SEMA eNews Vol. 15, No. 7, February 16, 2012

What Has SEMA Done For You Lately?

Stay in Tune With the Pulse of Street Performance—Join the Cause

SEMA encourages all member companies that create, sell and promote street performance products to get involved and join the Street Performance Council (SPC)—a group of companies dedicated to promote the growth of the street performance market. Joining this community of industry trendsetters, entitles members to several distinct benefits, including:


	Visit www.sema.org/spc to learn more about the Street Performance Council and begin to take advantage of this opportunity to network with other industry-leading companies.

Educational Opportunities: As a member of SPC, you have direct access to many powerful educational tools developed by the council to address the challenges, opportunities and trends of the street performance segment. Available through the SEMA Education Institute, these sessions have been archived for SPC members to access.

Networking: Throughout the year, the SPC offers one-on-one networking opportunities for members to speak with the top manufacturers, distributors, retailers and tuners in the street performance segment. Throughout the year, the SPC provides the environment necessary to have the conversations that can facilitate the growth of your career, company and industry. As a council member, you'll be on the guest list for private SPC-sponsored events, industry-only receptions at the SEMA Show, as well as virtual meetings held online using social networking sites.

Recognition: The SPC provides special recognition to those members who have proven to be tremendous leaders in the industry, while creating a forum for upcoming talent to share their opinions. Members are encouraged to write council- and industry-specific news pieces to be published and distributed to a targeted audience of more than 100,000 auto industry professionals through SEMA eNews. In addition, the SPC recognizes members who have volunteered their personal and professional time to the market segment with a range of prestigious industry awards at the annual SEMA Show.

The SPC is open to all SEMA members. Visit www.sema.org/spc to take advantage of this opportunity to network with other industry-leading companies.

Breaking News

SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit Teaches Success, Maximizes ROI


	The SEMA Show Exhibitor Education Summit is an intensive program designed to connect exhibitors with key individuals and provide participants with up-to-the-minute insights into the Show.

Manufacturers may now sign up to attend the third annual SEMA Show Exhibitor Education Summit, taking place April 2–4, 2012, in Las Vegas. Presented by Show staff who know first-hand how to best navigate the SEMA Show, the Exhibitor Education Summit is an intensive program designed to connect exhibitors with key individuals and provide participants with up-to-the-minute insights into the Show.

“We have a wide range of resources available for exhibitors to improve their performance at the Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The Exhibitor Education Summit is the best time for exhibitors to learn about the many resources that are available. By hosting exhibitors in Las Vegas, there are no distractions or interruptions. Exhibitors gain a clear understanding of how the programs work and get the answers they need.”

During the summit, exhibitors participate in sessions ranging from how to save on material handling, using social media to expand market reach, creating a plan and budget to add value, exploring sponsorship opportunities and more. Participants also are able to sit down in one-on-one sessions where Show experts evaluate and analyze the exhibitor’s unique needs to help reduce expenses, and they are able to tour the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Since the first SEMA Show Exhibitor Education Summit was held in 2010, exhibitor participation in many programs and services has increased. “For years, we’ve offered value-added programs to help exhibitors connect with key buyers and increase awareness of their new products,” said MacGillivray. “The challenge has always been explaining the benefits of these programs to our exhibitors. Once the exhibitors realize what’s involved with programs, such as the New Products Showcase or technical seminars, they can’t wait to participate.”

To make it easy and affordable for manufacturers to attend the summit, SEMA and its hotel partners are offering a limited number of hotel rooms for the summit at no cost to participants. All meals at the Summit will be provided as well. Participants will be responsible for travel to and from Las Vegas and incidental hotel charges (phone, room service, etc.).

Register now. Certain conditions do apply and are explained on the Summit's homepage, or can be obtained from Casie Stock at cstock@convexx.com or 702-450-7662, ext. 109.

First SEMA Town Hall Meeting Next Week; April Meeting to Be in Kentucky

After a successful series of meetings in 2011, the SEMA Town Hall Meeting program returns for 2012. The first meeting—hosted by Winners Circle Speed & Custom Inc.—takes place Friday, February 24, at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois.

Local and prospective members will gather at the Pheasant Run Resort (St. Charles, Illinois) during the Race & Performance Expo for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and SEMA staff at the first SEMA Town Hall Meeting for 2012. Hosted by Winners Circle Speed & Custom Inc., the meeting is set for Friday, February 24, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Also joining the meeting will be Representative Randy Hultgren, who serves Illinois’ 14th District in the U.S. Congress. Rep. Hultgren, a strong supporter of the industry and member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, will attend the event to speak on the issues of the day and answer questions from members.

SEMA's Town Hall Meeting initiative launched in 2011 to provide members with the opportunity to learn about the association's current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These face-to-face interactions also provide SEMA staff with valuable feedback that will help identify current benefits to enhance members' business operations and better meet their needs.

Throughout the first six months of 2011, SEMA staff visited Scottsdale, Arizona; Fort Worth, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Tacoma, Washington, hosting successful small gatherings of members in those areas.

For additional information about the Town Hall Meeting in St. Charles, Illinois, contact AJ Carney at 909-978-6697 or visit www.sema.org/townhall/st-charles for the agenda and to RSVP. If you're ready to participate, RSVP online for the Town Hall in St. Charles, Illinois.

In addition to the St. Charles Town Hall, the next SEMA meeting in this year's tour will take place Friday, April 13. The meeting will be hosted by Parts Unlimited Inc., located in La Grange, Kentucky. As with all SEMA Town Hall Meetings, you only need to bring yourself, a few business cards and a willingness to share your feedback with SEMA and its volunteers. More information is available online at www.sema.org/townhall/lagrange. RSVP online for the SEMA Town Hall in La Grange, Kentucky.

Money for School—SEMA Scholarship Applications Available

Students preparing for careers in the automotive industry may be eligible to receive automotive scholarships—ranging from $1,000–$4,000—through the 2012 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF). The scholarship application requires college transcripts and letters of recommendation and is now available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Since the fund's inception in 1984, it has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to more than 600 students engaged in studies leading to careers in the automotive aftermarket or related fields.

“Paying for a high-quality education is a challenge for many people, particularly in today’s tough economy,” said Jamie Eriksen, SEMA education director. “SEMA is pleased to play a part in helping students prepare for careers in our industry. The specialty-equipment industry is innovative, dynamic and holds many opportunities for the next generation.”

Unlike financial aid and student loans, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship is a one-time award that does not have to be paid back. Awards are granted to eligible applicants based on academic achievements, work experience, community involvement, essay content and recommendations. Students may re-apply each year, provided that they still meet the eligibility criteria.

A loan forgiveness award is also available to recent graduates who are working for SEMA-member companies and paying off existing student loans. Details and applications for both the scholarship and the loan-forgiveness awards are available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Winners will be notified in the summer of 2012. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student’s college, university, trade or vocational school to help offset the cost of tuition. Loan-forgiveness payments are sent directly to the financial institutions.

To review eligibility requirements or to access the application, visit www.sema.org/scholarships or contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org, 909-978-6655.

Business Tools

Proven Principles for Trade and Consumer Advertising

SEMA News—February 2012

BUSINESS 101
By Steve Campbell

Using Proven Methods for Marketing Success

A company might produce the best product the world has ever seen, but it may as well not exist if people don’t know about it. That’s why retail advertising to end-users is crucial to bringing business into a store or to a sales website. And for manufacturers, advertising to both retail and wholesale customers is vital to moving inventory from the warehouse to store shelves and, ultimately, to installation on a customer’s car or truck. In both instances, a few core principles are key.

“The most important aspects of any communication message are first identifying your niche and then defining your audience,” said Zan S. Martin, president and CEO of Martin & Company Advertising. “The trade needs to know why they should choose your parts over a competitor’s, so you must identify what your strengths are and create hard-hitting messages that bring those strengths to light. For consumer campaigns, it is essential to get into the head of your potential customer. Know his demographics and psychographics. If you know what motivates him, you know what messages will lead him to choose your brand over another.”

The goals obviously differ between trade and consumer targets, and the approach to each is determined by the underlying purpose of the campaign. The two basic methods are “pull” ads, which draw buyers to a website or store, and “push” ads, which send an informational message out to a broad group.

“Consumer advertising most often employs a pull strategy to create demand among product users,” said Tony Curless, president of Aftermarketing LLC. “Some typical objectives for consumer advertising include introducing new customers to your product, increasing awareness among existing customers, reinforcing brand awareness in the marketplace and stimulating product usage. On the other hand, trade advertising employs a push strategy to persuade retailers and distributors to help promote your brand or products to consumers. Typical objectives for trade advertising include acquiring new retailers or distributors, encouraging stock orders and improving relationships with product resellers.”

	With more than 25 years of experience, Tom Marx is the president and CEO of The Marx Group, a full-service advertising agency that specializes in business development, marketing strategy and communications support services to the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket. The Marx Group is headquartered in San Rafael, California, and has remote staff in New York, Chicago, Nashville and Los Angeles.

	An avid off-roader and performance driving instructor, Tony Curless started Aftermarketing LLC in 2004. Aftermarketing is a niche marketing agency dedicated to helping aftermarket automotive parts manufacturers and retailers improve product and brand awareness in the marketplace. The company primarily works within the off-road industry but also enjoys the challenges of working in other segments.

	Zan Martin, a 26-year industry veteran, has developed strategic marketing plans and product launches for some of the automotive industry’s most well-known brands. She was elected to the SEMA Board of Directors in 2009, is the current chair of the SEMA Marketing Task Force and is a member of the Light Truck Accessory Alliance and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network.

	Paul Schmidt is the director of account services and lead account strategist for Blue C in Costa Mesa, California. He is responsible for the overall management of Blue C’s relationships with its clients as well as their strategic planning. Throughout a 19-year career, he has worked with clients such as Yamaha Motor Corp., American Honda, Toyota Motor Corp., Wheel Pros and Maxxis Tires.

Deciding what method to use to deliver the message is an art all its own. The number and scope of consumer advertising outlets is nearly overwhelming and includes print, broadcast, Internet and mobile applications (the newest darling). Social media in particular, whether accessed from a desktop computer, a laptop, a smartphone or a tablet, have created a new dimension in marketing. Part of the advertising process revolves around deciding which outlets to use.

“The type of media used depends on the product itself and the market niche,” said Bill Holland, president of Holland Communications Inc. “While we are seeing more and more emphasis placed on electronic media, the use of print stays solid. The key factor is to determine which media the target audience is using for research and which is primarily entertainment. A hardcore product needs to be marketed differently than a broad-based item that is an impulse buy. You also need to reach the potential customer who is actually buying products, as opposed to the ‘wannabe’ enthusiast. And the approach will vary by market niche. For instance, young sport-compact owners are much more apt to favor electronic and social media than older street rodders will.”

Martin said that the sheer magnitude of social media influence has changed advertising, marketing and public relations over the past few years. When the Internet first began to boom, for instance, buttons and banners were all the rage—only to falter when research found that consumers didn’t really pay much attention to them.

“You must find ways to incorporate online branding in more strategic methods,” she said. “ I would strongly urge any company not already engaged in Facebook to create a page and begin to develop relationships with your followers where the opportunity exists. In addition, most of my clients who have broadened into television advertising have seen the greatest return on investment over other forms of advertising, since they can track spikes in website traffic and sales after airings.”

And while the Internet and television provide big audience numbers and broad appeal, targeted traditional enthusiast publications still offer a strong following of consumers who are proven and qualified buyers.

“Some folks are ready to call magazines ‘dead,’ but I strongly disagree,” said Jim Wirth, president of Wirth & Wirth Advertising Inc. “Radio did not replace newspapers; TV did not replace radio; and I think car magazines will be around for a long time. As evidence, Hot Rod magazine is still selling more than 600,000 copies per month. Businesses need to support one type of advertising or marketing medium with the others.”

Wirth said that delivering multiple impressions through a variety of outlets provides consumers with product and brand familiarity. Social media users who also see a product advertised in an enthusiast magazine may view the repeated exposure as confirmation of a product’s value.

“In order to select the most appropriate media types, you must know where your customers are spending their time and how receptive they are to promotions from that type of outlet,” said Curless. “Your return on investment will be greatest when you deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time. Consumer magazines allow you to deliver your message to a large, targeted audience. On the other hand, television allows you to demonstrate the product, which can be far more persuasive and engaging for the consumer. However, these two outlets can be cost prohibitive for smaller companies and those wanting to minimize risk. In these situations, the Internet is often the best choice because you can still reach a large and targeted audience while also allowing consumers to view video demonstrations of your product in use. An additional benefit of online advertising is the ease with which consumers can share your promotion with social networks, which essentially are the digital equivalent of ‘word-of-mouth’ advertising.”

Tom Marx, president and CEO of The Marx Group, also believes that TV and the Internet provide the most effective ways to target specific audiences for certain types of products but that advertisers should touch the audience across all media spectrums when appropriate.

“Having a balanced approach works when there is sufficient budget,” Marx said. “When a small budget dictates choosing limited sources, it is better to make a big splash in one rather than small punches in many. Watch where your competitors are advertising and advertise with at least as large a presence as they are if you agree with their approach.”

Nearly all of the advertising and public relations professionals we spoke with also agreed that purchasing patterns are cyclic among consumers and can help determine the best times to buy space or time.

“Automotive consumers are prone to cabin fever in much of the country, and so they start getting interested in their car hobbies in late winter and early spring,” said Wirth. “We find that the strongest months for advertising are usually February through June.”

	In the case of trade advertising, the aftermarket marketing and advertising experts almost universally agreed that centering activity around the SEMA Show and other fall trade events is a highly efficient way to promote both new and existing product lines.

Those seasonal cycles may be mitigated somewhat by the expansion of mass-communications methods and instantaneous on-the-go applications, according to Paul B. Schmidt, director of account services and lead strategist for Blue C Communications. He said that the ability to customize and deliver effective messaging has broken the bonds of traditional timing, especially as it applied to product launches.

“We still observe the best times of the year to launch products based on competition in the market, economic situations or consumer spending,” Schmidt observed, “but we now have a much more open palette, since we can hit consumers practically everywhere and anywhere with our tactical vehicles. We look at market conditions, industry activity, competitive positioning, recent competitive product placement, current economic conditions and consumer trends in spending, and we conduct thorough focus groups in which valuable information is obtained to determine when, where and how the product can be most effectively launched to obtain maximum exposure and engagement by the target.”

In the case of trade advertising, the aftermarket marketing and advertising experts almost universally agreed that centering activity around the SEMA Show and other fall trade events is a highly efficient way to promote both new and existing product lines.

“Trade advertising is critical, because no matter how many reps or salespeople manufacturers have, they cannot reach all of the counter people, who are the manufacturers’ last line of defense,” said Don Fall, president of Fall Advertising. “We recommend especially highlighting new products and their features.”

Even so, cautioned Marx, there is a challenge to not getting lost in the vast number of ads that run during the show season.

“The industry is in a cycle that demands fall promotions to launch products at the SEMA Show, Performance Racing Industry trade show [PRI], International Motorsports Industry Show [IMIS] and other end-of-season events,” he said. “As a result, we believe it is best to run a frequency that gets eye share throughout the year.”

And, added Fall, hit every possible way that the trade and consumers can hear about those new products while also ensuring that sufficient inventory is available to not only meet demand but also to meet it at the right time.

“Make sure the consumer will not be disappointed or swayed to a competing brand if the distribution outlets don’t have a product because the manufacturer can’t or isn’t shipping,” he said. “And it doesn’t do much good to launch a new drag-racing product in September because it won’t help win any annual championships. Instead, time the launch to the racing season if it’s a racing product; key accessory launches to the proper season if they fit a season. And key an accessory that’s not seasonal itself to the buying season of the vehicle category.”

While much of the advice from advertising professionals is applicable to any company and any product category, budgetary concerns may play the largest role in how products are marketed for small- and medium-size companies. While large firms can experiment with different media and take some risks with unique programs, smaller businesses don’t have that luxury. Taking advantage of low-cost options is paramount.

“First, make sure that your website is a highly effective sales tool, not just the place where you list all your products or brag about how big your building is or how many employees you have,” counseled Wirth. “Then, if your website is truly effective, use various media outlets to drive customers to it, and monitor every outlet for effectiveness as carefully as you can. Careful plans and strategies can often reveal a certain amount of information about what is working and what is not, and that allows you to constantly improve the effectiveness of your advertising and marketing budget.”

	A company might produce the best product the world has ever seen, but it may as well not exist if people don’t know about it. That’s why retail advertising to end-users is crucial to bringing business into a store or to a sales website.

Martin said that the rule of thumb is to spend 7%–10% of sales proceeds on marketing. Where those dollars are spent will be determined by the individual company’s requirements.

“If a manufacturer needs to increase distribution, it would make sense to up the trade campaign,” she said. “Conversely, if brand awareness and product introduction are the needs, a consumer campaign is in order. Either way, it is important to either team with a knowledgeable advertising agency that has a depth of experience in the market or utilize an experienced in-house marketing person or team to thoroughly research the options available and make informed recommendations.”

The experts were unanimous in advocating the use of professional services whenever possible, and that makes sense. A performance company wouldn’t want a baker to design its cylinder heads, so why count on an engineer or an accountant to understand and implement advertising and marketing strategies?

“Advertising is an investment, and it can easily become a waste of resources if not planned and executed effectively,” Curless said. “More than anything, companies need to make sure that their offers are both compelling and actionable. This requires three critical elements: a hook that captures the attention of your customers and evokes an emotional response; strong imagery that draws the customer to your advertisement; and a call to action, which many advertisers overlook. An ad without a call to action is a wasted opportunity. You must provide the customer with a steppingstone between the advertisement and the purchase decision. A professional agency can help you refine each of these steps.”

Bill Holland, president of Holland Communications Inc., has been a SEMA member since 1975. He has worked with both traditional and new media, and he has participated in many forms of motorsports and street rodding. While many of the agency’s clients are long-established firms, he enjoys working with newcomers to the aftermarket. He proudly serves on the SEMA Scholarship Committee.				Don Fall is the owner and president of Fall Advertising. The firm is a third-generation advertising agency and is dedicated to the automotive aftermarket. Fall Advertising was one of the founding members of SEMA.				Jim Wirth founded Wirth & Wirth Advertising in 1981. It is an automotive-only advertising company and has a reputation for offering top-line marketing and advertising services in the automotive aftermarket. Jim Wirth has been honored with numerous industry awards and accolades, including induction into the Automotive Restoration Market Organization Hall of Fame and, in 2004, induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame.

Larger companies with more experience tend to understand that such expertise is worth the cost. But even though a large company may have a better budget to work with, it can also be susceptible to miscalculations if the person handling the marketing isn’t completely familiar with the industry.

“The criteria stay the same, but the options broaden,” Martin said. “I facilitated a seminar at the SEMA Show this year on how to broaden your customer base by finding events and activities to engage with participants who have the same demographics as your enthusiast audience but would not necessarily read enthusiast magazines or watch enthusiast TV programs. For example, Martin & Company teamed this summer with the Country Music Association (CMA) to create an automotive zone within its annual CMA Festival, which brought in 400,000 fans from 28 countries and all 50 states. Bringing awareness of automotive brands to this audience made sense because the numbers match. Country music fans are known to enjoy NASCAR, have large numbers of do-it-yourselfers and are brand loyal. It was highly successful.”

In simple terms, Holland said, the objective is to identify your customers and determine the best ways to reach them: “The best practice should be to cost-effectively market your products or services while maintaining a budget that takes into account both growth and profitability.”

Why Your Company Needs to Stake a Claim on Google+
SEMA News—February 2012

INTERNET
By Joe Dysart

Why Every Business Needs to Stake a Claim on Google+

While Google+ boasts 40 million members, it’s still relatively small for a social network. Nonetheless, many businesses have wasted no time scrambling to set up their own pages there. Search-engine optimization (SEO) experts say that the land grab is a smart move, since businesses with a presence on Google+ are expected to move up higher on Google search-engine returns.

Web security experts are urging companies to set up shop on Google+ to ensure that their company names are not snapped up by competitors or some ne’r do well—in much the same way that squatters appropriated the brand names of global corporations during the dawn of the web. And Internet marketing analysts say that some of the new social network’s more innovative features, such as “Hangouts”—which enables a group of people on Google+ to video chat simultaneously—make Google+ too promising to ignore.

The social network, which was launched this past summer, is Google’s answer to Facebook, which now has more than 800 million members and represents an ominous threat to Google’s advertising revenue base. But there are marked differences between the two animals, even though their core missions are the same: to provide a virtual meeting place where millions of people can socialize using chat, posts, photo and video exchange and other web communications tools.

Businesses, of course, continue to be rabidly interested in how activity on social networks can be parlayed into increased sales and brand recognition. They’re also fixated on the ways they might extract the most mileage from the word-of-mouth product and service recommendations that pop up across social media in the millions.

On Facebook, for example, legions of members have been signaling their endorsement of a product or service by clicking a “Like” button—a nod that became immediately coveted by businesses the moment it surfaced on the network. On Google+, members offer the same kudos by clicking a “+1” recommendation button.

Ali Husayni, founder of Master Google (www.mastergoogle.com), a search-engine marketing firm, said that Google’s +1 recommendation button makes creating a business page on Google+ “absolutely essential.” Husayni indicated that besides seeing marginally improved search-engine rankings in the short term, businesses using Google+ may very well see significant sales gains as Google+ grows beyond its critical mass and more and more people begin using the +1 recommendation button to exchange recommendations for goods and services on the network.

“If I’m looking for a dentist and a few of my friends in my town have +1’ed a particular dentist’s site or Google+ page, then that website is going to rank better than its competitors on my search results,” Husayni said. “As a potential customer, I’m more likely to consider him than other dentists who rank well on Google but have no recommendations from my people in my networks.”

Husayni said that Google’s increasing reliance on word-of-mouth recommendations when it comes to page rankings could even dramatically alter the way company webpages get found during the next few years. Instead of seeding company webpages with carefully selected keywords and key phrases to attract traffic, SEO experts will need to find ways to ensure that their clients have as many recommendations from Facebook, Google+, Twitter and other social networks as possible.

“My initial thought is that Google is shifting the power from SEO companies toward networks and circles,” Husayni said. “It’s kind of like the past, when word-of-mouth was more important than anything else. We’re almost moving in that backward direction, but on the virtual world of the Internet.”

Meanwhile, web security experts said that businesses that take a wait-and-see approach to establishing a presence on Google+ may easily get burned. Currently, anyone can stake a claim to a business name on the Google+ social network—whether or not that person is in any way associated with the company. Bank of America is still smarting from that hard truth after pranksters quickly put together a parody page of the brand in early November.

The rogue Bank of America page openly mocked homeowners facing foreclosures as well as those who would come to their aid. The unauthorized Google+ presence went up complete with the Bank of America logo, links to the company’s real website and legitimate address and telephone info. One snarky post made in the name of Bank of American hissed, “Big company party in foreclosed house #2340087 tonight!” And another dissed the Occupy Wall Street movement with: “You will sit down and shut up, or we will foreclose on you.”

Google is enabling companies to formally verify their presences on the Google+ network. (Here is an excellent tutorial on how to verify that a company page on Google+ has in fact been created and maintained by your company). But like many things web, it’s still the Wild West on Google+.

Google’s CEO Larry Page is betting big with Google+—Google’s answer to Facebook.

For web video marketers, being able to take advantage of Google+’s Hangouts feature is reason enough to ensure that your brand has a page on Google+. With just a webcam and a typical computer, users can quickly join a Hangout chat with a group of friends, colleagues, business partners or customers. In practice, the video chat appears on the user’s PC screen as a giant image of a chosen participant displayed front and center. Smaller thumbnail videos of others participating in the chat run along the bottom and can be swapped in and out of the main video stream at will.

One of the most famous initial users of Google+ Hangouts was the L.A. hip-hop group The Black-Eyed Peas, which hosted a widely publicized backstage Hangout last fall during one of its concerts. Only 74 people actually attended the cyber-video event, but hundreds of thousands more heard and read about it via mainstream and other news media—a public relations coup.

For everyday businesses, uses for Hangouts will probably include video-chat customer service, video-chat focus groups and other more traditional company-to-customer communications that can be greatly enhanced by real-time, interactive video.

“For you and me, this means we can now hang out live with the local bike shop or discuss our wardrobe with a favorite clothing line or follow a band on tour,” said Vic Gundotra, vice president of engineering at Google. “For businesses and brands, Google+ pages help you connect with the customers and fans who love you. Not only can they recommend you with a +1 or add you to a circle to listen long-term, but they can actually spend time with your team, face-to-face-to-face.”

Fortunately, the logistics are painless if you’re looking to set up a Google+ page for business. If you’re the type to plunge in and see what all the fuss is about, simply sign into your free Google account, then click to http://tinyurl.com/google-com-business and follow the prompts.

You can also find a webinar from Buddy Media on how to get the most from a business page Google+, although the tutorials include a pitch for the company’s social media product, Conversation Buddy.

And SEO Inc., a web marketing firm, has put together a fairly thorough white paper on maximizing Google+ for business.

Bottom line: There’s really no downside to establishing a business presence on Google+—only opportunity and potential.

Joe Dysart is an Internet speaker and business consultant based in Manhattan, New York.
Contact: 646-233-4089
joe@joedysart.com
www.joedysart.com
Job-Hunting? Top Automotive Jobs Here
Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Transamerican Wholesale, located in Los Angeles, is hiring an export wholesale sales/account representative to generate new accounts, manage profit margins, build relationships with current jobbers and follow up on post-sale customer service. The successful candidate must have a minimum of three years’ experience in automotive aftermarket sales and/or customer service and proficiency with Microsoft programs.

Pro Comp, located in Los Angeles, is hiring a sales/tech/customer service representative to answer incoming sales/tech/customer service calls; complete warranty, tech and call logs; and travel to all necessary trade shows. The successful candidate will have knowledge of light-truck suspension, tires and wheels and a minimum of two years of sales support experience.

American Eagle Wheel Corp., located in Portland, Oregon, is hiring a sales manager. The successful candidate will have exceptional communication skills, strong sales experience, the ability to multi-task and proven sales performance in the Oregon and surrounding markets. Must have 3–5 years of management experience in the wheel or automotive aftermarket.

Keystone Automotive Operations (KAO), located in Corona, California, is hiring an inside sales representative to drive sales growth and profitability in a defined territory by understanding the requirements of the customers and suppliers. The successful candidate will focus on KAO’s speed and performance customer base, including muscle car, sport compact, street racing, drag racing, circle track and marine performance needs.

More automotive job listings.

New Products & Technology

Spy Shots—New Kia RWD Sedan Undergoes Winter Testing

Around the same time that Kia released sketches of the automaker's upcoming flagship sedan, the photographers at Brenda Priddy & Co. were busy shooting a prototype of the vehicle—codenamed KH—undergoing winter testing near the Arctic Circle.

In addition to the KH codename, the new vehicle is also referred to by the more familiar Opirus and K9 designations. According to Priddy's team, the KH will share the same RWD platform as the Hyundai Genesis and will likely carry the same powerplant options.

The team says to expect an official debut within the next couple of months.

Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.

Law & Order

Washington Bill to Exempt Restoration and Custom Shops from Written Estimate Requirement Approved by Senate
A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate, or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was approved by the Washington State Senate, clearing its way for consideration by the Washington House of Representatives.

Under a SEMA-drafted amendment, the bill would allow restoration and custom shops to bill at least every two weeks on a time and materials basis. Shops would be able to accurately inform customers of actual costs and materials, removing vagueness associated with shops attempting to “guess” probable time for unique tasks and probable costs for unique and, in some cases, yet to be fabricated parts.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
Iowa Introduces Bill to Protect Hobbyists From Unfair Exhaust Noise Citations
SEMA-model legislation that would allow Iowa’s vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was introduced in the Iowa State Senate. A subcommittee of the Senate Transportation Committee considered the bill February 15, 2012. The bill would remove subjective provisions in the law and force compliance with an objectively measured standard, benefitting consumers, the aftermarket industry and police officers who are charged with enforcing the law. Iowa becomes the third state, after Hawaii and West Virginia, to introduce the SEMA model.

More information is available.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
Utah Bill to Provide One-Time Registration Fee for Vintage Travel Trailers Moves to Senate
A SEMA-supported bill to create a statutory definition of a “vintage travel trailer” and provide for a one-time $40 registration fee was approved by the Utah Senate Transportation Committee and now moves to the floor of the Senate for a vote by all members. The bill has already been approved by the House of Representatives.

Under the bill, vintage travel trailers would also be eligible for a special group license plate and exempted from wheel cover, mudguard, flap or splash apron requirements. The measure defines a "vintage travel trailer" as a travel trailer, camping trailer, or fifth-wheel trailer that is 30 years old or older and primarily a collector's item that is used for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, occasional recreational or vacation use and other similar uses.

More information is available.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
West Virginia Resolution Urges EPA to Revoke E15 Program
The West Virginia House of Delegates has introduced a concurrent resolution urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revoke its decision to allow the sale of gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) until there is clear and convincing scientific evidence that E15 does not pose a risk to any gasoline-powered vehicle or equipment. SEMA is supporting the resolution.

More information is available.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
Virginia Bill to Benefit Vehicle Restoration Projects Approved By House of Delegates
Legislation that originally threatened to provide localities with the authority to raise from $100 to $500 the amount charged for an annual license tax for vehicles that do not display current license plates was approved by the Virginia House of Delegates.

Working with Virginia hobbyist groups, SEMA negotiated amendments with the bill’s sponsor to 1) totally exempt all vehicles 25 years old and older from the license tax that are undergoing restoration or repair, and 2) extend the exemption to all other vehicles (including parts cars) undergoing restoration or repair that are stored on private property for fewer than 60 days. Vehicles stored within a structure would remain exempted from the tax.

Under current law, all vehicles, even those 25 years old and older, are subject to the license tax. The bill will now move to the Virginia Senate, but has not yet been assigned to a policy committee for consideration.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
Design Patent Bill Introduced in U.S. Congress for Auto Replacement Parts
A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would allow companies to market collision-repair parts without infringing a design patent after a vehicle has been marketed for two-and-a-half years. Under current law, a design patent covers the ornamental design for an object having practical utility for a 14-year term.

At issue is the recent practice of many automobile manufacturers to obtain design patents for individual vehicle parts associated with collision repairs, such as fenders, lamps, hoods, bumpers and grilles. Historically, automakers have received design patents for the car’s overall design rather than individual parts. The design patent allows a company exclusive rights to exclude others from copying the product or to license the rights.

SEMA is reviewing the legislation. A couple of years ago, a similar House bill was introduced that would have provided a total exclusion for replacement parts. The bill received one hearing. The auto companies noted that they had invested enormous amounts of money in developing the part designs only to have them copied in a matter of hours and were seeking to protect that investment through rights available under current law. Opponents countered that auto companies were seeking to eliminate competition and that the design patents raised prices for consumers in repair costs and insurance premiums. The current legislation seeks to craft a compromise approach.

For additional information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

People, Places & Racing News

Racing News: Irwindale Speedway Cancels Season, May Close


	The Irwindale Speedway may be closing its doors. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images for NASCAR.)

Irwindale Speedway Cancels Season
Irwindale Speedway, which opened in 1999, has canceled the 2012 season and appears to be closing, according to the Los Angeles Daily News and San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Irwindale was considered among the best short track and drifting facilities in the nation. However, last Saturday, workers were dismantling the pit grandstand and taking apart storage areas, according to the Daily News report. In addition, the large billboard bordering the San Gabriel Valley River Freeway was not lit up and the track's website was taken off the Internet.

L.A. Racing owner Jim Cohen told the Valley Tribune that Irwindale Speedway LLC is out of business.

The regular season, featuring the track's point-scoring divisions, usually starts the last weekend in March. The track was home to NASCAR's Toyota All-Star Showdown seven times, but according to the Valley Tribune, car counts and attendance were down significantly last season. Attendance peaked in 2002, averaging 5,372 fans. Last season, attendance for 28 events averaged approximately 2,805—the smallest in track history.


	ROUSH Performance will sponsor the NMRA's Super Stang class

ROUSH Performance to Sponsor NMRA’s Super Stang Class
The NMRA has announced that ROUSH Performance will sponsor Super Stang—one of its most popular classes that feature all-new S197 Mustangs competing against each other with easy-to-follow “index”-style rules. Super Stang regularly attracts more than 25 cars per event with many of the racers coming out of shop-backed teams that include Team JDM, Brenspeed and Evolution Motorsports.

Precision Turbo and Engine Named Official 2012 American Drag Racing League Contingency Program Sponsor
Precision Turbo and Engine (PTE) will be an official sponsor of the 2012 American Drag Racing League (ADRL) Contingency Program. PTE will pay any ADRL Contingency Program participant who uses a PTE turbocharger for a win or runner-up finish in either the Pro Extreme or the Extreme 10.5 (XTF) class at any of the season's 10 events of 2012.

As per the ADRL's contingency rules, any racer wishing to claim a PTE contingency payout must display a PTE contingency decal on both sides of their car for the entire duration of the event in order to be eligible for cash payment.

	The Ford-Cobra-Shelby Reunion will be held at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.

Cobra to Celebrate Its 50th Anniversary
The Ford-Cobra-Shelby Reunion, to be held April 19–21, 2012, at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, California, is a three-day event for all Cobras, Shelbys, Ford and Ford-powered vehicles.

The event will feature the Speed Merchants of Venice 50th Anniversary of Cobra Exhibit presented by Racing Division Inc., a banquet honoring Carroll Shelby, Show ’N Shine organized by Team Shelby Pacific Coast Division, two rare Shelby King Cobras on display, a panel discussion with Bob Bondurant and Parnelli Jones, a vendor’s midway, poker run and more.

For more information, visit www.fordcobrashelbyreunion.com.


The NHRA has extended its long-running relationship with Lucas Oil Products, which includes series sponsorship of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

Lucas Oil Products Extends Series Sponsorship of NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Through 2015
The NHRA has announced an extension of its long-running relationship with Lucas Oil Products. The multi-faceted contract extension includes title rights of the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota, a continued designation as the official oil products of the NHRA, naming rights at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis and, most importantly, series sponsorship of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

The extension was officially signed at NHRA’s corporate headquarters in Glendora, California, with the NHRA’s employees in the audience.

Through the end of the new agreement, Lucas Oil will celebrate 14 years as sponsor of one of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which features eight classes, 24 regional events and 19 divisional events around the country. The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series is also conducted at all 23 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, with 16 showcasing the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car categories. These NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events are featured in 16 one-hour programs, produced in high definition, and broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN2HD. The Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car categories are where many of today’s NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series drivers got their start, including Alexis DeJoria, Courtney Force, Spencer Massey, Brandon Bernstein and Morgan Lucas.


	Team Falken suffered a transmission failure and was forced to retire at the King of Hammers off-road event last weekend.

Falken Tire Makes Valiant First Effort at King of Hammers Off-Road Event
Falken Tire debuted its new, custom-built Ultra4 buggy at the sixth running of the Griffin King of the Hammers event outside Twenty Nine Palms, California, and while competitive for much of the grueling race, the team suffered a transmission failure and was forced to retire. The Team Falken entry, piloted by Falken Vice President of Marketing Andrew Hoit and co-driver Ryan Hagel, of RCH Designs, started in 78th position out of 140 entries for the 165-mile race, run this past weekend, and ran strong for the first two-thirds of the course. Only 49 teams finished in the allotted 14-hour deadline. Race winner Eric Miller completed the event in six hours, three minutes.

It was a strong weekend in the off-road racing industry, as AMA Monster Energy Supercross Defending Champion Ryan Villopoto took his third win of the season in San Diego, California, during Round 6 of the race series. He currently leads by six points with 11 events remaining. RV, as he is known to fans and friends, is supported by Falken Tire, which is also the Official Truck Tire of the Supercross series.    


	Champion Racing Oil will sponsor Brett Hearn for the 2012 Super DIRTcar Nationals.

Champion Racing Oil Sponsors Brett Hearn in Big-Block Series of 2012 Super DIRTcar Nationals
Champion Racing Oil is teaming up with Brett Hearn—who has more than 800 career wins, including 72 Track and Series Championships—as his lubricant sponsor for the 2012 Super DIRTcar Nationals.

This year’s season for Hearn, 53, starts at the Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified portion of the DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment, February 22–25, at Volusia Speedway Park in Florida. Hearn’s big-block 467-cid engine has more than 850 hp and weighs with driver only 2,500 lbs.

Hearn, who lives in Sussex, New Jersey, is a winner of a record seven Super DIRTcar Series Championships and this year will be one of at least a half-dozen big-block champions competing in the Florida event. The others include Stewart Friesen of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario; three-time titlist Danny Johnson of Rochester, New York; two-time champion Alan Johnson of Phelps, New York; defending overall DIRTcar Big-Block Modified titleholder Matt Sheppard of Waterloo, New York; and 2003 titlist Tim Fuller of Watertown, New York.

To keep up with Hearn, visit www.bretthearn.com or the Super DIRTcar Series site at www.superdirtcarseries.com.


	Maradyne High Performance Fans will supply its line of fans to the Venturini Motorsports team for its upcoming ARCA Racing Series season.

Maradyne Sponsors Venturini Motorsports in ARCA Racing
Maradyne High Performance Fans will continue its second year of sponsorship with Venturini Motorsports by providing its line of fans to the team for its upcoming ARCA Racing Series season.

Venturini Motorsports—a family-owned team based in Concord, North Carolina—uses Maradyne’s Champion Low Profile Series 16-in. fan (part # M162K) on its fleet of more than 30 Chevrolet and Toyota race cars. Maradyne’s Champion Low Profile Series fan cools high-performance race engines with its 225-watt heavy-duty motor that delivers 2,170 CFM with an amp draw of 18.0.

Out of 49 starts in the 2011 ARCA Racing Season, Venturini Motorsports has racked up three wins, 13 Top 5 and 23 Top 10 finishes and seven pole positions.


Mark Patterson and Frank Yu took to the wheel of the #26 United Autosports Audi R8 LMS last month in the Dunlop 24h of Dubai.

United Autosports Heads Down Under For Bathurst 12 Hours
United Autosports heads down under to race one of its Audi R8 LMS GT3 cars in the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour race, February 24–26 with a trio of top drivers tackling the GT endurance event in Australia.

U.S.-based South African Mark Patterson will share cockpit duties with Hong Kong’s Frank Yu and Hong Kong-based Frenchman Alain Li.

Bathurst is the third winter pre-season race—after Dubai and Abu Dhabi—to be contested by the Anglo-American Leeds-based team. United Autosports makes its début at the circuit, the Australian track having been made famous for its Touring Car races, and the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour GT event features a 6.213-km-long roller-coaster Mount Panorama circuit.

The Audi is a proven 24-hour race winner, having won last year’s Spa 24 Hour race, the 2011 Blancpain Endurance Series, and not to mention last year’s Bathurst 12 Hours. Patterson, Yu and Li have all raced the United Autosports Audi with great success on several occasions and have taken many podiums between them.


	Ross Martin remains the Pro Points leader by 12 even after some tough luck at the Silverdome.

Ross Martin Remains Pro Points Leader
Ross Martin won his first round of the Pro Points race in Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin, February 14. During the second round he got tangled up in a massive pile-up, which ultimately qualified him for the last spot in the front row for the Final, where he finished in sixth place.

James Johnstad, a Pro Lite driver, delivered a first and second in his qualifying rounds with a top 10 finish in the Final. He moved up to third in the Pro Lite Points race.

Catch the action from the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, on Versus, Sunday, March 11, at 5:00 p.m. (EDT).

NHRA: Full Throttle Series Returns to Firebird International Raceway

NEWS NUGGETS

NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES RETURNS TO FIREBIRD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY FOR SECOND STOP OF 2012: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to Firebird International Raceway for the 28th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, February 17–19, with a ticket special the whole family can enjoy. Children 12 and younger will receive free admission to the NHRA's February return to Arizona when accompanied by a paying adult. The NHRA's second event of the 2012 season will allow all NHRA fans an opportunity to see and meet all of the drivers who will be racing at speeds of more than 320 mph during the 17-race regular season in hopes of qualifying for the Countdown to the Championship—the NHRA's six-race playoffs.

All of the biggest stars in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will be on hand. Rookie Funny Car pilot Alexis DeJoria—daughter of Paul Mitchell products co-founder John Paul DeJoria—will look to make a name for herself in the ultracompetitive 7,000-hp class with her Tequila Patron Toyota Camry tuned by 2011 Top Fuel Full Throttle champ Del Worsham. DeJoria will have to hold off a host of drivers, including rookie Courtney Force, defending world champion Matt Hagan, Robert Hight, Mike Neff, Ron Capps, Cruz Pedregon, Beckman and 15-time Funny Car champ John Force. Popular Pro Stock driver Erica Enders will again lead the charge with her quest to become the first female winner in the factory hot-rod class. To win the event, she'll have to hold off Greg Anderson, Jason Line, Mike Edwards, Allen Johnson, Vincent Nobile and Jeg Coughlin Jr., who is making his much-anticipated return to action after sitting out the 2011 season.

Seven-time Top Fuel world champion and three-time NHRA Arizona Nationals winner Tony Schumacher will again be behind the wheel of his famed U.S. Army dragster. After going winless in 2011, Schumacher is more determined than ever to get back on the winning track. Several of his archrivals, including teammates Antron Brown and Spencer Massey, plus Brandon Bernstein and Morgan Lucas, will be in the mix and focused on mounting a championship charge.

THIS WEEK AT NHRA

Event: NHRA Arizona Nationals
Track: Firebird International Raceway
Race number: 2 of 23
Track surface: concrete/asphalt
Elevation: 1,100 feet above sea level
Most NHRA Full Throttle victories at the track: 8, John Force, Funny Car
2011 event winners: Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock)
Tickets: Call 602-268-0200 or log on to firebirdraceway.com

MASSEY, FORCE, ANDERSON KICK OFF 2012 SEASON WITH WINS IN POMONA: The 52nd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries—the start of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season—lived up to the excitement as Top Fuel pilot Spencer Massey, Funny Car driver John Force and Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson raced past the competition to claim the first wins of 2012. Massey powered his FRAM/Prestone dragster to a 3.750-second run at 325.77 mph in the final to beat Don Schumacher Racing teammate Antron Brown. Even more impressive was Massey’s semifinal win against Tony Schumacher, in which Massey set the national record for speed at 328.62 mph.

“After the second round, we didn’t have any computer data, and [crew chiefs] Phil [Shuler] and Todd [Okuhara] tuned that thing like it was a Top Fuel car from 1968,” said Massey. “They looked at the plugs, looked at the bearings, and it went 3.74 at 328 mph. It’s awesome to start like this and have the No. 1 spot going into Phoenix. This is my life dream, and we’re living it.”

In Funny Car, Force held off teammate and former crew chief Mike Neff in the final to secure his Castrol GTX High Mileage Ford Mustang a spot in the winner’s circle. The win was Force’s 15th at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona—the most of any driver—and 134th victory.

“You really want to perform,” said Force. “I know all those other kids on our teams and others, like Cruz Pedregon, the Schumacher teams, [Tim] Wilkerson and [Bob] Tasca, those guys are going to win races, and it was just nice to get a win under my belt. Those boys are bad out there. To make that top 10 is going to be tough. Somebody’s going to be left out, so I’m just going to keep fighting and keep my nose clean.”

The wins for Massey and Force secured both a spot in the NHRA Traxxas Nitro Shootouts—special races within a race—which will be conducted at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis. Pro Stock driver Anderson held off four-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin in the final to secure his fifth NHRA Winternationals win and 10th at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in his Summit Racing Equipment Pontiac GXP. It was Anderson’s 71st win.

“I wasn’t the quickest driver out here today, but I was very consistent,” said Anderson. “We managed to stop the big yellow Mopar (of Coughlin). He sure came out swinging. You’re always aware of how good Jeg is driving. I’ve never been very good at tuning that kind of stuff out, but it worked today.”

The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its second stop of the season this weekend in Chandler, Arizona, just outside of Phoenix, for the NHRA Arizona Nationals. For tickets, call 602-268-0200 or log on to firebirdraceway.com.

AAA NAMED TITLE-RIGHTS SPONSOR OF INAUGURAL EVENT AT GATEWAY MOTORSPORTS PARK: The NHRA announced an expansion of its long-standing relationship with the Automobile Club of Southern California, as the company has agreed to become the title-rights sponsor of the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park near St. Louis. The inaugural event will take place September 28–30, and is the third of six races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship.

The Auto Club is entrenched in NHRA Drag Racing at all levels of the sport. The relationship also includes naming rights for Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, entitlement rights of the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals held at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, entitlement of the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals in Dallas, sponsorship of the Auto Club Road to the Future Award annually recognizing the sport’s Professional rookie of the year, and presenting sponsorships of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, the Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and the California Hot Rod Reunion at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield.

In addition, the Auto Club is presenting sponsor of the NHRA Safety Safari presented by AAA and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. As part of the title rights at Gateway Motorsports Park, AAA Insurance will receive exclusive promotional opportunities around the event, as well as broadcast elements, display space and signage on-site at the event, pre-event customer activities and corporate hospitality.

NHRA LAUNCHES NITRO GENERATION SWEEPSTAKES: One of the NHRA’s most lucrative sweepstakes in its history—the NHRA Nitro Generation Sweepstakes—kicks off with the celebration of Nitro Generation—NHRA’s season-long tribute to the many families both on the track and in the stands who have made the NHRA the world’s largest motorsports sanctioning body. Fans can enter to win the NHRA Nitro Generation Sweepstakes by logging on to NHRA.com, visiting the official voting area on NHRA’s Facebook page or at kiosks that will be set up at every national event track during the 23-race season. Entries close at 12:00 a.m. (EST) December 7; winners will be announced after December 18. Residents of the United States/Washington, D.C., who are at least 18 years old can enter the 2012 NHRA Nitro Generation Sweepstakes.

The grand prize in the 2012 NHRA Nitro Generation Sweepstakes is a '12 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 and a '12 Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two motorcycle. Combined, the grand prize has a total value of nearly $60,000. In addition to the grand prize, the NHRA will award other winners during the NHRA Nitro Generation Sweepstakes. First prize is a 55-in. Samsung LED 7000 Series Smart TV from BrandSource. Five second-place winners will be awarded a Traxxas E-Revo Brushless 65-mph R/C Monster Truck. Third prize is a set of four tires courtesy of Service Central Racing and five fourth-place winners will receive a Traxxas Boss 302 VXL 50-mph R/C car.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS, FIREBIRD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, February 17–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its second stop of the season in Phoenix. Defending event winners are Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 602-268-0200 or log on to firebirdraceway.com. For media credentials, contact Media Relations Manager Alex Baca at abaca@nhra.com.

TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, March 8–11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to historic Gainesville Raceway for the third stop of the series and season-opening race for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. Defending event winners are Del Worsham (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com. For media credentials, contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, March 30–April 1: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops of the season in Sin City for the fourth race of the season. Defending event winners are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-644-4444 or log on to LVMS.com. For media credentials, contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

BACK IN THE SADDLE: Pro Stock driver Jeg Coughlin after a runner-up finish at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries, his first return to Pro Stock action since sitting out the 2011 season: “This is just a taste of what’s coming for this team. Roy Simmons and Nick Ferri are going to continue to work hard on the tune-up and the horsepower. I’m about as fired up as I get at a race I didn’t win.”

3: Since 1991, when the NHRA Arizona Nationals moved to become the second race of the season (except 2011), only three drivers in either Top Fuel or Funny Car have won the season-opening O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries and NHRA Arizona Nationals in the same year. However, five Pro Stock drivers have accomplished the feat, one twice. Below are the drivers, the year they won both races and their class.

Darrell Alderman: 1991, Pro Stock
Jerry Eckman: 1992, Pro Stock
Alderman: 1995, Pro Stock
Jim Yates: 1996, Pro Stock
Gary Scelzi: 1997, Top Fuel
John Force: 1997, Funny Car
Jeg Coughlin: 2000, Pro Stock
Ron Capps: 2009, Funny Car
Mike Edwards: 2010, Pro Stock


	Barry Weiss (left) from the reality TV show Storage Wars was a guest of Top Fuel pilot Antron Brown and one of the many celebrities who attended the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries.

DID YOU KNOW

…that former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and Super Bowl champ Danny White was one of many celebrities who attended the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries. Other celebs from the worlds of movies, television, music and sports who attended the season-opening race included actor Danny Trejo, who played in several movies including Predators and Anchorman; Andy Ashby, former starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies; Barry Weiss, from the reality TV series Storage Wars; Fred Dryer, star of the TV drama Hunter and longtime defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams; and James “Bubba” Stewart, professional motocross racer and multi-time Supercross champ.

SEMA Heritage: Tom McMullen

SEMA News—February 2012

SEMA HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

Street Rodder

In January 1963, Tom McMullen posed in his flamed Deuce highboy for Hot Rod magazine’s Eric Rickman in front of Beckman Instruments, where McMullen worked as an electronics technician. The photos Rickman shot became the cover feature for Hot Rod’s April 1963 issue. This view of the car is an unpublished outtake, showing the rear of the ’32 and the pinstriping done by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth. Roth also laid out the car’s flames, which McMullen painted.

The Deuce was a triple threat: It was not only McMullen’s daily driver, but drag raced by him at local strips. At the time of the Hot Rod cover story, his best run was an 11.59 at 127 mph—but McMullen also took it to the dry lakes, where it would top out at more than 150 mph. A few months after this story ran, the roadster appeared again in Hot Rod at a Muroc meet covered by Tex Smith for the August issue. There, McMullen set an A/Street Roadster record of 154.10 mph.

McMullen owned the ’32 until 1969, when his new Harley-Davidson parts business occupied so much of his time that he sold the car. That new business, though, led McMullen to publish a catalog. Soon, TRM Publications was born, named for Tom and his wife Rose.

In addition to the parts catalog, McMullen launched Street Chopper magazine and then revisited his love for hot rods in 1972 with the start of Street Rodder magazine. It wouldn’t be long before his publications stable would compete for enthusiasts’ attention—and newsstand dollars—with the magazine in which he had appeared 10 years before.

Movers & Shakers: Leadership Changes Announced for Pirelli World Challenge Championships

WC Vision, SCCA Pro Racing Announce Leadership Changes for Pirelli World Challenge Championships
WC Vision and SCCA Pro Racing announced leadership changes for the 2012 Pirelli World Challenge Championships. Director of Operations Scott Bove moves to president and chief executive officer, and Geoffery Carter, a veteran of professional motorsports for the more than two decades, was named the competition director for the series. Bove has been part of the World Challenge leadership teams for the past three years and fostered growth and success in all facets of the series as the director of operations for WC Vision. Carter joins the Pirelli World Challenge after 20 years in professional racing in a number of top-level positions with race teams in ChampCar, American Le Mans and Grand Am Rolex.


	Left to right: Jack "JR" Ries, Jill Ries, Jim Ries and son Jake at the Classic Performance Products' flag dedication ceremony. The company is celebrating 20 years in 2012.

Classic Performance Products Celebrates 20 Years
Classic Performance Products Inc. celebrates 20 years of business in 2012. The specialist in steering, brakes and suspension products for classic trucks opened in December 1991. The company expanded in 1993 to a new storefront in with a 300-sq.-ft. showroom in Buena Park, California. Along with company growth came an expansion of the product line to include the classic car market. In May of 2005, the company moved buildings to its current Anaheim, California, location. Today, the company occupies more than 40,000 sq. ft., which includes a 3,000-sq.-ft. showroom, plus sales and business offices and shipping and receiving departments.

Be Cool Founder Announces Company Sale
Be Cool Inc. founder Roger Rosebush announced that the company has been sold to Aerospace America of Bay City, which will now handle Michigan-based product manufacturing. Rosebush also said the company will increase services and product development in the years ahead, and he will remain with the company as a consultant to help ensure a smooth transition.

Subaru Impreza Named MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award for Best Sport Compact
The Subaru Impreza received the 2012 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award for Best Compact Car during the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. Subaru set sales records in 2011 and has started 2012 with sales up 21% compared to the previous year, the company reports. The Impreza is equipped with a 148hp 2.0L Boxer engine and is available with the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or an enhanced Lineartronic CVT. According to Subaru, the 2012 Impreza offers the highest fuel economy of any all-wheel drive car in America, with EPA ratings of 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway for models with CVT.

Perris Auto Speedway Named Small Business of the Year
Perris Auto Speedway was named Small Business of the Year by Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Grant Bennett presented the award to promoter Don Kazarian earlier this month. The half-mile clay oval will open its 17th season on Saturday, February 25, with the Sokola Shootout featuring Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, California Lightning Sprint cars and the PAS Senior Sprints.

Ohio Technical College Launch Pages on Facebook, Twitter
Ohio Technical College announced that it is using the two leading forms of social media—Facebook and Twitter—to communicate directly with car enthusiasts and prospective students while highlighting the curriculum. The Ohio Technical College Facebook page features school announcements, photos of student projects, videos and links to industry stories. The school's Twitter page (www.twitter.com/OhioTechCollege) includes details on real-world training, links and photos from inside the classroom, and information about upcoming events.

Surf City Garage, Hopkins Manufacturing Announce Marketing Partnership
Surf City Garage and Hopkins Manufacturing entered into a marketing partnership through which Hopkins will design, market and distribute Enthusiast Grade vehicle cleaning tools and accessories that complement the Surf City Garage car care product line. All tools will bear the Surf Garage brand name. The Enthusiast Grade detailing tools will be rolled out in 2012, according to the companies.

SEMA Council & Committee News: Wheel and Tire Professionals Discuss State of the Industry at SEMA Headquarters

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)	Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA)	Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)	Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Street Performance Council (SPC)	Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)	Young Executives Network (YEN)


Visit WTC's website

Wheel and Tire Professionals Discuss State of the Industry at SEMA Headquarters

Wheel and tire professionals gathered at SEMA Headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, for an open discussion to help guide the strategic direction of SEMA’s Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). “The meeting was full of awesome information, especially for someone like me who fields dozens of phone calls from the enthusiast up to the highest levels of purchasing,” shared Blake Warner of Primax Wheel Corp.


	Wheel and tire professionals gathered at SEMA Headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, for an open discussion to help guide the strategic direction of SEMA’s Wheel and Tire Council (WTC).

Much of the conversation focused on continuing concerns revolving around tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), including their lifespan, the servicing of and opportunities for an additional revenue stream. In an attempt to help members better address TPMS, The WTC has made a webinar available through SEMA’s Education Institute (SEI) entitled, "TPMS 101: Identifying and Understanding the Opportunity," presented by Russ Fuller of Revolution Supply Co.

Other topics included the Wheel and Tire Council's continuing effort to work with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) on wheel testing standard J2530. The WTC strongly supports the standard, but has concerns over the implementation of a conformance and registry program that could potentially increase the cost for aftermarket wheel manufacturers and ultimately extend the scope of the standard beyond it original purpose. At the same time, the WTC recognizes the importance of a voluntary testing mechanism that legitimizes the use thereof and addresses any misrepresentation of the standard.

Based on the open discussion and in working with the Tire Industry Association (TIA), the WTC has also made it a priority to increase communication to its retail members in order to provide technical and sales training, as well as best practices that help improve consumer awareness. To help accomplish the Council’s agenda, the WTC Select Committee will make a concerted effort to solicit the participation and expertise of its general membership.

To get involved, please email Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org or follow the Member Resource Pool link.

Don't Miss WTC Long-Range Planning Meeting and Industry Discussion February 8

The WTC Long-Range Planning Meeting and industry discussion will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served. Get feedback and provide your thoughts to industry leaders during the open discussion. Whether you have questions regarding testing standards, increasing sales, vehicle technology or other pertinent issues, come to the open forum and share your thoughts.

Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Wheel & Tire (WTC) Council?

What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their WTC efforts, and for that we say “thank you” to those companies!

The leaders of the WTC gathered last year at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the WTC-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each WTC member.

Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “identify common problems and opportunities relating to the wheel and tire industries that the council, as an interested body of companies, can address for the common good.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.

Science and Technology Task Force
Tim Dietz (Standards Testing Laboratories Inc.) and can be reached at tdietz@stllabs.com. This group focuses on aftermarket and OEM advances that affect our industry. From creating wheel standards to improved processes for tire-pressure monitoring systems and electronic stability control, the Science and Technology Task Force plays a pivotal role in the industry’s advancement.

Education Task Force
Kelly Austin (Ultra Wheel Company) chairs this group and can be reached at kelly@mail.ultrawheel.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The WTC Task Force is responsible for partnering with the SEMA Educational Institute to create and promote online learning resources.

Communication and Marketing Task Force
Doug Frymer (Law Offices of Douglas A. Frymer) chairs this group and can be reached at legal@starshieldarmor.com. This group focuses on membership outreach, growth and retention. It is imperative that councils effectively communicate services provided by WTC and SEMA to our members. Communication and services ensure that there is proper dialogue between leadership and membership.

SEMA Show Task Force
David Insull (American Tire Distributors) chairs this group and can be reached at dinsull@atd-us.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making WTC’s awards reception an ideal place to get together, honor one another and network with all those who share a common passion.

There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year. You are the expert at what your business needs and this council wants to deliver. Feel free to get in touch with us or come to one of our WTC events. Our hope is that, if you haven’t been a part of WTC yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? WTC is!

Be sure to follow WTC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/wtc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

WTC Column in SEMA Member News

Read WTC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about WTC and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call or 909/978-6696.

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Visit ARMO's website.

Have an Influence in the Restoration Industry

ARMO is calling all members and restoration industry professionals to the annual ARMO Long Range Planning session. The meeting is scheduled in conjunction with the Hot Rod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis, Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at the Lucas Oil Stadium. The Long Range Planning session is from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., with a networking mixer immediately following from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

“The Hot Rod & Restoration Trade Show is a natural fit for a restoration gathering,” said ARMO Chairperson Laura Bergan of American Collectors Insurance. “This is the first time in recent memory that the ARMO LRP is in the same location two years in a row, so we’re anxious to see how that affects attendance, and we’ve planned this to build momentum toward a set industry event. Hopefully this will have a positive effect on attendance and engagement. Based on feedback from last year’s attendees, we shortened the actual meeting time and added a mixer element for networking.”

“This is the first “big event” of the year in the restoration and hot-rod industries,” added ARMO Chair-Elect Alex Tainsh of Parts Unlimited Interiors. “We think the networking mixer should provide a great kick-off to everyone’s season. Hope to see you all there!”

If you’ve ever wondered exactly how a SEMA council operates, want to get more involved or simply network with other restoration professionals, make plans to participate in the ARMO Long Range Planning session and Networking Mixer.

For more information contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

ARMO Doubles Education for Small Business Owners

ARMO is once again producing educational sessions at this year’s Hot Rod & Restoration Trade Show. Each session focuses on a different element of the general theme, “How to Grow Your Small Business.” Sessions include:

The Business of Small Business, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Rooms 1 & 2

Listen to a panel of top restoration and hot-rod industry business leaders as they share their experience and knowledge on how to survive and grow in the market.

Marketing Your Small Business 101, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Rooms 3 & 4

Tyler Tanaka of CIE Studios and Eric Saltrick of Steele Rubber Products will lend their real-world experience to answer questions about how to utilize the many free (or almost free) Internet tools to help you market your small business. Moderated by ARMO Chairperson Laura Bergan of American Collectors Insurance.

Sales Ethics, 9:15 a.m.–10:15 a.m., Rooms 1 & 2

Take away multi-faceted points of understanding about how to turn your business into a completely understandable, ethical enterprise and improve your marketing strategies. Presenter: Dick Dixon

Marketing Your Small Business 201, 9:15 a.m.–10:15 a.m., Rooms 3 & 4

For those who already have a web presence, Tanaka, Saltrick and Bergan will continue the discussion presented in “101,” providing greater detail and additional ideas and tools for those who are ready to move to the next level.

Registration is free and available online at www.hotrodshow.com.

For more information contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

ARMO Licensing Guide Now on SEI

ARMO members may now access the ARMO Trademark Licensing Guide online. Previously available only in hard copy, the Guide is now located on the ARMO education track on the SEMA Education Institute (SEI).

ARMO Licensing Overview:

Ever wonder how a company gets a restoration product officially licensed by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) carmaker? ARMO members can now find introductory information from three OEMs, including preliminary application forms, in one document.

Obtaining a trademark license is one of the few remaining processes that cannot be accomplished "online" or with a simple application. OEM carmakers are very proud and protective of their trademarks. There are many steps involved in order to display an "Officially Licensed" logo on your product. Just finding out where to begin can be a daunting task.

The Trademark Licensing Overview provides ARMO-member companies with the information they need to begin the oftentimes lengthy process in one handy reference document. Ford, GM and Chrysler have supplied contact information, application forms and general process overviews. While the Overview is not a complete guide to trademark licensing, it does provide you with information necessary for all those important first steps.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? ARMO Is!

Be sure to follow ARMO on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/armo and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News

Read ARMO's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.

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Visit HRIA's website

Hot Rodding Leaders to Meet in Detroit

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) cordially invites you to attend its industry discussion Friday, February 24. This is a great opportunity to interact with fellow hot rodding professionals and learn what the council is working on. Through an open discussion, you can help guide the strategic direction and identify priorities for the HRIA.


	The Hot Rod Industry Alliance's (HRIA) industry discussion will be held Friday, February 24, at the Detroit Autorama, Cobo Center.

Date: Friday, February 24, 2012
Time: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Networking Lunch: 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Place: Detroit Autorama, Cobo Center
Room: 02-37

1 Washington Blvd. #401
Detroit, MI 48226

For more information, visit Detroit Autorama or contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Calling All Hot Rod Builders

HRIA is sponsoring the annual Pinewood Builders Challenge and looking for top hot-rod builders or custom vehicles to take part in this charity event. Builders will be given small blocks of wood to complete their own unique and one-of-a-kind pinewood race car. All cars will be raced at the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races and then placed on display at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas. In addition, the cars will be placed on eBay for auction, with all proceeds going to two great children’s charities—ChildHelp and Victory Junction Camp. To participate, contact Eric Saltrick at esaltrick@steelerubber.com or 704-483-9343 for more information.


	HRIA is looking for top hot-rod builders to participate in the annual Pinewood Builders Challenge.

Influence Decisions That Impact the Rodding Industry

Join the Hot Rod Industry Alliance in Detroit for its Annual Long Range Planning (LRP) Meeting. Held in conjunction with Championship Auto Shows Detroit Autorama, the seminal meeting will take place February 24, 2012, at Detroit’s COBO Center. In addition to a great Show, guests of HRIA will be treated to a catered lunch and be provided with the opportunity to help influence policy that directly impacts the hot rodding industry.

Topics are diverse and range from legislation and regulatory implications to youth awareness and maximizing growth markets. If you have ever wondered what exactly the SEMA councils are all about, wanted to get more involved or expand your network of industry contacts, come to Detroit and participate in the HRIA Long-Range Planning Meeting.

For more information contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

The Hot Rod Bucket List

1. Lucas Oil Stadium—home to the Indianapolis Colts and host to Super Bowl XLVI.
2. 40 industry leading manufacturers.
3. One location.
4. Free world-class education.
5. 2012 HRIA Education Day.

Check them all off your list at the same time. The Hot Rod Industry Alliance will once again hold its annual Education & Training Day in conjunction with the 14th Annual Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis, March 22, 2012.


	Forty educational sessions will be offered at the 2012 HRIA Education Day in Indianapolis.

This is truly an event you must experience for yourself. Manufacturer seminars start at 8:00 a.m. and run through 6:30 p.m. The 40 sessions offer something for everyone and are designed to help your business grow. Beyond the actual educational seminars, you will find an environment full of networking opportunities fueled by enthusiasts, not just sales guys. Take a look the lineup of participating manufacturers and you will understand why you need to be there:

Advanced Clutch Technology
American Autowire
Art Morrison Enterprises
Borgeson Universal Co. Inc.
Bowler Performance Transmissions
Classic Instruments
COMP Cams
CON2R
Crane Cams
Custom Autosound Manufacturing Inc.
Dakota Digital
Detroit Speed Inc.
Dynamat
Eaton Detroit Springs
Eaton Performance Products
Edelbrock LLC
FAST (Fuel Air Spark Technology)
Fatman Fabrications
Flaming River Industries
Hedman Performance Group
HushMat
Ididit Inc.
Inland Empire Driveline Service Inc.
Lokar
Meguiar’s
Painless Performance
Planet Color
Powermaster Performance
Powertrain Control Solutions
RideTech
Ron Francis Wiring
Royal Purple
Schwartz Performance
SEMA Business Technology Committee
Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.
Steele Rubber Products
Street & Performance
TCI Automotive
Vintage Air Inc.
Wilwood Disc Brakes

To learn more, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org, visit 2012 HRIA Education Day or call 800-576-8788. See you in Indy.


	Melanie Rushforth

Hot Rodder Highlight: Melanie Rushforth, Rushforth Wheels

Melanie Rushforth started her business—Rushforth Wheels—approximately five years ago in Tacoma, Washington, and, like many others within the automotive aftermarket industry, she enjoys the people she meets at shows and other venues. With the help of the Internet, she has also built many relationships through Rushforth Wheels’ online forums.

Rushforth’s current project vehicle is a ’64 Buick Skylark. It's the ultimate love story. Rushforth and her husband were looking for a project and found this ’64 Skylark on Cragislist.com. The car had everything they wanted and the original owner lived about a mile from their front door. Like a dream come true, the Skylark was at its new home that afternoon. Today, you might see Rushforth, her husband and the car that was meant to be theirs from the start taking a cruise on the beach.

However, Melanie’s true passion is late ’40s/early ’50s trucks, which she would use to transport her dogs and bikes and play in style.

On a personal note, Rushforth spends much of her time volunteering with non-profits and in the rotary. She is also an officer on the Board of Tacoma Community College and was named a 40 Under 40 in 2009 and a 2010 Woman of Influence in the Puget Sound.

Rushforth and her husband share their excitement for the industry with their 16-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter. Even though they travel a lot for work, it’s not nearly enough for pleasure. “If everyone we knew bought wheels from us, I’d make a point to spend more time on the beach in a tropical location,” she said.

SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) thanks Rushforth for her continuous support.

Have You Registered a Patent or Trademark? Your Competition Has

Protecting the intellectual property rights (IPR) of its members is a top SEMA priority. The process begins when companies register their patents, trademarks and copyrights with government agencies in the United States (and other countries). Registration is a key to establishing legal rights.

To assist its members, SEMA has created a webpage called Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights, explaining the different types of IP, including protecting new products (utility patents) and product designs (design patent), identifying the source of the product (trademarks) and protecting product brochures or website designs (copyright). It also contains information on how to register IP along with links to seminars, webinars and SEMA News articles.

With respect to enforcing IP rights at the SEMA Show, the association has developed an effective policy for pursuing infringement allegations. SEMA’s IP enforcement policy is posted on the IPR webpage and is also published as part of the Exhibitor Services Manual. Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein (stuartg@sema.org).

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? HRIA is!

Be sure to follow HRIA on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/hria and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

Read HRIA's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about HRIA and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

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Visit LTAA's website.

LTAA Technical Resource Available on SEI

LTAA is pleased to announce the launch of an LTAA education track for the SEMA Education Institute (SEI). LTAA members may now reference and download a number of technical resources from the new LTAA learning track that were previously available in hard copy only. Now, LTAA members have the information at their fingertips via an Internet connection.

Resources currently available are:

LTAA Pickup Truck Bed Dimensions – pdf
LTAA Keyless Entry Connection Guide – pdf
LTAA CHMSL Wiring Connection Guide – pdf
Why Paint Colors Vary – video

“This is very exciting for the Council,” said LTAA Chairman George Lathouris of Keystone Automotive. “These reference tools are always appreciated by installers and counter people in the field. SEI provided us a solution that keeps the tools as an LTAA-member benefit and makes for quick and timely updating of data. LTAA members received an e-mail recently with instruction on how to access their account on SEI. I encourage all members to get familiar with this LTAA education track because this is only the beginning—I promise you!”

Learn more about the LTAA education tools.

Not yet an LTAA member? Download an application or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690 for more information.

What's the Value of Being an LTAA Member?

New Products Showcase – Put your product in front of one of the largest gathering of truck enthusiasts in the country at the Carlisle Truck Nationals.

Networking – LTAA mixer at the Carlisle All Truck Nationals, Annual Long-Range Planning meeting and access to LTAA members and light-truck industry professionals around the world.

Tools and resources for the retailer and installer – "Pickup Bed Dimensions Sheet," "Keyless Entry Wiring Pickup Points Reference Sheet," "Why Paints Don’t Match" DVD and more.

Education – and LTAA-specific learning track on the new SEI from SEMA, coming soon!

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? LTAA Is!

Be sure to follow LTAA on all of your favorite social networking sites.

To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/ltaa and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

LTAA Column in SEMA Member News

Read LTAA's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For more information about LTAA, contact Jim Skelly.

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Visit MRC's website.

Why Using a Manufacturers' Rep May Be the Right Move for Your Company

Here are the top 10 reasons why your company should use a rep:

1. Results Driven. Our success is your success. Reps are highly motivated to sell your products because they make money when you sell products.
2. Cost Effective. Better utilize your time and resources. Minimize the labor and travel expenses of hiring your own employees.
3. Territory Expansion. You get the instant benefits of territory and customer knowledge that takes years to learn.
4. Relationships. Reps already know companies with whom you want to do business. Take advantage of strong, pre-existing relationships that have been cultivated through trust and action.
5. Quick. Hiring a rep is quickest way to get results and to get your “feet on the ground” selling.
6. Access. Your products and services will have better exposure with your customers because reps are already doing business with them.
7. Sales Calls. Focused and increased face-to-face time with your customers equals greater sales.
8. Training. Field training and professional development sets reps apart. Reps will educate your customers about the features and benefits of your programs and services.
9. Feedback. Get instant and accurate feedback on your products and programs.
10. Industry Knowledge. Receive an insider’s perspective that allows you a clearer understanding of the “ins and outs” of your industry.

Interested? Want to know more? The SEMA Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC) can answer your questions and share more reasons why hiring an Independent sales rep may make sense for your company.

A Message From MRC Chair Wade Cobb

The MRC council has been chipping away at what our Long-Range Planning session of 2010 identified as a need—benefits for our membership! MRC recently put a program together with TeleNotes, offering our members a business tool to elevate their company’s ability to capture data and reporting. We are also continuing to work on travel programs, possibly offering an “MRC” rate at our industry events, such as PWA and the SEMA Show, with select lodging. We also recognized the need to reach out to our general members and non-members to determine what it is they need from MRC.

In February we conducted an online survey to 3,500 rep agencies associated with SEMA to find out more about reps and how MRC can maximize its efforts as a council to provide you with benefits. Thanks to all who took the time to respond; it’s the only way we can build a better MRC. Just as any council or association, it’s imperative to get the feedback from members on what works or needs to be fixed. As we move on reviewing the data MRC has been able to obtain through the survey and the information from our LRP, the council will continue to put action plans in place to address the concerns.

Looking to continue the efforts put forth by our members, MRC attended the MPMC Media Trade Conference held in Los Angeles this past January with the purpose of representing MRC to the manufacturers present. MRC Chair-Elect Chris Fairless and I had an MRC room all three days of the event, conducting meetings with members interested in utilizing reps and showing them the value of using rep agencies. We provided each exhibiting company with an MRC brochure and offered the MRC DVD for additional information. Both Chris and I were very pleased with the event, realizing this was a first for MRC and a great opportunity given to MRC by MPMC to explore the venue and take away ideas to build even better programs for coming events. We truly wish to thank Kyle Fickler and Vic Wood of MPMC for working with us during the MPMC Media Trade Conference.

We look forward to working with other industry segments to continue educating our fellow industry members on the benefits of utilizing a rep agency as their sales force. Your thoughts and comments are welcome any time. We need to hear your voice, so please speak out!

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MRC is!

Be sure to follow MRC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mrc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MRC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about MRC, contact Zane Clark.

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Visit MPMC's website.

The Business of Engine Building

MPMC hosted a seminar at the PRI Show in Orlando, Thursday, December 1. Entitled, “The Business of High-Performance Engine Building,” the seminar featured a panel of six of the nation’s premier engine builders. Moderated by motorsports television personality and industry expert Alan Reinhart, the panelists answered questions on various topics related to the “business” side of an engine-building operation, such as hiring and keeping quality employees, shop equipment and machinery and upcoming trends. With such a gathering of industry leaders in one place, a crowd of more than 100 attendees packed the seminar room for two full hours.


	From left to right, veteran engine builders Tracy Dennis, Keith Dorton, Ron Hutter, David Reher, Scott Shafiroff and Carl Wegner answered questions from moderator Alan Reinhart during an MPMC-sponsored seminar at the PRI Show.

“We are so grateful for the panelists who participated in this seminar,” said MPMC Chairman Kyle fickler of Weld Racing. “I don’t know that such a great group of industry leaders has ever been assembled in one place to answer questions about how they succeeded in the engine-building business. And thanks also to Alan Reinhart. This is the second time he’s helped us out with a seminar; he really lends an air of professionalism to our functions.”

“We also have to thank MPMC Select Committee members Scott Hall of Moroso and Steve Williams of K&N Filters,” said MPMC Chair-Elect Vic Wood of Hedman Hedders. “They took the ball and ran with it and arranged the entire function from top to bottom on their own time. They contacted the panelists and Alan worked with Steve Lewis at PRI to arrange a time and location and develop the questions. Great job, guys. You showed by example what 'volunteer leadership' is all about.”

MPMC Hall of Fame Induction at PRI

On Friday, December 2, MPMC formally inducted four new members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. The event took place during the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show in Orlando, Florida. Chuck Blum, Rick Rollins, Nate Shelton and the late Todd Gartshore were recognized by an enthusiastic crowd at the early morning ceremony, which included a continental breakfast. Full details of this event, and the MPMC educational seminar also conducted during PRI, will be available in next week’s issue of SEMA eNews.


	From left to right, MPMC chair-elect Vic Wood of Hedman, Chuck Blum, Nate Shelton, Hal Baer (accepting for the late Todd Gartshore), Rick Rollins and MPMC Chairman Kyle Fickler of Weld Racing.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MPMC Is!

Be sure to follow MPMC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mpmc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

Take a Friend to a Race Fan Page

The MPMC Motorsports Awareness campaign, highlighted by the Take a Friend to a Race program, now has its very own Fanpage on Facebook. If you’re not a fan yet, you should be!  

MPMC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MPMC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.  

For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.

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Visit PRO's website.

Live Demonstrations Highlight PRO Booth

If you wandered through the North Hall during the SEMA Show, chances are you regularly saw crowds of people congregated around the Professional Restylers Organization's (PRO) booth. This hub of activity was generated as the result of transforming SEMA’s own plain-Jane Ford Transit Connect into a rolling billboard promoting SEMA's councils and committees. Three times daily, Show attendees were treated to live installations showcasing vehicle wraps, graphics, paint protection and window films with the support of the following industry leaders:

Before, during and after photos of SEMA's Ford Transit Connect being transformed into a rolling billboard promoting the association's councils and committees.

American Tire Distributors
Eagle Enterprises
LLumar
Nitto Tire
Restylers’ Choice
StarShield Armor
3M
Universal Products

PRO was able to showcase a few of the products and services that help drive the restyling segment of the specialty-equipment industry. Consistent with PRO’s goal to increase installation standards and provide additional revenue streams for its members, the live demonstrations mirror much of what occurs during the annual Technical Skills & Training Conference.

Located at Northwood University’s campus in West Palm Beach, Florida, the 2012 PRO TSTC takes place March 16, 2012. The one-day conference provides attendees with the technical know-how to become more proficient, while providing business owners and managers the opportunity to explore new business opportunities.

“TSTC is unique in that it provides both classroom and technical training. The hands-on demonstrations offered practical techniques that I could easily implement in my shop. The classroom sessions provided a deeper understanding of the products and services I could use to grow my business.”

—Howard Hughes
Howard’s Auto Body Restoration

Be proactive about growing your business. Register today at 2012 PRO TSTC.

To find out more, visit 2012 PRO TSTC or contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? PRO Is!

Be sure to follow PRO on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/pro and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

PRO Column in SEMA Member News

Read PRO's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.

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Visit SBN's website.

You Ought to Be in Pictures!

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network committee is a great resource of minds. All ladies in the specialty-equipment industry can join the SBN, so pass the word around to your colleagues and friends! We are encouraging all new and existing SBN members to log-in to the MySEMA portal to update their profile with a photo so we get to know each other's faces before the SEMA Show.

And don’t forget to turn your notifications settings “ON” so you can stay in “the loop.” Want to know more about the SBN? Interested in becoming a member?

Want to get involved in the industry but don't know how? We have an app for that! Go to www.SEMA.org, click on the Leadership tab, click on Council/Committee, click on SBN and join! Don't delay—get involved and join now. You are just a few clicks away! We look forward to "seeing" everyone!

Don’t Be Out of the Loop—Stay in Touch

The very best way to stay in touch and to read the latest news, discussions and topics posted from SEMA and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is to make sure that your notification settings are turned on in your MySEMA account. Next to your photo on your MySEMA page, at the top right, is a link to the "Edit My Settings" page.

On the “settings” page, look for the “notifications” tab, where it will ask how you would like to receive your news. Check whichever method is most convenient, but either way, make sure you're in the loop by turning “on” your notifications. Visit http://my.sema.org to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SBN is!

Be sure to follow SBN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/sbn and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

SBN Column in SEMA Member News

Read SBN's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SBN, contact Bryan Harrison.

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Visit SPC's website.

Find the Business Possibilities Through the SPC

Participate in the automotive aftermarket at a whole new level by joining the SPC.

The purpose of SEMA councils is to help our member companies succeed and prosper. In the SPC, our mission is to provide market information, education and support to our members concerning new and emerging trends. Whether it’s the latest business technology, forecasting sales, future marketing solutions or up and coming vehicle platforms, we give you and your company the chance to see what’s on the horizon.

Then we’ll help you understand and acquire the skills, tools and technologies to lead the way. The SPC has the most diverse membership of any SEMA council, and that will allow you to network with other professionals from every facet of our industry and gain insights into areas you may not have previously considered. Find out about the parts, people, technologies, strategies, trends and, most important, possibilities.

This is your chance to give something back to the industry, your profession and to grow personally along the way. Join the SPC today and become an active member of the specialty equipment and automotive market — Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, SPC Chairman

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SPC is!

Be sure to follow SPC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/spc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

Read SPC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about SPC, contact Bryan Harrison.

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Visit YEN's website

SEMA YEN Member of the Month Spotlight

John Marshall, Power Slot

This month’s interview is with John Marshall, national sales manager with Power Slot, a performance brakes company.

Marshall is a graduate of Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois. He is a first-time father with a daughter born early last year. He has worked at several well-known manufacturers within the specialty-parts industry over a period of 17 years and has great insight into a subject that is critical for young automotive aftermarket executives—building industry contacts throughout various career transitions.


	John Marshall

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do. How long have you worked in the industry and what other companies have you worked for? What positions have you held as you progressed to your current position?

I am the national sales manager for Power Slot. I started in the industry in 1995 with Auto Meter Products. In 2000, I accepted a position with K&N Engineering as the eastern regional sales manager. In 2007, I accepted the position of director of sales with Power Slot. That same year Centric Parts acquired Power Slot and my title changed to national sales manager.

Undoubtedly you’ve met a lot of people and made many contacts over the years. How important would you say that it’s been to maintain those connections as you changed positions/companies? Why?

Our industry is small. We see each other at various shows and events every year. Maintaining those relationships is probably one of the most important aspects of developing a successful career. I still have friends at each company I have worked for.

What were some of the challenges you faced when it came to maintaining those contacts?

Time. We are all busy, so reaching out sometimes is a challenge.

Transitions from one job to the next within the same industry or even the same company can be difficult. Do you have any tips for young aspiring industry executives on how to handle these situations?

Whether you’re let go or decide to move on, always do so with dignity. Stay connected with past managers/bosses at shows, stop by and say hi. What’s new at the company? How have they been?

Todays’ digital world provides a variety of tools to help us communicate and stay in touch. Do you use any social media or digital programs, such as MySEMA, Facebook and LinkedIn, or, do you have any devices that you couldn’t live without?

In person is always best, but again, that time factor comes into play. Social media is good and bad. Used correctly, it is a great tool to stay in touch. I am on Facebook, which I use more for friends and family. I do have some business contacts on there, whom I regard as friends. LinkedIn is more catered to your business contacts. I keep getting requests, but have not signed up yet. I guess I should at this point. As for devices, I can’t live without my Blackberry, though my wife threatens to divorce me if I keep responding to it at dinner.

It’s easier to maintain a relationship with people we see and work with everyday. What do you feel is the best way to keep in touch with old contacts that you don’t see or talk to as frequently?

I still like picking up the phone and calling. Shows and events are a great way to see them in person and reconnect. Bottom line, regardless of the channel you choose to communicate, you must make the effort and find the time to do so. You never know how those old contacts could factor into your future.

What benefit has your current company received from the network of contacts that you have created over the years?

Information—it is nice to be able to get a perspective from someone not within your own company. Industry contacts/friends can give you general information on what they see is happening in the aftermarket. What are the new trends and what are they doing to address them?

What advice would you offer to other YENsters looking to grow and maintain their contact network as they progress through the industry?

Getting involved with SEMA is a great way to meet new industry contacts. Get to know one of the SEMA Hall of Fame members and stay in touch with them. They have achieved a lifetime of industry know-how. More often than not they are willing to share their wisdom with you.

Are there any specific advantages that you feel the younger people in our industry may have when creating and maintaining contacts? Any disadvantages?

Younger people tend to be more on the cutting edge of technology. They use social media more and are open to new ideas. And for disadvantages, well, social media. Those who rely on it for communication may miss the opportunities for face-to-face conversations.

2011 SPC/YEN Awards

Three significant industry awards were given out at the 2011 SPC/YEN reception, including the YEN Vanguard Award, Young Executive of the Year Award and SPC/YEN Industry Icon award.

The YEN Vanguard Award was presented to John Hotchkis of Hotchkis Suspension. As a 20-year member of the aftermarket and current member of the SEMA Board of Directors, Hotchkis has inspired, influenced and mentored dozens of young SEMA members. He was an active YEN member, is active on Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) and passionate about his work on the board. Specializing in suspension for musclecars (among the first in the industry), he founded Hotchkis Performance in 1992. Since then, he has employed dozens of young people, inspiring them all. He continues to offer internships to students in the engineering departments of several local universities, and many employees whom he hired as teenagers still work for him nearly 20 years later. He recently fought and defeated cancer and he remains an inspiration to us all.

The Young Executive of the Year Award was presented to Dan Dolan of DiabloSport Inc. Dolan worked tirelessly to promote and grow the YEN membership over the past year. His enthusiasm has been a great asset in getting the general membership more involved in YEN. He has been a positive influence in the performance aftermarket arena. Dolan is the type of person that any company would want to be represented by because of his “can-do” attitude that looks at problems as opportunities.

The SPC/YEN Industry Icon award was presented to Mike Spagnola of Street Scene Equipment. As the leader of an automotive aftermarket business, Spagnola understands the cost of doing business and the pressures that manufacturers face in all aspects of the industry. Over the past couple of years, Spagnola has served on the SEMA executive committee and governance committee, chaired the SEMA Show committee as well as the SEMA Show ‘n Shine and Gala Fundraiser efforts. In addition, he has been very active in the SEMA Cares committee and has served as the Board of Directors liaison to the Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA). He was honored as SEMA’s Person of the Year in 2010.

Join YEN

Did you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the SEMA Young Executives Network for FREE. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

YEN Member of the Month Spotlight

Did you know that YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections or to make a nomination, visit www.sema.org/yen.

Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? YEN is!

Be sure to follow YEN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/yen and use the links in the top right-hand corner.

YEN Column in SEMA Member News

Read YEN's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News.

For information about YEN, contact Bryan Harrison.

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Join the SEMA Council Family

SEMA hosts 10 distinct councils and committees that represent focused niches within the specialty-equipment industry. These groups are comprised of elected volunteers (Select Committee) who guide and direct council activities while representing the membership at large. Although each council acts independently and represents a different segment, they are all focused on the betterment of the industry as a whole.

The value councils provide SEMA and the industry is beyond refute. It is inspiring to witness a diverse collection of company representatives, many of which are direct competitors, come together and develop educational, training, youth awareness and networking events that are, at the core, designed to give back and promote business. An equally important council function is to ensure that SEMA sustains a pulse on the industry and maintains a presence with its members.

The question is often asked, “Why should my company join a council?” The answer is simple. SEMA councils open the doors and provide you exposure to industry leaders, decision makers, trendsetters and a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion and desire to see business succeed and prosper. Once the doors are open, it is your responsibility to take advantage of the benefits by becoming actively involved.

Learn more today.

Shows & Events

Hot Rodding Leaders to Meet in Detroit

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance's (HRIA) industry discussion will be held Friday, February 24, at the Detroit Autorama, Cobo Center.

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) cordially invites you to attend its industry discussion on Friday, February 24. This is a great opportunity to interact with fellow hot rodding professionals and learn what the council is working on. Through an open discussion, you can help guide the strategic direction and identify priorities for the HRIA.

Date: Friday, February 24, 2012  
Time: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.  
Networking Lunch: 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.  
Place: Detroit Autorama, Cobo Center  Room: 02-37  1

Washington Blvd. #401
Detroit, MI 48226   

For more information, visit Detroit Autorama or contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.
Photo Gallery—New and Classic Cadillacs at the 2011 SEMA Show
This collection of photos from www.semaphotos.com features new and classic Cadillacs from the 2011 SEMA Show. In addition to pictures of display vehicles, the site also includes photos of products, celebrities, the SEMA Show floor and more.
Mark Your Calendars
Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.

SEMA Town Hall Meeting, February 24, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, Illinois

HRIA Long-Range Planning Meeting, February 24, Championship Auto Shows Detroit Autorama, COBO Center, Detroit

HRIA Education & Training Day, March 22, 8:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

SEMA Show Exhibitor Education Summit, April 2–4, 2012, Las Vegas Convention Center

SEMA Town Hall Meeting, April 13, 2012, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., Parts Unlimited Inc., La Grange, Kentucky

SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, April 17–20, United Arab Emirates

SEMA Washington Rally, May 9, 2012, Washington, D.C.

Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 13, 2012

SEMA Leadership Days, July 27, 2012, Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center, Pomona, California

2012 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, Las Vegas, Nevada

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

Hot Links To Cool Sites

Hot Links to Cool Sites
SEMA eNews highlights the websites of SEMA-member companies through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section each week. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, e-mail your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the e-mail.

AACA Museum Inc.

Baseline 4x4 Outfitters

BDS Suspension

BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com

FenderBender

Horsepower Direct

Motorator.com

Premier Street Rod Parts & Manufacturing Corp.

Scott Drake Enterprises Inc.

Classifieds

Automotive Classifieds
SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here). Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

The newest classified listings posted under Positions Available include:

Wholesale Sales/Account Representative

Marketing Manager

Inside Sales Representative

Tech Support

SEMA members: Have a job opening that you need filled? Members are invited to post classified ads on www.sema.org/classifieds free of charge. Categories available are: Positions Available, Positions Wanted, Rep Opportunities, WD Opportunities, For Sale, Items Wanted, Business Opportunities and Internships. Visit the SEMA Classifieds site for details.

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SEMA eNews Essentials

Top 10 Stories From Our Archives

SEMA eNews Vol. 15, No. 7, February 16, 2012

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Breaking News

Business Tools

SEMA News—February 2012

Trade vs. Consumer Advertising

SEMA News—February 2012

New Products & Technology

Law & Order

People, Places & Racing News

SEMA News—February 2012

Street Rodder

Shows & Events

Hot Links To Cool Sites

Classifieds

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