Compiled by SEMA Editors

Kooks’ new facility, which opened last fall, features a state-of-the-art R&D shop.

Kooks’ New Facility Expands Capabilities

Kooks Headers and Exhaust now occupies three buildings, including a new facility in Mooresville, North Carolina. The third facility, which opened last fall, features a state-of-the-art R&D shop. Kooks expanded its variety of production parts in the past year. This includes an increased selection of axle-backs, cat-backs and new applications for Jeep Wranglers, 4x4 trucks, imports and domestics. The company also crafts custom systems not currently in its catalog, particularly ’03-and-earlier street-performance, classic-car, and truck models.

HUBB Appoints National Sales and Marketing as Its Rep Agency for the Performance Channel

HUBB Filters has appointed National Sales and Marketing LLC (NSM) as its manufacturers’ representative agency for the U.S. automotive aftermarket performance channel. Based in Rexburg, Idaho, NSM is a company with more than 30 years of combined experience representing manufacturers in the automotive aftermarket distribution channel. The firm is led by its principals Troy Sakota and Jud Niederer.

Stellar Industries Signs Letter of Intent to Purchase ACI

Stellar Industries Inc. has announced that it has entered into a Letter of Intent to purchase the assets of American Crane Inc. (ACI) and Tire Trucks International (TTI). ACI and TTI are located in Garner, Iowa, and are led by John Collins, president and owner. Collins is a member of the Tire Industry Association (TIA) Hall of Fame; therefore, the acquisition allows Stellar to capitalize on his industry contributions and reputation. Closing and integrating operations is expected to take place within 90 days.

SpeedVideo’s live automotive broadcasts have reached more than 2 million fans throughout the course of their debut season in 2016.

SpeedVideo Debut Season Reaches More Than 2 Million Automotive Enthusiasts in 2016

With more than 5 million video views and more than 20 million minutes of viewing time, SpeedVideo’s live automotive broadcasts have reached more than 2 million fans throughout the course of their debut season in 2016. “Outlaw Armageddon” draws thousands of spectators to its home at Thunder Valley Raceway Park in Noble, Oklahoma. With the live stream in 2016, for the first time, “Outlaw Armageddon’s” event was available to anyone in the world. The broadcast brought in 1.5 million views and more than 400,000 online viewers. SpeedVideo’s live broadcast of the 2016 World Cup Finals accumulated more than 1.2 million views and racked up more than 285,000 unique viewers. SpeedVideo’s live drag-racing broadcasts will continue throughout 2017, covering events from the NMRA, PDRA, NMCA, TX2K, Dirty South, Radial Fest, Outlaw Armageddon, Shakedown at the Summit, MIR and more. View past and future events at www.speedvideo.com.

Prestone Celebrates 90th Anniversary With Nationwide Memorabilia Search, New Partnerships

In celebration of its 90th anniversary, Prestone has planned multiple activities throughout the year, including a large-scale, nationwide search for branded memorabilia to uncover previously lost or unknown artifacts from the brand’s past. The company is looking for vintage Prestone signs, cans, bottles, advertisements and any other historical items. Found items will ultimately come to rest in permanent display at the Prestone corporate archives. Noteworthy submissions may also be included in nationwide museum exhibits. Longtime fans and users can learn more about how to participate on the official Prestone Instagram and Facebook pages. Additionally, the brand is engaging in new partnerships this year, including a new deal with Barrett-Jackson. Prestone will also continue its partnership with Ringbrothers, who will build a custom ’72 AMC Javelin AMX in honor of the brand’s anniversary. To celebrate the brand and highlight the build, Prestone will kick-off the 2017 SEMA Show with a rally from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Prestone is also launching a Truck & Trailer Program that features a customized Ford F-750, currently being designed and built by the DieselSellerz. The program will activate at key auto and aftermarket events around the country, including the Hot Rod Power Tour, the SEMA Show, PRI Trade Show and multiple Goodguys Rod & Custom Association events.

Chris Compton

Distinctive Industries Names Chris Compton National Sales Manager

Distinctive Industries has announced the appointment of Chris Compton as national sales manager. Compton, a lifelong enthusiast and restoration guru, is responsible for sales and new-business development in the continental United States and for promoting the Distinctive Industries brand. He has more than 29 years’ experience in the automotive aftermarket, including 22 years in the restoration marketplace. After graduating from college, Compton landed his first sales job at Rick’s Camaros, which led to a 17-year career, in numerous management positions, including Camaro brand manager. More recently, he served as sales and new-product coordinator at Camaro Central, where his responsibilities included monitoring e-commerce products and data entry, and spearheading product research and new-product development.

Dee Zee Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Dee Zee Inc. is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a leading manufacturer in the light-truck accessory market. The manufacturer has six production locations, all in central Iowa. Dee Zee began operations in 1977 when the company manufactured its first set of running boards. The initial product line consisted of 12 different running board models, and in just a few years, Dee Zee would turn out more than 1,000 running boards per day, in addition to several related product lines. Today Dee Zee’s business is balanced between OEM business and aftermarket sales. OEM partners include Ford, Nissan, Chevy, GMC and Toyota. The aftermarket business has expanded to include toolboxes, fuel transfer tanks, bed protection and cargo management.

AAM Group Announces “Race 2 Daytona” Contest Winners

The AAM Group has announced that Bruce Baier from Competition Muffler & Shocks in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is the winner of the 2016 Flowmaster “Race 2 Daytona” contest. Baier, who sold the highest dollar amount of Flowmaster product from July 1, 2016–December 31, 2016, will be joined by six guests at the 2017 Daytona 500. All expenses—including travel, lodging, event tickets and official meals—will be covered by Flowmaster.

• Winning Jobber and Guest: Bruce Baier and Tammie Baier (Competition Muffler)
• Winning Jobber’s WD Salespersons: Brennan Clark, William Robertson and Corey Rogers (Dix Performance)
• Winning Jobber’s Biggest Flowmaster Customer and Guest: Bobby Joe Wilson and Deborah Wilson

Stage 8 Launches New Website for 2017

Stage 8 Locking Fasteners has recently launched a new website. Focused on product education, optimized dealer location and captivating visuals, the all-new www.stage8.com is designed to better serve both industrial and recreational customers in the coming years. The website will continue to grow in step with upcoming new-product releases and social media integration.

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.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is interested in speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media, and vehicle customization.

Applications are still being accepted for industry leaders to host a seminar at the 2017 SEMA Show, taking place October 31–November 3, 2017, in Las Vegas. The association is especially interested in speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media and vehicle customization.

The educational seminars make up an essential component of the SEMA Show—the premier automotive trade event that attracts more than 140,000 industry professionals annually. In addition to connecting automotive manufacturers with professional buyers from all over the world, the four-day SEMA Show is the leading venue for industry experts to network in person and learn new business strategies.

“The SEMA Show is about helping businesses succeed, and a big part of that is providing participants with information that will help their businesses,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The seminars give SEMA Show participants greater return on their investment and an opportunity to learn about better ways to do business.”

The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. While topics address basic business practices, such as customer service, marketing and social media, the 2017 program will emphasize issues that are of greatest concern to businesses in the automotive aftermarket.

Topics of interest for the 2017 SEMA Show include:

• How YELP has Changed the Trust Landscape in Business
• The Automotive Industry in Five Years
• Hire and Retain Social Employees
• Vehicle Building and Fabrication
• Business Technology and Applications to Advance Business
• Practical Solutions for Small Businesses
• What Is Next in Social Media Marketing
• Bookkeeping and Payroll

All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

“We pride ourselves in providing top-rated information from industry experts to attendees through the education program,” said SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark. “These seminars are some of the many benefits of attending the SEMA Show.”

Applications for speaker submissions are available at www.sema.org/speakers until February 20, 2017. Speaker entries will be answered no later than April 20, 2017. For more details, contact Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909-978-6743.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is interested in speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media, and vehicle customization.

Applications are still being accepted for industry leaders to host a seminar at the 2017 SEMA Show, taking place October 31–November 3, 2017, in Las Vegas. The association is especially interested in speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media and vehicle customization.

The educational seminars make up an essential component of the SEMA Show—the premier automotive trade event that attracts more than 140,000 industry professionals annually. In addition to connecting automotive manufacturers with professional buyers from all over the world, the four-day SEMA Show is the leading venue for industry experts to network in person and learn new business strategies.

“The SEMA Show is about helping businesses succeed, and a big part of that is providing participants with information that will help their businesses,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The seminars give SEMA Show participants greater return on their investment and an opportunity to learn about better ways to do business.”

The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. While topics address basic business practices, such as customer service, marketing and social media, the 2017 program will emphasize issues that are of greatest concern to businesses in the automotive aftermarket.

Topics of interest for the 2017 SEMA Show include:

• How YELP has Changed the Trust Landscape in Business
• The Automotive Industry in Five Years
• Hire and Retain Social Employees
• Vehicle Building and Fabrication
• Business Technology and Applications to Advance Business
• Practical Solutions for Small Businesses
• What Is Next in Social Media Marketing
• Bookkeeping and Payroll

All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

“We pride ourselves in providing top-rated information from industry experts to attendees through the education program,” said SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark. “These seminars are some of the many benefits of attending the SEMA Show.”

Applications for speaker submissions are available at www.sema.org/speakers until February 20, 2017. Speaker entries will be answered no later than April 20, 2017. For more details, contact Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909-978-6743.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is interested in speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media, and vehicle customization.

Applications are still being accepted for industry leaders to host a seminar at the 2017 SEMA Show, taking place October 31–November 3, 2017, in Las Vegas. The association is especially interested in speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media and vehicle customization.

The educational seminars make up an essential component of the SEMA Show—the premier automotive trade event that attracts more than 140,000 industry professionals annually. In addition to connecting automotive manufacturers with professional buyers from all over the world, the four-day SEMA Show is the leading venue for industry experts to network in person and learn new business strategies.

“The SEMA Show is about helping businesses succeed, and a big part of that is providing participants with information that will help their businesses,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The seminars give SEMA Show participants greater return on their investment and an opportunity to learn about better ways to do business.”

The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. While topics address basic business practices, such as customer service, marketing and social media, the 2017 program will emphasize issues that are of greatest concern to businesses in the automotive aftermarket.

Topics of interest for the 2017 SEMA Show include:

• How YELP has Changed the Trust Landscape in Business
• The Automotive Industry in Five Years
• Hire and Retain Social Employees
• Vehicle Building and Fabrication
• Business Technology and Applications to Advance Business
• Practical Solutions for Small Businesses
• What Is Next in Social Media Marketing
• Bookkeeping and Payroll

All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

“We pride ourselves in providing top-rated information from industry experts to attendees through the education program,” said SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark. “These seminars are some of the many benefits of attending the SEMA Show.”

Applications for speaker submissions are available at www.sema.org/speakers until February 20, 2017. Speaker entries will be answered no later than April 20, 2017. For more details, contact Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909-978-6743.

By SEMA Editors

(L-R): Matt Agosta, Chip Foose and Gary Hooker were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2016.

SEMA is now accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate an industry professional for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 10 deadline.

The 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products; Chip Foose, Foose Design; and Gary Hooker, Hooker Headers.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

(L-R): Matt Agosta, Chip Foose and Gary Hooker were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2016.

SEMA is now accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate an industry professional for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame forms before the March 10 deadline.

The 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products; Chip Foose, Foose Design; and Gary Hooker, Hooker Headers.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• YEN Membership Call, March 1, 2017

• YEN Live Chat With Vaughn Gittin Jr., March 3, 2017

• 2017 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 28, 2017–April 1, 2017, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, April 13, 2017, Omix-ADA, Suwanee, Georgia

• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, May 9, 2017, Heidts, Lake Zurich, Illinois

• SEMA Washington Rally, May 17, 2017, Washington, D.C.

• 2017 SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference, May 23–27, 2017, Melbourne, Australia

• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, July 11, 2017, Competition Specialties, Auburn, Washington

• Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 14, 2017

• 2017 SEMA China Business Development Program, September 6–10, 2017, Shanghai, China

• 2017 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3, 2017, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

• 2017 PRI Trade Show, December 7–9, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

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

The deadline to submit your company’s Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit is March 31, 2017, to participate in the 2017 SEMA Show Priority Space Selection, which will take place May 1–19, 2017.

The deadline to submit your company’s Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit is March 31, 2017, to participate in the 2017 SEMA Show Priority Space Selection, which will take place May 1–19, 2017.

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.