SEMA-supported legislation to amend the state’s current law governing historic motor vehicles to permit their unlimited use as “exhibition” vehicles the entire month of August was passed by the Michigan House of Representatives on a 109 to 1 vote. Having already been approved by the full Senate, the bill now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Under current Michigan law, use of historic vehicles is limited to participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades and similar uses, including mechanical testing, but not for general transportation. The measure will provide Michigan historic vehicle owners the opportunity to enjoy recreational driving in the month of August in addition to the other sanctioned uses.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

	With booth space secured and the Show-floor location selected, exhibitors are encouraged to start taking advantage of the available opportunities to promote their company and products.

More than 1,900 companies have chosen their booth locations for the 2012 SEMA Show through the SEMA Show Priority Space Selection process, which concludes on June 22. With booth space secured and the Show-floor location selected, exhibitors are encouraged to start taking advantage of the available opportunities to promote their company and products. The Exhibitor Manual available online has a section dedicated to Show programs that boost company and product awareness, such as Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase.   

The New Products Showcase featured annually at the SEMA Show is a main stop for buyers and media. And for exhibitors it's a no-brainer, because the first product category entered in the New Product Showcase is free. In addition to new products, exhibitors can also register to display in an area available for Featured Products—products that have been previously introduced. This provides companies with the opportunity to display their newest innovations alongside their best sellers.

"Regardless of the markets that they serve, buyers attending the Show are looking for the industry's latest innovations and newest products," stated Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of events and communications. "The New Products Showcase provides exhibitors the additional space at the Show to display products away from their booths, increasing their opportunities to capture the attention of buyers."

Exhibitors may enter the New Product Showcase now by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/newproducts.

Increased exposure at the Show is just one of the benefits of displaying products in the New Products Showcase. Each product entered is also professionally photographed and loaded onto SEMAdigital.com, where media and buyers alike can access information and high-resolution images throughout the year for display and publication.

For buyers, the New Products Showcase is a one-stop shop where the most innovative products are displayed. The electronic scanning feature makes it quick and easy to collect product and contact information and high-resolution images of the selected products.

While the Priority Space Selection process for the 2012 SEMA Show is complete, companies can still secure booth space through the "Buy A Booth" link located at www.SEMAShow.com. With great space for the Show still available, companies signing up now are able to select space on a first-come, first-served basis subject to availability. Details about the 2012 SEMA Show, including information on how to attend and exhibit, are available at www.SEMAShow.com.

	With booth space secured and the Show-floor location selected, exhibitors are encouraged to start taking advantage of the available opportunities to promote their company and products.

More than 1,900 companies have chosen their booth locations for the 2012 SEMA Show through the SEMA Show Priority Space Selection process, which concludes on June 22. With booth space secured and the Show-floor location selected, exhibitors are encouraged to start taking advantage of the available opportunities to promote their company and products. The Exhibitor Manual available online has a section dedicated to Show programs that boost company and product awareness, such as Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase.   

The New Products Showcase featured annually at the SEMA Show is a main stop for buyers and media. And for exhibitors it's a no-brainer, because the first product category entered in the New Product Showcase is free. In addition to new products, exhibitors can also register to display in an area available for Featured Products—products that have been previously introduced. This provides companies with the opportunity to display their newest innovations alongside their best sellers.

"Regardless of the markets that they serve, buyers attending the Show are looking for the industry's latest innovations and newest products," stated Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of events and communications. "The New Products Showcase provides exhibitors the additional space at the Show to display products away from their booths, increasing their opportunities to capture the attention of buyers."

Exhibitors may enter the New Product Showcase now by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/newproducts.

Increased exposure at the Show is just one of the benefits of displaying products in the New Products Showcase. Each product entered is also professionally photographed and loaded onto SEMAdigital.com, where media and buyers alike can access information and high-resolution images throughout the year for display and publication.

For buyers, the New Products Showcase is a one-stop shop where the most innovative products are displayed. The electronic scanning feature makes it quick and easy to collect product and contact information and high-resolution images of the selected products.

While the Priority Space Selection process for the 2012 SEMA Show is complete, companies can still secure booth space through the "Buy A Booth" link located at www.SEMAShow.com. With great space for the Show still available, companies signing up now are able to select space on a first-come, first-served basis subject to availability. Details about the 2012 SEMA Show, including information on how to attend and exhibit, are available at www.SEMAShow.com.

	2012 SEMA China Business Development Tour participants will have the opportunity to meet with buyers from throughout China.

There are just three slots left for those interested in attending the 2012 China Business Development Tour, September 2–7, 2012, in Shanghai and Beijing, so register now!

The 2012 program includes:

• Premium hotel accommodations for five nights.
• Flight from Shanghai to Beijing.
• Meals.
• Networking events.
• Professional interpreters.
• Access to buyers from throughout China.
• Airfare to and from China is NOT included. (Participants: please note when arranging trans-Pacific flights, the program begins in Shanghai and ends in Beijing.)

Program fees:

• $3,000 per company (one person).
• Each additional person from the same company needing an additional hotel room is $1,500.
• Each additional person from the same company sharing a hotel room is $750.

Grants are available to help defray costs. The U.S. Department of Commerce has partnered with SEMA to promote and subsidize the participation of U.S. specialty-equipment companies at the SEMA China Business Development Tour.

Firms that self-certify that the products promoted at the SEMA China Business Development Tour contain a minimum of 51% U.S. content may be eligible for a $1,000 grant for qualifying companies with one participant or a $1,500 grant for those with two or more additional rooms/attendees (self-certification is done at the time of registration). California-based companies are eligible for an additional $1,000 in state-based grants by registering at
www.californiastep.org/home.

Schedule

Sunday, September 2:

• Arrive in Shanghai
• Briefing

Monday, September 3:

• Delegation breakfast
• Visit tuning shops
• Networking reception

Tuesday, September 4:

• One-on-one meetings
• Travel to Beijing

Wednesday, September 5:

• Visit tuning shops
• Networking reception

Thursday, September 6:

• Networking breakfast
• One-on-one meetings
• Delegation dinner

Friday, September 7:

• Departures from Beijing

Questions? contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

	2012 SEMA China Business Development Tour participants will have the opportunity to meet with buyers from throughout China.

There are just three slots left for those interested in attending the 2012 China Business Development Tour, September 2–7, 2012, in Shanghai and Beijing, so register now!

The 2012 program includes:

• Premium hotel accommodations for five nights.
• Flight from Shanghai to Beijing.
• Meals.
• Networking events.
• Professional interpreters.
• Access to buyers from throughout China.
• Airfare to and from China is NOT included. (Participants: please note when arranging trans-Pacific flights, the program begins in Shanghai and ends in Beijing.)

Program fees:

• $3,000 per company (one person).
• Each additional person from the same company needing an additional hotel room is $1,500.
• Each additional person from the same company sharing a hotel room is $750.

Grants are available to help defray costs. The U.S. Department of Commerce has partnered with SEMA to promote and subsidize the participation of U.S. specialty-equipment companies at the SEMA China Business Development Tour.

Firms that self-certify that the products promoted at the SEMA China Business Development Tour contain a minimum of 51% U.S. content may be eligible for a $1,000 grant for qualifying companies with one participant or a $1,500 grant for those with two or more additional rooms/attendees (self-certification is done at the time of registration). California-based companies are eligible for an additional $1,000 in state-based grants by registering at
www.californiastep.org/home.

Schedule

Sunday, September 2:

• Arrive in Shanghai
• Briefing

Monday, September 3:

• Delegation breakfast
• Visit tuning shops
• Networking reception

Tuesday, September 4:

• One-on-one meetings
• Travel to Beijing

Wednesday, September 5:

• Visit tuning shops
• Networking reception

Thursday, September 6:

• Networking breakfast
• One-on-one meetings
• Delegation dinner

Friday, September 7:

• Departures from Beijing

Questions? contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

	The Toyota HiLux Measuring Sessions are made possible by a Department of Commerce Market Development Cooperator Program grant from the U.S. government, which is working with SEMA to identify and create export opportunities for SEMA members.

Dates and locations for three upcoming SEMA Measuring Sessions featuring the Toyota HiLux have been announced. SEMA is importing the HiLux to the United States as part of a new program to provide SEMA members with access to vehicles that are popular overseas but not sold in the United States.

The Toyota HiLux has achieved more than 14 million units sold in 135 countries worldwide since its introduction. The HiLux is a top-selling vehicle in key countries/regions, including Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South Africa, Central America and the Middle East. Because of its international appeal and popularity, the HiLux is the ideal vehicle for companies looking to prototype new products to enter markets overseas. Earlier this year, SEMA members selected the truck to be the first vehicle made available for measurement, beating out the Jeep Wrangler diesel and Ford Ranger. 

Manufacturing companies interested in gathering measurements and specs needed to create products for the popular truck model are encouraged to attend one of the following sessions.

• July 31 – SEMA Headquarters in Diamond Bar, California
• August 14 – Link Engineering Facility in Dearborn, Michigan
• August 22 – Clemson University in Greenville, South Carolina 

Wheel, suspension, air-intake, exhaust, in-car entertainment, bedliners, grille guard and tonneau cover manufacturers are among the SEMA members who have already registered to attend one of the sessions. Once the sessions are complete, SEMA will also make the vehicle available to SEMA members for measurement and fitment checks in their own facilities.

The program is made possible by a Department of Commerce Market Development Cooperator Program grant from the U.S. government, which is working in partnership with SEMA to identify and create export opportunities for SEMA members.

Register now to participate in one of the three ’12 Toyota HiLux Measuring Sessions.

Questions? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

	The Toyota HiLux Measuring Sessions are made possible by a Department of Commerce Market Development Cooperator Program grant from the U.S. government, which is working with SEMA to identify and create export opportunities for SEMA members.

Dates and locations for three upcoming SEMA Measuring Sessions featuring the Toyota HiLux have been announced. SEMA is importing the HiLux to the United States as part of a new program to provide SEMA members with access to vehicles that are popular overseas but not sold in the United States.

The Toyota HiLux has achieved more than 14 million units sold in 135 countries worldwide since its introduction. The HiLux is a top-selling vehicle in key countries/regions, including Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South Africa, Central America and the Middle East. Because of its international appeal and popularity, the HiLux is the ideal vehicle for companies looking to prototype new products to enter markets overseas. Earlier this year, SEMA members selected the truck to be the first vehicle made available for measurement, beating out the Jeep Wrangler diesel and Ford Ranger. 

Manufacturing companies interested in gathering measurements and specs needed to create products for the popular truck model are encouraged to attend one of the following sessions.

• July 31 – SEMA Headquarters in Diamond Bar, California
• August 14 – Link Engineering Facility in Dearborn, Michigan
• August 22 – Clemson University in Greenville, South Carolina 

Wheel, suspension, air-intake, exhaust, in-car entertainment, bedliners, grille guard and tonneau cover manufacturers are among the SEMA members who have already registered to attend one of the sessions. Once the sessions are complete, SEMA will also make the vehicle available to SEMA members for measurement and fitment checks in their own facilities.

The program is made possible by a Department of Commerce Market Development Cooperator Program grant from the U.S. government, which is working in partnership with SEMA to identify and create export opportunities for SEMA members.

Register now to participate in one of the three ’12 Toyota HiLux Measuring Sessions.

Questions? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

The California State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program will provide $1,000 grants to qualified California-based companies participating in the 2012 SEMA China Business Development Tour.

The California State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program organizers have just announced the provision of $1,000 grants to qualified California-based companies participating in the September 2–7, 2012, SEMA China Business Development Tour to Shanghai and Beijing. These newly announced grants are in addition to $1,000 grants being provided to participants by the U.S. government.

To register, visit www.californiastep.org/home and click on the "register" tab at the top right-hand side of the page. Check the "SEMA Conference, China" box when asked if you are interested in registering for trade fairs/trade missions.

Scroll about halfway down the California STEP page to find the 2012 SEMA China Business Development Tour listing.

Not based in California? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org for STEP contacts in other states who may provide funding to trip participants on a case-by-case basis.

The California State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program will provide $1,000 grants to qualified California-based companies participating in the 2012 SEMA China Business Development Tour.

The California State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program organizers have just announced the provision of $1,000 grants to qualified California-based companies participating in the September 2–7, 2012, SEMA China Business Development Tour to Shanghai and Beijing. These newly announced grants are in addition to $1,000 grants being provided to participants by the U.S. government.

To register, visit www.californiastep.org/home and click on the "register" tab at the top right-hand side of the page. Check the "SEMA Conference, China" box when asked if you are interested in registering for trade fairs/trade missions.

Scroll about halfway down the California STEP page to find the 2012 SEMA China Business Development Tour listing.

Not based in California? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org for STEP contacts in other states who may provide funding to trip participants on a case-by-case basis.

	Omix-ADA hired Sue Otten as chief marketing officer.

Sue Otten Joins Omix-ADA as Chief Marketing Officer
Omix-ADA named Sue Otten as its new chief marketing officer (CMO). According to the company, Otten has proven communications, branding, sales and marketing leadership in a variety of manufacturing, technology and services industries. “Sue is a proven B2B2C communicator, marketing strategist and brand builder with a keen focus on customer engagement and channel development,” said Omix-ADA President and founder Al Azadi. “Her experience and strengths will be key in helping Omix-ADA evolve and grow our business while continuing to deliver quality products that fulfill consumers’ wants and needs in the exciting off-road lifestyle and truck vehicle markets.” Prior to joining Omix as its CMO, Otten, a certified Accredited Business Communicator (ABC), also worked for Apple Inc. and later founded her own consulting business; helping other companies with their sales and marketing strategies to build brand awareness and drive growth.

Ken Palmman Assumes Role of CTEK General Manager North America Operations
CTEK announced that Ken Palmman has assumed the new duties of general manager of North America operations. Palmman, who has been the CFO of CTEK since 2005, comes to CTEK from Hornell Inc. where he served as vice president. “Much of my focus will be to build the organization and to drive the growth of CTEK Power.  We have very ambitious growth goals going forward,” stated Palmman. The company also reported that along with Palmman’s change of duties, numerous additional positions are being filled to meet the demands of CTEK’s already increasing growth in North America.

Promotion for Gloria Medina at The Marx Group
The Marx Group has promoted Gloria Medina to client project manager. According to a company release, Medina will manage client marketing initiatives, oversee digital projects, including websites, social media and online videos and ensure all projects support client marketing goals. Since Medina joined The Marx Group as marketing coordinator in 2006, she has earned a master's degree in advertising with a focus in account planning from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, California. In 2010, Medina became marketing director, handling all of The Marx Group’s internal marketing initiatives. Medina will continue in her role as marketing director while taking on these additional duties as client project manager.

R & R Marketing hired Katy Hosenfeld to serve as lead generation specialist, a newly generated position for the company.

Katy Hosenfeld Fills Newly Created Position at R&R Marketing
R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. hired Katy Hosenfeld to fill the newly created position of lead generation specialist. According to R&R, Hosenfeld will work closely with the sales team to identify and qualify new jobber sales leads for manufacturers, direct them to their respective WDs when appropriate, and assist the sales team with keeping WDs and jobbers current on the latest products and introduce value-added products to further enhance sales. "[Hosenfeld's]  previous work with major WDs in the Kansas City area allows her to bring our company her valuable knowledge and experience from working with accounts, such as, Reliable, Arrow Speed, and Keystone Automotive," stated  R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. President Michael Rao.

GoPro Provides Cameras for "Motorz"
"Motorz" announced that GoPro is now providing its HD HERO2 cameras to help produce footage to the automotive how-to TV series. Chris Duke, host and executive producer of "Motorz" stated, “GoPro’s support means we’re able to capture video in places we couldn’t before, and add footage outside the studio that was impossible with our existing equipment.” "Motorz" airs on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. (PDT) on DirecTV or DISH Network. Log on to www.motorz.tv to download and watch past episodes for free.