SPC PLANS JOBBER/RETAILER FOCUS PANEL AND OTHER COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE NEWS

Click on the logo to visit SPC's website.

 

Find Out Where the Performance Market Is Headed

You are invited to attend SEMA’s Street Performance Council Jobber/Retailer Focus Panel during the PRI Trade Show. The panel will be held on Friday, December 12, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Orange County Convention Center, meeting room S230F on the third level.

To RSVP or if you have any questions about the Focus Panel, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

SPC Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

PERSON OF THE YEAR:   Ed Burgy

Criteria: This individual has made a significant impact on the street-performance industry; someone who has taken extra effort above and beyond what was asked to complete his/her job. This individual is a person whose creativity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have made a substantial contribution to the street-performance industry during the past year. The individual must be a member of SEMA and can be from any membership category including, but not limited to, manufacturer, dealer, promoter, installer or tuner.

PRESIDENTS AWARD:   Chris Thomson, AIRAID Filter Co. Dick Hill, Centerforce Clutches

Criteria: This individual or company has made a significant contribution to the sport-compact industry over the past year. The individual must be a member of SEMA and can be from any membership category including, but not limited to, manufacturer, dealer,  promoter, installer or tuner.

 

INDUSTRY ICON:   Frank Choi, International Drag Racing Association/Battle of the Imports

Criteria: This individual has been in the industry for at least a decade, is well known and fully represents the industry through their significant personal contribution that is beyond the call of duty in their job.

       
SPC Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read SPC's column featured in the November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

 

For information about SPC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

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Click on the logo to visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Long Range Planning Meeting

The annual ARMO Long Range Planning Meeting is scheduled during Auction Week in Scottsdale, Arizona on Friday, January 16, 2009 at the Resort Suites of Scottsdale. The open general membership session will be held 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. This meeting is the most important council meeting members could attend. In addition to networking with peers, each ARMO member has the opportunity to participate in setting the agenda for ARMO’s future. Please attend, participate and take an active part in our industry! For more details and to make your reservation, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Attention ARMO Members Attending the H&R Show

The Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis from March 12–14, 2009 is a definite “don’t miss” event! Not only is this one of the greatest trade shows for our niche industry, but there are several educational and networking opportunities in store for ARMO members:

• Exhibitors of the H&R show can sign up to host a workshop/seminar during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance’s (HRIA) Education Day on Thursday, March 12. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with attendees during your own one-hour session. Click here for details.

• All ARMO members are invited to attend a networking mixer hosted by the Young Executive’s Network (YEN) at The Ram Restaurant & Brewery at 140 S. Illinois St. from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Mix, mingle and meet new and old industry friends!

• Saturday, March 14 at 9:00 a.m., ARMO is hosting a seminar on "10 Things You Can Do Today to Improve Your Website Results Tomorrow" by Brian Offenberger. 

 

ARMO Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• Hall of Fame Award: Dennis Gage, Bradley David Productions/"My Classic Car"

• Hall of Fame Award: Randy Shannon, Source Interlink Media

• Hall of Fame Award: Steve Ames, Ames Performance Enterprises

• Person of the Year Award: Ernie Silvers, Egge Machine Co. Inc.
  

• Business of the Year Award: Carlisle Events

• Restoration Vehicle of the Year Award: 1958 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible; owned by Tom Gerrard; restored by American Classic Auto Restoration Inc.

New products shown and judged at Spring Carlisle:

• Original Restoration Category: 1969 Yenko Camaro Continuation Series, Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists 

• Resto Mod Category: Roller-Hoop Body Rotation System, DSK Auto Products LLC, Doug Kielian

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read ARMO's column featured in the November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

 

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Click on the logo to visit HRIA's website.

 

HRIA Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• Hall of Fame Award: Debbie Walls, Lokar Performance Products
  

• Hall of Fame Award: George Lane, Motor State Distributing

• Business of the Year Award: Speedway Motors

• Industry Recognition of an Individual Award: Bret Voelkel, Air Ride Technologies
  

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read HRIA's column featured in the November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

 

For more information about HRIA, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

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Click on the logo to visit TORA's website.

TORA Booth Draws a Crowd While Raising Money for Victory Junction Gang Camp

The 2008 TORA SEMA Show booth in South Hall featured this vehicle from Dingmaster.


Cap-it International's vehicle on display.

A.R.E. made a $1,000 donation to Victory Junction Gang Camp to display their vehicle.

 

“I cannot remember any time in recent history that our booth had such a constant stream of traffic,” said TORA Chairman Ron DiVincenzo. “The quality and diversity of our three display vehicles offered something for literally everyone in the light-truck accessories market, from off-road to high-tech electronics to a packaged commercial truck that looks as good as it performs. I cannot thank the owners enough. They really raised the bar on the quality of our booth, all the while making a tremendous donation to Victory Junction Gang Camp. I could not be more pleased.”

 

Each vehicle represents a $1,000 donation made to Victory Junction Gang Camp on behalf of the vehicle owner. A total of $3,000 was raised for the camp that serves kids with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.

“I must also thank our Select Committee members,” said DiVincenzo. “Each one volunteered time during a busy Show schedule to make sure the booth was staffed at all times. The vehicles drew them in, and our Select Committee was there to deliver the message about TORA member benefits.”

TORA Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• 2008 Best New Product Under $500: Undercover, Swingcase

• 2008 Best New Product Over $500: Roll-N-Lock, E series

• 2008 Retailer of the Year Award: John Chamberlaine, Action Group of Companies

• 2008 TORA Hall of Fame Award: Anne Johnson, Keystone Automotive

• 2008 TORA Chairman’s Award: Todd Yeoman, American Technology Components

• 2008 Best POP Display Award: Agri-Cover, EZ Retriever/Stocking Display

• 2008 Ford Styling Awards Best Use of Accessories on a Ford Truck/SUV (presented by Ford): Kelderman Air Suspension

• 2008 Ford Styling Awards Best Use of Accessories on a Ford Truck/SUV (presented by Ford): Westin Automotive Products

TORA Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read TORA's column featured in the November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

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Click on the logo to visit MPMC's website.

 

MPMC Awards Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• MPMC Media Person of the Year Award: Ed Zinke, Source Interlink Media

Media Registers for Annual MPMC Media Trade Conference

 

Media who wish to attend the 12th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference may register online now at www.sema.org/media. The MPMC Media Trade Conference provides media attendees the opportunity to have up to 42 individual, 30-minute, face-to-face meetings with various manufacturers to gather technical and new-product content.

During the registration process, attendees are asked to prioritize each of the 100 exhibiting manufacturers as “must meet with,” “okay to meet with” or “do not wish to meet with.” Following the close of registration on December 5, individualized schedules are produced for each attendee and exhibitor, utilizing the prioritizations as much as possible. 

 

The MPMC Media Trade Conference is widely regarded by both manufacturers and media as a “must attend” event. Now in its 12th consecutive year, the conference has grown to an extent that the number of exhibitor spots is capped at 100, due to time and space constraints. Even so, many media attendees report that they gather enough editorial and technical content in three days to last them an entire 12 months.

Likewise, exhibiting manufacturers acknowledge that the Media Trade Conference gives them exposure to media that is not available at any other venue. Only MPMC member manufacturers are eligible to apply for an exhibitor suite, making the conference a true council member benefit.

 

MPMC Column in SEMA Member News

 

Click on the logo to visit MRC's website.

 

MRC Project Brainstorming Session at the PRI Show
 
MRC will be conducting a Project Brainstorming Session at the Rosen Plaza Hotel on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 from 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Lunch will be served. All reps are welcome and encouraged to participate in this open forum and address issues faced daily by reps in all segments of the automotive industry. Bring your ideas and suggestions to raise the bar for all manufacturers reps. So we can accommodate attendees with food and beverage, we ask that you take a moment and contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289 x104 or stacib@sema.org by Monday, December 1, 2008.
 
Manufacturers Seeking Rep List Now Available

Manufacturers’ representatives are encouraged to contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org to request the Manufacturers Seeking Rep List, which is available at no cost. Compiled using information collected from manufacturers prior to the 2008 SEMA Show, the listing contains details on manufacturers currently seeking the services of manufacturers’ representatives along with the lines available and company contact information. The list was originally available in the Manufacturers’ Representatives Council (MRC) Rep Center during the week of the 2008 SEMA Show.

 

MRC Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• Hall of Fame Award: Bill Perry, Bill Perry & Associates

• STAR Award (Sales Team Annual Recognition): Winfield Consumer Products/Husky Liners
  

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read MRC's column featured in the November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

 

For information about MRC, contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org. 

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Click on the logo to visit PRO's website.

 

PRO Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• Jim Borre Lifetime Achievement Award: Bob Nardine, Bob’s Top Shop

• Restyler of the Year: Diana Braschler, Dealer Source Ltd.

• Truck Accessory Specialist of the Year: Charlie Pruitt, Auto & Truck Restylers

• Trimmer of the Year: Eric Browner, Auto Mat Co.

PRO Business Development Guidebooks Now On Sale

In today’s ever-changing marketplace, staying ahead of the competition is more important and challenging than ever. To be successful, you not only need an effective business strategy, but also the tools and resources to help your company excel and stand out from the pack. The PRO Business Development Guidebook is your handy reference guide.

 

Beginning with an overview of the importance of having a business plan—including tips on how to develop a business plan and the many purposes it can serve—the manual offers chapter-by-chapter strategies for making your business a success. From understanding the basics of business finance and the importance of quality and service and how to make them hallmarks of your business to building knowledge and skills among your employees to branding your restyling business as a market leader, the guidebook offers information critical to the day-to-day and long-term operation of your business.

 

Whether you’re starting your own restyling business or already own one—be it mobile or brick and mortar—you’ll find the answers that you’ve been looking for in the guidebook. PRO Council members contributed much of the information contained in the guidebook, drawing on their experience and knowledge to present a valuable business tool.

Click here to download the business guidebook order form, or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

PRO Column in SEMA Member News

Read PRO's column featured in the November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

 

For information about PRO, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

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Click on the logo to visit WTC's website.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:   Greg Weld, Greg Weld Design Inc.

Criteria: The winner must have demonstrated exceptional service, integrity, good character and business ethics related to the wheel and tire industry for a period of 20 or more years. The winner must be a current or past member of SEMA.

 

PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD:   Corky Coker, Coker Tire Co.

Criteria: This individual must have demonstrated exceptional service, integrity and business ethics throughout the last 12 months. This individual must be a member of SEMA and WTC and has devoted a majority of his/her/their annual business resources to a product or service related to the wheel and tire industry throughout the last 12 months.

 

WTC Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read WTC's column featured in the November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about WTC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org. 

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Click on the logo to visit SBN's website.

SBN Honors Winners of Its Committee Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• Athena Award: COMP Performance Group

• Woman of the Year Award: Lori LaCosse

Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

 
“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career.  In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

 

For more information on the program, click here.

 

SBN Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read SBN's column featured in the November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

 

For information about SBN, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org. 

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Click on the logo to visit YEN's website.

 

YEN Honors Winners of Its Committee Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

 

YOUNG EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR:   Tim Watts, Superlift Suspension Systems

Criteria: This individual must be a member of the Young Executives Network. This individual must have demonstrated exceptional service, integrity, professional growth and business ethics throughout the last 12 months. This individual must have demonstrated exemplary performance and/or provided growth for his/her company or industry through his/her actions, visions and/or contributions for the present and future.

 

VANGUARD AWARD:   Van Woodell, Weathers Auto Supply Jeep Worthan, Auto Meter Products

Criteria: The winner must be a current or past member of SEMA (no age requirement). The winner must have demonstrated exceptional service, integrity and business ethics. The Vanguard Award is presented to a person, company or sanctioning body that has influenced the professional growth, and/or cultivation of talent for young executives through its actions, mentoring, visions and/or contributions for the past, present and future.

 

Join YEN

 

Did you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the SEMA Young Executives Network for FREE. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

 

YEN Member of the Month Spotlight

 

Did you know that 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 www.sema.org/yen.

 

Discover The SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

 

“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

 

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

 

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

 

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career.  In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

 

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

For more information on the program, click here.

YEN Column in SEMA Member News

 

Read YEN's column featured in the November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about YEN, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.