From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office 

As President-elect Donald Trump works to build out his cabinet, SEMA continues to be optimistic and encouraged by the individuals nominated to run agencies that regulate the many parts of our industry. 

SEMA, for starters, welcomes the nomination of North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the Department of the Interior. Gov. Burgum understands the importance of motorized recreation to the United States economy and rural areas across the country. We look forward to working with Gov. Burgum on policies to expand and protect motorized recreational access for millions of off-road enthusiasts. 

And SEMA believes that the nomination of former Rep. Sean Duffy will bring a fresh perspective to the Department of Transportation. While serving in the U.S. House, Rep. Duffy supported legislation to provide certainty to racers and the motorsports parts industry and exhibited bipartisan sensibilities during his time in Congress that will be an asset to the administration. SEMA is excited to work with Rep. Duffy to protect the future of customizing vehicles, including those with advanced driver assistance systems, and ensure the nation’s transportation system and supply chain assets are safe, well-maintained and easily accessible to small businesses and automotive enthusiasts. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office 

As President-elect Donald Trump works to build out his cabinet, SEMA continues to be optimistic and encouraged by the individuals nominated to run agencies that regulate the many parts of our industry. 

SEMA, for starters, welcomes the nomination of North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the Department of the Interior. Gov. Burgum understands the importance of motorized recreation to the United States economy and rural areas across the country. We look forward to working with Gov. Burgum on policies to expand and protect motorized recreational access for millions of off-road enthusiasts. 

And SEMA believes that the nomination of former Rep. Sean Duffy will bring a fresh perspective to the Department of Transportation. While serving in the U.S. House, Rep. Duffy supported legislation to provide certainty to racers and the motorsports parts industry and exhibited bipartisan sensibilities during his time in Congress that will be an asset to the administration. SEMA is excited to work with Rep. Duffy to protect the future of customizing vehicles, including those with advanced driver assistance systems, and ensure the nation’s transportation system and supply chain assets are safe, well-maintained and easily accessible to small businesses and automotive enthusiasts. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office 

As President-elect Donald Trump works to build out his cabinet, SEMA continues to be optimistic and encouraged by the individuals nominated to run agencies that regulate the many parts of our industry. 

SEMA, for starters, welcomes the nomination of North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the Department of the Interior. Gov. Burgum understands the importance of motorized recreation to the United States economy and rural areas across the country. We look forward to working with Gov. Burgum on policies to expand and protect motorized recreational access for millions of off-road enthusiasts. 

And SEMA believes that the nomination of former Rep. Sean Duffy will bring a fresh perspective to the Department of Transportation. While serving in the U.S. House, Rep. Duffy supported legislation to provide certainty to racers and the motorsports parts industry and exhibited bipartisan sensibilities during his time in Congress that will be an asset to the administration. SEMA is excited to work with Rep. Duffy to protect the future of customizing vehicles, including those with advanced driver assistance systems, and ensure the nation’s transportation system and supply chain assets are safe, well-maintained and easily accessible to small businesses and automotive enthusiasts. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA decried a decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve California's request for the Clean Air Act waiver the state needs to implement its Advanced Clean Cars II regulation, a significant blow for our nation's ability to develop groundbreaking solutions for reducing carbon emissions. SEMA contends that by allowing California to overstep its constitutional and state statutory authority, the federal government is a coconspirator in the state's regulatory land grab to advance deeply unpopular policies that the American people have summarily rejected. 
SEMA, which champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity, will continue efforts to preserve Americans' rights to vehicle choice and the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to design, manufacture and bring to market products that help solve the emissions challenge. 

SEMA now calls upon President-elect Donald Trump to work quickly and efficiently to reverse this stunning misstep at the federal level. 

"Siding with California on these waiver requests is the ultimate bad-faith gesture by President Joe Biden, particularly after our nation's voters last month backed the presidential candidate who promised a 'Day 1' halt to federal EV mandates," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "It's high time that the government stop capitulating to the whims of a single activist state; this is the United States of America, not the United States of California.

"And shame on the EPA. Instead of putting its faith in our nation's innovators to develop multiple, groundbreaking solutions to halt carbon emissions, the EPA continues to tilt the playing field in favor of a single technology, the products of which are unsuitable for many Americans. SEMA will continue to fight back against any effort--whether by California or by radical activist policymakers at the federal level--to force vehicle mandates on the American people and deny the automotive aftermarket of its unparalleled ability to deliver cleaner, safer vehicles through innovation and American ingenuity--particularly through alternative-fuel innovations, replacing older engine technologies with newer, cleaner versions, and converting older internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to new electric- or hydrogen-powered vehicles. SEMA will exhaust every option to ensure a technology-neutral approach that rewards innovation, ingenuity and practicality." 

SEMA is not an anti-EV organization; rather, the organization is steadfast in its belief that a technology-neutral approach is the best way to achieve lower vehicle emissions. By declaring one technology as the preferred solution of government, California will kneecap other potential solutions, regardless of their promise to deliver the results the state seeks. Those at the forefront of American innovation, in tandem with the free market, are owed the opportunity to provide meaningful contributions to efforts to eliminate carbon emissions. 

SEMA will continue to pursue its lawsuit against California and its Air Resource Board, filed jointly with NTEA--The Work Truck Association in the U.S. District Court's Eastern District of California, seeking immediate declaratory and injunctive relief to stop electric-vehicle mandates CARB intends to implement through its Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulations. The organizations contend that CARB's actions far exceed California's constitutional and state statutory authority and will have a dire effect on an industry that historically has led the way toward cleaner, safer vehicles through innovation and American ingenuity. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA decried a decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve California's request for the Clean Air Act waiver the state needs to implement its Advanced Clean Cars II regulation, a significant blow for our nation's ability to develop groundbreaking solutions for reducing carbon emissions. SEMA contends that by allowing California to overstep its constitutional and state statutory authority, the federal government is a coconspirator in the state's regulatory land grab to advance deeply unpopular policies that the American people have summarily rejected. 
SEMA, which champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity, will continue efforts to preserve Americans' rights to vehicle choice and the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to design, manufacture and bring to market products that help solve the emissions challenge. 

SEMA now calls upon President-elect Donald Trump to work quickly and efficiently to reverse this stunning misstep at the federal level. 

"Siding with California on these waiver requests is the ultimate bad-faith gesture by President Joe Biden, particularly after our nation's voters last month backed the presidential candidate who promised a 'Day 1' halt to federal EV mandates," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "It's high time that the government stop capitulating to the whims of a single activist state; this is the United States of America, not the United States of California.

"And shame on the EPA. Instead of putting its faith in our nation's innovators to develop multiple, groundbreaking solutions to halt carbon emissions, the EPA continues to tilt the playing field in favor of a single technology, the products of which are unsuitable for many Americans. SEMA will continue to fight back against any effort--whether by California or by radical activist policymakers at the federal level--to force vehicle mandates on the American people and deny the automotive aftermarket of its unparalleled ability to deliver cleaner, safer vehicles through innovation and American ingenuity--particularly through alternative-fuel innovations, replacing older engine technologies with newer, cleaner versions, and converting older internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to new electric- or hydrogen-powered vehicles. SEMA will exhaust every option to ensure a technology-neutral approach that rewards innovation, ingenuity and practicality." 

SEMA is not an anti-EV organization; rather, the organization is steadfast in its belief that a technology-neutral approach is the best way to achieve lower vehicle emissions. By declaring one technology as the preferred solution of government, California will kneecap other potential solutions, regardless of their promise to deliver the results the state seeks. Those at the forefront of American innovation, in tandem with the free market, are owed the opportunity to provide meaningful contributions to efforts to eliminate carbon emissions. 

SEMA will continue to pursue its lawsuit against California and its Air Resource Board, filed jointly with NTEA--The Work Truck Association in the U.S. District Court's Eastern District of California, seeking immediate declaratory and injunctive relief to stop electric-vehicle mandates CARB intends to implement through its Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulations. The organizations contend that CARB's actions far exceed California's constitutional and state statutory authority and will have a dire effect on an industry that historically has led the way toward cleaner, safer vehicles through innovation and American ingenuity. 

The following is a message to SEMA Members from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola:

Dear SEMA Member:

A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the association, we are currently seeking your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seats are open for this year's election:

• Chair-elect (one open seat)
• Manufacturer (three open seats)
• Manufacturers' Rep (one open seat)

Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a Board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, include brief information about the nominee's qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due on Monday, January 6, 2025.

Submit a nomination HERE.

We urge you to take part in the nominations process. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee. Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Sincerely,

Mike Spagnola

SEMA President and CEO

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is hosting its annual General Membership Meeting at the 2025 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The event will take place in the Florida Ballroom of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando.  

Led by SEMA's executive staff, the meeting will enable SEMA Business Members to learn about the association's year-round benefits designed to help them succeed in the industry. Attendees will gain insight into the association's latest initiatives, tailored business-solutions and the state of the automotive specialty-equipment market.

Employees of SEMA Business Member companies and SEMA+ members are encouraged to attend the General Membership Meeting. If you will be at the conference or in the area, don't miss this opportunity to discover new tools for business growth, as well as network with other members and SEMA staff. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. 

RSVP for the meeting here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is accepting nominations for its prestigious MPMC Robert E. Petersen Media Award at this link.

The award honors a member of the print, online or broadcast media who has made a substantial contribution to the motorsports industry within the past year while maintaining an ongoing record of service and support to the motorsports sector.

"Media professionals play a vital role in sharing the stories of this great industry by creating meaningful content that informs, inspires, and showcases the passion and innovation of motorsports," said MPMC Council Director Marcy Yanus. "We encourage everyone to nominate a deserving journalist who has made a meaningful difference this year."

To qualify, nominees must be an automotive or motorsports journalist with work published in print or online media and must actively support the motorsports industry with positive content.

The winner will be announced and celebrated during the MPMC Reception at the 2025 Media Trade Conference, held January 21-23, 2025, held in Orlando, Florida.

Submit your nomination today.

By Ashley Reyes

As consumers increasingly turn to social media to engage with their favorite brands, aftermarket companies have an incredible opportunity to collaborate with content creators to boost business and marketing success. In fact, 85% of surveyed respondents from the "The State of Influencer Marketing 2024: Benchmark Report" consider influencer marketing an effective strategy—a significant increase from previous years.  

On January 7 at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) will host a live webinar on how to effectively work with content creators. Attendees will hear from industry leaders at DriveShop, an influencer marketing agency specializing in the automotive aftermarket, as they share the fundamentals of influencer marketing and how content creators can help brands reach highly targeted audiences and drive measurable results with engaging and impactful content.  

Topics include:  

• How to integrate content creators into an existing marketing strategy 
• How to identify the right creators to work with 
• How to get the most out of influencer partnerships 
• Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid when choosing a content creator  

Presented by DriveShop CEO Derek Drake and Creator Engagement Director Lisa Cabalquinto, the "Content Creator Marketing for Aftermarket Brands" session will offer real examples of influencer marketing that are taking off in the aftermarket industry, as well as a Q&A with the speakers.  

Register here. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Jessica Blackshaw, vice president of operations at HAVEN Creative Agency, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Blackshaw in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there? 

Jessica Blackshaw: I've been with HAVEN Creative for four years. One of the things I enjoy most about working here is the ability to make an impact quickly. Being part of a female-led organization is incredibly inspiring and empowering. Additionally, I love knowing that my work helps take some stress off our clients and partners, enabling them to be the best version of themselves. 

SEMA: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job? 

JB: The most challenging part of my job is managing multiple clients simultaneously, as there are always a million plates in the air at one time. My responsibility is to ensure that the team has everything they need to drive the project from start to finish, ensuring the train runs on time. Additionally, learning the ins and outs of each partner is like running multiple businesses at once, which can be demanding but also keeps the work exciting. 

SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job? 

JB: It's hard to pinpoint my exact start in the automotive industry because I grew up going to the racetrack with my dad. My first official job in the industry was as a marketing intern at Charlotte Motor Speedway. I was younger than most of the interns and had to beg them to give me a chance to show them what I could do. Fortunately, they did, and I worked most of the races for the following four years. 

Many might think the most exciting part of the internship was race day and being in the mix of the action. However, my favorite part was the calm before the storm--watching the haulers load in the day before to a quiet oval about to be filled with thousands of fans. I guess you could say I've always loved the behind-the-scenes operations that make the final product possible. 

SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? 

JB: Three qualities that have gotten me to where I am today are my "get [stuff] done" attitude, commitment to bringing people along with me and dedication to delivering the best. 

First, my "get [stuff] done" attitude means that you can count on me if you want something done. I have an intrinsic drive to push through challenges and complete tasks efficiently and effectively. This quality has ensured I consistently meet deadlines and deliver results for my team and partners. 

Second, I believe that as a leader, one of the most important things you can do is bring people along the journey with you. I love pushing my team to be the best version of themselves. This has fostered a collaborative work environment where everyone feels motivated to contribute their best. I think this is best demonstrated in our culture of "making mavens," where we educate our peers and partners and empower them to be better communicators. Being able to help people along in the journey through our "making mavens" ethos has been an important factor in my career growth at HAVEN. 

Lastly, I am not satisfied unless I know I've done my absolute best for myself and whoever I am working with. 

SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? 

JB: Being a woman in the industry, the biggest challenge I've faced is sometimes having to take a seat for myself at the table. There have been many situations where I wasn't the first choice that came to mind, but I proved myself to be the best choice through my dedication and hard work. 

My biggest accomplishment isn't just securing a seat at the table but excelling in any challenge I've been given to create opportunities for others. Once you get a seat, you must do your best to bring others along with you. 

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? 

JB: I have to say that, for the most part, the automotive industry has always welcomed me with open arms. However, there weren't many women paving the way for me as I was coming up. I got used to being one of the only females in the room, but it doesn't have to be that way. We all have a chance to show someone the way and give someone a chance to shine. 

One person who has been a huge influence on my growth is my other half at HAVEN, Jeni. I'm incredibly grateful that we found each other. Her support and guidance have been invaluable, helping me navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities. Her mentorship has shaped me and inspired me to mentor others, ensuring that more women have the support and encouragement they need to succeed. 

SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received? 

JB: The best career advice I have received actually comes from an author, Glennon Doyle, who said, "Stop asking people for directions to places they've never been." This quote has impacted my professional and personal life by encouraging me to live my most authentic life. Professionally, it has helped me trust my gut and make decisions based on my unique vision rather than seeking validation from others who may not understand my journey. 

In my personal life, it has empowered me to follow my own path and prioritize what truly matters to me, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life. I'm super proud that I've created a career and life that represent who I truly am. 

SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here? 

JB: The automotive industry feels like it chose me more than I chose it. From a young age, I was in the world of motorsports and machinery, which ignited a passion that continues to drive me today. 

What keeps me here is the industry's constant state of change and evolution. I thrive on the excitement of never having two days alike. Whether it's new promotions, innovative products, advancements in safety features, or groundbreaking ideas, there's always something new and interesting to dive into. This constant change challenges me to stay adaptable and creative, which keeps my work fulfilling and engaging. 

SEMA: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals? 

JB: My dad has been the most influential person on my career and goals. He was a brilliant entrepreneur and my first business mentor from the day I was born. He ignited my entrepreneurial spirit and taught me to keep grinding, especially when things get tough. There isn't a single day when I don't wish I could pick up the phone and ask him for advice or just hear him tell me it's all going to work out. 

I am forever grateful for his guidance, simply through his actions and the way he tackled challenges head-on. His belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to has been a driving force behind who I am today. 

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.