Strengthen Your Company Through Community
No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
SBN Member of the Month – Tiana Weber, 3pConnect LLC
Tiana Weber is the business development manager for 3pConnect LLC in Rancho Cucamonga, California, and SBN’s Member of the Month.
What does your company do?
3pConnect is a California-based international sales support and logistics services company, offering a comprehensive range of products to the automotive industry. The primary focus of these services is the importation and distribution of premium-brand performance automotive aftermarket products.
What is your position?
I continue to grow the automotive aftermarket business with not only the domestic consumers, but also with our international customers. My job is to provide the best customer service, and strategically plan each new company that is interested in being profitable in the Unitd States.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
Being able to be a part of a team that revolves around bringing in companies from all around the world. These companies offer superior products, and now have the opportunity to be a part of the U.S. team.
How long have you been involved with the aftermarket industry?
I have been in the aftermarket industry for less than nine months.
What brought you to the industry?
Personally, I have been involved with drag racing since before I can remember. My father and I have built cars together, and my husband and I compete constantly on the track.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Live every day your happiest, and always consider others.
What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?
That I drag race, and I am currently building an ’84 944 Porsche with an all-motor LS7. This car will produce 650 whp once it is completed.
What is your dream car?
A Lamborghini Sesto Elemento.
What is your favorite pastime?
Crossfit.
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| Visit ETTN's website |
Improve Your E-Commerce Skills at a Discount
Applications are being accepted now through March 16 for a second ETTN Professional Development Program. The Internet Retailer Conference and Exhibition (IRCE), will take place June 3–4, 2015, in Chicago. On its own, the costs associated with this conference could prove prohibitive for members, but through ETTN, participants receive a specially negotiated registration rate, and the company of the participating employee receives a $500 grant from SEMA to assist with registration (all benefits received are considered taxable income). IRCE, a two-day conference, originally cost $1,095. Combining the negotiated rate and SEMA grant, ETTN members save 80% and pay only $216 for registration.
IRCE is in its 11th year and is largely considered to be a flagship event of the e-commerce industry. Each year, more than 10,000 attendees travel to Chicago to hear from more than 200 expert speakers representing all areas of the industry. This year, exciting speakers include top executives from Target, 1-800-Flowers.com, QVC and more. In addition to the educational opportunities, the 250,000 sq.-ft. exhibit hall presents more than 600 companies in the e-commerce solutions industry.
Applicants may be selected to attend one of three conferences in 2015, along with SEMA staff and a group of nine other network members. The first conference selected was the Social Media Strategies Summit, which will take place in Las Vegas, February 10–12. Later in the year, a third group of members will learn customer service and engagement skills at the Disney Quality Service course.
To learn more about the program and apply, visit the ETTN Professional Development Program homepage or contact Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
Truck Industry Professionals Connect in Indianapolis
By Clayton Drescher
Members of SEMA’s Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and professionals in the light-truck industry are invited to a happy hour and TORA mixer at the Slippery Noodle Inn, Indiana’s oldest bar, Monday, March 2, from 6:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. The Slippery Noodle is just around the corner from the Indiana Convention Center, host to the NTEA Work Truck Show that week.
This is a great opportunity for local members and those in town for the NTEA Show to network, unwind, grab a bite and a drink, and learn about what SEMA and TORA are doing to strengthen and support the light-truck industry. The elected volunteer leaders of the TORA Select Committee will be there to hear input from membership about upcoming strategic planning meetings and answer questions regarding the council’s activities.
All professionals in any aspect of the light-truck industry interested in learning more about SEMA and TORA are invited to attend the event. Questions? Contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or RSVP online.