By Zane Clark

SEMA Show Education is offering five seminars for showgoers to help them prepare their businesses for the future.

Business today is in a constant state of flux. In addition to evolving customer needs and emerging technologies, small-business owners are expected to keep up-to-date on regulations, tax code and create business plans that lead to sustainability. In other words, owners and managers must go from working in the business to working on the business. Generally, the idea is entrepreneurs often get caught up on the day-to-day running of the business and don’t spend enough time dreaming, planning big goals and thinking about the future. SEMA Show Education offers showgoers the opportunity to take a step back to prepare their businesses:

Controlling Your Healthcare Cost Over the Next Two Years
Monday, October 23, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., LVCC N253
The Affordable Care Act has not been repealed, but parts of it are being chipped away, and significant changes to the legislation are expected over the next few years. The cost of healthcare continues to be substantial for both companies and individuals, and most experts believe these costs will continue to rise over the next two years amidst the ongoing uncertainty in the industry and Washington.

Don’t Overpay Your Taxes: Making the R&D Tax Credit and IC-DISC Export Incentive Work for Your Business
Monday, October 29, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m., LVCC N256
The interest in the R&D Tax Credit continues to remain strong among SEMA members. This year, we’ll continue the discussion regarding the R&D tax credit and also the IC-DISC Export Incentive. The seminar will highlight a few things regarding the new tax plan that was just passed in December 2017 and how a few of those changes might impact SEMA members and the auto industry.

Owning an Automotive Franchise
Monday, October 29, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., LVCC N256
Industry experts will discuss the benefits of owning an automotive franchise, including successful business models, training opportunities and marketing and advertising programs.

Why You Make More Money When You Have a Business Plan
Tuesday, October 30, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., LVCC N252
All businesses in the trade were started with an idea. This seminar explains how a business plan is not primarily for obtaining a loan, but is intended to help the owner develop the right course for the business and is to be used to keep the business and the owner on track over the life of the business.

Legal & Regulatory: Navigating the World of Import Tariffs
Wednesday, October 31, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., LVCC N256
The Trump Administration has imposed and threatened to impose significant tariffs to address intellectual property theft and perceived global trade imbalances. The U.S. tariffs, along with retaliatory actions being taken by other countries, are causing significant turmoil within the auto industry, as companies seek to grapple with unexpected price hikes and supply-chain disruptions. This seminar will review the status of tariffs on steel/aluminum, Chinese products and imported auto parts, along with renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Accord (NAFTA).  

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview all seminars and register.

Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Trump Administration has already imposed 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports, which includes miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment.

President Trump announced that 10% tariffs will be imposed on $200 billion worth of imported Chinese products starting September 24. The tariffs will increase to 25% on January 1, 2019, if the United States and China have not resolved their ongoing trade disputes. The list of products covers 5,745 full or partial lines of the original 6,031 tariff lines proposed in July. The list continues to include many auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires, steering-wheel components, rubber gaskets, transmission belts, brake pads, windshields and suspension springs. View the complete list.

The Trump Administration has already imposed 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports, which includes miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools, measurement and medical devices. President Trump has directed his trade officials to identify an additional $267 billion in Chinese imports that could be subject to tariffs next year.  

The tariffs are an attempt to lower the U.S./China trade deficit and to deter cybertheft of intellectual property by the Chinese government and companies. In comments opposing the list of $200 billion worth of products, SEMA noted that it advocates for fair and reciprocal trade and the protection of intellectual property rights, but expressed concern that the U.S. tariffs along with equal retaliatory tariffs imposed by China are harming American businesses, workers and consumers without producing meaningful results.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Trump Administration has already imposed 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports, which includes miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment.

President Trump announced that 10% tariffs will be imposed on $200 billion worth of imported Chinese products starting September 24. The tariffs will increase to 25% on January 1, 2019, if the United States and China have not resolved their ongoing trade disputes. The list of products covers 5,745 full or partial lines of the original 6,031 tariff lines proposed in July. The list continues to include many auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires, steering-wheel components, rubber gaskets, transmission belts, brake pads, windshields and suspension springs. View the complete list.

The Trump Administration has already imposed 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports, which includes miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools, measurement and medical devices. President Trump has directed his trade officials to identify an additional $267 billion in Chinese imports that could be subject to tariffs next year.  

The tariffs are an attempt to lower the U.S./China trade deficit and to deter cybertheft of intellectual property by the Chinese government and companies. In comments opposing the list of $200 billion worth of products, SEMA noted that it advocates for fair and reciprocal trade and the protection of intellectual property rights, but expressed concern that the U.S. tariffs along with equal retaliatory tariffs imposed by China are harming American businesses, workers and consumers without producing meaningful results.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Trump Administration has already imposed 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports, which includes miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment.

President Trump announced that 10% tariffs will be imposed on $200 billion worth of imported Chinese products starting September 24. The tariffs will increase to 25% on January 1, 2019, if the United States and China have not resolved their ongoing trade disputes. The list of products covers 5,745 full or partial lines of the original 6,031 tariff lines proposed in July. The list continues to include many auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires, steering-wheel components, rubber gaskets, transmission belts, brake pads, windshields and suspension springs. View the complete list.

The Trump Administration has already imposed 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports, which includes miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools, measurement and medical devices. President Trump has directed his trade officials to identify an additional $267 billion in Chinese imports that could be subject to tariffs next year.  

The tariffs are an attempt to lower the U.S./China trade deficit and to deter cybertheft of intellectual property by the Chinese government and companies. In comments opposing the list of $200 billion worth of products, SEMA noted that it advocates for fair and reciprocal trade and the protection of intellectual property rights, but expressed concern that the U.S. tariffs along with equal retaliatory tariffs imposed by China are harming American businesses, workers and consumers without producing meaningful results.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun.

SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) hosted a meet-and-greet reception for Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun, who is Indiana’s Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in 2018. Braun handily won the Republican primary on May 8, defeating two current members of Congress by double-digit margins. He is running against U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IN) in the general election on November 6, which is expected to be one of the most high-profile Senate races during the mid-term election.  

The event provided an opportunity for representatives throughout the automotive industry to hear directly from Braun, who started working for Meyer Body Company in 1981 and transitioned its business from manufacturing to distribution, forming Meyer Distributing. Over the decades that would follow, Braun has grown the business into a national distribution and logistics company with 65 locations in 38 states. In addition to his distinguished career in the automotive aftermarket, Braun has shown a commitment to public service as a member of the Jasper School Board (2004–2014) and as an Indiana State Legislator (2015–2017). 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Former Congressman Robert Walker (R-PA) with Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun (right).

Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun speaking with manufacturing industry representatives at a meeting hosted by SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC).

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun.

SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) hosted a meet-and-greet reception for Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun, who is Indiana’s Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in 2018. Braun handily won the Republican primary on May 8, defeating two current members of Congress by double-digit margins. He is running against U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IN) in the general election on November 6, which is expected to be one of the most high-profile Senate races during the mid-term election.  

The event provided an opportunity for representatives throughout the automotive industry to hear directly from Braun, who started working for Meyer Body Company in 1981 and transitioned its business from manufacturing to distribution, forming Meyer Distributing. Over the decades that would follow, Braun has grown the business into a national distribution and logistics company with 65 locations in 38 states. In addition to his distinguished career in the automotive aftermarket, Braun has shown a commitment to public service as a member of the Jasper School Board (2004–2014) and as an Indiana State Legislator (2015–2017). 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Former Congressman Robert Walker (R-PA) with Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun (right).

Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun speaking with manufacturing industry representatives at a meeting hosted by SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC).

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun.

SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) hosted a meet-and-greet reception for Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun, who is Indiana’s Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in 2018. Braun handily won the Republican primary on May 8, defeating two current members of Congress by double-digit margins. He is running against U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IN) in the general election on November 6, which is expected to be one of the most high-profile Senate races during the mid-term election.  

The event provided an opportunity for representatives throughout the automotive industry to hear directly from Braun, who started working for Meyer Body Company in 1981 and transitioned its business from manufacturing to distribution, forming Meyer Distributing. Over the decades that would follow, Braun has grown the business into a national distribution and logistics company with 65 locations in 38 states. In addition to his distinguished career in the automotive aftermarket, Braun has shown a commitment to public service as a member of the Jasper School Board (2004–2014) and as an Indiana State Legislator (2015–2017). 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Former Congressman Robert Walker (R-PA) with Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun (right).

Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun speaking with manufacturing industry representatives at a meeting hosted by SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC).

Roadkill Editor Elana Scherr shares her media experience in the automotive industry.

Roadkill Editor Elana Scherr shares her media experience in the automotive industry.

By Kristopher Porter

The Young Executives Network (YEN) is hosting a free meetup for local professionals under the age of 40 who work in the various segments of the automotive industry, Saturday, September 29, at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. This is also a great opportunity for industry veterans who are interested in advancing young professionals in the workforce.

All YEN members and those interested in learning about opportunities to get involved with SEMA and build industry connections are encouraged to attend. YEN leadership will be present to discuss the network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

YEN members who RSVP will receive one complimentary, single-day pass to attend the Off-Road Expo. From off-road racing to rock crawling, trail riding to sand sports, motorcycles and ATVs to camping and adventure travel, attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet and talk with the most knowledgeable people in the off-road industry.

For those who live nearby, stop by and enjoy an evening with fellow YEN colleagues.

Reserve your tickets now.

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.