SEMA News—May 2015

2015 SEMA Membership Directory Printed and Online

The May issue of SEMA News magazine doubles as the annual SEMA Membership Directory, and SEMA encourages you to keep this copy on your desk throughout the year to use as your reference tool in locating SEMA-member companies.

The membership directory is also available online. The online membership directory is continually updated to include new SEMA members. In addition, the online version of the membership directory lists members’ staff personnel, and you can contact them via e-mail through your MySEMA account.

If you don’t already have a MySEMA account, it’s no problem. If your company is a SEMA member, just ask your company’s SEMA contact to add you to your company’s profile. The person(s) listed under “Company Contact” on the bottom right of your company’s online directory listing has the ability to add employees to your company’s record.

It’s important to register through your Company Contact to ensure that you are tied to your company’s record and will have free access to benefits such as research reports and webinar downloads. You will use your company e-mail address to access your MySEMA account.

If your company is not a SEMA member, you can still register for a MySEMA account by logging into my.SEMA.org/login and clicking on “Register Now.” While you won’t have access to free SEMA membership benefits, you will be able to access resources such as research reports and webinar downloads for a fee.

SEMA.org – Gateway to Information

Information and resources are at your fingertips at www.SEMA.org. For instance:

• Did you know that SEMA was called the “Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association” when it was formed in 1963?
• Do you want to know who is currently serving on the SEMA Board of Directors or how to reach them?
• Do you want to locate a back issue of SEMA News magazine or SEMA eNews, the association’s weekly electronic newsletter?
• Do you want to know which current legislative initiatives that could affect SEMA-member companies are on SEMA’s government affairs department’s radar?
• Do you have the financial benchmarks to learn how your company compares to industry averages?
• Are you familiar with the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) and its free content available to SEMA members?
• Do you know that SEMA has a classifieds section that lists positions available at SEMA-member companies and lists people who are looking for positions?
• Do you know which SEMA staff person to contact by department?
• Do you know that SEMA has benefit partners who provide business resources and solutions such as business insurance, shipping, credit-card payment processing, a consumer credit-card program and an online pay-per-buyer program for SEMA members?
• Do you know which councils and committees are right for you and your company?
• Do you want to know how to volunteer or get more involved in the industry?

If you visit SEMA.org, you can find answers to all these questions and much, much more.

SEMA’s Mission…

...is to help our members’ businesses succeed and prosper. Our members are the producers and marketers of specialty-equipment products and services for the automotive aftermarket.

We Will Do This By:

• Proactive leadership in our industry to help it expand domestically and worldwide.
• Delivering programs, activities and information in response to the ongoing and emerging needs of our members.
• Emphasizing education to help members focus on and achieve acceptable world-class quality standards.
• Legislative and regulatory advocacy.
• Producing the industry’s leading trade show.

SEMA has programs and services whose sole purpose is to help its member companies succeed. SEMA’s goal is to be the go-to resource for its member companies and would like more of its members to take advantage of the resources available. For a complete listing of SEMA member benefits, visit www.SEMA.org/benefits. If you want to know how SEMA can help you and your company, call the SEMA customer service team at 909-610-2030, or e-mail member@sema.org.

SEMA News—May 2015

2015 SEMA Membership Directory Printed and Online

The May issue of SEMA News magazine doubles as the annual SEMA Membership Directory, and SEMA encourages you to keep this copy on your desk throughout the year to use as your reference tool in locating SEMA-member companies.

The membership directory is also available online. The online membership directory is continually updated to include new SEMA members. In addition, the online version of the membership directory lists members’ staff personnel, and you can contact them via e-mail through your MySEMA account.

If you don’t already have a MySEMA account, it’s no problem. If your company is a SEMA member, just ask your company’s SEMA contact to add you to your company’s profile. The person(s) listed under “Company Contact” on the bottom right of your company’s online directory listing has the ability to add employees to your company’s record.

It’s important to register through your Company Contact to ensure that you are tied to your company’s record and will have free access to benefits such as research reports and webinar downloads. You will use your company e-mail address to access your MySEMA account.

If your company is not a SEMA member, you can still register for a MySEMA account by logging into my.SEMA.org/login and clicking on “Register Now.” While you won’t have access to free SEMA membership benefits, you will be able to access resources such as research reports and webinar downloads for a fee.

SEMA.org – Gateway to Information

Information and resources are at your fingertips at www.SEMA.org. For instance:

• Did you know that SEMA was called the “Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association” when it was formed in 1963?
• Do you want to know who is currently serving on the SEMA Board of Directors or how to reach them?
• Do you want to locate a back issue of SEMA News magazine or SEMA eNews, the association’s weekly electronic newsletter?
• Do you want to know which current legislative initiatives that could affect SEMA-member companies are on SEMA’s government affairs department’s radar?
• Do you have the financial benchmarks to learn how your company compares to industry averages?
• Are you familiar with the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) and its free content available to SEMA members?
• Do you know that SEMA has a classifieds section that lists positions available at SEMA-member companies and lists people who are looking for positions?
• Do you know which SEMA staff person to contact by department?
• Do you know that SEMA has benefit partners who provide business resources and solutions such as business insurance, shipping, credit-card payment processing, a consumer credit-card program and an online pay-per-buyer program for SEMA members?
• Do you know which councils and committees are right for you and your company?
• Do you want to know how to volunteer or get more involved in the industry?

If you visit SEMA.org, you can find answers to all these questions and much, much more.

SEMA’s Mission…

...is to help our members’ businesses succeed and prosper. Our members are the producers and marketers of specialty-equipment products and services for the automotive aftermarket.

We Will Do This By:

• Proactive leadership in our industry to help it expand domestically and worldwide.
• Delivering programs, activities and information in response to the ongoing and emerging needs of our members.
• Emphasizing education to help members focus on and achieve acceptable world-class quality standards.
• Legislative and regulatory advocacy.
• Producing the industry’s leading trade show.

SEMA has programs and services whose sole purpose is to help its member companies succeed. SEMA’s goal is to be the go-to resource for its member companies and would like more of its members to take advantage of the resources available. For a complete listing of SEMA member benefits, visit www.SEMA.org/benefits. If you want to know how SEMA can help you and your company, call the SEMA customer service team at 909-610-2030, or e-mail member@sema.org.

SEMA News—May 2015

BUSINESS
By Amanda Gubbins

SEMA STILL GOING FULL SPEED AHEAD

In the early years, as the industry grew, specifications remained a challenge. It became clear that a partnership was needed for manufacturers. Regulations were necessary in order to keep moving forward, but the manufacturers needed to organize. Discussions began on how to create specifications and legitimize products and, on March 26, 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) was formed in response.

In the beginning, SEMA exclusively served suppliers of performance equipment for hot rods, and the association accomplished its purpose of uniting the industry. Members helped develop standards for racing competitions and the association continued to grow, putting the industry firmly on the map.

A glance into SEMA history is not complete without a mention of the SEMA Show. By the late ’60s, members saw a need for an annual convention where they could all meet and do business. The first SEMA Show in 1967 had 100 exhibitors and was held beneath the bleachers at Dodger Stadium. Since then, the Show has grown steadily and now has more than 2,300 exhibiting companies spread across more than 1 million sq. ft. of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Not only has it increased in size and scope, but it has also remained an important event for business growth.

Mediating government legislation also became a strong focus for SEMA early on—an effort that went a long way to legitimizing the industry in the eyes of the government and the public. Today, SEMA maintains an active presence on the legislative front and has also added many more resources for members.

SEMA continues to focus attention on the issues that are most important to members. Among the top priorities are the SEMA Data Co-op, the SEMA Garage, vehicle technology and the next generation of leaders.

The SEMA Data Co-op makes product data management simple for manufacturers, who can save staff time by updating and maintaining their data for a variety of customers all in one place. It’s also more efficient for retailers who can now find everything they need in one place and request the format they need. Learn more at www.SEMAdatacoop.org.

Vehicle technology changes at a rapid pace, and it’s important for members to be in the know so that they can stay on the cutting edge. SEMA makes it easy by collaborating with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) to provide information and alerts about advanced vehicle technologies and regulations influencing products and businesses. More information is available at www.sema.org/vehicletechnology.

On the minds of many aftermarket business leaders is their next generation of employees. Over the last few years, SEMA has developed several programs to develop the leadership potential of the next generation. One of the best ways for young professionals to grow is by joining the Young Executives Network (YEN), open to all SEMA-member company employees who are under the age of 40. Apply online at www.sema.org/yen.

Of course, the SEMA Show, held each November, will always be a top priority for the association.

Each of these tools is a different expression of the same mission that SEMA has had since the beginning: helping members’ businesses succeed and prosper. As the association keeps growing, members can be confident that the tools will keep evolving with the needs of the industry.

If you are not currently a member of the association, don’t wait any longer to be a part of its future. Joining is simple online at www.sema.org/join. If you’re already a member, customer service representatives are ready to help you integrate SEMA benefits into your company. Call 909-610-2030 to explore these resources in-depth.

SEMA News—May 2015

BUSINESS
By Amanda Gubbins

SEMA STILL GOING FULL SPEED AHEAD

In the early years, as the industry grew, specifications remained a challenge. It became clear that a partnership was needed for manufacturers. Regulations were necessary in order to keep moving forward, but the manufacturers needed to organize. Discussions began on how to create specifications and legitimize products and, on March 26, 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) was formed in response.

In the beginning, SEMA exclusively served suppliers of performance equipment for hot rods, and the association accomplished its purpose of uniting the industry. Members helped develop standards for racing competitions and the association continued to grow, putting the industry firmly on the map.

A glance into SEMA history is not complete without a mention of the SEMA Show. By the late ’60s, members saw a need for an annual convention where they could all meet and do business. The first SEMA Show in 1967 had 100 exhibitors and was held beneath the bleachers at Dodger Stadium. Since then, the Show has grown steadily and now has more than 2,300 exhibiting companies spread across more than 1 million sq. ft. of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Not only has it increased in size and scope, but it has also remained an important event for business growth.

Mediating government legislation also became a strong focus for SEMA early on—an effort that went a long way to legitimizing the industry in the eyes of the government and the public. Today, SEMA maintains an active presence on the legislative front and has also added many more resources for members.

SEMA continues to focus attention on the issues that are most important to members. Among the top priorities are the SEMA Data Co-op, the SEMA Garage, vehicle technology and the next generation of leaders.

The SEMA Data Co-op makes product data management simple for manufacturers, who can save staff time by updating and maintaining their data for a variety of customers all in one place. It’s also more efficient for retailers who can now find everything they need in one place and request the format they need. Learn more at www.SEMAdatacoop.org.

Vehicle technology changes at a rapid pace, and it’s important for members to be in the know so that they can stay on the cutting edge. SEMA makes it easy by collaborating with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) to provide information and alerts about advanced vehicle technologies and regulations influencing products and businesses. More information is available at www.sema.org/vehicletechnology.

On the minds of many aftermarket business leaders is their next generation of employees. Over the last few years, SEMA has developed several programs to develop the leadership potential of the next generation. One of the best ways for young professionals to grow is by joining the Young Executives Network (YEN), open to all SEMA-member company employees who are under the age of 40. Apply online at www.sema.org/yen.

Of course, the SEMA Show, held each November, will always be a top priority for the association.

Each of these tools is a different expression of the same mission that SEMA has had since the beginning: helping members’ businesses succeed and prosper. As the association keeps growing, members can be confident that the tools will keep evolving with the needs of the industry.

If you are not currently a member of the association, don’t wait any longer to be a part of its future. Joining is simple online at www.sema.org/join. If you’re already a member, customer service representatives are ready to help you integrate SEMA benefits into your company. Call 909-610-2030 to explore these resources in-depth.

SEMA News—May 2015

BUSINESS
By Amanda Gubbins

SEMA STILL GOING FULL SPEED AHEAD

In the early years, as the industry grew, specifications remained a challenge. It became clear that a partnership was needed for manufacturers. Regulations were necessary in order to keep moving forward, but the manufacturers needed to organize. Discussions began on how to create specifications and legitimize products and, on March 26, 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) was formed in response.

In the beginning, SEMA exclusively served suppliers of performance equipment for hot rods, and the association accomplished its purpose of uniting the industry. Members helped develop standards for racing competitions and the association continued to grow, putting the industry firmly on the map.

A glance into SEMA history is not complete without a mention of the SEMA Show. By the late ’60s, members saw a need for an annual convention where they could all meet and do business. The first SEMA Show in 1967 had 100 exhibitors and was held beneath the bleachers at Dodger Stadium. Since then, the Show has grown steadily and now has more than 2,300 exhibiting companies spread across more than 1 million sq. ft. of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Not only has it increased in size and scope, but it has also remained an important event for business growth.

Mediating government legislation also became a strong focus for SEMA early on—an effort that went a long way to legitimizing the industry in the eyes of the government and the public. Today, SEMA maintains an active presence on the legislative front and has also added many more resources for members.

SEMA continues to focus attention on the issues that are most important to members. Among the top priorities are the SEMA Data Co-op, the SEMA Garage, vehicle technology and the next generation of leaders.

The SEMA Data Co-op makes product data management simple for manufacturers, who can save staff time by updating and maintaining their data for a variety of customers all in one place. It’s also more efficient for retailers who can now find everything they need in one place and request the format they need. Learn more at www.SEMAdatacoop.org.

Vehicle technology changes at a rapid pace, and it’s important for members to be in the know so that they can stay on the cutting edge. SEMA makes it easy by collaborating with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) to provide information and alerts about advanced vehicle technologies and regulations influencing products and businesses. More information is available at www.sema.org/vehicletechnology.

On the minds of many aftermarket business leaders is their next generation of employees. Over the last few years, SEMA has developed several programs to develop the leadership potential of the next generation. One of the best ways for young professionals to grow is by joining the Young Executives Network (YEN), open to all SEMA-member company employees who are under the age of 40. Apply online at www.sema.org/yen.

Of course, the SEMA Show, held each November, will always be a top priority for the association.

Each of these tools is a different expression of the same mission that SEMA has had since the beginning: helping members’ businesses succeed and prosper. As the association keeps growing, members can be confident that the tools will keep evolving with the needs of the industry.

If you are not currently a member of the association, don’t wait any longer to be a part of its future. Joining is simple online at www.sema.org/join. If you’re already a member, customer service representatives are ready to help you integrate SEMA benefits into your company. Call 909-610-2030 to explore these resources in-depth.

SEMA News—May 2015

BUSINESS
By Amanda Gubbins

SEMA STILL GOING FULL SPEED AHEAD

In the early years, as the industry grew, specifications remained a challenge. It became clear that a partnership was needed for manufacturers. Regulations were necessary in order to keep moving forward, but the manufacturers needed to organize. Discussions began on how to create specifications and legitimize products and, on March 26, 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) was formed in response.

In the beginning, SEMA exclusively served suppliers of performance equipment for hot rods, and the association accomplished its purpose of uniting the industry. Members helped develop standards for racing competitions and the association continued to grow, putting the industry firmly on the map.

A glance into SEMA history is not complete without a mention of the SEMA Show. By the late ’60s, members saw a need for an annual convention where they could all meet and do business. The first SEMA Show in 1967 had 100 exhibitors and was held beneath the bleachers at Dodger Stadium. Since then, the Show has grown steadily and now has more than 2,300 exhibiting companies spread across more than 1 million sq. ft. of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Not only has it increased in size and scope, but it has also remained an important event for business growth.

Mediating government legislation also became a strong focus for SEMA early on—an effort that went a long way to legitimizing the industry in the eyes of the government and the public. Today, SEMA maintains an active presence on the legislative front and has also added many more resources for members.

SEMA continues to focus attention on the issues that are most important to members. Among the top priorities are the SEMA Data Co-op, the SEMA Garage, vehicle technology and the next generation of leaders.

The SEMA Data Co-op makes product data management simple for manufacturers, who can save staff time by updating and maintaining their data for a variety of customers all in one place. It’s also more efficient for retailers who can now find everything they need in one place and request the format they need. Learn more at www.SEMAdatacoop.org.

Vehicle technology changes at a rapid pace, and it’s important for members to be in the know so that they can stay on the cutting edge. SEMA makes it easy by collaborating with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) to provide information and alerts about advanced vehicle technologies and regulations influencing products and businesses. More information is available at www.sema.org/vehicletechnology.

On the minds of many aftermarket business leaders is their next generation of employees. Over the last few years, SEMA has developed several programs to develop the leadership potential of the next generation. One of the best ways for young professionals to grow is by joining the Young Executives Network (YEN), open to all SEMA-member company employees who are under the age of 40. Apply online at www.sema.org/yen.

Of course, the SEMA Show, held each November, will always be a top priority for the association.

Each of these tools is a different expression of the same mission that SEMA has had since the beginning: helping members’ businesses succeed and prosper. As the association keeps growing, members can be confident that the tools will keep evolving with the needs of the industry.

If you are not currently a member of the association, don’t wait any longer to be a part of its future. Joining is simple online at www.sema.org/join. If you’re already a member, customer service representatives are ready to help you integrate SEMA benefits into your company. Call 909-610-2030 to explore these resources in-depth.

SEMA News—May 2015

BUSINESS
By Amanda Gubbins

SEMA STILL GOING FULL SPEED AHEAD

In the early years, as the industry grew, specifications remained a challenge. It became clear that a partnership was needed for manufacturers. Regulations were necessary in order to keep moving forward, but the manufacturers needed to organize. Discussions began on how to create specifications and legitimize products and, on March 26, 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) was formed in response.

In the beginning, SEMA exclusively served suppliers of performance equipment for hot rods, and the association accomplished its purpose of uniting the industry. Members helped develop standards for racing competitions and the association continued to grow, putting the industry firmly on the map.

A glance into SEMA history is not complete without a mention of the SEMA Show. By the late ’60s, members saw a need for an annual convention where they could all meet and do business. The first SEMA Show in 1967 had 100 exhibitors and was held beneath the bleachers at Dodger Stadium. Since then, the Show has grown steadily and now has more than 2,300 exhibiting companies spread across more than 1 million sq. ft. of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Not only has it increased in size and scope, but it has also remained an important event for business growth.

Mediating government legislation also became a strong focus for SEMA early on—an effort that went a long way to legitimizing the industry in the eyes of the government and the public. Today, SEMA maintains an active presence on the legislative front and has also added many more resources for members.

SEMA continues to focus attention on the issues that are most important to members. Among the top priorities are the SEMA Data Co-op, the SEMA Garage, vehicle technology and the next generation of leaders.

The SEMA Data Co-op makes product data management simple for manufacturers, who can save staff time by updating and maintaining their data for a variety of customers all in one place. It’s also more efficient for retailers who can now find everything they need in one place and request the format they need. Learn more at www.SEMAdatacoop.org.

Vehicle technology changes at a rapid pace, and it’s important for members to be in the know so that they can stay on the cutting edge. SEMA makes it easy by collaborating with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) to provide information and alerts about advanced vehicle technologies and regulations influencing products and businesses. More information is available at www.sema.org/vehicletechnology.

On the minds of many aftermarket business leaders is their next generation of employees. Over the last few years, SEMA has developed several programs to develop the leadership potential of the next generation. One of the best ways for young professionals to grow is by joining the Young Executives Network (YEN), open to all SEMA-member company employees who are under the age of 40. Apply online at www.sema.org/yen.

Of course, the SEMA Show, held each November, will always be a top priority for the association.

Each of these tools is a different expression of the same mission that SEMA has had since the beginning: helping members’ businesses succeed and prosper. As the association keeps growing, members can be confident that the tools will keep evolving with the needs of the industry.

If you are not currently a member of the association, don’t wait any longer to be a part of its future. Joining is simple online at www.sema.org/join. If you’re already a member, customer service representatives are ready to help you integrate SEMA benefits into your company. Call 909-610-2030 to explore these resources in-depth.

SEMA News—May 2015

BUSINESS
By Amanda Gubbins

SEMA STILL GOING FULL SPEED AHEAD

In the early years, as the industry grew, specifications remained a challenge. It became clear that a partnership was needed for manufacturers. Regulations were necessary in order to keep moving forward, but the manufacturers needed to organize. Discussions began on how to create specifications and legitimize products and, on March 26, 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) was formed in response.

In the beginning, SEMA exclusively served suppliers of performance equipment for hot rods, and the association accomplished its purpose of uniting the industry. Members helped develop standards for racing competitions and the association continued to grow, putting the industry firmly on the map.

A glance into SEMA history is not complete without a mention of the SEMA Show. By the late ’60s, members saw a need for an annual convention where they could all meet and do business. The first SEMA Show in 1967 had 100 exhibitors and was held beneath the bleachers at Dodger Stadium. Since then, the Show has grown steadily and now has more than 2,300 exhibiting companies spread across more than 1 million sq. ft. of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Not only has it increased in size and scope, but it has also remained an important event for business growth.

Mediating government legislation also became a strong focus for SEMA early on—an effort that went a long way to legitimizing the industry in the eyes of the government and the public. Today, SEMA maintains an active presence on the legislative front and has also added many more resources for members.

SEMA continues to focus attention on the issues that are most important to members. Among the top priorities are the SEMA Data Co-op, the SEMA Garage, vehicle technology and the next generation of leaders.

The SEMA Data Co-op makes product data management simple for manufacturers, who can save staff time by updating and maintaining their data for a variety of customers all in one place. It’s also more efficient for retailers who can now find everything they need in one place and request the format they need. Learn more at www.SEMAdatacoop.org.

Vehicle technology changes at a rapid pace, and it’s important for members to be in the know so that they can stay on the cutting edge. SEMA makes it easy by collaborating with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) to provide information and alerts about advanced vehicle technologies and regulations influencing products and businesses. More information is available at www.sema.org/vehicletechnology.

On the minds of many aftermarket business leaders is their next generation of employees. Over the last few years, SEMA has developed several programs to develop the leadership potential of the next generation. One of the best ways for young professionals to grow is by joining the Young Executives Network (YEN), open to all SEMA-member company employees who are under the age of 40. Apply online at www.sema.org/yen.

Of course, the SEMA Show, held each November, will always be a top priority for the association.

Each of these tools is a different expression of the same mission that SEMA has had since the beginning: helping members’ businesses succeed and prosper. As the association keeps growing, members can be confident that the tools will keep evolving with the needs of the industry.

If you are not currently a member of the association, don’t wait any longer to be a part of its future. Joining is simple online at www.sema.org/join. If you’re already a member, customer service representatives are ready to help you integrate SEMA benefits into your company. Call 909-610-2030 to explore these resources in-depth.

SEMA News—May 2015

BUSINESS
By Amanda Gubbins

SEMA STILL GOING FULL SPEED AHEAD

In the early years, as the industry grew, specifications remained a challenge. It became clear that a partnership was needed for manufacturers. Regulations were necessary in order to keep moving forward, but the manufacturers needed to organize. Discussions began on how to create specifications and legitimize products and, on March 26, 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) was formed in response.

In the beginning, SEMA exclusively served suppliers of performance equipment for hot rods, and the association accomplished its purpose of uniting the industry. Members helped develop standards for racing competitions and the association continued to grow, putting the industry firmly on the map.

A glance into SEMA history is not complete without a mention of the SEMA Show. By the late ’60s, members saw a need for an annual convention where they could all meet and do business. The first SEMA Show in 1967 had 100 exhibitors and was held beneath the bleachers at Dodger Stadium. Since then, the Show has grown steadily and now has more than 2,300 exhibiting companies spread across more than 1 million sq. ft. of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Not only has it increased in size and scope, but it has also remained an important event for business growth.

Mediating government legislation also became a strong focus for SEMA early on—an effort that went a long way to legitimizing the industry in the eyes of the government and the public. Today, SEMA maintains an active presence on the legislative front and has also added many more resources for members.

SEMA continues to focus attention on the issues that are most important to members. Among the top priorities are the SEMA Data Co-op, the SEMA Garage, vehicle technology and the next generation of leaders.

The SEMA Data Co-op makes product data management simple for manufacturers, who can save staff time by updating and maintaining their data for a variety of customers all in one place. It’s also more efficient for retailers who can now find everything they need in one place and request the format they need. Learn more at www.SEMAdatacoop.org.

Vehicle technology changes at a rapid pace, and it’s important for members to be in the know so that they can stay on the cutting edge. SEMA makes it easy by collaborating with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) to provide information and alerts about advanced vehicle technologies and regulations influencing products and businesses. More information is available at www.sema.org/vehicletechnology.

On the minds of many aftermarket business leaders is their next generation of employees. Over the last few years, SEMA has developed several programs to develop the leadership potential of the next generation. One of the best ways for young professionals to grow is by joining the Young Executives Network (YEN), open to all SEMA-member company employees who are under the age of 40. Apply online at www.sema.org/yen.

Of course, the SEMA Show, held each November, will always be a top priority for the association.

Each of these tools is a different expression of the same mission that SEMA has had since the beginning: helping members’ businesses succeed and prosper. As the association keeps growing, members can be confident that the tools will keep evolving with the needs of the industry.

If you are not currently a member of the association, don’t wait any longer to be a part of its future. Joining is simple online at www.sema.org/join. If you’re already a member, customer service representatives are ready to help you integrate SEMA benefits into your company. Call 909-610-2030 to explore these resources in-depth.

SEMA News—May 2015

BUSINESS
By Amanda Gubbins

SEMA STILL GOING FULL SPEED AHEAD

In the early years, as the industry grew, specifications remained a challenge. It became clear that a partnership was needed for manufacturers. Regulations were necessary in order to keep moving forward, but the manufacturers needed to organize. Discussions began on how to create specifications and legitimize products and, on March 26, 1963, the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) was formed in response.

In the beginning, SEMA exclusively served suppliers of performance equipment for hot rods, and the association accomplished its purpose of uniting the industry. Members helped develop standards for racing competitions and the association continued to grow, putting the industry firmly on the map.

A glance into SEMA history is not complete without a mention of the SEMA Show. By the late ’60s, members saw a need for an annual convention where they could all meet and do business. The first SEMA Show in 1967 had 100 exhibitors and was held beneath the bleachers at Dodger Stadium. Since then, the Show has grown steadily and now has more than 2,300 exhibiting companies spread across more than 1 million sq. ft. of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Not only has it increased in size and scope, but it has also remained an important event for business growth.

Mediating government legislation also became a strong focus for SEMA early on—an effort that went a long way to legitimizing the industry in the eyes of the government and the public. Today, SEMA maintains an active presence on the legislative front and has also added many more resources for members.

SEMA continues to focus attention on the issues that are most important to members. Among the top priorities are the SEMA Data Co-op, the SEMA Garage, vehicle technology and the next generation of leaders.

The SEMA Data Co-op makes product data management simple for manufacturers, who can save staff time by updating and maintaining their data for a variety of customers all in one place. It’s also more efficient for retailers who can now find everything they need in one place and request the format they need. Learn more at www.SEMAdatacoop.org.

Vehicle technology changes at a rapid pace, and it’s important for members to be in the know so that they can stay on the cutting edge. SEMA makes it easy by collaborating with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) to provide information and alerts about advanced vehicle technologies and regulations influencing products and businesses. More information is available at www.sema.org/vehicletechnology.

On the minds of many aftermarket business leaders is their next generation of employees. Over the last few years, SEMA has developed several programs to develop the leadership potential of the next generation. One of the best ways for young professionals to grow is by joining the Young Executives Network (YEN), open to all SEMA-member company employees who are under the age of 40. Apply online at www.sema.org/yen.

Of course, the SEMA Show, held each November, will always be a top priority for the association.

Each of these tools is a different expression of the same mission that SEMA has had since the beginning: helping members’ businesses succeed and prosper. As the association keeps growing, members can be confident that the tools will keep evolving with the needs of the industry.

If you are not currently a member of the association, don’t wait any longer to be a part of its future. Joining is simple online at www.sema.org/join. If you’re already a member, customer service representatives are ready to help you integrate SEMA benefits into your company. Call 909-610-2030 to explore these resources in-depth.