SEMA News - July 2009

Each of the programs and benefits offered by SEMA is spawned by individuals who imagine a better way of doing things. More often than not, those creative thinkers are members of the SEMA Board of Directors—volunteers who give of their time, energy and vision to help guide and grow the automotive specialty-equipment industry. While these people come from diverse demographic backgrounds in every segment of the marketplace, all share a passion for business and a desire to see the people and companies that make up the association succeed and prosper. While they may not always agree completely with one another, they share a respect for their peers and the notion that multiple minds can find solutions where a single mind may not.

The service these men and women provide is inestimable, and each of us who has found a career in a SEMA-member company or an associated business owes them a debt of gratitude. On Thursday, July 30–Saturday, August 1, we have a chance to honor that debt by taking part in a full slate of activities known as SEMA Leadership Days, which will culminate in the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser to be held at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California. Beginning with council, Board and executive meetings on Thursday and Friday and extending through a State of the Association address and the annual Internet Symposium on Saturday, we invite you to share in the passion of these leaders by taking part in gatherings that not only provide information critical to conducting business in the current environment, but also will help to renew our industry’s development.

In addition, this year’s Leadership Days include an inaugural SEMA Show ’N Shine, which will be held from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on Saturday on the Pasadena Convention Center grounds. The association’s premier car show will feature hundreds of hot rods, customs, classics and exotics. Open to the public, this elaborate gathering of some of the finest examples of our industry’s art and creativity will be presided over by design legend Chip Foose, who will act as Grand Marshall and bring three of his personal vehicles to the party.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to offer up their own good works from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. at the second annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, sponsored by eBay Motors. Competitors of all ages may enter the competition either with their own racing creations or by sponsoring a race car that was built by a child who is being aided by one of the two charities benefitting from the event. Proceeds from the Pinewood Drag Race go to Childhelp, which assists abused and neglected children, and Victory Junction Gang Camp, which provides aid for disabled and chronically ill children. In 2008, nearly $40,000 was raised for the two charities.

At the end of the day on Saturday, a reception from 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. leads into the formal festivities at the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. One of the highlights of the evening will be the introduction of the three newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame, but the greatest honors are reserved for the SEMA Board of Directors. We hope that you will join us in paying tribute to the service provided by the outgoing directors, welcoming those being newly installed and thanking those who will give their continuing guidance and wisdom over the next year.

For more information please visit the SEMA Leadership Days and the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser website.