Compiled by SEMA Editors
Aftermarket Foundation Expands Awareness Partner Program
The Aftermarket Foundation, the only nonprofit organization devoted exclusively to assisting individuals in the automotive aftermarket in times of need, is expanding its Awareness Partner Program, according to Executive Director Joel Ayres. To participate in the program, an aftermarket company only needs to designate a point person to be responsible for sharing foundation information with employees. Partner companies receive recognition on the foundation website, www.aftermarketfoundation.org. Contact Joel Ayres at joel@aftermarketfoundation.org.
The foundation’s largest fundraiser is its Aftermarket Foundation Bob Schoeberl Charity Golf Tournament and evening cocktail reception, held annually in conjunction with the SEMA Show. This year’s cocktail and networking reception is slated for Sunday, November 1, at the Las Vegas Country Club; the golf tournament will be held at the country club on Monday, November 2.
Funrise Toys Debuts TONKA Toyota 4Runner
 TONKA Toyota 4Runner | |
Funrise Toys, manufacturer of TONKA branded products under license from Hasbro, announced the completion of its new TONKA 4Runner, sponsored by Toyota, Bulletproof Suspensions and other brands, including Smittybilt and Rigid Industries. The TONKA 4Runner boasts a roof-top tent, a 10-inch lift, 38-inch tires, custom suspension, custom interior seats, and a Funrise-designed custom wrap. The TONKA 4Runner debuted at the property of TONKA Motorsports driver Myan Spaccarelli before the Funrise team and select media.
Hypertherm Names Spark Something Great Grant Winners
Hypertherm, a U.S.-based manufacturer of plasma, laser and waterjet cutting systems, announced the recipients of its 2015 Spark Something Great educational grant on August 4. The winners represent nearly a dozen high schools, vocational schools, community colleges, colleges and universities from throughout North America who will receive a Hyperterm plasma-cutting and -gouging system, a curriculum kit and training from an industry expert.
“We are thrilled to help some of these schools improve the ratio of students to cutting systems, and at the same time, provide students with an opportunity to learn to cut and gouge on a modern plasma system,” said Betsy Van Duyne, manager of Hypertherm’s educational program.
Turn 14 Distribution Announces New Logo, Brand Identity
Turn 14 Distribution announced the redesign and launch of the company’s logo. The new logo blends the elements of the company’s motto, “There At Every Turn” into the letters T, U and R in Turn. The old logo represented the company for eight years when it was a single-location WD in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania.
“The launch of our new brand logo kick-off a new era at Turn 14 Distribution that speaks to who we are as a progressive, innovative company while maintaining definite design cues from our previous logo that identify the motorsports background from which the company was started,” said Jon Pulli, CEO of Turn 14 Distribution.
Former Indy Racers Join Educational Panel, “Young People and Old Cars: The Future of Restoration”
 Lyn St. James | |
Former Indy 500 racers Lyn St. James and Dominic Dobson will be part of a special restoration-themed panel discussion set for Saturday, August 15, during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The 45-minute presentation—“Young People and Old Cars: The Future of Restoration”—is sponsored and hosted by the Hagerty Education Program at America’s Car Museum (HEP). HEP, a program dedicated to preparing young adults for careers in automotive restoration, supports hands-on, career-based training for students in the United States and Canada. It will be broadcasted live from the track during a race intermission.
Samantha Young Joins Creative Team at The Marx Group
 Samantha Young | |
Samantha Young has joined The Marx Group as the newest member of the agency’s creative team. In her new role, Young will assist The Marx Group in the areas of creative design for print and digital advertising, marketing collateral and social media campaigns. Most recently, Young was a graphic designer for Ogden Costa Creative Group, where she helped create website banners, emails and direct-mail materials.
“We are thrilled to add a talented and creative individual to our team, especially one who shares our passion for vehicles and the aftermarket,” said Kerri Petersen, vice president of marketing and creative services.
National Performance Warehouse Completes Its Third Acquisition of 2015
National Performance Warehouse has announced the completion of their third new location for 2015. Time Distributors is a wholesaler of performance and truck accessories which, when combined with the traditional business of National Auto Parts Warehouse Utah, will have the operation mirroring other NPW locations where customers can purchase virtually all their automotive needs.
The company now operates from a separate Salt Lake facility which will be consolidated into the National Auto Parts Warehouse’s modern and automated facility in West Valley City, Utah, while the Boise, Idaho, facility will continue. The deal, made on July 31, is NPW’s third acquisition in 2015.
Greg Hewgill Joins Lucas Oil as Technical Director
 Greg Hewgill | |
Lucas Oil Products Inc. announced that Greg Hewgill will join the company as technical director. Hewgill began his in-depth oil industry career soon after leaving Cal State Fullerton, California, where he studied science. His first full-time position in the oil industry was with Union Oil (later Unocal) Research Center in Brea, California, as part of a team developing, testing and implementing new technologies in the area of well stimulation.
"Greg has a wealth of experience in the science of oil products technology," said Lucas Oil COO Tom Fredrickson. "We look forward to him playing a key part in the development of Lucas Oil products as we continue to expand into new markets around the globe."
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