SEMA Member News - November/December 2009

Awards and Networking at the SEMA Show

Presentation of the annual WTC industry awards is a highlight of the annual WTC industry reception. Here, Brock Weld accepts the WTC Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of his late father, Greg Weld, during the 2008 WTC industry reception at the SEMA Show.

It didn’t take the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) very long to accept SEMA’s offer to move its annual industry reception from the Las Vegas Hilton to the Renaissance Hotel. The reception is scheduled for its traditional slot of Wednesday evening, November 4, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

“We’ve always had a good reception,” said WTC Chair-Elect David Insull. “But we’re certain that the long walk from South Hall to the Hilton cost us some attendance from year to year. We all know what a long day it can be in the booth, and unless you’re staying in the Hilton or are traveling in that direction, it’s a significant commitment to make that walk.”

The Hilton is located directly adjacent to the North Hall of the Convention Center, on the far opposite side of the convention center from South Hall.

“The Hilton is traditionally ‘the’ place for receptions,” Insull said. “And the hotel has always served us very well—no complaints. But the entire industry is going through changes right now, so the timing couldn’t be better to try something new.”

While the reception is a networking and socializing affair, WTC also uses the occasion to present its annual industry awards. The WTC Lifetime Achievement Award and the WTC Person or Company of the Year awards are always a highlight of the festivities.

“We’re a very tight bunch in the wheel and tire industry,” said WTC Chairman Tim Dietz. “These awards mean so much to the recipients, in large part because the nominees and winners are selected by industry peers. I can’t wait to see who gets to make acceptance speeches in our new surroundings at the Renaissance.”

WTC Lifetime Achievement Award

The Wheel & Tire Council Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who meets the criteria and is nominated and chosen by members of WTC for outstanding dedication and contributions to the wheel and tire industry for a period of 20 or more years. The criteria includes:

• Having demonstrated exceptional service, integrity, good character and business ethics related to the wheel and tire industry for a period of 20 or more years.
• Being a current or past member of SEMA.
• Devoting a majority of his/her lifetime, business time and resources to a product or service related to the wheel and tire industry.

The WTC industry reception is always a welcome opportunity for industry colleagues to network and socialize during the annual SEMA Show. For 2009, wheel and tire exhibitors in South Hall need only make a short walk to the Renaissance Hotel to partake in the festivities.

Previous Lifetime Achievement Award winners include Art Hale Sr. (2001), Jim Kavanaugh (2002), Joe Suddreth (2003), John Arthurs (2004), Frank Duca (2005), John “Ed” Hill (2006), Louis Senter (2007) and Greg Weld (2008).

WTC Person or Company of the Year Award

The WTC Person or Company of the Year Award is presented to an individual or company that meets the criteria and is nominated and chosen by members of WTC for making significant contributions to the wheel and tire industry
during the past 12 months. The criteria include:

• Demonstrating exceptional service, integrity and business ethics throughout the last 12 months
• Being a member of SEMA and WTC
• Devoting a majority of his/her/their annual business resources to a product or service related to the wheel and tire industry throughout the last 12 months

Previous Person or Company of the Year Award winners include Larry Anderson (2001), John Arthurs (2002), Ron Pushea (2003), Fenton Liffick (2004), Ron Escue (2006), Joe Findeis (2007) and Corky Coker (2008).

 

The 2009 edition of the WTC Aftermarket Wheel Installation Guidelines Poster is available to all WTC-member companies.

Updated Wheel Installation Guidelines Poster

 

The 2009 edition of the WTC Aftermarket Wheel Installation Guidelines Poster is available to all WTC-member companies. While the poster does not circumvent any manufacturer instructions, it does give invaluable information on the proper selection and installation of aftermarket wheels.

Topics covered include checking wheel clearance and tire clearance, balancing, proper fitment of centering rings, wheel stud lengths and matching the correct lug nut style to the wheel. When hung in a customer lounge or waiting area, it may actually assist the sales person in closing a sale on the correct wheel and minimizing returns and complaints. It’s also a handy reference for service techs for identifying lug nut and seat types, proper thread engagements and so forth. Order forms are available at the WTC website.