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| Strong Select Committees set council direction and ensure that councils and committees work for the needs of the membership. |
All SEMA and council and committee members:
SEMA council Select Committee elections are now open to all members. Historically, nominations for Select Committee seats were only accepted from members of an individual council or committee. This year, however, all SEMA-member company representatives, regardless of council or committee affiliation, are eligible to participate in the nomination process.
Any SEMA member may nominate an individual for one or multiple SEMA council or committee Select Committee seat(s). A nominee must, however, be a member of the council or committee to which he/she is nominated. Dues payment in advance may be required.
Also new this year is a electronic nomination form that is quick and easy to complete, and requires no printing or faxing. All nominations must be received by Monday, March 22, 5:00 p.m. Follow this link to the nomination form.
Strong Select Committees ensure that SEMA councils and committees continue their work on behalf of the membership. For members unfamiliar with SEMA councils and committees, please visit www.sema.org/councils-committees for an overview.
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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
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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.
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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. |
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| The MPMC Select Committee voted Vic Wood of Hedman Performance Group as its new Chair-Elect of the council. |
MPMC Select Committee Chooses Vic Wood as New Chair-Elect
The MPMC Select Committee voted Vic Wood of Hedman Performance Group the newest chair-elect of the council. Vic has spent the majority of his career in or around the specialty-parts industry, including appointments to the board of directors of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association and the Australian National Drag Racing Association.
He started drag racing at 16, and drove all types of vehicles through 2004, when he clocked 234 mph in a modified roadster at Bonneville.
When not working, Vic is busy with his '64 Chevrolet pickup, and crew chiefs a nostalgia funny car that competes in the NHRA Heritage Series.
“It is a great honor to be elected Chair Elect of MPMC,” said Wood. “SEMA has been a part of my life in some form or another for nearly 30 years. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve the members of this historic SEMA Council, and I look forward to supporting our current Chairman over the next two years as we address challenges of our market sector.”
Take a Friend to a Race Fan Page
The MPMC Motorsports Awareness campaign, highlighted by the Take a Friend to a Race program, now has its very own Fan Page on Facebook. If you’re not a fan yet, you should be!
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: Training and Product Knowledge You Need; an Event You Can’t Afford to Miss
PRO is launching a new technical training program designed specifically for restylers and installers. This one-day program is packed with installation training and product knowledge brought directly to you by the product manufacturers.
Attendees will also enjoy the opportunity to network with peers and industry professionals.
Attendees: Register here.
Technical Skills & Training Conference Details
Where: University of Northwestern Ohio, Lima, Ohio
When: Friday, April 30, 2010, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The program: There will be 12 seminar/workshops each consisting of one hour of classroom training, with two classes running concurrently throughout the day conducted by manufacturers such as Webasto, Katzkin, Audiovox, Restylers Choice, Eagle Enterprises and more.
Attendees may choose sessions in the following tracks:
- Leather
- Sunroofs
- 12 volt
- Truck Accessories: Towing & Suspension; Diesel Performance
- Self Adhesive
- ASE/A6 Electrical
- “Bullpen” with hands‐on installation training in addition to the classes
- Catered Lunch
- PRO Council General Membership Meeting: Learn about PRO and what we’re doing for the industry, and how you can participate.
- Evening cocktail reception: Drinks, food, fun and networking
- PRO Long‐Range Planning Meeting for PRO Members, Saturday, May 1
Cost: $25 for first attendee from each company, $15 for each additional person. Includes breakfast and lunch, PRO open membership meeting and cocktail mixer reception.
For more information, go to www.sema.org/tstc.
Hotel Information: You MUST Mention UNOH when making reservations to get discounted rate.
Comfort Inn - $62.99
(Elizabeth) 419/228‐4251
20 minutes away
1210 Neubrect Rd.
Lima, OH 45801
Fairfield Inn - $70
(Mike) 419/224-8496
2 minutes away
2179 Elida St.
Lima, OH 45801
Wingate Inn ‐ $72
(New Manager) 419/228‐7000
15 minutes away
175 W. Market St.
Lima, OH 45801
Country Inn & Suites - $85
419/999-9992
20 minutes away
804 S. Leonard Ave.
Lima, OH 45801
Holiday Inn & Suites ‐ $89
(Allysia) 419/879‐4000
20 minutes away
803 S Leonard Ave
Lima, OH 45805
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. |
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| Titan Motorsports' blog is one way the company is attracting enthusiasts to its site and staying connected with its customer base. |
Easy Ways to Keep Up With Your Customers Online
While you may not find yourself posting about what you had for breakfast this morning on Facebook or Twitter, your customers are likely using these services to express theirselves, receive news, review products and conduct personal research. The days when your customers would simply go to your website for the latest news and product information are long gone.
Instead, social media networks, such as blogs, Twitter and Facebook, are channeling this information out to the world at a blazing rate. From a business standpoint, social media is important—it allows you to personalize your interaction with consumers while differentiating yourself from the thousands of other businesses competing on the web.
With information being published through so many sources, it can become difficult to track content without having multiple windows scattered around your computer's desktop. Rather than devoting a full-time employee to monitor this content, there are now companies developing specialized products and services to help streamline your social media interactions and help make this sea of information manageable.
An easy and effective way to keep your customers up-to-date on new releases and company news is a blog or a web blog. One of the tools available is Word Press, which offers many great free themes and plug-ins for the ultimate customization to power your blog. WordPress can be downloaded from www.wordpress.org; installation instructions are available on the site as well. Once you’ve got your blog setup and customized to fit your brand, two simple automation techniques will allow you to broadcast your blog postings directly to your Twitter and Facebook followers.
The first service, Twitterfeed.com, exports your blog postings directly to your Twitter account simply by inputting your RSS feed and providing access to your account. A similar task can be performed on your Facebook page by entering your RSS feed in the Notes tab, which publishes a brief synopsis and thumbnail on your wall with each new blog posting.
While blog and forum postings help get news and information out, using social media to the fullest allows you to see what current and future customers are saying about your company and products. Companies are now developing products that harvest this information to allow for easy display and interaction with your social media accounts in one convenient window. One product available that can help collect and organize this information is a program called Seesmic Desktop.
After merging a similar competing product Thwirl in 2008, Seesmic was developed and improved into an easy-to-use “one-stop” console. Seesmic Desktop is a free program that coincides with Adobe Air framework allowing you to monitor and interact with multiple Facebook and Twitter accounts in one convenient window.
Accessible through both Macs and PCs, the console features various views and customizable columns to help organize your workflows. The console displays individual accounts in separate columns while offering capabilities of condensing and hiding duplicate postings. This becomes a real benefit when managing multiple accounts with the same followers.
Seesmic does more than just display your social feeds in one convenient window. Features such as integrated interest groups, trend watching, searches and notifications allow you to track topics and make for easy interaction. Interest lists and groupings allow you to easily locate your potential followers. This helps you generate a more specific group of followers to reach out to. Finding keywords in users’ postings can be saved and refreshed for instantaneous discussion updates. Users’ postings can be searched via keywords and then saved and refreshed for instantaneous discussion updates.
Scouting Twitter for user feedback on a new product, event or topic can easily be viewed in the same window. These search queries can also be saved for access and review at a later date. Alert notifications can be set to notify you of new postings and/or messages using visual or audio notifications, all of which can be customized to various levels. Postings can include automatically hosted photos and videos, as well as shortened text and integrated URL addresses. These are all useful and key features for frequent social media users.
As new platforms and technologies come to market, the need to adapt becomes an increasing challenge and a necessity to stay relative. As experiences with products and companies get reviewed by people all over the world on public forums and social media platforms, the need to quantify this data and address issues will become increasingly more difficult to manage.
The programs we use to manage these feeds will work to adapt with the changing of social environments, all while trying to remain easy to use. Keeping customers up-to-date, tracking the response to our products and services and even making sure we’re one step ahead of our competition at any given point is what ultimately makes the most of our social network. Social media is here to stay. —Baadal Deliwala, Nikki Contenti and Wes Bourne, Titan Motorsports
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 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.