Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.

Visit HRIA's website

	Bob Millard

Bob Millard Inducted Into the Detroit Autorama’s Circle of Champions

By Amanda Gubbins

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Visit ARMO's website.

Restoration Parts Registration Open for Hot Products Showcase

Registration is now open for the Automotive Restoration Market Organization’s (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase, which will take place April 23–26, 2014, at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

This event is an opportunity for council members to display one or more products in front of one of the single-largest gatherings of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the world.

In addition to having products on display in the Hot Products tent, a professional photographer will photograph each one. The photos will be available to manufacturers and will also be used in a slideshow at the ARMO booth and reception at the SEMA Show. A gallery on the ARMO webpage also houses each of the photos, along with a product description for those unable to attend the event. This publicity is available to ARMO members for only the cost of shipping the product entries to the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

Product entries must meet the following criteria:

• Must be the product of an ARMO member-company.
• Must be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the Showcase, April 23.
• Must demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.

Members can register products by filling out the online application. All applications must be received by April 18, 2014. Not an ARMO member? Join today to gain access to this event and other council benefits.

Restoration Professionals Gather for Networking at the Hot Products Showcase

ARMO will host a networking mixer in the Hot Products Tent at the Showcase, Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. The mixer will be a chance for members to grab a drink and spend some time interacting one-on-one with council leadership and fellow ARMO members. The council leadership believes this event holds enormous potential for new ideas and partnerships to be formed as members network with new and old industry friends. RSVP to save your spot.

Make Your Voice Heard at the ARMO Industry Discussion

This year, the council will also hold an industry discussion, Friday, April 25, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Hot Products Tent. The session will allow members and others interested in joining the council to voice their concerns, ask questions and offer input to the group. For members who would like to be a part of shaping future projects and events, this will be a chance to make their voices heard. Send in your RSVP today.

For more information about any of these events, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

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Visit TORA's website.

	Manufacturers in the industry participate with 4 Wheel Parts to put on a weekend sales event, which is open to the public with free admission.

Regional Show Recap – 4 Wheel Part Truck & Jeep Fest

Ryan Few of Rigid Industries recently attended the 4 Wheel Part Truck & Jeep Fest in Honolulu and shared some notes for other TORA members.

Please provide an overview of the event.

Manufacturers in the industry participate with 4 Wheel Parts to put on a weekend sales event, which is open to the public with free admission. The event draws a crowd, with automotive enthusiasts lining up at the front doors on both Saturday and Sunday.

What is the manufacturers’ experience like?

Close to 100 of the industry’s leading manufacturers take advantage of this time to connect and support 4 Wheel Parts in selling their products.

Why is this event important for an TORA member’s business?

To the locals it’s the one time a year to meet with manufacturers directly; it’s a time for manufacturers to really connect with and inform consumers about their product lines. 4 Wheel Parts goes above and beyond to make sure the event is beneficial for everyone involved.

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Visit YEN's website

	SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour this summer.

SEMA Takes 10 Young Executives on the Hot Rod Power Tour

By Lindsay Hubley

SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour this summer as ambassadors for the industry and the network. These YENsters will represent different niches in the specialty-equipment market as they interact with tour attendees and visit schools along the seven-city, seven-day journey to share about their careers with the next generation of industry executives. The participants will also take the tour online through the YEN Facebook page, Twitter and other social media outlets.

With a dedication for cultivating young talent in the industry, YEN provides educational and networking opportunities for employees of SEMA-member companies who are under the age of 40. The Hot Rod Power Tour attracts more than 5,000 vehicles. YEN’s leadership believes the Power Tour is a way to engage these professionals and create consumer awareness by educating young enthusiasts about the diversity of the industry, and highlighting the variety of automotive career paths available in the specialty-equipment market.

"The YEN Power Tour is about more than hitting the road in your musclecar or hot rod; it's about forging relationships and making connections,” said YEN Chair Dan Kahn. “There are literally thousands of job opportunities in the automotive aftermarket for young people across the nation—we want to tell that story and show that in our high-performance family, young people aren't afraid to get their hands dirty."

Participants in the YEN Power Tour will be awarded a prize package, including hotel accommodations for the trip, airfare, complimentary meals, a gas allowance, an iON Air Pro Wi-Fi Lite, free entry into the tour, gifts from the tour and sponsors, premier parking at each stop and a variety of SEMA swag items.

Learn more and apply today to join the YEN Power Tour as a participant. Applications will be accepted through April 11, 2014. All members of YEN are eligible to apply. Not yet a member? Join today.

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

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

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

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

By Linda Spencer

	Attendees of the SEMA Russia Business Development Conference will meet with buyers from throughout Russia and visit with off-road and performance tuning shops.

Leading American SEMA-member aftermarket manufacturers are going to Moscow for the inaugural SEMA Russia Business Development Conference, May 21–24, 2014.

Attendees will meet with buyers from throughout Russia and visit with off-road and performance tuning shops. U.S. government grants are available to help defray the costs for qualified companies, which include hotel, meals, a mini trade show and networking events.

For more information, contact lindas@sema.org. Two slots remain. Register now!

By Linda Spencer

	Attendees of the SEMA Russia Business Development Conference will meet with buyers from throughout Russia and visit with off-road and performance tuning shops.

Leading American SEMA-member aftermarket manufacturers are going to Moscow for the inaugural SEMA Russia Business Development Conference, May 21–24, 2014.

Attendees will meet with buyers from throughout Russia and visit with off-road and performance tuning shops. U.S. government grants are available to help defray the costs for qualified companies, which include hotel, meals, a mini trade show and networking events.

For more information, contact lindas@sema.org. Two slots remain. Register now!

	Exhibitors use information scanned from lead-retrieval devices to follow up with prospective buyers after the SEMA Show.

How do you take an experience from good to great? While an overwhelming number of buyers report having a positive experience at the SEMA Show, a percentage of that group describes their SEMA Show experience as amazing. How can you join these incredibly satisfied buyers and get the most out of the SEMA Show? Here are observations on what the most effective buyers have in common:

• Register early. Registering in advance ensures that there are no delays in the process, and it provides buyers with their badges in the mail so that they can go directly to the Show floor when the event opens. It’s also less expensive than registering onsite. Buyer registration opens in May at www.semashow.com.

• Register wisely. During the registration process, buyers are asked to indicate their categories of interest. For example, buyers are asked to check off boxes for the market categories or segments that are relevant, such as racing and performance, off-road, mobile electronics, etc. The more accurate this information is, the more relevant future communications will be, thereby ensuring that buyers will not miss out on any important opportunities.

• Visit the New Products Showcase. Many successful buyers visit the showcase before they even hit the Show floor, and they often spend up to two hours reviewing the products on display. It’s a great way to get an overview of thousands of products in a short amount of time.

• Use the scanning devices at the New Products Showcase. Buyers are able to use scanning devices in the New Products Showcase to select the products that interest them. Upon returning the scanners, buyers will receive: 1) a print-out of the selected items, including company names, booth numbers, product names and descriptions, and 2) an e-mail with similar information, as well as URL links to images of the products.

• Attend the New Products Breakfast. Held before the Show floor opens on the first day of the SEMA Show, the breakfast is when awards for the best new products are announced and presented. This is a great way to get a jump on what are likely to be the hottest new products. Buyers are able to obtain free tickets to the breakfast, although space is limited, so it’s best to sign up for tickets early.

• Scan your badge at exhibitors’ booths. Many exhibitors have lead-retrieval devices in their booths that allow buyers to scan their badges. Exhibitors use the information to follow up with prospective buyers after the SEMA Show. Buyers should scan their badges at booths from which they would like to receive follow-up information. This is an easy way to ensure that buyers are kept up-to-date on information after the SEMA Show.

• Take advantage of the Member Buyers Rewards. While all automotive buyers are able to attend the SEMA Show regardless of association membership, there are benefits for SEMA-member buyers at the SEMA Show. Benefits include expedited taxi lines, exclusive lounge access, special events and more. Contact the SEMA Membership Department for details.

• Attend a seminar. More than 50 educational seminars and workshops are offered during the week, all at no charge to SEMA Showgoers. Topics focus on issues relevant to small businesses, such as cash-flow management, social media best practices, hiring challenges and more.

• Use the hashtag. Buyers on Facebook or Twitter can see what exhibitors are doing by searching the official SEMA Show hashtag, #SEMA2014. It’s a quick and easy way to see what exhibitors are planning and offering during the Show.

• Secure hotel rooms early. Las Vegas is a tourist attraction, and the SEMA Show brings an additional 130,000 individuals to the city. Travel Planners is the official SEMA Show hotel provider and offers guaranteed low rates. While other hotel resellers may target SEMA Showgoers, Travel Planners is the only provider endorsed by or affiliated with the SEMA Show.

	Exhibitors use information scanned from lead-retrieval devices to follow up with prospective buyers after the SEMA Show.

How do you take an experience from good to great? While an overwhelming number of buyers report having a positive experience at the SEMA Show, a percentage of that group describes their SEMA Show experience as amazing. How can you join these incredibly satisfied buyers and get the most out of the SEMA Show? Here are observations on what the most effective buyers have in common:

• Register early. Registering in advance ensures that there are no delays in the process, and it provides buyers with their badges in the mail so that they can go directly to the Show floor when the event opens. It’s also less expensive than registering onsite. Buyer registration opens in May at www.semashow.com.

• Register wisely. During the registration process, buyers are asked to indicate their categories of interest. For example, buyers are asked to check off boxes for the market categories or segments that are relevant, such as racing and performance, off-road, mobile electronics, etc. The more accurate this information is, the more relevant future communications will be, thereby ensuring that buyers will not miss out on any important opportunities.

• Visit the New Products Showcase. Many successful buyers visit the showcase before they even hit the Show floor, and they often spend up to two hours reviewing the products on display. It’s a great way to get an overview of thousands of products in a short amount of time.

• Use the scanning devices at the New Products Showcase. Buyers are able to use scanning devices in the New Products Showcase to select the products that interest them. Upon returning the scanners, buyers will receive: 1) a print-out of the selected items, including company names, booth numbers, product names and descriptions, and 2) an e-mail with similar information, as well as URL links to images of the products.

• Attend the New Products Breakfast. Held before the Show floor opens on the first day of the SEMA Show, the breakfast is when awards for the best new products are announced and presented. This is a great way to get a jump on what are likely to be the hottest new products. Buyers are able to obtain free tickets to the breakfast, although space is limited, so it’s best to sign up for tickets early.

• Scan your badge at exhibitors’ booths. Many exhibitors have lead-retrieval devices in their booths that allow buyers to scan their badges. Exhibitors use the information to follow up with prospective buyers after the SEMA Show. Buyers should scan their badges at booths from which they would like to receive follow-up information. This is an easy way to ensure that buyers are kept up-to-date on information after the SEMA Show.

• Take advantage of the Member Buyers Rewards. While all automotive buyers are able to attend the SEMA Show regardless of association membership, there are benefits for SEMA-member buyers at the SEMA Show. Benefits include expedited taxi lines, exclusive lounge access, special events and more. Contact the SEMA Membership Department for details.

• Attend a seminar. More than 50 educational seminars and workshops are offered during the week, all at no charge to SEMA Showgoers. Topics focus on issues relevant to small businesses, such as cash-flow management, social media best practices, hiring challenges and more.

• Use the hashtag. Buyers on Facebook or Twitter can see what exhibitors are doing by searching the official SEMA Show hashtag, #SEMA2014. It’s a quick and easy way to see what exhibitors are planning and offering during the Show.

• Secure hotel rooms early. Las Vegas is a tourist attraction, and the SEMA Show brings an additional 130,000 individuals to the city. Travel Planners is the official SEMA Show hotel provider and offers guaranteed low rates. While other hotel resellers may target SEMA Showgoers, Travel Planners is the only provider endorsed by or affiliated with the SEMA Show.

	Longtime industry veteran and volunteer Rick Rollins was appointed to the Advisory Board of Marx Group Advisors, while also being named the Marx Group Advisors' vice president.

Rick Rollins Joins Marx Group Advisors' Advisory Board

Rick Rollins has been appointed to the Advisory Board of Marx Group Advisors. He will also serve as the Marx Group Advisors' vice president. Since starting his career in 1970, Rollins has worked in nearly every segment of the aftermarket, from the repair shop level to distribution to manufacturing. He is the founder and president of Rollins Performance Marketing LLC and is currently vice president, general manager of Crane Cams in Daytona Beach, Florida. He is also the owner of Filter Solutions Technologies LLC, a manufacturer of high-end performance fuel-filtration systems and filters under the FST Performance brand.

Rollins has been an active volunteer with SEMA, having served 18 years on the SEMA Board of Directors, including two years as chairman. Among his numerous awards, Rollins was inducted into the SEMA and MPMC Halls of Fame and twice honored as the Performance Warehouse Association's (PWA) Person of the Year.

Andrew Winkler Named Turbo Filtration Sales Manager

Andrew Winkler was promoted to North American sales manager for turbo Filtration's turbo Precleaner product line and will for manage the sales of United States and Canadian distributors, dealers and OEMs for the turbo Precleaner line.

Andrew Winkler was recently promoted to North American sales manager for turbo Filtration's turbo Precleaner product line, a division of MARADYNE Corp. In his new position, Winkler is responsible for managing sales of United States and Canadian distributors, dealers and OEMs for the turbo Precleaner line and its newly released Extended Performance Air Cleaner (EPAC) system. Winkler assists current customers and prospects in needs analysis, system designs and sales support.

Winkler was the regional sales manager at Pow-R-Quik Starters, another division of MARADYNE, for three years, where he was responsible for managing the mid-central US territory. Prior to his experience with turbo Filtration, Winkler was an account executive at IdeaCom Midwest Inc., a value-added reseller of complex voice and data solutions and services.

Hetfield's "Black Pearl" Wins Goodguys Custom of the Year Award

	"Black Pearl," James Hetfield's coach-built custom designed with partner Rick Dore, won the Goodguys’ 2014 Mother’s Custom of the Year.

James Hetfield, lead man of the band Metallica, has an ever-growing stable of custom cars that have won some of hot rodding’s biggest prizes. His latest effort, a coach-built custom he designed with partner Rick Dore, is his most powerful statement yet. Known as “Black Pearl,” Hetfield's latest car won the Goodguys’ 2014 Mother’s Custom of the Year award during last weekend's Goodguys 32nd annual All American Get-Together.

“Black Pearl” is completely scratch-built. It’s not any particular make or model. Its sculpted, handmade aluminum body is inspired by the tear-drop contours and seamless body transitions of coach built European and American cars of the ’30s. It rests on a custom-built chassis, which utilizes the outer frame rails of a ’48 Jaguar. In addition to the Goodguys 2014 Mother’s Custom of the Year, The Black Pearl won the Sam Barris award as well as the Custom d’Elegance at the Sacramento AutoRama. Fellow finalists for the Goodguys 2014 Mother’s Custom of the Year award included John Fleming, Asher, Oklahoma (’39 Lincoln Zephyr); Brandon Penserini, American Canyon, California (’55 Cadillac); Mike and Rita Gardner, Livermore, California (’56 Packard); and Mark and Kelly Skipper, Fresno, California (’51 Ford Victoria).

Steve Ganster Discusses Opportunities in China for U.S. Firms During GAAS

During the 2014 GAAS, Steve Ganster will describe the business opportunities emerging in China, in terms of size, growth and market structure, while highlighting important developments in distribution.

Steve Ganster, managing director, Technomic Asia, will present “Opportunities and Challenges for U.S. Firms in China’s Automotive Aftermarket,” at the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), May 20–21, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. “China now boasts the largest auto market in the world and a repair industry that is growing at a double-digit rate,” said Ganster. “China will be a critical growth market for U.S. firms.”

The presentation will take place at GAAS 2014, 1:45 p.m.–2:20 p.m., Tuesday, May 20. His presentation will describe the opportunity in China in terms of size, growth and market structure and highlight important developments in distribution. It will also include perspective on opportunities and challenges as well some principles of success.

B.R.A.K.E.S. NBC Nightly News Feature Available Online

The NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams recently took its audience behind the scenes at B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) in its segment entitled "Making a Difference." The two-and-a-half minute feature, available on www.putonthebrakes.org, includes a poignant interview with Doug Herbert, the veteran drag racer and B.R.A.K.E.S. founder, who explains how the fatal traffic accident that took the lives of his two young sons, Jon and James, inspired him to create the 501(c)(3) organization and the Teen Pro-Active Driving Schools, which have provided intensive driver training to more than 10,000 teenagers across the country since 2008.

“We weren’t quite sure when the feature was going to air so we couldn’t get the word out to everyone,” says Herbert. “Now, anyone who missed it on the newscast can go to our website and see it. We think it’s worth taking a look.”

	Roadwire named industry veteran John “JJ” Marsh the company's new-business development manager. He is responsible for growing sales of Roadwire’s leather interiors, sunroofs and seat heaters, as well as the company’s network of professional restylers and OEM customers.

Roadwire Automotive Names John Marsh New-Business Development Manager

Roadwire Automotive Innovation announced that industry veteran John “JJ” Marsh was appointed the company's new-business development manager. According to Roadwire vice president Dave Edmondson, Marsh is responsible for growing sales of Roadwire’s legacy products, including leather interiors, sunroofs and seat heaters, as well as the company’s national and international network of professional restylers and OEM customers.

“We are excited to welcome John to Roadwire and its family of companies, Signature Automotive Products, Classic Soft Trim and Distinctive Industries,” said Edmondson. “John brings a wealth of industry knowledge and relationships that will play a pivotal role in Roadwire’s continued growth.”

QuickTrick Partners With True High Performance Sales, BC Sales & Marketing

QuickTrick Alignment has announced two high-powered industry partnerships with True High Performance Sales and BC Sales & Marketing. QuickTrick started as a garage-based business and has utilized many industry and state resources to build a global brand.

True High Performance Sales, established in 1992, is owned and operated by Skeeter and Thomas Jourdan. Skeeter Jourdan has been involved as a SEMA manufacturers' rep for more than 50 years.  Thomas Jourdan currently serves as the chairman of the Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN). True High Performance Sales covers the Delta region of the United States.

Bill Kendrick of BC Sales & Marketing Inc. became sole owner of the business in 1997 after partnering with Bob Christie, until his retirement, and buying his portion of the business. Three years ago, his son-in-law, Brad Lane, joined the team to help with a substantially growing business. Stated Tess Winningham, QuickTrick Alignment CEO, “We are excited to move to our next chapter with Bill, Skeeter and Tommy as part of our QT family. Our next big project is the release of our new line of QuickTrick SL and SLX, which we hope to launch through a kickstarter project and release with a bang at SEMA [Show] 2014!”

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.