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Jim Graven has been named as Director of Membership for the SEMA Data Co-op. Graven, who has more than 15 years of experience in the specialty parts aftermarket, will play a key role in growing the industry-owned and operated data management solution - particularly as it transitions into a full system launch in January.

Recognizing the top trend-setting vehicle models, the SEMA Awards will be announced and presented to winning automakers during the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Through the program, SEMA exhibitors that make products for those trend-setting vehicles will identify the vehicle platforms that they believe are best for accessorizing, and best for showcasing the industry's coolest products.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed a lawsuit which challenged the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) authority to grant a partial waiver for 15% ethanol (E15) content in gasoline for 2001 and newer model year cars and light trucks.  The court found that the groups bringing the lawsuit, which included trade associations representing manufacturers of cars, boats and power equipment, along with the petroleum and food industries, lacked standing to bring the lawsuit.

The all-female vehicle customization project known as the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women, featuring a 2013 Ford Mustang GT donated by Ford Motor Company, is on target for the unveiling of winning design "High Gear" at this year's SEMA Show on Tuesday, October 30, 2012. The customized vehicle, which was built at Source Interlink Media's headquarters in El Segundo, CA, will be auctioned on eBay immediately following the reveal with proceeds slated for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket leaders and innovators.

For the fifth consecutive year, the SEMA Show will include an exclusive program designed specifically for franchise and independent automotive dealers. Taking place during the SEMA Show on Tuesday, October 30-Friday, November 2, 2012, the program focuses on critical areas of accessory integration and how they impact operations in all key dealership departments.

A limited number of spots are still available for companies to become Founding Members of the SEMA Data Co-Op. Through the program's beta phase which launched earlier this year, suppliers and receivers have the opportunity to become Founding Members of a program that will change the way product data is used and managed.

SEMA Show exhibitors that manufacture powersports products will be able to quickly, easily and affordably connect with thousands of buyers who are specifically seeking products for motorcycles, dirt bikes, UTVs, ATVs or side-by-sides. Through the Manufacturer Kiosk Program, an exhibitor with a booth in another area of the SEMA Show is eligible to host a kiosk that will be located in the Powersports & Utility Vehicle section of the show.

Dealers, jobbers, installers and other specialty-equipment industry enthusiasts attending the 2012 SEMA Show will be able to learn all about the dynamic Jeep and off-road lifestyle market through the new Off-Road Success Center, presented by OMIX-Rugged Ridge. Located in within the Trucks/SUV section in booth 30147 at the 2012 SEMA Show, the center provides those interested in learning about the off-road market with a place to exchange ideas, learn new concepts for success and network with other like-minded people.

Located alongside the New Products Showcase in the upper level of South Hall, the First-Time and Featured Exhibitors Section that debuted at last year's SEMA Show will return in 2012. With nearly 2,000 manufacturers exhibiting throughout the SEMA Show, the First-Time and Featured Exhibitors section serves as an easy and convenient location for buyers to hone in on hundreds of new and emerging manufacturers who are exhibiting at the Show for the first time.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded $145,000 to 84 individuals. The awards include 69 scholarships presented to current students, and 15 loan-forgiveness awards presented to employees of a SEMA-member company.

The all-female build team is now finalized for the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. Starting in July at Source Interlink Media's Southern California headquarters, the team of technicians, enthusiasts and industry personnel will work together to customize the 2013 Ford Mustang GT donated by Ford Motor Co., the title sponsor of the project.

The SEMA Show Priority Space Selection process concluded earlier this month, with nearly 2,000 exhibiting companies securing their space for the upcoming event. View the online floorplan at www.SEMAShow.com to see where exhibitors will be during the trade-only event on Tuesday-Friday, October 30-November 2, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The powersports industry will again converge at the world famous SEMA Show taking place Tuesday-Friday, October 30-November 2, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to meeting with leading manufacturers in a dedicated Powersports & Utility Vehicles section, buyers in this market will be able to quickly identify products in the New Products Showcase’s Powersports category and discover new business strategies through educational sessions that target powersports professionals.

Results of the 2012 SEMA Board of Directors election are in, with two new members joining the group and three members re-elected to the Board.

Thousands of fans voted for a satin black luxury Mustang concept in the first-ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. The project, which is a collaboration between Ford Motor Co. and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), invited the public to view three concepts online and vote for the one they would like to see built by a group of female volunteers.

Voting is now open to help select the final concept for the first-ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. From today to June 3, 2012, the public is invited to visit www.automobilemag.com, www.HotRod.com, www.mustangmonthly.com or www.MuscleMustangFastFords.com to view three different design concepts and vote on the one they would like to see used for the build. Voters will be entered into drawings to win several prizes.

The Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series, presented by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), is returning to the SEMA Show for the third consecutive year. Complete details, including course descriptions and a registration link, are available at http://www.semashow.com/event/2012/10/30/scrs-repairer-driven-education-rde-series.

Ford Motor Co. and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) teamed up to present the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. Under the direction of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) and built entirely by SBN members, the project is designed to shine the light on women working in the automotive aftermarket and encourage more women to pursue careers in the industry.

Wheel manufacturers, perhaps more than any other segment, are showing strong signs of confidence in the economy by securing booth space for the 2012 SEMA Show taking place Tuesday-Friday, October 30, November 2, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Election materials for the SEMA Board of Directors election have been mailed to the primary contact at all eligible SEMA-member companies. Voting takes place May 14-June 12, 2012.

After debuting at last year's SEMA Show, the Collision Repair & Refinish section will return to provide buyers with a dedicated area on the Show floor where they can quickly and easily meet with major refinish companies, paint booth manufacturers, parts suppliers and manufacturers, estimating and management software companies, manufacturers of structural repair and welding equipment, safety equipment and other related products. The section has been identified as one of the fastest growing areas of the show, and is on track to surpass last years' numbers for the 2012 SEMA Show taking place Tuesday - Friday, October 30 - November 2, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 452 (S. Res. 452) at the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN) designating July 13, 2012 as "Collector Car Appreciation Day." The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

More than 1,700 exhibitors have demonstrated confidence in the 2012 SEMA Show by confirming booth space for the world's premier automotive trade show, taking place October 30-November 2, in Las Vegas, Nevada. These exhibitors will select their locations on the Show floor through the Priority Space Selection process beginning the end of May.

Nick Arias Jr., Bill France Sr., Mark Heffington and Bob Larivee Sr. will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes an elite group of individuals for raising the stature or growth or the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Hundreds of leaders and professionals from the SEMA industry will gather to honor noteworthy icons and volunteers during the 2012 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser on Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. The annual event serves as the industry's premier celebration where newly elected Board of Directors are sworn in and SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced for the first time.