FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2019
For media inquiries, contact:
Juan Torres 909-978-6722 | juant@sema.org
Editor's note: An image for this press release is available here.
Suggested caption: Mike Slater, center, accepted the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Council Retailer of the Year award on behalf of Eastern Truck and Accessories during the third annual TORA Awards at the 2019 SEMA Show.
AWARD WINNERS FOR TRUCK INDUSTRY ANNOUNCED
LAS VEGAS (Dec. 2, 2019) – The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Council announced the winners of their third annual TORA Awards during the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV. The awards are given to members who positively influence the market and to the best new products in the truck industry. Selected by the TORA Council, the TORA SEMA Award winners are:
- TORA Retailer of the Year: Mike Slater, Eastern Truck and Accessories
- TORA Influencer of the Year: Jason Sakurai, Roadhouse Marketing
- TORA Hall of Fame: Joel Ayres, Automotive Concepts
- TORA Ron Webster Award: Jon Engen, DECKED
- Best Off-Road New Product: Spydura Nightline Synthetic Winch Rope, Warn Industries Inc.
- Best Light Truck New Product: Jeep Gladiator Bedside Storage Lockboxes, Bestop Premium Accessories Group
“The growth of the light-truck and off-road markets wouldn’t be possible without the continuous efforts of our supporting manufacturers and industry influencers,” said TORA Chairman Erika Marquez. “We are pleased to honor the individuals whose creativity, industriousness, and accomplishments have contributed to the success of the light-truck and off-road aftermarket.”
The Retailer of the Year Award, which recognizes a light truck retailer whose accomplishments have enhanced the stature and growth of the industry, was awarded to premier off-road shop Eastern Truck and Accessories, from Norfolk, Va. Their knowledge of new products and high level of customer service make this a one-of-a-kind accessory shop. In addition to participating in 25-30 local shows per year, Eastern Truck Accessories gives back to the community by donating to local charities, sponsoring youth events and raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Jason Sakurai of Roadhouse Marketing was named Influencer of the Year. As a journalist, Sakurai focuses 100% on trucks, SUVs, Off-Road, and associated markets including SXS and UTV. He currently writes for OutdoorX4 magazine and their online publication, where he also serves as an Ad Director. Sakurai is very active in social media with truck and off-road and restyler groups, always assisting enthusiasts with anything he can.
The TORA Hall of Fame was awarded to Joel Ayres. With over 40 years of experience in the truck and accessory aftermarket, Ayres’ contributions have earned him leadership roles in multiple SEMA Boards and Committees, including the SEMA Board of Directors. He is the founder and first chairman of SEMA Cares and has served as a Chair of the SEMA Scholarship Committee and LTAA Select Committee. Ayres is active in his community, volunteering his time to multiple education outlets and youth outreach programs.
Jon Engen is the winner of the TORA Ron Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence. A former civil engineer, Engen presented effective solutions to decreasing the weight off truck bed drawers, eventually leading to the success of DECKED. Engen was a veteran of the Norwegian Army and alumni of the University of Oslo. He graduated from Montana State University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering.
The award for the Best Off-Road New Product was presented to Warn Industries Inc. for the Spydura Nightline Synthetic Winch Rope. Made from molecular-weight polyethylene with UV-stable coating, the eye-catching red and black weave integrates a 3M light-activated reflective strand into the rope improving visibility during recoveries and provides a unique look when spooled onto a winch.
Bestop Premium Accessories Group was awarded Best Light Truck New Product for their Jeep Gladiator Bedside Storage Lockboxes. With easy access from the exterior of the bed, the large storage areas feature fast installation with no drilling, included with tie downs and a nylon net to restrain gear in the main bed and dividers to keep gear in place internally.
About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.SEMAShow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.
About Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)
Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA) is a council of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). Members of the TORA are industry professionals joined together to form a potent coalition whose mission is to determine and shape the future of the light-truck accessory industry. Through cooperative action, members work together to develop effective strategies and programs that specifically address the needs of this industry. The ultimate goal: to ensure the viability and longevity of this increasingly expansive and vibrant market segment. Membership is open to qualified SEMA member companies. Details at www.sema.org.
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