BUSINESS SERVICES

Looking for business insurance that fits your company’s unique needs? Want to streamline your shipping logistics or take advantage of credit card payment solutions? You’ll find these and many other business tools and resources in the SEMA Show’s North Hall, which is ground zero for the Business Services section.

However, SEMA membership also can connect you with some of these services year-round as an added member benefit.

Let’s face it, in the hustle and bustle of running a business, searching online for what’s available may not be top of mind. That’s where the SEMA Member Portal comes into play. Through a password login on sema.org, the portal allows members to access their profile where benefits unique to their membership category are displayed.

“The portal is a one-stop entry point for seeing and taking advantage of all SEMA-member benefits,” said AJ Carney, former SEMA membership director who now oversees SEMA and PRI individual membership. “In the past, business members inquiring about our many programs were referred to a variety of websites, email addresses or phone numbers. The portal is now our hub where members can access everything from one dashboard. It’s a much more user-friendly experience.”

SUPPORTING SEMA SERVICES

Access to domestic shipping discounts through United Parcel Service (UPS) has long been a member perk. More recently, SEMA formed a strategic partnership agreement with Gemini Shippers Association, an expert in global shipping logistics.

Features include competitive rates, personalized shipping solutions, a support team, educational resources and access to Gemini’s network of international carriers and logistics partners. (For more details, email sema@geminishippers.com.)

Meanwhile, industry veteran Jim Bingham has aligned his company with another resource: First Data, a provider of credit card payment solutions. The company accepts major credit cards, offers competitive transaction pricing, instant approval for check transactions and other value-added services. “It’s a good program and it’s a good company,” Bingham said.

Bingham’s company, Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom, has been in business for 54 years. The firm operates three retail locations, plus online sales.

“Before credit cards, we took cash and checks. Most of our business is done in the stores, and customers have to pay cash or provide a credit card with a chip. You have to have tight controls. We don’t take credit card information over the phone. They buy it here or with a credit card on our website.” (For more details, email ken.keifer@firstdata.com.)

Nathan French, a car enthusiast and engineer, established CVF Racing in 2009. The company manufactures, distributes and retails engine parts and accessories, primarily for classic cars and trucks. Over the years, French has encountered challenges with business insurance.

“We’ve had some difficulty finding insurance when going through traditional channels,” noted French. “No one wanted to underwrite a manufacturer of automotive components. It’s not that we manufacture high-risk items, it’s just that they didn’t have the data to accurately forecast risk.”

But French discovered RevPro, a SEMA-member benefit partner known for its portfolio of business insurance coverages specifically tailored to the aftermarket industry.

At the time, CVF’s insurance had been cancelled. “We never had any claims, but as our business got larger [the insurer] decided they didn’t understand our policy and cancelled it. We got in touch with Franco [Ganino]. We were in crisis mode, and the folks at RevPro were really helpful in finding reputable companies willing to underwrite us for business insurance,” said French.

“RevPro understands our business... If a fellow SEMA member has trouble with insurance, I would absolutely recommend RevPro. Our experience has been great. It definitely makes your SEMA dues worthwhile.” (For inquiries, email insurancequote@alliant.com.)