5 Reasons to Join the Hot Rod Industry Alliance

	The late Ray Gollahon of Brookville Roadster was inducted into the HRIA Hall of Fame at the HRIA Awards Reception during the 2011 SEMA Show. His son Kenny (center) accepted the award on Ray's behalf.

Are you a manufacturer, builder/fabricator, dealer, car club or enthusiast publication serving the hot-rodding segment of the automotive specialty-equipment industry? If the answer is yes, then the prestigious Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), a SEMA council, just could be the resource you need to expand your industry network, grow your business and gain invaluable leadership training.

The HRIA is comprised of SEMA members who share common business interests and a passion for hot rodding. Guided by a Select Committee of 14 volunteers, HRIA works with SEMA to address issues, such as model legislation, intellectual property rights, industry succession and education while offering its membership of 260 companies the opportunity to interact and discuss challenges in both public and private forums.

“The HRIA and SEMA help defend those issues that can imperil the sport and, therefore, our businesses and livelihoods,” explained HRIA Select Committee member Scott Bowers of Ron Francis Wiring. "Being involved in the inner workings of the HRIA Select Committee makes me feel more connected on a personal level to my company's market segment and allows me to give back to the industry."

"I love being involved with the HRIA and the people are exactly why I want to become more involved," said HRIA Select Committee member Tammy Holland of COMP Performance Group. "The HRIA has a strong SEMA history and their passion for our industry makes me want to help all of our members and SEMA to become stronger as a whole. Each SEMA council in which I have been involved has helped me to grow professionally, and I have gained lots of friends along the way. You don’t come across this type of passion just anywhere, and it makes me proud to find it within the automotive aftermarket."

Becoming a member is easy. Applications are available at the HRIA website and annual membership dues are only $100. Request More Information. In addition, The HRIA holds several open meetings at various national-level street-rod events where companies can attend and have their voices heard.

HRIA members also enjoy a number of industry opportunities, including:

• Education and Training Day: Each year, the hot-rod industry gathers in Indianapolis for the HRIA Education Day. This annual event attracts 40-plus companies in the hot-rod industry to host educational seminars on new products or systems, installations, selling techniques or anything of interest to a hot-rod shop. The companies on display represent the cutting edge of technology and product development in our industry, providing HRIA members with a unique insight into the manufacture of the parts they sell and install. Seminar attendance is free to all guests of the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show.
• Pinewood Builder’s Challenge: The annual HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge brings together some of the nation’s best hot-rod builders to build and race miniature hot rods for charity. With very few rules to follow, more than a dozen master hot-rod and custom-car builders create one-of-a-kind pinewood race cars to be raced at the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races. In addition to speed, these unique cars are awarded for engineering and craftsmanship. After the races, the cars are sold via online auction to raise money for two great children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp.
• Youth Awareness: The HRIA supports the future growth of our industry and hobby through the Youth Awareness program. This educational program helps expose teenagers and college-aged students to the many different aspects of hot rodding. Through this program, HRIA companies host students for shop tours, internship programs, car shows and other events geared toward exposing students to the various occupations available in our industry. In addition to helping promote our future hot-rodder workforce, the Youth Awareness program introduces classic cars, hot rods and musclecars to the next generation of hot rodders.
• Association Partnerships: The HRIA firmly believes in expanding its members’ presence in the industry and supporting associations that promote the hobby. By joining forces with the likes of Championship Auto Shows/ISCA, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association and the National Street Rod Association, the HRIA can more effectively grow the industry, increase member exposure and maintain the pulse of the industry. 
• SEMA Show Week: Each year, the HRIA hosts its annual Awards Banquet during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The highlights of the reception are the numerous awards given by the HRIA and some of our industry’s leading organizations. These awards include the NSRA Street Rodding Achievement Award, Goodguys Trendsetter Award, Championship Auto Shows Legends of Hot Rodding Award, as well as the HRIA's annual recognition of an outstanding individual and Hall of Fame inductees. In addition, between the reception and Hot Rod Alley, the HRIA showcases nine of the finest hot rods in the nation. The HRIA Reception also provides a wonderful opportunity for all HRIA members to socialize with old friends and make new friends in hot rodding.

Support the council that supports your business. Join today! Request more information, or contact Zane Clark at 909/978.6696 or via e-mail at ZaneC@SEMA.org.