Filler for eNews

More than 1,500 companies have already signed up as exhibitors for the 2008 SEMA Show, scheduled November 4–7, 2008, in Las Vegas.

"Every year, the exhibitor turnout for the SEMA Show is amazing," said Gary Vigil, SEMA Trade Shows Director. "We don't expect anything less this year, so exhibitors need to sign up soon to ensure a spot. This is a valuable opportunity that we wouldn’t want anyone to miss."

"Every major player in the industry realizes that you need to be at the SEMA Show - and if you're not - you're missing out!" said Jason Skomp, National Accounts Manager of Hi-Lift Jack Co.

Exhibitors can submit the Exhibit Space Rental Agreement online at www.semashow.com/buyabooth. Space selection will begin the week of May 13, 2008.

For questions about exhibiting, contact ConvExx at 702/450-7662 ext. 120 or SEMA-exhibit@convexx.com.

For more information on the SEMA Show, go to www.SEMAShow.com.

More than 1,500 companies have already signed up as exhibitors for the 2008 SEMA Show.

It's been said that people buy from people they like. SEMA members are encouraged to participate in SEMA's upcoming webinar "How to Sell Like a Pro, Part II" to learn how to effectively communicate value in the language buyers understand and act upon. These techniques will help you develop credibility and build customer loyalty, providing the tools needed to build profitable relationships and enhance your sales career. (Note: This webinar is the second part of a two-part series. To download part one see below).   

Title: How to Sell Like a Pro, Part II

When: Thursday, April 24, 2008, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

Presenter:  Eric Ruckle, Dale Carnegie

What Will Be Covered 

• Ask questions that uncover true opportunities
• Present solutions in ways that make "yes" easy to get
• Close in a way that builds lifelong customers
• Generating a constant stream of referrals

For more information on this and other SEMA webinars, click here.

Dale Carnegie's How to Sell Like a Pro! Part 1

Providing customers with reasons to buy from you is one of the biggest challenges in sales. The pros know the tactics needed to establish credibility and how to deliver on high expectations, while maintaining profitable relationships with customers. "Dale Carnegie's How to Sell Like a Pro! Part 1" will teach you what the pros know and provide you with techniques that can be put to use immediately.

Speaker: Richard Bonar, Dale Carnegie

What You'll Learn 

• Communicate value from the buyer's perspective
• Use the same sales structure the pros use
• Make any prospect want to buy from you
• Establish credibility quickly and easily
• Take control of conversations while keeping prospects engaged

For more information, visit www.sema.org/webinar.

SEMA's Webinar Program
The SEMA webinar program brings the world-class business seminars featured during the SEMA Show Education Week right to your desktop. Different business-building sessions are constantly being added to the program, offering members the latest insight and practices from today’s leading speakers. All SEMA webinars are conducted live and are open to all employees of SEMA-member companies free of charge. To participate, all you need is a computer with Internet access and a telephone.

All previously conducted SEMA webinars are available to download anytime by clicking here. To view upcoming presentations that you can attend via the telephone and Internet, click here.

Rather than watch an unaware Congress legislate our industry out of business, join your fellow SEMA members in Washington, D.C., on May 14–15 to demonstrate to lawmakers the importance and strength of the $38-billion specialty-equipment industry. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with your legislators on Capitol Hill and inform them of the issues that matter most to you and your business. The SEMA Washington Rally is exclusively for SEMA members, and there is no charge to participate.

Scheduled Events Include:

• Opening Reception and Briefing Session – U.S. Senator Jon Tester of Montana, an avid auto enthusiast, will be the featured guest at the opening reception of the 2008 SEMA Washington Rally.
• One-on-One Meetings With Your Legislators – Meet face-to-face with your lawmakers to educate them on the issues that matter most to your business.
• Political Insider Session – Renowned Washington commentators Fred Barnes and Eleanor Clift will be the headliners for a lively debate on timely political issues, including the 2008 presidential election.
• Capitol Hill Reception – Businessman, philanthropist and respected NASCAR driver Kyle Petty will be the featured guest at a Congressional reception in Washington, D.C., celebrating the Victory Junction Gang Camp and the American motorsports industry.
• Tour of the U.S. Capitol and other opportunities to visit attractions in the nation’s capital.

U.S. Senator Jon Tester of Montana, an avid auto enthusiast, will be the featured guest at the opening reception of the 2008 SEMA Washington Rally.

For travel arrangements and room reservations, contact Manya Petropaki at the Travel Store at 949/930-9268. To register or for more information, visit www.sema.org/dcrally or contact Jason Tolleson at 909/396-0289, ext 168, or jasont@sema.org. 

Registration deadline: May 1, 2008

Accessories continue to be the driving force for the SEMA Show, with 63% of buyers reporting the product category as the primary reason for attending the 2007 Show.

“As a buyer, I’m always looking for the latest and most innovative auto and truck accessories, and nothing compares to the SEMA Show,” said Charlie Card, owner of Flint, MI-based Vehicle Accessories. “The diversity and quality of products available at the Show provides a perfect hunting ground.”

Performance Parts and Accessories ranked second highest, and buyer interest in the category increased from 35% in 2006 to 41% in 2007. Tires/Wheels shared the second spot, up 8% from the previous year.

The remainder of the top ten product categories demonstrating the most buyer interest included: Safety Equipment (39%), Engines/Engine Parts (31%), Sport Compact (30%), Racing Products (30%), Tools/Service Equipment (30%), Audio, Security and Mobile Electronics (29%) and Truck Parts/Accessories (27%). The list remains similar to the previous year’s top ten with some changes. Truck Parts and Accessories returned to the top ten after falling off in 2006.

To exhibit at the 2008 SEMA Show, submit your Exhibit Space Rental Agreement online at www.semashow.com/buyabooth.

To attend the 2008 SEMA Show, register online at www.SEMAshow.com/register.

For more information on the SEMA Show, go to www.SEMAShow.com.

Attention manufacturers: SEMA set up a Measuring Session with Saturn for the automaker's 2008 Astra. SEMA Measuring Sessions provide members private access to new-vehicle releases. Through the sessions manufacturers can attain first-hand measurments, take photos and interact with vehicle designers and OEM staff. For more information, contact Bill Wolf at billw@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/oem.  

Saturn Astra Measuring Session

What:  2008 Astra 3-door coupe; 5-door sedan
1.8L, 16v, DOHC I-4, 138hp, VVT
   
Where: AAA Building (next to SEMA), 1577 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765

When: Wednesday, April 30, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Note: Cameras are permitted

To register, e-mail responses with name(s), company, address and phone to measuringsession@sema.org. The deadline to register is Friday, April 25, 2008. For more information, contact Bill Wolf at billw@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 177, or contact Sandy Conolly at 909/396-0289, ext. 155, or sandyc@sema.org.   
 

According to an April 1, 2008 joint press release, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. and CSK Auto Corporation announced that the two companies have signed a definitive merger agreement under which O’Reilly will acquire all of the outstanding shares of CSK common stock pursuant to an exchange offer, in a transaction valued at approximately $1.0 billion, including approximately $500 million of debt.  The boards of directors of both companies have approved the transaction. 
 
“Today is an exciting day for both O’Reilly and CSK shareholders,” stated O’Reilly Automotive Chief  Executive Officer Greg Henslee. “As a combined company, we will be even stronger and more competitive, with the ability to better meet the continuing evolution of the automotive aftermarket industry. Additionally, we are creating a company that will generate significant value for the combined companies’ shareholders, growth opportunities for team members and enhanced service to our customers.”  
 
"The benefits of this transaction are very compelling," said Larry Mondry, CSK Auto’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "After careful consideration of a number of viable alternatives, our Board has determined that partnering with O’Reilly is clearly the best course of action for our shareholders.  As part of a stronger, more financially flexible company, shareholders, creditors and suppliers will have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the development of a company that will be well positioned to be a nation-wide leader in the automotive aftermarket industry.  Equally important, this transaction provides growth and advancement opportunities for CSK’s team members.”
 
Following the close of the transaction, O’Reilly will be the third largest national auto parts retailer with approximately 3,200 stores located across the United States. The combined company had pro forma revenues of approximately $4.4 billion in 2007. 

O’Reilly has entered into a commitment for a $1.2 billion asset based revolving credit facility with Bank of America and Lehman Brothers Inc. which will be used to refinance debt, fund the cash portion of the consideration and other transaction-related expenses and to provide ample liquidity for the combined company going forward.   

Source: O’Reilly Automotive Inc. and CSK Auto Corporation Press Release via www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/NewsRoom.do.

Last year, more than 600 members of the industry gathered at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser to pay tribute to the 2007 Hall of Fame inductees and to honor newly elected and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors. The 2007 event was the first time the Gala Fundraiser was added to the festivities, and the industry raised more than $200,000 for children's charities Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Think you have what it takes to beat SEMA Immediate Past Chairman Mitch Williams in a straight-up drag race? Williams has laid down a challenge to the industry that will be answered at the SEMA Pine Wood Drag Race.

The annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser will feature the inaugural SEMA Pine Wood Drag Race Sponsored by Fellers and DUB Publishing. The checkered flag will drop Friday, July 25, prior to the SEMA Hall of Fame recognition and fundraising activities. According to Race Director Mike Spagnola the inaugural event will feature three race classes: Stock, Modified and Unlimited classes. All proceeds will benefit the Victory Junction Gang Camp and Childhelp USA children's charities.
 
For more information, rules and details about entering, click here.

Filler for eNews