SEMA News—February 2013

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Colby Martin

Harnessing Industry Horsepower

Act Now to Protect the Hobby

	Staff from SEMA-member-company LGE*CTS Motorsports posed with Jimmy “Shine” Falschlehner’s SAN-adorned ’34 Ford hot rod. From left are Dale Thomas, Sara Morosan, Jimmy Shine, SAN Director Colby Martin, Theresa Contreras and Louis Morosan.

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.

Courtney Hansen signed autographs for attendees on the SEMA Show’s opening day. Courtesy Bryce Martin

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 SAN Director Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or colbym@sema.org.