HRIA Volunteer Opportunities
Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Council?
What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by the members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing, and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their HRIA efforts and for that we say “thank you” to those companies!
The leaders of the HRIA gathered together earlier this year in San Antonio, Texas for its annual Long Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the HRIA Member companies. The last 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies, and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each HRIA member.
Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “ensure the future prosperity and betterment of the hot-rod industry.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a Task Force with a limited investment of time, but provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the Task Force Chair if you want to participate or have comments.
Education Task Force
John Menzler (Comp Cams) chairs this task force and can be reached at jcmenzler@aol.com . The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. Education Day at the Hot Rod and Restoration Show is a prime example of how dedicated volunteers can make a difference and advance the industry.
Legislative Task Force
Del Austin (Egge Machine Company) chairs this group and can be reached at del@egge.com . The sustainability of our industry is predicated on awareness and activism. This task force is both pro-active and re-active to legislative issues at the local, state and national levels and works closely with SEMA in championing these efforts.
Membership Task Force
Vince Sica (Powermaster/MCI) chairs this group and can be reached at vsica@powermasterperformance.com. The success of any council or initiative is dependent upon its members. This task force focuses on growth, promotion, and retention. It is important that we mentor new members on council activities, events, meetings, and benefits.
Publicity Task Force
Eric Saltrick (Steele Rubber Products) chairs this group and can be reached at esaltrick@steelerubber.com . The purpose of this group is to disseminate information to the public about HRIA’s activities, events, and newsworthy items. This will not only provide information to members, but also create more awareness and communication between the council activities and general hobbyist and enthusiast.
Youth Awareness Task Force
Kerry Hopperstad (Hopperstad Customs) chairs the groups and can be reached at hopperstadcustoms@T6wireless.com . The focus of this group is to bring youth awareness and the hobby to younger generations, in order to ensure the future prosperity and longevity of this industry segment.
There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year, including host the annual HRIA Reception at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, present industry awards to our Hot Rod colleagues, and elect council leadership. You are the expert at what your business needs and this council wants to deliver. Feel free to get in touch with us or come to one of our HRIA events. Our hope is that if you haven’t been a part of HRIA yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.
For more information on how to join, please contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org or (909)978-6696.