SEMA News—February 2014

CHRIS KERSTING

Coming Soon: Your SEMA Account Representative

Over the last several years, SEMA has taken steps to heighten our outreach and increase touch points with members and the industry at large. This effort has included a commitment to enhancing customer service and raising the awareness of SEMA’s high-value member benefits. We recently announced a major move that will provide our members with the best customer service possible. For the first time in 50 years, each SEMA member will now have a single, dedicated point of contact for all things SEMA.

You’ll be hearing from your new SEMA staff account representative in the months ahead. Each SEMA member will now have a motivated, knowledgeable, fulltime contact who sits directly in SEMA headquarters and communicates with the SEMA services team. Your SEMA account representative will also be the same person who will handle all your SEMA Show needs, from booth-space sales to credentialing and everything between.

The matter of having dedicated in-house account representatives is more important to accomplishing the SEMA mission than it may first appear. SEMA exists solely for the purpose of helping our member companies succeed and prosper. Producing the SEMA Show is perhaps the most visible way we do that. Historically, our trusted partner, ConvExx Show Management, has been the touch point for thousands of contacts annually with SEMA members on Show-related matters. By bringing Show sales together with member services in-house at SEMA, our members will now experience a customer-service relationship that includes all that SEMA has to offer.

In addition to their Show expertise, account reps will be well versed in SEMA benefits and activities and will be available year-round. Got a question about your membership? Don’t understand how to tap into Tech Transfer or make an appointment at the SEMA Garage? Wondering who to talk to about the SEMA Data Co-op or how to attend a Town Hall Meeting? Now you can call one person, and your rep will provide the service you need. If your SEMA rep doesn’t have the answer, he or she will know who does. We expect the net result to be greater awareness and value received for your SEMA membership.

A few words about the ConvExx team: For three-plus decades, Chuck Schwartz and his team have done an outstanding job in helping us produce the SEMA Show. They have played an important role in the success and value provided by the SEMA Show today. That good work is greatly appreciated. Evolving and improving the association now means a change—and, in this case, saying thanks for a job well done. Thank you, Chuck Schwartz and ConvExx—you served our SEMA members and the Show so very well.

Our entire team is excited about the opportunities this new in-house capability means for our members, and we look forward to building even stronger relationships with each of you. When your SEMA staff account rep calls, you’ll likely find that you have more to discuss than ever. And please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts about your membership, the Show or other year-round association benefits. Your rep will be there to help.

By Zane Clark

	Mark McFann

"So, You Want to be in Pictures" will provide attendees with a clear understanding of the pros and cons of getting products placed in major motion pictures. This how-to webinar, led by Mark McFann of Cast a Long Shadow, is a must-attend for anyone who ever wanted to go “Hollywood” and create an innovative marketing strategy for their business.

Learning objectives:

• Go beyond the myths and misconceptions about product placement and get a real understanding of what it takes in terms of time, effort and expense in order to get your product/company featured in major motion pictures.

• Learn the tactics needed to leverage your company so that you maximize impact and exposure.

Join us Thursday, February 20, at 10:00 a.m. (PST) for a webinar packed full of important information. Register now for this timely educational opportunity!

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Mark McFann was vice president of sales and marketing and an owner of Royal Purple from ’02–’12. Royal Purple was successfully sold to Calumet in 2012. McFann is now a principle owner and managing director of Cast a Long Shadow, which specializes in entertainment marketing. McFann secured product placement for Royal Purple in a number of films, including "Salt," "Real Steel," "Safe Haven," "A Good Day to Die Hard" and the upcoming films "Need for Speed," "Transformers 4" and many others. Cast a Long Shadow's other clients include New Belgium Brewery, Kaiser Compressors and Feisty Spirits distillery.

By Zane Clark

	Mark McFann

"So, You Want to be in Pictures" will provide attendees with a clear understanding of the pros and cons of getting products placed in major motion pictures. This how-to webinar, led by Mark McFann of Cast a Long Shadow, is a must-attend for anyone who ever wanted to go “Hollywood” and create an innovative marketing strategy for their business.

Learning objectives:

• Go beyond the myths and misconceptions about product placement and get a real understanding of what it takes in terms of time, effort and expense in order to get your product/company featured in major motion pictures.

• Learn the tactics needed to leverage your company so that you maximize impact and exposure.

Join us Thursday, February 20, at 10:00 a.m. (PST) for a webinar packed full of important information. Register now for this timely educational opportunity!

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Mark McFann was vice president of sales and marketing and an owner of Royal Purple from ’02–’12. Royal Purple was successfully sold to Calumet in 2012. McFann is now a principle owner and managing director of Cast a Long Shadow, which specializes in entertainment marketing. McFann secured product placement for Royal Purple in a number of films, including "Salt," "Real Steel," "Safe Haven," "A Good Day to Die Hard" and the upcoming films "Need for Speed," "Transformers 4" and many others. Cast a Long Shadow's other clients include New Belgium Brewery, Kaiser Compressors and Feisty Spirits distillery.

The Camaro is available for SEMA Show project vehicle proposals.

This year’s Chevrolet SEMA Project Vehicle Program will focus on designers and manufacturers dedicated to creating new accessories and vehicle personalization items for Chevrolet's ’15 vehicles.

Vehicles available include:

• Silverado (light-duty only)
• Tahoe
• Sonic
• Spark
• Cruze
• Impala
• Camaro

Requirements:

• Preservation of Chevrolet bowtie on front and rear of vehicle, not to be painted
• High level of paint and build quality; no wraps
• Sponsorship decals to be limited to the lower 1/3 of the vehicle side
• Commit to periodic design and build check-ins
• Promote vehicle through November 4, 2015
• Retain vehicle insurance totaling at least $3 million until the completion of the one-year contract
• Submit proposal by March 31, 2014

Proposals must include:

• An introductory letter defining the vehicle theme, content and SEMA Show display location
• A realistic exterior rendering with the intended colors and modifications accurately defined
• A build timeline with start and completion dates
• A detailed list of upgrades and modifications, including new products developed with the use of the vehicle
• A promotional plan beyond the SEMA Show
• Three printed copies mailed to the address listed below
• An additional digital copy sent to the e-mail below

Builders are urged to contact Tom Gardner at thomas.gardner@gm.com before submitting a formal proposal to discuss the vehicle theme and modifications.

Send proposals to:

Tom Gardner
Mail Code: 480-717-004
GM Technical Center – AEC Building
30003 Van Dyke Ave.
Office 168-04
Warren, MI 48090-9060

The Camaro is available for SEMA Show project vehicle proposals.

This year’s Chevrolet SEMA Project Vehicle Program will focus on designers and manufacturers dedicated to creating new accessories and vehicle personalization items for Chevrolet's ’15 vehicles.

Vehicles available include:

• Silverado (light-duty only)
• Tahoe
• Sonic
• Spark
• Cruze
• Impala
• Camaro

Requirements:

• Preservation of Chevrolet bowtie on front and rear of vehicle, not to be painted
• High level of paint and build quality; no wraps
• Sponsorship decals to be limited to the lower 1/3 of the vehicle side
• Commit to periodic design and build check-ins
• Promote vehicle through November 4, 2015
• Retain vehicle insurance totaling at least $3 million until the completion of the one-year contract
• Submit proposal by March 31, 2014

Proposals must include:

• An introductory letter defining the vehicle theme, content and SEMA Show display location
• A realistic exterior rendering with the intended colors and modifications accurately defined
• A build timeline with start and completion dates
• A detailed list of upgrades and modifications, including new products developed with the use of the vehicle
• A promotional plan beyond the SEMA Show
• Three printed copies mailed to the address listed below
• An additional digital copy sent to the e-mail below

Builders are urged to contact Tom Gardner at thomas.gardner@gm.com before submitting a formal proposal to discuss the vehicle theme and modifications.

Send proposals to:

Tom Gardner
Mail Code: 480-717-004
GM Technical Center – AEC Building
30003 Van Dyke Ave.
Office 168-04
Warren, MI 48090-9060

The Camaro is available for SEMA Show project vehicle proposals.

This year’s Chevrolet SEMA Project Vehicle Program will focus on designers and manufacturers dedicated to creating new accessories and vehicle personalization items for Chevrolet's ’15 vehicles.

Vehicles available include:

• Silverado (light-duty only)
• Tahoe
• Sonic
• Spark
• Cruze
• Impala
• Camaro

Requirements:

• Preservation of Chevrolet bowtie on front and rear of vehicle, not to be painted
• High level of paint and build quality; no wraps
• Sponsorship decals to be limited to the lower 1/3 of the vehicle side
• Commit to periodic design and build check-ins
• Promote vehicle through November 4, 2015
• Retain vehicle insurance totaling at least $3 million until the completion of the one-year contract
• Submit proposal by March 31, 2014

Proposals must include:

• An introductory letter defining the vehicle theme, content and SEMA Show display location
• A realistic exterior rendering with the intended colors and modifications accurately defined
• A build timeline with start and completion dates
• A detailed list of upgrades and modifications, including new products developed with the use of the vehicle
• A promotional plan beyond the SEMA Show
• Three printed copies mailed to the address listed below
• An additional digital copy sent to the e-mail below

Builders are urged to contact Tom Gardner at thomas.gardner@gm.com before submitting a formal proposal to discuss the vehicle theme and modifications.

Send proposals to:

Tom Gardner
Mail Code: 480-717-004
GM Technical Center – AEC Building
30003 Van Dyke Ave.
Office 168-04
Warren, MI 48090-9060

	Ben Wulf has been named president and CEO of Port-A-Cool LLC.

Port-A-Cool Announces New President and CEO
Ben Wulf has been named president and CEO of Port-A-Cool LLC, a manufacturer of portable evaporative coolers and evaporative cooling media. He assumed the role from Bill Lloyd upon his retirement, effective January 2014.

At Port-A-Cool, Wulf most recently served as vice president of marketing and international sales. In that capacity, Wulf was instrumental in identifying key markets to build the company’s global presence through its distributor partner network in Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. More recently, he has spent significant time working with the company’s engineering, sourcing and manufacturing teams to help accelerate the growth of the company.

New West Coast Coker Tire Manufacturing Center Celebrates Grand Opening
The Coker Group opened its new 100,000-sq.-ft West Coast distribution and wheel manufacturing center in City of Industry, California. The company celebrated with a grand opening celebration in late-January, which was attended by local dignitaries, elected government officials, automotive celebrities and select media. The Coker Group’s new West Coast facility serves multiple purposes as a steel and wire wheel manufacturing plant, tire warehouse and distribution center allowing the company to easily assemble and ship products to customers in the Western United States and around the world.

In addition to serving as a manufacturing plant, warehouse and distribution center, the City of Industry facility also includes a small collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and assorted automobilia that is open to the public. Eventually, the company will hold regular visitor tours of the mini museum as well as guided tours of the wheel production facility where enthusiasts can watch their wheels being made.

Artonic Earns Award for ididit Website Creation, Design
Artonic, a Web-design and online-marketing firm based in Tecumseh, Michigan, earned the 2013 Summit International Awards (SIA) Marketing Effectiveness Award (MEA) for the company's creation and construction ididit inc's website.

According to ididit, Artonic created the ididit website from the ground up with ididit's direction, using custom design to mirror ididit’s detailed, award-winning hot-rod steering columns and accessories. The MEA-winning final product evidences its effectiveness by the ididit website's analytics data. This data shows a 57% bounce-rate decrease, 110% increase in visit duration, 188% increase in pages viewed per visit, and a 226% overall increase in page views.

Carlyle Group Completes Acquisition of DuPont Performance Coatings

Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group, has completed its acquisition of DuPont Performance Coatings and announced that the company is being renamed Axalta Coating Systems.  Axalta Coating Systems is a global supplier of coatings to the transportation and industrial sectors.

“We are excited to invest in Axalta Coating Systems and believe its strong market position and global footprint will enable the company to capitalize on opportunities in rapidly emerging markets such as China and Brazil. As experienced investors in the industrial and transportation sectors, the One Carlyle global network can help Axalta Coating Systems grow and create value,” said Martin Sumner, Principal of The Carlyle Group.

Charlie Shaver, the company’s Chairman and CEO added, “We look forward to this exciting next chapter for Axalta Coating Systems.  Our global scale with 35 plants and seven technology centers around the world, combined with Carlyle’s industrial focus and global network, position us well for the future.” As an independent company, Axalta Coating Systems will build on a foundation of more than 90 years in the coatings industry. The company serves more than 120,000 customers in 130 countries and provides customers with a full range of coating systems. 

Axalta Coating Systems develops, manufactures and sells coatings and application tools to automobile repair body shops and original equipment manufacturers in the automotive and heavy-duty truck markets. Its strong market positions are supported by global brands including Standox, Spies Hecker, Cromax and Imron. The company’s technology leadership is highlighted by its best-in-class third generation of waterborne systems developed to address growing customer requirements for higher productivity and environmentally friendly coatings.

Meyer Distributing and Vehicle Specialties Inc. Join Forces
Through a newly announced partnership between Meyer Distributing Inc. and Vehicle Specialties Inc., Meyer will use its logistical capabilities to bring enhanced service to VSI customers. The Hammond facility will remain in operation, continuing to work with its suppliers and customers and focusing on growth in the high-performance and racing parts industry.

"We are very eager to enter the performance industry wholeheartedly with this acquisition. VSI is very well respected among customers and suppliers so it’s a great fit,” states Nick Gramelspacher, vice president of sales and marketing at Meyer. “Being able to offer legendary product lines such as MSD, Comp Cams, Edelbrock, and many others across our nationwide network is of great excitement and opportunity.”

	Mike Boyte was appointed manufacturing manager for MultiCam Inc.

MultiCam Inc. Names Mike Boyte Manufacturing Manager
Mike Boyte has been appointed manufacturing manager for MultiCam Inc. He has more than 20 years of manufacturing and quality control experience in industries related to factory automation. In 2008, Boyte received his MBA from Texas A&M University. In addition, he is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and will continue to lead MultiCam’s efforts in lean manufacturing which were implemented in 2012. In his new position, Boyte will report to Tony McGrew, director of operations.

WeatherTech Makes Investment in Superbowl Ad
WeatherTech’s 30-second advertisement aired on Fox Network during the second quarter of Super Bowl XLVII between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks. The purchase of the advertisement time was a sizable marketing investment for the automotive floor mat manufacturer, according to Bolingbrook, Illinois-based WeatherTech.

"We have been thinking about buying ad time during the Super Bowl for the past three years," said David MacNeil, founder and CEO of WeatherTech. "With our confidence in the improving economy and the reach of over 111 million viewers that the Super Bowl coverage provides, we thought it was the right time to make the investment. It is a big outlay for our company, but we are looking at as an investment in our brand as well as in the future of our employees and their families." The WeatherTech commercial, titled “You Can’t Do That,” is focused on the company’s commitment to American manufacturing and creating jobs in the United States. It was designed to evoke a strong reaction from viewers, according to the company.

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.

The shooters at KGP Photography caught a prototype for Ford's replacement for the Shelby GT500, in the guise of this less-disguised prototype running the streets of Dearborn. The sunset light penetrates the front camouflage and shows the slit for the hood-mounted air scoop, pointing to forced-induction. The front fender shows an air-permeable mesh panel to allow for the functional vent aft of the front wheel. The quad exhaust is clearly seen without any camouflage. The prototype is running on 295/35/R19s.

Photo credit: KGP Photography