By Ashley Reyes

Social media is a great tool for reaching targeted audiences and promoting a brand. Automotive aftermarket shops, businesses and builders should keep up their social-media presence in order to establish brand authority and create awareness of their products or services. Doing otherwise is like leaving money (or free promotion) on the table.   

SEMA-member businesses are invited to learn how the Three Cs of social media (calendar, content and channels) can help build a brand during a live webinar on December 15, at 10:00 a.m. (PST).  

Participants will connect with and hear from two of the industry’s leading social-media experts: Barry Alt, founder of Motorhead Digital and a digital marketing expert focused on the restoration, performance, race and restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket, and Dan Kahn, founder of Kahn Media and a published author and photographer with more than a decade of experience in print and digital publishing, public relations and marketing.  

In just one hour, attendees will learn:   

• The importance of building a social-media calendar, how to do it and software that might help. 
• How to plan out content, where to find ideas when you get stuck and how to create content that builds engagement to your audience and not just pushes information. 
• How to determine what social-media channels will work for your business, and the pros and cons of each channel.   

The webinar is presented by the ARMO council, which will also share a short update on the council’s initiatives. Elevate your social-media strategy by registering today.

By Della Domingo

More than 130 companies were recognized by a panel of esteemed international journalists for having a product that would resonate with consumers in their home countries. Twenty-three judges from 16 countries participated in the 2023 Global Media Awards Program that took place during the 2022 SEMA Show.

Glad to return to the iconic Show following the pandemic, the international judges carefully reviewed and evaluated the items on display in the New Products Showcase to select the award winners. Winning exhibitors received their awards and spoke with the journalists who selected their products at the International Happy Hour on Wednesday, November 2.

Below, in alphabetical order by country, publication and participating journalist, are the winning exhibitors and products from the 2023 Global Media Awards Program.

ARGENTINA

Judge: Luis Zschocke
Media Outlet: New Tune Up

• FiTech Fuel Injection, 30013 Go EFI 8 1200 HP Power Adder Bright Aluminum Finish System
• MAHLE Motorsport, Ford 5.0L Modular Coyote Gen 3 Direct Injected (’18+) PowerPak Piston Set
• AAD Performance, S550 Mustang Front Lower Control Arms
• Dana Incorporated, Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float Rear Axle for Ford Bronco
• Vintage Air Inc., ’64–’66 Ford Mustang Gen 5 SureFit system
• AAD Performance, S550 Mustang Front Lower Tension Arms
• Speedmaster, Ford SB 289 302 351w Aluminum Complete Serpentine Belt Drive System Kit [Polished]
• TRAC LLC/Tire Cart and Tire Jack, TRAC Tire Jack
• Holley, Hooker Small-Block Chevrolet Exhaust Manifolds
• Speedmaster, GM 4L80E Aluminum Transmission Pan with Silicon Gasket

AUSTRALIA

Judge: Ben Davidson
Media Outlet: Jeep Action Magazine

• Diode Dynamics, Stage Series LED Rock Light
• Eaton Performance, Jeep Detroit Truetrac
• Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries “RE-START” Lithium Starter Battery
• ICON Vehicle Dynamics, ICON Alloys 17-in. Recon Pro with Innerlock Technology
• Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek
• Addax Overland/Hinckley Overlanding, Jeep X Addax Overland Trailer
• TRAC LLC/Tire Cart and Tire Jack, TRAC Tire Jack
• Quadratec, Lost Canyon Truck Bed Tent for JT Gladiator
• Mach Built, M1 MachLight
• Rock Slide Engineering, Gen 3 Step Slider

Judge: Peter Ronis
Media Outlet: All Torque Podcast Pty. Ltd.

• Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries MICRO-START XP20 Lithium Jump Starter
• Smartop, Smartop Platform Truck Bed cover
• I-CAR, Hands-On Electric Vehicle Training
• Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries “RE-START” Lithium Starter Battery
• Retro Manufacturing, RetroSound Europa Radio
• GlueTread- Sidewall Repair, GlueTread 4x4 Sidewall Repair Kit
• WARN / FAB FOURS / FABTECH / FACTOR 55, Fabtech 2022 Ford Bronco Heavy Duty Tie Rods
• ADRO Inc., Adro Tesla Model Y carbon-fiber rear diffuser
• Lippert: CURT, Ranch Hand, UWS, LUVERNE, ARIES, CURT Echo In-Line Trailer Brake Controller
• Mile Marker Industries, Inc., Customizable Mission Series Winch

Judge: Simon Christie
Media Outlet: 4WD TV

• Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek, Tire and Related Product
• Project X, DR.03
• Diode Dynamics, Stage Series LED Rock Light
• Project X, LB.24
• Go Rhino Big Country Truck accessories, Xventure Gear Recovery Winch Hook
• Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries “RE-START” Lithium Starter Battery
• ICON Vehicle Dynamics, ICON ALLOYS 17-in. RECON PRO W/INNERLOCK TECHNOLOGY
• GlueTread- Sidewall Repair, GlueTread 4x4 Sidewall Repair Kit
• Go Rhino Big Country Truck accessories, Xventure Gear Shovel Kit
• HitchLocker LLC, HitchLocker Drop Hitch

BRAZIL

Judge: Eduardo Bernasconi
Media Outlet: Revista Fullpower

• Quadratec, Lost Canyon Truck Bed Tent for JT Gladiator
• International Industry LLC, Fuel tank laser sensor/sender
• OPTIMA Batteries, ORANGETOP HYPERCORE Lithium
• Integrated Engineering, IE Drag-Race Performance Brake Kit For Audi B9 S4 & S5
• AlphaRex, AlphaRex ’21+ Ford F150 LUXX-Series LED Tail lights (Alpha-Black)
• Papp Plastics and Distributing Limited, Aira FreePower
• Black Horse Off Road, RGM Styline Mustang Aero Kit
• GlueTread- Sidewall Repair, GlueTread 4x4 Sidewall Repair Kit
• Spyder Auto, ALT-YD-FF15021-LED-BK
• Dakota Digital, GRFX-55C-PU 1955-59 Chevy Truck Grafix Series Gauge System

Judge: Ludmilla Kruppa
Media Outlet: Revista Garagem Old School

• Dakota Digital, GRFX-55C-PU 1955-59 Chevy Truck Grafix Series Gauge System
• Flaming River Industries Inc., Custom Microsteer Integrated Column Program
• CVF Racing, Chevy Small Block Compact Serpentine Kit
• Retro Manufacturing, RetroSound Europa Radio
• IDIDIT, LLC, Push To Start Ignition with Smart Entry Exit Recognition
• Speedway Motors Inc., Speedway Motors Aluminum Aero Shield, Hairpin Cover
• Old Air Products, ’68 Mustang – Control Bezel & Louver Set
• Ridetech, ’65-’79 F-100 Front Suspension System
• New Vintage USA, ’94–’99 Dodge Ram Truck
• Universal Air Suspension, Ford Mach E Air Suspension Conversion

CANADA

Judge: Adam Gordon
Media Outlet: PASMAG

• Garrett Advancing Motion, Garrett Vent External Wastegates | 40mm 45mm 50mm
• HERITAGE WHEEL, Heritage Wheel KOKORO Lug Nuts
• Horizon Brands, TYPE S Formula DRIFT Pro Series Exterior Smart Lighting Kit
• Victor Racing Inc., Smart Canards
• Design Engineering, Inc (DEI), Sensor Covers
• MaxxHaul Towing Products, 3 in 1 Drain Pan, Tool Creeper and Tool Tray
• Retro Manufacturing, RetroSound SUB8100 8-in. Powered Subwoofer
• All-Fit Automotive, All-Fit Lip Kit
• Powerbuilt and Caterpillar, Big Wheel Rolling Mechanic’s Seat
• HKS USA Inc., HIPERMAX R SERIES

CHILE

Judge: Felipe Joui
Media Outlet: UHP Magazine

• BOOSTane Fuel Solution, RACE FUEL
• GIG Performance, Thunder Rod
• K&N Engineering Inc., 63-1591 AIRCHARGER; RAM 1500 TRX V8-6.2L F/I, ’21-’22
• Borla Performance, Active Performance Sound
• Specialty Auto Parts/Proform, PROFORM LS Oil Pump Primer Tool
• Atturo Tire Corp., AZ850DR
• K&N Engineering Inc., AEM-21-879C C.A.S. BMW 330i L4-2.0L F/I; 2019-2021
• Integrated Engineering, IE High-Flow Charge Pipe Kit For Audi B9 S4 & S5 3.0T
• Advanced Fuel Dynamics, ProFlex DX Flex Fuel System for ’18–’23 Mustang GT and Mach 1
• AMS Performance, AMS Performance Nissan Z VR30 Intercoolers

FINLAND

Judge: Tomi Eronen
Media Outlet: Amerikan Rauta

• MAHLE Motorsport, LS 5.3L (Gen 4) Flat Top Drop-In PowerPak Piston Set
• Scat, Procar, AFR – Air Flow Research, AIR FLOW RESEARCH “ENFORCER” CYLINDER HEAD - 5.3L LS
• Comp Turbo, CTR8890R Patented Aircooled Oil-Less 1850HP Turbocharger
• The Wheel Group/Wheel-1, RIDLER 610
• Classic Industries/OER, ’85–’92 Camaro Tail Light Assemblies
• Speedway Motors Inc., Speedway Motors Steering Wheel And Horn Assembly, Chevy Pickup
• Retro Manufacturing, RetroSound Europa Radio
• Kontio Tyres, Kontio WhitePaw Classic
• CFR Performance, Gen-3 Hemi Finned Valve Covers
• Speedmaster, Chevy LS 2pc Finned Vintage Hidden Coil Aluminum Valve Cover – Black

FRANCE

Judge: Jerome Andre
Media Outlet: Generation 4x4 Magazine

• Victor Racing Inc., Smart Canards
• ICON Vehicle Dynamics, ICON ALLOYS 17-in. REBOUND SLX
• Hypercraft, HyperPack
• Hellwig Products, ’17–’21 Tesla Model 3 Rear Sway Bar
• ADRO Inc., Adro Tesla Model 3 carbon fiber front lip
• Quadratec, Axle-Back Exhaust System for JK/JL Wrangler
• Project X, 41QT Blizzard Box
• Rock Slide Engineering, Bronco Cinch  Strap
• APP EV Systems, APP EV Systems Battery Conversion Kit
• Papp Plastics and Distributing Limited, Aira FreePower

HONDURAS

Judge: Edmundo Pazzetti
Media Outlet: Piloto Y Maquina

• SeaSucker, Monkey Bars (Ridge Ready)
• Cell Phone Seat, Cell Phone Seat
• Turbosmart, Pneumatic StraightGate50 Butterfly Style External Wastegate
• Victor Racing Inc., Smart Canards
• GlueTread- Sidewall Repair, GlueTread 4x4 Sidewall Repair Kit
• International Industry LLC, Fuel tank laser sensor/sender
• OPTIMA Batteries, ORANGETOP HYPERCORE Lithium
• Madico, Inc., ClearPlex by Madico Nano-Ceramic Windshield Protection Film
• Sagola by Elcometer/Elcometer, Sagola Spray VR training
• Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries "RE-START" Lithium Starter Battery

Judge: Juan Carlos Cuellar
Media Outlet: Sobre Ruedas

• CARCAPSULE USA, SC1 Indoor ShowCase,
• Key Technology, 7 AI FUNCTIONS ADAS DUAL DASH CAMERA
• KNIPEX Tools, Pliers Wrench XS
• Horizon Brands, TYPE S Wireless Power Bank Jump Starter + USB-C Cable
• Cedar Electronics, Escort MAX 360c MKII
• Cedar Electronics, Cobra 75 All Road
• MouseBlocker, MouseBlocker 1000X Garage Rodent Deterrent
• ActionTrax, ActionTrax
• Lincoln Electric, POWER MIG 211i MIG Welder
• Powerbuilt and Caterpillar, Big Wheel Rolling Mechanic's Seat

ITALY

Judge: Pierluigi Mancini
Media Outlet: Elaborare GT Tuning Magazine

• Top Speed Auto Accessories, Inc., Titanium Exhaust for Lotus Elise Exige S2 05-06 Dual Canister with resonator,
• Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries "RE-START" Lithium Starter Battery
• EGR Inc., EGR RollTrac
• AGS Company, Plastic Bumper and Trim Restorer
• Sprint Booster/JRP, Sprint Booster V3 Ultimate Control
• MAHLE Motorsport, SBC 23° USRA Factory Stock PowerPak Piston Set
• Design Engineering, Inc (DEI), Titanium Knitted Sleeve
• K&N Engineering Inc., 63-1591 AIRCHARGER; RAM 1500 TRX V8-6.2L F/I, ’21–’22
• Holley, ’64–’67 Pontiac GTO Direct Fit Gauge Set
• ProCharger, ’22 Mustang GT & Mach 1 5.0l ProCharger High Output Intercooled Supercharger System w/Factory Airbox

KAZAKHSTAN

Judge: Olzhas Oqas
Media Outlet: KOLESA.KZ

• International Industry LLC, Fuel tank laser sensor/sender
• ProCharger, ’22–’05 Toyota 4Runner and Tacoma 3.5l & 4.0l 50-State Legal Intercooled Supercharger System
• Borla Performance, Active Performance Sound
• CARCAPSULE USA, SC1 Indoor ShowCase
• TRAC LLC/Tire Cart and Tire Jack, TRAC Tire Jack
• SeaSucker, Classic Ski Rack
• Vintage Air Inc., Gen-5 Super Magnum heat/cool/defrost system
• TRUE SPIKE, AR15 RIFLE BULLET ANTENNA
• 3D Printing Your Plugs! Fast. Little Labor. Always Symmetrical., MAKEiT2x4 Large Format 3D Printer
• EZ Universal Wheels, EZ Roller-Spinner 26.5-in. Universal Wheel with Interchangeable Hub Sizes with wedge nut system

MEXICO

Judge: Angel Gonzalez
Media Outlet: Mas Motor

• AlphaRex, AlphaRex ’21+ Ford Bronco NOVA-Series LED Projector Headlights (Alpha-Black)
• Design Infini, Fittipaldi Street 362
• Spyder Auto, ALT-YD-FS2020-LED-RD
• Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels, 35x15.50R24 Baja Boss A/T
• K&N Engineering Inc., 77-9042KP PERF. INTAKE KIT; TOYOTA TUNDRA V6-3.5L F/I, 2022
• Maxxis Tire, VICTRA SPORT EV
• Impact Wheels, 904 BLACK MILLED OFF-ROAD WHEEL
• Project X, DL.70
• ORACLE Lighting, ORACLE Flush Mount (Lensless) LED Tail Lights for ’07–’17 JK Jeep Wrangler
• Attica 4x4, 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma Full LED high/low-beam Sequential Head light

Judge: Daniel Garcia Solis
Media Outlet: Trocas/V8 Muscle Cars

• Classic Industries/OER, ’73–’74 Dodge Dart Grill
• Fanttik, Fanttik X8 Portable Tire Inflator Mini
• Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries “RE-START” Lithium Starter Battery
• Project X, GHOST BOX
• Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries Lithium Powerstation
• Intellitronix, Aurora (part of the White Lightning series)
• VAIS Technology, Push Button Start with Passive Entry, Proximity Based
• Retro Manufacturing, RetroSound Europa Radio
• Dakota Digital, GRFX-55C-PU ’55–’59 Chevy Truck Grafix Series Gauge System
• GlueTread- Sidewall Repair, GlueTread 4x4 Sidewall Repair Kit

Judge: Salvador Castillo
Media Outlet: Television Del Pacifico

• Cell Phone Seat, Cell Phone Seat
• CVF Offroad, CVF Offroad Legion Front Bumper—’17–’22 Ford F-250/F-350
• ORACLE Lighting, ORACLE Lighting Skid Plate with Integrated LED Emitters for Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT- Package Design
• Nitro Innovations—Nitrogen Plastic Welder, Nitro Innovations Nitrogen Plastic Welder
• Sagola by Elcometer/Elcometer, Sagola Spray VR training
• Scangrip, Scangrip UV-Extreme Plus
• CVF Offroad, CVF Offroad Legion Front Bumper—’20+ Chevy 2500/3500
• Truck Hero, Havoc EVOC Fender Flare
• Bestop Premium Accessories Group, Ford Bronco Fender Flares
• All-Fit Automotive, All-Fit Gap Trim

SOUTH AFRICA

Judge: Graham Erasmus
Media Outlet: Automotive Business Review

• MAXTRAX, MAXTRAX RECOVERY SYSTEM
• Speedway Motors Inc., Speedway Sway Bar Kits, ’70–’81 GM F-Body, Splined
• Borla Performance, Active Performance Sound
• Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, B8 6112
• TRAILFX, Traction Boards
• Inspired Overland, Lightweight Rooftop Tent
• Kleinn Air Horns, USTL-734
• Mile Marker Industries, Inc., Customizable Mission Series Winch
• GREEN FILTER / Ground Force, Green Filter BMW/Mini Cooper ’14–’22 #7372
• GIG Performance, Thunder Rod

Judge: Victor Pardal
Media Outlet: IgnitionTV

• DeatschWerks, 415LPH DW400s Fuel Pump
• Comp Turbo, CTR8080H Patented Aircooled Oil-Less 1350HP Turbocharger
• NRG Innovations, FIA BUCKET SEAT
• Integrated Engineering, IE Suspension System For VW & Audi MQB (GTI, Golf R, A3, S3)
• Kicker, L7X 12-in. High Output Subwoofer
• Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries Lithium Powerstation
• Turbosmart, Pneumatic StraightGate50 Butterfly Style External Wastegate
• ActionTrax, ActionTrax
• Race Winning Brands, MGP Connecting Rods—Toyota 2JZGTE Aluminum Connecting Rods
• Bubba Off-Road Recovery Gear, Bubba Off-Road Truck Recovery Gear Set

SOUTH KOREA

Judge: Young Jun Yu
Media Outlet: Car and Tech

• SATA Spray Equipment, SATAjet X 5500 FUTURE
• Horizon Brands, TYPE S Wireless Power Bank Jump Starter + Lightning Cable
• Horizon Brands, TYPE S Wireless Power Bank Jump Starter + USB-C Cable
• Horizon Brands, Tiny Traveler HD Baby Car Monitoring System with Add-On Camera & Travel Kit
• 3M, 3M Perfect-It Random Orbital Polishing System
• Milwaukee Tool, M12 Underbody Light
• NotcHead, NotcHead AN Wrenches with Inserts
• Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries Lithium Powerstation
• Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries “RE-START” Lithium Starter Battery
• Fanttik, Fanttik X8 Portable Tire Inflator Mini

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Judge: Nabil Moustafa
Media Outlet: Strive Middle East

• Victor Racing Inc., Smart Canards
• Quadratec, Lost Canyon Truck Bed Tent for JT Gladiator
• GlueTread- Sidewall Repair, GlueTread 4x4 Sidewall Repair Kit
• Borla Performance, Active Performance Sound, Electric Vehicle Product
• EGR Inc., EGR RollTrac
• Ark Corporation, Ark XOTech Power Distribution Hub
• Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries “RE-START” Lithium Starter Battery
• Horizon Brands, Tiny Traveler HD Baby Car Monitoring System with Add-On Camera & Travel Kit
• AudioControl, SRK-JK11H
• MGP Caliper Covers, MGP Caliper Covers—Artist Series by Scotthattoxartwork on ig

UNITED KINGDOM

Judge: Mike Rysiecki
Media Outlet: Auto Italia Magazine

• Garrett Advancing Motion, Garrett Club Line | GBC35 GBC37 Turbocharger
• Centerforce Clutches, a Division of Midway Industries, Centerforce DYAD DS Clutch and Flywheel Kit for Late-Model Ford Mustangs
• AAD Performance, S550 Mustang Front Lower Control Arms
• Opus  IVS, Test Drive CoPilot
• TRAC LLC/Tire Cart and Tire Jack, TRAC Tire Jack
• Universal Air Suspension, Ford Mach E Air Suspension Conversion
• AIR DESIGN, ’22+ MACH-E CARBON-FIBER REAR DECK SPOILER
• CTEK, CS FREE: 4-in-1 multi-functional charger, maintainer, adaptive booster and powerbank
• Speedway Motors Inc., 3 in 1 Digital LED Gauge, Water Temp, Oil Pressure, Volts, 2-1/16
• Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries “RE-START” Lithium Starter Battery

VENEZUELA

Judge: Henry Pierini
Media Outlet: AutoZulia International

• Antigravity Lithium Batteries, Antigravity Batteries “RE-START” Lithium Starter Battery
• Thor's Lightning, Thor’s Lightning Bolt True Dual Air Compressor
• VAIS Technology, Push Button Start with Passive Entry, Proximity Based
• GlueTread – Sidewall Repair, GlueTread 4x4 Sidewall Repair Kit
• Stoner Car Care, Hybrid Ceramic Detailer
• Quadratec, Lynx Whipsaw Wheel for Bronco
• CVF Offroad, CVF Offroad W-5000-S Winch
• Fanttik, Fanttik X8 Portable Tire Inflator Mini
• MITO Corporation, NAVPRO+ GPS Navigation Module with Wireless Carplay & Android Auto
• Bantam Tools, Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine

To learn more about the Global Media Awards Program, visit www.sema.org/gmawinner

The following message is from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola

Dear SEMA Member:

A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well.  As a member of the Association, we are currently seeking your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seats are open for this year’s election:

• Chairman-elect (one open seat)
• Distributor/Retailer (one open seat)

Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, please include brief information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

We urge you to take part in the nominations process—our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Sincerely,

Mike Spagnola
SEMA President and CEO

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Creative and Design Manager
Edelbrock Group

Edelbrock Group is hiring a creative and design manager who can not only create exciting, well-executed creative work, but who can also manage a team of creatives, collaborate with others inside and outside of marketing for project specifics, improve the quality of current design/graphics work and ensure all finished creative work is accurate, on brand and on time for the entire team. To be successful in this role, candidates must be well-rounded creative experts who are skilled in all of aspects traditional and digital marketing design. You must have experience executing a diverse mix of creative projects from conception to production in a multi-brand environment. You should also be a talented mentor who can oversee the work of others, recognize skill gaps, evaluate individual and team performance and offer constructive guidance in a kind and respectful manner.

3D CAD Modeler
Leading Edge Machine and Design

Leading Edge Machine and Design (LEMD) is hiring a 3-D CAD modeler. In this position, you will work on a multitude of varying projects for some of the best shops in the industry. You will be able to see the whole lifecycle of the project, from concept to completion. As LEMD grows, you will have the opportunity to quickly move into a leadership position and establish your presence in an industry you love. Candidates must have Fusion 360 knowledge, 3-D scan data knowledge and 3-D sculpting and complex modeling skills.

Embedded Software Engineer
Derive Systems

Derive Systems is hiring an embedded software engineer to design, implement and test embedded software components to interface and control the enthusiast devices; participate in architecture, requirement gathering, estimating and planning for software execution; and develop new functional capabilities within firmware applications to meet a wide range of customer requirements and operational needs. Candidates must have 4–6 years’ experience using C/C++ for embedded devices and a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering or other relevant technical discipline.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The 2022 mid-term election has been an exciting and somewhat puzzling one for political prognosticators as votes are still being counted in many key U.S. House of Representatives races. It is clear, however, that SEMA is well positioned for success during the next two years as a result of our support for lawmakers who have stood with the hobby. From grassroots advocacy through the SEMA Action Network to digital advertisements for our strongest allies to highlighting all the RPM Act cosponsors who were on the ballot this November, SEMA and automotive community did our part to help shape the 2022 elections.

Republicans have regained control of the U.S. House of Representatives. At present, Republicans have won 218 seats in the House, while Democrats won 210 seats in the mid-term elections. Seven races are still too close to call. Republicans will control at least 49 Senate seats in the next Congress, and Democrats will control at least 50 Senate seats. Democrats will lead the Senate in 2023–2024 regardless of the outcome of the December 6 runoff election in Georgia, since the vice president is the tie breaker vote in the Senate.

There were 110 RPM Act House co-sponsors up for re-election, and 15 RPM Act sponsors either ran for re-election to the Senate or competed for a Senate seat this year. The results have been overwhelmingly positive for lawmakers who have supported the bill. Thirteen RPM Act sponsors won their Senate races while the Alaska race is still being decided. More than 100 RPM Act co-sponsors in the House were re-elected, three lost and two RPM Act cosponsors are up in their races where votes are still being counted.

A closely divided Congress in 2023–2024 increases the chances that the final month and a half of the current legislative session will be productive, as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have priorities that they will seek to have enacted before the end of the year. Looking forward to next year, we are encouraged that the narrow margins in the House and Senate will prevent extreme policies that would be detrimental to the hobby (such as aggressive federal efforts to favor ZEVs over ICE vehicles, closing roads and trails for motorized recreation, etc.). One cautionary note regarding divided government is that it will encourage President Biden to rely on his executive powers to implement partisan policy changes, particularly from his environmental activist base. SEMA and the SEMA Action Network will be monitoring these efforts closely.  

We are grateful to everyone who has supported SEMA’s advocacy efforts. We are making incredible strides to boost the industry’s political horsepower in Washington. To learn more and get involved, visit www.SEMASAN.com.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks public comment on the potential harms stemming from deceptive or unfair review and endorsement practices used by businesses.

“Companies should know by now that fake reviews are illegal, but this scourge persists,” said Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “We’re exploring whether a rule that would trigger stiff civil penalties for violators would make the market fairer for consumers and honest businesses."

The FTC is asking for comments regarding the pervasiveness and potential harms to consumers and competition cause by fake reviews, paid reviews, fake review websites and similar practices.

If you are aware of competitors engaging in these practices that harm your business, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org to be incorporated into SEMA’s comments.

By Della Domingo

SEMA has hired Zane Clark as vice president of Membership, Education, Research and Councils & Networks (MERC). Clark, who currently serves as CEO of the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) North America, has 23 years of automotive aftermarket leadership experience, including more than 10 years with SEMA from 2010–2020. He will lead SEMA’s member services and benefits programs effective in January 2023.

“I’m excited to rejoin the SEMA team,” said Clark. “SEMA is a world-class organization that offers valuable benefits to its members and the automotive community. It’s an honor to be part of the team and the industry!”

Clark served SEMA in 2010 as a council director, working directly with volunteer leaders in various niches. He transitioned after three years to lead SEMA’s education department, where he directed the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, grew the SEMA Show education program and expanded the SEMA Show Student Program.

In 2020, Clark joined SAMPE, where he served as the organization’s CEO and executive director. Clark guided SAMPE through the pandemic and grew the society’s membership by 23%. His team also produces two international trade shows for SAMPE, including Composites and Advanced Material Expo (CAMX) which was honored as a Gold 100 Show by Trade Show Executive (TSE).

“Zane is a strategic and creative thinker who knows and understands associations, member-based organizations, as well as the automotive industry,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. “We’ve seen the value that Zane brings to an organization first-hand, and we’re excited to welcome Zane back to the team and serving our members.”

Clark holds a bachelor’s of administration (BA) in Philosophy from Cal Poly Humboldt, a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Purdue University Global and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE). He begins his role as vice president at SEMA on January 4, 2023. 

By Ashley Reyes

As part of its mission to provide professional women in the automotive aftermarket with career-building networking and education opportunities, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has announced its 2023 SBN Women’s Leadership Forum.

The inaugural event held earlier this year included more than 50 women from throughout the industry. Taking place in March 2023 in Costa Mesa, California, the theme for the second annual event is “Dare to Lead.” Participants will discover tools that will enhance their personal development and leadership skills. Keynote sessions will focus on futuristic next-level leadership trends and elevating impact and influence.   

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network’s 2023 Women’s Leadership Forum will equip women from varying occupations and backgrounds with the tools needed to fine-tune and enhance their personal development and leadership skills.

“The SBN Women’s Leadership Forum helps by connecting like-minded women who share common challenges and goal,” said SBN Director Nicole Bradle. “Women will gain a fresh perspective about their careers and emerge empowered to create a realistic agenda for change in both their lives and companies.“

Sara Morosan, president of LGE-CTS Motorsports, reflected on her experience attending last year’s forum:

“I have gone to these types of events before but never with others in our industry. It was so impactful to see the other women in [the automotive aftermarket] industry who go through all the same things that I am going through. My bond with other women and business owners grew 10 times what I thought it would.”

A complete event program will be available in early December and registration is limited. SBN members can register at a reduced rate of $599, compared to non-SEMA members at $799. Participants must make their own travel arrangements. Secure your seat today!

By Juan Torres

Media registration for the 2023 MPMC Media Trade Conference is now open.

The event will take place in person at the Embassy Suites Anaheim South in the city of Garden Grove, California, January 24–26, 2023. Journalists, editors, writers, producers, podcasters, content creators and social-media influencers are invited to meet one-on-one with leading motorsports parts manufacturers by signing up for the event. There is no cost for media to participate. Media are able to indicate which companies best meet their editorial needs and will receive a personalized schedule. It is the best and most efficient way for media to connect with motorsports parts manufacturers in private, quality meetings.

Journalists, editors, writers, producers, podcasters, content creators and social-media influencers are invited to meet one-on-one with leading motorsports parts manufacturers by signing up for the event.

Media are invited to register before the December 16, 2022, deadline in order to receive their schedule the week of January 9, 2023.

For questions or more information, contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org.