Posts Tagged ‘ SEMA ’

Time Running Out to Apply for SEMA Scholarship & Loan Forgiveness Program

By Ashley Smissen , March 19, 2010 in Business Resources, News & Events

It’s not too late to apply for the SEMA Scholarship or Loan Forgiveness Program! April 2, 2010 is the last day to apply for the scholarship, which helps student who are preparing for a career in the automotive industry.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of industry leaders and innovators, offering scholarships to students at universities, colleges and vocational schools in the United States and Canada. Awards range from $1,000–$2,000, with $4,000 going to the top student.

Registration Opened for SEMA Installer Certification Program Exams

By Devlin Smith , March 16, 2010 in Business Resources, News & Events, Rod Shops

SEMA is now registering aftermarket accessory installers for its Installer Certification Program examinations to be given in May. The SEMA Installer Certification Program was developed in cooperation with ASE, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The program grants professional credentials to qualified and competent individuals.

Inaugural SEMA Technical Skills & Training Conference Announced

By Ashley Smissen , March 2, 2010 in Business Resources, News & Events

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), a council of SEMA, is launching a new one-day training program where installers and restylers will be able to learn about new products and hear directly from industry manufacturers.

Taking place Friday, April 30, at the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, Ohio, the 2010 Technical Skills & Training Conference (TSTC) will give installers and restylers the opportunity to meet with dozens of manufacturers in focused workshops and live product demonstrations.

SEMA Scholarship Program Applications Now Available Online

By Ashley Smissen , February 9, 2010 in Business Resources, News & Events

Applications for the 2010 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF) are now available online at www.sema.org.

For 25 years, SMSF has provided financial assistance to students who attend colleges, universities, trade or vocational schools and who are pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket.

SEMA Opposes Virginia Exhaust Noise Bill

By Ashley Smissen , January 25, 2010 in Engine & Drivetrain, News & Events

Exhaust Bill

A bill to ban the sale of “any aftermarket exhaust system component” that would cause the vehicle to produce “excessive or unusual noise” has been introduced in the Virginia House of Delegates. SEMA has urged lawmakers to reject the bill, which was the subject of a hearing before the House Transportation Committee.

SEMA Councils to Hold Long-Range Planning Meetings

By Devlin Smith , January 12, 2010 in News & Events

Two SEMA councils, the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), will be holding their long-range planning meetings in the next few weeks. The ARMO meeting will be held at SEMA’s Diamond Bar, California, headquarters on Thursday, January 28 and the HRIA meeting will be held at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday, February 6.

SEMA Board of Directors Nominations due Thursday

By Devlin Smith , January 5, 2010 in News & Events

SEMA is asking members to submit nominations for its Board of Directors by this Thursday, January 7.

“With constant legislative challenges, the economic crisis and rapid shifts in technology and consumer needs, the specialty-equipment industry— now more than ever— needs strong, visionary leadership,” an association statement said.

Titling: What California Hobbyists Need to Know

By Ashley Smissen , November 30, 2009 in Engine & Drivetrain, News & Events

SEMA, working on behalf of California enthusiasts of specialty vehicles (such as street rods, custom vehicles, kit cars and replicas) and in cooperation with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Bureau of Automotive Repair, Air Resources Board and Attorney General’s office has resolved a complex and threatening issue to this market segment and the industry it serves.

“This breakthrough procedure allows owners of certain specially constructed vehicles (SCVs) to avoid the pitfalls of a previously muddy process for legally registering and titling such vehicles in California,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs. “Under this process, vehicle owners can avoid a situation that could have led to confiscated SCVs and law enforcement action. Further, the program now permits these vehicles to demonstrate state emissions-compliance requirements.”

Titling Legislation Brings Positive Results

By Ashley Smissen , November 25, 2009 in News & Events, Rod Shops

As an auto enthusiast, it sometimes seems as if legislation created in the state capitals only hurts the hobby. However, as the SEMA Action Network (SAN) has demonstrated with the success of its Street Rod/Custom Vehicle law, pro-active, positive legislation can serve to create new opportunities for the growth of the auto hobby.