By Kyle Cheng

The monthly SEMA Industry Indicators Report provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business.

The first half of 2018 is in the books and the economy continues to show resilience and strength, despite several concerns, including geopolitical uncertainties, accelerating oil and gasoline prices, trade wars and inflationary pressures, just to name a few.

On many fronts, the economy looks stronger than it has over the past few years. Demand is up across diverse industries and companies are investing to meet that demand, including hiring. In June, 601,000 workers entered or returned to the labor market. Over the next six months, pent-up demand, tax cuts and a relaxed regulatory environment will continue to provide momentum and boost economic activity.

To learn more, download the July SEMA Industry Indicators Report, now available from SEMA Market Research. This monthly report provides a high-level snapshot of the overall U.S. economy with an emphasis on economic data that directly or indirectly affects the automotive aftermarket industry and your business. This month, the report also highlights SEMA’s Employment Outlook Report.

View the new SEMA Industry Indicators Report.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation into law to create a more cooperative environmental regulatory process at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation into law to create a more cooperative environmental regulatory process at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The legislation establishes an Environmental Rules Review Committee, which will evaluate proposed environmental rules and advise on whether to advance them. Affected industries represented include statewide environmental and conservation groups, local governments, the general public, public utilities, small business, manufacturing, solid waste, oil and gas and agriculture groups. 

In addition, it establishes an Environmental Permit Review Commission and creates an Environmental Science Board to advise on issues affecting the protection of the environment or management of the state’s natural resources. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation into law to create a more cooperative environmental regulatory process at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation into law to create a more cooperative environmental regulatory process at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The legislation establishes an Environmental Rules Review Committee, which will evaluate proposed environmental rules and advise on whether to advance them. Affected industries represented include statewide environmental and conservation groups, local governments, the general public, public utilities, small business, manufacturing, solid waste, oil and gas and agriculture groups. 

In addition, it establishes an Environmental Permit Review Commission and creates an Environmental Science Board to advise on issues affecting the protection of the environment or management of the state’s natural resources. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation into law to create a more cooperative environmental regulatory process at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation into law to create a more cooperative environmental regulatory process at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The legislation establishes an Environmental Rules Review Committee, which will evaluate proposed environmental rules and advise on whether to advance them. Affected industries represented include statewide environmental and conservation groups, local governments, the general public, public utilities, small business, manufacturing, solid waste, oil and gas and agriculture groups. 

In addition, it establishes an Environmental Permit Review Commission and creates an Environmental Science Board to advise on issues affecting the protection of the environment or management of the state’s natural resources. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation into law to create a more cooperative environmental regulatory process at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation into law to create a more cooperative environmental regulatory process at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The legislation establishes an Environmental Rules Review Committee, which will evaluate proposed environmental rules and advise on whether to advance them. Affected industries represented include statewide environmental and conservation groups, local governments, the general public, public utilities, small business, manufacturing, solid waste, oil and gas and agriculture groups. 

In addition, it establishes an Environmental Permit Review Commission and creates an Environmental Science Board to advise on issues affecting the protection of the environment or management of the state’s natural resources. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

With Governor Henry McMaster’s signature, a bill aiding and incentivizing the construction of motorsports complexes became law.

With Governor Henry McMaster’s signature, a bill aiding and incentivizing the construction of motorsports complexes became law. The South Carolina legislature recognized the important economic and civic value that additional motorsports can provide. The new law will help pave the way for new racing facilities in the state. A motorsports tourism incentive fund will be created to award grants or loans to attract and expand tourism and hospitality projects related to events at such complexes. The new law exempts certain building materials for a complex from sales tax and provides a process by which a qualified company may claim the exemption. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

With Governor Henry McMaster’s signature, a bill aiding and incentivizing the construction of motorsports complexes became law.

With Governor Henry McMaster’s signature, a bill aiding and incentivizing the construction of motorsports complexes became law. The South Carolina legislature recognized the important economic and civic value that additional motorsports can provide. The new law will help pave the way for new racing facilities in the state. A motorsports tourism incentive fund will be created to award grants or loans to attract and expand tourism and hospitality projects related to events at such complexes. The new law exempts certain building materials for a complex from sales tax and provides a process by which a qualified company may claim the exemption. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

With Governor Henry McMaster’s signature, a bill aiding and incentivizing the construction of motorsports complexes became law.

With Governor Henry McMaster’s signature, a bill aiding and incentivizing the construction of motorsports complexes became law. The South Carolina legislature recognized the important economic and civic value that additional motorsports can provide. The new law will help pave the way for new racing facilities in the state. A motorsports tourism incentive fund will be created to award grants or loans to attract and expand tourism and hospitality projects related to events at such complexes. The new law exempts certain building materials for a complex from sales tax and provides a process by which a qualified company may claim the exemption. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

With Governor Henry McMaster’s signature, a bill aiding and incentivizing the construction of motorsports complexes became law.

With Governor Henry McMaster’s signature, a bill aiding and incentivizing the construction of motorsports complexes became law. The South Carolina legislature recognized the important economic and civic value that additional motorsports can provide. The new law will help pave the way for new racing facilities in the state. A motorsports tourism incentive fund will be created to award grants or loans to attract and expand tourism and hospitality projects related to events at such complexes. The new law exempts certain building materials for a complex from sales tax and provides a process by which a qualified company may claim the exemption. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and New Brunswick have once again declared the month of July as Automotive Heritage Month, thanks in part to the efforts of the Manitoba Association of Auto Clubs (MAAC) and the National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC).

The provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and New Brunswick have once again declared the month of July as Automotive Heritage Month, thanks in part to the efforts of the Manitoba Association of Auto Clubs (MAAC) and the National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC). Manitoba has also proclaimed July 13, 2018 as Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). 

Earlier this year, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) announced the date to mark the ninth commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. The SAN has also worked to secure a Congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. A resolution (H. Res. 980) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize July 13, 2018, as CCAD. 

In the previous eight years, thousands of enthusiasts in the United States and Canada have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate automotive heritage. By taking part in these events around the country, automotive enthusiasts and related businesses have ensured that their passion was honored and recognized.

Make your plans to get involved. Individuals, car clubs and business owners have been registering their gatherings for inclusion on the SAN website. Pay tribute to our hobby’s special day by holding or attending a celebration near you. Encourage others to follow suit. Let’s get those cars and trucks out of the garage and onto the road! Please submit the details of your celebration.

For questions, contact SAN Director Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or san@sema.org. You may also download the official logo and flyer from the homepage and help promote this special day.