SCT Holdings (SCT) recently announced the acquisition of Bully Dog, a manufacturer dedicated to automotive calibration solutions for the truck aftermarket. The combined company will now offer customers a more effective software solution to optimize their vehicles’ performance across an unprecedented number of vehicle types.

“Combining the strengths of these two leading companies will expand our vehicle coverage and accelerate our international growth in both the performance and fleet segments,” said Lisa Schule, managing director of GEF, a global firm that invested in SCT in 2013. “Bully Dog and SCT’s complementary software will be a crucial part of new technology advances in vehicles as they become more intelligent, fuel efficient and powerful.”

According to Bully Dog’s COO Daryl Klassen, “SCT’s calibrations and custom tuning software are second to none. Merging with SCT will allow us to take advantage of these strengths and take our products to the next level.”

The companies’ software solutions optimize a vehicle’s engine and transmission systems to improve fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. Currently Ford, GM, Chrysler, Nissan, Toyota, Paccar, Mercedes-Benz, Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel and Polaris vehicles can capitalize on the technology.

“There are many synergies between both companies, and our combined performance and fleet customers will see the direct benefits—more products for more vehicles with more features, sold in more places in the months to come,” said Rick Trudo, CEO of SCT. “With Bully Dog’s vast vehicle coverage, we can offer our customers calibration solutions for even more vehicle applications.”

For further information, visit www.sctflash.com, www.sctfleetsolutions.com and www.bullydog.com. 

By Monika Earle

Many editors say that the Media Center bins and New Products Showcase are among their top resources for information.

Editors love press releases. An effective press release allows editors to quickly and easily fill their publications (whether print or digital) with relevant content. Like many businesses, media outlets are often understaffed and editors are challenged with having to do a lot of work in a short amount of time. An effective press release is one that makes it easy for editors to use your content. Here are some best practices when it comes to drafting and submitting your press materials for SEMA Show coverage:

• Target your message. If your product is geared toward musclecars, don’t target truck magazines and expect media coverage. Editors may tag your e-mail address as spam if they get irrelevant releases from you.

• Personalize your message. While you don’t have to individualize each release you send out, avoid putting multiple contact names in the “to” line of an e-mail. Aside from looking bad, editors want to know that you put some time and thought into sending a release in which they would be interested.

• Highlight the benefit. Use a strong, concise headline to grab the attention of your reader, and don’t make the editor search for the news (who, what, where, when, why).

• Write like an editor. Most publications follow Associated Press (AP) format. Be familiar with and follow the writing style of the publication you are targeting.

• Do not send sell sheets. Doing so will require that the editor piece the story together.

• Allow editors to copy and paste. Send Word files rather than PDFs. If they can quickly copy and paste your text, you will have much more success in getting them to run your news.

• Include a usable photo. Editors typically like to run photos with their news stories. If they have to choose between two releases and only one has a photo, they are much more likely to run the release with a photo. JPEGs are preferred over TIF, EPS or PNG files, and print publications will insist on a high-res image.

• Time your release. Know the news cycle of the publication you are targeting. Many print publications have two-month lead times, so plan accordingly.

• Include your contact information. Always include the name and contact information for a media contact in case the editor has questions.

• Develop a relationship. Take the time to get to know those editors who are relevant to your market. Send them notes on articles they have written, and connect with them at industry events whenever possible.

Following these tips will ensure that you will have the greatest success in receiving media pickup of your press materials and increase your chances of publicity for your products or other corporate announcements.  

By Monika Earle

Many editors say that the Media Center bins and New Products Showcase are among their top resources for information.

Editors love press releases. An effective press release allows editors to quickly and easily fill their publications (whether print or digital) with relevant content. Like many businesses, media outlets are often understaffed and editors are challenged with having to do a lot of work in a short amount of time. An effective press release is one that makes it easy for editors to use your content. Here are some best practices when it comes to drafting and submitting your press materials for SEMA Show coverage:

• Target your message. If your product is geared toward musclecars, don’t target truck magazines and expect media coverage. Editors may tag your e-mail address as spam if they get irrelevant releases from you.

• Personalize your message. While you don’t have to individualize each release you send out, avoid putting multiple contact names in the “to” line of an e-mail. Aside from looking bad, editors want to know that you put some time and thought into sending a release in which they would be interested.

• Highlight the benefit. Use a strong, concise headline to grab the attention of your reader, and don’t make the editor search for the news (who, what, where, when, why).

• Write like an editor. Most publications follow Associated Press (AP) format. Be familiar with and follow the writing style of the publication you are targeting.

• Do not send sell sheets. Doing so will require that the editor piece the story together.

• Allow editors to copy and paste. Send Word files rather than PDFs. If they can quickly copy and paste your text, you will have much more success in getting them to run your news.

• Include a usable photo. Editors typically like to run photos with their news stories. If they have to choose between two releases and only one has a photo, they are much more likely to run the release with a photo. JPEGs are preferred over TIF, EPS or PNG files, and print publications will insist on a high-res image.

• Time your release. Know the news cycle of the publication you are targeting. Many print publications have two-month lead times, so plan accordingly.

• Include your contact information. Always include the name and contact information for a media contact in case the editor has questions.

• Develop a relationship. Take the time to get to know those editors who are relevant to your market. Send them notes on articles they have written, and connect with them at industry events whenever possible.

Following these tips will ensure that you will have the greatest success in receiving media pickup of your press materials and increase your chances of publicity for your products or other corporate announcements.  

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The full Senate approved legislation to provide for a program that will allow classic-car status to be determined from nationally recognized standards and guides.

Legislation to provide for a program that will allow classic-car status to be determined from nationally recognized standards and guides was approved by the full Senate. Having already been passed by the House, the bill now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Under the current system, this status must be designated by the state through a time-consuming amendment to the law.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The full Senate approved legislation to provide for a program that will allow classic-car status to be determined from nationally recognized standards and guides.

Legislation to provide for a program that will allow classic-car status to be determined from nationally recognized standards and guides was approved by the full Senate. Having already been passed by the House, the bill now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Under the current system, this status must be designated by the state through a time-consuming amendment to the law.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The full Senate approved legislation to provide for a program that will allow classic-car status to be determined from nationally recognized standards and guides.

Legislation to provide for a program that will allow classic-car status to be determined from nationally recognized standards and guides was approved by the full Senate. Having already been passed by the House, the bill now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Under the current system, this status must be designated by the state through a time-consuming amendment to the law.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The full Senate approved legislation to provide for a program that will allow classic-car status to be determined from nationally recognized standards and guides.

Legislation to provide for a program that will allow classic-car status to be determined from nationally recognized standards and guides was approved by the full Senate. Having already been passed by the House, the bill now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Under the current system, this status must be designated by the state through a time-consuming amendment to the law.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By Jason Catullo

	Several hotels are available for less than $100 per night, including Circus Circus.

Location? Price? Distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center? Finding the right hotel property for the week of the SEMA Show can be a challenge, one that varies from company to company and is based on meeting an exhibitor's needs during the Show. To help companies find the right hotel for their needs, SEMA partners with the Travel Planners to provide valuable options for a range of hotel properties, whether the company is searching based on price, location, hotel services, or a combination of the three.

As the official partner, Travel Planners negotiates the lowest prices for the best locations and properties in Las Vegas. All hotel agreements are backed by lowest-rate assurance, which means that the hotel rates are guaranteed, regardless of when the reservation was made.

There are currently 10 hotels available to 2014 SEMA Showgoers for less than $100 per night. Check out the rates and hotels available by using the Travel and Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com. 

10 SEMA Show Hotels Under $100

• Circus Circus Hotel
• Excalibur
• Luxor Hotel and Casino
• Riviera Hotel and Casino
• Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower
• The Quad Resort & Casino
• Tropicana LV - A Doubletree by Hilton

There are no service fees for companies making reservations through SEMA Show Housing Services, powered by the Travel Planners. Exhibitors will also benefit from immediate confirmations on all reservations, the ability to update reservations without fees or penalties, and the available descriptions, photos and maps available to quickly locate the ideal hotel.

Companies making hotel arrangements for the 2014 SEMA Show are encouraged to be vigilant if approached by other companies or services (other than Travel Planners) that implies or claims to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Show management has been made aware of housing agencies aggressively pursuing businesses and individuals to book through rooms through their company at considerable discounts. Reservations made through an agency other than Travel Planners will be at your own risk. Companies that are contacted by other companies trying to sell hotel rooms are encouraged to notify Show Management at 909-396-0289.

Companies Not Affiliated With The SEMA Show

• Book My Rooms LLC
• Convention Housing Management
• Convention Expo Travel
• Elite Corporate Planners
• Exhibition Housing Services
• Expo Housing
• Global Housing Management (GHM Travel)
• HDMC Group
• IEP Group
• International Events
• Le Company LLC
• TradeShow Housing
• WholesaleTravelPlanners

By Jason Catullo

	Several hotels are available for less than $100 per night, including Circus Circus.

Location? Price? Distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center? Finding the right hotel property for the week of the SEMA Show can be a challenge, one that varies from company to company and is based on meeting an exhibitor's needs during the Show. To help companies find the right hotel for their needs, SEMA partners with the Travel Planners to provide valuable options for a range of hotel properties, whether the company is searching based on price, location, hotel services, or a combination of the three.

As the official partner, Travel Planners negotiates the lowest prices for the best locations and properties in Las Vegas. All hotel agreements are backed by lowest-rate assurance, which means that the hotel rates are guaranteed, regardless of when the reservation was made.

There are currently 10 hotels available to 2014 SEMA Showgoers for less than $100 per night. Check out the rates and hotels available by using the Travel and Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com. 

10 SEMA Show Hotels Under $100

• Circus Circus Hotel
• Excalibur
• Luxor Hotel and Casino
• Riviera Hotel and Casino
• Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower
• The Quad Resort & Casino
• Tropicana LV - A Doubletree by Hilton

There are no service fees for companies making reservations through SEMA Show Housing Services, powered by the Travel Planners. Exhibitors will also benefit from immediate confirmations on all reservations, the ability to update reservations without fees or penalties, and the available descriptions, photos and maps available to quickly locate the ideal hotel.

Companies making hotel arrangements for the 2014 SEMA Show are encouraged to be vigilant if approached by other companies or services (other than Travel Planners) that implies or claims to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Show management has been made aware of housing agencies aggressively pursuing businesses and individuals to book through rooms through their company at considerable discounts. Reservations made through an agency other than Travel Planners will be at your own risk. Companies that are contacted by other companies trying to sell hotel rooms are encouraged to notify Show Management at 909-396-0289.

Companies Not Affiliated With The SEMA Show

• Book My Rooms LLC
• Convention Housing Management
• Convention Expo Travel
• Elite Corporate Planners
• Exhibition Housing Services
• Expo Housing
• Global Housing Management (GHM Travel)
• HDMC Group
• IEP Group
• International Events
• Le Company LLC
• TradeShow Housing
• WholesaleTravelPlanners

By Jason Catullo

	Several hotels are available for less than $100 per night, including Circus Circus.

Location? Price? Distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center? Finding the right hotel property for the week of the SEMA Show can be a challenge, one that varies from company to company and is based on meeting an exhibitor's needs during the Show. To help companies find the right hotel for their needs, SEMA partners with the Travel Planners to provide valuable options for a range of hotel properties, whether the company is searching based on price, location, hotel services, or a combination of the three.

As the official partner, Travel Planners negotiates the lowest prices for the best locations and properties in Las Vegas. All hotel agreements are backed by lowest-rate assurance, which means that the hotel rates are guaranteed, regardless of when the reservation was made.

There are currently 10 hotels available to 2014 SEMA Showgoers for less than $100 per night. Check out the rates and hotels available by using the Travel and Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com. 

10 SEMA Show Hotels Under $100

• Circus Circus Hotel
• Excalibur
• Luxor Hotel and Casino
• Riviera Hotel and Casino
• Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower
• The Quad Resort & Casino
• Tropicana LV - A Doubletree by Hilton

There are no service fees for companies making reservations through SEMA Show Housing Services, powered by the Travel Planners. Exhibitors will also benefit from immediate confirmations on all reservations, the ability to update reservations without fees or penalties, and the available descriptions, photos and maps available to quickly locate the ideal hotel.

Companies making hotel arrangements for the 2014 SEMA Show are encouraged to be vigilant if approached by other companies or services (other than Travel Planners) that implies or claims to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Show management has been made aware of housing agencies aggressively pursuing businesses and individuals to book through rooms through their company at considerable discounts. Reservations made through an agency other than Travel Planners will be at your own risk. Companies that are contacted by other companies trying to sell hotel rooms are encouraged to notify Show Management at 909-396-0289.

Companies Not Affiliated With The SEMA Show

• Book My Rooms LLC
• Convention Housing Management
• Convention Expo Travel
• Elite Corporate Planners
• Exhibition Housing Services
• Expo Housing
• Global Housing Management (GHM Travel)
• HDMC Group
• IEP Group
• International Events
• Le Company LLC
• TradeShow Housing
• WholesaleTravelPlanners