DIAMOND BAR, Calif. -- To continue helping its members maximize business results, SEMA has launched a new state-of-the-art online learning center, the SEMA Education Institute (SEI), that will deliver first-class training and education programs of all types to the specialty-equipment industry.

SEMA partnered with software developers, subject-matter experts and professional educators to build an advanced online learning program that focuses on two key areas: product training and professional skills improvement. This program has career-path training opportunities tailored to positions such as counter professional all the way up to company owner and president. Starting April 1, the first group of training programs, which include an introductory sales training course for retailers, will be available at www.sema.org/sei. New programs will be added on a monthly basis and will include webinars, seminars, courses and other services from world-class subject matter experts and industry leaders.

"We keep a regular pulse on the changing needs of our members and the industry as a whole, and we realize what our industry needs today is access to quality training as well as ongoing sales and marketing assistance, especially given today's economy," said Chris Kersting, SEMA's president and CEO. "The new SEI will offer top-notch training to jobbers, retailers and wholesale distributors at a fraction of normal internal development costs. In fact, several of the same programs are offered by Fortune 500 firms for their customers and employees."

The SEI Learning Center will serve as the platform for delivering this web-based training. This provides all SEMA members one location to access all of their training needs -- from introductory classes to advanced product training and instruction. The Learning Center will also house an extensive library of personal skills and professional development courses.

“Ultimately, the SEI will serve as a central repository for continued adult education in the aftermarket," said Bob Price, Executive Director of SEI and aftermarket industry veteran. "Travel budgets are being slashed, but there is still a need in this industry for ongoing product training and education - the SEI will provide practical and engaging programs that are accessible right from people's desktops. Our goal at SEI is to help members maximize their business potential and attract and retain quality employees. We’ll do this by providing best-in-class training at all levels of experience and job function.”