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SEMA Council & Committee News: MPMC and WyoTech Host Panel Discussion on Performance Market Trends and Technology

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MPMC and WyoTech will host an automotive panel discussion, Wednesday, January 20, at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, California, following the second day of the MPMC Media Trade Conference.

MPMC members and media are invited to attend the panel discussion beginning at 7:00 p.m., which will feature top performance aftermarket industry leaders talking on future trends, technology and training. This moderated panel will challenge members to share their views on careers, new product development, hybrids, future technology and more.

The event is free to MPMC members and media and will feature the following panelists:

  • John Hurd, Campus President, WyoTech
  • Doug Dwyer, Executive Vice President, Schiefer Media
  • Doug Evans, Senior Vice President, Source Interlink Media
  • Jeff Gerkin, General Manager, BMW South County
  • Paul “Scooter” Brothers, Co-Owner, COMP Performance Group
  • Kyle Fickler, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Weld Racing
  • Steve Matusek, Founder and President, Aeromotive
  • Camee Edelbrock, Moderator

Even better, organizers will serve IN-N-OUT burgers, chips and drinks from 6:00 p.m. Museum tours are also offered from 8:00 p.m.

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located at 1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Building 3A, Pomona, California.

Can’t make the session? Tune into a live webcast of the event using this link. A replay of the panel discussion will
also be available through April 20.

Questions? Contact Camee Edelbrock, 310/466-0915 or e-mail camee@schiefermedia.com. In addition, media representatives can still sign up for the MPMC Media Trade Conference by following this link. Note: Media registering for the event after January 1 will not receive a schedule in advance.

MPMC Motorsports Marketing Seminar Big Hit

The MPMC-sponsored seminar, "Motorsports Marketing: How to Measure Your Return,” was a definite winner at the 2009 SEMA Show. A panel of motorsports industry experts was moderated by ESPN/NHRA announcer Alan Reinhart and answered questions on motorsports marketing options.

"MPMC is very pleased with the event," said MPMC Chairman Bill Floyd. "This came together very last minute, with little marketing effort, and we had 68 people in the room. I have to thank the panel members and Alan Reinhart for making this such a success. We’re already planning next year’s event."

The panel members were:

  • Bill Holland - Holland Communications
  • Karl Fredrickson - Speedway Illustrated
  • Brian Wolfe - Motorsports Director Ford Motor Company
  • Steve Wolcott - ProMedia/NMRA
  • Jessica Forrest - NASCAR Automotive Group
  • Bill Floyd - RideTech

The seminar took place on Monday, November 2, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 pm., in North Hall Convention Center meeting room N262–N264.

Media Registration Now Open for Media Trade Conference

Media attendees may register online for the 2010 MPMC Media Trade Conference by visiting www.sema.org/mpmc or www.sema.org/press.

All 100 available manufacturer suites have been filled, and MPMC is looking forward to another successful event. The MPMC Media Trade Conference will be at the Radisson Suites in Covina, California, on January 19–21, 2010. For more information on the event, go to www.sema.org/mpmc.

MPMC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MPMC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.



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ARMO Long-Range Planning Meeting

ARMO will hold its 2010 Long-Range Planning meeting on Thursday, January 28, at the SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

Open to current and potential council members, the meeting provides the opportunity to learn about the initiatives that the council is focused on and the issues the group is currently addressing. The leadership of the council will be available during the meeting to address concerns and challenges and listen to suggestions for bettering the hobby and industry.

ARMO Long-Range Planning Meeting Schedule

  • 7:30 a.m. – Continental Breakfast
  • 8:00 a.m. – Open Membership Meeting
  • 12:30 p.m. – Networking Lunch
  • 1:30 p.m. – Select Committee Meeting (Closed)

To participate in the ARMO Long-Range Planning meeting, e-mail Gina Ledesma at ginal@sema.org by Thursday, January 21.

ARMO Presents Industry Awards

ARMO presented the following awards during the ARMO Industry Reception at the 2009 SEMA Show.

- Business of the Year: National Parts Depot
- Person of the Year: Jim Menneto, Hemmings Motor News
- Restoration Event of the Year: Fall Hershey by the Antique Automobile of America

For more information on ARMO awards, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News

Read ARMO's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about ARMO, visit the council's website.



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HRIA Long-Range Planning Meeting

Find out the current direction and focus of the HRIA during the council's Long-Range Planning meeting, Saturday, February 6, at the historic Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.

The meeting is the ideal opportunity for HRIA members to interact with the council's select committee and discuss challenges and opportunities that face the hot rod industry today.

HRIA Long-Range Planning Meeting Schedule

  • 7:30 a.m. – Continental Breakfast
  • 8:00 a.m. – Open Membership Meeting
  • 12:00 p.m. – Networking Buffet Lunch
  • 1:00 p.m. – Select Committee Meeting (Closed)
To participate in the HRIA Long-Range Planning meeting, e-mail Gina Ledesma at ginal@sema.org by Monday, January 18.

HRIA Presents Industry Awards

HRIA presented the following awards during the HRIA Industry Reception at the 2009 SEMA Show.

- Business of the Year: Lokar Inc.
- Industry Recognition Award: Ross Ortman, Dakota Digital Inc.
- HRIA Hall of Fame Awards: Art Morrison and Jerry Kugel

For more information on HRIA awards, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

Read HRIA's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about HRIA, visit the council's website.



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TORA Mourns the Loss of Jeff Stevens

Members of the TORA were sadden to hear the news that Jeff Stevens died on December 29 of pancreatic cancer. He was 52.

Formerly employed with Advantage Truck Accessories and most recently at Safety Kleen, Stevens was laid to rest at the Oakridge Cemetery in Goshen, Indiana, on January 4.

TORA Presents Industry Awards

TORA presented the following council awards during the TORA Industry Reception at the 2009 SEMA Show.

- TORA Best New Product Under $500 (chosen from new products at the SEMA Show): Weathertech, Multifit Cargo and Trunk Liner
- TORA Best New Product Over $500 (chosen from new products at the SEMA Show): Undercover, SE Tonneau
- Ron Webster Award (chosen from new products at the SEMA Show): Bolt, One Key Lock Technology Padlock
- TORA Retailer of the Year: The Truck Outfitters
- TORA Hall of Fame: Van Woodell, Weathers Auto Supply
- TORA Chairman’s Award: Ron DiVincenzo, Cap World

For more information on TORA awards, contact Jim Skelly.

TORA Column in SEMA Member News

Read TORA's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.



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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 2009 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 Show.

2010 MRC Long-Range Planning Meeting at PWA

MRC will be conducting its annual Long-Range Planning meeting in conjunction with the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Conference at the Arizona Grand Resort on Saturday, September 25, 2010. 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.

For us to be able to accommodate attendees with food and beverage, we ask that you take a moment and contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289 ext. 104 or e-mail stacib@sema.org.

MRC Presents industry Awards

The MRC presented the following council awards during the 2009 SEMA Show.

- MRC Hall of Fame: Bob Cook, Bob Cook Sales
- MRC STAR (Sales Team Annual Recognition) Award: Magnaflow Performance Exhaust

For more information on MRC awards, contact Staci Bostock.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MRC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about MRC, contact Staci Bostock.



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PRO NovemberFest Is Huge Success
  NovemberFest Logo
  PRO Chairman Karl Stearns credits the hard work of the council members for the success of the group's NovemberFest at the 2009 SEMA Show.

The first-ever PRO Industry Awards reception held at the SEMA Show was an overwhelming success for the PRO council. Branded "NovemberFest," the reception played to a packed house, as more than 200 attendees filled Ballrooms D, E, F and G at the Las Vegas Hilton to standing room only. The evening included a free commemorative event T-shirt, German-themed food and bar menus and presentations of PRO’s annual industry awards.

"I am so proud of this council,” said PRO Chairman Karl Stearns. “At our LRP in June, the idea for a reception was introduced. Someone suggested we come up with a brand for the event so that it wouldn’t just be another reception. Someone else suggested NovemberFest, and the Select Committee was off and running. Select Committee members designed the logo, menu, T-shirt and the bookmark invitation concept and solicited sponsorship monies.

"SEMA did the final invitation layout, and we kept them apprised every step of the way to make sure nothing fell off the track. At the Show, we all pushed the invitations from our booths and in the aisles. The process was a textbook volunteer cooperation. The success of the actual event is icing on the cake. We’re already looking forward to next year!"

NovemberFest was held on Tuesday, November 3, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Las Vegas Hilton.

PRO Council Awards

PRO presented the following awards during the 2009 SEMA Show:

  • Jim Borre Lifetime Achievement Award: Ellen McKoy
  • PRO Restyler of the Year: Joey Johnston, Tops and Trends (award sponsored by Insignia, Simplified Accessory Sales)
  • PRO Manufacturer of the Year: Katzkin Leather Interiors Inc. (award sponsored by Grote Industries)
  • Nat Danas Person of the Year: B.J. Leanse (award sponsored by Truck and Auto Customizing magazine)
For more information on PRO's awards, contact Jim Skelly.

PRO Column in SEMA Member News

Read PRO's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about PRO, contact Jim Skelly.



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  Linda Vaughn
  Linda Vaughn received the SBN Lifetime Achievement Award during the Speed Networking Breakfast Powered by SBN at the 2009 SEMA Show.

SBN Presents Industry Awards

The SBN presented the following awards during the 2009 SEMA Show.

- Woman of the Year Award: Laurel Dasher, Superchips Inc.
- Athena Award: Lyn St. James
- Mentor of the Year: Jason Bruce, advanced FLOW engineering
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Linda Vaughn

For more information on SBN awards, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

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.

SBN Column in SEMA Member News

Read SBN's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SBN, visit the committee's website.



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Visit SPC's website.  

SPC Presents Industry Awards

SPC presented the following council awards during the 2009 SEMA Show.

- SPC Person of the Year Award: Michael Ferrara, DSport
- SPC Industry Icon Award: Kipp Kington, KTC Media
- SPC Business of the Year Award: Eibach Springs Inc.
- SPC Presidents Award: Shaun Carlson

For more information on SPC awards, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

Read SPC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SPC, contact Nathan Ridnouer.



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WTC Presents Industry Awards

WTC presented the following council awards during the 2009 SEMA Show.

- WTC Lifetime Achievement Award: Dick Horasian
- WTC Hall of Fame 2009 Inductee: Dick Horasian

All past WTC Lifetime Achievement Award winners were inducted into WTC Hall of Fame established in 2009. Past recipients of the WTC Lifetime Achievement Award newly inducted into the WTC Hall of Fame are:

  • Greg Weld (2008)
  • Louis Senter (2007)
  • John “Ed” Hill (2006)
  • Frank Duca (2005)
  • John Arthurs (2004)
  • Joe Suddreth (2003)
  • Jim Kavanaugh (2002)
  • Art Hale Sr. (2001)
For more information on WTC awards, contact Jim Skelly.

WTC Column in SEMA Member News

Read WTC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about WTC, contact Jim Skelly.



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Visit YEN's website.
 

YEN Presents Industry Awards

YEN presented the following awards during the 2009 SEMA Show.

- Young Executive of the Year Award: Lee McGuire, Skyjacker Suspensions
- Vanguard Award: Chris Thomson, AIRAID Filter Company

For more information on YEN awards, contact Nathan Ridnouer.

 

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.

YEN Column in SEMA Member News

Read YEN's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about YEN, contact Nathan Ridnouer.