Young children learn their ABCs most often through fun activities and songs. Next come the Three Rs—Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic—a phrase first attributed to an article that appeared in an 1818 edition of The Lady’s Magazine. Flash forward 200 years and the talk among today’s educators is all about STEM.
With more than 1,000 members—all younger than 40—who work and reside across the United States and beyond, the Young Executives Network (YEN) strives to deliver resources to help young professionals sharpen skills and advance their careers.
“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry,” wrote the Scottish poet Robert Burns, which aptly describes many of the plans the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) had put in place for 2020 but which came to an abrupt halt as a consequence of the COVID-19 epidemic. First to go was an SBN Meet Up set for the Keystone Big Show. Plans for four regional Lunch and Learn events for mid-level female employees were also put on hold, and two CEO retreats for executive-level women and business owners, originally slated for summer and fall, may have to be rescheduled.
When the United States was put on a nationwide lockdown, SEMA councils and networks had to put some programs on hold while also moving forward with other initiatives to help keep members informed, motivated and involved. The Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) was no exception. According to network Chair Ian Lehn, ETTN is still open for business.
The Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) has long been a clearinghouse for information on trends, technology, product development and legislative and regulatory issues that affect the market segment it represents. For instance, to assist in the development of new products, the council created the WTC Wheel Measurement Database, which contains wheel measurement information on new vehicles accessible through measuring sessions held periodically at the SEMA Garage.
Truck culture is at the heart of the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA). From its earliest days as the Truck Cap Industry Association, which later morphed into the Truck Cap & Accessory Association, to its more recent identity as the Light Truck & Accessory Alliance (LTAA), the group has continually maintained a forward-thinking approach to embracing businesses that can benefit from and contribute to the success of the industry.
When the SEMA Board of Directors approved the creation of a council structure in 1993 (in lieu of committees that existed at the time), the concept was considered somewhat radical. In the decades since, the council model has not only taken hold but mushroomed.
Creating a business climate that fosters growth and success for its members is at the heart of the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council’s (MPMC) mission. To that end, the MPMC provides a range of resources—legislative and technical support, the Racing & Performance Section at the SEMA Show, seminars at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show, and the “MPMC Business Guidelines Manual,” to name a few. But the council is perhaps best known for its annual Media Trade Conference.
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) has ranked education as a key component of its mission from its early days as the Street Rod Market Alliance (SRMA). In the mid-’90s, SEMA and SRMA launched the Street Rod Industry Trade Conference. Held at a hotel in San Antonio, Texas, in conjunction with Vintage Air, the yearly business-to-business event served as a launch pad for business-management seminars and hands-on technical workshops.
Two years ago, Tray Smith assumed the role of chair of the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) after having served two years as chair-elect. At the same time, Ben Tucker was chosen by his peers on the select committee to serve in the chair-elect slot.
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