SEMA-supported legislation to provide an exemption to automotive hobbyists from the restrictions on salvage yards was signed into law by Vermont  Governor Jim Douglas. The new law increases the regulation of salvage yards and automobile graveyards in the state, but includes a provision stipulating that hobbyists are not to be confused with the owners of automobile graveyards.

Working with the SEMA Action Network (SAN), SEMA convinced Kansas legislators to delete provisions from a revenue bill that increased the fees on antiques, street rods and special-interest vehicles. The language sought to raise the registration fees on these vehicles, including a $10 increase on January 1, 2013, and another $10 increase on January 1, 2014.

Your website is the face of your company for millions of Internet users, so design and functionality can make or break your web enterprise. A knowledgeable web designer can help lead customers to your site and make it easy for them to find your products. Learn how to choose the ideal team by tuning in to SEMA’s exclusive new webinar: “How to Select and Prepare for a Web Designer.”

News and updates from SEMA's councils and committees.

The United States Senate recently passed Senate Resolution 513 at the request of SEMA and ARMO, designating Friday, July 9, 2010 as Collector Car Appreciation Day. The day is meant to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. To help collector car enthusiasts celebrate, ARMO is compiling a list of events happening around the country on July 9, 2010.

Automotive specialty-equipment industry leaders and digital technology experts will convene for a day-long conference composed of panel discussions and keynote speakers, covering topics focused on the newest trends and strategies for conducting business in the digital age at the SEMA Business Technology Symposium, July 23, 2010, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Following devastating floods in Nashville, the focus of the Goodguys’ 5th Bridgestone Nationals changed to not only celebrate rods and customs, but also rally relief efforts for flood victims.

Painless Performance held its first “Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge” Division 4 Championship on Saturday, May 8, 2010, at the Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas. Team MSD–Eastern Oklahoma County Tech Center from Choctaw, Oklahoma, took first place with a time of 60 minutes and 15 seconds.

On Monday, May 17, balloting opens for the SEMA Select Committee elections.