DIAMOND BAR, CA – For the first time ever, the association will be offering free trial memberships to qualified jobbers, retailers, installers and restylers at the upcoming SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD shows. The SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD shows will be held side-by-side at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, GA, on March 23-24.
The promotion is designed to introduce non-members at the regional trade-only shows to the many programs and services available to jobbers, retailers, installers and restylers in the industry.
"While SEMA was founded by manufacturers, today’s association represents the entire automotive specialty-equipment industry," said Tom Myroniak, SEMA director of marketing. "Jobbers and retailers are essential components of the industry, and SEMA is committed to providing programs to help these professionals succeed and prosper."
Among the association’s many programs that are available to retailers and related membership categories are:
• Consumer Credit: SEMA membership allows jobbers and retailers to sign up for the CarCareONE Program at a discounted price. CarCareONE helps retailers increase sales and generate more repeat business by allowing its participants to offer their customers a convenient, low-cost credit card.
• Continuing Education: SEMA members can use the SEMA scholarship program to recruit and retain employees, since a portion of the scholarship funds are reserved specifically for applicants affiliated with a member company. Applications are welcome from students attending trade schools, as well as 2- and 4-year universities.
• Industry News: SEMA members can sign up for free subscriptions to SEMA eNews and SEMA News. The publications are filled with product previews, stories on hot trends, profiles of top leaders and announcements specific to the specialty equipment market. A monthly “retail store review” column offers practical, real-life advice on how to set up a retail store.
• Installer Certification: SEMA members can save money when registering for the SEMA Installer Certification Program. The program helps installers to increase customer confidence and business by proving their expertise in five specific areas (electric sunroofs, body exterior components, leather interiors, roof treatments and custom wheels & tires).
• Niche Markets: After joining SEMA, members in select markets have the added opportunity of participating in the SEMA council program. The Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA) and the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) are two of SEMA’s largest councils and provide niche-specific programs to their members.
Details about these and other SEMA programs are available at www.sema.org, or by calling the Membership Department at 909/396-0289. Qualified attendees at the shows will be able to sign up for the free trial membership at the SEMA Association Center, or can get more information by contacting SEMA Membership Specialist Timothy Johnson at 909/396-0289 ext. 138, or at [email protected], or SEMA Membership Specialist Gina Ledesma at ext. 121 or [email protected].
