SEMA Member News—September/October 2012
Influencing the Wheel and Tire Industry
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The WTC is asking WTC members to get connected and get involved. Social media provide users with a unique forum in which to share ideas, resolve problems and address industry issues. |
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George Finch of Carlisle Transportation Products has been participating heavily to strengthen the relationship between SEMA and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), keeping SEMA and the industry knowledgeable about the developments occurring in the SAE standards organization as well as representing SEMA’s and the industry’s voice at SAE technical meetings.
Finch has more than 15 years of experience in the wheel and tire industry, previously working for Superior Industries and American Racing Equipment. He currently leads research and development for wheel products at Carlisle Transportation Products. In addition, he is a voting member on the SAE Wheel Standards Committee, bringing an aftermarket voice to this heavily OE-focused standards body. Finch holds a bachelor’s of mechanical engineering degree from Cal Poly Pomona.
Gregory Senser of Nitto Tire USA Inc. has served the wheel and tire industry from the sales and manufacturing side for the last 12 years. This history is complemented by his retail tire experience, bringing a well-rounded and needed perspective to the Select Committee.
Senser feels that he has a strong grasp of the issues that challenge the industry and, as current chair of the WTC membership task force, is committed to increasing the value of WTC and assuring the communication of available benefits
Shelly Urwiler of Vision Wheel has served in the industry for more than 40 years. Over that period, he has developed a broad understanding of the industry and is eager to lend his unique insight to the Select Committee. Urwiler’s 10 years in retail and his experience in wholesale distribution and manufacturing provide him with the ability to tackle the issues and opportunities confronting the wheel and tire segment.
Urwiler has been a sales manager, vice president of sales and marketing, vice president of distribution and general manager, and he has also served five two-year terms with the WTC and its previous incarnation, the Wheel Industry Council. For Urwiler, involvement is the key to keeping the industry growing and relevant.
Chris Webster is currently employed by Design Infini Wheels and previously worked with Status One Wheels and Progressive Wheels. He has had the opportunity to participate, lead, own and grow aftermarket wheel businesses over the past 24 years. Additionally, his background includes a bachelor’s degree in marketing with a minor in management from Oklahoma State University, and he serves as a Rotarian and on the Riverside Mayoral Economic Advisory Board.
Webster feels compelled to contribute with the WTC membership drive and the WTC SEMA Show reception task force, which he chairs.
Social Media
Life is moving faster than ever before, and the way in which we communicate is constantly evolving. For some, the advent of social media is welcomed (or at least accepted); for others, it is met with principled defiance. Yet, regardless of what side of the fence you sit on, no one can argue the relevance social media plays in today’s society.
The WTC is asking WTC members to get connected and get involved. Social media provide users with a unique forum in which to share ideas, resolve problems and address industry issues. In other words, the WTC is inviting you to become virtual networkers. So, how do you get connected?
The mySEMA dashboard on www.SEMA.org provides SEMA members with the opportunity to participate in industry-specific discussion groups in a closed, protected forum that encourages meaningful and important dialog within the segment. You’ll also connect and network directly with key leaders who have built the specialty-equipment market, without the burden of having to sift through spam and other unwanted solicitations. Visit the dashboard at www.SEMA.org/ms-wtc (you must first be logged-in to your mySEMA account).
Facebook can be a useful tool and a fun experience for those who spend a lot of time on a computer, have a large network of friends and acquaintances and enjoy downloading photos and using other applications such as games. Just “Like” the WTC page and keep updated. Visit www.facebook.com/SEMAwtc.
Twitter is famously popular and easy to use, allowing members to “tweet” each other. A tweet is a message of less than 140 characters, and it basically answers the question “What are you doing?” Visit www.sema.org/li-wtc.
LinkedIn is a professional way of expanding your network of contacts and connecting with people who can help your business either directly or through their own network. Express yourself, share your interests, connect with friends and make new friends and much more when you join the social networking phenomenon. Visit www.sema.org/li-wtc.