By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is accepting registrations for its Women’s Leadership Forum (WLF), taking place March 5-7, 2024, in Austin, Texas. Themed "Evolve: Advancing the Future of Women in Leadership," the forum will empower women employed in the automotive aftermarket to reach new levels of career success by honing their personal development and leadership skills. 

Participants will receive career advice, build their professional network of women and take part in group discussions.

"The SBN forum provides a place for women in the industry to come together to learn how to navigate the challenges of leadership and communicate their value in the traditionally male-dominated automotive aftermarket industry," said SEMA Council Director Nicole Bradle, MA, CMP, CAE. "The lessons learned, along with the relationships built, will leave attendees ready and inspired to overcome their unique leadership challenges and build the confidence needed to elevate their impact in their organizations."

Now in its third consecutive year, the SBN Women's Leadership Forum will feature programs, workshops and resources designed to help women thrive in the workplace. Participants will receive career advice from experienced leaders, build a strong professional network of women that understand their market and take part in discussions where they can address their challenges and wins. 

Program highlights include: 

• A keynote session highlighting mindset shifts for an intentional life.
• Breakout sessions focused on defining your roadmap, qualities of women who lead, unleashing your potential and financial planning.
• A human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) panel discussion on increasing representation of women in an organization.
• Action planning session to help attendees define specific actions needed to achieve their goals.
• Networking happy hour to connect with like-minded professionals.
• Morning sunrise activities.
• Complimentary headshots.

"The Women's Leadership Forum impacted me both personally and professionally in so many ways," said previous participant Aliceje Keyburn of Yamaha Motor Corp. "Not only am I a leader in my organization, but I also lead a family and a friend group. The skills that I learned were applicable to many aspects of my life."

For more information on the SBN Women's Leadership Forum and registration details, visit www.sema.org/sbn-wlf or contact Nicole Bradle at Nicoleb@sema.org.  

By Ashley Reyes

Building a high-performance team is important to an organization's success. It helps build employee engagement, increases productivity and leads to a better company culture.

SEMA members in supervisor or managerial positions are invited to attend the upcoming session, "Building a High-Performance Team, presented by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)," on January 23, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. PST/3:00 p.m. EST to hear from industry experts as they share their top tips for improved performance.

Attendees will learn:

• How to build a high-performance team.
• How to recognize if your plan is working as designed.
• The importance of aligning the team's values and vision with a common goal.
• Benefits of a having a system that works for your team.
• How a high-performance team can improve communication, cooperation and culture experience.

The session will be moderated by Melissa Parker-Boudreaux (ORACLE Lighting) and feature panelists Matt Beenen (BuiltRight Industries), Colby McLaughlin (Trim Illusion) and Joanna Shere (Steele Rubber Products). Time will be allocated at the end of the session for a Q&A. Don’t miss out. Secure your seat!

By Ashley Reyes

Working with content creators and social-media influencers can help aftermarket companies reach their business and marketing goals. Effective influencer marketing will help increase brand awareness, reach targeted audiences, build brand credibility, increase conversions and keep consumers engaged with new and organic content. 

Attendees will learn about influencer marketing from DriveShop's Derek Drake (left) and Lisa Cabalquinto.

SEMA members are invited to learn about working with influencers during the "Influencer Marketing for Aftermarket Brands" live session on January 23 at 10:00 a.m. PST. Attendees will hear from industry leaders at DriveShop, an influencer marketing agency specializing in the automotive aftermarket, as they deep-dive into the fundamentals of influencer marketing.   

Attendees will discover: 

• How to integrate influencer marketing into an existing marketing strategy.
• How to identify the right influencers to work with and how audience relevancy and story alignment come into play. 
• How to get the most out of influencer partnerships.
• Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid when choosing an influencer.

Presented by DriveShop CEO Derek Drake and Program Director Lisa Cabalquinto, this online event will teach businesses the best-kept secrets for successfully utilizing social-media influencers. Attendees will participate in a live Q&A session with the speakers and get real examples of influencer marketing that are taking off in the aftermarket industry. Sign up now. 

By SEMA News Editors

Nominations are now open for the 2024 SEMA Board of Directors. SEMA members are invited to recommend industry leaders to serve the Association online by Friday, January 5.  

The following seats are open for the 2024 election:

• Manufacturer (two open seats) 
• Distributor/Retailer (two open seats) 
• Service (one open seat) 

"A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the association, we are currently seeking your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need your help to bring them to the attention of the nominating committee."

Submit your nomination form here. Be sure to include brief information about the nominee's qualifications, including background, experience and achievements.

Note: your SEMA business membership must be active and in good standing to be eligible.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA News highlights new products from industry companies when available. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

Eaton

Detroit Truetrac Differentials for '15-'22 Ford F-150

Eaton has expanded its aftermarket Detroit Truetrac differential portfolio with a pair of new differentials that fit the 8.8-in. front and rear axles of the '15-'22 Ford F-150. The Detroit Truetrac is a helical-gear style, limited-slip differential that maximizes wheel traction and enhances driving characteristics, according to the manufacturer.

Introduced at the 2023 SEMA Show, the Truetrac will be available at Eaton’s U.S. distribution centers in 2024.

eatonperformance.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

ORACLE Lighting

Territory Sales Representative in Metairie, Louisiana

Oracle Lighting is seeking a new territory sales representative for the West Coast. This position will be responsible for helping ORACLE Lighting achieve its territory sales revenue goals by obtaining and upselling orders, creating customer satisfaction, adding value to the customer's buying experience and finding new business.

The Edelbrock Group

Test Engineer in Memphis, Tennessee

The company is searching for a test engineer to join its team specializing in high-performance engine and transmission parts. This position will ensure the quality, performance and durability of the Edelbrock Group's automotive components.

By SEMA News Editors

Dawn Burlew Named President of Watkins Glen International

Dawn Burlew has been named president of Watkins Glen International. She is the first woman to hold the position.

Burlew, a lifelong New York resident, previously served as the director of government affairs and director of business development at Corning Incorporated.

Burlew is currently a member of the governing council of the International Motor Racing Research Center located in the Village of Watkins Glen, New York. She also serves as a board member of several other regional committees including the Business Council of New York State, Chemung County Chamber and Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council.

Burlew will assume her new responsibilities at Watkins Glen International on January 3, 2024.

For more information, visit theglen.com.

Extreme E Establishes Hydrogen Working Group With FIA, Formula 1

The FIA, Formula 1 and Extreme H, the off-road hydrogen motor racing championship set to launch in 2025, have announced plans to establish a joint Hydrogen Working Group.

The group, comprised of representatives from all three organizations, includes Mark Grain, Extreme E technical director, Pat Symonds, F1 CTO, and Nikolas Tombazis, FIA single seater director, and will evaluate developments and potential applications for hydrogen within motorsport and wider mobility.

The objective of the Hydrogen Working Group between Formula 1, the FIA and Extreme H is to monitor the progression and development of hydrogen technology.

For more information, visit extreme-e.com.

For additional racing news, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website. 

By SEMA News Editors

Lucas Oil Announces Additions to Executive Team

Joel Feldman and Brandon Greene

Lucas Oil Products has announced two appointments to its executive and leadership teams, hiring Joel Feldman as vice president of product development and promoting Brandon Greene to vice president of customer solutions.

Feldman will lead the creation and development of new products, overseeing all phases from conception to manufacturing. His responsibilities include defining long-range strategies, enhancing product development processes and maintaining up-to-date industry knowledge to guide product engineering and manufacturing decisions.

Greene will lead efforts to improve order processing and fulfillment, implementing new technology to enhance customer interactions and expedite shipping. He will also use customer feedback to help drive new product development and expand product diversity.

For more information, visit lucasoil.com.

Wharton Automotive Group Launches FTI Performance Parts

Wharton Automotive Group, the parent company of McLeod Racing, FTI Converters and Silver Sport Transmissions, has launched a new brand, FTI Performance Parts.

The new company, based near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will offer performance torque converter and automatic transmission parts. Greg Samuel, founder of FTI Converters, and Ken Kelly Jr. will manage operations.

Available components will include complete billet torque converter kits, billet stator assemblies, bolt-together and lock-up kits, as well as transmission components such as billet transbrake valve bodies, billet drums, billet shafts, complete aftermarket pump assemblies, SFI-approved cases and bell housings.

The company's website will launch on January 1, 2024.

Hoonigan Appoints New President

Hoonigan has appointed Vance Johnston as president and COO of the company. In his new role, Johnston will manage all aspects of Hoonigan's operations.

Johnston replaces co-founder and former CEO Randy White, who announced his retirement after almost 30 years with the company. White will continue to serve on the board of directors and be closely involved in the transition as an advisor, company representatives said.

Prior to joining Hoonigan, Johnston served in various executive roles leading strategic planning, finance and operations, most recently as CFO of Parts Authority, a national auto parts distributor.

For more information, visit hoonigan.com.

Standard Drivetrain Acquires Precision Industries

Standard Drivetrain has acquired Precision Industries, a torque converter supplier based in Whiteville, Tennessee.

Founded by Terry Hedrick, Precision Industries is recognized for developing a multi-clutch performance torque converter and a one-piece billet back cover, the company said, and offers a full lineup of driveline products.

Standard Drivetrain, incorporated in Wilmington, Delaware, is led by Rob Boninfante and Chris Miller, and is associated with Jase Composites, Pure Drivetrain Solutions, Chris Miller Racing Productions, Sterling Auto Group, Boninfante Friction, ProTorque, Ultra Lite Brakes, BMF Engineering and Kenny's Diesel and Pullin'.

For more information, visit standarddrivetrain.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting an online General Membership Meeting on Thursday, December 14, 10:00 a.m. PST/1:00 p.m. EST. 

Open to aftermarket professionals aged 39 and under, the meeting will be the ideal time to hear about FLN's current priorities for members, which include upcoming events, member resources and its 2024 professional development program. Attendees will connect with the select committee, discover volunteer opportunities and learn about the network's events at the 2023 SEMA and PRI Shows.

All current and prospective members are encouraged to attend, as it's a great way to tap into resources to enhance one's career and business.

Register here. 

By SEMA News Editors

Lucid Group has announced that all Lucid vehicles built with the current Combined Charging System (CCS) will be able to charge at stations in the Tesla Supercharger network by using an adapter in 2025.

In addition, Lucid will integrate the North American Charging Standard (NACS) into future vehicles in 2025.

“Adopting NACS is an important next step to providing our customers with expanded access to reliable and convenient charging solutions for their Lucid vehicles,” said Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO at Lucid. “We believe that a unified charging standard, backed by the nationwide rollout of future-ready higher-voltage charging stations, will be a critical step in empowering American consumers to adopt electric vehicles.”

For more information, visit lucidmotors.com.