The SEMA Hall of Fame website has undergone a makeover during the past several months and is now live and ready for visitors. The website includes information on all of the SEMA Hall of Fame members—the visionaries and early enthusiast-entrepreneurs
who helped build the nearly $30 billion specialty-equipment market that is enjoyed by enthusiasts throughout the world. Induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame, which was created in 1969, is the most prestigious honor presented to an individual by the association.

The most notable upgrades to the site are the addition of memorable photos featuring SEMA Hall of Fame inductees as well as the inclusion of more biographical and background information that highlight the contributions of these industry pioneers.

Nearly 2,000 companies participated in the 2013 SEMA Show priority booth selection process that was conducted in May. The number represents a 6% increase over the number of companies that participated in the process in 2012.

“With the increased commitment exhibitors are demonstrating, it’s apparent that the SEMA Show provides unmatched brand-building visibility and sales exposure in one venue,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has completed its beta phase and has entered production mode with the newly developed Product Information Management System (PIMS). All beta participants have been successfully migrated into the new system, with full PIES functionality and ACES file handling in place.

Additionally, the SDC’s exclusive “ACES Mapper,” which enables users to easily define fitment and application information for each product via an easy-to-use web interface, was recently added to the PIMS. This integration completed the industry’s only state-of-the-art data management do-it-yourself tool set. Nearly 350 specialty-parts and accessories companies are currently participating in the SDC, with more being added daily, and no special knowledge or expertise is required to get started.

C7 Corvette Prototype, Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 2014 GMC Sierra Denali, 2013 Ford Focus

SEMA invites industry professionals to attend Town Hall meetings at one of the first two stops on the 2013 Town Hall tour. The first meeting will take place at Lund International in Buford, Georgia, Friday, May 3, from 6:00 p.m,–9:00 p.m. The next SEMA Town Hall Meeting, located at Bestop Inc., near Denver, Colorado, is Wednesday, June 26.

Town Halls offer current and prospective SEMA members the opportunity to learn about the association’s programs and objectives and network with local businesses and SEMA staff. These interactions provide attendees with the chance to share their business challenges and growth potentials. The Town Halls also give SEMA staff valuable feedback that will help identify association benefits that can enhance members’ business operations and better meet their needs.

The candidates for the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors have been announced. The members of SEMA’s Board volunteer their time to provide industry insight and a business-level perspective that contributes to the direction of the association. That strategic direction plays a critical role in shaping the future of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Voting for the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors Election will be open and available online between May 15 and June 11. Voting is open to current SEMA members, and votes must be submitted by the designated primary contact of each voting SEMA-member company.

SEMA has hired industry veteran Mike Spagnola to fill the newly created position of vice president of OEM and product development programs, effective immediately. Spagnola brings with him 40 years of specialty auto parts experience, including more than 20 years of product development and project-vehicle work. With a focus on heightening SEMA services to help members develop products quickly and efficiently, Spagnola will collaborate with the SEMA OEM and vehicle technology departments while serving as a resource and liaison for members and automakers.

“We’re excited to have Mike join SEMA in developing services that help members with product development and OEM initiatives,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “SEMA’s vehicle technology and OEM programs, led by John Waraniak and Bill Wolf, have proven to be extremely beneficial over the years. Mike will work with our existing team to enhance and add to the services SEMA makes available to our members.”

2015 Hyundai Genesis, Chevrolet Silverado HD Chassis Cab

Breaking news from SEMA member companies, including Power Automedia, Prestolite Performance, Motovicity Distribution, Alpine Electronics of America, Holley Performance Products and more.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has launched its live production system, and the 300 participating companies are now migrating data into the newly developed Product Information Management System (PIMS). Since the Co-op began its beta test phase in April 2012, 170 suppliers and 130 receivers have joined the program.