SEMA Member News - May/June 2009
Sour Economy Doesn’t Stop Contributions
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| Despite a sour economy, the annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, presented by the Young Executive’s Network and benefiting the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, once again came through with amazing results. Nearly $81,000 was grossed from the event, proving that giving hearts will trump a recession. |
Once again the annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, presented by the Young Executive’s Network (YEN) and benefiting the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, came through with amazing results. Nearly $81,000 was grossed from the event, proving that giving hearts will trump a deep recession every time.
“We were a little nervous about this year’s auction due to the fact that the economy was on a downward slide coming into the Show,” said YEN Silent Auction Task Force Chairman Gregory Parker. “We knew we had some great items up for auction, including the awesome 2009 Ford Flex that was customized by the gang over at West Coast Customs, but we were curious if things would actually get bid on. We were overjoyed when we got the final numbers and saw that this year’s auction raised more money than any we have had in the last three or four years.”
This year’s auction, the 15th annual, did have some amazing items up for bid. The completely customized 2009 Ford Flex, which sold for $38,200, was, of course, the highlight of the auction. There were other items equally as attractive, such as tickets to the last season of “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,” one-of-a-kind illustrations and paintings from artists around the country, pinstriped items donated by world-famous Von Hot Rod and others, sports and racing memorabilia, SEMA-member company products and more. There was definitely something for everyone.
“The SEMA Show Silent Auction is a great way for SEMA-member companies and individuals to invest in the future of the industry,” said Parker. “By simply donating items to the auction or by bidding on items, you can help out a student, past or present, who is interested in joining our great industry.”
The SEMA Show Silent Auction will once again be held at the 2009 SEMA Show. If you would like to learn more about donating, click here. If you would like to learn more about the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund or apply for a scholarship, click here.
Membership
Membership in YEN is open to all SEMA-member company employees under the age of 40 at no cost. The committee has a wide variety of members representing different areas of expertise in the industry, including Installation, Management, Production, Sales and Marketing, Self-Employment and Technical Support.
To join the Young Executives Network, visit the YEN webpage and click on the “Join the Young Executive’s Network” link to download an application. Confirmation and a welcome package will be mailed to you within four to six weeks. For more information, contact the Young Executives Network.
A Note From the Chairperson
YEN is the youth of the aftermarket—a 600-plus member group representing the future of our industry. Our goal is to cultivate young talent in the automotive aftermarket through the implementation of education and networking programs.
Membership in YEN presents opportunities to those new to the industry to network with other newcomers as well as those who mentor us—our supervisors and industry veterans. YEN not only gives you a unique chance to listen and learn, but also gives the industry youth a voice to be heard.
Our webpage, activities, SEMA Member News column and presence at SEMA’s various shows are the tip of the iceberg, so give us your critique or, better yet, be a part of the solution. The more information and involvement we have, the more impact our mission statement will have on your future and the future of your company.
Thank you,
Laurel Dasher, MSD Ignition, YEN Chairman