By Ellen McKoy
Looking for business insurance that fits your company's unique needs? Want to streamline your shipping logistics or take advantage of credit card payment solutions? These and many other business tools and resources are part and parcel of SEMA membership benefits.
But in the hustle and bustle of running a business, searching online for what's available may not be top of mind. That's where the SEMA Member Portal comes into play. Through a password login at SEMA.org, the portal allows members to access their profile where benefits unique to their membership category are displayed.
"The portal is a one-stop entry point for seeing and taking advantage of all SEMA-member benefits," said AJ Carney, former SEMA membership director who now oversees SEMA and PRI individual membership. "In the past, business members inquiring about our many programs were referred to a variety of websites, email addresses or phone numbers. The portal is our hub where members can access everything from one dashboard. It's a much more user-friendly experience."
Supporting SEMA Services
Access to domestic shipping discounts through United Parcel Service (UPS) has long been a member perk. More recently, SEMA formed a strategic partnership agreement with Gemini Shippers Association, an expert in global shipping logistics.
Features include competitive rates, personalized shipping solutions, a support team, educational resources and access to Gemini's network of international carriers and logistics partners. For more details, email SEMA@geminishippers.com.
"SEMA is always looking to add value to our member benefits. The partnership between SEMA and Gemini Shippers will help members operate more efficiently and cost-effectively," said Carney.
Industry veteran Jim Bingham has aligned his company with another resource: First Data, a provider of credit card payment solutions. The company accepts major credit cards, offers competitive transaction pricing, instant approval for check transactions and other value-added services.
Bingham's company, Winner's Circle Speed & Custom, has been in business for 54 years. The firm operates three retail locations, plus online sales. He was elected to the SEMA Board in 2010. "After I joined the board, I learned about the SEMA credit card program and signed up," said Bingham.
"Before credit cards, we took cash and checks. Most of our business is done in the stores and customers have to pay cash or provide a credit card with a chip. You have to have tight controls. We don't take credit card information over the phone. They buy it here or with a credit card on our website."
In reflecting on First Data, Bingham said, "It's a good program and it's a good company. I've always been a SEMA member and do everything I can to support SEMA. We have to work together to support each other and it's important to support SEMA and (programs) like First Data because SEMA supports the membership." For more details, email Ken.Keifer@Firstdata.com.
Meeting Member Needs
Nathan French, a car enthusiast and engineer, established CVF Racing in 2009. The company manufactures, distributes and retails engine parts and accessories, primarily for classic cars and trucks. Over the years, French has encountered challenges with business insurance.
"We've had some difficulty finding insurance when going through traditional channels," noted French. "No one wanted to underwrite a manufacturer of automotive components. It's not that we manufacture high-risk items, it's just that they didn't have the data to accurately forecast risk."
While perusing a SEMA newsletter several years ago, he read about RevPro. A SEMA-member benefit partner, RevPro is known for its portfolio of business insurance coverages specifically tailored to the aftermarket industry.
At the time, CVF's insurance had been canceled. "We never had any claims, but as our business got larger the [insurer] decided they didn't understand our policy and canceled it. We got in touch with Franco Ganino. We were in crisis mode and the folks at RevPro were really helpful in finding reputable companies willing to underwrite us for business insurance," said French. More recently, RevPro secured hard-to-get wind insurance on a newly acquired CVF facility near the Florida coast.
"RevPro understands our business. They know how to interpret risks and explain them to the carriers in terms they understand. If a fellow SEMA member has trouble with insurance, I would absolutely recommend RevPro. Our experience has been great. It definitely makes your SEMA dues worthwhile." Email inquiries to insurancequote@alliant.com.
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Meyer Distributing has opened a new Canadian location in Abbotsford, British Columbia.