The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 452 (S. Res. 452) at the request of SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils designating July 13, 2012 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. 

As with the previous two Resolutions, S. Res. 452 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senators Tester and Burr are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and S. Res. 452 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. 

“We are grateful for the U.S. Senate’s recognition of the collector car hobby as an American pastime and means of individual expression,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “Collector Car Appreciation Day is also a singular tribute to the collector car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports. Restoration businesses help preserve our nation’s heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide.”  

States, cities and two Canadian provinces joined the U.S. Senate last year by passing their own proclamations and resolutions. This year, the Hawaii State Legislature has already passed two resolutions and several other states are pursuing similar initiatives.

“On July 13, 2012, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds of events across the country,” said Laura Bergan, chairman of SEMA’s ARMO Council. “We will again proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day.”

Through its grassroots hobbyist organization—the SEMA Action Network (SAN)—SEMA is maintaining a list of scheduled events to commemorate the day at www.semasan.com. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact SAN Director Colby Martin at 909/978-6721 or san@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate July 13, SAN encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.



SEMA was founded in 1963 and represents the $29.99 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,383 member companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.

SEMA members are having a lively debate on the LinkedIn SEMA Members group regarding whether Twitter posts should be copied to other social media outlets.

What do you think: Is social media effective when used for business purposes, or is it purely a waste of time for narcissists who enjoy "shouting into a crowded room?" And how do you separate the two?

To join the discussion, you must first create a free LinkedIn account and join the SEMA Members group. And while you’re there, we encourage you to check out the myriad discussions happening amongst other SEMA members.

	The 2011 SEMA Board of Directors.

Eleven industry professionals are vying for positions on the 2012–2015 SEMA Board of Directors. The SEMA Board provides strategic direction to the association and plays a critical role in shaping the future of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

On May 8, election materials were mailed to the primary contacts at eligible SEMA-member companies. The voting process is entirely electronic this year and will begin May 14, continuing until voting closes on June 12.

To cast your ballot in the election, you must be the designated primary contact and your company must be a current SEMA member.  

For more information about the 2012–2015 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or call 909-978-6678. 

	The 2011 SEMA Board of Directors.

Eleven industry professionals are vying for positions on the 2012–2015 SEMA Board of Directors. The SEMA Board provides strategic direction to the association and plays a critical role in shaping the future of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

On May 8, election materials were mailed to the primary contacts at eligible SEMA-member companies. The voting process is entirely electronic this year and will begin May 14, continuing until voting closes on June 12.

To cast your ballot in the election, you must be the designated primary contact and your company must be a current SEMA member.  

For more information about the 2012–2015 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or call 909-978-6678. 

	The 2011 SEMA Board of Directors.

Eleven industry professionals are vying for positions on the 2012–2015 SEMA Board of Directors. The SEMA Board provides strategic direction to the association and plays a critical role in shaping the future of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

On May 8, election materials were mailed to the primary contacts at eligible SEMA-member companies. The voting process is entirely electronic this year and will begin May 14, continuing until voting closes on June 12.

To cast your ballot in the election, you must be the designated primary contact and your company must be a current SEMA member.  

For more information about the 2012–2015 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or call 909-978-6678. 

	The 2011 SEMA Board of Directors.

Eleven industry professionals are vying for positions on the 2012–2015 SEMA Board of Directors. The SEMA Board provides strategic direction to the association and plays a critical role in shaping the future of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

On May 8, election materials were mailed to the primary contacts at eligible SEMA-member companies. The voting process is entirely electronic this year and will begin May 14, continuing until voting closes on June 12.

To cast your ballot in the election, you must be the designated primary contact and your company must be a current SEMA member.  

For more information about the 2012–2015 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or call 909-978-6678. 

The photo gallery located at www.semaphotos.com features thousands of pictures of products featured in the Show's New Products Showcase, vehicles on display and exhibiting companies from the 2011 SEMA Show. Each week in SEMA eNews, a new collection of vehicle photos is highlighted. In the spotlight this week are vehicles from BMW.

In addition to the vehicle photos, the product photos also include key details, such as product name, a brief description and exhibitor contact information.

The photo gallery located at www.semaphotos.com features thousands of pictures of products featured in the Show's New Products Showcase, vehicles on display and exhibiting companies from the 2011 SEMA Show. Each week in SEMA eNews, a new collection of vehicle photos is highlighted. In the spotlight this week are vehicles from BMW.

In addition to the vehicle photos, the product photos also include key details, such as product name, a brief description and exhibitor contact information.

	The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) organizes meetings and classes during SEMA Show week.

After debuting at last year’s SEMA Show, the Collision Repair & Refinish section will return to provide buyers with a dedicated area on the Show floor where they can quickly and easily meet with major refinish companies, paint booth manufacturers, parts suppliers and manufacturers, estimating and management software companies, manufacturers of structural repair and welding equipment, safety equipment and other related products. The section has been identified as one of the fastest growing areas of the Show, and is on track to surpass last years’ numbers for the 2012 SEMA Show taking place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We’ve seen interest from the collision repair market increase over the years,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA VP of events and communications. “We’re responding to what we’re hearing from the industry by providing them with what they need and want.”

Last year, due to significant growth and interest from the collision repair industry, Show organizers created a new floor section, “Collision Repair & Refinish,” to make it easy for those in the professional repair business to connect with manufacturers in the industry. SEMA Show exhibitors are categorized by market segments and display their products in sectionalized floor areas. The floor sections make it easy for buyers to concentrate on the markets that are most relevant to their businesses, while also exploring new opportunities for growth in related segments.

Buyers interested in the Collision Repair & Refinish segment, for example, often visit the Tools & Equipment section of the SEMA Show. The related section features products to help shop owners work smarter and faster, such as new lifts, grinders, jacks and more.

Last year’s SEMA Show featured more than 300 companies between the two sections, that were of high interest to the collision repair business owners attending the show.

“One of the unique things about the SEMA Show is that is encompasses the entire automotive parts and accessories industry,” said MacGillivray. “Participants are able to accomplish a great deal in a short amount of time.”

Other floor sections at the SEMA Show are Business Services, Global Tire Expo Powered by TIA, Hot Rod Alley, Mobile Electronics & Technology, Powersports & Utility Vehicles, Racing & Performance, Restoration Marketplace, Restyling & Car Care Accessories, Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road, and Wheels & Accessories.

In addition to manufacturers exhibiting at the Show, the event features nearly 60 educational seminars and countless networking events. The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) organizes meetings and classes during the week, making it convenient and affordable for its members to participate while at the SEMA Show. The combination of unparalleled exhibition opportunities and world-class education on relevant industry specific topics has defined the SEMA Show as the destination for collision repairers from across the globe.  

To learn more about the SEMA Show or to register for the event, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) organizes meetings and classes during SEMA Show week.

After debuting at last year’s SEMA Show, the Collision Repair & Refinish section will return to provide buyers with a dedicated area on the Show floor where they can quickly and easily meet with major refinish companies, paint booth manufacturers, parts suppliers and manufacturers, estimating and management software companies, manufacturers of structural repair and welding equipment, safety equipment and other related products. The section has been identified as one of the fastest growing areas of the Show, and is on track to surpass last years’ numbers for the 2012 SEMA Show taking place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We’ve seen interest from the collision repair market increase over the years,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA VP of events and communications. “We’re responding to what we’re hearing from the industry by providing them with what they need and want.”

Last year, due to significant growth and interest from the collision repair industry, Show organizers created a new floor section, “Collision Repair & Refinish,” to make it easy for those in the professional repair business to connect with manufacturers in the industry. SEMA Show exhibitors are categorized by market segments and display their products in sectionalized floor areas. The floor sections make it easy for buyers to concentrate on the markets that are most relevant to their businesses, while also exploring new opportunities for growth in related segments.

Buyers interested in the Collision Repair & Refinish segment, for example, often visit the Tools & Equipment section of the SEMA Show. The related section features products to help shop owners work smarter and faster, such as new lifts, grinders, jacks and more.

Last year’s SEMA Show featured more than 300 companies between the two sections, that were of high interest to the collision repair business owners attending the show.

“One of the unique things about the SEMA Show is that is encompasses the entire automotive parts and accessories industry,” said MacGillivray. “Participants are able to accomplish a great deal in a short amount of time.”

Other floor sections at the SEMA Show are Business Services, Global Tire Expo Powered by TIA, Hot Rod Alley, Mobile Electronics & Technology, Powersports & Utility Vehicles, Racing & Performance, Restoration Marketplace, Restyling & Car Care Accessories, Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road, and Wheels & Accessories.

In addition to manufacturers exhibiting at the Show, the event features nearly 60 educational seminars and countless networking events. The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) organizes meetings and classes during the week, making it convenient and affordable for its members to participate while at the SEMA Show. The combination of unparalleled exhibition opportunities and world-class education on relevant industry specific topics has defined the SEMA Show as the destination for collision repairers from across the globe.  

To learn more about the SEMA Show or to register for the event, visit www.SEMAShow.com.