SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.
Thu, 09/08/2016 - 10:15
Thu, 09/08/2016 - 09:55
Strengthen Your Company Through Community
No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, 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 market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.
 |
| Visit YEN's website |
 Jonathan Mill (center) won YEN’s inaugural SEMA Launch Pad competition. |
By Jonathan Mill
The first time I got to shake the hands of some of the biggest automotive aftermarket moguls was when I was working the door for the YEN reception. This task is a simple volunteer position that only takes 30 minutes of your time, but is a prime example of how giving back to the association ends up giving you opportunities that you otherwise wouldn’t have had. What you do with those opportunities and what you get out of them is up to you.
When you volunteer your time, you will not get paid, but stay with me. What you end up gaining is something that is priceless—the feeling that you made a difference in someone’s life in a selfless act. I personally had the opportunity to lead a group of students on a tour of the SEMA Show floor. The time that I spent with them did not advance my career, but the look of inspiration on their faces told me that I had just given back. Who knows? Maybe one of those students could grow up and become a SEMA Hall of Famer one day.
There hasn’t been one time when I have volunteered that I didn’t walk away with enough motivation to last a lifetime. Another shining example was when I helped out with the SEMA Launch Pad competition last year as a time keeper. As I was setting up in front, I had the pleasure of sitting next to Jessi Combs before she went up on stage to judge the competition. Getting to bounce ideas off of the world’s fastest woman on four wheels was an opportunity I didn’t foresee. Her passion for the industry filled my inspiration meter and sent me away from that experience that much more ready to achieve my goals.
Getting involved is important to the progression of your career. Sometimes opportunities to give back are hard to spot. If that is the case, then reach out and create them. Many people are open to getting more involved and volunteering their time but they may not know where to begin or with whom to speak. General membership meetings are the perfect opportunity to stop in, meet fellow Yensters, and learn more about what the network does. We oftentimes will ask for volunteers for upcoming opportunities, so raise your hand and try it! If you have an area in which you specialize, such as social media or content development, let us know and we will find an opportunity to get you plugged in.
A general membership meeting and mixer will be held at the 2016 SEMA Show. We hope to see you there!
If you have questions about YEN, or would like to learn more about volunteering, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.
Jonathan Mill of Keyway Innovations is an active member of the Young Executive Network (YEN), currently serving as a select committee member. He is passionate about volunteering his time and becoming more involved in the industry that he loves. Below, he recalls how volunteering has opened his eyes and doors to professional opportunities.
Thu, 09/08/2016 - 09:55
Strengthen Your Company Through Community
No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, 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 market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.
|
| Visit YEN's website |
Jonathan Mill (center) won YEN’s inaugural SEMA Launch Pad competition. |
By Jonathan Mill
The first time I got to shake the hands of some of the biggest automotive aftermarket moguls was when I was working the door for the YEN reception. This task is a simple volunteer position that only takes 30 minutes of your time, but is a prime example of how giving back to the association ends up giving you opportunities that you otherwise wouldn’t have had. What you do with those opportunities and what you get out of them is up to you.
When you volunteer your time, you will not get paid, but stay with me. What you end up gaining is something that is priceless—the feeling that you made a difference in someone’s life in a selfless act. I personally had the opportunity to lead a group of students on a tour of the SEMA Show floor. The time that I spent with them did not advance my career, but the look of inspiration on their faces told me that I had just given back. Who knows? Maybe one of those students could grow up and become a SEMA Hall of Famer one day.
There hasn’t been one time when I have volunteered that I didn’t walk away with enough motivation to last a lifetime. Another shining example was when I helped out with the SEMA Launch Pad competition last year as a time keeper. As I was setting up in front, I had the pleasure of sitting next to Jessi Combs before she went up on stage to judge the competition. Getting to bounce ideas off of the world’s fastest woman on four wheels was an opportunity I didn’t foresee. Her passion for the industry filled my inspiration meter and sent me away from that experience that much more ready to achieve my goals.
Getting involved is important to the progression of your career. Sometimes opportunities to give back are hard to spot. If that is the case, then reach out and create them. Many people are open to getting more involved and volunteering their time but they may not know where to begin or with whom to speak. General membership meetings are the perfect opportunity to stop in, meet fellow Yensters, and learn more about what the network does. We oftentimes will ask for volunteers for upcoming opportunities, so raise your hand and try it! If you have an area in which you specialize, such as social media or content development, let us know and we will find an opportunity to get you plugged in.
A general membership meeting and mixer will be held at the 2016 SEMA Show. We hope to see you there!
If you have questions about YEN, or would like to learn more about volunteering, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.
Jonathan Mill of Keyway Innovations is an active member of the Young Executive Network (YEN), currently serving as a select committee member. He is passionate about volunteering his time and becoming more involved in the industry that he loves. Below, he recalls how volunteering has opened his eyes and doors to professional opportunities.
Thu, 09/08/2016 - 09:53
By Jason Catullo
 Exhibitors can use the Project-Vehicle Builders form to offer parts to builders planning to construct a project vehicle for the 2016 SEMA Show. |
Exhibitors at the 2016 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project—offering exhibitors the additional exposure of their product displayed on today’s hottest custom vehicles.
Updated each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter, the list features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product can use the information listed to contact exhibitors directly. With all project vehicles required to be supported by a current 2016 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.
Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis beginning June 2016. All submissions are due by Friday, October 7, 2016.
Builders: If you are building a vehicle for the 2016 SEMA Show, consider submitting an application to participate in the Battle of the Builders competition. The competition will be held during SEMA Ignited—an extravaganza that will close out the 2016 SEMA Show, and includes food, music, celebrities, iconic builders and displays. The event gives the public, media, SEMA Show exhibitors, attendees and guests a rare opportunity to collect and share images of hundreds of customized vehicles featuring the newest and most innovative products from the SEMA Show. Battle of the Builders features elite automotive builders from across the nation competing for the title of Top Builder. For more information, visit www.semaignited.com.
Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2016 SEMA Show.
The list is open to exhibitors of the 2016 SEMA Show only. Exhibitors: To be included in the list, access the form online.
Latest Submissions
Engine/Underhood Components
Mishimoto Automotive: Performance cooling products including direct-fit and universal radiators, intercoolers, oil coolers, power steering coolers and transmission coolers, fans and fan shrouds, performance air intakes, performance exhausts, silicone and mandrel-bent aluminum intercooler pipe and silicone boot kits, silicone coolant and ancillary hoses, coolant and power steering reservoir tanks, oil filler caps, radiator caps. Contact: Ricky Nietubicz, rnietubicz@mishimoto.com; 302-762-4501. Website: www.mishimoto.com.
Exterior Components/Accessories
American Force Wheels Inc.: Forged wheels for UTVs, Jeeps, 1/4 ton, 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks. Contact: Nick, nick@americanforcewheels.com. 786-345-6301. Website: www.americanforce.com.
Federal Tire: Looking for approved Feature Vehicles and Booth vehicles to sponsor with tires. Federal Tire RS-RR Street Tire 17", 18" 19" Widths up to 275 and Federal Tire MT for Trucks 15", 17", 18", 20" Up to 37" tall. Contact: Michael F Robleto, mike@imwks.com, 213-595-4720. Website: www.federaltire.com.
Jackcovers.com: Custom jack covers for high-lift jacks. Contact: Adam Wood, awood@awoodproducts.com; 949-445-6800. Website: www.jackcovers.com.
Mile Marker Industries LLC: Jeep/Truck winches, ATV/UTV winches, electric winches. Contact: Ed Whitty, ed@milemarker.com; 954-782-0604. Website: www.milemarker.com.
Rhino-Rack USA: Heavy-duty aluminum roof racks for cars, trucks, SUVs and truck toppers. Bike, ski, snowboard, canoe and kayak sport mounts, along with an extensive selection of 4WD, commercial and contractor accessories for professional/trade use. Gear transportation solutions complete with cargo boxes, baskets, luggage bags, and trays, as well as tents, awnings and other shade products. Contact: Robert Close, rclose@rhinorack.com; 303-706-9700. Website: www.rhinorack.com.
Other Products/Services
Fuelab: Fuel pumps, regulators, filters and accessories. Contact: Josh Davis, josh.davis@fuelab.com; 618-344-3300. Website: www.fuelab.com.
View All Previous Submissions On SEMAShow.com
Thu, 09/08/2016 - 09:53
By Jason Catullo
Exhibitors can use the Project-Vehicle Builders form to offer parts to builders planning to construct a project vehicle for the 2016 SEMA Show. |
Exhibitors at the 2016 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project—offering exhibitors the additional exposure of their product displayed on today’s hottest custom vehicles.
Updated each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter, the list features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product can use the information listed to contact exhibitors directly. With all project vehicles required to be supported by a current 2016 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.
Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis beginning June 2016. All submissions are due by Friday, October 7, 2016.
Builders: If you are building a vehicle for the 2016 SEMA Show, consider submitting an application to participate in the Battle of the Builders competition. The competition will be held during SEMA Ignited—an extravaganza that will close out the 2016 SEMA Show, and includes food, music, celebrities, iconic builders and displays. The event gives the public, media, SEMA Show exhibitors, attendees and guests a rare opportunity to collect and share images of hundreds of customized vehicles featuring the newest and most innovative products from the SEMA Show. Battle of the Builders features elite automotive builders from across the nation competing for the title of Top Builder. For more information, visit www.semaignited.com.
Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2016 SEMA Show.
The list is open to exhibitors of the 2016 SEMA Show only. Exhibitors: To be included in the list, access the form online.
Latest Submissions
Engine/Underhood Components
Mishimoto Automotive: Performance cooling products including direct-fit and universal radiators, intercoolers, oil coolers, power steering coolers and transmission coolers, fans and fan shrouds, performance air intakes, performance exhausts, silicone and mandrel-bent aluminum intercooler pipe and silicone boot kits, silicone coolant and ancillary hoses, coolant and power steering reservoir tanks, oil filler caps, radiator caps. Contact: Ricky Nietubicz, rnietubicz@mishimoto.com; 302-762-4501. Website: www.mishimoto.com.
Exterior Components/Accessories
American Force Wheels Inc.: Forged wheels for UTVs, Jeeps, 1/4 ton, 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks. Contact: Nick, nick@americanforcewheels.com. 786-345-6301. Website: www.americanforce.com.
Federal Tire: Looking for approved Feature Vehicles and Booth vehicles to sponsor with tires. Federal Tire RS-RR Street Tire 17", 18" 19" Widths up to 275 and Federal Tire MT for Trucks 15", 17", 18", 20" Up to 37" tall. Contact: Michael F Robleto, mike@imwks.com, 213-595-4720. Website: www.federaltire.com.
Jackcovers.com: Custom jack covers for high-lift jacks. Contact: Adam Wood, awood@awoodproducts.com; 949-445-6800. Website: www.jackcovers.com.
Mile Marker Industries LLC: Jeep/Truck winches, ATV/UTV winches, electric winches. Contact: Ed Whitty, ed@milemarker.com; 954-782-0604. Website: www.milemarker.com.
Rhino-Rack USA: Heavy-duty aluminum roof racks for cars, trucks, SUVs and truck toppers. Bike, ski, snowboard, canoe and kayak sport mounts, along with an extensive selection of 4WD, commercial and contractor accessories for professional/trade use. Gear transportation solutions complete with cargo boxes, baskets, luggage bags, and trays, as well as tents, awnings and other shade products. Contact: Robert Close, rclose@rhinorack.com; 303-706-9700. Website: www.rhinorack.com.
Other Products/Services
Fuelab: Fuel pumps, regulators, filters and accessories. Contact: Josh Davis, josh.davis@fuelab.com; 618-344-3300. Website: www.fuelab.com.
View All Previous Submissions On SEMAShow.com
Thu, 09/08/2016 - 09:51
By SEMA Editors
Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.
For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.
Thu, 09/08/2016 - 08:29
By AJ Carney
 The SEMA Members Lounge has meeting space available during the 2016 SEMA Show that can accommodate small groups, and is available at no charge to member exhibitors and buyers. |
The SEMA Members Lounge has meeting space available during the 2016 SEMA Show that can accommodate small groups (10 or fewer), and is available at no charge to member exhibitors and buyers.*
Reserve a meeting room prior to the Show, or to check room availability during the Show, please visit the meeting room check-in counter located inside the Members Lounge.
The Members Lounge is a convenient place to grab a hot or cold lunch, network with other SEMA members, access a computer with a printer and internet service, or charge your cell phone. The Members Lounge will be open during Show hours. A hot lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. daily, and a cold “grab-‘n-go” meal can be purchased at any time during Show hours.
SEMA Member Buyer Rewards (MBR) pass holders have access to MBR program benefits. Cards will be mailed in late October.
To learn more, contact AJ Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@SEMA.org.
* Non-exhibiting manufacturers and members otherwise eligible to exhibit are not permitted to use the meeting rooms.
Thu, 09/08/2016 - 08:29
By AJ Carney
The SEMA Members Lounge has meeting space available during the 2016 SEMA Show that can accommodate small groups, and is available at no charge to member exhibitors and buyers. |
The SEMA Members Lounge has meeting space available during the 2016 SEMA Show that can accommodate small groups (10 or fewer), and is available at no charge to member exhibitors and buyers.*
Reserve a meeting room prior to the Show, or to check room availability during the Show, please visit the meeting room check-in counter located inside the Members Lounge.
The Members Lounge is a convenient place to grab a hot or cold lunch, network with other SEMA members, access a computer with a printer and internet service, or charge your cell phone. The Members Lounge will be open during Show hours. A hot lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. daily, and a cold “grab-‘n-go” meal can be purchased at any time during Show hours.
SEMA Member Buyer Rewards (MBR) pass holders have access to MBR program benefits. Cards will be mailed in late October.
To learn more, contact AJ Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@SEMA.org.
* Non-exhibiting manufacturers and members otherwise eligible to exhibit are not permitted to use the meeting rooms.
Thu, 09/08/2016 - 08:29
By AJ Carney
The SEMA Members Lounge has meeting space available during the 2016 SEMA Show that can accommodate small groups, and is available at no charge to member exhibitors and buyers. |
The SEMA Members Lounge has meeting space available during the 2016 SEMA Show that can accommodate small groups (10 or fewer), and is available at no charge to member exhibitors and buyers.*
Reserve a meeting room prior to the Show, or to check room availability during the Show, please visit the meeting room check-in counter located inside the Members Lounge.
The Members Lounge is a convenient place to grab a hot or cold lunch, network with other SEMA members, access a computer with a printer and internet service, or charge your cell phone. The Members Lounge will be open during Show hours. A hot lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. daily, and a cold “grab-‘n-go” meal can be purchased at any time during Show hours.
SEMA Member Buyer Rewards (MBR) pass holders have access to MBR program benefits. Cards will be mailed in late October.
To learn more, contact AJ Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@SEMA.org.
* Non-exhibiting manufacturers and members otherwise eligible to exhibit are not permitted to use the meeting rooms.
Thu, 09/08/2016 - 07:32
By SEMA Editors
 Blackie Gejeian (left) pictured here with Dave McClelland. |
Car show icon, five-time NASCAR dirt-track champion and hot-rod enthusiast Mike “Blackie” Gejeian passed away Friday, September 2, at the age of 90. In 1958, he started the Fresno Autorama—one of the largest custom auto shows in North America—featuring hot rods, motorcycles and Hollywood vehicles. He ran the show for 51 years until he retired it due to his health.
Gejeian grew up in a family of Armenian genocide survivors on a farm in Easton, California, where he began racing on dirt roads. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served in World War II. When he returned in 1945, he built a roadster, painted it black and wore black leathers, giving rise to his moniker “Blackie.” Shortly after, Gejeian crashed the roadster, which nearly killed him. He spent the next 10 years rebuilding it, and in 1955, the Oakland Grand National Roadster Show named it the World’s Most Beautiful Roadster. That same year, he won the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award with the ’27 Ford he called the Shish-Kebab Special.
Blackie was close friends with the late George Barris, with whom he built a custom roadster pickup named Ala Kart that won hundreds of awards and was twice chosen as America’s Most Beautiful Roadster by the Grand National Roadster Show.
In addition to racing hardtops in the ’50s, Gejeian produced races in Clovis, Madera and Raisin City from the early ’60s to mid-’80s. He was a promoter at Clovis Speedway until it closed in 1976.
At his 90th birthday party at the Fresno County Historical Museum, Fresno city leaders celebrated Gejeian with a bust in his likeness.
Services for Gejeian have not yet been finalized.