From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

It was another newsworthy series of days for international trade and tariffs. Here's the latest:

A major court ruling. A federal appeals court ruled that the tariffs President Trump imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unlawful and exceed IEEPA's authority. The 7-4 ruling takes effect on October 14, giving the Trump administration time to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

If upheld, the ruling could:

• Require the federal government to repay businesses for IEEPA tariffs previously collected. Click here for a link to country-by-country tariff rates.
• Impact trade deals that the Trump Administration has struck with the European Union, Japan, South Korea and other major trading partners that provide reduced reciprocal tariff rates on their imports (compared to the tariff rates the President first proposed in April).
•  
• Impact IEEPA tariffs imposed on China, Canada and Mexico.
  • Canada (EO 14193) and Mexico (EO 14194): 25% tariff for goods that do not claim or qualify for USMCA duty-free preference, and a 10% tariff for energy and potash imports that do not claim or qualify for USMCA duty-free preference. 
  • China (EO 14195): 20% tariff for all goods from China. 

Canada Acts on Retaliatory Tariffs on United States Exports

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in late August announced that Canada will remove many of its retaliatory tariffs on American goods in an effort to align Canada's tariff regime with United States exemptions under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The changes were effective September 1, although tariffs on American steel, aluminum and automobiles remain in place. However, automotive parts that comply with USMCA remain tariff free.

Canada continues to apply a 25% tariff on non-USMCA-compliant American vehicles. In addition, even vehicles that qualify under USMCA can face a 25% duty on non-Canadian or non-Mexican content. These tariffs were adopted as countermeasures to American trade actions earlier this year and remain in force pending further negotiations.

On the United States side, automobiles and certain categories of auto parts imported from Canada and Mexico are subject to a 25% tariff unless they qualify under USMCA. USMCA-compliant parts remain tariff-free, but the U.S. Department of Commerce has indicated that tariffs may eventually be calculated only on the non-United States content within otherwise compliant goods.

The announcements followed a phone call between President Trump and Prime Minister Carney, during which both sides discussed trade, security and the potential for renewed negotiations. Canada's move was described as an effort to de-escalate tensions and preserve a framework for future talks.

More Clarity on Derivative Tariffs, Stacking

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently expanded Section 232 to cover 407 additional steel and aluminum derivative products, which are subject to a 50% tariff on their metal content. When looking at the potential impact of this increased tariff, it's important to look at "tariff stacking," which outlines below how it works. Executive Order 14289 (April 2025) and subsequent CBP guidance created a hierarchy to reduce overlap on Section 232 duties--especially in autos and metals--while leaving most other tariffs cumulative.

1. Automobiles and Auto Parts: Highest priority; if these tariffs apply, no other Section 232 or IEEPA duties attach to the same product.
2. Aluminum: Applies only to the aluminum content; non-aluminum components can still face lower-tier tariffs.
3. Steel: Same principle as aluminum: duty covers steel content only, with other materials potentially subject to additional tariffs.
4. IEEPA Canada and Mexico
   • These tariffs only apply if the auto/auto parts, aluminum and steel tariffs do not.
   • USMCA-qualified articles are exempt from IEEPA tariffs.

Outside this hierarchy, rates, global surcharges, Section 301 (China) and reciprocal tariffs generally stack, often pushing cumulative duties for China-origin goods above 40–70. Accurate HTS classification, supply-chain mapping and mitigation strategies (e.g., tariff engineering or shifting origin) are now essential to control landed costs.

HTS Codes Related to Automobiles Impact by Derivative Item Tariffs

Below is a running list of Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) codes in the motor vehicle space that are subject to derivative tariffs. Note: some vehicular tariffs are for agricultural equipment components.

This article was originally published on September 4, 2025

By SEMA News Editors

ICON Vehicle Dynamics

Leveling Kit for '24-'25 Ford Ranger Raptor

ICON Alloys' 2.25-in. lift front coilover spacer kit is designed as an easy and inexpensive way to lift the front-end of '24-'25 Ford Ranger Raptor pickup trucks while keeping the OE coilover shock assemblies. Specifically designed to maintain full functionality of the stock electronic shock system, these billet aluminum coilover spacers provide 2.25-in. of front lift over stock for a more aggressive, level stance and easier fitment of larger, more aggressive wheel and tire combinations without overextending the stock front upper control arm ball joints. This spacer kit also prevents over-cycling of the CV joints as the suspension approaches full extension. CNC machined from 6061 billet aluminum with a black anodized finish for corrosion resistance.

iconvehicledynamics.com

Holley

RetroBright LED Forward Facing Light

Holley's RetroBright LED headlights deliver modern performance in a classic design with plug-and-play compatibility, improved visibility and up to six times longer life than traditional sealed beams. The low-profile housings fit most shallow headlight buckets without cutting or drilling, while a built-in PWM LED driver keeps light output consistent during extended use.

Developed in collaboration with Morimoto, the RetroBright lineup produces nearly three times more light than stock headlights--up to 53,000 candela on high beam--and is available in popular 5.75-in. round, 7-in. round, 4x6-in. rectangular, and 5x7-in. rectangular sizes. Options include 3,000K or 5,700K color temperatures, plus yellow lenses for European styling.

holley.com

SmokED Stuff

Tread Lightly! Adventure Rub

Tread Lightly!, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation through stewardship and educational programs, is announcing the creation of the Tread Lightly! Adventure Rub, a new spice by SmokED Stuff with benefits supporting Tread Lightly! 's mission.

The Tread Lightly! Adventure Rub is a robust blend of ground coffee, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, creating a perfect seasoning for your outdoor grilling adventures.

Florida locals can try the Tread Lightly! Adventure Rub at Jeeptober Fest in Ocala, Florida, October 10-12, or at the Jeepalooza Beach Jam, October 22-25. It can also be purchased online here.

treadlightly.org

Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA hosted a delegation from Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, bringing together global mobility experts, automotive media and SEMA leadership to highlight new opportunities in vehicle safety policy, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) technology and aftermarket innovation. 

The following is an op-ed from FIA Secretary General for Mobility and Sustainability Willem Groenenwald highlighting the visit and the importance of global partnerships:

With more than 275 million registered vehicles and 229 million licensed drivers, the United States is one of the most influential mobility markets in the world. Yet it is also a country where road traffic accidents remain a leading cause of death, with around 40,000 fatalities each year. This reality underscores why collaboration between regulators, industry and global partners is essential to shaping a safer and more sustainable future for mobility.

Last week, I joined FIA Deputy President for Mobility Tim Shearman and FIA Region III President Frank Fotia for a two-day program in Detroit with SEMA, one of the newest members of the FIA community. Detroit, the cultural home of the American automotive industry, provided the perfect backdrop for conversations about how global cooperation can accelerate progress.

Our agenda reflected the breadth of innovation in the sector:

• At the Transportation Research Center (TRC), we explored advanced work in automation, ADAS, connectivity and electrification. As North America's largest independent automotive testing facility, TRC highlights the scale of transformation reshaping mobility. These technologies are moving rapidly from prototypes to mainstream deployment, raising new questions around regulation, interoperability and consumer trust.
   
• Our meeting with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reinforced a shared priority: saving lives. With 1.19 million people killed on the world's roads every year, nations cannot afford to develop road safety alone. It must be addressed through global collaboration, consistent standards and cross-sector partnerships that turn technological progress into real-world impact.
   
• At SEMA Garage Detroit, we spoke directly with industry experts from our member club on advanced vehicle testing, aftermarket development, emissions testing and control, and regulatory priorities. This cutting-edge laboratory is a space where innovation becomes reality, with ideas not just discussed, but validated, scaled and prepared for the road, balancing regulatory needs with consumer passion and demand.

What united these conversations is a simple principle: mobility transformation must serve people first, across the world.

As mobility undergoes its most profound transformation in a century, we must ensure consumers remain at the center of every decision. Whether in electrification, connected vehicles or safety frameworks, our responsibility is to build trust, ensure equity and deliver on the promise of safe, sustainable and innovative mobility.

The U.S. market is central to this transformation. Partnerships like the one between the FIA and SEMA help bridge global perspectives with local expertise, aligning priorities and accelerating progress.

The federation's ongoing work via the FIA Road Safety Index, supported by the FIA Foundation, is seeing increased engagement across the United States in both the public and private sectors. In May this year, the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) became the first municipal fleet in the world to adopt this international framework for measuring and improving road safety performance, joining the likes of Amazon, Waymo and Uber.

But continuing this momentum requires leadership:

• Policymakers must prioritise forward-looking regulation that keeps pace with innovation.
• Industry leaders and OEMs must commit to shared standards, transparent testing and cross-sector collaboration.
• And together we must keep safety, sustainability, and accessibility at the heart of every mobility solution.

The choices we make today will define the next century of mobility. Through collaboration, leadership and innovation, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to deliver a future that is not only technologically advanced but also safer, cleaner and smarter for everyone.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA hosted a delegation from Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, bringing together global mobility experts, automotive media and SEMA leadership to highlight new opportunities in vehicle safety policy, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) technology and aftermarket innovation. 

The following is an op-ed from FIA Secretary General for Mobility and Sustainability Willem Groenenwald highlighting the visit and the importance of global partnerships:

With more than 275 million registered vehicles and 229 million licensed drivers, the United States is one of the most influential mobility markets in the world. Yet it is also a country where road traffic accidents remain a leading cause of death, with around 40,000 fatalities each year. This reality underscores why collaboration between regulators, industry and global partners is essential to shaping a safer and more sustainable future for mobility.

Last week, I joined FIA Deputy President for Mobility Tim Shearman and FIA Region III President Frank Fotia for a two-day program in Detroit with SEMA, one of the newest members of the FIA community. Detroit, the cultural home of the American automotive industry, provided the perfect backdrop for conversations about how global cooperation can accelerate progress.

Our agenda reflected the breadth of innovation in the sector:

• At the Transportation Research Center (TRC), we explored advanced work in automation, ADAS, connectivity and electrification. As North America's largest independent automotive testing facility, TRC highlights the scale of transformation reshaping mobility. These technologies are moving rapidly from prototypes to mainstream deployment, raising new questions around regulation, interoperability and consumer trust.
   
• Our meeting with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reinforced a shared priority: saving lives. With 1.19 million people killed on the world's roads every year, nations cannot afford to develop road safety alone. It must be addressed through global collaboration, consistent standards and cross-sector partnerships that turn technological progress into real-world impact.
   
• At SEMA Garage Detroit, we spoke directly with industry experts from our member club on advanced vehicle testing, aftermarket development, emissions testing and control, and regulatory priorities. This cutting-edge laboratory is a space where innovation becomes reality, with ideas not just discussed, but validated, scaled and prepared for the road, balancing regulatory needs with consumer passion and demand.

What united these conversations is a simple principle: mobility transformation must serve people first, across the world.

As mobility undergoes its most profound transformation in a century, we must ensure consumers remain at the center of every decision. Whether in electrification, connected vehicles or safety frameworks, our responsibility is to build trust, ensure equity and deliver on the promise of safe, sustainable and innovative mobility.

The U.S. market is central to this transformation. Partnerships like the one between the FIA and SEMA help bridge global perspectives with local expertise, aligning priorities and accelerating progress.

The federation's ongoing work via the FIA Road Safety Index, supported by the FIA Foundation, is seeing increased engagement across the United States in both the public and private sectors. In May this year, the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) became the first municipal fleet in the world to adopt this international framework for measuring and improving road safety performance, joining the likes of Amazon, Waymo and Uber.

But continuing this momentum requires leadership:

• Policymakers must prioritise forward-looking regulation that keeps pace with innovation.
• Industry leaders and OEMs must commit to shared standards, transparent testing and cross-sector collaboration.
• And together we must keep safety, sustainability, and accessibility at the heart of every mobility solution.

The choices we make today will define the next century of mobility. Through collaboration, leadership and innovation, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to deliver a future that is not only technologically advanced but also safer, cleaner and smarter for everyone.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) is hosting a webinar designed to educate SEMA members on how the portable emissions measurement system (PEMS) device works, what emissions it measures, and its importance.  

The session, "Validating the Aftermarket: PEMS in Action," will take place Tuesday, September 23, at 1:00 p.m. PDT/4:00 p.m. EDT. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how the PEMS device enables aftermarket manufacturers to review tailpipe emissions in-house, make updates and build confidence in their products before costly lab testing. 

The webinar will cover how PEMS: 

• Supports self-testing (or guided testing) to ensure emissions compliance 
• Improves product development efficiency 
• Provides pricing and timing insights, offering a cost-effective solution before entering the emissions lab.  

Panelists include Dr. Alberto Ayala, executive director and air pollution control officer, Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD, and Matthew Barry, general manager, Europe, 3DATX.  

This session is a unique opportunity for SEMA members to see how PEMS can streamline product development and build confidence in aftermarket products. 

Register now to join the webinar and learn how to leverage this powerful tool for your business. 

By Ceramic Pro
 

Ceramic Pro: Driving the Future of Restyling Through Technology

Ceramic Pro has always been known for innovation in automotive protection. Now, Ceramic Pro is pushing the restyling market forward with two cutting-edge advancements: the Elite Dealer Visualizer powered by DreamRide.AI and the launch of Ceramic Pro Shift Color Paint-Protection Film (PPF). Together, they are bridging the gap between consumer imagination and shop execution in a way the industry has never seen before.
 

The Elite Dealer Visualizer: Powered by DreamRide.AI

One of the biggest challenges in vehicle restyling has been helping customers see their vision before it becomes reality. The Elite Dealer Visualizer solves this challenge by offering the most advanced web-based tool in the industry.

Customers can preview window tint and more than 150 colors and finishes of Ceramic Pro Shift Color PPF on 100-plus popular vehicle models, all without leaving a dealer's website or ceramicpro.com. Unlike other visualizers that look unrealistic, run slowly or require expensive hardware, DreamRide.AI delivers speed, realism and accessibility on any device.

The platform even includes three unique lighting environments (daylight, garage and dusk) so users can see how their car will look in real-world conditions from the comfort of their mobile phones. And for dealers, the Visualizer isn't just a tool for imagination. It's optimized for lead generation, capturing customer inquiries directly and turning browsing into business.
 

Ceramic Pro Shift: Color Without Compromise

The launch of Ceramic Pro Shift marks a milestone for PPF. Traditionally, drivers had to choose between style and durability; vinyl wraps offered customization but lacked resilience, while clear PPF provided defense but no flair.

Shift changes everything by combining protection and personalization. With more than 120 bold colors and finishes, Ceramic Pro Shift lets customers restyle their cars without sacrificing the strength of proven PPF. Gloss, matte, metallic, pearl, color flip, iridescent and carbon, all backed by Ceramic Pro's reputation for quality.

Meeting the Market Where It's Headed

The timing couldn't be better. Restyling is no longer niche--it's mainstream. As vehicles stay on the road longer, consumers are investing in ways to make them uniquely their own. The automotive aftermarket in the United States is now valued at more than $500 billion, with restyling products and digital tools driving significant growth.

What sets Ceramic Pro apart is its ability to connect this consumer demand with modern, web-based experiences. The Elite Dealer Visualizer is more than a sales tool; it bridges the gap between curiosity and commitment. By combining Shift Color PPF with a seamless digital preview experience, Ceramic Pro ensures customers not only want the product but feel confident buying it.

A Seamless Experience for Consumers and Dealers

For consumers, this means confidence and clarity: the ability to experiment with colors, finishes and tint until they find the perfect look, then connect directly with a trusted local Elite Dealer.

For shops, it means differentiation in a crowded marketplace. By offering a digital-first experience, Elite Dealers can capture more leads, close more sales and deliver the elevated service today's car owners expect.

Restyling Reimagined

With the Elite Dealer Visualizer and Shift Color PPF, Ceramic Pro is not just keeping pace with the restyling movement; it's leading it.

Restyle. Protect. Experience. The future of automotive personalization starts with Ceramic Pro Elite Dealers.

For more information, visit ceramicpro.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Amy Beck, owner of Hahn Auto Restoration, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Beck in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there? 

Amy Beck: I have been with Hahn Auto Restoration for 12 years. I love the men I work with. They have become my family. When you think about going to work, sometimes you dread it, but many times I'm thinking about telling someone a funny thing that happened on the weekend or checking in with someone who I know was going to do something fun. It's the people. 

SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job? 

AB: Waiting. The process of restoring a car is long. Parts can be on back order. I hate to hear that word. I'm a microwave, drive-thru, two-day shipping kind of person. Restoration is a beautiful process that takes time. I'm not as patient as I need to be. 

SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job? 

AB: For 12 years, this is my first job in the industry. But if you look at family photos, you will see many photos of me and a car. My dad restored cars since I was little. My sister and I grew up around it. We had our favorite cars and colors at a young age. And of course, we passed that on to our kids, who had their favorites picked out before they could drive. 

SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? 

AB: I'm a perfectionist. It's just in me. It's great for producing a great product, but difficult if you are a loved one of mine. I love organization. Everything has a place and should be neat and tidy. It helps at a restoration shop, as there are so many parts for each car. This translates to other areas of business, too, like your finances or procedures. Lastly, I'd say I have a love for people. This helps with employees and customers. Each car represents a person and their story of why they are restoring the car. Many customers have become part of our family. 

SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? 

AB: My biggest challenge is men realizing I own the business. I'm asked often for the person in charge, the man he should talk to or anyone else other than me (the assumed secretary). When I am at a car show with my husband, that's usually the hardest time to talk to someone, as they only want to talk to my husband. My biggest accomplishment so far would be the transition from working at the shop to owning the shop; from my dad making decisions to me making the decisions. Transitions are hard. But I moved the shop to a larger space, created a build-out in that space, bought a new spray booth and had it installed, planned a two-day open house and contracted for a new website. All in the same year. 

SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? 

AB: My first teacher in this industry was my dad. He taught me how to look at a car for what's right and what's wrong. Now my shop operation director is my right-hand man. He has been in the industry for years, fabricating, doing bodywork and painting. 

SN: What is the best career advice you have received? 

AB: I have a business coach who has helped me process and move through all the changes. She has told me analogies and stories that have helped. One was about a squirrel. Squirrels gather nuts all day long and bury them, that is just what they do. Sometimes, we need to look at a situation as squirrels. It's much like the "let-them" concept. I need not to be shaken. I need to keep my peace. Squirrels will be squirrels and do what they do. I can keep my peace. I can. 

SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here? 

AB: No. It was my dad's career, not mine. I found myself at the point of needing something part-time and my dad needed someone. Now I wouldn't trade my job for anything. I love the people, I love the cars, I love the customers and I even love the smells in the shop that remind me of my dad. 

SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals? 

AB: My dad. 

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) invites all member companies and aftermarket businesses to participate in the upcoming ETTN Career Fair, taking place on Saturday, September 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT at the SEMA Garage in Plymouth, Michigan.  

This unique event provides the opportunity to connect face-to-face with top engineering and technical students from local universities and trade schools who are eager to join the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries. Whether you are hiring for internships, full-time positions or simply want to build awareness of your company, the ETTN Career Fair is an impactful, low-cost way to meet future employees.  

Previous career fairs have led directly to student hires and internships, and companies consistently report strong engagement and meaningful conversations. During the event, companies will host a table, network with students and share the variety of roles available in the fast-moving aftermarket industry.  

Participants will also have the chance to showcase their companies within the inspiring setting of the SEMA Garage, where students will be exposed to innovative technologies including ADAS, Emissions Compliance, Tech Transfer, 3D Printing and more.  

Participating in the career fair is free for member companies. Secure your spot today and help shape the future of the aftermarket.  

_{Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock}

By SEMA News Editors

Friday, September 5, is the deadline for 2025 SEMA Show exhibitors to be included in the official SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule and all published and promotional material. 

Exhibitors who have breaking news announcements that will be of interest to a large number of media during the 2025 SEMA Show can submit an application here. After submitting an application, exhibitors should receive an automatic email confirming that the application was received. Those who do not receive the automatic email may have experienced a technical problem and are encouraged to email pr@sema.org for assistance. 

To help promote the press conference and other SEMA Show activities, many exhibitors opt to utilize other tools to reach media at the SEMA Show, including submitting a press release in the Exhibitor Online Media Center. 

To learn more about press conferences, the Online Media Center, and other public relations resources available to SEMA Show exhibitors, visit the Public Relations Opportunities link or contact pr@sema.org.   

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced an amendment to its bylaws that will enhance the composition of its Board of Directors by eliminating the industry sector designation for each seat. Finalized at the association's July 2025 Board of Directors meeting, this change reflects a strategic shift towards an expertise and experience-driven governance model designed to better serve the evolving needs of the automotive aftermarket industry. 

Previously, the board was comprised of representatives from four distinct sectors of the industry: manufacturing, distributor/retailer, manufacturer's representative/organizations and services. Under the newly amended bylaws, board members will be selected based on their relevant industry and association knowledge and leadership experience, without the limitation of the specific sector affiliation. This change is designed to enhance the board's overall strength and flexibility by widening the pool of potential candidates and allowing the nominating committee to focus on identifying the most capable and qualified individuals. 

"This evolution in our governance structure is a reflection of the dynamic nature of our industry," said SEMA Board of Directors Chair Melanie White. "By focusing on expertise and leadership rather than sector representation, we're positioning the association to better serve our members and adapt to future challenges." 

This evolution also expands opportunities for all SEMA members to participate in board service, removing previous structural limitations and enabling broader engagement across the membership. The nominating committee will continue to play a key role by offering guidance on board composition, including member categories and industry areas that may benefit from representation. 

"This change empowers us to build a Board that truly reflects the diversity and depth of our industry," said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. "It's a forward-thinking move that will help us remain relevant, responsive, and resilient while opening the door for more members to contribute their expertise at the highest level." 

Additionally, the board has the authority to add up to two additional seats at any time in the future, allowing for greater flexibility in responding to emerging industry needs and opportunities. 

The updated bylaws take effect immediately and will guide future nominations and appointments. 

See the full text of the amended bylaws below:

Article VII: 

Board of Directors 

Section 2: Composition: The Board of Directors of SEMA shall consist of the representatives of ten (10) General Business Members. Officers of the Corporation, except the Treasurer, shall also be voting Members of the Board. In addition, the Board shall have at its discretion the ability to add two (2) additional Board seats at any point in time in the future.  From time to time, the Board of Directors may appoint non-voting advisory positions to industry Members or to other subject matter experts.   

Article IX: 

Nominations and Election Procedure 

Section 3: Nominating Procedures: The Nominating Committee shall operate under such procedures as are adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors in developing a slate of candidates.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Nominating Committee shall operate autonomously with staff involvement limited to when staff is specifically requested to contribute. The Nominating Committee shall submit its slate of candidates to the Executive Committee.  If the Nominating Committee and the Executive Committee agree on the slate to be presented to the Board, the slate shall be presented to the Board.  If the Nominating Committee and the Executive Committee cannot concur in the slate of candidates, the slate of candidates of both committees shall be submitted to the Board.  The Board of Directors may accept or change the slate or slates to arrive at the final slate of nominees. 

The Nominating Committee shall recommend a minimum of one and one-half (1½) the number of open seats for each Officer and Director position, rounded to the next highest integer where such number is a fraction.  The Committee may also recommend alternate candidates. Alternatives may be listed on the ballot at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  

The Nominating Committee shall recommend the slate of candidates for the Chair-Elect of the Board in accordance with the provisions of Article IX Section 3. 

Section 4: Additional Nominations: Additional nominations for the Board of Directors shall be included on the final slate of nominees when proposed by not less than two percent (2%) of General Business Members in good standing.  Such nominations must be presented in writing, to the Immediate Past Chair/Secretary of SEMA on or before thirty (30) days prior to the annual election.  Additional nominations so presented shall bear the signatures of the nominators and shall be designated as "other nominations."  The names shall be placed on the ballot and identified as "Other Nominations." 

Section 5: Election Procedures: The Board of Directors shall prepare, or direct a third party to prepare, the official ballot listing thereon the names of the nominees for the Board of Directors open seats and for the office of Chair-Elect of the Board. The election of the Directors and the Chair-Elect of the Board shall be by ballot of all General Business Members. Provision shall be made for Members to write in candidates of their choice on the ballot.  The Board shall, or direct a third party to, distribute the official ballot to the General Business Members in good standing. 

On the day following the closing date for the acceptance of ballots, the ballots shall be tabulated by an independent company selected to conduct the electronic voting. The Chair, Chair-Elect and Immediate Past Chair/Secretary will each be notified by e-mail of the election results on the same day the votes are tabulated and they will then conduct a teleconference to confirm the election results. The candidates receiving the most votes for Director shall be elected Directors, and the candidate receiving the most votes for Chair-Elect of the Board shall be elected Chair-Elect of the Board.  In the event of a tie in the election of a Director, or for the Chair-Elect of the Board, the current Board of Directors then sitting shall elect the Director or Chair-Elect by majority vote of those Directors present and voting in such election whether such election is conducted by email, mail, virtually or in person. No incumbent Director who shall be a candidate in a tie in an election of a Director shall vote in the election by the Board of Directors of a Director.  In the event a candidate who shall be elected as a Director shall not take office, or in the event a Director shall resign or leave their office, the candidate who shall have received the most votes in the most recent election but who did not receive sufficient votes to have been elected and is eligible for election to the Board of Directors shall be elected as a Director or Chair-Elect.  The Chairperson shall notify the entirety of the Board and all candidates of the results of the election.