ARMO at the SEMA Show

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SEMA Member News
January/February 2012

ARMO at the SEMA Show

  Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) - SEMA Council 
   
The annual Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) industry awards reception had a new look and a larger venue this year, and judging from the reactions of the crowd, the changes were successful. The larger space permitted ARMO to bring a vehicle inside the room for atmosphere and made moving around the room and visiting friends at various tables more convenient.

“We really wanted to emphasize networking for this reception, since our members tell us that is their number-one-desired ARMO member benefit,” said ARMO Chairperson Laura Bergan of American Collectors Insurance. “SEMA and the Hilton came through with additional space; Jason Tolleson did a fantastic job of condensing our program; John Menzler secured Brett Voelkel’s car for the affair; and it all came together for a very enjoyable evening.”

 

ARMO Business of the Year—Steele Rubber Products

ARMO Chairman’s Award—SEMA Legislative and Government Affairs Office

   
Brett Voelkel brought his now-famous “48-Hour Camaro” inside for all reception attendees to see. Voelkel built the car to show how modern running gear (including aftermarket air conditioning) can be installed into a restored vehicle without disturbing any of the classic look and feel of a full restoration. Voelkel uses the car for auto crossing and trouble-free daily driving. Except for the aftermarket wheels and tires, it is an otherwise stock-appearing ’67 Camaro. Everything done to the car was a bolt-on affair.

ARMO Awards Jeff Moses Scholarship Award

Brandon Wight was recognized as this year’s Jeff Moses Scholarship Fund award recipient. Wight is currently attending McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas, where he is pursuing a degree in the school’s auto restoration technology program. Jeff Moses, then president of Auto Custom Carpets, was killed in a plane crash on February 13, 2001. He was highly regarded in the industry for his work ethic and integrity. ARMO founded the Jeff Moses Scholarship Fund in his memory, and each year it awards a grant to a young student who is working toward a career in the restoration industry. Congratulations to Brandon Wight, and good luck on
your career!

 
The SEMA legislative and government affairs office received the ARMO Chairman’s Award in recognition of its ongoing efforts to protect the collector-car industry. From left: Greg Dooley, Dan Sadowski, ARMO Chairperson Laura Bergan, Stuart Gosswein, Steve McDonald and Jim McFarland. 
   
ARMO Doubles Seminars at Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show

At the request of the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show and due to positive feedback from attendees, ARMO will present not two but four education seminars on Saturday, March 24, at the event. The four sessions
will include:

  • 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. (two sessions running concurrently): “The ‘Business’ of Small Business”—tips on accounting, inventory, payroll and more—and “Marketing Your Small Business 101”—a panel discussion that will be a follow-up to the very popular panel session from 2011. Last year’s seminar may be viewed on the SEMA Education Institute web pages at www.sema.org/news/2011/06/15/armo-seminars-now-on-video.
  • 9:15 a.m.–10:15 .a.m (two sessions running concurrently): “Marketing Your Small Business 201”—a more detailed discussion that will go into and answer questions raised by the 101 session—and “Sales Etiquette”

Thanks to Our Reception Sponsors!

The annual ARMO industry awards reception would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. This year’s sponsoring companies were:

Platinum Sponsors

  • Auto Custom Carpets
  • TrimParts
  • PartsUnlimitedInteriors
  • Hemmings Motor News
  • Dynacorn
  • Classic Industries
  

Gold Sponsors

  • Auto Trader Classics
  • Hotrod & Restoration
  • Source Interlink Media
  • Steele Rubber Products

Silver Sponsors

  • American Autowire
  • SEIA Alliant