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| Visit WTC's website |
Wheel and Tire Council Learning Track Goes Live…
WTC Special Edition of In-GEAR: Intro to Selling
Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, this course has something for everyone.
This online learning tool focuses on three critical areas:
- Introduction to the Industry
- Effective Selling Techniques
- Successful Customer Service
“Please take a look at our new training aid created to help all Retail Salespeople sell wheels easier and more effectively. The WTC has pooled information and past experience from all our Select Committee members with help from the SEMA Education Institute to create this program. If you can give the training program a small amount of time, you will be rewarded with a simple and effective process that will make selling AFTERMARKET WHEELS much easier and less time consuming.”
—Kelly Austin, WTC IPC/Advisor, Ultra Wheel Company
A) To Use:
- Go to www.sema.org
- Login to your account (upper right-hand corner).
- Scroll over “Education” Tab on top of page.
- Select “Online Learning Center (OLC).”
- Once there, look to the lower left of the page and select “Wheel & Tire Council Learning Track,” and enjoy!
B) If you do not have an account:
- Go to www.sema.org
- Select the “Login” option located on the upper right of the page.
- Once on the login page, select the “Register Now” option.
- Create your SEMA profile (name, title, e-mail, city, state. password, company name).
- A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the email address provided.
- Retrieve the e-mail and select link provided; you will be re-directed to the SEMA page to login. Once there, input your username and password.
- At this point, you can either create a SEMA profile or follow steps 3–5 of option “A.”
TIA's Roy Littlefield Joins WTC Select Committee
In an effort aimed at increasing communication between SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) extended an invitation to TIA to participate in the council’s Long Range Planning meeting, March 17 at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.
The open dialogue between the two culminated in WTC’s appointment of
TIA’s Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield to a voting seat on the
council’s Select Committee. This move greatly improves the interaction
between SEMA and TIA, while providing both memberships with a much
desired forum in which to express their concerns and suggestions.
“The appointment of Roy Littlefield was unanimous and came after an
honest exchange between the parties in which common goals and
directives outweighed any differences," said WTC Chairman Tim Dietz.
"TIA’s council participation signifies an important shift in how we
will address the concerns of the tire industry. I am confident that
this collaboration will ultimately benefit and advance the best
interest of each association’s membership.”
Littlefield added: "Over the past few months, both TIA and SEMA have agreed to work together to further strengthen our relationship. Being invited to join the Wheel & Tire Council is just more proof that this relationship-building is being backed up by concrete action. On behalf of our members, I thank SEMA for giving us the opportunity for our member voices to be heard on the Wheel & Tire Council as it continues its important mission.”
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 ARMO's website. |
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 |
2010 HRIA Education Day a Huge Success
Working in conjunction with the 12th Annual Hotrod & Restoration trade show in Indianapolis, HRIA-member companies are provided a platform to educate and train dealers on the specifics of their products and key selling points. Dealers are better at selling products they're more knowledgeable and comfortable with, resulting in higher sales and less returns.
This year’s Education Day boasted 40 seminars which were attended in record numbers. With more than 4,000 pre-registered for the event, it quickly sold out, creating a buzz within the industry. HRIA Education Day did not fail to deliver. The manufacturers represented a broad spectrum of industry experts and covered diverse and tangible subject matter. Manufacturers included GM, Meguiar’s, Flaming River Industries, Steele Rubber Products, Vintage Air Inc., and Classic Instruments. The all-day event included a hosted breakfast and attendees received a certificate of completion for each seminar they participated in.
As a SEMA council, HRIA is committed to the betterment of its members and promoting the industry as a whole. Events such as Education Day are made possible because passionate individuals volunteer their time and resources. An active and strong membership is critical in assuring that important initiatives such as education, youth awareness, and legislative issues are addressed and directed accordingly.
For more questions on Education Day or to get involved with HRIA, please contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.
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 Fanpage 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 Rep Conference Coming to Vegas!!
The 9th annual MRC Rep Conference moves to Las Vegas at the 2010
SEMA Show. Bryan Shirley, President and CEO of the Manufacturers’
Agents National Association will host an open and interactive session
titled “Survival of the Fittest! Is that You?” The Economy has
Redefined the New Automotive Aftermarket…Now It’s Time to Redefine
Yourself!
The MRC Rep Conference will convene at the Las Vegas Hilton on Sunday,
October 31, 2010, from 4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. The early-bird price for
SEMA members is $49 ($69 for non-members). Online event registration is now available! For additional information, contact SEMA Council Liaison Staci Bostock at 909/978-6693 or stacib@sema.org.
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-elect 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. 6693 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.
Technical Skills & Training Conference
The Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC)—Friday, April 30, 2010, at the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH)
in Lima, Ohio—offers 12 seminars/workshops to help sharpen the skills
of accessory installers. The program features one-hour sessions with
two classes running concurrently throughout the day. Check the schedule
below for session topics, times and presenters.
The TSTC also includes a “bullpen” area offering hands-on experience,
in addition to classroom training. Cost to attend is $25 for the first
attendee from each company, $15 for each additional person.
Don’t wait until the event is full—click here to sign up! For more information, visit www.sema.org/TSTC. The annual PRO Long-Range Planning meeting will be held at UNOH on Saturday, May 1, in conjunction with the TSTC.
Reserve your seat at the meeting by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909/396-0289, ext. 6696, or www.sema.org/pro.
TSTC Schedule
- 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Track A (Room 607) - Katzkin Leather Interiors: “Secrets to Leather Installs”
Tips and techniques for leather installations. Includes answers to your questions about difficult installs.
Track B (Room 608) - Restylers Choice: “Tips and Tricks”
Learn the easy way to install spoilers and adhesive trim parts. Cutting-edge techniques for installing vehicle graphics.
- 9:15 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Track A (Room 607) - Webasto Product North America: “Sunroofs Made Simple”
Start to finish. Learn styles, preparation practices, installation techniques, wiring and quality testing procedures.
Track B (Room 608) - Eagle Enterprises: “Friendlier Graphics & Paint Protection System”
Come and experience a hands-on, face-to-face opportunity to share skills and knowledge with manufacturers reps and installers.
- 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Track A (Room 607) - Webasto Product North America: “ASE A6 Electrical Test Preparation”
Prepare to succeed. Understand the benefits of ASE and learn how to prepare. Session includes sample test, circuit descriptions and multimeter use.
Track B (Room 608) - SuperChips: “Selecting the Right Products”
Computer programming and tuner evolution. Get ready for an overview of calibration processes and application. Learn how and why to change settings.- 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Track A (Room 607) - Curt Manufacturing: “Towing Tools and Techniques”
From cars to cabs and chassis trucks, learn what tools are required to safely and efficiently install Curt custom-made towing products.
Track B (Room 608) - Donmar Sunroof and Accessories: “Sunroof Basics: A Seminar for Beginners”
Learn what it takes to become a sunroof installation professional, including selecting the appropriate sunroof for the job, specialty tools, installation, vehicle adaptation, maintenance and repair. In addition, there will be an interactive sunroof installation being performed in the shop area.
- 1:45 p.m.–2:45 p.m.
Track A (Room 607) - Audiovox: “Remote Start and FloTV”
Get the answers and insights on common and not-so-common installation questions, technical details and product updates.
Track B (Room 608) - Check Corporation: “Handling the Heat”
Seat heater information and education that will provide insight into the tools and technical components required for effective installs.
- 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Track A (Room 607) - ProPledge: “Customize With Confidence”
Distinguish your business and earn an extra measure of credibility for installers. Improve quality and enhance restyler peace of mind.
Track B (Room 608) - Artlux Inc. “Spray Your Way to Profits”
Diversify your business by adding spray-on bedliners to improve sales and increase profitability. Learn about equipment, chemical and the best techniques to add revenue to the bottom line.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
Share Your Ideas With Other Restyling Professionals
Join the PRO at the annual PRO Long-Range Planning (LRP) meeting, and
help shape the future of the Restyling Industry. The meeting will be
conducted at the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, Ohio, on Saturday, May 1.
“For several years this was a standalone meeting held in mid-June in
Detroit,” said PRO Chairman Karl Stearns. “With everyone on a lean
budget this year, we decided to host it in conjunction with the
Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC). This way, attendees
may combine two trips into one.”
The one-day meeting will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a general discussion
of restyling and PRO council issues. Breakout groups will meet
separately to discuss specific topics from the general discussion and
then reconvene after lunch to present their summaries to the group.
“The date and location has changed, but the format stays the same,”
said Stearns. “The breakout groups are an effective way to get fresh
ideas from council members, and virtually all of PRO’s successes
originated at an LRP. Last year’s LRP alone produced the highly
successful PRO NovemberFest awards reception at the 2009 SEMA Show, the
“Why PRO?” informational business card and the TSTC. I urge all PRO
members to attend. You have ideas and we want to hear them!”
A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
There is no better opportunity to share ideas and plan for solutions
than at the PRO Long-Range Planning meeting. If you have not made your
reservations, RSVP to Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909/396-0289, ext. 6696, or www.sema.org/pro.
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 Nathan Ridnouer.
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| Visit SPC's website. |
Have you ever wondered what exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by the members of the council to serve a two-year term.
Each Select
Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year
and some volunteer even more. Each Select Committee member is supported
by their company in their Street Performance Council (SPC) efforts, and
for that we say, “thank you!"
The leaders of the SPC gathered together earlier this year at SEMA
headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. This meeting focused on
bringing value to the SPC-member companies and utilizing SEMA’s
resources to further benefit each SPC member. Guiding the group’s
effort was the council’s mission statement “to provide market
information, education and support to members concerning new and
emerging trends.”
If you are passionate and have interest in being involved, there are
plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited
investment of time. Please reach out to the task force chair if you
want to participate or have comments.
Membership Task Force
Ed “Blake” Burgy from Mr. Gasket chairs this task force and can be reached at eburgy@mrgasket.com.
The importance of knowing our members and what industry challenges each
member has is very important. The SPC membership task force is
responsible for communicating directly with our members, keeping them
up to date on SPC happenings and making sure that we are meeting their
needs.
Communications Task Force
Baadal “Bottle” Deliwala from Titan Motorsports chairs this group and can be reached at bottle@titanmotorsports.com. Regular submissions to SEMA Member News and eNews
will contain relevant street performance market information written or
researched by the SPC council membership. If you want to contribute
your ideas, drop an e-mail to Bottle. Better yet, draft an article on a
topic pertinent to the mission and focus of the council and we’ll see
that it gets published with your byline.
Research Task Force
Albert Reda from Vibrant Performance chairs this group and can be reached at areda@vibrantpower.com.
Several key factors are changing significantly due to the economy:
consumer buying habits, distribution channels and vehicles. The council
has hosted several focus panels in the past with jobbers and consumers
answering questions about current trends. The data is compiled and
distributed to members, illustrating the differences between what is
perceived as current buying trends and what is actually happening.
RASR (Racer’s Against Street Racing) Task Force
Regis Finn at B&M Racing and Performance Parts chairs the groups and can be reached at rfinn@bnracing.com.
RASR is an SPC initiative that exists to provide leadership and support
to promote the anti-street racing message. We need plenty of industry
support and passion to reignite this message to our local communities.
Technology Task Force
Gigi Ho at Digital Performance chairs this group and can be reached at gigiho@digitalperformance.com.
The Business Technology Symposium has been successfully developed and
hosted by the SPC for the last three years as the Internet Symposium.
The 2010 SPC Business Technology Symposium will be held on July 23, in
Pasadena, California, as part of the 2010 SEMA Leadership Days with
some very exciting educational sessions. The group will also define and
develop relevant educational webinars and articles to help our members
take advantage of new opportunities.
There are many other things the council leadership does throughout the
year: host the annual SPC Mixer at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, present
industry awards to our street-performance colleagues and elect council
leadership. You are the expert at what your business needs, and this
council wants to deliver. Feel free to get in touch with us or come to
one of our SPC events. My hope is that if you haven’t been a part of
SPC yet, you will be in 2010.
Find the Business Possibilities Through the SPC
Participate in the automotive aftermarket at a whole new level by joining the SPC.
The purpose of SEMA councils is to help our member companies succeed and prosper. In the SPC, our mission is to provide market information, education and support to our members concerning new and emerging trends. Whether it’s the latest business technology, forecasting sales, future marketing solutions or up and coming vehicle platforms, we give you and your company the chance to see what’s on the horizon.
Then we’ll help you understand and acquire the skills, tools and
technologies to lead the way. The SPC has the most diverse membership
of any SEMA council, and that will allow you to network with other
professionals from every facet of our industry and gain insights into
areas you may not have previously considered. Find out about the parts,
people, technologies, strategies, trends and, most important,
possibilities.
This is your chance to give something back to the industry, your
profession and to grow personally along the way. Join the SPC today and
become an active member of the specialty equipment and automotive
market — Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, SPC Chairman
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 Nathan Ridnouer.
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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 Nathan Ridnouer.