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

Filler for eNews