ARMO, HRIA and SBN Announce Slates for New Select Committee Members and Other Council and Committee News

5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

ARMO Open Council Meeting

7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

ARMO Roundtable

7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Thursday, November 5, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Column in SEMA Member News

Read ARMO's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

Click on the logo to visit HRIA's website.

Six Seats Open for HRIA Select Committee

Elections for a seat on the HRIA Select Committee will take place the week of May 18, 2009. HRIA member companies should expect to receive candidate campaign materials in the mail shortly. Each HRIA member company is asked to review and consider their choices carefully.

We congratulate the following nominees for making the slate:

Del Austin – Street Thunder – Incumbent
S. Kellie Colf – Eaton Detroit Spring – Incumbent
Douglas Frymer – Law Office of Douglas A. Frymer
Ray Gorman – Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.
Michael Kunzman – Michael Kunzman & Associates
Bob Millard – Championship Auto Show/ISCA
Eric Saltrick – Steele Rubber Products – Incumbent
Vince Sica – Power Master (MCI Inc.)
Bret Voelkel – Air Ride Technologies

The willingness of these candidates to volunteer their time to give back to the 300+ HRIA member companies is welcomed. The ability to take off company and personal hats to work for the good of entire HRIA membership and not for personal gain is one of the most honorable traits a Select Committee member holds. We are pleased to have their interest, dedication and support in this unique alliance.

Each HRIA company will be asked to vote for six of these exceptional dedicated individuals. We wish all candidates well with their election campaign.

Questions regarding HRIA council elections can be directed to the chairman of the nominations/elections committee, Dennis Overholser at 817/244-6212 x1008 or Council Relations Director Jan Desma at 909/396-0289 x134 or jand@sema.org.

HRIA Industry Awards Reception

5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Thursday, November 5, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

Read HRIA's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

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

Click on the logo to visit TORA's website.

TORA Long-Range Planning Meeting Moves to Pasadena

TORA members can pack plenty of activity around this year’s annual Long-Range Planning (LRP) Meeting. Scheduled for Thursday, July 30, at the Westin Hotel in Pasadena, California from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., the meeting is being held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser at the Pasadena Convention Center on Saturday, August 1. The SEMA Pinewood Drag Race and a car show are also on tap for that day.

Sandwiched between the Thursday LRP meeting and Saturday’s SEMA festivities at the Convention Center, Friday is available for attendees to see West Coast clients or spend a free day in Old Town Pasadena. Old Town is filled with an eclectic mix of shops, stores and restaurants that easily make a full day of sightseeing within walking distance of the Westin and Convention Center.

“This is a tough year for everyone,” said TORA Chairman Ron DiVincenzo. “A West Coast trip may not make sense on the surface, but we wanted to hold the meeting in conjunction with some other event so that members could combine two trips into one. With the postponement of the TSTC in March, the only other big event coming up is the SEMA Show in November.

"At the SEMA Show, everyone is already overwhelmed, and it’s really not a good venue at which to conduct long-range planning. While this may keep some of our East Coast and Midwest companies from attending, on a positive note we’re hoping that some of the West Coast members, who rarely come east for an LRP, can attend this year’s meeting.”

Please contact TORA Staff Liaison Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org for more information.

TORA Closed Select Committee Meeting

TORA Industry Reception

5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

George Lathouris Named TORA Chair-Elect

The TORA Select Committee has named Keystone’s George Lathouris as its chair-elect. Lathouris will assume his new responsibilities on July 1, when Kelly Kneifl assumes the duties of chairman from current Chairman Ron DiVincenzo. Congratulations to George!

TORA Column in SEMA Member News

Read TORA's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

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

Read MPMC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

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

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Click on the logo to visit MRC's website.

MRC General Membership Meeting and Awards Ceremony

MRC will be holding its membership meeting and awards ceremony on Sunday, November 1, from 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

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 MRC Rep Center during the week of the 2008 SEMA Show.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MRC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

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

Click on the logo to visit PRO's website.

The annual PRO Long-Range Planning Meeting is slated for Thursday and Friday, June 18–19, in Detroit. The Crown Plaza Hotel, minutes from the Detroit Metro Airport, will once again host the event and is offering a blocked-out room rate of only $115 for meeting attendees. Lunch is included both days, with a continental breakfast also included on Friday morning.

The Long-Range Planning Meeting begins at 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning, continues through lunch and then moves into breakout groups in the afternoon. The breakout groups continue on Friday. Everyone will reconvene mid-morning on Friday for breakout reports and a box lunch before adjourning at 1:00 p.m., in time for those early afternoon flights back home.

There is no better opportunity to share ideas and plan for solutions than at the PRO Long-Range Planning Meeting. Official meeting notices will go out shortly with more details. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

PRO Closed Select Committee Meeting

3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., Sunday, November 1, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

PRO Industry Reception

5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

PRO General Membership Meeting

7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Thursday, November 5, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.

PRO Business Development Guidebook 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.

To order the PRO Business Development Guidebook, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

PRO Column in SEMA Member News

Read PRO's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

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

Click on the logo to visit SPC's website.

SPC Announces Select Committee Candidates

Ballots are scheduled to be sent out electronically May 15.

We congratulate the following nominees for making the slate:

Steve Bolio – Scafidi-Bolio & Associates
Ed Burgy – McCullough Public Relations – Incumbent
Jack Cummings – Endeavors
Laurel Dasher – Superchips Inc.
Baadal “Bottle” Deliwala – Titan Motorsports Inc.
Doug Dwyer – Schiefer Media Inc.
Chris Dye – Club RSX Inc.
Regis Finn – B & M Racing & Performance Products Inc.
Gigi Ho – Digital Performance Inc.
Jim Liaw – Formula Drift Inc. – Incumbent
Mike Lovro – Auto Meter Products Inc.
Nikolas Malechikos – Redline Track Events LLC
Todd Miller – Wellman Products Group
Oliver Rathlein – Eibach Springs Inc. – Incumbent
Albert Reda – Vibrant Power Inc. – Incumbent
Brian Reese – Competition Cams Inc. – Incumbent
Malen Reger – Motovicity Distribution – Incumbent
MK Sathya – Keystone Automotive Operations Inc.
Jeff Stacy – Fragola Performance Systems
James Yim – Falken Tire Corp. – Incumbent

Webinar Sponsored by the Street Performance Council

SPC Reception

5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

Read SPC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

Click on the logo to visit SBN's website.

10 Seats Open for SBN Select Committee

Elections for a seat on the SBN Select Committee will take place the week of May 18, 2009.

Seven of the seats will be for a two-year term and three of the seats will be for a one-year term.

Individual SBN members should expect to receive candidate campaign materials in the mail shortly.

Each SBN member is asked to review and consider their choices carefully.

We congratulate the following nominees for making the slate:

Vicki Archila – R & R Marketing Consultants
Nan Kevin Gelhard – Summit Racing Equipment
Erin Gilhuly – Toyota Motor Sales
Jessica Grindle – Advanstar Communications
Cheralyn Hale – Advanced Clutch Technology
Julie Helms – Edgenet Inc. (Big Hammer)
Gigi Ho – Digital Performance Inc.
Anne Johnson – Keystone Automotive Operations
Melissa Lawrence – Power TV Media – Incumbent
Nancy Loetfering – Davert Tools Inc. – Incumbent
Laurie Marcellus – Trans American Auto Parts LLC Off Road Adventures

Cathi J. Robbe – Colorado State University
Trina Wilson – Dci – Incumbent
Mandi Woodell – Weathers Auto Supply

The willingness of these candidates to volunteer their time and give back to the 270+ SBN members and SEMA member companies is welcomed. The ability to take off company and personal hats to work for the good of our membership and not for personal gain is one of the most honorable traits a Select Committee member holds. We are pleased to have their interest, dedication and support in this unique network of members.

Each SBN individual member will be asked to vote for 10 of these exceptional dedicated individuals. We wish all candidates well with their campaign efforts.

Questions regarding SBN committee elections can be directed to the chairman of the nominations/elections committee, Tammy Holland at 901/375-3451 or Council Relations Director Jan Desma at 909/396-0289 x134 or email jand@sema.org.

5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., Monday, November 2, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

SEMA Networking Breakfast Powered by SBN

7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Thursday, November 5, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

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.

Visit the SEMA Mentoring Program now.

SBN Column in SEMA Member News

Read SBN's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

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

Click on the logo to visit WTC's website.

WTC Announces Select Committee Candidates

Ballots are scheduled to be sent out electronically May 15.

We congratulate the following nominees for making the slate:

Keith Alinder – Wheel Pros Inc. – Incumbent
Jack Daly – J.D. Companies Motive Solutions LLC
Joe Findeis – Wheel Consultants
Doug Frymer – Law Office of Douglas A. Frymer – Incumbent
Russ Fuller – Revolution Supply Co. Inc.
Fenton Liffick – Prestige Autotech Corporation – Incumbent
Carl Mercincavage – Keystone Automotive Operations Inc.
Gautam Pathak – Dealer Tire
Dean Pellegrino – Tru Align LLC – Incumbent
Mark Plumer – Mark Plumer Consulting
Marc Pugh – Ultra Wheel Company
Joe Schaefer – Konig Motoring Accessories
Brock Weld – BMF Wheels Inc. – Incumbent

WTC Long-Range Planning Meeting

Attend the WTC Long-Range Planning Meeting and help shape the course of the council’s agenda. It’s time to voice your opinion.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2009, from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. at:

SEMA Headquarters
AAA Building—Second Floor
1577 South Valley Vista Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765

RSVP by Friday, May 8, 2009 to Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Can’t make it to the meeting in person? Participate on the Internet! For more information on how to participate on the Internet, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext 112, or paulm@sema.org.

WTC Open Meeting

2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday, November 2, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

WTC Reception

5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, during SEMA Show week at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

WTC Column in SEMA Member News

Read WTC's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

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

Click on the logo to visit YEN's website.

YEN Announces Select Committee Candidates

Ballots are scheduled to be sent out electronically May 22.

We congratulate the following nominees for making the slate:

Mike Bolio – Scafidi-Bolio & Associates – Incumbent
Kris Carlson – Auto Meter Products Inc.
Ashley Chalk – Auto Club Speedway of Southern California – Incumbent
Casey Coker – Coker Tire Co. Inc. – Incumbent
S. Kellie Colf – Eaton Detroit Spring Inc. – Incumbent
Dan Dolan – DiabloSport Inc.
Ron Ezzell Jr. – Custom Logistics Inc.
Jason Fink – Advantage Truck Accessories Inc.
Kevin German – Ground Force Suspension
Chris Gramelspacher – Meyer Distributing
Eddie Hamilton – Bob Cook Sales
Bennett Jackson – Winfield Consumer Products Inc.
Derrick Johnstone – Alliance Sales

Nathan Kunzman – Michael A. Kunzman & Associates
James Lawrence – Power TV Media
L.J. Lobsinger – Specialty Auto Parts USA Inc.
Trey Owen – Earl Owen Co. Inc.
Josh Pendolphia – KAM Marketing Inc.
Cary Redman – Prestolite Performance/Mr. Gasket
Robert Wityczak – Grant Products International Inc. – Incumbent

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.

Visit the SEMA Mentoring Program now.

YEN Column in SEMA Member News

Read YEN's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.

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