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CES 2021 Digital Venue Revealed

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ARLINGTON, VA (12.18.2020) – Leaders from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has made major show announcements including keynote speakers, Innovation Award honorees and conference program updates. In addition, a preview was shared of what audiences can experience on the CES 2021 digital venue. CES 2021 kicks off January 11-14, 2021.

“CES 2021 will be making history, with our first all-digital show,” said Gary Shapiro , president and CEO, CTA. “This new experience will feature more than 1000 exhibitors from around the world, showcasing the latest trends and innovation in artificial intelligence, 5G, digital health, smart cities, vehicle tech and beyond . Technology will move us forward and CES 2021 will illustrate how innovation paves the way for a brighter tomorrow.”

Preview the CES 2021 digital venue

Keynotes and Conference Sessions
CTA announced that Best Buy CEO, Corie Barry will be joining the keynote line-up for a conversation with Fortune CEO, Alan Murray. Barry will discuss her vision for the future of tech, leading through the pandemic and why diversity and inclusion is good for business.

Barry joins other confirmed CES keynote speakers, including: Verizon’s Hans Vestberg, General Motors’ Mary Barra, AMD’s Dr. Lisa Su and WarnerMedia’s Ann Sarnoff. View the featured speakers page to see the full line-up of visionary speakers at CES 2021.

Preview the CES 2021 digital venue

In addition to the keynote program, CES 2021 will offer over 100 conference sessions. CTA also announced the conference session “Privacy and Trust with Amazon, Google and Twitter”:

Keith Enright, Chief Privacy Officer, Google
Damien Kieran, Chief Privacy Officer, Twitter
Anne Toth, Director, Alexa Trust, Amazon Alexa

CES Digital Venue
Audiences will experience the all-digital CES through the digital venue, the online platform created with technology partner Microsoft. CTA has released a video preview of the digital venue to provide a closer look at the experience which will foster collaboration, engagement and connections.

Preview the CES 2021 digital venue.

Live Anchors
To help navigate the show, CTA announced a live anchor desk will be part of CES 2021 – featuring familiar faces from the tech media world. This “central command” will help attendees navigate the digital experience, hear the latest news and view interviews on critical tech topics. Featured anchors:

  • Justine Ezarik (iJustine) – Host + Tech Content Creator
  • Rich DeMuro – Tech reporter for KTLA-TV Channel 5 in Los Angeles
  • Naomi Kyle – Actress, Producer and host of Star Trek’s The Ready Room on CBS
  • Brian Tong – Tech Host & Content Creator
Preview the CES 2021 digital venue

“CES 2021 will be a collaborative experience, encouraging connections between audiences and exhibitors from around the world,” said Karen Chupka, EVP, CES, CTA. “We threw out the playbook and decided to not just recreate CES online– but to reimagine it. The digital transformation of our industry has given us opportunity to reach an even larger, global audience and create new experiences for this year and beyond.”

Exhibitors for CES 2021 include tech giants such as Canon, Hisense, Intel, Lenovo, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, Samsung Electronics, TCL and Voxx, as well as non-traditional tech companies including Bridgestone, Caterpillar, Indy Autonomous Challenge, John Deere, L’Oréal and Procter & Gamble.

Visit www.ces.tech for more.

Mad Mark’s Creates the WOW Factor with Customers

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BRADENTON, FL (12.17.2020) – Mad Mark’s Stereo has been “Disturbing the peace since 1988” in Bradenton FL. For more than 30 years Mark Turk and his Team have also been creating a legion of happy customers. A Mad Mark’s Instagram post on Tuesday December 15th, highlighting new exterior signage on the building, led to this article. A Kicker logo,15’ high and 6’ wide, was painted on one side of the building that is located on a very busy street in Bradenton.

This is the recent Instagram post that grabbed 12volt News eyeballs. The KICKER logo freshly painted on the building and so much more for people driving down the street to see.

The comment with that post read “We are off to a great start this Monday morning with our new signage and our new boat Tee Top out front. Ohh, let’s not forget WE also do GOLF CART customization and upgrades. Stop in or call to make an appointment to speak with our Golf Cart expert and see how far we can go with your golf cart! “ Being based in Florida Mad Mark’s does a lot of marine and golf cart business along with audio, automotive aftermarket, performance and Powersports. These words in the comments, from a very passionate owner, certainly connect with consumers and followers.

Mark Turk behind the sales counter. Check out the impressive Mad Mark’s inlay.

“I have a passion for my business that is virtually 24/7. I’m up at 5 AM and at the at the store for a full day by 6AM many days. We continually work to draw attention from the street and provide people an exciting experience when they enter the store” Turk related to The12volt News.

Product neatly stacked on the showroom floor.

There is definitely a WOW Factor when people enter Mad Mark’s. The showroom walls are covered with large graphics spotlighting Wheels, Tires, Lifts and Motorcycle Upgrades. The showroom floor features stacks of audio products, a marine cockpit display and stacks of wheels. The Kayak, loaded with an amazing system with multiple amps and speaker pods, is also on display. Bear in mind a Kayak is less than 10 feet long.

Signage of the wall highlights product categories.

Turk continued “When customers come into Mad Mark’s they look both ways to see the wide selection of categories and products we offer. We also change things in the area out front frequently with demos that include bikes, Golf carts, Slingshots and vehicles as well. We also change the signage on our large street sign. The 6’x8’ panels are backlit with LEDs and we change the graphic frequently.”

Slingshots out front grab attention and generate big ticket sales.

Business in 2020 has been very strong at Mad Mark’s in 2020 as it has been with many 12volt retailers across the U.S. during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This decked out Kayak will create sound waves on the water!

“Our Team of 9 continues to be aware of social distancing and making provisions to keep all safe. We are focused on the long term and being a forward thinking member of the community. We frequently receive positive comments. I recently had a very positive comment from my doctor who noticed how we continue make the Mad Mark’s building eye catching as people drive along our busy street. We definitely plan to continue to do more at Mad Mark’s” Turk concluded.

Visit madmarks.com for more.

Mobile Solutions Presents “Up Front Fab” Training

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TEMPE, AZ (12.16.2020) – Join Mobile Solutions’ founder and CEO Bryan Schmitt along with Sage Weir from ORCA Design and Manufacturing for UP FRONT FAB; a 90-minute web-based training on Friday December 18, 2020 at 10am Pacific/1pm Eastern. The fabrication-centric training session focuses on speaker placement for premium sound quality builds, including addressing creation of speaker locations and finishing techniques required for custom A-pillars, dash grilles and tweeter pods and more.

Speaker placement is the key and the challenge to achieve a sound experience with depth and realism. This training demonstrates how to overcome acoustic challenges, how to utilize fabrication tricks and participants will discover the top three upholstery techniques that elevate the finished quality of the installation.

UP FRONT FAB Online Training Session Highlights:

  • Optimization of front high frequency speaker placement, using dash and A-pillar examples
  • Creating rings with Mobile Solutions’ new SFS Shape Kit
  • Using profile router bits to save time, add style and facilitate ease of upholstery
  • Advanced 3D router techniques to elevate fabrication work
  • Painting, faux wood and texturing techniques
  • Texturing and finishing techniques for a factory-like dashboard appearance 
  • Learn how to bond to OEM and dissimilar plastics
  • Upholstery techniques with materials like vinyl, suede and leather
  • Aluminum routing and forming
  • Machining without a CNC (Live Demonstration)
  • Polishing and finishing (Live Demonstration)

Throughout the training, Bryan and Sage share tricks and tips for building A-pillars, dash grilles and tweeter pods using step-by-step techniques proven over multiple installs to deliver results for the incredible sound while observing integrated cosmetics. It’s the intersection of the right tools, materials and using efficient processes. The training aims to help attendees build amazing sound systems with OEM styling, quickly and efficiently.

The Friday December 18 UP FRONT FAB training (10am Pacific/1pm Eastern) streams live from the Mobile Solutions training facility in Tempe, AZ and will be broadcast via Zoom. It’s free to attend online for anyone, whether or not they are a dealer of the ORCA or Mobile Solutions products.

To register directly click here.

For more information, visit the Mobile Solutions social media sites at Facebook or Instagram, or visit ORCA Design Family of Products on Facebook. Registration is required to attend.

SiriusXM’s New SXM-7 Satellite Performing Properly After SpaceX Launch

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NEW YORK NY (12.15.2020) – Maxar Technologies, SiriusXM, and SpaceX have announced that the SXM-7 satellite was successfully launched and is performing properly.

SXM-7, a high-powered digital audio radio satellite, was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida earlier today. Shortly afterward, SXM-7 deployed its solar arrays and began receiving and sending signals. Next, SXM-7 will begin firing its thrusters to commence its journey to its final geostationary orbit.

SiriusXM’s SXM-7 ready for launch. Credit: SpaceX

SXM-7 will provide continuous, reliable delivery of SiriusXM’s audio entertainment and information services to consumers in the United States, and will expand SiriusXM’s coverage area in Canada and the Caribbean, for years to come. SXM-7 will deliver the highest power density of any commercial satellite on-orbit, sending more than 8,000 watts of content to the continental U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, increasing the power and reach of the signal for SiriusXM.

This rendering shows what SiriusXM’s SXM-7 will look like when fully deployed on orbit. Credit: Maxar Technologies

“Maxar and SiriusXM have worked together for more than two decades to build world-class digital audio radio satellites that bring entertainment to almost every new car in America,” said Megan Fitzgerald, Maxar’s Senior Vice President of Space Programs Delivery. “We are proud to have built the latest addition to the SiriusXM constellation and look forward to the launch of their next Maxar-built satellite, SXM-8, next year.”

“SXM-7 plays an important role in bolstering the continuity and reliable delivery of SiriusXM’s audio entertainment, as well as our traffic, weather, data and information services for years to come,” said Bridget Neville, SiriusXM’s Senior Vice President of Satellite and Repeater Systems Engineering and Operations. “With the addition of SXM-7, our satellite-delivered service coverage area in North America is larger and more powerful than ever before. We congratulate our engineering team, Maxar and SpaceX on a successful launch.”

“We had a beautiful Falcon 9 launch today, safely delivering SXM-7 to orbit,” said Lee Rosen, SpaceX’s Vice President of Customer Operations and Integration. “This was the seventh flight for this rocket’s first stage booster, and we are grateful SiriusXM chose our flight-proven hardware to help broaden its coverage area.”

SXM-7 weighs almost 7,000 kg and is built on Maxar’s 1300-class platform, the world’s most prevalent geosynchronous spacecraft platform. The satellite is designed to provide service for greater than 15 years. Maxar has previously built a total of seven satellites for SiriusXM, including its first-generation Sirius satellites that launched in 2000 and its second-generation Sirius satellites that launched in 2009 and 2013.

SXM-7 joins XM-3, XM-4, XM-5, FM-5, and FM-6 in SiriusXM’s active satellite fleet. SXM-7 and SXM-8 together will replace XM-3 and XM-4, extending SiriusXM’s satellite delivered services through at least 2036.

Visit siriusxm.com for more.

DOW Electronics Announces the Acquisition of Phoenix Based Audio Video Warehouse

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TAMPA, FL (12.14.2020) – DOW Electronics has finalized an agreement with AV Warehouse to acquire certain assets of the Scottsdale, AZ based distributor.

The parties are closing the transaction today, Friday, December 11, 2020. DOW will open for business Monday the 14th in both of AV Warehouse’s former locations. This acquisition brings new customers and new vendors, as well as increases territory agreements with current DOW vendors to cover Arizona, New Mexico, the Metro Las Vegas area and more. The acquisition sets up DOW for future growth with new vendors, territory and customers.

“This acquisition continues DOW’s growth and expansion in the custom integration industry,” stated president & ceo John Yodzis. “We are very excited to start building lasting relationships with new customers and vendor partners. Our team is ready to show customers the benefits and support available when doing business with DOW. In addition, I want to thank our existing vendor partners, who’s support has been tremendous in helping us achieve our vision.”

“We appreciate DOW’s commitment to the industry and to its customers,” said Patrick Boyer, general manager of AV Warehouse. “With new product opportunities and DOW’s customer service, we believe our customers are in good hands. We look forward to continuing to support the customers and DOW in our role as manufacturer reps.”

“We are excited to welcome AV Warehouse’s customers to the DOW Electronics family,” added executive chairman Chip Yodzis. “These new customers will experience the great level of service, commitment, and dedication that has been our hallmark for over 60 years.”

Visit www.DOWElectronics.com or call 1-800-627-2900 for more.

CarTunes Atlanta Wins Power Acoustik Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 106

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SHREVEPORT LA (12.12.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. CarTunes Atlanta won a Power Acoustik Prize on Friday December 11th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Four weeks ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

On Friday morning, December 11th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 106th time and the Wheel landed on the Power Acoustik space. The CarTunes Atlanta slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out and spoke with owner Richard Grimm with the good news that a Power Acoustik product will be headed their way.

Spinning out a new winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK,  Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT and Cars 843 in Charleston SC. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, December 18th.

Mobile Solutions Delivers Training at Knowledgefest.Live

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TEMPE, AZ (12.11.2020) – Mobile Solutions’ founder and CEO Bryan Schmitt will deliver a live workshop at KnowledgeFest.Live on Sunday December 13th, 2020 from 5:20-6:20pm (EST) from its Tempe, AZ-based headquarters. The workshop is titled “Executing for the Future: Top Tips to Maximize Labor Revenue” and takes an in-depth look at the state of the industry in the current 2020 and upcoming 2021 world.

Topics for this workshop include:

  • Current state of the 12 volt industry
  • Future 12 volt industry trends that parallel other, well-performing industries.
  • Adding process-driven fuel to your specialty skills
  • Including elements customers immediately identify have value
  • In-person customer shopping experience tips and examples
  • Recommended safety practices for both staff and clients
  • Efficient project management
  • Clean and efficient work spaces
  • Serviceability to your installations

Everyone in the 12 volt business faced significant change in 2020. In this workshop, Bryan will demonstrate how to take those new paradigms to become an opportunity in your store(s). The workshop helps retailers focus on what enhancements you can implement right away to add dollars on bottom line. Many participants will appreciate this is not a cheerleading training, but instead one of substance with underlying technical merit included. All of this leads to more effective demonstrations, closing more sales and selling labor more proficiently with confidence in the future.

This is a ‘must see’ virtual education workshop. As 2020 comes to a close and everyone is plotting strategies for a more fruitful 2021, ensure you have a seat at the table with this important inspirational information.

Register for free at KnowledgeFest.Live.

Alpine Electronics Now Shipping Premium Dash Camera Systems

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (12.10.2020) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping the DVR-C310R and DVR-C320R Premium Dash Camera Systems. With the highest quality recording of accident footage and license plate capture, the new Premium Dash Camera Systems allow you to drive with confidence.

Drive with Confidence

While dash cameras have historically occupied a space in the rideshare industry, Alpine recognized an opportunity in the drive assist category for customers who were looking to protect their vehicle and those inside it.

DVR-C320R

Alpine’s new line of Premium Dash Camera Systems are designed to capture the action outside and inside your vehicle with the highest quality recording for accident footage, license plate capture, and internal cabin monitoring.

Featuring Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology, the dash cameras automatically adjust the exposure and white balance during sudden changes to the light so whether you’re driving in high sunlight or backing out of a garage, your drive is captured.

Capture Your Drive

The DVR-C310R attaches to a universal mounting bracket for easy installation on your dash while the DVR-C320R mounts directly to the inside of the windshield. Both cameras include a secondary camera that can be mounted inside the cabin for internal cabin monitoring or positioned on the rear windshield for rear-video footage.

DVR-C310R

With the included hardwiring kit bundle, whether you’re driving or parked, the dash cameras include impact recording (moving and stationary) to capture accident footage up to 10 seconds after impact for accident recording. Both cameras have GPS to capture proof of speed, with an external plug-in GPS for the DVR-C310R and built-in GPS for the DVR-C320R.

Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to quickly transfer files to your phone, avoiding data loss emergencies, and also includes a 32GB SD card for additional recording storage. The dash cameras are App and PC viewer-ready to access your dash recordings in a pinch. Download the free ALPINE Recording Viewer app to view real-time and past recordings and control various camera configurations now available on the App Store or Google Play.

Alpine Multimedia Receiver Control

While both dash cameras will capture your drive, the DVR-C320R Premium Dash Camera System includes additional drive assist features and function control through select Alpine Multimedia Receivers with Rear-Seat Entertainment (when iDatalink Maestro is not in use). By connecting the DVR-C320R to your Alpine Multimedia Receiver via a universal RCA video output, you’ll get a view of your dash camera recordings on your screen and access drive assist features like front collision warnings, lane departure warnings, front car movement warnings.

Additional safety features like night vision allow you to capture footage even in the dark.

The DVR-C310R and DVR-C320R are now shipping for $299.95 and $399.95, respectively, and will be available at Alpine Authorized retailers or online at www.alpine-USA.com through Crutchfield. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.

Mobile Music Burlington Celebrated a Monumental Grand Opening on Black Friday

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BURLINGTON, WA (12.09.2020) – The Grand Opening for the new Mobile Music location in Burlington was held on Black Friday, November 27th. The store opened in late September but COVID-19 and other considerations delayed the official Grand Opening.

Customers entering Mobile Music are greeted with a Christmas tree along with a decked Harley-Davidson and modified Classic ‘65 Chevy Nova.

Shawn Gunnels, owner of the 3 area Mobile Music locations stated “The Grand Opening was a tremendous success. We probably wrote 4 times the business as we would normally write on a Friday. Overall we certainly had more than 100 people in the store during the day.”

New customer friendly displays highlight products.

The new Burlington store has over 6,000 square feet that is occupied by the large showroom, multi-vehicle installation bay, offices and storage. The showroom is over 2500 square feet and features very impressive product displays on the floor and walls along with a custom sales counter. Upfront an area is setup to showcase a vehicle featuring a super custom installation.

Amplifiers and subs are showcased with product info spotlighted on monitors above.
The custom sales counter in the new location is impressive and functional.

The new store is positioned prominently in an upscale shopping center.

Continuing Gunnels offered “Many customers entering our new store said ‘WOW’ or ‘This is so much better than your old store.’ Comments like that are certainly great to hear. During our Grand Opening power amps were very strong and the Rockford Fosgate R500 was a standout. Of course amp sales drive subwoofer, enclosure, installation kits and installation labor. It was very refreshing to see our ticket average go up in light of all the Black Friday deals we see other places.”

Hertz amplifiers and subs, along with other top brands, are spotlighted with LED lighting.
The install bay will handle several vehicles and includes a lift.

Mark Giovannetti, Pacific Rim Marketing, was an area factory rep who was onsite for the Grand Opening. Giovannetti stated “Mobile Music does a great job with the Hertz line that we represent. The line is well display and products are live for demos…that the Mobile Music staff handle very well. It’s terrific to see this new store that is certainly one of the best in the Pacific Northwest.”

Store staff members are featured behind the sales counter…with their Christmas stockings hung with care!

The staff at the new Burlington store numbers 8 dedicated employees. Mobile Music opened in 1976 and has 3 locations-Bellingham, Port Angeles and the new location in Burlington. A total of 16 employees are on staff. Information on the company’s viewer-friendly website notes over 500,000 installations have been completed since the company opened in 1976.

Great signage and lighting grabs attention for Mobile Music in the upscale shopping center.

Visit mobilemusic.com for more.

14th Annual dBDRA Toys for Tots Series

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AUSTIN, TX (12.08.2020) – The dB Drag Racing Association is pleased to participate in the annual Toys for Tots program for the 14th consecutive year! The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys to be distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

A MECA competition took place, along with the dB Drag competition, at the December 5th Toys For dB’s event in the Lebanon High School parking lot in Lebanon, TN.

As an incentive to retailers and promoters that have hosted dB Drag Racing events during the 2020 season, the dBDRA will waive the listing fee for qualifying 1X events that are scheduled during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The entry fee for the competitors must be a new unwrapped toy. There is no limit on the amount of toys that can be donated, however, the minimum suggested toy should be $20+.

Special MECA awards were created for the Toys For Tots event.

According to Wayne Harris, President of the dBDRA, “Our goal is to provide dB Drag Racing competitors and retailers the opportunity to get involved with their local communities by providing shiny new toys to children who otherwise might have gone without.”

MECA Commish Steve Stern related, “The Car Audio Community came together at Lebanon High School in middle Tennessee to donate to Toys For Tots. MECA had 35 vehicles involved in Bass contests and Dueling Demos. All proceeds from the event went to Toys For Tots and about $1600 was raised. It was awesome! Thanks to judges Eric Halfacre, Chris Jones, and Malani Puni for taking care of the contest activities. This was the 6th Annual event organized by Chris Gregory (Wall Street’s Finest) and his family, and the event gets bigger every year. Despite the pandemic issues, we were able to gather outdoors and spend the day together, and contribute to one of our favorite causes.”

To participate in the Toys for Tots competition series, retailers and promoters will need to contact the dB Drag Racing Association. Auto sound manufacturers are also welcome to participate.

While the Toys for Tots program is a US based program, many of the international dBDRA affiliates will be offering similar toy drives in their respective countries as well.

View all upcoming events at the dB Drag Racing Event online calendar.