A new certification program, available through the California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB), is available to help business owners and professionals increase their knowledge and proficiency of the automotive aftermarket. Endorsed by SEMA, the program consists of four unique online courses, all designed specifically for business owners and managers in the automotive aftermarket.

“Our goal is to provide SEMA members and the industry with ongoing training and education,” said Tom Myroniak, SEMA vice president of marketing and member services. “It’s great to see organizations, such as CSUSB, offering our industry relevant programs, and we’re happy to endorse the series to our members.”

The five aftermarket business courses available through the program are: "Principles of Automotive Business Management," "Principles of Aftermarket Marketing," "Aftermarket Finance Components," "Aftermarket Operations" and "Logistics Management." Each four-week series component is available at a single low cost and expected to take one to two hours per week, making it both affordable and convenient for working professionals to participate.

“This new program was developed specifically with the SEMA member in mind,” said Dick Dixon, Cal State San Bernardino automotive and motorsports management professor and program director. “Business owners and managers, particularly those who are new to the automotive aftermarket or those who simply want to strengthen their knowledge of this unique industry, will find the program to be informative and useful. Student participants will gain new knowledge and skill sets that will help them better understand their marketplace and the management of their enterprise.”

Because the courses are available online, it’s easy and convenient for participants to complete the program. Each course is expected to take one to two hours per week, and upon completion of the 16-week program, participants will receive a CSUSB Automotive Education Certificate of Competency.

“SEMA Education Institute offers a variety of training tools,” said Jamie Eriksen, SEMA education director. “Whether it is a SEMA webinar, onsite seminar or third-party programs such as CSUSB’s, our hope is that members will take advantage of the opportunities that are available and continue to strengthen their knowledge base.”

To learn more about the program and how to participate, contact Dixon at 909/447-0812 or ddixon@csusb.edu.

A new certification program, available through the California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB), is available to help business owners and professionals increase their knowledge and proficiency of the automotive aftermarket. Endorsed by SEMA, the program consists of four unique online courses, all designed specifically for business owners and managers in the automotive aftermarket.

“Our goal is to provide SEMA members and the industry with ongoing training and education,” said Tom Myroniak, SEMA vice president of marketing and member services. “It’s great to see organizations, such as CSUSB, offering our industry relevant programs, and we’re happy to endorse the series to our members.”

The five aftermarket business courses available through the program are: "Principles of Automotive Business Management," "Principles of Aftermarket Marketing," "Aftermarket Finance Components," "Aftermarket Operations" and "Logistics Management." Each four-week series component is available at a single low cost and expected to take one to two hours per week, making it both affordable and convenient for working professionals to participate.

“This new program was developed specifically with the SEMA member in mind,” said Dick Dixon, Cal State San Bernardino automotive and motorsports management professor and program director. “Business owners and managers, particularly those who are new to the automotive aftermarket or those who simply want to strengthen their knowledge of this unique industry, will find the program to be informative and useful. Student participants will gain new knowledge and skill sets that will help them better understand their marketplace and the management of their enterprise.”

Because the courses are available online, it’s easy and convenient for participants to complete the program. Each course is expected to take one to two hours per week, and upon completion of the 16-week program, participants will receive a CSUSB Automotive Education Certificate of Competency.

“SEMA Education Institute offers a variety of training tools,” said Jamie Eriksen, SEMA education director. “Whether it is a SEMA webinar, onsite seminar or third-party programs such as CSUSB’s, our hope is that members will take advantage of the opportunities that are available and continue to strengthen their knowledge base.”

To learn more about the program and how to participate, contact Dixon at 909/447-0812 or ddixon@csusb.edu.

	Mike Spagnola (left) was the 2010 SEMA Person of the Year award recipient.

The deadline to submit nominations for the SEMA Awards—SEMA Person of the Year, SEMA Rep Agency of the Year and SEMA WD of the Year—is Friday, July 29, 2011.

SEMA members are invited and encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to honor the SEMA-member companies that have demonstrated commitment and dedication to the specialty-equipment industry through professionalism, business ingenuity, ethics and more.

To access the criteria for each award, visit the SEMA Awards website. The site also lists the previous honorees for each of the awards.

For questions or more information, contact Staci Bostock at 909/978-6693 or e-mail stacib@sema.org.

	Mike Spagnola (left) was the 2010 SEMA Person of the Year award recipient.

The deadline to submit nominations for the SEMA Awards—SEMA Person of the Year, SEMA Rep Agency of the Year and SEMA WD of the Year—is Friday, July 29, 2011.

SEMA members are invited and encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to honor the SEMA-member companies that have demonstrated commitment and dedication to the specialty-equipment industry through professionalism, business ingenuity, ethics and more.

To access the criteria for each award, visit the SEMA Awards website. The site also lists the previous honorees for each of the awards.

For questions or more information, contact Staci Bostock at 909/978-6693 or e-mail stacib@sema.org.

 

	Michael Kelly

Year after year, e-mail continues to be a powerful marketing and sales tool with a high return on investment. You’ve mastered the fundamentals but now you want to take your e-mail campaigns up another notch and fully leverage this important medium.

Join Michael Kelly, ClickMail Marketing, Thursday, July 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT) for a SEMA Education Institute webinar as he discusses more advanced e-mail techniques. Kelly brings more than 20 years experience in the telecommunications and messaging industries and is one of the founders of ClickMail Marketing. During this session, Kelly will discuss:

• Lifecycle and drip-marketing e-mail strategies
• Integrating e-mail with social media
• White lists, black lists and other considerations
• E-mail for mobile phones
• Key strategies for A/B-split testing

Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and take your e-mail marketing efforts to the next level. Join Michael Kelly and SEI, Thursday, July 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT) for this instructive webinar.



Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Members: click here for more information and to register.

Non-members: click here for more information and to register.

 

	Michael Kelly

Year after year, e-mail continues to be a powerful marketing and sales tool with a high return on investment. You’ve mastered the fundamentals but now you want to take your e-mail campaigns up another notch and fully leverage this important medium.

Join Michael Kelly, ClickMail Marketing, Thursday, July 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT) for a SEMA Education Institute webinar as he discusses more advanced e-mail techniques. Kelly brings more than 20 years experience in the telecommunications and messaging industries and is one of the founders of ClickMail Marketing. During this session, Kelly will discuss:

• Lifecycle and drip-marketing e-mail strategies
• Integrating e-mail with social media
• White lists, black lists and other considerations
• E-mail for mobile phones
• Key strategies for A/B-split testing

Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and take your e-mail marketing efforts to the next level. Join Michael Kelly and SEI, Thursday, July 21, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT) for this instructive webinar.



Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Members: click here for more information and to register.

Non-members: click here for more information and to register.

 

	The CarCareONE consumer credit card allows members to offer their customers more time to pay with six- and 12-month special financing options.

SEMA offers many benefits that can help members save money and grow their businesses, including consumer credit solutions. SEMA has partnered with GE Money on the CarCareONE consumer credit card, which allows participants to offer their customers more time to pay with six- and 12-month special financing options. It’s a win-win program for participating members and their customers. CarCareONE participants can:

• Create loyalty that translates to repeat customers, referrals and steady business.
• Demonstrate care for customers, their cars and their safety.
• Build customer trust in their business.

According to GE Money, a customer’s first credit card purchase averages $1,210 for the 12-Month CarCareONE card and $658 for the six-month CarCareONE card while other bank cards average only $180.

For more information or to enroll, go to www.SEMA.org/ConsumerCredit or contact Monica Terlouw, SEMA's senior director of member development, at 909/978-6695 or monicat@sema.org.

 

	The 2011 Business Technology Symposium will include five essential business technology super sessions presented by leading industry experts.

Whether you’re a small-business owner, on the IT staff or in charge of marketing and sales, you can’t afford to pass up these five essential business technology super sessions presented by leading industry experts. The 2011 Business Technology Symposium (BTS), presented by SEMA’s Street Performance Council (SPC), will be held Wednesday, July 27, 2011, from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California. The event will include a networking lunch. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about emerging trends and technology.

2011 Business Technology Symposium Super Sessions:

Mobile's Role in the Automotive Aftermarket (10:00 a.m.): Today's buyers increasingly rely on their mobile devices to make purchases and do product research. Consumers purchased 90,000 parts and accessories and 2,000 cars per week using eBay apps globally in Q1 2011—and that is only one mobile app example! Find out why mobile is an increasingly influential medium when it comes to auto purchases. Innovations in mobile include VIN barcode scanning to upload vehicle information and one-click-parts finder technology to locate parts and accessories specific to your vehicle. Consumers are most likely to remember a parts purchase when they are at a car show, trading tips with a friend at a sporting event or even at the parking lot walking by a custom car—all when you are on the go. Learn more on why auto purchases, especially repair, replacement and modification parts, are such a great fit for mobile. PRESENTER: Steve Yankovich, Vice President of Mobile, eBay.

Product Design and Manufacturing Technology That Could Change the Aftermarket (11:00 a.m.): Imagine a world where new products can be designed as shapes on a computer and easily turned into objects using 3-D printers. You can “print” or make a dozen, see if there is a market for them and “print” 50 more with minor modifications using feedback from early users—all while reducing costs and waste. The technology is here and gaining ground quickly. This session will examine design innovation (customer feedback on product development and improvement), the latest in scanning tools and related equipment (purchase and rental), CAD/CAM software (including inexpensive free tools) and additive manufacturing/rapid prototyping machines. The future is here. Don’t miss this intriguing discussion. PANEL: Tom Myroniak, SEMA; Rodrigo Meraz, 3D InfoTech; Brandon Roby, Whole Hog Technologies; Chris Strong, 3D InfoTech; and Terry Wohlers, Wohlers Associates.

Manufacturer & Distributor Online Marketing Essentials (1:15 p.m.): With limited resources and almost unlimited opportunities, where should your company invest in the digital space? Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, mobile, eCommerce—what will really net the best return on investment? What is the best way to generate new leads and engage current customers? Learn what the current trends are and what’s working best for companies in the aftermarket. PANEL: John Berg, Swirl; Randy Buller, Part Authority; Famous Rhodes, eBay Motors; James Yim, Falken Tire; and Edward Yu, Cie Studios.

Connecting With Customers: Effective Content Marketing (2:15 p.m.): The rules of marketing have changed. Previously, marketing and sales consisted of blanket messages about your company’s superior products or services. Today’s savvy customers want relevant and valuable content that is tailored specifically to them. This session will examine how to develop and deliver compelling content that will help convert prospects to customers as well as how to keep them engaged. PRESENTER: Robert Rose, Chief Troublemaker, Big Blue Moose.

Capture, Manage & Nurture Leads to Win More Customers (3:30 p.m.): It is invaluable when a potential customer initiates contact with your company. But how do you attract them? And once you have them, what is the process to convert them efficiently and effectively? This session will discuss how to attract highly qualified customers, nurture them along in the sales process and work toward converting them to a loyal customer. PRESENTER: Kirsten Knipp, Director of Product Evangelism, HubSpot.

SAVE $50 when you register before July 22. Registration must be received by July 25. For more information, visit sema.org/bts.

Click here to view the 2010 BTS highlights video.

To donate door prizes or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Staci Bostock at 909/978-6693 or StaciB@sema.org.

 

	The 2011 Business Technology Symposium will include five essential business technology super sessions presented by leading industry experts.

Whether you’re a small-business owner, on the IT staff or in charge of marketing and sales, you can’t afford to pass up these five essential business technology super sessions presented by leading industry experts. The 2011 Business Technology Symposium (BTS), presented by SEMA’s Street Performance Council (SPC), will be held Wednesday, July 27, 2011, from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California. The event will include a networking lunch. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about emerging trends and technology.

2011 Business Technology Symposium Super Sessions:

Mobile's Role in the Automotive Aftermarket (10:00 a.m.): Today's buyers increasingly rely on their mobile devices to make purchases and do product research. Consumers purchased 90,000 parts and accessories and 2,000 cars per week using eBay apps globally in Q1 2011—and that is only one mobile app example! Find out why mobile is an increasingly influential medium when it comes to auto purchases. Innovations in mobile include VIN barcode scanning to upload vehicle information and one-click-parts finder technology to locate parts and accessories specific to your vehicle. Consumers are most likely to remember a parts purchase when they are at a car show, trading tips with a friend at a sporting event or even at the parking lot walking by a custom car—all when you are on the go. Learn more on why auto purchases, especially repair, replacement and modification parts, are such a great fit for mobile. PRESENTER: Steve Yankovich, Vice President of Mobile, eBay.

Product Design and Manufacturing Technology That Could Change the Aftermarket (11:00 a.m.): Imagine a world where new products can be designed as shapes on a computer and easily turned into objects using 3-D printers. You can “print” or make a dozen, see if there is a market for them and “print” 50 more with minor modifications using feedback from early users—all while reducing costs and waste. The technology is here and gaining ground quickly. This session will examine design innovation (customer feedback on product development and improvement), the latest in scanning tools and related equipment (purchase and rental), CAD/CAM software (including inexpensive free tools) and additive manufacturing/rapid prototyping machines. The future is here. Don’t miss this intriguing discussion. PANEL: Tom Myroniak, SEMA; Rodrigo Meraz, 3D InfoTech; Brandon Roby, Whole Hog Technologies; Chris Strong, 3D InfoTech; and Terry Wohlers, Wohlers Associates.

Manufacturer & Distributor Online Marketing Essentials (1:15 p.m.): With limited resources and almost unlimited opportunities, where should your company invest in the digital space? Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, mobile, eCommerce—what will really net the best return on investment? What is the best way to generate new leads and engage current customers? Learn what the current trends are and what’s working best for companies in the aftermarket. PANEL: John Berg, Swirl; Randy Buller, Part Authority; Famous Rhodes, eBay Motors; James Yim, Falken Tire; and Edward Yu, Cie Studios.

Connecting With Customers: Effective Content Marketing (2:15 p.m.): The rules of marketing have changed. Previously, marketing and sales consisted of blanket messages about your company’s superior products or services. Today’s savvy customers want relevant and valuable content that is tailored specifically to them. This session will examine how to develop and deliver compelling content that will help convert prospects to customers as well as how to keep them engaged. PRESENTER: Robert Rose, Chief Troublemaker, Big Blue Moose.

Capture, Manage & Nurture Leads to Win More Customers (3:30 p.m.): It is invaluable when a potential customer initiates contact with your company. But how do you attract them? And once you have them, what is the process to convert them efficiently and effectively? This session will discuss how to attract highly qualified customers, nurture them along in the sales process and work toward converting them to a loyal customer. PRESENTER: Kirsten Knipp, Director of Product Evangelism, HubSpot.

SAVE $50 when you register before July 22. Registration must be received by July 25. For more information, visit sema.org/bts.

Click here to view the 2010 BTS highlights video.

To donate door prizes or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Staci Bostock at 909/978-6693 or StaciB@sema.org.

 

	The 2011 Business Technology Symposium will include five essential business technology super sessions presented by leading industry experts.

Whether you’re a small-business owner, on the IT staff or in charge of marketing and sales, you can’t afford to pass up these five essential business technology super sessions presented by leading industry experts. The 2011 Business Technology Symposium (BTS), presented by SEMA’s Street Performance Council (SPC), will be held Wednesday, July 27, 2011, from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California. The event will include a networking lunch. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about emerging trends and technology.

2011 Business Technology Symposium Super Sessions:

Mobile's Role in the Automotive Aftermarket (10:00 a.m.): Today's buyers increasingly rely on their mobile devices to make purchases and do product research. Consumers purchased 90,000 parts and accessories and 2,000 cars per week using eBay apps globally in Q1 2011—and that is only one mobile app example! Find out why mobile is an increasingly influential medium when it comes to auto purchases. Innovations in mobile include VIN barcode scanning to upload vehicle information and one-click-parts finder technology to locate parts and accessories specific to your vehicle. Consumers are most likely to remember a parts purchase when they are at a car show, trading tips with a friend at a sporting event or even at the parking lot walking by a custom car—all when you are on the go. Learn more on why auto purchases, especially repair, replacement and modification parts, are such a great fit for mobile. PRESENTER: Steve Yankovich, Vice President of Mobile, eBay.

Product Design and Manufacturing Technology That Could Change the Aftermarket (11:00 a.m.): Imagine a world where new products can be designed as shapes on a computer and easily turned into objects using 3-D printers. You can “print” or make a dozen, see if there is a market for them and “print” 50 more with minor modifications using feedback from early users—all while reducing costs and waste. The technology is here and gaining ground quickly. This session will examine design innovation (customer feedback on product development and improvement), the latest in scanning tools and related equipment (purchase and rental), CAD/CAM software (including inexpensive free tools) and additive manufacturing/rapid prototyping machines. The future is here. Don’t miss this intriguing discussion. PANEL: Tom Myroniak, SEMA; Rodrigo Meraz, 3D InfoTech; Brandon Roby, Whole Hog Technologies; Chris Strong, 3D InfoTech; and Terry Wohlers, Wohlers Associates.

Manufacturer & Distributor Online Marketing Essentials (1:15 p.m.): With limited resources and almost unlimited opportunities, where should your company invest in the digital space? Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, mobile, eCommerce—what will really net the best return on investment? What is the best way to generate new leads and engage current customers? Learn what the current trends are and what’s working best for companies in the aftermarket. PANEL: John Berg, Swirl; Randy Buller, Part Authority; Famous Rhodes, eBay Motors; James Yim, Falken Tire; and Edward Yu, Cie Studios.

Connecting With Customers: Effective Content Marketing (2:15 p.m.): The rules of marketing have changed. Previously, marketing and sales consisted of blanket messages about your company’s superior products or services. Today’s savvy customers want relevant and valuable content that is tailored specifically to them. This session will examine how to develop and deliver compelling content that will help convert prospects to customers as well as how to keep them engaged. PRESENTER: Robert Rose, Chief Troublemaker, Big Blue Moose.

Capture, Manage & Nurture Leads to Win More Customers (3:30 p.m.): It is invaluable when a potential customer initiates contact with your company. But how do you attract them? And once you have them, what is the process to convert them efficiently and effectively? This session will discuss how to attract highly qualified customers, nurture them along in the sales process and work toward converting them to a loyal customer. PRESENTER: Kirsten Knipp, Director of Product Evangelism, HubSpot.

SAVE $50 when you register before July 22. Registration must be received by July 25. For more information, visit sema.org/bts.

Click here to view the 2010 BTS highlights video.

To donate door prizes or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Staci Bostock at 909/978-6693 or StaciB@sema.org.