DIAMOND BAR, Calif. – The SEMA council that serves manufacturers’ reps in the automotive specialty equipment industry has changed from the Manufacturers’ Representatives Council to the Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN).
 
According to SEMA, the new name reflects changes the group has made to better serve the needs of its membership by becoming an individual-based professional network, compared to its previous agency-based membership format. A critical component to the decision was the ability to reach more professionals in the industry and, as a result, better address the challenges and opportunities confronting the professional rep industry, the group noted.
 
“The Manufacturers’ Representative Network is very excited about these changes and feels this will best serve, promote and elevate our industry,” said MRN Chairman Thomas Jourdan of True High Performance Sales.
 
MRN’s new vision statement is as follows:

MRN is a community of manufacturer agents that seek to promote the benefits and relevance of the profession. We will do this by:
 
·      Collaborating with all segments of the specialty equipment market on the importance of our community.
·      Strengthening our community through engaging industry professionals.
·      Being a catalyst for communicating solutions impacting the industry and its segments.
   
Professional sales agencies are comprised of individuals who cover diverse products and territories. The ability to effectively influence change in the industry requires that SEMA increase the communication channel and better serve those working in the field, MRN stated. A network approach that focuses on building a community of influencers will best promote the value manufacturer representatives bring to the distribution channel, according to the group.
 
For more information about MRN and how to join, go to www.sema.org/mrn.