The message is clear: Automotive customization is thriving, and American-based businesses are at the forefront of product technology and innovation for the industry. As highlighted in the recent “SEMA Annual Market Study,” the automotive specialty-equipment market now represents $33 billion in annual sales—a 7% increases compared to 2013.

This month’s “Required Reading” highlights several SEMA-member companies that have achieved success and are examples of the leading innovation that exists in the industry. These companies typify many SEMA-member companies, manufacturing product created by people with a passion for the industry andy he desire to create superior products.

By SEMA Editors

	During the 2015 MPMC Media Trade Conference, journalists will have the opportunity to conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers.

The priority media registration deadline for the annual MPMC Media Trade Conference is Tuesday, December 16. Media who register before the early deadline will be able to obtain the best schedule possible.

The online registration form allows editors and reporters a chance to select the companies with which they wish to meet. A confirmation e-mail will automatically be sent to applicants, allowing them a chance to review the companies they are requesting to meet.

Complete details and registration is available at www.sema.org/mtcreg or can be obtained from Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

	During the 2015 MPMC Media Trade Conference, journalists will have the opportunity to conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers.

The priority media registration deadline for the annual MPMC Media Trade Conference is Tuesday, December 16. Media who register before the early deadline will be able to obtain the best schedule possible.

The online registration form allows editors and reporters a chance to select the companies with which they wish to meet. A confirmation e-mail will automatically be sent to applicants, allowing them a chance to review the companies they are requesting to meet.

Complete details and registration is available at www.sema.org/mtcreg or can be obtained from Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• One seat in the Chairman-elect category
• Two seats in the Manufacturer category
• Two seats in the Distributor/Retailer category
• One seat in the Services category
• There are no seats open in the Manufacturer Representatives category this year.

Nominations for the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors are due Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well.  We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• One seat in the Chairman-elect category
• Two seats in the Manufacturer category
• Two seats in the Distributor/Retailer category
• One seat in the Services category
• There are no seats open in the Manufacturer Representatives category this year.

Nominations for the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors are due Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well.  We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

By SEMA Editors

Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and Product Development Programs, recently did a Q&A about the SEMA Garage with Dennis Pittsenbarger, host of the Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell” at the 2014 SEMA Show. During the interview, Spagnola explained how the SEMA Garage is actually a new-product development center. Thanks to a variety of high-tech solutions for manufacturers, SEMA members can access CAD data from several OEMs, use a state-of-the-art FARO Arm to scan either a product or a section of a vehicle and even make a 3-D printout based on their design files.  
 
After the interview, stay tuned for a short highlight video of ZZ Top’s own Billy Gibbons as he tours the SEMA Garage. In fact, Gibbons’ own vehicle gets a touch-up thanks to the guys at SO-CAL Speed Shop.

By SEMA Editors

Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and Product Development Programs, recently did a Q&A about the SEMA Garage with Dennis Pittsenbarger, host of the Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell” at the 2014 SEMA Show. During the interview, Spagnola explained how the SEMA Garage is actually a new-product development center. Thanks to a variety of high-tech solutions for manufacturers, SEMA members can access CAD data from several OEMs, use a state-of-the-art FARO Arm to scan either a product or a section of a vehicle and even make a 3-D printout based on their design files.  
 
After the interview, stay tuned for a short highlight video of ZZ Top’s own Billy Gibbons as he tours the SEMA Garage. In fact, Gibbons’ own vehicle gets a touch-up thanks to the guys at SO-CAL Speed Shop.