monthly sales targets and work closely with the dealer network to update and maintain an accurate sales forecast. As the brand grows, the sales manager will be tasked with expanding and managing the sales team.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• The BIG Show, March 27–28, 2020, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas
• SBN Meet-up at the BIG Show, March 27, 2020, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas
• YEN General Membership Call, April 15, 2020
• ARMO Hot Products Mixer, April 23, 2020, ARMO Hot Products Showcase Tent, Spring Carlisle, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
• WTC Ambassador (WTCA) Call, May 6, 2020
• SEMA Washington Rally, May 13, 2020, Washington, D.C.
• 2020 Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 10, 2020
• 2020 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 24–25, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• SEMA Nordic Business Development Conference, August 29–September 2, 2020, Stockholm, Sweden
• 2020 SEMA Show, November 3–6, 2020, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• PRI Trade Show, December 10–12, 2020, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

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

SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• Alpha Owls
• AlphaRex
• Big Country Truck Accessories
• Brisk
• Dinan Engineering
• Fabtech
• Gibson Performance Exhaust
• HiPer Wheels
• Innovative Motorsports
• Lloyd Mats

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

Exhibitors interested in getting a jump on SEMA Show planning for 2020 can reserve booth space now.

Exhibitors interested in getting a jump on SEMA Show planning for 2020 can reserve booth space now.

One of the more pressing issues confronting today’s small-business shops is finding and attracting young talent.



https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2020/03/attracting-and-retaining-next-generation-talent

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Ashton Robinson

PRI Hires Ashton Robinson as Marketing Coordinator

PRI has hired Ashton Robinson as marketing coordinator. With a passion for racing, Robinson says her entire life revolves around motorsports and the automotive industry. “I grew up around motorsports with my dad, from dirt bikes to go-karting. I currently compete in a few local series driving a ’15 Camaro 1LE, and this year I will be starting my journey competing in the Optima Batteries Search For The Ultimate Street Car. So far, I’ve driven Auto Club Speedway, Streets of Willow, and Big Willow (my favorite) and plan to drive Chuckwalla Raceway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway this year,” she said.

Brandon Lowder

Accudraft Paint Booths Welcomes Brandon Lowder as New Senior Vice President of Auto and Truck

Accudraft has announced the appointment of Brandon Lowder to the newly created position of senior vice president of auto and truck. Lowder will oversee the automotive and truck industries for Accudraft’s growing operation. He brings more than 20 years of experience in product sales, revenue management and business development. Prior to joining Accudraft, Lowder was the general manager of Pro Spot International and has six years’ experience as vice president of auto refinishing at Global Finishing Solutions.

Dana Opens New Louisiana Facility

Dana Chairman and CEO Jim Kamsickas (center) attends the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the company’s new Slidell, Louisiana facility.

Dana Inc. has announced it has opened the doors to a nearly 32,000 sq.-ft. facility in Slidell, Louisiana, for the repair, service and assembly of industrial gearboxes, including the ability to custom-make gears up to 6.5 ft. Located in the Fremaux Park development, the new facility replaces the company’s current operations in Slidell. The company also invested in gear-grinding and hobbing equipment and skilled personnel to increase the ability to quickly turnaround gearboxes for customers.

Red Line Synthetic Oil Opens Sponsorship Program to Support New Racers and Builders for the 2020 Powersports Season

Red Line Synthetic Oil has announced plans to recruit new, influential racers, riders, enthusiasts and builders to promote the Red Line brand and products throughout 2020 and beyond. The company seeks on-brand ambassadors who are committed to powersports and are interested in taking the necessary steps to maintain and prepare their bikes for the most extreme conditions. Red Line provides amateur and professional support for sponsored riders of all levels. New additions to the program this season will include lower product order minimums and refreshed, branded casual clothing designs. For consideration, Red Line requests résumés, bios or proposals with recent photos and results. Should you be accepted into the program, you will gain access to Red Line’s VIP ordering portal, as well as direct technical support and product discount support, based upon your level. Currently, only riders in the United States are eligible for the program. Those interested may submit their applications no later than April 30.

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.