By Chad Simon

The SEMA Installation Gala honors the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers, 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and the association’s incoming and outgoing SEMA Board members.

Held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation and Gala, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races will take place Friday, July 28, 2017, at the Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California.

Join friends and colleagues for the SEMA Installation and Gala, Friday, July 28, from 6:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m., at the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California. This special evening honors the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers, 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar—and the association’s incoming and outgoing SEMA Board members.

The 2017 SEMA Installation Gala will feature up-and-coming industry leaders and esteemed icons from the automotive accessories world. The celebration will include a cocktail reception, where the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races will take place, and dinner will follow. Purchasing a pinewood vehicle supports various SEMA Cares charities.

All SEMA-member companies are invited to join the festivities, but seats are limited, so register now at www.SEMA.org/gala.

Once again held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation and Gala, the SEMA Cares 2017 Pinewood Drag Races will take place during the cocktail reception, shortly before the gala begins. Each year, hundreds of SEMA-member companies step up to generously sponsor pinewood cars, with 100% of the proceeds going to qualified SEMA Cares charities. To learn more and register, visit www.sema.org/pinewood.

SEMA members can race either a car or a truck in three classes: Build It For Me (BIFM), Stock and Unlimited. Members can either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the BIFM or Stock Class, or they can build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock-Class racing usually garners the most entries with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule—that one item from the stock kit be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds, and many of the past top builders include some of the most recognized names in the industry.

SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races special features include the annual HRIA Builders Challenge and the Council Cup. Watch as some of the biggest names in hot rodding build state-of-the-art custom pinewoods that will be raced and then auctioned off, with all of the proceeds going to SEMA Cares. Council members are invited to come out and challenge their peers for the opportunity to win the coveted Council Cup. The more cars or trucks fielded by each council member, the greater their chances of winning.

Proceeds from the races will benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides a camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. Sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races car or truck is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today!

Register for the Installation Gala at www.SEMA.org/gala.

By Chad Simon

The SEMA Installation Gala honors the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers, 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and the association’s incoming and outgoing SEMA Board members.

Held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation and Gala, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races will take place Friday, July 28, 2017, at the Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California.

Join friends and colleagues for the SEMA Installation and Gala, Friday, July 28, from 6:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m., at the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona, California. This special evening honors the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers, 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar—and the association’s incoming and outgoing SEMA Board members.

The 2017 SEMA Installation Gala will feature up-and-coming industry leaders and esteemed icons from the automotive accessories world. The celebration will include a cocktail reception, where the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races will take place, and dinner will follow. Purchasing a pinewood vehicle supports various SEMA Cares charities.

All SEMA-member companies are invited to join the festivities, but seats are limited, so register now at www.SEMA.org/gala.

Once again held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation and Gala, the SEMA Cares 2017 Pinewood Drag Races will take place during the cocktail reception, shortly before the gala begins. Each year, hundreds of SEMA-member companies step up to generously sponsor pinewood cars, with 100% of the proceeds going to qualified SEMA Cares charities. To learn more and register, visit www.sema.org/pinewood.

SEMA members can race either a car or a truck in three classes: Build It For Me (BIFM), Stock and Unlimited. Members can either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the BIFM or Stock Class, or they can build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock-Class racing usually garners the most entries with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule—that one item from the stock kit be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds, and many of the past top builders include some of the most recognized names in the industry.

SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races special features include the annual HRIA Builders Challenge and the Council Cup. Watch as some of the biggest names in hot rodding build state-of-the-art custom pinewoods that will be raced and then auctioned off, with all of the proceeds going to SEMA Cares. Council members are invited to come out and challenge their peers for the opportunity to win the coveted Council Cup. The more cars or trucks fielded by each council member, the greater their chances of winning.

Proceeds from the races will benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides a camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. Sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races car or truck is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today!

Register for the Installation Gala at www.SEMA.org/gala.

By Jason Catullo

Attendees can take steps now to prepare for the Show with the intention of researching the latest products, meeting with customers and creating a game plan to connect with new business opportunities.

With the SEMA Show floorplan taking shape and registration open, Show Management has provided several tips to help attendees get the most value from their experience. Whether it’s researching new products and shop tools, or connecting with new customers, there are key steps to take now to save money and be prepared when the Show opens October 31.  

Tips for Attendees

1. Registration for the Show is open and available at www.SEMAShow.com/register. The price is $40 if attendees register online for the Show by October 13. After the deadline, registration can only be done on-site, and the price increases to $90. When attendees register for the Show prior to the online deadline, they will receive their badges in the mail.
   
   
2. Make plans to reserve hotel rooms early in the planning process. To locate a hotel based on location, price, accommodations, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to view a real-time listing of the hotels available through OnPeak, the Official Hotel Partner of the SEMA Show. All reservations made through OnPeak come with a guaranteed low rate, no penalties for reservation adjustments or changes, and no booking, change or cancelation fees.
   
   
3. To get the most from the week, stay an extra day and experience how Friday at the SEMA Show is better. On Friday, the Show floor is open for attendees to complete their business for the week. When the Show reaches its end late Friday afternoon, the SEMA Cruise starts, signifying the beginning of the SEMA Ignited. For more information on SEMA Ignited, which features the finals of the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition, visit www.SEMAIgnited.com.  

For more information on the 2017 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Jason Catullo

Attendees can take steps now to prepare for the Show with the intention of researching the latest products, meeting with customers and creating a game plan to connect with new business opportunities.

With the SEMA Show floorplan taking shape and registration open, Show Management has provided several tips to help attendees get the most value from their experience. Whether it’s researching new products and shop tools, or connecting with new customers, there are key steps to take now to save money and be prepared when the Show opens October 31.  

Tips for Attendees

1. Registration for the Show is open and available at www.SEMAShow.com/register. The price is $40 if attendees register online for the Show by October 13. After the deadline, registration can only be done on-site, and the price increases to $90. When attendees register for the Show prior to the online deadline, they will receive their badges in the mail.
   
   
2. Make plans to reserve hotel rooms early in the planning process. To locate a hotel based on location, price, accommodations, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to view a real-time listing of the hotels available through OnPeak, the Official Hotel Partner of the SEMA Show. All reservations made through OnPeak come with a guaranteed low rate, no penalties for reservation adjustments or changes, and no booking, change or cancelation fees.
   
   
3. To get the most from the week, stay an extra day and experience how Friday at the SEMA Show is better. On Friday, the Show floor is open for attendees to complete their business for the week. When the Show reaches its end late Friday afternoon, the SEMA Cruise starts, signifying the beginning of the SEMA Ignited. For more information on SEMA Ignited, which features the finals of the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition, visit www.SEMAIgnited.com.  

For more information on the 2017 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

The WD-40/SEMA Cares 50th Anniversary Camaro designed by Neil Tjin and built in partnership with Tjin and instructors from Universal Technical Institute.

WD-40 Co. is once again commissioning a vehicle build to showcase WD-40 brand products, be displayed at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, October 31–November 3, and ultimately be auctioned off through Barrett-Jackson to benefit SEMA Cares and ChildHelp. In past years, the builds have generated an annual average of more than $110,000 in donations to the charities garnering an average of 7 million media impressions.

This year’s WD-40 brand 2017 vehicle build should:

• Generate media (traditional and social) before, during and after the Show. The vehicle should stand out with innovative design, parts and accessories. WD-40 Co. will lend promotional support in addition to that generated by the selected builder.
• Showcase uses for WD-40 Brand products during the build/restoration process, as well as maintenance. The build should demonstrate that WD-40 Brand is more than the original blue-and-yellow can, offering a variety of products best suited for multiple needs, including the WD-40 Specialist and WD-40 Greases lines. (Note: WD-40 Co. believes a restoration build (versus a new car) is ideally suited for this project, due to an older vehicle’s ability to showcase uses for WD-40 Brand products.)
• Leverage the builder’s relationships to bring added value and secure donations (parts, accessories and in-kind support) for the car build, ultimately increasing the value of the vehicle and generating significant return for the SEMA Cares Foundation.

The car will be owned by SEMA Cares.

WD-40 Co. is looking for a valued partner to:

• Design and develop a concept for building a 50-state, street-legal off-road vehicle.
• Manage sourcing of materials and oversee any fabrication, installation or work done to the vehicle.
• Set and abide by a mutually agreed-upon timeline of activities, with a completion date prior to the SEMA Show.
• Submit monthly status reports leading up to the Show as specified in the contract. Reports should include the documentation of the car build’s key milestones via photos, videos and updates that can be shared by WD-40 Co. in its promotional support plan. Monthly reports should include WD-40 Brand product uses, modifications to the vehicle, and social and traditional media exposure as generated by the build partner.
• Leverage his or her relationships to bring added value and secure donations (parts, accessories and in-kind support) to the car build, as specified above.
• Bring promotional support to the build showcasing the WD-40 brand and logo (example: via social media and/or other marketing tactics at the discretion of the build partner).
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker’s compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.

Budget

Project/build management: $10,000–$15,000
Car purchase, labor and fabrication costs: $25,000–$45,000

Request for Proposal

The request for proposal includes a two-step process. During both phases, WD-40 Co. will evaluate potential build partners against his or her ability to meet the above criteria and expectations.  

Part 1:

Email a summary, no longer than two pages, describing how you will meet the above goals and criteria for the build partner. In addition, WD-40 Co. asks that you include an overview of your vision for the vehicle build, including a sketch, along with your ideas for type, year, model, etc., of the 50-state, street-legal, off-road vehicle/theme.

Proposal Submission Deadline: Monday, June 12, 2017.

WD-40 Co. will review proposals and select three to five builders to submit a proposal during Part 2, which is invitation-only, and a stipend of $500 will be allocated to each builder asked to submit a proposal.

Part 2:

Additional details/support for how builders will meet the goals and criteria are outlined here. Part 2 should include:

• A detailed project proposal, including color rendering.
• Proposed vehicle modifications.
• A promotional support plan, including estimated impressions.
• A breakdown of estimated related costs (within the budget specified above).
• An estimate of value-added partners/sponsors/donations that you can bring to the table.
• An estimate of the total value of the completed vehicle.

Part 2 Submission Deadline: Seven to 10 days after notification of finalists.

Submission Guidelines

Responses to the RFP should be submitted via email to Teresa Siles at ts@nstpr.com by the deadlines listed above. The award recipient will be notified in mid-July 2017.

By SEMA Editors

The WD-40/SEMA Cares 50th Anniversary Camaro designed by Neil Tjin and built in partnership with Tjin and instructors from Universal Technical Institute.

WD-40 Co. is once again commissioning a vehicle build to showcase WD-40 brand products, be displayed at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, October 31–November 3, and ultimately be auctioned off through Barrett-Jackson to benefit SEMA Cares and ChildHelp. In past years, the builds have generated an annual average of more than $110,000 in donations to the charities garnering an average of 7 million media impressions.

This year’s WD-40 brand 2017 vehicle build should:

• Generate media (traditional and social) before, during and after the Show. The vehicle should stand out with innovative design, parts and accessories. WD-40 Co. will lend promotional support in addition to that generated by the selected builder.
• Showcase uses for WD-40 Brand products during the build/restoration process, as well as maintenance. The build should demonstrate that WD-40 Brand is more than the original blue-and-yellow can, offering a variety of products best suited for multiple needs, including the WD-40 Specialist and WD-40 Greases lines. (Note: WD-40 Co. believes a restoration build (versus a new car) is ideally suited for this project, due to an older vehicle’s ability to showcase uses for WD-40 Brand products.)
• Leverage the builder’s relationships to bring added value and secure donations (parts, accessories and in-kind support) for the car build, ultimately increasing the value of the vehicle and generating significant return for the SEMA Cares Foundation.

The car will be owned by SEMA Cares.

WD-40 Co. is looking for a valued partner to:

• Design and develop a concept for building a 50-state, street-legal off-road vehicle.
• Manage sourcing of materials and oversee any fabrication, installation or work done to the vehicle.
• Set and abide by a mutually agreed-upon timeline of activities, with a completion date prior to the SEMA Show.
• Submit monthly status reports leading up to the Show as specified in the contract. Reports should include the documentation of the car build’s key milestones via photos, videos and updates that can be shared by WD-40 Co. in its promotional support plan. Monthly reports should include WD-40 Brand product uses, modifications to the vehicle, and social and traditional media exposure as generated by the build partner.
• Leverage his or her relationships to bring added value and secure donations (parts, accessories and in-kind support) to the car build, as specified above.
• Bring promotional support to the build showcasing the WD-40 brand and logo (example: via social media and/or other marketing tactics at the discretion of the build partner).
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker’s compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.

Budget

Project/build management: $10,000–$15,000
Car purchase, labor and fabrication costs: $25,000–$45,000

Request for Proposal

The request for proposal includes a two-step process. During both phases, WD-40 Co. will evaluate potential build partners against his or her ability to meet the above criteria and expectations.  

Part 1:

Email a summary, no longer than two pages, describing how you will meet the above goals and criteria for the build partner. In addition, WD-40 Co. asks that you include an overview of your vision for the vehicle build, including a sketch, along with your ideas for type, year, model, etc., of the 50-state, street-legal, off-road vehicle/theme.

Proposal Submission Deadline: Monday, June 12, 2017.

WD-40 Co. will review proposals and select three to five builders to submit a proposal during Part 2, which is invitation-only, and a stipend of $500 will be allocated to each builder asked to submit a proposal.

Part 2:

Additional details/support for how builders will meet the goals and criteria are outlined here. Part 2 should include:

• A detailed project proposal, including color rendering.
• Proposed vehicle modifications.
• A promotional support plan, including estimated impressions.
• A breakdown of estimated related costs (within the budget specified above).
• An estimate of value-added partners/sponsors/donations that you can bring to the table.
• An estimate of the total value of the completed vehicle.

Part 2 Submission Deadline: Seven to 10 days after notification of finalists.

Submission Guidelines

Responses to the RFP should be submitted via email to Teresa Siles at ts@nstpr.com by the deadlines listed above. The award recipient will be notified in mid-July 2017.

By SEMA Editors

The WD-40/SEMA Cares 50th Anniversary Camaro designed by Neil Tjin and built in partnership with Tjin and instructors from Universal Technical Institute.

WD-40 Co. is once again commissioning a vehicle build to showcase WD-40 brand products, be displayed at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, October 31–November 3, and ultimately be auctioned off through Barrett-Jackson to benefit SEMA Cares and ChildHelp. In past years, the builds have generated an annual average of more than $110,000 in donations to the charities garnering an average of 7 million media impressions.

This year’s WD-40 brand 2017 vehicle build should:

• Generate media (traditional and social) before, during and after the Show. The vehicle should stand out with innovative design, parts and accessories. WD-40 Co. will lend promotional support in addition to that generated by the selected builder.
• Showcase uses for WD-40 Brand products during the build/restoration process, as well as maintenance. The build should demonstrate that WD-40 Brand is more than the original blue-and-yellow can, offering a variety of products best suited for multiple needs, including the WD-40 Specialist and WD-40 Greases lines. (Note: WD-40 Co. believes a restoration build (versus a new car) is ideally suited for this project, due to an older vehicle’s ability to showcase uses for WD-40 Brand products.)
• Leverage the builder’s relationships to bring added value and secure donations (parts, accessories and in-kind support) for the car build, ultimately increasing the value of the vehicle and generating significant return for the SEMA Cares Foundation.

The car will be owned by SEMA Cares.

WD-40 Co. is looking for a valued partner to:

• Design and develop a concept for building a 50-state, street-legal off-road vehicle.
• Manage sourcing of materials and oversee any fabrication, installation or work done to the vehicle.
• Set and abide by a mutually agreed-upon timeline of activities, with a completion date prior to the SEMA Show.
• Submit monthly status reports leading up to the Show as specified in the contract. Reports should include the documentation of the car build’s key milestones via photos, videos and updates that can be shared by WD-40 Co. in its promotional support plan. Monthly reports should include WD-40 Brand product uses, modifications to the vehicle, and social and traditional media exposure as generated by the build partner.
• Leverage his or her relationships to bring added value and secure donations (parts, accessories and in-kind support) to the car build, as specified above.
• Bring promotional support to the build showcasing the WD-40 brand and logo (example: via social media and/or other marketing tactics at the discretion of the build partner).
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker’s compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.

Budget

Project/build management: $10,000–$15,000
Car purchase, labor and fabrication costs: $25,000–$45,000

Request for Proposal

The request for proposal includes a two-step process. During both phases, WD-40 Co. will evaluate potential build partners against his or her ability to meet the above criteria and expectations.  

Part 1:

Email a summary, no longer than two pages, describing how you will meet the above goals and criteria for the build partner. In addition, WD-40 Co. asks that you include an overview of your vision for the vehicle build, including a sketch, along with your ideas for type, year, model, etc., of the 50-state, street-legal, off-road vehicle/theme.

Proposal Submission Deadline: Monday, June 12, 2017.

WD-40 Co. will review proposals and select three to five builders to submit a proposal during Part 2, which is invitation-only, and a stipend of $500 will be allocated to each builder asked to submit a proposal.

Part 2:

Additional details/support for how builders will meet the goals and criteria are outlined here. Part 2 should include:

• A detailed project proposal, including color rendering.
• Proposed vehicle modifications.
• A promotional support plan, including estimated impressions.
• A breakdown of estimated related costs (within the budget specified above).
• An estimate of value-added partners/sponsors/donations that you can bring to the table.
• An estimate of the total value of the completed vehicle.

Part 2 Submission Deadline: Seven to 10 days after notification of finalists.

Submission Guidelines

Responses to the RFP should be submitted via email to Teresa Siles at ts@nstpr.com by the deadlines listed above. The award recipient will be notified in mid-July 2017.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Nick Tucci

Avery Dennison Appoints Nick Tucci Vice President and General Manager, Label and Graphic Materials, North America

Avery Dennison has announced it has made Nick Tucci vice president and general manager, label and graphic materials (LGM), North America. In this role, Tucci will provide leadership and strategic vision for the North America region. He will also continue his current role as vice president, sales, LGM, while searching for his replacement. Tucci has 22 years of experience with Avery Dennison. Since 1994, he has held leadership positions in finance, marketing, procurement, and was the general manager and vice president of the Reflective Solutions business, where he was recognized as leader of the year in 2015. 

Dee Zee Adds Wes-Coast Marketing as New Rep Agency

Dee Zee Inc. has announced the addition of Wes-Coast Marketing as the rep agency covering California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. Wes-Coast Marketing services the automotive aftermarket in 13 western states and western Canada, has been selected as a finalist for SEMA Rep of the Year, and is a member of Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) [now called “Custom Automotive Network”], SEMA and SEMA’s Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN).

Bill McLaughlin

Covercraft Hires Bill McLaughlin as Southeastern Sales Manager

Covercraft has announced the addition of sales veteran Bill McLaughlin as the new southeastern sales manager. He will cover the southern part of the United States, from the Atlantic coast through Texas, and handle both aftermarket and distribution accounts in the territory. McLaughlin is a veteran of more than 20 years in the softgoods industry, last serving as the regional director of stores for the Samsonite Corp.

AAM Selects GCommerce to Implement and Manage EDI Connectivity Functions

The AAM Group has chosen GCommerce to implement electronic data interchange (EDI) between the group’s warehouse distribution members and its manufacturing suppliers. The decision aims to reduce communication friction between stakeholders in order to effect increased sales for all parties. Enhancements will include simplified order entry and error reduction at the WD level and faster vendor responses relating to transit, invoicing, accounts payable and more. In support of the initiative, GCommerce, a provider of cost-effective, cloud-based technology solutions to the vehicle aftermarket, will communicate with AAM Group suppliers to facilitate onboarding, mapping, testing and implementation of electronic documents. GCommerce’s single-integration architecture will operate despite any differences in technology platforms, document formats or IT protocols.

The Valspar Corp. Expands Production Capacity for Automotive Refinish Coatings

The Valspar Corp. has expanded production capacity of its automotive refinish coatings products at U.S.-based manufacturing facilities. Recent technology and equipment upgrades at locations in Garland, Texas, and Pittsburgh have significantly increased manufacturing volumes, and filling and storage capacity for select brands within the Valspar Automotive portfolio. Expansions at the Garland and Pittsburgh sites represent a $10 million project—the largest of its kind by Valspar Automotive to date. The added production capacity will result in a 200% increase in output of automotive refinish brands. As a result of both east and west expansion projects, Valspar Automotive has not only increased production in North America, but also storage space by approximately 300%. The sites’ expansion is part of the final stages of integrating the automotive refinish coatings business of Quest Specialty Chemicals, which Valspar acquired in June 2015. Valspar has consolidated all of its automotive coatings research and development, manufacturing and distribution at three “Centers of Excellence” — Garland, Pittsburgh and Massillon, Ohio.

This year’s report shows record results in all areas of CSR measured by Hypertherm, including community engagement, environmental impact and associate well-being.

Hypertherm Shares 2016 Progress on Social and Environmental Goals in New CSR Report

Hypertherm has announced the release of its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report. This year’s report shows record results in all areas of CSR measured by Hypertherm, including community engagement, environmental impact and associate well-being. For 2016, nearly 85% of associates volunteered, spending an average of more than 16 hours, or the equivalent of two working days, in the community. Of those, more than 500 associates, or approximately 45%, served at least 24 hours, the maximum number covered under Hypertherm’s paid time-off program last year. In addition to its volunteer program, Hypertherm provided support to nonprofits through its Hypertherm Owners’ Philanthropic Endeavors (HOPE) foundation. In all, the organization provided funding to 132 organizations, 25 more than the previous year. Last year also saw gains when regarding the company’s environmental goals with Hypertherm diverting a record amount of waste from landfills. The company credits improved partnerships with its supply chain and its regional recycling center with helping it divert more than 2,500 tons of waste. As a result, 2.5% of waste generated by Hypertherm in 2016 went to a landfill, bringing the company ever closer to its goal of zero landfill waste by 2020. In 2016, Hypertherm had a safety incidence rate of 1.8% compared with an industry average of 4%, and announced that seven of its eight U.S. manufacturing locations are now OSHA VPP Star worksites. The company also reports lower than expected health-plan costs, fewer family medical leave and disability claims, and a 35% increase in the number of associates receiving primary care through one of Hypertherm’s on-site primary care clinics. Read the full report.

Champion Oil will display a special limited-edition 50th Anniversary Shelby Super Snake Mustang GT at the 2017 SEMA Show in Booth #24423.

Champion Oil to Display 50th Anniversary Shelby Super Snake at 2017 SEMA Show

Champion Oil will display a special limited-edition 50th Anniversary Shelby Super Snake Mustang GT at the 2017 SEMA Show in Booth #24423. Five decades after the first “Super Snake” came out of the factory, Shelby American Inc. is commemorating the anniversary of the legendary Shelby Super Snake Mustang. The new Shelby Super Snake marks a significant next chapter in the company’s history. “We compared the groundbreaking ’67 and ’07 model Super Snakes to other cars of their era when setting the performance parameters for our anniversary model,” said Gary Patterson, Shelby American president. “The new Shelby Super Snake matches those cars’ competitive advantages. The newest Super Snake is both extraordinarily fast and a thrill to drive. In a world filled with sterile cars, it’s a throwback to a time when people enjoyed driving.”

Robin Krimminger

Robin Krimminger Joins Ranch Hand as Outside Sales Representative

Robin Krimminger has joined Ranch Hand as outside sales representative for the North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia areas. She has worked closely with national and regional automotive aftermarket warehouses for more than 15 years. Her experience includes sales, business development and market launch, and trend analysis.

Gold Eagle Co. Receives Honda Supplier Performance Award for 10th Consecutive Year

Gold Eagle Co. has announced it has been named a recipient of the Honda Supplier Performance Award for a 10th consecutive year for its outstanding service delivered to American Honda Service Parts. Acknowledging its network of more than 600 OEM and service parts suppliers in North America, Honda recognized top-performing companies for excellence in key areas of operation, including quality, value, efficiency and delivery.

VP Racing Fuels Partners With CANUSA Automotive Warehousing Inc.
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced an agreement with London, Ontario, Canada-based CANUSA Automotive Warehousing Inc. to stock VP’s full line of products in CANUSA’s chain of APC Auto Parts Centre stores. There are 45 APC stores in south and central Ontario, each of which will carry VP Racing Fuels, VP Small Engine Fuels, VP Madditives and VP Motorsport Containers. 

Prestone’s custom-yellow ’71 De Tomaso Pantera built by Ringbrothers will join the Hot Rod Power Tour.

Prestone Brings Iconic Vehicles to Hot Rod Power Tour

Prestone Products Corp. will join this year’s Hot Rod Power Tour for the first time in the company’s 90-year history. Prestone’s custom-yellow ’71 De Tomaso Pantera built by Ringbrothers will lead the way as the tour kicks off in Kansas City, Missouri. Prestone will also take a classic ’69 Chevrolet Camaro along on the tour. In addition to offering fluids to protect tour-participant engines, Prestone will also give away several prizes and a variety of Prestone swag to drivers and spectators. At all seven stops on the tour, the company will offer commemorative license plate magnets, each notating the date and location of the respective checkpoints. Joining Prestone on its high-performance journey is former Vice President of Operations at Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Mike Copeland and Owner of Stoner’s Speed Shop Blake Stoner. Hot Rod Power Tour participants are encouraged to post pictures of their vehicles with the hashtag #RunningOnPrestone for a chance to win special prizes from the Prestone trailer.

Kevin Cornelius

Industry Expert Joins Grote Business Development

Grote Industries has hired Kevin Cornelius as a new business-development manager for Harness and Power Delivery. With a background in manufacturing, design and operations, Cornelius will be responsible for managing Grote’s Power Delivery product lines, including developing and launching all new-product projects and direct growth.

“CURT Group” Announced as New Name for CURT Family of Brands

CURT has unveiled “CURT Group” as its new corporate name. The new name is part of a developing brand strategy designed to help distinguish the company’s individual brand identities, while communicating its effectiveness as a unified family of brands. CURT Group encompasses CURT, ARIES, LUVERNE Truck Equipment and RETRAC. Each of these brands offers products that appeal to different consumer preferences. Under the umbrella of CURT Group, they will maintain their separate identities and continue to specialize in their own unique product categories.

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.

By Juan Torres

Dylan Coleman won the Young Guns category at AutoCon Los Angeles, March 26.

Coleman and his ’96 BMW M3 e36 will now travel to Las Vegas to participate in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition during the 2017 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3.

Dylan Coleman of Bel Air, California, became the first beneficiary of SEMA’s efforts this year to promote younger car builders through its 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns initiative when he won the Young Guns category at AutoCon Los Angeles, March 26. Coleman and his ’96 BMW M3 e36 will now travel to Las Vegas to participate in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition during the 2017 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3.

“It’s super sick and super rewarding to win and get the opportunity to compete in Battle of the Builders,” said Coleman. “The car wasn’t running by the time of last year’s SEMA Show, but once I heard SEMA was offering this prize, I was driven to finish the car on time.”

SEMA’s Young Guns program was created to support young builders in their efforts and recognize them as the future of the industry, and this year the association has partnered with regional car shows to highlight builders 27 years old or younger and send six of them to the 2017 SEMA Show.

“We know that there are many amazing and talented young vehicle builders who may not have an exhibitor to sponsor their vehicle at the SEMA Show,” said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, public relations and communications. “By partnering with AutoCon, Bonnier and Goodguys, we hope to recognize and encourage young builders to continue customizing vehicles.”

In addition to the opportunity to compete in the Battle of the Builders program, the SEMA Young Guns prize package includes an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, transportation of the winner’s vehicle and a designated feature spot at the Show.

Battle of the Builders participants also get a chance to be a part of the SEMA Cruise during SEMA Ignited and possibly be featured in the Battle of the Builders TV show. The TV special and SEMA Ignited make it possible for consumers to connect with manufacturers and see the great new products and trends that debut at the trade-only SEMA Show.

“We are excited to be involved with the SEMA Show and SEMA Battle of the Builders this year,” said Justing Fong, president and co-founder of AutoCon. “It will be interesting to see what these Young Guns come up with and their unique builds.”

Coleman, who initially had no real purpose for his car build except to get it done, is looking forward to the 2017 SEMA Show experience.

“Now that I’ve won, I’m focused on ensuring the car is 100% ready for Battle of the Builders at the SEMA Show and generating as much exposure as possible,” he said. “It will be great to help highlight young builders my age and see my car go up against other amazing builds.”

Another Young Guns prize package will be awarded at AutoCon New York on June 10. Event information and details are available at www.autoconevents.com.

For more information about SEMA Battle of the Builders and the SEMA Young Guns regional program, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

By Juan Torres

Dylan Coleman won the Young Guns category at AutoCon Los Angeles, March 26.

Coleman and his ’96 BMW M3 e36 will now travel to Las Vegas to participate in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition during the 2017 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3.

Dylan Coleman of Bel Air, California, became the first beneficiary of SEMA’s efforts this year to promote younger car builders through its 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns initiative when he won the Young Guns category at AutoCon Los Angeles, March 26. Coleman and his ’96 BMW M3 e36 will now travel to Las Vegas to participate in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition during the 2017 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3.

“It’s super sick and super rewarding to win and get the opportunity to compete in Battle of the Builders,” said Coleman. “The car wasn’t running by the time of last year’s SEMA Show, but once I heard SEMA was offering this prize, I was driven to finish the car on time.”

SEMA’s Young Guns program was created to support young builders in their efforts and recognize them as the future of the industry, and this year the association has partnered with regional car shows to highlight builders 27 years old or younger and send six of them to the 2017 SEMA Show.

“We know that there are many amazing and talented young vehicle builders who may not have an exhibitor to sponsor their vehicle at the SEMA Show,” said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, public relations and communications. “By partnering with AutoCon, Bonnier and Goodguys, we hope to recognize and encourage young builders to continue customizing vehicles.”

In addition to the opportunity to compete in the Battle of the Builders program, the SEMA Young Guns prize package includes an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, transportation of the winner’s vehicle and a designated feature spot at the Show.

Battle of the Builders participants also get a chance to be a part of the SEMA Cruise during SEMA Ignited and possibly be featured in the Battle of the Builders TV show. The TV special and SEMA Ignited make it possible for consumers to connect with manufacturers and see the great new products and trends that debut at the trade-only SEMA Show.

“We are excited to be involved with the SEMA Show and SEMA Battle of the Builders this year,” said Justing Fong, president and co-founder of AutoCon. “It will be interesting to see what these Young Guns come up with and their unique builds.”

Coleman, who initially had no real purpose for his car build except to get it done, is looking forward to the 2017 SEMA Show experience.

“Now that I’ve won, I’m focused on ensuring the car is 100% ready for Battle of the Builders at the SEMA Show and generating as much exposure as possible,” he said. “It will be great to help highlight young builders my age and see my car go up against other amazing builds.”

Another Young Guns prize package will be awarded at AutoCon New York on June 10. Event information and details are available at www.autoconevents.com.

For more information about SEMA Battle of the Builders and the SEMA Young Guns regional program, visit www.semashow.com/botb.