As the fight to defend the automotive hobby continues, the opportunity to showcase the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) efforts to the specialty-equipment industry remains critical. SEMA-member businesses represent an integral component in successfully reaching lawmakers with a unified message on important legislation.
Five-hundred industry representatives enlisted with the SAN over the course of the recently concluded SEMA Show. Amid a sea of eye-catching vehicles and exhibitions, the SAN display featured appearances by automotive industry icons Courtney Hansen, Jimmy Shine and his ’34 Ford hot rod. SAN members themselves, Hansen and Shine, promoted SEMA’s grassroots lobbying network in addition to meeting and greeting attendees. Shine’s trend-setting pickup served as a symbol of the type of vehicle many states seek to restrict and regulate. Once the dust settled, this combination of elements helped to increase awareness of SEMA’s government affairs efforts among the automotive business community and attracted favorable media attention for the cause.
“With support from Courtney and Jimmy, we demonstrated for Show attendees the benefits of joining the premier organization defending the rights of vehicle enthusiasts,” said SAN Director Colby Martin. “As we ready ourselves for the 2013 legislative sessions, the active participation of SAN members, both newbies and veterans, industry members and hobbyists, will help protect our automotive passion for this generation and generations to come.”
Show your support for this effort by joining the SAN for free at www.SEMAsan.com/Join and encourage your co-workers and customers to follow suit. For more information, contact Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or ColbyM@sema.org.
 Staff from SEMA-member company LGE*CTS Motorsports posed with Jimmy "Shine" Falschlehner’s SAN-adorned ’34 Ford hot rod. From left: Dale Thomas, Sara Morosan, Jimmy Shine, SAN Director Colby Martin, Theresa Contreras and Louis Morosan. Photo: Bryce Martin |
 Courtney Hansen signed autographs for attendees on the SEMA Show’s opening day. |
 Jimmy Shine (center) spread the word of the SAN with "Rod & Custom Radio" host Brad Fanshaw and comedian Christopher Titus on the air during the SEMA Show. Photo: Bryce Martin |
 Legendary customizer Gene Winfield took action by joining the SAN. Photo: Jimmy Shine |
 Adam Carolla and Matt D'Andria, hosts of Adam Carolla's "CarCast," spoke with Colby Martin about the SAN’s efforts live at the SEMA Show. Here is a link to the recording: http://bit.ly/TANdl3. Photo: Chris Laxamana, Courtesy AceCarCast.com |
 Eric Gullett from Coker Tire also stopped by the SAN display to get involved. |