WEBSITE HONORS LATE SCC PIONEER RICHARD SCHROEDER AND OTHER SEMA COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE NEWS

Richard Schroeder: A special online forum has been created in honor of the late Richard Schroeder, who passed away August 13 after a brief bout with cancer. The forum is located at http://schrodo.com/tinc?key=NsDOvKiY&start=-1&reverse=1.

Schroeder was a charter member of the Import Performance Committee, which is now known at the Sport-Compact Council. Learn more about Schroeder’s life and passion for motorsports, visit his website at http://www.schrodo.com/index.html. 

The latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

SEMA has hired Jim Skelly as Council Relations Director. Skelly brings with him more than 15 years of experience at the NHRA, and he will serve as the staff liaison for the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) and the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA). As an auto enthusiast and a strong communicator, Skelly will be instrumental in helping the councils move forward and achieve their respective goals. He can be reached at jimsk@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 103.

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

ARMO traditionally recognizes and celebrates outstanding members who made a difference in the restoration industry throughout the year. The ARMO Industry Awards Reception during the SEMA Show is only two months away!

The Manufacturer of the Year, the Dealer/Retailer of the Year and the Associate Company of the Year awards have merged now known as the Business of the Year Award.

The following prestigious council awards will be given this year:

• Person of the Year
• Business of the Year
• Restoration Event of the Year*
• Best New Product of the Year (Voted on at Spring Carlisle 2007, presented at ARMO Reception) Original Restoration; Resto-Mod

To review criteria and download a copy of the nomination forms click here. Nomination forms must be received by SEMA on or before Friday, August 22, 2007.

• To better serve the membership of the council, the leadership of ARMO is determined to involve more members in their planning sessions and allow more time to research viable projects before submitting budgetary items for fiscal year 2008. Members are asked to make plans to head east in October to attend this yearly open meeting. The council leadership recognizes one of the many strengths ARMO has lies in networking with other industry professionals. A networking opportunity prior to the Long Range Planning Meeting is in place. Members are invited to attend the ARMO Mixer on Sunday, October 7, at the close of Fall Carlisle. Situated on fairgrounds property, a nostalgic car dealership will provide the back drop for this event and will also host the Long Range Planning meeting.
  
  
  Date:  Monday, October 8, 2007
  Location: Carlisle Fairgrounds – Carlisle, Pennsylvania
  Schedule: 7:30 a.m. (Continental Breakfast available) 
  8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.–Open Session
  12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch
  
  All ARMO member companies, branch offices and individuals are welcome to attend and are encouraged to participate. For more information or to reserve your space, contact Jan Desma at armo@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 134. For travel assistance, contact Manya Petropaki, Travel Store USA, 888/219-1915 x19268 or 949/930-9268, manya.p@travelstoreUSA.com.

To learn more about ARMO, visit www.sema.org/armo or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

HRIA recognizes and celebrates those outstanding individuals and companies who continually seek to make a difference and improve our hobby and industry niche. This celebration traditionally takes place at the HRIA Industry Awards Reception during the SEMA Show and will once again be held this year.

Not only will we have our inductees into our Hall of Fame, we will recognize the HRIA Business of the Year and give Industry Recognition to an exceptional Individual.

• Hall of Fame
• Business of the Year
• Industry Recognition of an Individual
• Recognition of the Best New Product of the Year (Judged from the New Products display at the SEMA Show)

To review criteria and download a copy of the nomination forms click here. Nomination forms must be received by SEMA on or before Friday, August 22, 2007.

To learn more about the HRIA, visit www.sema.org/hria or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

• TORA's Open Long-Range Planning Meetings is set for Wednesday, August 22, at the Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Lakefront Hotel, Chicago. For flight and hotel arrangements, contact Manya Petropaki at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268 or e-mail manya.p@travelstoreUSA.com.
  
• The DVD “Why Paint Colors Vary?” This valuable resource is now available. TORA members now have a valuable new tool that will help educate consumers about the challenges of the paint-color-matching process. Available for dealers and installers to play in their waiting areas, the video is presented in a professional format and brings a consistent message on why paint colors vary. The TORA “Why Paint Colors Vary?” DVD is available to TORA council members free of charge (or $49.95 for non-TORA members). Other tools available from TORA are the CHMSL and altered-height CDs. For details or to place an order, contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289, ext. 104, or e-mail stacib@sema.org.

To learn more about the TORA, visit www.sema.org/TORA or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

• The 11th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference is set for Tuesday, January 22–Thursday, January 24, 2008, at the Embassy Suites Hotel LAX South in Los Angeles. For more information on the MPMC Media Trade Conference, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

To learn more about the MPMC, visit www.sema.org/mpmc.

Manufacturers' Representatives Council (MRC)

The MRC Hall of Fame was designed to honor outstanding persons in the segment of the automotive industry known as manufacturers' representatives. It is the most prestigious award presented by the council to dedicated individuals who enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the manufacturers' rep profession or the council’s growth.

Members of the MRC Hall of Fame include: Bob Patteri and Bob Airheart.

The STAR (Sales Team Annual Recognition) Award is presented to an outstanding sales team working with the MRC Manufacturers' Rep.

• Deals professionally with manufacturers representatives.
• Provides timely and accurate updates on products and company policies.
• Introduces new products and updates products as demand warrants.
• Considers manufacturer representatives and customers comments when developing products and forecasting.
• Provides representatives with necessary sales strategies including samples, sales literature and competitive comparisons.
• Participates with representatives in fieldwork, making sales calls as necessary.
• Asks for and evaluates feedback from manufacturer representatives on competitive activity and customer comments.
• Regularly reviews goals and targets accounts with manufacturers representatives.
• Participates and supports SEMA by attending events and promoting the organization.
• Provides sales figures on a monthly basis.

Past recipients of this award include:

• AIRAID Premium Filters (two years in a row!), Lund International
• Westin Automotive, Auto Meter Products Inc and MSD Ignition

To review criteria and download a copy of the nomination forms click here. Nomination forms must be received by SEMA on or before Friday, August 22, 2007.

SEMA and the Manufacturers Rep council cordially invite you to participate in The SEMA/MRC Interactive Town Hall Dinner, a new component of the SEMA MRC Rep Conference that is designed specifically for manufacturers, WDs and reps. The MRC Rep Conference Town Hall Interactive Dinner takes place immediately following the close of the PWA Conference on Wednesday, September 26, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the famed MRC sponsored cocktail hour. Dinner service will begin at 6:20 p.m., and the Town Hall discussion will begin at 7:00 p.m. lasting until 9:00 p.m.

The Town Hall is a unique interactive discussion that will explore the expectations the manufacturer, the warehouse distributor, and the manufacturers rep all have in an agency or rep servicing a satellite warehouse location. 

• Join leading manufacturers and WD’s in uncovering the best way to address sales training for WDs.
• Discover new ways to introduce new products, ultimately leading to more sales.
• Go home with practical solutions to your biggest challenges.

Reserving your seat is easy, click here to download a copy of the registration form. To learn more about the MRC Rep Conference, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Jan Desma at mrc@sema.org or call 909/396-0289, ext. 134.

To learn more about the MRC, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

To learn more about PRO, visit www.sema.org/pro or contact Ellen McKoy at ellenm@sema.org.

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

• SCC Business of the Year, Person of the Year, Industry Image and Industry Icon Award nomination forms have been mailed to all SCC members. The awards will be presented during the SCC Reception on Wednesday, October 31, 5 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton, Pavilion 6. Your nominations and support are important to your council. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the SCC Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Nominations are due by Friday, August 24.
  

SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN

• Get Connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking—a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes you can meet someone new in the automotive industry; you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

To learn more about the SCC, visit www.sema.org/scc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

• WTC Lifetime Achievement and Person of the Year Award nomination forms have been mailed to all WTC members. The awards will be presented during the WTC Reception set for Wednesday, November 1, 5:00–7:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. Your nominations and support are important to your council. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the WTC Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Nominations are due by Friday, August 17.
  
  
• Like to get some exposure for your company in front of the wheel and tire industries’ top companies and also have a good time? Become a sponsor of the WTC Reception during the 2007 SEMA Show. The reception is scheduled for Wednesday, November 1, 5:00–7:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. Sponsorship Agreement forms have been mailed to all WTC members. If you need a Sponsorship Agreement form or have any questions about the WTC Reception, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship Agreements must be received by Friday, September 28.
  
  
• Get connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking—a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes you can meet someone new in the automotive industry; you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

To learn more about the WTC, visit www.sema.org/wtc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

• SBN Athena and Woman of the Year Award nomination forms have been mailed to all SBN members. The awards will be presented during the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN on Thursday, November 1, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Your nominations and support are important to your committee. Return all nominations by Friday, August 17. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the SBN Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org.
  
  
• Like to get some exposure for your company in front of the industries’ top companies and also meet new people? Become a sponsor of the SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN during the 2007 SEMA Show. The breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Sponsorship Agreement forms have been mailed to all SBN members. If you need a Sponsorship Agreement form or have any questions about the WTC Reception, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship Agreements must be received by Friday, September 28.
  
  
• Get expert advice on a business-related problem. The SEMA Mentoring Program, Powered by the SBN, is available to all employees of SEMA-member companies. Ask a one-time question or be matched with an established leader. Visit www.sema.org/mentoring for details.
  
  
• SBN has sponsorship opportunities available for its annual breakfast held in conjunction with the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. For information, visit www.sema.org/images/pdf/2007SBNBreakfastSponsorshipAgreement.pdf.
  

To learn more about the SBN, visit www.sema.org/sbn.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

• YEN Young Executive of the Year and Vanguard Award nomination forms have been mailed to all YEN members. The awards will be presented during the YEN Reception scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, 5:00–7:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. Your nominations and support are important to your council. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the YEN Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Return all nominations by Friday, August 17.
  
  
• Would you like to gain more exposure for your company among our industry’s rising young executives?  Would you like to enjoy a fun evening getting to know these future industry leaders? Become a sponsor of the Young Executives Network Reception! The reception is scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, 5:00–7:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. The reception will have a '50s theme. Sponsorship Agreement forms have been mailed to all YEN members. If you need a Sponsorship Agreement form or have any questions about the YEN Reception, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship Agreements must be received by Friday, September 28, 2007.
  
  
• Get Connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking—a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes you will meet someone new in the automotive industry; you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.
  
• The annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, hosted by the YEN, raised more than $70,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in 2006. If you are interested in donating an item or becoming involved in the 2007 Silent Auction, visit the YEN website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Did you know that YEN sponsors networking events and mixers at most of the major trade shows and conferences? If you are interested in becoming a member of the SEMA Young Executive’s Network, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Did you know that the YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections or to make a nomination, visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

To learn more about the YEN, visit www.sema.org/yen or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.