By Ashley Reyes

The first step to achieving your goals is knowing your purpose and your "why." Once your purpose and "why" are defined, you will be able to prioritize your life to accomplish your goals, get through obstacles and live a happier life.

SEMA members are invited to attend the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) webinar "Going Beyond Potential" on April 16, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. PDT, to learn how to turn their thoughts and goals into actionable plans. Moderated by educator, author and wellness specialist Jenna Sage, and featuring speaker Jackie Martin, chief purpose and inclusion officer at FOX Factory, the session will teach attendees strategies for seeking support and creating a roadmap for success.

Martin is a certified life and executive coach who has implemented multiple workshops focused on knowing your purpose. Her expertise in individual development planning and peer accountability measures will inspire attendees to overcome their unique challenges and go beyond their potential. Register today!

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is hosting a networking mixer at the MOORE Overlanding and Off-Road Expo on April 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. CT. The event will take place in Booth 225.

SBN members are invited to attend the mixer, where they grow their professional network and learn about career-building resources for women in the automotive specialty-equipment market. Attendees will meet the SBN select committee, discover ways to get involved in the industry through volunteering and forge valuable connections with influential women who can propel their careers forward. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served.

Prospective members are invited to attend, as it's a great way to introduce yourself and learn what SBN membership has to offer. 

RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Justin Coulter, director of sales at SuperSprings International, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. Get to know Coulter in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry? 

Justin Coulter: I've been an enthusiast in this industry since 2010 when I bought my first Jeep. I was hooked! Getting deeper and deeper into the sport, I dreamed of aligning my passion with my career. It took some time to break into the industry, but when I found an opportunity with SuperSprings International, I knew I had to jump on it.  

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?  

JC: I want to be a contributor to the industry that has given so much opportunity and enjoyment to me.  

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

JC: Never settle. My father taught me from a young age not to get complacent. If you are not living your dream, do something about it. Only you can make that change for yourself.  

SN: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle?  

JC: I'd like to think my dream off-road vehicle is sitting in my garage now. My one-ton stretched Jeep TJ was a dream come true. My daily driver is a '17 Ford F-350 SRW King Ranch with a 3.5-in. Carli Suspension lift, 37-in. BFG HD-Terrains wrapped around bronze Raceline wheels.  

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the SEMA-supported "Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act" (EXPLORE Act), H.R. 6492, by a voice vote.

The comprehensive public lands bill directs the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to create more motorized opportunities on public lands, addresses special recreation permits and fees that have been expensive and cumbersome for off-road groups to navigate on federal lands, attempts to improve visitor experiences, addresses the lack of affordable housing causing staffing shortages on public lands, and transforms outdoor recreation experiences for active-duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families. 

The EXPLORE Act, which has a broad range of support from more than 30 organizations, now advances to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee. The strongly bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR), who drafted the bill in coordination with Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ). The EXPLORE Act expands on S. 873, the "America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023" (AORA), and includes key, SEMA-supported provisions from the bill. The Senate ENR Committee passed S. 873 in 2023.  

"SEMA thanks Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for their continued advocacy for the EXPLORE Act, which was critical in getting the House to pass the bill with such strong bipartisan support," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. "The EXPLORE Act is critical to the motorized recreation community. The bill would streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits, require federal land management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access on public lands, and direct the BLM and Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed to recreate." 

The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive legislative effort that increases access to outdoor recreation opportunities to help grow the $1.1 trillion impact of the outdoor recreation industry. You can find more information about the major provisions of the legislation by reviewing the section-by-section outline. 

For more information on the EXPLORE Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the SEMA-supported "Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act" (EXPLORE Act), H.R. 6492, by a voice vote.

The comprehensive public lands bill directs the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to create more motorized opportunities on public lands, addresses special recreation permits and fees that have been expensive and cumbersome for off-road groups to navigate on federal lands, attempts to improve visitor experiences, addresses the lack of affordable housing causing staffing shortages on public lands, and transforms outdoor recreation experiences for active-duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families. 

The EXPLORE Act, which has a broad range of support from more than 30 organizations, now advances to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee. The strongly bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR), who drafted the bill in coordination with Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ). The EXPLORE Act expands on S. 873, the "America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023" (AORA), and includes key, SEMA-supported provisions from the bill. The Senate ENR Committee passed S. 873 in 2023.  

"SEMA thanks Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for their continued advocacy for the EXPLORE Act, which was critical in getting the House to pass the bill with such strong bipartisan support," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. "The EXPLORE Act is critical to the motorized recreation community. The bill would streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits, require federal land management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access on public lands, and direct the BLM and Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed to recreate." 

The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive legislative effort that increases access to outdoor recreation opportunities to help grow the $1.1 trillion impact of the outdoor recreation industry. You can find more information about the major provisions of the legislation by reviewing the section-by-section outline. 

For more information on the EXPLORE Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) requesting comments and information to assist in the potential development of regulations for the manufacturing, importing, processing, recycling and distribution in commerce of lead for wheel-balancing weights ("lead wheel weights") under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 

EPA is seeking comments and information on specific issues regarding potential exposure to lead in wheel weights and information on substitutes for lead wheel weights. This information will help inform the agency's determinations regarding potential unreasonable risk to human health and the environment from exposure to lead wheel weights. You can read the full ANPRM, "Lead Wheel Weights, Regulatory Investigation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)," to determine if you have quantitative information, data and/or case examples the agency is requesting.  

While the EPA is currently information-gathering, the agency may initiate a proposed rulemaking if it finds lead wheel weights pose a danger to public health. SEMA encourages industry businesses that produce, import or sell lead wheel weights to provide comment to the EPA. The deadline for comments is Friday, May 3, 2024. You can submit your comments here.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.  

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) requesting comments and information to assist in the potential development of regulations for the manufacturing, importing, processing, recycling and distribution in commerce of lead for wheel-balancing weights ("lead wheel weights") under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 

EPA is seeking comments and information on specific issues regarding potential exposure to lead in wheel weights and information on substitutes for lead wheel weights. This information will help inform the agency's determinations regarding potential unreasonable risk to human health and the environment from exposure to lead wheel weights. You can read the full ANPRM, "Lead Wheel Weights, Regulatory Investigation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)," to determine if you have quantitative information, data and/or case examples the agency is requesting.  

While the EPA is currently information-gathering, the agency may initiate a proposed rulemaking if it finds lead wheel weights pose a danger to public health. SEMA encourages industry businesses that produce, import or sell lead wheel weights to provide comment to the EPA. The deadline for comments is Friday, May 3, 2024. You can submit your comments here.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.  

By SEMA News Editors

Great exhibit space remains--but is selling quickly--for the SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas. Leading brands from across the nation and globe have signed on to exhibit for this year's event, which is on track to return to historic exhibitor levels with growth across all Halls and product categories. Reserve your booth here.

"The SEMA Show is shaping up to be the best to date. It will, once again, be the best place to make new domestic and international contacts and help expand your brand's distribution," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. "Of course, exhibitors are also keen to stay up-to-date with the latest trends through the SEMA New Products Showcase, the world-class SEMA Education tracks and more events and activations like the SEMA Battle of the Builders. Don't miss out on securing exhibit space now, as available space won't last long."

Indeed, the SEMA Show will once again serve as the best opportunity of the year to connect in person with existing customers, discuss new ideas and challenges, and strengthen business relationships--all with the backdrop of a global platform to engage with specialty-automotive market professionals, media members, influencers, buyers and more coming from more than 100 countries and regions.

In addition to helping boost a business's bottom line, the SEMA Show also provides the unique opportunity for exhibitors to assemble their team of employees to learn new skills, make new connections and develop their professional careers--all in one location across four days. 

"At SEMA, exhibitors can see who the breakout stars on your staff are and who might need further development, perhaps through one of the dedicated SEMA Education tracks," said Tompkins.  

Of course, supporting the SEMA Show not only empowers businesses to progress their goals but also helps to power SEMA's mission to serve the industry by protecting and preserving the automotive lifestyle for generations to come.

"SEMA works year-round to protect consumers' rights to drive accessorized, customized and vintage vehicles. Our members, as well as exhibitors and attendees, are always at the forefront of everything SEMA does, whether through our advocacy team in Washington, D.C., SEMA Garage, SEMA Data, SEMA Membership, SEMA Councils & Networks or the SEMA Show," concluded Tompkins. 

Reserve your booth here. SEMA Show organizers will conduct the booth plotting process from April 29 through May 15, after which the first iteration of the 2024 SEMA Show floorplan will be released.

For more information on exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit semashow.com/exhibitor. Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are a few of the latest postings.

TMI Automotive Products

Regional Sales Manager in Corona, California

The regional sales manager will manage accounts in a specific territory within the United States and Canada. The position will be responsible for promoting and creating new sales inside the region to meet sales revenue and profit targets.

Radium Engineering

Order Coordinator in Clackamas, Oregon

Radium Engineering is seeking an order coordinator who will be responsible for the timely management and fulfillment of customer orders. The selected candidate will input all incoming orders into the master inventory software, prepare orders for shipment and more.

Race Winning Brands

Sales Representative in Berea, Ohio

Tasked with reaching CORSA and Volant Performance sales growth objectives, the chosen applicant will provide customer service, promote the company's product lines through direct interaction with customers and provide input in the technical development of products.

By SEMA News Editors

Sumitomo Rubber North America Promotes Wayne Horne to Strategic Account Manager

Sumitomo Rubber North America (SRNA), the parent company of Falken Tires located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, has promoted Wayne Horne to strategic account manager.

Horne has been at SRNA for nearly eight years and held various roles throughout his tenure. Starting in customer service, Horne worked his way up to account manager, where he oversaw all direct passenger-car and light-truck business in the western region, then took on the role of sales strategist for 16 months before being promoted to strategic account manager.

For more information, visit falkentire.com.

Trans Am Names New TA2 Technical Director

The Trans Am Series has named Doug Nagy as its new technical director for the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series, replacing Ricky Brooks.

In his new role, Nagy will lead the technical inspection process, manage the class's rulebook, and serve as a liaison to TA2 teams, chassis manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers.

Nagy comes to Trans Am as an FIA-licensed technical inspector and currently serves as the technical director for the American Rally Association and the chief of tech for King of the Hammers. He previously held positions at Saleen, Bell Motorsports, and Mosler Automotive.

Brooks has served in the role since 2016 and departs the series after being named the general manager of Cordele Motor Speedway.

For more information, visit gotransam.com.

I-CAR Launches RTS Mobile App for Collision Repair Technicians

I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, is introducing a new Repairability Technical Support (RTS) app for mobile devices.

The move expands RTS's former online-exclusive presence to a more accessible platform for industry professionals and will serve as a comprehensive information hub that includes OEM partial part replacement, OEM calibration requirements, technical news and industry best practices.

Through RTS, I-CAR aims to connect with the entire collision repair industry to help close knowledge gaps, access technical best practices, provide clarifications on repair procedures, get the latest updates on emerging technologies, access OEM technical information and respond to the growing technical needs of the industry, organization representatives said.

The RTS app is now available for download on both iPhone and Android devices.

For more information, visit RTS.i-car.com.

Motion Appoints New President

Genuine Parts Company, a distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts, has appointed James F. Howe as president of Motion, the company's industrial business.

Most recently, Howe served as the executive vice president and chief commercial and technology officer, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the corporate trajectory of Motion. His leadership in overseeing eCommerce, strategic pricing, sales excellence, corporate accounts and human resources has been instrumental in driving the company's success, the announcement said.

In his new capacity, Howe will continue to report to Randy Breaux, Group President, GPC North America.

For more information, visit genpt.com.