It’s the end of 2024 already, and for me it seems like I had just closed out 2023.  So, as we have reached the end of another successful year, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on 2024 and express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support.

During the last year, we saw vehicle manufacturers shift their strategies and resources from EVs to hybrid powertrains and technology.  While the high cost of EVs and range challenges will ultimately be resolved over the coming years; infrastructure concerns, range, charging access, and the substantial costs to repair appear to be driving the OEMs to boost production of ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) Vehicles and commit more to the development of hybrid systems.

In the shop, we’ve seen the 6L unit volume replace the 4L units, although there is still a surprising amount of 4 speed units still circulating.  8L’s are becoming a more frequent build, and the 10R’s and 10L’s are beginning to trickle in.  These units are going to carry the industry for many years ahead.

A change you may have noticed is the transformation of the TCRA Newsletter.  Over the years, it’s gone from print to pdf to the current digital format, which includes Tech, Announcements, and News that effects our industry from MEMA and SEMA.  The early printed and mailed Newsletters have been scanned, and those will be easily accessible on the TCRA website in 2025.

This year’s annual seminar was well received by all who attended.  The TCRA Board of Directors met on Thursday to review where the Association has been, where it is headed, and prepare for the weekend that followed.  Situated on the white sands of Pensacola Beach, the Pensacola Beach Hilton hosted this year’s event, which was kicked off Thursday night with a Welcome Reception, compliments of Hal Hoke and Wolfpack.  Attendees boarded motorcoaches which took TCRA attendees to Alto Products Corp. in Atmore, Alabama, where the plant and personnel welcomed our visit and provided group tours of the plant.  Alto provided box lunches to eat on the way to the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, where the Blue Angels are based.  Friday afternoon provided a chance for TCRA members to hear from TCRA about what the Association is doing to constantly add more benefit for them and provide a forum for members to ask questions and provide valued feedback to the Board.

Sonnax hosted the Friday evening reception, where attendees could unwind and visit with friends, suppliers, guest speakers, the TCRA Board and staff, and industry veterans.  The Saturday seminar held great content from some of the most respected industry experts and voices.  Content ranged from OE suppliers to 10 speed torque converter troubleshooting and lessons on hydraulic circuits.

Our 2025 seminar will be held in Houston, TX, and it will feature a tour of Circle D Specialties and a stop at NASA’s Space Center Houston.  A fantastic speaker lineup is planned for Saturday, and the weekend will provide a great opportunity to meet up with your industry colleagues and suppliers to learn more about the products that we use every day.

I would like to also take this opportunity to thank our current TCRA Board Members:  Manley Tate (Vice President), Steve Hilton (Treasurer), Robbie Ferguson (Secretary), Jeff Stuck, Christina McGee, and Joe Rivera.  In addition, I’d like to recognize the TCRA team that keeps the association running smoothly behind the scenes for their continued support; Jan Stimmel (Bookkeeper), Keri Baer (Bookkeeper), Brad Gilbert (Tech Coordinator), Chris Arnini (Webmaster), Melissa Hall (Newsletter Editor).

I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to TCRA’s Executive Director, Chris Horbach. Your dedication, expertise, and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the industry and supporting rebuilders like us.  If it wasn’t for your guidance and tireless efforts, many of us wouldn’t be where we are today. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence!

TCRA Bookkeeper, Jan Stimmel, announced her well-deserved retirement this year, but not before she left the bookkeeping in capable hands.  Keri Baer accepted the position of TCRA Bookkeeper/Administrator, and her experience has afforded a seamless transition for Association.

Jan has been involved with the association from the beginning.  Moving from California to Reno in 1990, and tiring of taxes, having worked for CPA firms for 16 years, she decided to take a bookkeeping job in the private sector.  Jan started working as the bookkeeper for Torque Converter Rebuilding Systems (TCRS) in 1996 and when Carole Myers set up TCRA, Jan was involved with the paperwork to start the association. Jan studied for her bachelor’s degree while holding down a full-time job at TCRS and three other bookkeeping clients, finishing the degree in 1998. Having only one week’s paid vacation against her husband Ed’s four, extended traveling was out of the question. Eventually, Jan was persuaded to quit the TCRS position and become full time self-employed. Once this was done, Ed informed her that she had three months to start making the same amount of money! (No Pressure). Sending graduation announcements acquired some new clients and Carole asked that she work as an independent contractor for TCRS along with bookkeeping for TCRA. When TCRS was sold and Carole and Corky Myers moved to Alaska, Jan became the only TCRA person left in Nevada.

Her attention to detail, accuracy, punctuality, support, and willingness have made her a treasure to the TCRA Directors and staff she has supported throughout the years.  On behalf of TCRA and the members, we wish Jan the very best!

This has been a banner year for the participation and support TCRA has received from industry sponsors.  A special thanks to all of you –

Looking ahead to 2025, I am optimistic and excited to see what TCRA will do for you.  On behalf of the TCRA Board of Directors and Staff, we appreciate each and every one of you.  We hope that you had a Merry Christmas, and we send our wishes to you for a Safe, Happy, and Prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,

Eric Saxberg

TCRA President