SEMA News

Collaboration is a frequently used term, but rarely do we get the chance to participate professionally in true collaborative efforts. I have made it one of the Street Performance Council’s (SPC) goals to better partner with SEMA, our sister councils and outside organizations in order to bring about the advancement of our unique individual groups.

Every two years, in accordance with guidelines established by the SEMA Board of Directors, council Select Committee members are charged with choosing a current committee member to serve as chair-elect. This year, Jeff Fink of Advantage Truck Accessories was declared the winner when the votes were tabulated for the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) position.

Students preparing for careers in the automotive industry were eligible to receive financial awards ranging from $1,000–$4,000 through the 2011 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

“Paying for a high-quality education is a challenge for many, 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 an innovative and exciting industry.”

The 10th annual Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC) Rep Conference returns to Las Vegas and will take place during the 2011 SEMA Show. Join the MRC for an open and interactive session addressing the industry’s biggest challenges in a turbulent economy. It’s an event that all WDs, manufacturers and reps will not want to miss!

SEMA councils and committees hold elections every June for Select Committee members who will begin their terms in July. Select Committee members are dedicated volunteers who are elected by the members of the council to serve in various leadership capacities for the benefit of fulfilling their council’s or committee’s mission statement. Without the help of these brilliant and tireless volunteers, advancements on behalf of our members could not be possible.

SEMA Member News caught up with two of the newest Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Select Committee members recently to ask them a few questions about their involvement in the industry and what they see ahead in MPMC. In this month’s edition we hear from Jim Hughes of Hughes Performance and Kelli Wilmore of MasterCraft Safety. Jack McInnis of Dart Machinery will finish out this series in the next installment of SEMA Member News.

Select Committees are elected by the members of their councils to serve two-year terms. 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; some provide creative solutions to challenges their member companies face; others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) Select Committee member is supported by his or her company in the council’s efforts. For that we say “thank you” to those companies!

Kelly Kneifl’s term as Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA) chairman ended in the spring, and George Lathouris of Keystone Automotive Operations assumed the chair position. Earlier in the year, LTAA chose Melanie White of Hellwig Products as the new chair-elect. SEMA Member News caught up with each of these busy truck-accessory professionals to ask them about their plans for the next two years.

Tammy Holland has been involved in the automotive aftermarket industry for more than 14 years in the sales communications division of COMP Performance Group. During that time, she has served on many SEMA committees and received numerous SEMA awards, including the 2004 SEMA Young Executive of the Year. Holland has been instrumental in recognizing the importance of growing the next generation of executives in the industry by helping to establish an award for those individuals that support the growth of the industry’s younger executives. She includes Ron Coleman and Scooter Brothers of Comp as her personal mentors, and her favorite aspect of the hot-rod hobby is the people.

If you are in the automotive restoration industry and are looking for an edge in business, there is no better time to join the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO). In the first six months of 2011, ARMO launched four new and/or improved member benefits.

Every year, American businesses spend billions of dollars on credit card processing. Even an average small business accepting credit card payments spends thousands each month. Knowing how much these costs impact member businesses, SEMA sought a solution.