By Ashley Reyes

Building your organization's employee value proposition (EVP) is an important mechanism for attracting, engaging and retaining top talent. By building an EVP, companies can clearly communicate why their business is an attractive place to work and reduce turnover rates, setting up their organization for success.

SEMA members are invited to the Future Leaders Network (FLN) Lunch & Learn webinar "Retention and Your EVP, Building Your Organization's Employee Value Proposition, A Key to Retention" on July 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. PDT, to learn strategies for building their EVP. Led by Sandy Zannino, HR and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) consultant at Innovative Auto HR LLC (IAHR), the virtual workshop will explore EVP as it relates to the current workforce, labor shortages and generations.

During this session, attendees will learn about the collective wants and needs of Gen Zers and Millennials--who make up 64% of today's talent pool--and how to engage these generations to achieve their retention goals. Participants will walk away with a road map for building their EVP and how to utilize this powerful tool in their recruiting efforts.

The first 20 members to pre-register will receive a $20 Uber Eats voucher for use the day of the webinar.

Secure your spot here! 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, the aftermarket's premier conference for establishing connections between motorsports parts manufacturers and media professionals, is relocating from Los Angeles, California, to Orlando, Florida, in 2025. Motorsports parts manufacturers can register to attend now at sema.org/mtc.

Unlike a traditional trade show where exhibitors meet with buyers and resellers, the Media Trade Conference is focused on private 30-minute meetings between manufacturers and media. Manufacturers take part in more than 40 meetings over a span of three days and gain valuable connections with journalists, editors, writers, podcasters, content creators and social-media influencers.

The MPMC Media Trade Conference is open to MPMC, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and PRI manufacturing companies whose membership is active at the time of the conference. Manufacturer registration is open now and runs through September 9, with early-bird pricing closing August 4. Media registration will open in September. Register now at sema.org/mtc and secure your spot at the 2025 MPMC Media Trade Conference in Orlando.

By SEMA News Editors

Hellwig Suspension Products

'21 Ford Bronco Sway Bar

The new '21 Ford Bronco Rear Sway Bar (PN 7909) is made in the United States from 4140 chromoly steel and features a signature silver vein powder-coated finish. The sway bar reuses factory end links, comes with polyurethane bushings and offers increased stiffness over the factory unit, alleviating unwanted pitch and body roll, according to the manufacturer.

hellwigproducts.com.

Classic Dash

Instrumentation for '73-'79 Ford F-Series Trucks

Classic Dash is now offering contemporary digital and analog instrumentation panels for '73-'79 Ford F-Series trucks. Made from a UV-resistant composite material, digital options include a 12.3-in. Holley EFI panel with a multitude of preprogramed or custom displays. Additionally, 25 different analog options are available in matte black, brushed aluminum or carbon-fiber finishes.

classicdash.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Get ready for SEMA Fest 2024! SEMA is working on a blockbuster entertainment lineup featuring some of music's biggest stars for this year's event, which will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Friday, November 8. Please visit semafest.com to sign up to be the first to learn more details.

When you sign up on semafest.com, you will also be eligible for the pre-sale event for this year's SEMA Fest concert tickets.

General questions? Contact info@semafest.com. Sponsorship and partnership questions? Contact partnership@semafest.com.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA has released seminar recordings from "Digital Marketing Boot Camp: The Impending Evolution of Digital Marketing & What You Need to Do to Thrive," a 2023 SEMA Show Education series that offered program attendees innovative solutions and strategies for modern digital marketing.

Available at semashow.com/education-videos, the series of videos features insights from top industry experts, including the following: Dan Kahn, CEO of Kahn Media; Erin King, keynote speaker and chief digital officer at Strikepoint Media; Jim McKinley, founder at (un)Common Logic; Darrell Booker, corporate affairs specialist at Microsoft; Chelsea Craig, owner of Rhino Reviews; and Ashley Cavazos, director of marketing at DeMontrond Auto Group.

Aimed at helping viewers stay informed on new trends and new growth opportunities, the series offers actionable advice for automotive aftermarket businesses to stay competitive and elevate their marketing tactics.

Topics covered include:

• Industry Megatrends: Discover the latest trends disrupting and reshaping the marketing landscape.
• Adapting to Change: Learn how to quickly evolve and thrive in this new environment, ensuring your business doesn't fall behind.
• Consumer Privacy Legislation: Understand how new laws are reducing insights into customer behaviors and buying journeys.
• Platform Consolidation: Explore the impact of platform consolidation and the return of "walled gardens."
• Emerging Tools and Technologies: Get ahead with new marketing tools and trends, including AI, black boxing and ChatGPT.

As the world of digital marketing continues to evolve, this series will help viewers understand emerging business opportunities and trends, how to adapt and grow with them, and how to keep their marketing strategies cutting-edge. Head over to semashow.com/education-videos now and start watching!

By SEMA News Editors

Join the SEMA Market Research team as they share and explain the findings from the upcoming "2024 SEMA Market Report" during a webinar on Wednesday, June 26, at 2:00 p.m. EDT/11:00 a.m. PDT.

In a detailed examination of the study, the experts from the Market Research team will highlight trends in the industry, including details on market sizing and relevant trends in the broader economy.

Each year, specialty-equipment market businesses turn to the annual SEMA Market Report to learn about trends in the industry. The Market Report is an in-depth study highlighting changes from the past year and helps to identify where the greatest opportunities are for various aftermarket segments.

Register for the webinar here.

By SEMA News Editors

Donald C. Smith, a 1987 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee and former SEMA Person of the Year, has passed away. He was 90.

Smith was the CEO of High Performance Distributors in South San Francisco, where he once also operated his own dragstrip. He served on the SEMA board for 14 years and is the only person to be elected to it as a write-in candidate. He was also the national director of the Performance Warehouse Association for many years.

In addition to being named SEMA Person of the Year, Smith also received the SEMA WD of the Year, PWA Pioneer Award and the SEMA Businesswomen's Network Athena Award.

For more on the life of the SEMA Hall-of-Famer, click here.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. PDT at Sneider & Sullivan & O'Connell's in San Mateo, California.

Click here for additional service information.

By SEMA News Editors

Registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is open at semashow.com/register. Set for November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2024 SEMA Show will (once again!) reveal the future of the aftermarket as attendees connect with thousands of leading manufacturers showcasing the latest products, trends and technology in the industry.

The SEMA Show offers an attendee experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet. Attending is a no-brainer for automotive professionals, enthusiasts, media members, influencers and related industry members. The following are six ways to prepare attendees for this year's SEMA Show:

1. Register online before the price increase: Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early and taking advantage of discounts. Registration is only $40 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, June 28. International attendees should register by September 13 and domestic attendees should register by September 27 to receive the Show badge in the mail. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 
2. Book your hotel rooms in the official SEMA Show block: Hotel reservations are open online here for the 2024 SEMA Show, available at the lowest possible nightly rates through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak. SEMA Show and onPeak offer attendees and exhibitors the best rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas.
3. Book your flight using exclusive SEMA discounts: With deals straight from SEMA Show partners Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, attendees can save up to 10% on airline costs for this year's event. More details and discount codes can be found here.
4. Browse the SEMA Show floorplan: Automotive professionals, decision-makers, buyers, media members and attendees can maximize their Show experience by utilizing the interactive map and exhibitor list at SEMAShow.com/floorplan.
5. Plan Your SEMA Show: Visit semashow.com/attendee to begin your SEMA Show plan with key details on Show features, like the New Product Showcase, the SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish, a lineup of world-class education programs and seminars, feature vehicle displays, SEMA FutureTech Studio, Overland Experience plus the SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions, Product Development area and more.
6. Relive the most recent SEMA Show: Can't wait for Vegas? Browse dozens of innovative automotive products featured in the 2023 SEMA New Product Showcase here.
7. Sign up for SEMA Fest event updates: Stay up-to-date on all things SEMA Fest, including the dates, location, tickets and lineup at semafest.com.

For more information about the 2024 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has appointed Jim Moore to the position of vice president, OEM and product development.

Moore worked for SEMA from 2014 through 2017 as senior director of OEM relations, where he helped build and strengthen relationships with global auto manufacturers to improve OEM and aftermarket collaboration. He later moved to the training, consulting, marketing and communications company ES3, where he served the needs of automotive OEMs as director of business strategy and later vice president of business strategy.

"Jim is a seasoned business development professional with nearly 30 years of automotive experience. His work spans OEM, aftermarket, agency and association management. With roles ranging from sales management and business development to facilitation and coaching, Jim's hands-on experience is as diverse as his background. Family aside, the only thing that brings Jim more satisfaction than wrenching on project cars and motorcycles is connecting great people to great brands in memorable ways," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA CEO and president. "As a consummate team player, it's a pleasure to welcome Jim back to SEMA."

By PRI News Editors

From left to right: Bessie Stringfield, Crystal Windham, KJ Jones, Richard Petty, and Larry Nance Sr.

The African American Automotive Association (AAAA) announced on Juneteenth its 2024 Hall of Fame class. Joining the roster of those who have made significant contributions for African Americans in the automotive and motorsports industries are Bessie Stringfield, Crystal Windham, KJ Jones, Richard Petty and Larry Nance Sr. 

"Our Hall of Fame is a celebration of excellence, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements in the automotive industry," said AAAA Founder Chris Harris. "Each inductee's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of trailblazing individuals who have paved the way for future generations." 

Harris specifically chose Juneteenth to announce the 2024 honorees, which is the beginning of an annual tradition to celebrate this significant occasion. "Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates our perseverance and contributions to the nation," he explained. "The increased visibility and media coverage around Juneteenth helps us raise awareness about the AAAA Hall of Fame, its inductees and align with broader celebrations of African American excellence. Too often, African American contributions to American history are omitted, and many organizations, especially in motorsports, fail to acknowledge their past transgressions against African Americans. I see Juneteenth as a chance to educate the public about the incredible individuals in the AAAA Hall of Fame and their significant roles, connecting past struggles with present accomplishments." 

Harris was motivated to create the AAAA Hall of Fame after noticing a glaring omission in other automotive halls of fame. "I wasn't happy with the lack of recognition for African Americans in other automotive halls of fame," he stated. "So, I decided to create one that celebrates and honors their significant contributions. Representation is important, and I have to make sure future generations can easily learn about African Americans' positive contributions to the automotive industry, and that includes transportation and motorsports. This year, we inducted the legendary Richard Petty into our Hall of Fame. While he isn't African American, his words and actions over the past 50 years have helped African Americans enter motorsports on the biggest stage and highlight their skills to the world. Allies like him are well deserving of being in the AAAA Hall of Fame." 

Following are the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees and details about their contributions. 

Bessie Stringfield, "Motorcycle Queen of Miami" 

Bessie Stringfield, known as the "Motorcycle Queen of Miami," is celebrated for breaking barriers for both women and African-American motorcyclists. Starting her journey at 16, she rode her motorcycle across the United States and beyond, facing and overcoming discrimination with unmatched courage and resilience. Her legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance. 

Crystal Windham, Automotive Design 

Crystal Windham, the executive director of design at General Motors, is recognized for her innovative vision and leadership in the automotive industry. As the first black woman to serve as a design director at General Motors, Windham's story is a powerful reminder of the impact of mentorship, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. 

KJ Jones, Media 

KJ Jones is celebrated for his extensive contributions to automotive media. He is currently the senior editor of HOT ROD. He was the first, and for almost 20 years, only African-American person on MotorTrend's editorial staff (a company with a 75-year history). In 2014, he became the first African American to hold the editor-in-chief title for any publication in the aftermarket-performance space (Diesel Power). His journey, marked by a deep love for high-performance cars and dedication to sharing his knowledge, has earned him a place in the AAAA Hall of Fame. His passion and perseverance have made a significant impact in the automotive and media industries. 

"Being inducted into the African American Automotive Association Hall of Fame is the most humbling honor I have ever received. It's still incredibly surreal, as I had no idea that I was being considered for something like this," said Jones. 

He believes his "grind and resilience" are two qualities that led to this honor. "Being a black man in an industry that for all intents and purposes is predominately caucasian, I had to immediately prove that I belonged here (on the merits of my knowledge and ability), and then I felt that I needed to accel in order to stay here," he explained. "To do that, I've been dedicated to outworking competitors, waking up at 3:00 a.m. every day to get emails with project pitches sent, parts requested, other business-related matters handled, and stories written, while everyone else--on both coasts--is still in REM sleep. I've been traveling throughout the United States since I started, getting stories because you can't wait for them to come to you. 

"To be included in the Hall of Fame, the African American Automotive Association's shrine for celebrating excellence and outstanding people who have contributed so much to one of the biggest industries in the world, is a privilege that I will cherish forever," concluded Jones. 

Richard Petty, Motorsports 

Richard Petty, "The King," is a legendary NASCAR figure with a record 200 NASCAR Cup Series wins. Beyond his racing achievements, Petty has been a vocal supporter of minorities in motorsports, providing opportunities for minorities in racing and businesses. His decades of public support and action for drivers like Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace exemplify what diversity looks like in this industry, earning him a place in the AAAA Hall of Fame. 

Larry Nance Sr., Motorsports 

Larry Nance Sr., a three-time NBA All-Star, seamlessly transitioned into professional drag racing after his basketball career. As the first African-American NBA player to participate as both a car owner and driver in professional drag racing, Nance's achievements highlight his exceptional talent and determination, earning him a place in the AAAA Hall of Fame. 

The AAAA Hall of Fame Class of 2024 showcases the incredible achievements and enduring legacies of these trailblazing individuals. Their stories inspire future generations and emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion in the automotive world. Learn more about these individuals by visiting the AAAA Hall of Fame at aaaassoc.com/hall-of-fame.