Compiled by SEMA Editors
 The National Street Rod Association (NSRA) presented Joe Petlick with the 2017 NSRA Person of the Year Award during the recent 48th Annual Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. |
Motor State Distributing’s Joe Petlick Awarded 2017 NSRA Person of the Year
The National Street Rod Association (NSRA) presented Joe Petlick, sales manager at Motor State Distributing, with the 2017 NSRA Person of the Year Award during the recent 48th Annual Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. Petlick has spent a lifetime involved in the street-rod community. He serves on SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) select committee and is the education chairman.
 Jessica Hatcher |
Jessica Hatcher Named NHRA Senior Director of Public Relations and Communications
The NHRA has announced that Jessica Hatcher has been named senior director of public relations and communications. In her new role with NHRA, Hatcher will lead and create the strategic direction for corporate communications and public relations. She will report to Glen Cromwell, NHRA senior vice president of media and marketing. Hatcher has led brand awareness and public-relations campaigns for a multitude of nationally recognized brands, including Capriotti’s, Applebee’s, SKYY Vodka, PopChips, Corner Bakery Cafe, Fatburger, JC Penney, and No Kid Hungry.
National Auto Body Council Opens Nominations for 2018 Board of Directors
The National Auto Body Council (NABC) has announced it is now accepting nominations for seven open seats for its board of directors. The deadline for nominations is Friday, September 1. Board candidates may be self-nominated or industry professionals nominated by three members of the NABC. To qualify, the nominee must be either an individual member of the NABC or the designated representative of a company member. Board members are elected for three-year terms. All nominations must be submitted in writing. The election will take place at NABC’s upcoming annual meeting, Wednesday, November 1, at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Per NABC bylaws, proxy voting and nominations from the floor are not allowed. Current NABC board members whose terms are ending this year may also seek re-election, and they include:
- Greg Clark, Caliber Collision Centers
- Michael Jordan, Manchester Collision Center
- Keith Egan, Colours Inc.
- Joe Lacy, formerly of GEICO
- Elizabeth Stein, Assured Performance
- Kerry Angers, Enterprise Rent-a-Car
- Arlo Johnson, Driven Brands
Nominations for NABC board seats must be submitted in writing to info@NationalAutoBodyCouncil.org or Executive Director Chuck Sulkala.
 Jesse Jones |
Cometic Gasket Tabs Jones for Newly Created Vice President Role
Automotive aftermarket industry veteran Jesse Jones has joined Cometic Gasket Inc., and will serve as the northeast Ohio-based organization’s vice president of OEM and production engine remanufacturer (PER) sales. Jones comes to Cometic with more than 35 years of industry experience following a lengthy tenure with Dana Inc., including a stop at Mahle Clevite. Most recently, the Northwood University alumnus was the senior manager, special markets, for Dana, where he was responsible for developing new markets. In that role, Jones led Dana’s reintroduction and launch of the company’s engine-sealing product line incorporating strategy, product offerings, marketing and distribution. Jones will focus his efforts on identifying new opportunities with OEMs and PERs while mining and implementing high-volume private-label programs within the automotive, powersports and marine markets. Jones, who is a member of several professional organizations, including SEMA, Auto Care Association (ACA), and Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), will begin his new role effective immediately.
 McLeod Racing is moving its operations to a newly purchased 25,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility in Anaheim, California. |
McLeod Racing Moving Operations to New Building September 2017
Beginning September 1, 2017, McLeod Racing will move its operations to a newly purchased manufacturing facility in nearby Anaheim, California (1570 Lakeview Loop, Anaheim, CA 92807). The new 25,000-sq.-ft. building will house new offices and manufacturing operations. McLeod’s moving plans are to be seamless, so customers will continue to get their orders shipped on time. With the larger facility, McLeod will be able to better accommodate customers with more products stocked and ready to ship. McLeod plans to stay open during the move to welcome orders from its customers. The main phone number (714) 630-2764 and website www.mcleodracing.com will remain the same.
 Lisa Gill |
Marx Group Appoints Lisa Gill as Account Director
Marx Group has appointed Lisa Gill to account director. Gill will work out of the company’s Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, location. She joins Marx Group with 14 years of agency experience in the automotive, motorsports, health care and public affairs sectors. Prior to joining Marx Group, she held agency positions with MSLGROUP and Lambert, Edwards & Associates. She began her career with John Bailey & Associates. At Marx Group, she will direct and support several of the agency’s OE and aftermarket accounts.
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