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Chris Kersting Appointed Exec. VP of SEMA

8 June 2000

    DIAMOND BAR, CA (June 6, 2000) ­ Specialty Equipment Market Association
(SEMA) President Charles Blum announced the appointment of Christopher J.
Kersting to Executive Vice President. Kersting has relocated to the West
Coast and will oversee several SEMA departments at the Diamond Bar
headquarters as well as the Legislative and Technical Affairs department in
Washington, D.C.

    Kersting, who joined SEMA in 1996 as Vice President of Legislative and
Technical Affairs, served previously as legal counsel for SEMA while working
for the Washington, D.C., law firm of Tranium, Snowdon & Deane.
Kersting has worked as Associate General Counsel to SEMA, the National Hot
Rod Association, Auto International Association, Performance Warehouse
Association, and a range of automotive aftermarket businesses. Kersting’s
responsibilities have included environmental matters, such as the Clean Air
Act and its implementation, federal and state motor vehicle safety issues and
guidance to association boards of directors and strategic planning
committees. Kersting’s activities on behalf of the Auto International
Association earned him the prestigious "Person of the Year" honor in 1995.
"We are looking forward to utilizing Chris’ proficiencies in both the
internal and external matters which affect the association and our member
companies," said Blum. "Chris brings a wealth of experience and his
appointment to Executive Vice President is richly deserved."

    SEMA is a trade group comprised of more than 4,200 member companies that make
up the specialty automotive aftermarket industry. The seven diverse niches
in which SEMA members specialize include light-truck, off-road, racing,
performance, street rod, and restoration and restyling. All combined the
markets add up to $21.2 billion in retail business annually. For more
information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765;
call 909/396-0289