Relco/Reliable Automotive Honored for Scholarship Help
Media contacts: Rosemarie Kitchin, rosemariek@sema.org SEMA, 909/396-0289, ext. 104 Lisa Guth, lisag@sema.org SEMA, 909/396-0289, ext. 181 RELCO/RELIABLE AUTOMOTIVE HONORED FOR SCHOLARSHIP HELP NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 14, 2003) - Relco/Reliable Automotive, Overland Park, Kan., was honored by SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, for its "ongoing and generous support of SEMA and its SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund" at the reception held preceding SEMA Spring Expo 2003 last night. Relco, which has been an active member of SEMA since 1969, has strongly supported the association's efforts encouraging young people to seek careers within the industry. "Beyond the hours and effort invested in recruiting new professionals for the specialty equipment market, Relco has consistently donated to our SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund to help underwrite the costs of college and vo-tech educations," Christopher J. Kersting, CAE, SEMA president, said at the reception. "Within the past seven years alone, its donations to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund have totaled more than $100,000. It's our pleasure to call attention to Relco's generous leadership in this vital area." Jim Gravens, accounts manager for Relco, accepted the award on his company's behalf. During the presentation, Kersting also lauded other contributors to SEMA's fund to advance education. Between the 2001 SEMA Show and the 2002 SEMA Show, he said, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund received substantial contributions from the following companies and organizations: The Chrysler Group, Michael Kunzman & Associates, Performance Warehouse Association, Richard Hung Enterprises, Skyjacker, and Stainless Steel Brakes. In 2002, SEMA's scholarship program awarded $80,000 to 60 men and women from 18 states. The 2002 SEMA scholarship students are currently enrolled in colleges and vocational education schools in 33 states. How SEMA Awards Scholarship Funds The program awards scholarships at two eligibility levels, according to Dr. Ken Pyle, SEMA's director of educational services. Students currently enrolled in a four-year degree or graduate level program at an accredited college or university who have completed a minimum of 60 hours credit or have been classified as a junior or senior at the time of scholarship application are eligible for awards of $1,000 or more. Students currently enrolled in a two-year community college or proprietary vocational-technical program who have completed a minimum of 30 hours credit or have been classified as a sophomore are eligible for awards of $1,000. All applicants must meet the requirements of a 2.0 grade-point average minimum, demonstrate financial need equal to or exceeding the amount of the award, and be pursuing a course of study leading to a career in the automotive aftermarket or related field. In 2002, nine scholarships were awarded to qualified applicant children or employees of SEMA-member companies, through a special designation of up to 20 percent from this category. This year's scholarship application is available at www.sema.org . Pyle said that SEMA must receive completed applications by Friday, May 30, 2003, to be considered by the SEMA Scholarship Committee. Since it was founded in 1984, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund has assisted nearly 300 students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket. The amount of scholarships awarded varies each year. The program, a 501(c)(3) corporation, is funded through donations such as Relco's and fundraising events including the SEMA Businesswomen's Network Silent Auction held during the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Mike Spagnola, president/CEO of Street Scene Equipment, is chairman of the SEMA Scholarship Committee. Dr. Pyle is the SEMA staff liaison for the committee and its programs. SEMA represents the $26 billion specialty automotive industry. Founded in 1963, the trade association has more than 4,500 member companies. It is the authoritative source of research data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger cars, minivans, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, 91765-3914; call 909/396-0289; or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com . # # # http://www.sema.org/forms/unsubscribe.asp