Childhelp, a non-profit organization headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect, presented SEMA with the Childhelp 2010 Corporate Award at a luncheon on April 14 at the annual Childhelp Day of Hope Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Indianapolis 500 adopts new “shootout-style” qualifying format this year; Kasey Kahn to join Hendrick Motorsports for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driving the No. 5 Chevrolet; Adams-Hansen Inc. purchased Rice Lake Speedway from former owners Smith-Bisonette Inc.; and more racing news.

Participate in the September 23–26 SEMA CIAPE China Business Development Conference and assess the market for your products through a series of meetings with key players in China.

Tried-and-true elements, such as cost, product differentiation and market segmentation still hold sway in marketing campaigns. But recent studies confirm what most business have experienced over the past couple of years: Digital marketing is assuming a far greater presence—and taking up a larger chunk of budget—than traditional channels, such as TV, print and radio advertising. [Read more]

Vehicle technologies are accelerating faster than an American Le Mans Series racer exiting a hairpin onto a straightaway. The new watchwords for automotive development include vehicle electrification, hybrids, gas direct injection (GDI), clean diesels and next-generation green performance.

SEMA Show exhibitors! Are you looking for a way to maximize your exposure at the 2010 SEMA Show? Consider hosting a table at the Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 4, at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel.

Amidst a difficult economic environment and increased gridlock in Washington, D.C., and in state capitols across the country, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) continues to influence positive legislative action for automotive hobbyists and small businesses serving the specialty-equipment industry with recent achievements that include a pro-hobby provision in the popular "Cash for Clunkers" bill.

Legislation has been reintroduced in the New York Assembly by Assemblymember and State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus Chairman Bill Reilich to provide that historical vehicle owners only pay a one-time registration fee of $100 upon initial registration. The $100 one-time fee would replace the current annual fee of $28.75.

Ernie Silvers, chief executive officer of Egge Machine Co., will be honored in a ceremony recognizing the contributions of small business to the state of California. Egge Machine, a SEMA member, was chosen to receive the recognition by State Assemblymember Tony Mendoza. California Small Business Day "A Salute to Small Business" will take place at the Sacramento Convention Center on Tuesday, May 25.

Ninety percent of consumers use the Internet as a starting point when shopping, but when it comes to parts and accessories, just seven out of 100 people actually purchase online.