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| Visit HRIA's website |
Each year, the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) awards the Industry Recognition of an Individual, Business of the Year and Hall of Fame to the top businesses and individuals for their contributions to the hot-rod sector of the special-equipment market. The winners of these awards will be recognized at the 2010 SEMA Show HRIA Awards Reception taking place on November 3, 2010, in Las Vegas at the Hilton Las Vegas.
To nominate a business or individual for one or more of the 2010 HRIA Awards, please click on the links below for the full award criteria:
Business of the Year Award
The HRIA will recognize the company that has provided exceptional service, integrity and business ethics throughout the past year. The Business of the Year should have made a significant contribution and impact on the hot-rod industry and promoted the hobby as a whole. If you know of a SEMA-member company that fits this profile, please click on the above link and complete the form today.
Industry Recognition Award of an Individual
The HRIA “Industry Recognition of an Individual” is a person who has actively promoted, supported and benefited the hot-rod industry over the past 10 years or more. This individual is generally perceived as a leader in the industry and serves it in a manner that benefits the greater good. If you know of a professional in our industry who fits this profile, please click on the above link and complete the form today.
Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame award was founded to honor and recognize those outstanding individuals in the hot-rod industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the status of the industry while significantly contributing to its growth. Think back, who do you know who should be recognized for a lifetime of contributions to the hot-rod industry?
The deadline for nominations submissions is July 30, 2010. For more information, please contact Arlene Wood at 909/978-6689.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? HRIA is!
Be sure to follow HRIA on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/hria and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
HRIA Column in SEMA Member News
Read HRIA's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about HRIA and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.
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| Visit ARMO's website. |
As a result of the recent elections, ARMO has four new members on the Select Committee. Todd Bidwell of Parts Unlimited and Camee Edelbrock of Schiefer Media each began their first term as a Select Committee member last Thursday, July 1. Matt Agosta of Steele Rubber Products, while “new” for this year, is actually beginning his second round on the Select Committee. Agosta is a former ARMO chair, and former SEMA Board of Directors member. The complete ARMO Select Committee roster for 2010–2011 may be found on the ARMO website at www.sema.org/armo.
ARMO Industry Award Nominations Open
Nominations for the annual ARMO Industry awards are now open. Nomination forms are completely electronic this year, simply click on the “Nominate Your ARMO Top Performers Today” link in the upper left corner of the ARMO homepage at www.sema.org/armo. Each form takes just a minute or less to complete and submit, and all ARMO members are encouraged to participate.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? ARMO Is!
Be sure to follow ARMO on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/armo and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
ARMO Column in SEMA Member News
Read ARMO's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
Showcase Your New Products at the All Truck Nationals
TORA member companies may now submit registrations for the 2010 TORA New Products Showcase. Go to www.sema.org/TORA to download the pdf registration form.
The inaugural Light Truck Accessories Alliance (TORA) New Products Showcase will be held at the All Truck Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, August 6–8, 2010. The TORA Showcase Tent is located in a prime position on the Carlisle Fairgrounds, guaranteeing your products will be seen. This is a fantastic opportunity for TORA-member companies to put their new products in front of one of the largest gatherings of truck enthusiasts in the country. As an TORA-member benefit, cost to participate in the TORA New Products Showcase is absolutely free.
There is no judging of entries in the Showcase. The focus of the showcase is to generate publicity, inquiries and sales leads. All entries will be professionally photographed while on display, and the photos, product descriptions and company name will be displayed in a looping power point in the TORA booth at the 2010 SEMA Show, for yet additional exposure.
Product entry forms at www.sema.org/TORA must be completely filled out and submitted to SEMA by Friday, July 30, 2010. One form per product required. Some of the information will be used to create signage for each product and to accompany the photos in the TORA booth at the 2010 SEMA Show. TORA will guarantee acceptance of up to FOUR product entries per company. Any additional entries will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, or as space permits.
Product(s) may be pre-shipped for arrival no later than Wednesday, August 4, 2010, or hand delivered to the Showcase tent on Thursday, August 5, 2010. See registration form for instructions.
Don’t delay! Take advantage of this TORA-member benefit by completing the entry form. For more information go to www.sema.org/TORA or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909/978-6690.
TORA Award Nominations Are Open
Each year, the TORA recognizes industry achievements through its annual awards program. The winners of these prestigious awards will be recognized at the 2010 SEMA Show TORA Awards reception taking place on November 3, 2010, at the Las Vegas Renaissance Hotel.
Online nomination forms are available on the TORA website at www.sema.org/TORA.
Nominations are currently being accepted for:
- 2010 TORA Retailer of the Year Award
- 2010 TORA Hall of Fame Award
- 2010 TORA Ron Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence
The new online nomination forms are quick and easy to use. Don’t miss this opportunity to nominate a person or company that deserves recognition.
TORA Welcomes New Select Committee Members
As a result of recent elections, TORA welcomes two brand-new Select Committee members. David Crocket of Rolling Big Power and Isaac Ronquillo of Big Country/Go Rhino Products began their first terms as select committee members last Thursday, July 1. The election results also included returning incumbents Tom Brooks of Truckin’ Thunder, Bill Cole of Yankee Customs Inc., Fred Snow of Hella Lighting and Melanie White of Hellwig Products.
The complete 2010–2011 TORA Select Committee may be found on the TORA homepage at www.sema.org/TORA.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? TORA Is!
Be sure to follow TORA on all of your favorite social networking sites.
To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/TORA and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
TORA Column in SEMA Member News
Read TORA's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit MPMC's website. |
Media Trade Conference Exhibitor Registration Now Open
MPMC-member companies may now register for one of the 100 available exhibitor suites at the 2011 MPMC Media Trade Conference. Exhibitor registrations must be submitted using the online registration form [here].
The 14th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference takes place on January 25–27, 2011, at the Embassy Suites LAX South in El Segundo, California. A maximum of 100 MPMC manufacturers are assigned a suite in the hotel and host as many as 42 one-on-one, 30-minute meetings with editorial staff from national and international automotive media.
Exhibitor registration is open until August 20, 2010. If more than 100 registrations are received by the deadline, then the 100 available suites will be assigned via lottery. See event Rules and Regulations or via the online registration form.
MPMC Hall of Fame—Who Will Be the First Inductees?MPMC is proud to announce the formation of the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council Hall of Fame. The MPMC Hall of Fame will permanently acknowledge those who have made a significant contribution to the motorsports manufacturing segment of the aftermarket and/or the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council.
Nominations are currently being accepted online from the MPMC website at www.sema.org/mpmc.
There are many individuals who deserve a place in the MPMC Hall of Fame. Of course, only so many can be inducted each year. The online form is quick and easy to use, so don’t delay. Get your nomination or nominations in now.MPMC Welcomes New Select Committee Members
MPMC welcomes six brand new members to the Select Committee as a result of recent elections. They are:
- William Baty, Centerforce Clutches
- Todd Gartshore, Baer Inc.
- Scott Hall, Moroso Performance Products
- John Sonnefeldt, Holley Performance
- Steve Williams, K&N Engineering
- Gary Wright, Painless Performance Products.
“This year saw quite a turnover in the Select Committee,” said newly
installed Chairman Kyle Fickler of Weld Racing. “We have an interesting
mix of returning incumbents and fresh faces which should make for a
dynamic group. Vic Wood (newly installed chair-elect) and I are looking
forward to working with everyone.”
The MPMC Select Committee, with member profiles, can be seen on the MPMC homepage at www.sema.org/mpmc.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MPMC Is!
Be sure to follow MPMC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mpmc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
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 July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit MRC's website. |
MRC Long-Range Planning Meeting
MRC will host its annual Long-Range Planning meeting at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix, on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, from 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Dinner will be served. All reps are welcome and encouraged to participate in this open and interactive forum.
Participate in the meeting: Be part of the present—be part of the future—address issues faced daily by reps in all segments of the automotive industry.
For meeting coordinators to be able to accommodate food and beverage, attendees are asked to take a moment and download the RSVP form, call 909/978-6693 or e-mail stacib@sema.org by September 15, 2010.
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.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MRC is!
Be sure to follow MRC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mrc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
MRC Column in SEMA Member NewsRead MRC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MRC, contact Staci Bostock.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
Each year, the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) recognizes the Manufacturer of the Year, Nat Danas Person of the Year, Restyler of the Year and the Jim Borre Lifetime Achievement Award. The winners of these awards will be recognized at the 2010 SEMA Show PRO NovemberFest Awards Reception taking place on November 2, 2010, in Las Vegas at the Hilton Las Vegas.
To nominate a business or individual for one or more of the 2010 PRO Awards, please click on the links below for the full award criteria:
Manufacturer of the Year
The PRO Manufacturer of the Year has been established to honor an outstanding manufacturer in the restyling industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have enhanced the stature and growth of the industry within the aftermarket community. If you know of a SEMA-member company that fits this profile, please click on the above link and complete the form today.
Nat Danas Person of the Year
The PRO Person of the Year honors an individual within the restyling industry who has acted with a high degree of integrity and professionalism and has contributed to the general stature of the industry. Membership in and contribution to SEMA and PRO should be a primary consideration, with significant impact on the local level. If you know of a professional in our industry who fits this profile, please click on the above link and complete the form today.
Restyler of the Year
The PRO Restyler of the Year recognizes those who have acted professionally and with a high degree of integrity. This award honors those who improve standards and promote trends that benefit the industry. This recipient has demonstrated knowledge of product lines and technical proficiency. If you know of a professional in our industry who fits this profile, please click on the above link and complete the form today.
Jim Borre Lifetime Achievement Award
This award honors an outstanding individual in the restyling, trim or light-truck accessory industry who has made significant contributions toward the betterment of the aftermarket industry on both a local and national level. This individual represents the highest level of professionalism, service and integrity. If you know of a professional in our industry who fits this profile, please click on the above link and complete the form today.
The deadline for nominations submissions is July 30, 2010. For more information, please contact Arlene Wood at 909/978-6689.
Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Council?
What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their PRO efforts, and for that we say, “thank you,” to those companies!
The leaders of the PRO gathered earlier this year in Lima, Ohio, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the PRO-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies, and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each PRO member.
Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “address the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to develop effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.
Education Task Force
Brian Champa (Check Corporation) and Bill North (Webasto Product North America) co-chair this task force and can be reached at bchampa@checkcorp.com or bill.north@webasto-us.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) recently launched, and the group is tasked with expanding the number of events each year to ensure that training and education become primary drivers for our industry.
NovemberFest Task Force
Mike Stanifer (Innovative Creations Inc.) chairs this group and can be reached at mike@icionline.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making PRO’s awards reception the place to be and offering a fun forum to bring passionate members with common interests together.
Membership Task Force
Joey Johnston (Tops & Trends) chairs this group and can be reached at joey@topsandtrends.com. The success of any council or initiative is dependent upon its members. This task force focuses on growth, promotion and retention. It is important that we mentor new members on council activities, events, meetings and benefits.
ProPledge Task Force
David Stringer (Insignia Group) chairs this group and can be reached at dstringer@insigniagroup.com. The purpose of this group is to promote industry standards and to improve the perception of aftermarket installations throughout the restyling industry. ProPledge offers dealers a warranty program and is committed to delivering quality products and services.
There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year. 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 PRO events. Our hope is that if you haven’t been a part of PRO yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? PRO Is!
Be sure to follow PRO on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/pro and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
PRO Column in SEMA Member News
Read PRO's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.
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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.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SBN is!
Be sure to follow SBN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/sbn and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
SBN Column in SEMA Member News
Read SBN's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SBN, contact Angela Lee.
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| Visit SPC's website. |
In today’s competitive marketplace, every business must take advantage of technology to build brand awareness, connect with customers and promote sales. Whether you’re a business owner, IT professional or in charge of your company’s marketing, you can’t afford to miss the Business Technology Symposium (BTS), powered by the Street Performance Council (SPC).
Eight essential eCommerce supersessions, presented by industry experts, will inform, entertain and provide you with skills you need for success moving forward.
- Mobile Devices: The Future of Mobile Marketing: Mobile device applications are on the verge of revolutionizing sales and marketing just as radically as the Internet did during the past decade. Learn how to apply mobile applications to your promotions, including Microsoft “Get Tag,” mobile barcoding and more. Presenter: Nathan Sacco, eBay.
- Reaching Your Customers on Forums and Blogs: In this Internet age, everyone uses the web to research, select and buy products. Forums and blogs have become sounding boards for consumers around the world, informing peer networks about innovations and markets. Small businesses must take advantage of these resources. Learn how to create, manage and interact on your own forums or blogs to bring maximum impact for your brand. Moderator: Tyler Tanaka, PostRelease. Panelists: Adrian Harris, Internet Brands; Stewart Lawson, VerticalScope; Mike Martinez, izmocars.
- Grab Market Share with Search Engine Marketing & Pay-Per-Click: Search engines are the indispensible tool people use to find products in the modern world, and they partner with pay-per-click advertising for the most efficient way to obtain customers. Any business that operates a website to market its products must understand how to use keywords and pay-per-click to attract traffic and maximize sales. Learn the top techniques in this supersession. Presenter: Matt Bailey, SiteLogic Online Marketing.
- Getting People to Read Your E-mails: Write, click and send. Easy, eh? But it’s also easy for your recipient to hit delete. Learn how to ensure that your e-mails are not only opened but compel the recipient to act. This session will explain the optimum techniques for small-business owners, focusing on case studies and best practices, software tools and templates for success. Presenter: Michael Kelly, ClickMail.
- Market Research in the Digital Age: Information is king in online marketing, and compiling information from your customers can help you build a better business. Learn how to use online surveying tools, focus groups and social media sites, and then develop your own surveys by understanding the right types of questions to ask. Moderator: Tom Myroniak, SEMA. Panelists: Michael Cooperman, J.D. Power & Associates; Dan Hall, AutoPacific; David Parcell, Harris Interactive; Famous Rhodes, eBay Motors.
- Converting Leads to Sales With Customer Relationship Management: Find new clients and retain current customers by using technology to organize and automate your business. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, learn about the features and benefits of the latest software packages. There’s money to be saved by managing your customers’ data. Presenter: Jeff Scott, C-Level Management.
- Good Data=More Sales: If your customers can’t find your products or don’t understand how the information on your website is presented, they won’t buy today and won’t be back tomorrow. In this session, learn how to organize and maintain your data. A relatively modest investment in time and resources now will bring the reward of success far into the future. Moderator: Famous Rhodes, eBay Motors. Panelists: Rob Eberhart, DCi; Cameron Evans, Red Line Oil; Matt Gold, RPMware; Gigi Ho, Digital Performance.
- Social Media for Your Business: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube can multiply your company’s sales, but proper use of social media involves much more than just showing up. Learn the do’s and don’ts of these new communications forms from an all-star lineup of marketing professionals. Even more important, learn how to avoid social media disasters that can jeopardize sales. Moderator: Tyler Tanaka, PostRelease. Panelists: Mark Davidson, Shift+One Media; Bryan Elliott, SoCal Action Sports Network; Matt Martelli, Mad Media; Mike Martinez, izmocars.
Attend the 2010 Business Technology Symposium and you’ll walk away with essential social media and mobile marketing secrets and a whole lot more and just maybe, an Apple iPad with an MSRP of $499. At the conclusion of the conference we will randomly draw the name of one lucky person who will win the iPad. But don’t wait, register now at www.sema.org/bts and save $30.
SEMA council members can register for $99, which includes entrance to the 2010 Business Technology Symposium and lunch. The rate for SEMA members is $149, includes entrance to the 2010 Business Technology Symposium, lunch and a one-year SPC membership (up to $100 value). After the first BTS registration, additional company employees may register for the discounted fee of $99.
Registration fee for non-members is $199 and includes entrance to the 2010 Business Technology Symposium and lunch. Parking is available in, and adjacent to, the Convention Center for $9. For more information and to register for SEMA’s SPC Business Technology Symposium, visit www.sema.org/bts.
The Business Technology Symposium is part of Leadership Days. Other Leadership Days activities include the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the Pinewood Drag Races and the Show ‘N Shine car show.
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
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SPC is!
Be sure to follow SPC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/spc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
SPC Column in SEMA Member News
Read SPC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SPC, contact Angela Lee.
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| Visit WTC's website |
Each year, the Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) recognizes the Person or Company of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award. The winners of these awards will be recognized at the 2010 SEMA Show WTC Industry Awards Reception taking place on Wednesday, November 3, 2010, in Las Vegas at Renaissance Hotel’s Envy Cellar and Pool.
To nominate a business or individual for one or more of the 2010 WTC Awards, please click on the links below for the full award criteria:
Person or Company of the Year
The WTC Person or Company of the Year is presented to an individual or company who has demonstrated exceptional service, integrity and business ethics throughout the last 12 months. Furthermore, this award serves to honor the person or business that has devoted resources to a product or service related to the wheel and tire industry. If you know of a SEMA-member company that fits this profile, please click on the above link and complete the form today.
Lifetime Achievement
The WTC Lifetime Achievement award serves to honors an individual who has devoted a majority of his/her lifetime, business time and resources to a product or service related to the wheel and tire industry. This individual epitomizes professionalism, integrity and service over a period of 20 or more years. If you know of a professional in our industry who fits this profile, please click on the above link and complete the form today.
The deadline for nominations submissions is July 30, 2010. For more information, please contact Arlene Wood at 909/978-6689.
Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Wheel and Tire (WTC) Council?
What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their WTC efforts, and for that we say “thank you” to those companies!
The leaders of the WTC gathered earlier this year at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the WTC-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each WTC member.
Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “identify common problems and opportunities relating to the wheel and tire industries that the council, as an interested body of companies, can address for the common good.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.
Science and Technology Task Force
Tim Dietz (Standards Testing Laboratories Inc.) and can be reached at tdietz@stllabs.com. This group focuses on aftermarket and OEM advances that affect our industry. From creating wheel standards to improved processes for tire-pressure monitoring systems and electronic stability control, the Science and Technology Task Force plays a pivotal role in the industry’s advancement.
Education Task Force
Kelly Austin (Ultra Wheel Company) chairs this group and can be reached at kelly@mail.ultrawheel.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The WTC Task Force is responsible for partnering with the SEMA Educational Institute to create and promote online learning resources.
Communication and Marketing Task Force
Doug Frymer (Law Offices of Douglas A. Frymer) chairs this group and can be reached at legal@starshieldarmor.com. This group focuses on membership outreach, growth and retention. It is imperative that councils effectively communicate services provided by WTC and SEMA to our members. Communication and services ensure that there is proper dialogue between leadership and membership.
SEMA Show Task Force
David Insull (American Tire Distributors) chairs this group and can be reached at dinsull@atd-us.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making WTC’s awards reception an ideal place to get together, honor one another and network with all those who share a common passion.
There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year. 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 WTC events. Our hope is that, if you haven’t been a part of WTC yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? WTC is!
Be sure to follow WTC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/wtc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
WTC Column in SEMA Member News
Read WTC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about WTC and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call or 909/978-6696.
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| Visit YEN's website. |
YEN Insights: E3 and Me!
As a SEMA YEN member, I am always experiencing new and exciting things. I attended my first SEMA Show in Las Vegas in 2008 and was overwhelmed to say the least. The sheer size and scope of the Show was amazing and getting to meet industry contacts all in one place was a great luxury. Just less than two years later, I received an opportunity to go to the 2010 E3 Expo in Los Angeles. I expected it to be much like the SEMA Show, aside from the subject matter, of course, but was surprised that it was actually very different.
The main focus at E3 is clearly media, whereas SEMA seems to be more focused on industry buyers and professionals. Although industry professionals have meetings at E3 and some booths are geared toward buyers, most all booths were intended for media. The show was very interactive and ‘hands-on’ with a lot of playable game demos and chances to use new hardware such as the PlayStation Move.
The VIP media were able to bypass lines in order to get their take on the latest and greatest games and demos. E3 is clearly about getting the products in front of the media and making a memorable impression in hopes they will share with the rest of the world. Media outlets, such as GameSpot and G4TV,had full booths set up for the sole purpose of live reporting from the show.
There were a few booth props that got my attention. As for the cars, there was a Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Pagani Zonda R, a Tron-style cycle, a Forza Ferrari and an Atari Mercedes McLaren SLR. Other attention-getting strategies included costumed characters walking around or celebrities, such as WWE wrestlers, making appearances. Some booths had private, stylized theaters, such as a bunker/mining-themed theater for Red Faction and a creepy horror-themed theater for FEAR.
Some replicas on display included a "Battlestar Galactica" Cylon, a giant T-Rex, a larger-than-life jungle scene and a true-to-scale Red Faction mech-suit. A few booths relied solely on props and had no audio/video at all, such as the Dead Rising 2 booth that featured a dirtbike, some game-style weapons, and a caged zombie played by a real person. At one point, the “zombie” escaped and was walking away from the booth as some “law enforcement” tackled it to the ground, cuffed it and put it back in the cage.
Not only was E3 a blast, but I learned some valuable marketing strategies that could be applied at shows like SEMA. The private theater was a great way to obtain a captive audience for your video and product demonstrations. The use of props and costumed characters is definitely an attention-grabber but taking it a step further with a stunt like the zombie escape is really clever.
Finally, it would be interesting to see SEMA recruit more media booths to do live reporting from the show. Overall, E3 was not as large as the SEMA Show, but it was dense with effective booths and a blast to experience. Looking forward to next time!—Robert Waddell, Upscale Automotive, SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) member
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.
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YEN Column in SEMA Member News
Read YEN's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about YEN, contact Angela Lee.