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A+ Farm Supply Won The Big Money Show Grand Prize

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ARLINGTON, TX (05.04.23) – The Tri-State Enterprise 2023 Big Money Show packed the company’s 490,000 Arlington facility on Saturday, April 15th. Over 120 vendors showcased their latest automotive aftermarket and 12volt products. Throughout the day attendees were waiting to see who would win the Big Money Grand Prize Cam-Am presented by Covercraft.

The expansive Big Money Show floor in the Tri-State Arlington TX HQ. The Covercraft Can-Am C3 is in the foreground.

Richard Albus, A+ Farm Supply in Munday TX, was one of the 3 tickets drawn for a chance to win the Can-Am Grand Prize. “All day I had a feeling we could win the Cam Am. As the time to select the winner I told friends I had a feeling. Each of the 3 people’s ticket drawn prize got a key to the Can-Am ignition. At that point we had a 1 in 3 chance to win. When the first two keys didn’t start the Can-Am I was totally shocked. I looked at my son Alan and family members in shock and then members of the crowd stated coming over to offer there congratulations. I certainly had never won anything like the Can-Am.

Richard Albus (C) with the key is flanked by his son Alan (R) and Tri-State Sales Representative James Broadway at the A+ store in Munday TX.

A+ Farm Supply, located 190 miles from Arlington in a rural community that serves the farming marketplace with a variety of supplies, tools, hardware and auto parts. A+ Farm Supply is celebrating over 13 years in business. “This was our first Tri-State show and we certainly saw a number of new items that our customers could certainly use. With timely shipping from Tri-State we generally receive orders the next day. We can add to our inventory selection without a big investment” Albus added.

A+ Farm Supply news in the Knox County newspaper. James Broadway (L) Tri-State with the A+ Farm Supply family Alan, Richard, Sondra, Cathy along with grand children Aria and Evie in the foreground.

Barry Beller, who works on the 12volt side at Tri-State related “Richard and Alan were so excited. Tri-State provided products that were add to the Can-Am including Hertz, Heise LED lighting from Metra and AudioFormz.”

The Can-Am Grand Prize was picked up by Richard Albus. Alan Albus has enjoyed driving the Cam-Am around Munday and spotlighting the prize at the A+ store.

The article in the local newspaper penned by Sondra Albus.

There was also an article published in the local newspaper ‘The Knox County News-Courier. Sondra Albus, who certainly had first hand knowledge, wrote the news paper article.

“A huge thank you from A+ Farm Supply to Tri-State for presenting the Big Money Show and to Covercraft for providing the Can-Am Grand Prize. The Tri-State Big Money Show was terrific and we look forward to the 2024 event” Richard Albus concluded.

Visit etristate.com for more.

Boating Industry Selects KICKER Marine Audio for “2023 Top Products Award”

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STILLWATER, OK (05.02.23) – KICKER Marine Audio’s KMXL Horn Loaded Coaxial Speakers have been selected by the editors of Boating Industry Magazine as one of its “2023 Top Products Awards.” The annual awards, for 10 years, have selected 50 Top Products that represent “the marine industry’s newest and most innovative products and services to recently  hit the market.” All the winners are featured in the May issue of Boating Industry, a respected information source for marine industry decision makers. The magazine cites that the “…list of products differentiated themselves from the group for their impact on the industry, innovations and how they advance the product category…”

“This award from a key industry trade publication is especially important to us as it follows KICKER Marine Audio’s KMXL speakers also being chosen by Bonnier publications this year as one of its “Best Elex” winners,” said Jeremy Bale, Brand Manager. “We are so happy that the marine industry and consumers are seeing the quality of KICKER products through the eyes of respected experts,” he added.

The KMXL Coaxial Speakers expand on the technology previously introduced in KICKER Marine Audio’s KMFC and KMTC HLCD Horn Loaded Tower Systems. KICKER’s horn-loaded technology provides the most sonically accurate reproduction of sound, due to the geometry of the horn. A constantly changing cross-section from the horn’s driver to its flare eliminates problematic standing waves and resonances; this occurs in other horn-loaded speakers that have “straight section with flare” horn designs.

KICKER Marine Audio actually compressed  this technological design for the coaxial speaker market so that all boats and boaters, not just those with tower systems and cone enclosures can enjoy the same clear, crisp and bass-laden sound that KICKER is known for delivering. The KMXL speakers come in 3 sizes:  KMXL65 (6.5”) KMXL8 (8”) and the KMXL69 (6×9”). Each has been tested to run all day at Recommended Amplifier Power (RMS) from 15-250 watts, so play it loud and proud with KICKER Marine Audio!

As with all KICKER Marine Audio coaxial speakers, the KMXL speaker grills are notched for moisture draining, are salt fog and UV tested and certified to withstand the harsh marine environment and come in both charcoal and white to match the boat interior. Speaker hardware is rustproof 316L stainless steel for years of durability and neodymium magnet in the motor assembly are lightweight, yet powerful.

KICKER Marine Audio’s design ethic, “Real Marine” aims to raise the standard of all marine audio as the company’s goal is to provide dependability, durability and the best customer service in the industry.

See more: KMXL horn-loaded coaxial loudspeakers. UMAP:  $649.99-$869.99  

Hello May… From the 12Volt Central Studios

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SHEVEPORT, LA (05.01.23) – Hello May… Goodbye Hospital Rehab!

On Monday Morning, April 3rd, we were excited to get the week and April started in the 12volt Central Studios. At 10:30 plans changed quickly after a fall, ambulance ride and hip surgery at 4 that afternoon. Was released from hospital rehab on Thursday April 27th. Seemed like forever.

During that timeframe posts continued to be made each day as we delivered fresh industry news from Room 109 in between PT sessions.

Now we are excited to start another new month but we still working remotely with in-home rehab.

Looking forward the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 222 is scheduled to roll on Friday, May 14th.

We thank all for their kind words, understanding and look forward to putting the 12volt Central Studios into overdrive…Starting today, Monday May 1st.

Always more at 12voltnews.com.

Tint World Opens in Buda, Celebrates More Than 20 Texas Franchises

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AUSTIN, TX (04.28.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the opening of its new location in Buda, Texas.

Tint World Buda, owned by military veteran Jason Gerstenhaber, introduces drivers throughout the South Austin-San Marcos metropolitan area to premium automotive aftermarket performance and style accessories and services, including the industry’s most reliable window-tinting solutions.

“Buda is one of the Austin-area’s fastest growing suburbs, and as more families and individuals move in, the demand for automotive solutions will only increase,” Gerstenhaber said. “Tint World Buda is a trustworthy, locally owned business that our growing number of neighbors can rely on for everything from ultra-premium window tint, paint protection film, and Nano Ceramic Coatings to audio and video, performance upgrades, and even safety and security technology. We’re proud to have a team of highly trained professional technicians and installers to take care of our customers, and we look forward to serving drivers throughout the South Austin region.”

Tint World Buda, located at 118 Trademark St #502, Buda, Texas 78610, serves South Austin, Kyle, Wimberly, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, Lockhart, Mountain City, Reedville, Maxwell and Uhland. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (512) 201-4016 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/tx/buda-096/.

“Jason brings tremendous vision and experience to our growing network of Tint World stores across Texas, and he’s a valuable addition to the Tint World family as a whole,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We’re proud to have him and other veteran franchisees as part of our franchise system. Through his service, Jason has demonstrated that he has exceptional dedication and discipline, and we’re confident he’ll lean on our world-class franchisee support to deliver the best customer service and automotive solutions to his market.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

The Differences Between the SEMA Show and SEMA Fest

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.27.23) – At last year’s Industry Awards Banquet, SEMA introduced SEMA Fest, an enthusiast-focused experience that connects automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry for a celebration of car culture and automotive lifestyle. Combined with the SEMA Show and officially called SEMA Week, the goal of the expansion is to create the most exciting automotive event in the world.

2023 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, October 31-November 3, Las Vegas Convention Center

During the planned five-year rollout period and beyond, SEMA will remain dedicated to producing the annual SEMA Show–the premier automotive trade show that puts the latest products from top companies in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers representing every segment of the specialty-equipment industry. Companies that would like to exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show can get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show provides exhibitors with the aftermarket’s most valuable venue for creating more business, expanding brand awareness, introducing new products and engaging with automotive professionals.

SEMA Fest, Friday-Saturday, November 3-4, Las Vegas Festival Grounds

Open to the automotive trade, the 2023 SEMA Show will take place Tuesday-Friday, October 31-November 3. For more information on the 2023 SEMA Show or to exhibit, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA Fest is an enthusiast-focused event that is open to everyone, including automotive enthusiasts and professionals. The two-day celebration will be held at a separate venue–the Las Vegas Festival Grounds–Friday and Saturday, November 3-4.

The festival will feature music and entertainment, craft food, automotive celebrities, drifting competitions, freestyle motocross and the world’s most innovative and advanced custom vehicles.

To register for SEMA Fest or for more information, visit SEMAFest.com.

Alpine to Attend the Annual Jeep Beach Vendor Show

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.26.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), will attend the 2023 Jeep Beach Vendor Show at the Daytona International Speedway in booth 402 from Friday, April 28 to Saturday, April 29 where they will have vehicle-specific products designed uniquely for the Jeep® driver.

Two Alpine 2018 Jeep® Wrangler demo vehicles will be on-site, featuring the i509-WRA-JL, a 9-inch Weather-Resistant Digital Media Receiver with Hi-Res Audio Playback. The unit was intentionally designed with the Jeep® driver in mind to visually emulate the design identity of the Jeep®interior and retain the features Jeep® drivers use the most. Other features, like wireless and wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Hi-Resolution Playback (96kHz/ 24Bit), and one of the industry-first SiriusXM-Ready® head units enhanced with 360L and Hi-Res music streaming with TIDAL, make this the ultimate upgrade for the Jeep® driver.

A premium Dash Camera DVR-C320R with built-in drive assist and impact recording will also be installed to showcase the head unit pairing capabilities of the i509-WRA-JL. An Alpine PSS-24WRA sound system, with front 6.5” component speakers, 6.5” rear custom soundbar replacement speakers, 8” compact powered subwoofer, and 4-channel amplifier will be featured for in-vehicle sound upgrade demonstrations as well as an Alpine Weather-Resistant PSS-SX01 Sound System mounted to the roll bars to demonstrate exterior sound upgrade opportunities.

Alpine’s 2015 Jeep® Wrangler will also be on-site with similar Jeep® specific solutions designed for older Jeep® Wranglers, including the i509-WRA-JK, DVR-C320R, PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System, PSS-SX01, and HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Rear-View Camera and Light System.

Two Alpine-customized Jeeps will also be onsite to demonstrate the music-loving active weekender lifestyle of the Jeep® driver. “Hellbender,” Alpine’s 2017 Jeep® Wrangler, features a tee shirt cannon and custom-built motorized sled that pulls out from the rear of the vehicle to reveal two custom black Alpine I.C.E. Coolers.

An airconditioned Alpine Event Trailer will be parked on-site at the booth for visitors who want to chat with Alpine event staff and experience the latest vehicle-specific technology.

All Alpine products are available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing and free giveaways. Alpine staff and Alpine Authorized Retailer Soudwaves will be on-site to give vehicle demonstrations, answer product questions, and offer on-site installation so customers can drive home with their Alpine purchase installed in their Jeep®

Visit alpine-usa.com and jeepbeach.com for more.

Oracle Lighting’s New Oculus Bi-LED Projector Headlights for 2021+ Ford Bronco Now Shipping

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METAIRIE, LA (04.25.23) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce its new patented Oculus™ Bi-LED Projector Headlights for 2021+ Ford Bronco (p/n 5886-001/005/0023) is now shipping with an MSRP of $789.95.

“Our new Oculus™ Bi-LED Projector Headlights features a unique modular design, easy plug-and-play installation, and advanced LED projection with 5,200 Lumens of high-quality illumination for enhanced driver visibility in all weather conditions,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “The Oculus headlight is compatible with both the standard and signature Bronco lighting models.”

These headlights include precision LED lighting projector for optimum light distribution and beam angle and installs using original mounting hardware and headlight wiring without requiring additional relays or harnesses. Halo is available in White or Amber LED and features more than 200 bright LEDs for a vivid lighting impact.

“These all-new headlamps provide enhanced driver visibility with increased and focused LED light output,” Hartenstein continued. “It features a high-precision sharp cut-off line which reduces glare and prevents blinding oncoming traffic even when installed on lifted Broncos. The package also includes a tool for easy beam angle adjustability.”

The new modular design allows separate components (turn signal, marker lights, and mounting tabs) to be installed independently and provides a smaller packaging size for lower shipping costs for the end user and prevents possible shipping damage. The modular design also allows for these individual components to be replaced or upgraded down the road when future options are available.

“It is undeniably important to implement proper thermal management tools for high-performance LEDs to operate with reliability in various environments,” Hartenstein explained. “Oculus utilizes both active and passive cooling methods to sustain low LED temperatures. Remote mounted heat sinks and an internal cooling fan work in conjunction to insure proper temperature control and longevity of the LEDs.”

Light focus is very important for not only driver safety but others on the road that can potentially have their vision obstructed by glare. This is especially significant on lifted vehicles where the light source is raised and, in a position, to interfere with the field of vision of other drivers. These new Oculus headlights feature a very sharp cut-off line and focus light with precision specifically to avoid such issues.

Additional product specifications include:
• Headlight Wattage: 36W each
• Total Lumens: 5200LM
• Headlight Color Temp: 5500K (Pure White)
• Halo Color: Optional White or Amber LED or Amber/White Switchback
• Certification: DOT SAE 5839-504 HL VOR 19
• Patented Design: USPTO Patent D 877,404
• Designed and developed in the USA
• Warranty: 2 years

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive aftermarket since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, please visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

KICKER Audio Went Overboard in Lake Havasu City at Desert Storm Events

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LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ (04.24.23) – KICKER stretched West from Stillwater, OK to join dealers and fans with festivities at Desert Storm, running April 19-23, on Lake Havasu and in Lake Havasu City, AZ.

The KICKER XRV rolled out of KICKER HQ for the 1100 mile trip to Lake Havasu AZ. Jeremy Wynn, Events and Promotions Manager, was behind the wheel and Steven as the navigator as the XRV hit the road.

This was the 7th year with KICKER participating in Desert Storm. KICKER first started at Desert Storm with a 10×20 booth with River Dave and Wired 4 Sound. The last 4 years KICKER has been onsite as the Title Sponsor with a much, much larger presence at the downtown Street Festival and on the lake with the Poker Run and boat parades through the days and evenings Friday and Saturday.

The Havasu Downtown Street Festival drew thousands to check out a variety of boats and vendors.

Tracy Focht related “Another amazing show in Havasu! The weather was perfect with a perfect vibe from the crowd. The people who attend Desert Storm are always happy, and just want to have a respectful good time with their friends and family. Thanks again to Elite Audio in Lake Havasu plus Eliminator Boats for showcasing the 27’. Also thanks to 187 Customs for allowing us to bring the Firedock of Street Outlaws that was a hit. Plus a big thank you to Frank and Annette Zepeda, owners of the BoomToon, for treating us like family.”

Continuing “The staff at Murfco provided strong assistance and equipment throughout the event. Desert Storm has grown into a family event and we love them all out there. We look forward to 2024!”

Dan Murphy’s Murfco is the Southern Nevada, Arizona and SoCal Rep Firm for KICKER.

The KICKER XRV drew attendees throughout Desert Storm to check out demo vehicles and the BoomRoom with 40,000 watts driving a wall of 15” subs.
This @havasuorbust post shows helicopters keeping up with powerboats.

Focht concluded “We feel this grass roots event is the perfect event to work directly with both boat manufacturers, dealers and end consumers. This allows us and our dealers to learn more about what customers are actually looking for and where the the target market is headed. Each year we work diligently to better our approach and showcase KICKER at the event.”

Jeremy Wynn offered “It’s so great to see attendees in and around the KICKER XRV. They definitely see and Hear, in the BoomRoom, KICKER was definitely Livin’Loud. Having Carlos Jimenez on site to connect with members of the crowd in the XRV BoomRoom worked out very well.”

Throughout the city the grounds were packed as attendees enjoyed the perfect weather and a wide variety of exhibits.

Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media, is on site at many KICKER consumer events…including Desert Storm. Morrell related “The attendance at this year’s Desert Storm looked like an increase from last year. I was busy across the venue, including driving a filming boat on the lake, and got the feeling this year was bigger to 2022. We will watch for the attendance estimates to be released.”

Elite Audio in Lake Havasu showcased the 27’ Eliminator Boat.

From the first night kick-off vendor party, to the hustle of the street party, to the Poker Run and the family atmosphere throughout the event Desert Storm 2023 at Lake Havasu City was amazing. Lasting friendships were created with extended families at Desert Storm. At Desert Storm 2023 KICKER went overboard and was definitely Livin’Loud.”

Visit kicker.com/marine-audio for more.

Alpine Launches TikTok Account to Reach the Next Generation of Audio Enthusiasts

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.21.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) today launched the TikTok account “@alpinesound” to reach a younger demographic of audio enthusiasts and further expand the Alpine brand.

“It’s no secret that the average age of the aftermarket car audio customer is increasing. That’s why social media platforms like TikTok are key in reaching a younger demographic,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director at Alps Alpine North America. “Alpine’s TikTok will be instrumental in introducing the brand to a younger audience who might be unfamiliar with aftermarket car audio.”

TikTok has seen rapid growth since its initial launch in 2016 and now boasts one billion active monthly users globally (150 million in the United States). With 80% of users between the ages of 16 – 34, more commonly referred to as Generation Z and Millennials, TikTok is quickly becoming a key social media platform to engage with the next generation.

While Alpine intends to promote products, demo vehicles, events, and traditional business activities using the entertaining, short-form video format made popular by the platform, the strategy behind the Alpine TikTok account is to engage with the younger audio enthusiast and identify new business opportunities that meet their unique interests.

New Ways of Marketing
Featuring short and long-form video content designed to be everything from entertaining to educational, TikTok is a powerful marketing tool when increasing brand awareness. The main use case of the platform is to share and engage with video content that connects an entire audience through music, dance, trends, brands, experiences, and more. This fast-paced and often reactive form of engagement has yielded success for companies when testing marketing messaging, brand campaigns, and increasing product awareness.

However, beyond its social use case, studies have shown that TikTok is quickly becoming the preferred search engine for younger users, and with advertising capabilities that link to a website, app, and future plans of an in-app checkout system, brands and retailers can assume that TikTok will become a platform where a large majority of the purchase decisions are made. Studies have also shown that 37% of users who discovered a product on TikTok ended up purchasing the product, giving a whole new value to the trend “TikTok made me buy it.”

Joining the TikTok platform allows long-time and new Alpine fans to engage with the brand, learn about local and national events, and see products in action in a casual, entertaining format. Down the road, Alpine intends to leverage its TikTok account to introduce new products and campaigns that are geared toward the platform’s younger audience in hopes of inspiring the new generation of audio enthusiasts to become Alpine fans.

TikTok users can find Alpine by searching the username “@alpinesound” or at www.tiktok.com/@alpinesound.

Cicada Audio Connected at the GoFast Mobile Expo 23

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SPRINGFIELD, MA (4.20.23) – On Wednesday, April 12th, Cicada Audio set up on the event floor at the MassMutual Center in Springfield with dozens of other 12volt brands.

The Cicada Audio tent set up on the GoFast ME23 event floor.

Marty Deane, Cicada Audio Director of Sales, related, “We had recently partnered with GoFast Solutions so the timing was super to get Cicada Audio rolling in the territory. Under the tent in our booth we showcased a great Harley build from InFocus Mobile Audio. Owner Justin O’Neil and Harley owner Andy LaBranche brought the Harley from Windham NH which is about 100 miles away.

Attendees gathered around for a demo of Andy LaBranche’s Cicada Audio loaded Harley from InFocus Mobile Audio.

In the booth the Harley drew attendees from across the event floor when the volume was cranked. The modified Harley was on an old frame and motor with 2014 and up electronics. For the GoFast a Cicada Audio was added to the system.

“Andy’s Harley was definitely rockin’ with clarity as a 4-speaker system driven by Cicada Audio amplifiers,” Justin from InFocus Mobile Audio stated.

“The GoFast ME23 was definitely a good event for Cicada Audio. Our area rep Art Rickless was in the house and we were able to deliver information about our brand to attendees and definitely provided demos through the day,” Deane added.

Marty Deane Cicada Audio Director of Sales

Rickless, A.I.R. Associates, commented, “There was definitely the feeling of energy in the MassMutual center as industry members connected with vendors plus their fellow dealers and friends. We have several dealers in the territory turning out bikes loaded with Cicada Audio and our riding season up here is just around the corner.”

Visit gofst.com for more.