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| Visit ARMO's website. |
ARMO New Products Showcase Registration Is Now Online
ARMO-member companies may now submit product registrations for the 2010 ARMO New Products Showcase. Registration is now available online.
The 13th annual ARMO New Products Showcase will once again be held at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Wednesday–Sunday, April 21–25. The showcase continues to grow every year, with a record number of product entries in 2009. More than 100,000 automotive hobbyists attend Spring Carlisle each year, and the ARMO Showcase Tent is located at the very center of the show in a prime position, guaranteeing your products will be seen. This is a fantastic opportunity for ARMO-member companies to put their new products in front of one of the largest annual gatherings of restoration enthusiasts in the country. Participation is open to all ARMO-member companies, and it’s FREE!
There is no judging of entries in the showcase. The focus of the event is to showcase the products to generate publicity, inquires and sales leads. All entries will be photographed at Spring Carlisle, and the photos, product descriptions and company names will be displayed in the ARMO booth at the 2010 SEMA Show.
ARMO New Products Showcase Criteria
All products submitted must meet the following criteria:
- Must be the product of an ARMO member-company.
- Must be a new product or improved design since March 2009.
- Product must be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the showcase, April 21.
- Must demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.
Process
- Complete one entry form per product.
- Product entry forms must be completely filled out and submitted to SEMA by Wednesday, April 14, 2010. Some of the information will be used to create signage for the product at the Spring Carlisle Showcase and to accompany the photos in the ARMO booth at the 2010 SEMA Show. ARMO will guarantee acceptance of FOUR product entries per company. Any additional entries will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Companies are urged to include marketing materials (sales literature, flyers or brochures) with the product. These materials will be made available to hobbyists who ask for more information and/or want to contact the manufacturer to find out where they can buy the product.
Delivery of product(s)
- Product(s) may be pre-shipped for arrival no later than Friday, April 16, 2010 to:
Carlisle Events
Attention: ARMO New Products Showcase – Jim Vinarski
1000 Bryn Mawr Rd., Carlisle, PA 17013
-or-
Product(s) may be hand-delivered to the Showcase, Wednesday April 21.
Product(s) may be removed after 1:00 p.m., Sunday April 25.
-or-
Company can pre-arrange for return shipping by completing the “return shipment information” on the entry form.
ARMO Select Committee Elects Alex Tainsh as Chair-Elect
Alex Tainsh is a founding member of ARMO and has been an active member for
12 years. His accomplishments begin with a combined 16-year stint at P.U.I and
Soffseal, and he is currently the sales and marketing manager for TrimParts.
Throughout his many years with ARMO, he has worked passionately to
promote the "Take a Kid to a Car Show" program and, most notably,
headed up the Colton Camaro project. When asked about future projects,
Tainsh reiterated the importance of young enthusiasts and the
preservation of the restoration market.
As Tainsh begins his two-year term as chair-elect, Laura Bergan will assume chairwoman duties July 1.
ARMO Column in SEMA Member News
Read ARMO's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
HRIA Column in SEMA Member News
Read HRIA's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about HRIA, contact Zane Clark.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
TORA Column in SEMA Member News
Read TORA's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit MPMC's website. |
Wet Weather Fails to Dampen Spirits at Annual Media Trade Conference
The 2010 Media Trade Conference, hosted by SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), coincided with one of the wettest weeks on record in Southern California—unfortunate for those who came from colder climes seeking a little West Coast sun and warmth.
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| Media attendees of the annual Media Trade Conference can gather months of editorial content over the event's three days. |
For three days from January 19–21, 100 manufacturers met with editors and writers throughout the day in a series of half-hour meetings. For manufacturers it's a chance to put their newest products in front of the enthusiast media. For editors, it's a way to nail down several months (in some cases an entire year's) worth of editorial projects.
SEMA News took the opportunity to meet with member companies to not only learn about their new products, but also the overall business climate. We were relieved to learn that most businesses are fairly optimistic about recovery in 2010, embracing a feeling that the worst has passed.
Judging by the investment these companies have made in new-product
development, from Edelbrock's venture into supercharging to Yokohama's
"green" tires, 2010 looks to have gotten off on the right foot for
enthusiasts and specialty-equipment businesses alike.
MPMC Column in SEMA Member News
Read MPMC's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit MRC's website. |
MRC Names Chris Fairless New Chair-Elect
The
MRC Select Committee has named Chris Fairless of Fairless Sales &
Marketing to the position of chair-elect. Fairless is a current MRC
Select Committee member and will take over duties as chair-elect on
July 1. Fairless stated, “I’m honored to be selected as MRC’s chair-elect. I’m looking forward to the future challenges and the
opportunities. I’m excited to be involved with SEMA and MRC and hope to
inspire more people in our industry to get involved. There are great
opportunities ahead!” When Fairless assumes chair-elect duties on July
1, current chair-clect Wade Cobb of HAPCO will become chairman of MRC,
when Joel Rosenthal’s two-year term as MRC chairman ends. At that time,
Rosenthal will assume his new role as the MRC immediate past chairman/advisor.
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. 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.
Read MRC's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MRC, contact Staci Bostock.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
Technical Skills & Training Conference
The 2010 Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC)—a brand-new, one-day training program designed specifically for restylers and installers—takes place on Friday, April 30, at the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) in Lima, Ohio. This is a unique opportunity to gain face time with major manufacturers in the restyling industry.TSTC attendees may participate in up to six, one-hour seminars presented by PRO-member manufacturing companies, such as Webasto, Katzkin, Audiovox, Restylers Choice, Eagle Enterprises and others. Two sessions will run concurrently during each of the one-hour time slots, with presentations covering leather, sunroofs, 12-volt/A6 electrical, truck accessories (towing and suspension and diesel performance) and self adhesive (paint film and wrapping). Should an attendee prefer, several manufacturers will conduct live installation demonstrations in the University’s shop area. Demonstrations will be conducted in a “bullpen” fashion, enabling attendees to watch multiple installs in one shop area. The training portion of the day begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m., and lunch is included.
When the training is over, attendees may still take advantage of additional offerings from PRO. A brief, one-hour open PRO meeting will be held from 4:30–5:30 pm, giving attendees a chance to hear the latest happenings and offerings from the council. The meeting is open to all attendees. A mixer/reception will follow immediately at 6:00 pm.
Cost to attend the conference is $25, which includes a catered lunch, the open meeting and networking reception. If more than one company representative plans to attend, the fee is only $15 for each additional employee. Download the Technical Sills & Training Conference registration form.
On Saturday, May 1, PRO will conduct its annual Long-Range Planning meeting at the University, and all PRO members are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909/396-0289, ext. 134 or visit www.sema.org/pro.
PRO NovemberFest Is Huge Success
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| 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 Column in SEMA Member News
Read PRO's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
“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 March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SBN, contact Kim Desai.
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| Visit SPC's website. |
SPC Column in SEMA Member News
Read SPC's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SPC, contact Kim Desai.
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| Visit WTC's website. |
WTC Long-Range Planning Meeting
All WTC members are invited and encouraged to participate in the upcoming council Long-Range Planning Meeting, set for Wednesday, March 17, at the SEMA Headquarters, located at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765.
WTC members: This is your opportunity to meet and network with the council leadership while learning the goals and direction of the council and the wheel and tire industry. Your feedback, thoughts and suggestions are welcomed.
Some of the topics slated for discussion include: social media opportunities and guidelines; available installer certification and education programs; the 2010 SEMA Show; and an update on SAE J2530.
WTC Long-Range Planning Meeting Schedule
8:30 a.m.: Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Open Meetings
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.: Networking Lunch
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: WTC Select Committee Meeting (closed)
For more information, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.
WTC Column in SEMA Member News
Read WTC's column featured in the March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about WTC, contact Zane Clark.
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| Visit YEN's website. |
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 March/April issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about YEN, contact Kim Desai.