Images for this release: Roy Littlefield, Stuart Gosswein & Greg Parker
Suggested caption: Roy Littlefield, Stuart Gosswein, and Greg Parker will be honored during the WTC Reception on Nov. 1 at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
SEMA WTC TO HONOR INDUSTRY LEADERS AT SEMA SHOW
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2022) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will honor Roy Littlefield and Stuart Gosswein with the WTC Lifetime Achievement Award and induct Greg Parker into the WTC Hall of Fame on Nov. 1, 2022, during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev.
Littlefield has served the Tire Industry Association (TIA) since 1979 in numerous roles, including CEO, Executive Vice President, and as a Government Affairs Consultant. Beginning his career as director of government affairs for the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association and later the American Retreaders Association, Littlefield dedicated his career to growing TIA’s membership, supporting training programs for technicians, and utilizing legislative influence to create awareness of industry areas of focus and creating positive change.
“Roy has been a stalwart leader in our industry and a fighter for the betterment of technicians for years,” said Todd Steen, WTC Chair. “As this year’s recipient of WTC’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Roy sets the bar high for the selection of future nominees. He epitomizes service over self and will always be known as one of the greatest cheerleaders of our industry.”
Gosswein, having been a part of SEMA since 1983, dedicated four decades to serving SEMA by protecting the association’s interests through government affairs initiatives. He started as Regulatory Affairs Manager, Director of Governmental Affairs and finally as Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs. Specializing in regulatory issues for the automotive aftermarket, Gosswein also serves on the Board of Directors for the Off-Road Business Association. Gosswein retired from SEMA in March 2022 to pursue his passion for art, within the art community of Washington, D.C.
“Stuart is known for dedication, insight, and tenacity,” said Steen. “Throughout Washington and SEMA, he has earned a reputation for getting a task done—no matter how difficult the job would be. A Lifetime Achievement Award is a small way to say thank you for giving four decades to the automotive aftermarket, but his service represents the countless wins and protections implemented for the industry.”
Parker, previous chair of the WTC, stepped into the industry as a marketing manager 20 years ago working for SEMA Hall of Famer Donnie Eatherly, from P&E Distributors. With Eatherly’s mentorship, Parker became engaged with SEMA’s Young Executives Network (now the SEMA Future Leaders Network), eventually becoming chairman in 2008. Parker also previously served within the SEMA Educational Task Force, SEMA Scholarship Committee, SEMA Cares, and eventually took the chairman’s role of the WTC in 2017. Soon to be the newest inductee of the WTC Hall of Fame, Parker’s induction is a testament to his passion for educating and creating a brighter future for SEMA members and the wheel and tire industry.
“I’m thankful for Greg’s leadership in the WTC,” added Steen. “His passion for all things automotive could never be questioned, and he’s never shy about asking the hard questions to push everyone to be better. His induction into our Hall of Fame places him in a class amongst those who have supported the growth of SEMA and prosperity of the WTC.”
SEMA’s WTC looks forward to celebrating Littlefield, Gosswein, and Parker’s accomplishments with past Hall of Fame inductees and industry partners at WTC’s SEMA Show Reception. To register for the SEMA Show WTC Reception, visit https://www.sema.org/event/wtc-reception-0.
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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