When truck and off-road builders, business owners, and leaders get together, amazing things happen! The industry recently reconnected in Las Vegas, Nevada at the 2021 SEMA Show, where they honored top leaders and products while raising money to help SEMA Cares and the related children’s charities.
Below are highlights of TORA-related activities from the SEMA Show:
TORA Reception:
More than 200 truck and off-road professionals celebrated the industry at the council’s SEMA Show reception. The event included an awards ceremony which recognized and honored top leaders in the truck and off-road market. The 2021 TORA Award winners are:
- Immediate Past Chair (IPC) Award – Erika Marquez, Warn Industries
- Retailer of the Year – Bill Silva, Tri-Country Tops, Inc.
- Jessi Combs Ambassador Award – Kathryn Reinhardt, 4WP Factory/Pro Comp/Rubicon
- Express/Smittybilt
- TORA Hall of Fame – Kelly Kneifl, Truck Hero
As part of the Pinewood Drags, attendees also purchased and raced 210 pinewood cars in support of SEMA Cares. This resulted in $3,980 being raised and donated to SEMA Cares and the association’s three select children’s charities.
TORA Happy Hour:
TORA members made new connections and reunited with colleagues at the TORA Booth Happy Hour. With current and prospective members in attendance, the event recognized and honored this year’s best new product award winners:
- TORA Light-Truck New Product Award - TailHand by TailHand
- TORA Off-Road New Product Award - Rock Lights with Integrated 4K Cameras by PROJECT X
TORA Feature Vehicles
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator by The Armorlight/WARN won the Feature Vehicle “Best in Show” award. Other feature vehicles included a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado by Magelssen/Borla; 2020 CAN-AM X3 by BOOSTane; 2021 Ford F450 by Defco/Truck Hero; and a 2020 Jeep Gladiator by Covercraft Industries.
All five companies donated a portion of their feature vehicle fee to SEMA Cares and raised a total of $3,500 to help children in need.
Why Truck and Off-Road Builders are Thriving, Powered by TORA
Top truck and off-road builders discussed the aftermarket’s best business opportunities during TORA’s SEMA Education seminar. Featuring Sean P. Holman of Motortrend Group as moderator, the seminar addressed the industry’s top questions on EV customization, the overland market, brand partnering and challenges due to the pandemic. Keep an eye out for the seminar recording to be available through SEMA’s virtual education in the near future.