Strengthen Your Company Through Community
No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, 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 ARMO's website. |
ARMO Names Person of the Year, Business of the Year
 Dave Mihalko Sr. |
The Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) held its annual Industry Awards Reception, Tuesday evening, November 1, at the Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Attendees enjoyed an evening of dinner and beverages while networking with fellow restoration professionals.
 Auto Custom Carpets Inc. was named ARMO Business of the Year. Accepting the award was Ken Howell (middle), owner of Auto Custom Carpets. |
Auto Custom Carpets Inc. was named ARMO Business of the Year. The ARMO Business of the Year winner must have demonstrated exceptional service, integrity and business ethics as well as made a commendable contribution to the restoration industry.
Dave Mihalko Sr. of Restoration Specialties was named ARMO Person of the Year—an honor presented to an individual in the restoration market who has made an exceptional contribution or impression on the hobby and industry during the past year.
ARMO is committed to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry through its projects, education programs, and by monitoring legislative and/or regulatory issues that may affect our members, thus ensuring the longevity and prosperity of the automotive restoration industry.
For more information about the Automotive Restoration Market Organization, visit www.SEMA.org/armo.
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| Visit ETTN's website |
ETTN Presents Industry Awards
 Rodney Esteban (middle) of PriusChat received the ETTN Ambassador Award. |
The Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) reception at the 2016 SEMA Show attracted automotive engineering professionals looking to connect with each other and make new contacts. The reception was also the setting for the network’s award presentations, including two new honors for this year: the ETTN Genius Award and ETTN Techie Award.
Mark Heffington of Hypertech Inc. was honored with the ETTN Genius award—given to recognize and honor outstanding individuals whose creative, genius innovation has made significant contributions toward advancing technology that positively impacts the growth and progress of the automotive industry.
 Robert Vogt IV (middle) of Voyomotive received the ETTN Techie Award. |
Robert Vogt IV of Voyomotive received the ETTN Techie Award, which recognizes individuals for engineering achievements of a product, process or component that demonstrates innovative and original engineering development, and/or advances state-of-the-art technology as it pertains to the automotive industry or product sector.
Rodney Esteban of PriusChat received the ETTN Ambassador Award. The Ambassador honor is not necessarily presented each year, but is awarded at the discretion of the ETTN chairman, and recognizes members for their volunteer efforts or contributions to increased membership and awareness of ETTN during the past year.
More information about the Emerging Trends and Technology Network, visit www.SEMA.org/ettn.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
HRIA Reception Highlighted by Jerry Kennedy, Alex Xydias Hall of Fame Inductions
 Jerry Kennedy of the NSRA (second from right) was inducted into the HRIA Hall of Fame. |
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) held its annual industry awards reception, Wednesday evening, November 2, during the 2016 SEMA Show at the Westgate Resort & Casino. The event kicked off with the Presentation of the Colors by the National Color Guard. Six hot rods were on display, as well as the Builder’s Challenge pinewood cars, which were auctioned off to benefit SEMA Cares.
Rick Love of Vintage Air emceed the awards presentation, as Jerry Kennedy of the NSRA and Alex Xydias of Alex Xydias & Associates were inducted into the HRIA Hall of Fame.
 Alex Xydias of Alex Xydias & Associates was inducted into the HRIA Hall of Fame. Pete Chapouris (middle) accepted the award for Xydias. |
Roadster Shop was named HRIA Business of the Year, which honors a company’s excellent commitment and contributions to the hot-rod industry and hobby.
To honor an individual’s long-term commitment to the hot rod industry, the HRIA created the Industry Recognition Award. The award was presented to Brian Downard of Lokar Performance.
The award honors an employee or principal of an HRIA member company for having a notable, positive impact on the overall market and hobby for a period of 10 years or more.
More information about the HRIA is available at www.SEMA.org/hria.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
TORA Presents Annual Council Awards
 George Lathouris of Keystone Automotive was inducted into the TORA Hall of Fame. |
 Mark Turner of Daystar was honored with the 2016 TORA Rob Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence. |
The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) held an industry reception Wednesday evening, November 2, at the 2016 SEMA Show, where professionals from the light-truck segment gathered to network and have some fun racing Pinewoods to benefit SEMA Cares charities.
George Lathouris of Keystone Automotive was inducted into the TORA Hall of Fame. Established in 2006, the Hall of Fame immortalizes the lifetime accomplishments of exceptional individuals in the light-truck accessory segment.
Terry’s Toppers was named 2016 TORA Retailer of the Year. The award is given to honor an outstanding light-truck accessory retailer for serving as an example of excellence and professionalism that enhances the stature and annual growth of the industry within the candidate's community.
Mark Turner of Daystar was honored with the 2016 TORA Rob Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence. Ron Webster, president and founder of Guidon Truck Covers, was one of the original members of TCIA, which later became TCAA, then TORA.
An engineer by education, Turner developed many early innovations in the truck cap industry. The Ron Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence was created in his honor. This award is not necessarily presented each year, but is bestowed as viable candidates are nominated and selected.
Learn more about the TORA at www.SEMA.org/TORA.
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| Visit MPMC’s website. |
The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is gearing up to host four industry events at the PRI Trade Show this winter. MPMC is dedicated to the growth and prosperity of motorsports parts manufacturers by providing meaningful solutions to industry-specific issues and challenges. All MPMC members as well as prospective members are encouraged to attend the events during the PRI Trade Show.
MPMC General Membership Meeting
A general membership meeting will be held Wednesday, December 7, from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m, at the Indiana Convention Center in room 243 to update MPMC members on the most current and ongoing council initiatives. The meeting will serve as a great opportunity to meet the select committee and learn how to become more involved. The event will feature a presentation entitled “Marketing in 2016 and Beyond: It’s Different, But Here’s How to Succeed,” by Brian Lohnes of Bangshift.com, and Zan Martin and Jeff Lee from Martin & Company Advertising. From this open discussion, attendees will take away tools on how to maximize exposure for their companies.
Sanctioning Body Discussion
Issues, challenges and opportunities between motorsports manufacturers and sanctioning bodies will be addressed at an open discussion between manufacturers and a panel of representatives from several motorsports sanctioning bodies. This valuable discussion will take place Thursday, December 8, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center in room 242. Scheduled to participate are representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, ProMedia (NMCA/NMRA) and Formula Drift. This session is open to manufacturers only.
Preparing a Sponsorship Proposal
When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecasts for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: “Which events should I be part of? What opportunities should I jump on? How do I negotiate maximum exposure within my budget?” In a session to take place Friday, December 9, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., in the Indiana Convention Center in room 242, Alex Striler, director of sales and marketing for Team Lucas, will help attendees navigate these tough questions. Striler is also the author of Motorsports Marketing and Sponsorships and X Play Nation of Action Sports.
Over the Road Rules for Motorsports Haulers Part 3
MPMC continues its interactive discussion on laws that affect racers and manufactures alike for the third year in a row. Not a rehash of previous seminars, this 2016 edition will pick up where last year’s session ended. There are numerous state and federal regulations that apply to the operation of anyone hauling a race car to or from an event in order to distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. Guest speakers will share their extensive experience navigating the myriad regulations of hauling race cars and equipment. This popular discussion takes place Friday, December 9, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center in room 242.
Hall of Fame Industry Reception
Join MPMC as it honors and immortalizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work by inducting them into the MPMC Hall of Fame—the most prestigious award the council presents. The reception serves as a wonderful opportunity to close out the PRI Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. The reception will take place Friday, December 9, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center in rooms 208 and 209.
Register now for these events.
If you have any questions regarding these events or MPMC, contact Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.
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| Visit MRN's website. |
 Les Rudd (right) was inducted into the MRN Hall of Fame. |
 KC HiLiTes was honored with the STAR award. |
MRN Award Winners Announced at SEMA Show Reception
The Manufacturer’s Rep Network (MRN) held an awards ceremony Thursday morning, November 3, at the 2016 SEMA Show to honor those who have greatly impacted the rep segment of the automotive aftermarket industry.
Les Rudd was inducted into the MRN Hall of Fame for his outstanding lifetime achievements in the manufacturer’s rep segment. Rudd regularly mentors his fellow industry professionals with passion and pride, from both volunteer and a manufacturers’ rep perspectives. Under his many years of leadership, he has helped the MRN/MRC achieve new goals and launch many key initiatives. Rudd was recently elected to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors for the manufacturers’ representative category.
MRN Honors KC HiLiTes with the Sales Team Annual Recognition (STAR) award, which is presented to the most outstanding manufacturer’s sales team, as nominated by the MRN general membership. KC HiLiTes staff understands and listens to the reps’ concerns regarding jobber-level calls and calls at the warehouse-distributor level, and is always willing to spend time in the field traveling with reps to ensure success.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
PRO Award Winners Announced at SEMA Show Reception
 Craig Marsh (middle left) and Mike Gherardi (middle right) of Auto Image were honored as the 2016 PRO Restylers of the Year. |
 Jeff Varick of Brandmotion received the Nat Danas Person of the Year Award. |
The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) held its annual industry awards reception on Tuesday evening of the 2016 SEMA Show on the pool deck of the Westgate Hotel, providing a relaxing ambiance under the lights with a live band. Attendees enjoyed food and beverage while networking and honoring leading companies and professionals in the restyling segment.
 Representatives of Webasto Products North America accept the PRO Manufacturer of the Year. |
Mike Gherardi and Craig Marsh of Auto Image were honored as the 2016 PRO Restylers of the Year. The award was established to honor outstanding restylers and installers whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have enhanced the stature and growth of the industry within the candidate’s community.
Webasto Products North America was named PRO Manufacturer of the Year. The award was established to honor outstanding manufacturers in the restyling industry whose professionalism, business practices and accomplishments serve as a benchmark for others to achieve and who have enhanced the stature and growth within the aftermarket community.
Jeff Varick of Brandmotion received the Nat Danas Person of the Year Award.
The PRO Person of the Year is someone 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 are a primary consideration, with significant impact on the local level taken into account.
Larry Kramer of Texas Auto Tops received the Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award honors an individual in the restyling, trim or light-truck accessory industry who has made significant contributions toward the betterment of the aftermarket at the local and national levels. This individual represents the highest mark of professionalism, service and integrity.
Learn more about the Professional Restylers Organization at www.SEMA.org/pro.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
SBN Award Winners Honored at Gear-Up Girl Event
 From left to right: Laurel Dasher, Tiffany Dorin, Kathryn Reinhardt and Jennifer Reed accepted the 2016 Athena Champion Award for MagnaFlow Exhaust; Melanie White, Athena Woman of the Year; Erin Gilhuly, SBN chair; and Camee Edelbrock, SBN chair-elect. Not pictured: Ruby Davis, 2016 Athena Rising Star. |
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) held its fifth annual Gear-up Girl event Monday afternoon prior to the official opening of the 2016 SEMA Show. The event is designed to connect female students participating in the SEMA Show Student Program with female automotive professionals who can share perspectives and experience from their time in the industry.
Event attendees enjoyed snacks and beverages and honored leading women in the industry. Melanie White of Hellwig Products was named the 2016 SBN Athena Woman of the Year, an award established to honor an industry woman for her outstanding achievements and contributions in the automotive aftermarket.
Ruby Davis of ChickDriven was named the 2016 SBN Athena Rising Star, which recognizes a woman under the age of 30 who is making significant strides in advancing her career in the automotive aftermarket. Recipients are emerging leaders in career development aspects, including networking, education, leveraging the wisdom of others, along with any volunteer efforts within the industry.
MagnaFlow Exhaust was named the 2016 SBN Athena Champion. The award honors a SEMA member, male or female, or company for outstanding lifetime contributions and dedication to women in the specialty-equipment industry.
More information about the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network is available at www.SEMA.org/sbn.
 Barry Horlick of Voxx Wheels was inducted into the WTC Hall of Fame. |
Barry Horlick Inducted Into WTC Hall of Fame
The Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) held its annual industry reception Tuesday evening, November 1, at the Renaissance Hotel Pool Deck in Las Vegas. The reception annually brings together members and Show attendees to network and enjoy food and beverage, and serves as the backdrop of the council’s WTC Hall of Fame presentation.
This year, Barry Horlick of Voxx Wheels was inducted into the WTC Hall of Fame.
The council’s Hall of Fame was founded to recognize and honor outstanding individuals in the wheel and tire 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, progress and professionalism.
Learn more about the WTC at www.SEMA.org/wtc.
Kawasaki, Reasoner Recognized by Young Executives Network
 Matt Reasoner of Retrax was named the 2016 YEN Young Executive of the Year. |
The Young Executives Network (YEN) held a networking reception on Tuesday evening, November 1, an event which annually serves as the largest gathering of young professionals at the SEMA Show. Attendees enjoyed food and beverage while networking with industry friends.
The event also honored two outstanding individuals in the automotive aftermarket. Matt Reasoner of Retrax was named the 2016 YEN Young Executive of the Year.
 SEMA Chair-elect Wade Kawasaki (left) of Coker Group was awarded the YEN Vanguard Award. |
The Young Executive of the Year award is presented each year to an individual under the age of 40 who has demonstrated exceptional service, integrity, professional growth and business ethics throughout the last 12 months.
In addition to the Young Executive of the Year presentation, SEMA Chair-elect Wade Kawasaki and COO and president of Coker Group was awarded the YEN Vanguard Award in recognition of his contributions in support of young industry leaders.
Learn more about the Young Executives Network at www.SEMA.org/yen.