SEMA News—August 2015
LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Eric Snyder
Industry Advocates
SEMA Members Gear Up for 2016 Washington Rally
 SEMA Board Chairman Doug Evans pre-sents a keepsake to racing enthusiast Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL). | |
Mark your calendars! With Congress in full swing, it’s not too early to make plans to attend the 2016 Washington Rally (May 10–12). The May gathering will mark the 11th time SEMA members have assembled in our nation’s capital to advocate on behalf of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. A biennial tradition, the Washington Rally has raised SEMA’s profile within the halls of Congress and is an integral part of the association’s advocacy efforts.
While staff from the Washington, D.C., office provide SEMA members with state and federal representation on a daily basis, there is no substitute for SEMA members meeting face to face with their members of Congress and U.S. Senators.
 FOX News contributor Frank Luntz conducts a focus group with SEMA members at the 2014 Washington Rally lunch. | |
“Our presence on Capitol Hill provides Washington decision makers with a better understanding of the issues that impact the automotive specialty-equipment industry,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “We are then able to convey our thoughts and industry-specific recommendations on how to address the issues that impact our companies and employees.”
Past Washington rallies have featured special guests at lunches and dinners for SEMA members, including members of Congress and opinion leaders. At the 2014 rally, SEMA members heard from renowned pollster and Fox News Contributor Frank Luntz at the prestigious Capitol Hill Club. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) was the keynote dinner speaker, and members discovered that he was both a gearhead and an impressive legislator.
Whether it is putting performance parts on display for members of Congress and their staff or showing off historic vehicles and tricked-out cars, the Washington Rally is an opportunity to engage the politicians who make the laws. For more information, contact SEMA’s government affairs office at erics@sema.org or 202-783-6007.
|  From left: SEMA President Chris Kersting, past SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton, SEMA Chairman of the Board Doug Evans and Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) show off a replica Cobra at the 2014 Rally. | |
 Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) presents Collector Car Appreciation Day Resolution to former SEMA Board Chairman Scooter Brothers (left) at the 2010 Rally. |
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