SEMA News - December 2010

	Media registration for the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council Media Trade Conference is open and available online.

Media registration for the MPMC Media Trade Conference to be held January 25–27, 2011, in El Segundo, California, is open and available online at www.SEMA.org.

To register for the conference, which is free and includes lunch each day, visit the SEMA website, click on the “Media Trade Conference” link under the “Events” heading and use the “Register Now” link.

The annual conference features members of SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC). It brings together editorial staff from around the world with the industry’s top performance parts producers for 30-minute, face-to-face meetings.

Media representatives can build new relationships, flesh out editorial calendars and get a first-hand look at technical and new-product material.

More information on the MPMC Media Trade Conference is available by contacting Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

For additional information regarding press registration, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org.

 

Wheel & Tire Council Conference and Product Showcase

	The WTC Conference and Product Showcase includes panel discussions as well as an exhibit area where companies can display their latest products.

Members of the wheel and tire industry are invited to join the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) for its inaugural WTC Conference and Product Showcase.

The event’s three panel discussions will focus on best practices to help businesses increase sales and drive traffic, and the product showcase provides an exhibit area for new products where companies can garner valuable feedback prior to going to market.

The conference is set for Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at SEMA’s headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. It will be anchored by the WTC Long-Range Planning meeting—a critical council planning session that sets the agenda for the group’s activities for the year.

The WTC invites wheel and tire professionals to get involved and participate in the meeting by providing concerns and feedback to help determine the direction of the group and its impact on the industry. 

For more information on the event, a breakdown of the day’s agenda or to register as an attendee or exhibitor, visit here.

Learn more about the WTC here.

 

Restyler Training: Sharper Skills for the Showroom and the Bay

	The Technical Skills & Training Conference delivers the tools to help restylers hone their installation and sales skills.

SEMA’s Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) teamed with the WyoTech campus at Blairsville, Pennsylvania, to provide restyling businesses with the tools needed to excel and succeed through the Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC). Set for March 28, 2011, from 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m., the TSTC features installation workshops, sales-training sessions and hands-on demos to help ensure that your business is firing on all cylinders in the showroom and in the installation bay.

Restylers will gather information that can be used immediately—whether it’s uncovering cross-marketing opportunities, boosting profits through new products or putting to use tactics gleamed from industry insiders.

Participants will also meet and mix with restyling industry leaders during the day and can catch up and socialize with colleagues and peers through the TSTC’s evening reception. 

Visit here for complete details on the event and to register. The cost for PRO members is $25 for the first attendee and $15 for each additional attendee per company. For non-PRO members, the cost is $50 for the first attendee and $30 for each additional attendee per company.

Learn how PRO can benefit your restyling business here.  
 

Get Your Website Revved Up for 2011

	Downloadable sessions that deliver technical and practical strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of websites are available through the SEMA webinar program.

SEMA members looking to get more out of their websites are encouraged to access the professional insight delivered through SEMA’s webinar program. There are sessions available that provide technical and practical strategies that can be immediately put to use.

Looking for assistance on how to measure the effectiveness of your current website? Check out the webinar “5 Tips to Improve Your Website Now” to identify whether customers are finding what they need on your website, how your site is performing and what you can do to make improvements.

If reaching more customers is one of your site’s goals, download “Connect With Customers on Blogs: What You Need to Know” to learn how to use blogs to generate buzz and build brand loyalty.

One of the most enticing factors of SEMA’s webinar program is that it’s free. Whether you are attending a webinar live or downloading a previously conducted session, members can do so free of charge.

In addition to Internet- and website-related sessions, the program features a wealth of sessions in several categories, including marketing and advertising, sales, international and legal and customer service.

Get started here.

 

Fast Facts

Classic Design Concepts appointed Bill North vice president of business development. North is responsible for day-to-day operations, new-business development and corporate programs. North previously held several positions with Webasto, including national sales manager and business development manager. Classic Design Concepts, Novi, MI; 866/624-7997.

Pecca Leather announced that it has relocated to expanded facilities in Downey, California. The new 10,060-sq.-ft. headquarters consists of enlarged office space housing administrative and sales staff as well as 9,000 sq. ft.
dedicated to warehousing inventory and a newly created cut-and-sew operation. According to Jeff Cater, vice president of sales and marketing, these new features enable Pecca to more quickly prototype and design leather kits for new-model vehicles and provide superior custom capabilities. Pecca Leather, Norwalk, CA; 562/623-0781.

	Alex Tanish

Parts Unlimited Inc. (PUI) hired Alex Tainsh as executive vice president. Tainsh is a 28-year industry veteran and founding member of the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO). He is currently serving as the ARMO chair-elect. For the past 13 years, Tainsh has worked with TrimParts and SoffSeal. Parts Unlimited, La Grange, KY; 800/342-0610. At the ASA Tire Systems’ InfoExpo user conference in Dallas, ASA customers met with experts, enthusiasts, business leaders and innovators from the tire industry to network and learn more about the technology used in their tire dealer businesses. The event included 100 attendees, 15 exhibits and special networking and social events. ASA Tire, Merrimack, NH; 603/889-8700.

Dr. Hans-Joachim Schöpf and Barry Huff were named to the board of directors at Fisker Automotive. Dr. Schöpf has an automotive career spanning 38 years. He held critical positions at Mercedes-Benz, including executive vice president and member of the board of Mercedes Car Group, with links to Chrysler, Mitsubishi and McLaren. Huff has four decades of international financial experience, which includes serving as Deloitte LLP’s vice chairman from 1995–2008.

	Krissy MacLauchlan

BedSlide, a brand of Tākit, named Krissy MacLauchlan key account manager. The company reported that she will work with larger accounts to spearhead initiatives and projects, while continuing to focus on new product lines. “There are often many hats to wear when servicing clients,” MacLauchlan said. “I am very much looking forward to being on the team here. It’s a team effort with the goal of exceptional customer care that makes a company stand out.” BedSlide, Medford, OR; 888/807-0099.

Meyer Distributing Inc. added a new cross-dock location in Detroit that provides route delivery to the Detroit metro area, Toledo, Ann Arbor, Lansing and Flint as well as provision shipments to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In addition, Meyer announced that its 2011 eMeyer Mega Show will be held February 21–March 18, 2011. eMeyer is a virtual trade show that spans four weeks and allows retailers nationwide to participate without the costs of travel and time away from the office. Meyer Distributing, Jasper, IN; 800/MEYERUSA.

Douglas Romstadt was appointed president of Ken-Tool. Romstadt succeeds Alec Pendleton, who will continue with Ken-Tool as chairman. Romstadt joined Ken-Tool in March 2004, serving as the company’s comptroller. “It is a great honor and opportunity to lead Ken-Tool into the future,” Romstadt said. “I have major shoes to fill, following in the tracks of previous leaders like Scott Meyer and Alec Pendleton.”

Shawn Raines was named sales and viral marketing manager for Fidanza Engineering Corp. Raines was a sales associate prior to assuming his new position. He has been with Fidanza for more than four years, maintaining an active lifestyle in the enthusiast and auto racing scenes. “We’re enthusiastic to have Shawn move into this position,” said Fidanza President Jeff Jenkins. “We wanted to promote internally; who else knows our company better? We’re confident Shawn will help move us in the right direction.” Fidanza, Perry, OH; 440/259-5656.

	Bryan Wilson

Midway Industries Inc., the parent company of Centerforce Clutches, promoted Bryan C. Wilson to general manager. The company feels that Wilson, who has more than 15 years of experience managing the Midway/Centerforce marketing and IT departments, is well qualified and prepared to take over the helm as general manager. “My main objective will be to help Centerforce be even more effective in bringing exciting, high-quality clutch products to the automotive aftermarket,” Wilson said. Centerforce Clutches, Prescott, AZ; 928/771-8422.

Performance Industry Publishing formed a new partnership with Roadhouse Marketing. Roadhouse will have the exclusive national sales and marketing responsibility for Performance Industry Publishing, which includes Performance Motorsports News, Wizard Web Development and Thunder Parts Group.

Competition Specialties announced that its 39th Annual Mega Jobber Trade Show dates were changed to Saturday and Sunday, March 5 and 6, 2011. The event will take place at the Auburn, Washington, corporate headquarters distribution center. For more information on the event, contact Bill McConnaughey at 253/833-6211. Competition Specialties, Auburn, WA.

Mast Motorsports reported that the company made significant investment in its manufacturing capabilities by acquiring cylinder head and intake manufacturer Performance Induction Specialties to complement its growth in LS powertrain engineering and development. The new Mast Motorsports manufacturing facility will remain in Walled Lake, Michigan, and will utilize the latest manufacturing equipment and software. Mast Motorsports, Nacogdoches, TX; 936/560-2218.

Solamatrix Inc. was acquired by Madico Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Lintec Corp. According to a recent press release, Solamatrix Inc. is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Madico Inc., and both companies will continue to operate and serve their markets independently. The companies will be carefully integrated to leverage how they best work together for the benefit of the new organization, suppliers and customers. Solamatrix Inc., St. Petersburg, FL; 727/327-2544.

National Performance Warehouse (NPW) named Pat Saunders to the newly created position of vice president of sales and marketing west. Saunders will be responsible for West Coast business development, including strengthening the sales forces both inside and out, expanding into new markets and energizing the existing customer base, according to NPW. National Performance Warehouse, Miami, FL; 305/953-7270.

TMG Performance Products, a division of The Mifsud Group, announced that Craig Kohrs was promoted to vice president and general manager. Kohrs, who previously served as vice president of marketing and sales, will be responsible for the everyday operation of TMG Performance Products. TMG Performance Products owns and operates Corsa Performance Exhausts, a manufacturer of performance exhaust systems for cars, trucks, SUVs and marine applications. TMG also announced that it will consolidate all of its operations to its headquarters in Berea, Ohio. Corsa Performance, Berea, OH; 440/891-0999. 

Craft Oil Corp. announced that it is now a distributor of Clean Burn products. Craft Oil will distribute and service Clean Burn energy systems throughout the north, east and southern portions of Pennsylvania, parts of Delaware and all of New Jersey. Craft Oil, based in Avoca, Pennsylvania, has served as a Clean Burn dealer for more than 15 years.

Standard Motorcycle Products launched a new website, www.standardmotorcycle.com. The company reports that the new site serves as a valuable resource for customers to learn about the product line, locate distributors, access the online catalog and more.

VP Racing Fuels was named the official fuel of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. As part of the agreement, VP will be the exclusive supplier of race fuels at the track. VP Racing is the official racing fuel of the American Le Mans Series, NHRA Championship Drag Racing, Star Mazda and USF2000. VP Racing Fuels, Elmendorf, TX; 210/635-7744.

The International Show Car Association (ISCA) has added three indoor custom car events to the Summit Racing Equipment Show Car Series schedule for the 2010–2011 show season. The new events include the Grand National Roadster Show in Los Angeles, home of the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award; the Sacramento Autorama in Sacramento, California, known for its Custom d’Elegance and King of Kustoms awards; and the Little Rock O’Reilly Auto Parts Auto Extravaganza in Little Rock, Arkansas, which features a $5,000 prize for the winner of the Top of the Rock award. With these additional shows, the Summit Racing Equipment Show Car Series now encompasses 37 events across the United States and Canada. Summit Racing Equipment, Akron, OH; 330/630-0270.

Vogue Tyre and Rubber Co. hired JMPR Public Relations as its PR agency of record. JMPR will handle media relations responsibilities for Vogue, including the launch of new Vogue products; raise brand awareness within the industry and among consumers; and direct and coordinate media-related events. Vogue Tyre, Mount Prospect, IL; 847/297-1900.

Organizers of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) announced that sponsorship opportunities are available for the event, Wednesday–Thursday, May 18–19, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago. A brochure outlining all 2011 GAAS sponsorship opportunities is available for download at the GAAS website (www.globalsymposium.org) under “Sponsorship.”