 Brian Reese, vice president of product and business development for COMP Performance Groups wins SEMA's inaugural Gen III Innovator Award. |
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 The PWA Manufacturer of the Year award was presented to the team from Advanced Clutch Technology. |
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 Rich Barsamian (left) was called to the stage by Comedian Christopher Titus to accept the 2012 PWA Person of the Year award. |
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 The 2012 SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the year trophy was presented to Premier Performance, and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) and SEMA's Chairman of the Board Scooter Brothers (right) posed with the winning team. |
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 Opening its doors in 1979, R&R Marketing remains extremely active more than 30 years later, as the company accepts the 2012 SEMA Manufacturer's Rep Agency of the Year award. |
The 2012 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet was held November 1, 2012, and this year, especially, the specialty-equipment industry had much to celebrate. Following a cocktail hour, presented by SEMA's own Young Executives Network (YEN), Master of Ceremonies Dave McClelland took the microphone and told a packed crowd at the Las Vegas Hotel that indeed, "We have a lot of great things in store for you this evening."
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting joined in the celebration, telling guests about the theme for the 2012 SEMA Show.
"Tonight is a celebration of innovation, and the people who make that innovation happen," said Kersting. In keeping with the theme, Kersting explained that tonight SEMA would be awarding its inaugural Gen-III Innovator Award. An honor designed to highlight talented individuals in the industry, under the age of 40.
After revealing brief biography notes on the finalists, Kersting introduced the first-ever recipient of the Gen-III Innovator award by detailing some of the amazing accomplishments of Brian Reese, vice president of product and business development for COMP Performance Group.
"His inventions have been award-winners and his vision has been sharply focused on where this industry is going," said Kersting. "I’m excited to announce—if you haven’t already figured it out—that our first SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award goes to Brian Reese! Let’s welcome Brian to the stage!"
Comedian Christopher Titus joined Dave McClelland throughout the night, both in video segments and live on stage, especially when it was time to handout awards. In fact, Titus told audience members exactly why he considers himself a car guy, and then concluded his remarks by bringing PWA Chairman Larry Pacey on stage to help present the honor of PWA Manufacurer of the Year. Congratulations went to Advanced Clutch Technology as Tracie Nunez joined Titus on stage to accept the award.
Following the Manufacturer of the Year, it was time to present PWA person of the year, to an individual whose contributions to the specialty-equipment industry and support of warehouse distribution were truly outstanding. Titus announced to the enthusiastic crowd that Advanced Clutch Technology's own Rich Barsamian was selected as the 2012 PWA Person of the Year.
Warehouse distributors have long played a critical role in the specialty-equipment industry, and SEMA took the time to acknowledge a company that continues to strive for excellence. The 2012 Warehouse Distributor of the Year award was presented to Premier Performance, a company specializing in distributing diesel performance products both in the United States and in Canada.
Equally as important to the industry is the Manufacturer's Rep Agency segment of the workforce. Opening its doors in 1979, R&R Marketing Consultants was selected as the 2012 SEMA Manufacturer's Rep Agency of the Year. R&R Marketing staffs sales reps for multiple territories, as well as houses creative services and graphic design teams.
From the awards presentation, to the entertainment, to the after-party, the 2012 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet was quite a celebration. The specialty-equipment industry owes a huge debt of gratitude to the award winners, the SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and especially to the exhibitors and attendees of this year's SEMA Show.