FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2013
Contact: Della Domingo
909/978-6723
dellad@sema.org
SEMA ANNOUNCES PERSON OF THE YEAR AND HONORS NEW HALL OF FAME MEMBERS AT 2013 SEMA SHOW
- Influential aftermarket marketer George Lathouris named 2013 SEMA Person of the Year
- Mike Kunzman and MOTOVICITY named SEMA Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year, respectively
- Hollywood custom car builder George Barris among SEMA Hall of Fame inductees
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 8, 2013) - SEMA, the trade association representing the $31.32 billion specialty automotive industry, honored some of its most respected and influential people at a gala dinner last night, during the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
More than 3,000 industry luminaries and business owners gathered at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)'s annual SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet for a night of celebration and entertainment that included American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks.
The 2013 SEMA Person of the Year award, SEMA's most prestigious, went to George Lathouris, a 36-year marketing veteran, in recognition of his volunteer leadership contributions, philanthropy and overall influence on the marketplace. Lathouris is currently senior category manager at Keystone Automotive Operations in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Lathouris served two terms as Chairman of SEMA's Light-Truck Accessory Alliance council, where he was active in informing and educating committee members on how to be more engaged with SEMA and industry leaders, put together the first ever "Jeep Build" to showcase new products, and was active with SEMA Cares activities to bring the voice and resources of the SEMA community together to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Lathouris started his career working in a warehouse for American Speed Equipment in New York, and worked his way up to national sales and advertising manager. He opened warehouse distribution in Colorado for Dick Cepek in 1992 and became the company's purchasing manager in Los Angeles in 1994. He then moved back to the east coast in 1995 and became the eastern regional sales manager for Deflecta Shield and, eventually, Lund Industries. He took a position as national satellite sales and outside sales manager for Keystone Automotive in 1999, which led to his current position.
In addition, Mike Kunzman of Mike Kunzman and Associates won the 2013 SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award and MOTOVICITY (Dave Ziozios, CEO) was named 2013 SEMA WD of the Year. Both awards recognize outstanding commitment to the industry and a high level of involvement with SEMA committees, task forces, councils or board of directors participation.
Hall of Fame Inductees Honored
This year several big names were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, including legendary Hollywood custom car builder George Barris, Eric Grant, Wade Kawasaki and Joe Schubeck. All were honored for their contributions to the industry.
Background and information on all SEMA Hall of Fame inductees can be found online at www.semahof.com.
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.
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