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| Visit TORA's website. |
TORA Says “Thank You!” for a Successful Long-Range Planning Session
TORA thanks all those who attended the 2011 TORA Long-Range Planning meeting (LRP) in Detroit on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Attendees were treated to a tour of the Ford F-150 Rouge Assembly Plant in the morning, and then participated in an afternoon goal-setting process.
“As incoming chair-elect, I am very excited about the participation at this year’s LRP,” said Melanie White of Hellwig Industries. “The number of non-Select Committee members in attendance was better than any LRP in recent memory, but more importantly, each attendee was heavily engaged in the discussions. Interaction like this is so vitally important to the Select Committee. We came away with some tangible, measurable and realistic goals for the council. Again, thanks to all who attended.”
TORA Select Committee Elections
Don’t forget to return your ballot for the TORA Select Committee elections. Balloting opened on May 17, when a link to the electronic ballot was sent to each TORA-member company. All ballots must be returned no later than June 6, 2011. The TORA Select Committee members volunteer their time on behalf of the TORA membership and the restoration industry as a whole. Make sure that your company’s voice is included on the Select Committee by completing and returning your ballot. Only one ballot per company is permitted. If you did not receive a ballot, and believe that you are the council contact for your company, please e-mail Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.
TORA New Products Showcase Registration is Open!
Registration for the second annual TORA New Products Showcase is now open at www.sema.org/TORA. The New Products Showcase takes place August 5–7, 2011, at the Carlisle Truck Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The New Products Showcase gives TORA-member companies the opportunity to display their latest products in front of one of the largest gatherings of light-truck enthusiasts in the country. In addition, each product is professionally photographed, and the photos and product descriptions are posted in a gallery on the TORA website where they live for an entire year, until the next year’s products are posted. (Click here to view the 2010 TORA New Products Showcase entries.) The photos are also displayed in a video in the TORA booth at SEMA Show and during the TORA Fall Nationals Awards Reception at the SEMA Show. Exhibitors gain all of this product exposure for only the cost of shipping. There is no fee for participation, as a benefit of TORA membership.
What's the Value of Being an TORA Member?
New Products Showcase – Put your product in front of one of the largest gathering of truck enthusiasts in the country at the Carlisle Truck Nationals.
Networking – TORA mixer at the Carlisle All Truck Nationals, Annual Long-Range Planning meeting and access to TORA members and light-truck industry professionals around the world.
Tools and resources for the retailer and installer – "Pickup Bed Dimensions Sheet," "Keyless Entry Wiring Pickup Points Reference Sheet," "Why Paints Don’t Match" DVD and more.
Education – and TORA-specific learning track on the new SEI from SEMA, coming soon!
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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit ARMO's website. | |
ARMO Select Committee Elections
Don’t forget to return your ballot for the ARMO Select Committee elections. Balloting opened on May 17 when a link to the electronic ballot was sent to each ARMO-member company. All ballots must be returned no later than June 6, 2011. The ARMO Select Committee members volunteer their time on behalf of the ARMO membership and the restoration industry as a whole. Make sure that your company’s voice is included on the Select Committee by completing and returning your ballot. Only one ballot per company is permitted. If you did not receive a ballot, and believe that you are the council contact for your company, please e-mail Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.
New Products Showcase Draws Record Participants
The 2011 ARMO New Products Showcase had 64 products from 26 ARMO-member companies on display in “the big white tent,” located center stage during Spring Carlisle, April 28–30. In addition to having product on display in front of the largest gathering of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the country, participation also includes a professional photograph of the product, which is then displayed in a photo gallery on the ARMO website, in a looping video played in the ARMO booth at the 2011 SEMA Show, and during the ARMO awards reception, also at the SEMA Show. All of this product exposure is free to ARMO-member companies. The only cost incurred is shipping of the product. Look for the gallery of products very soon on the ARMO website.
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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
SEMA hosts 10 distinct councils and committees that serve to represent focused niches within the specialty-equipment industry. These groups are comprised of elected volunteers (Select Committee) who guide and direct council activities while representing the membership at large. Although each council acts independently and represents a different segment, they are all focused on the betterment of the industry as a whole.
The value councils provide SEMA and the industry is beyond refute. It is inspiring to witness a diverse collection of company representatives, many of which are direct competitors, come together and develop educational, training, youth awareness and networking events that are, at the core, designed to give back and promote business. An equally important council function is to ensure that SEMA—the association—sustains a pulse on the industry and maintains a presence with its members.
The question is often asked, “Why should my company join a council?” The answer is simple. SEMA councils open the door and provide you exposure to industry leaders, decision makers, trendsetters and a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion and desire to see business succeed and prosper. Once the door is open, it is your responsibility to take advantage of the benefits by becoming actively involved.
Learn more today.
Councils in Action
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There were many reasons to celebrate March 17. Saint Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament to name a few, but just as important was the Hot Rod Industry Alliance's (HRIA) annual Education and Training Day that took place during the Hotrod and Restoration Show in Indianapolis.
Picture the scene: 40 companies, five classrooms, 500 or more attendees and one goal—education. Education Day is offered at no charge to attendees and made possible through the efforts of HRIA and participating manufacturers. The event runs from 8:00 a.m. and concludes after 6:30 p.m. With five sessions running every hour, this truly unique experience allows attendees to select the seminars that are of most interest and relevant to their business. Each session lasts an hour and covers subjects, such as air conditioning, suspension, brakes, rapid prototyping, instrumentation, performance, insurance and steering.
In addition to the premier education and training that take place, there exists a real community for individuals to share ideas and network with one another. The interaction between manufacturer and attendee and between peers serves to heighten the experience and develop a genuine camaraderie that embodies what SEMA is all about.
Learn more here.
Have You Registered a Patent or Trademark? Your Competition Has.
Protecting the intellectual property rights (IPR) of its members is a top SEMA priority. The process begins when companies register their patents, trademarks and copyrights with government agencies in the United States (and other countries). Registration is a key to establishing legal rights.
To assist its members, SEMA has created a webpage called Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights, explaining the different types of IP, including protecting new products (utility patents) and product designs (design patent), identifying the source of the product (trademarks) and protecting product brochures or website designs (copyright). It also contains information on how to register IP along with links to seminars, webinars and SEMA News articles.
With respect to enforcing IP rights at the SEMA Show, the association has developed an effective policy for pursuing infringement allegations. SEMA’s IP enforcement policy is posted on the IPR webpage and is also published as part of the Exhibitor Services Manual. Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein (stuartg@sema.org).
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 May/June 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 MPMC's website. |
MPMC Select Committee Elections
Don’t forget to return your ballot for the MPMC Select Committee elections. Balloting opened on May 17 when a link to the electronic ballot was sent to each MPMC-member company. All ballots must be returned no later than June 6, 2011. The MPMC Select Committee members volunteer their time on behalf of the MPMC membership and the restoration industry as a whole. Make sure that your company’s voice is included on the Select Committee by completing and returning your ballot. Only one ballot per company is permitted. If you did not receive a ballot, and believe that you are the council contact for your company, please e-mail Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.
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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit MRC's website. |
A Message From MRC Chair Wade Cobb
The MRC council has been chipping away at what our Long-Range Planning session of 2010 indentified as a need—benefits for our membership! MRC recently put a program together with TeleNotes, offering our members a business tool to elevate their company’s ability to capture data and reporting. We are also continuing to work on travel programs, possibly offering an “MRC” rate at our industry events, such as PWA and the SEMA Show, with select lodging. We also recognized the need to reach out to our general members and non-members to determine what it is they need from MRC.
In February, we conducted an online survey to 3,500 rep agencies associated with SEMA to find out more about reps and how MRC can maximize its efforts as a council to provide you with benefits. Thanks to all who took the time to respond; it’s the only way we can build a better MRC. Just as any council or association, it’s imperative to get the feedback from its members on what works or needs to be fixed. As we move on reviewing the data MRC has been able to obtain through the survey and the information from our LRP, the council will continue to put action plans in place to address the concerns.
In our most recent tele-conference, MRC has established the date and time for the MRC event to be held at the 2011 SEMA Show on Sunday, October 30, from 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. The MRC Rep Conference task force headed by our own Thomas Jordan is in the midst of debating the topic and format to ensure we have the best possible event for you.
Looking to continue the efforts put forth by our members, MRC attended the MPMC Media Trade Conference held in Los Angeles this past January with the purpose of representing MRC to the manufacturers present. MRC Chair-Elect Chris Fairless and I had a MRC room all three days of the event, conducting meetings with members interested in utilizing reps and showing them the value of using rep agencies. We provided each exhibiting company with a MRC brochure and offered the MRC DVD for additional information. Both Chris and I were very pleased with the event, realizing this was a first for MRC and a great opportunity given to MRC by MPMC to explore the venue and take away ideas to build even better programs for coming events. We truly wish to thank Kyle Fickler and Vic Wood of MPMC for working with us during the MPMC Media Trade Conference.
We look forward to working with other industry segments to continue educating our fellow industry members on the benefits of utilizing a rep agency as their sales force. Your thoughts and comments are welcome any time. We need to hear your voice, so please speak out!
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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MRC, contact Zane Clark.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
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.
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 May/June 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. |
SEMA Businesswomen’s Network Debuts Speed Networking Event Video
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has released its 2010 Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN event video. If you attended this sold-out event—or even if you missed it—you must check out the video so you can plan ahead to attend this year’s event.
While the SBN Speed Networking Breakfast is not exclusively for women, it clearly focuses on recognizing women who significantly contribute to the aftermarket and performance industries.
With special thanks to James and Melissa Lawrence of PowerTV, who covered this event, we are able to share the highlights with our members. Captured on video are glimpses of the event, which includes an exclusive interview with SBN's 2010 Woman of the Year Award recipient Kellie Colf of Aftermarketer Club Inc., and Zan Martin of Martin & Company Advertising. Both discuss the significance of each award.
Also accepting an SBN Award was Wade Kawasaki of Exports International, who was awarded the 2010 Athena Award for his support of women in the automotive aftermarket industry. And presenting the Mentor of the Year Award to a deserving John Menzler of Comp Performance Group was Joe St. Lawrence of RTM Productions Inc.—Titanium Sponsor of the event.
SBN’s annual breakfast event held during SEMA Show week is a great opportunity to network, learn and forge new relationships with others who share the same goals and interests of growing the automotive aftermarket industry and promoting the success of all.
Check out the following links to view video and photos from the 2010 SBN Annual Speed Networking Breakfast:
• www.sema.org/sbn
• www.sema.org/sbn/gallery/2010-breakfast
• www.facebook.com/semasbn
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network committee is a great resource of minds. All ladies in the specialty-equipment industry can join the SBN, so pass the word around to your colleagues and friends! We are encouraging all new and existing SBN members to log-in to the MySEMA portal to update their profile with a photo so we get to know each other's faces before the SEMA Show.
And don’t forget to turn your notifications settings “ON” so you can stay in “the loop.” Want to know more about the SBN? Interested in becoming a member?
Want to get involved in the industry but don't know how? We have an app for that! Go to www.SEMA.org, click on the Leadership tab, click on Council/Committee, click on SBN and join! Don't delay—get involved and join now. You are just a few clicks away! We look forward to "seeing" everyone!
Don’t Be Out of the Loop—Stay in Touch
The very best way to stay in touch and to read the latest news, discussions and topics posted from SEMA and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is to make sure that your notification settings are turned on in your MySEMA account. Next to your photo on your MySEMA page, at the top right, is a link to the "Edit My Settings" page.
On the “settings” page, look for the “notifications” tab, where it will ask how you would like to receive your news. Check whichever method is most convenient, but either way, make sure you're in the loop by turning “on” your notifications. Visit http://my.sema.org to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN
“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker
Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s
Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your
questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information
for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a
new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.
“Ask A
Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA
mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related
questions.
Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a
specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the
expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with
your project.
Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing
your professional career. In this program segment you will be paired
with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and
assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.
So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to
cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by
the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help
from our friends.
Visit the SEMA Mentoring Program now.
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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SBN, contact Staci Bostock.
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| Visit SPC's website. |
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 May/June issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SPC, contact Nathan Ridnouer.
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| Visit WTC's website |
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 May/June 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 |
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Since 2004, SEMA's Young Executives Network has been dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their automotive specialty-equipment career.
“SEMA and YEN are believers in higher education,” said Gregory Parker, chairman of the Young Executives Network. “However, with today's higher costs of getting an education, more and more students have to turn to student loans. The new YEN Loan Forgiveness Scholarship Award will now be able to help a previous or current student who has loans they are trying to pay off while working within our industry. Our inaugural scholarship winner, Jaclyn Kilani, worked hard to put herself through school and is now working for a SEMA-member company. We are just glad we are able to recognize and reward her for her hard work, and we look forward to doing the same for other industry peers as we move into the future.”
Kilani, who recently graduated from California State University with a degree in graphic design, is the marketing director at Dannmar Equipment, a manufacturer of automotive repair products. Of the specialty-equipment industry, Kilani says, “I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. It’s an eclectic marketplace with a very unique audience, and I love the challenge of marketing a company in a non-traditional way. This award came at the perfect time, and it's a tremendous step toward my goal of becoming debt-free. I truly appreciate the privilege.”
The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program is dedicated to aiding recent graduates in getting off to a successful start in their specialty-equipment career. SEMA offers a minimum of $1,000 toward outstanding student loans for individuals who are employed by SEMA-member companies. Applications for the next program open in December 2010 at www.sema.org/scholarships.
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.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? YEN is!
Be sure to follow YEN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/yen and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
YEN Column in SEMA Member News
Read YEN's column featured in the May/June issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about YEN, contact Nathan Ridnouer.