By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) did not complete the regulatory process for its proposed amendments to the Proposition 65 short-form warning within the allotted time and has allowed the rulemaking to lapse.

OEHHA has stated it intends to start the regulatory process again with a new proposal to update the short-form warning label and will consider the comments on the previous proposal into this process. SEMA submitted comments opposing the initial proposal and the subsequent modifications, as the new regulations would have mandated that at least one chemical associated with cancer and/or one chemical known to be a carcinogen be identified on the short form.

Prop 65 was a ballot initiative enacted by California voters in 1986. It requires warning labels on products containing chemicals listed as known to cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm. There are more than 1,100 chemicals currently on the list. Prop 65 does not stop businesses from selling their products regardless of what chemicals they contain. It simply requires consumer warning labels under certain circumstances. The current short-form warning does not identify a specific chemical(s) while the long-form warning requires identification of a specific chemical(s).

The business community worked with OEHHA to develop the current 2018 short-form warning option as an acceptable alternative to the revised requirements for consumer product exposure warnings. Many companies use this option since the warning fits more easily on product packaging and in advertising materials and the company does not have to identify at least one chemical listed under Prop 65 that triggers the warning.

OEHHA had expressed concerns about an overuse of the short-form warning. The revisions OEHHA was pursuing would have required companies to update product labels, websites, and catalogs and instruct others downstream in the product chain about their Prop 65 obligations.

OEHHA’s notice can be found here.

Additional information on Prop 65 can be found here.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

ATC Breaks Ground on New HQ Facility

ATC has broken ground on its new 221,000 sq.-ft. facility in Nappanee, Indiana.

Aluminum Trailer Company (ATC), the trailer and RV manufacturer based in Nappanee, Indiana, has broken ground on its new 221,000 sq.-ft. facility. The building, still located in Nappanee, will serve as the company’s new headquarters and RV division. A ceremony for the new facility was attended by ATC CEO Robert Paden, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, Nappanee Mayor Phil Jenkins and representatives from Yoder Construction, which will oversee construction.

With about 440 current employees, the new facility will create the need for 150 to 200 employees. The announcement aligns with the company’s plans to shift from all-custom to ready-made and configurable trailers and RVs. For more information, visit atctrailers.com.

Melling Acquires Sigma Engineering

Based in Jackson, Michigan, Melling Engine Parts has announced the acquisition of Sigma Engineering, a developer and manufacturer of rocker arms and shafts located in Pontiac, Michigan. The announcement marks Melling’s second acquisition of manufacturing companies in recent months, following its acquisition of Casalandra Metal Stamping in late April. Sigma has supplied key automotive aftermarket customers with private-label products for 26 years. Sigma Engineering owner Arshad Suri will remain with Melling to help design and develop new valvetrain products. For more information, visit melling.com.

Anita Sehgal Elected to Holley Board of Directors

Holley has announced that Anita Sehgal has been elected to the Holley board of directors at the company’s annual meeting of shareholders. Sehgal currently serves as the senior vice president of marketing and communications for Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros. She also serves on the boards of Escalade—a sporting-goods, fitness and recreation equipment manufacturer based in Evansville, Indiana, and Reitman’s Canada—a publicly traded Canadian retailing company specializing in women’s clothing. Sehgal replaces Gina Bianchini, who did not seek re-election to the board this year. 

Lincoln Electric Announces Executive Additions, Promotion

Lincoln Electric Holdings, based in Cleveland, has announced Steven B. Hedlund has been promoted to COO. He has served on the Lincoln Electric executive management team since 2008 and most recently was executive vice president/president of domestic and international welding segments. Hedlund will continue to lead the welding segments’ “Higher Standard 2025” sustainability initiative, designed to advance growth and enhance margin and return performance. He will also be responsible for Lincoln Electric’s Harris Products Group (HPG) segment.

In addition, Lisa A. Dietrich has been named as executive vice president/chief information officer. She will oversee the company’s information technology systems, cybersecurity, and global IT initiatives. She most recently held an executive role at American Greetings Corp., where she led initiatives to leverage new digital platforms and re-design processes and IT systems.

Michelle N. Butler, meantime, has been appointed vice president of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) & Sustainability. In this new role, Butler will oversee EHS & Sustainability in an effort to advance safety, health, incident and accident prevention, regulatory compliance, and environmental management performance. She will also serve as a key member of Lincoln Electric’s Executive Sustainability Leadership Committee, which will oversee environmental, social, and governance initiatives. Butler most recently served as the director of Sustainability at Wabtec Corporation, where she led its EHS efforts in the US.

For more information, visit lincolnelectric.com. 

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Lee Riser, senior director of marketing for Jeep & Off-Road brands at Truck Hero, will join the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) for a Facebook and Instagram live chat on Wednesday, June 1, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT)/3:00 p.m. (EDT).

Involved in the automotive industry since 2003, Riser oversees eight premium brands, such as Bushwacker, Rugged Ridge, Superlift and N-Fab, and is no stranger to volunteering for SEMA. She has served as a select committee member on the SBN, as well as chair for both the Young Executives Network (YEN)—now known as the Future Leaders Network (FLN) and the Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA)—now known as the Truck & Off Road Alliance (TORA).

SEMA members are invited to tune into the live chat as Riser shares lessons learned from her career and experience in motor sports and marketing, her off-road experiences and details on her plans to compete in the 2022 Rebelle Rally in October.

Live chats are open Q&As where the audience can engage and ask questions to presenters live. Tune in to the SBN Facebook page or Instagram page @sbn_sema on June 1.

  By SEMA Editors

The digital SEMA Show Exhibitor Service Manual (ESM)—one of the most powerful online tools—was developed to highlight links to all of the resources pertinent to having a successful exhibit at the Show.

Utilizing the New Products Showcase is the best way to get your products in front of thousands of buyers at the SEMA Show.

To help you navigate efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Time spent understanding the tools available to you will pay dividends with ease of participation, provide better visibility with buyers and save you valuable time and money.

Included in the Exhibitor Service Manual:

• Feature vehicle information and application—deadline July 29
• New Products Showcase submissions—first product is free; additional products $75 (prior to October 8)
• Guidelines and policies
• Marketing, advertising and sponsorship

1. Advertising opportunities
2. Public-relations opportunities
3. Directory listing—deadline to update your listing in the Show Directory is August 19
4. Sponsorship brochures

• Meeting room applications
• Contact information
• Show hours
• Deadline checklist
• FAQs
• Booth vehicle information and application
• Information/target times on when freight must be at your booth
• General service contractor information

Freeman

• Carpeting
• Electrical
• Hanging signs
• Booth cleaning
• Booth installation and dismantle

Cox

• Internet and telephone services

Expo Ease

• Photography

Centerplate

• Catering/food and beverage

Show Security Management

• Booth security

The 2022 SEMA Show will be held November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Emerging entrepreneurs and innovators of new automotive products are invited to enter their companies and brand-new inventions into the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad competition at www.sema.org/launchpad.

Through the SEMA Launch Pad program, selected applicants are hand-picked to receive brand exposure, access to business resources, and the chance to win a grand-prize package valued at $92,000 to launch their product or service into the marketplace.

SEMA Launch Pad is the premier product-pitching competition for budding entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket industry. Through the program, selected applicants are hand-picked to receive brand exposure, access to business resources, and the chance to win a grand-prize package valued at $92,000 to launch their product or service into the marketplace.

“The automotive aftermarket is comprised of countless entrepreneurs who are extremely passionate about creating new products and providing solutions for enthusiastic car owners who love to modify, maintain, restore, or personalize their vehicles,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. “SEMA Launch Pad helps bring these emerging inventors to the forefront, providing a platform for them to potentially take their new creations to the next level.”

Fifteen semi-finalists will be selected in June to participate in the first round of pitching and be invited to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November. The top five finalists will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges during the SEMA Show, where a final winner will be selected.

SEMA Launch Pad is open to business owners or company-leading executives (president, CEO, CFO, COO or vice president) over the age of 18. Applicants must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept or currently for sale.

Applications to participate in SEMA Launch Pad must be submitted online at www.sema.org/launchpad by June 13, 2022.

  By SEMA Editors

Although the SEMA Priority Selection process is over, it’s not too late for exhibitors who want to participate in the 2022 SEMA Show to submit a booth space application. Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan throughout the week to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about exhibiting, refer to the Exhibitor Service Manual, where you will find information about deadlines, booth and feature vehicle applications, Show guidelines, booth services, target times for freight and more.

The 2022 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas.

  Each year, the SEMA Show displays hundreds of vehicles throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the Show's Feature Vehicle Program.

All vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting company allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show beyond their booth.

All vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting company allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show beyond their booth.

Each vehicle accepted will also be featured in the SEMA Show app displaying; vehicle image, make, model, year, color, products used as part of the build, builder’s name and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibiting company.  

When completing the Feature Vehicle application, you may also select the option of having your vehicle enrolled for consideration in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. “SEMA Battle of the Builders” is judged by industry experts and presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

Submit your Feature Vehicle Application.  

For any additional questions on submitting your Feature Vehicle application contact Maurice O’Connell at mauriceo@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

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

  Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.

Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”

Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors prepared to select their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process taking place May 2–18 that will lay the foundation for this year’s floorplan. Access to the Priority Space Selection process is available at www.semashow.com, with floorplan updates happening every 10–15 minutes.

“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.

Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.

“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.

Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

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.

Vice President of Marketing
JEGS is hiring a vice president of marketing responsible for managing and executing social, paid and affiliate marketing campaigns from conceptualization to creation to drive customer acquisition, and overseeing an eight-figure marketing budget to maximum efficiency through agency partners. Candidates must have a bachelor’s or master's degree in marketing or a related discipline and 10+ years of marketing experience, preferably in a related industry.

Multimedia Advertising Executive
Hemmings is seeking a dynamic sales professional to join its growing national sales team. The successful candidate is a top producer with strong consultative sales skill, with a proven track record of success in prospecting, business development and client service. This person excels in developing integrated marketing campaigns across multiple platforms, including digital, print and events.

Content Manager
Derive Systems is hiring a content manager responsible for elevating brand presence on key platforms through strategy and implementation. This role will support the company’s enthusiast brands, and can be based remotely in Florida, with a preference to be located near Sanford. Candidates must have more than five years of creating digital content and growing social audiences and a bachelor’s degree in marketing, journalism, communications or a relevant field.