DIAMOND BAR, CA – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced changes to the annual SEMA State of the Association address in order to help members discover how the association can help businesses in the automotive specialty-equipment market. All SEMA members are invited to attend the 2008 event on Thursday, Feb. 7, at 12 pm, in Indianapolis, IN.

Held annually, the SEMA State of the Association address has traditionally featured SEMA executives discussing current programs and informing members about what to expect in the coming year. The 2008 program will feature a new format, with television personality and current SEMA Board member Dennis Gage moderating the hour-long presentation. Gage will be joined by SEMA Chairman Jim Cozzie, SEMA Chairman-Elect Rick Rollins and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting, as they explore what the association is doing to assist members and overcome today's tough economic challenges. Discussions will include topics such as hiring and training, legislation, research, vehicle technology and more.

Also new this year, the event will be held in conjunction with the SEMA Spring Expo/SEMA OFFROAD shows. Those attending the SEMA State of the Association in person will be able to talk directly with Cozzie, Rollins and Kersting, and learn what specific programs are available to help them.

There is no cost to attend, and lunch will be provided. SEMA members simply need to mark their calendars for Thursday, Feb. 7, at 12 pm, and e-mail Peter MacGillivray at peterm@sema.org.

Members unable to attend in person may participate in a live webcast of the event or listen to a recorded version afterward. Details about both these opportunities will be available soon.

For more information about the Specialty Equipment Market Association, go to: www.sema.org.