By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Louisiana legislature passed a bill to allow for the registration and operation of military surplus motor vehicles.

The Louisiana legislature passed a bill to allow for the registration and operation of military surplus motor vehicles. There is no such allowance under current law. The legislation was amended during markup to remove mileage and speed restrictions. It also allows for the creation of a specialty license plate. The bill has been sent to Governor Edwards for his approval. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-supported legislation (HR 5855) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would expand the current warning label required on gas pumps dispensing E15 (gasoline that’s 15% ethanol). The new label would include the words “warning” and “check your owner’s manual,” be 5x7 in. or larger, and include pictograms depicting a boat, lawnmower, chainsaw, motorcycle and snowmobile. The current label is about 3.5x3 in., and does not include the words “warning,” “owner’s manual” or pictograms.

Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials. In 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made it illegal to use E15 fuel in motor vehicles made before 2001, motorcycles, boats and gasoline-powered equipment.  

The “Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018” sponsored by Reps. Austin Scott (R-GA) and Lois Frankel (D-FL) addresses the concern that many consumers are unaware of potential harm E15 poses for millions of gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment. The EPA would have 180 days to update its current warning label.

“As we are presented with more choices at the gas pump, it is imperative that American consumers know exactly what kind of fuel they are putting into their engines,” said Rep. Scott. “Gas pumps today are riddled with confusing labels that fail to adequately warn consumers of the dangers of fueling small engine equipment with E15. By making fuel pump labels easier to decipher and coordinating public education programs, this legislation can save consumers time and energy at the pumps and avoid headaches and costs down the road.”  

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-supported legislation (HR 5855) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would expand the current warning label required on gas pumps dispensing E15 (gasoline that’s 15% ethanol). The new label would include the words “warning” and “check your owner’s manual,” be 5x7 in. or larger, and include pictograms depicting a boat, lawnmower, chainsaw, motorcycle and snowmobile. The current label is about 3.5x3 in., and does not include the words “warning,” “owner’s manual” or pictograms.

Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials. In 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made it illegal to use E15 fuel in motor vehicles made before 2001, motorcycles, boats and gasoline-powered equipment.  

The “Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018” sponsored by Reps. Austin Scott (R-GA) and Lois Frankel (D-FL) addresses the concern that many consumers are unaware of potential harm E15 poses for millions of gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment. The EPA would have 180 days to update its current warning label.

“As we are presented with more choices at the gas pump, it is imperative that American consumers know exactly what kind of fuel they are putting into their engines,” said Rep. Scott. “Gas pumps today are riddled with confusing labels that fail to adequately warn consumers of the dangers of fueling small engine equipment with E15. By making fuel pump labels easier to decipher and coordinating public education programs, this legislation can save consumers time and energy at the pumps and avoid headaches and costs down the road.”  

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-supported legislation (HR 5855) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would expand the current warning label required on gas pumps dispensing E15 (gasoline that’s 15% ethanol). The new label would include the words “warning” and “check your owner’s manual,” be 5x7 in. or larger, and include pictograms depicting a boat, lawnmower, chainsaw, motorcycle and snowmobile. The current label is about 3.5x3 in., and does not include the words “warning,” “owner’s manual” or pictograms.

Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials. In 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made it illegal to use E15 fuel in motor vehicles made before 2001, motorcycles, boats and gasoline-powered equipment.  

The “Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018” sponsored by Reps. Austin Scott (R-GA) and Lois Frankel (D-FL) addresses the concern that many consumers are unaware of potential harm E15 poses for millions of gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment. The EPA would have 180 days to update its current warning label.

“As we are presented with more choices at the gas pump, it is imperative that American consumers know exactly what kind of fuel they are putting into their engines,” said Rep. Scott. “Gas pumps today are riddled with confusing labels that fail to adequately warn consumers of the dangers of fueling small engine equipment with E15. By making fuel pump labels easier to decipher and coordinating public education programs, this legislation can save consumers time and energy at the pumps and avoid headaches and costs down the road.”  

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-supported legislation (HR 5855) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would expand the current warning label required on gas pumps dispensing E15 (gasoline that’s 15% ethanol). The new label would include the words “warning” and “check your owner’s manual,” be 5x7 in. or larger, and include pictograms depicting a boat, lawnmower, chainsaw, motorcycle and snowmobile. The current label is about 3.5x3 in., and does not include the words “warning,” “owner’s manual” or pictograms.

Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials. In 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made it illegal to use E15 fuel in motor vehicles made before 2001, motorcycles, boats and gasoline-powered equipment.  

The “Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018” sponsored by Reps. Austin Scott (R-GA) and Lois Frankel (D-FL) addresses the concern that many consumers are unaware of potential harm E15 poses for millions of gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment. The EPA would have 180 days to update its current warning label.

“As we are presented with more choices at the gas pump, it is imperative that American consumers know exactly what kind of fuel they are putting into their engines,” said Rep. Scott. “Gas pumps today are riddled with confusing labels that fail to adequately warn consumers of the dangers of fueling small engine equipment with E15. By making fuel pump labels easier to decipher and coordinating public education programs, this legislation can save consumers time and energy at the pumps and avoid headaches and costs down the road.”  

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Eric Snyder (right), SEMA’s congressional affairs director, received the “E” Star Award from U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross presented SEMA with the President’s “E” Star Award for Export Service at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. Secretary Ross honored 43 U.S. companies and organizations from across the country with the President’s “E” Award for their role in strengthening the U.S. economy by sharing American ingenuity outside of U.S. borders. SEMA was the only second-time winner in the export service category. 

“SEMA has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion,” said Secretary Wilbur Ross in his congratulatory letter to the trade association. “The ‘E’ Awards Committee was very impressed with SEMA’s use of partnerships to help create effective business-to-business matchmaking opportunities for its clients. The organization’s measurement of exports supported by its programs was also particularly notable. SEMA’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting noted, “SEMA’s international programs have helped scores of SEMA members expand sales into overseas markets. ‘E’ Star recognition is an honor and an endorsement of services that I urge more members to utilize.”

The President’s “E” Award dates back to 1961 when President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America’s exporters. Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth and case studies which demonstrate valuable support to exporters resulting in increased exports for the company’s clients. 

“SEMA greatly values its partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce,” said Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs. “For example, the International Trade Administration provides grants to companies participating in SEMA’s overseas trade missions to help defray the costs to attend. In addition, the Department of Commerce has proven to be a valuable resource to SEMA-member companies by leading delegations of overseas buyers to attend SEMA events, providing in-country briefings on key markets and offering assistance to SEMA members encountering hurdles selling overseas on issues ranging from intellectual property concerns to signing exclusive contracts.”

For more information on SEMA’s year-round programs and resources, including an upcoming trip to Shanghai, China, and a series of roundtables focused on export opportunities in the Middle East, Australia, Latin America and China, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/international.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Eric Snyder (right), SEMA’s congressional affairs director, received the “E” Star Award from U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross presented SEMA with the President’s “E” Star Award for Export Service at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. Secretary Ross honored 43 U.S. companies and organizations from across the country with the President’s “E” Award for their role in strengthening the U.S. economy by sharing American ingenuity outside of U.S. borders. SEMA was the only second-time winner in the export service category. 

“SEMA has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion,” said Secretary Wilbur Ross in his congratulatory letter to the trade association. “The ‘E’ Awards Committee was very impressed with SEMA’s use of partnerships to help create effective business-to-business matchmaking opportunities for its clients. The organization’s measurement of exports supported by its programs was also particularly notable. SEMA’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting noted, “SEMA’s international programs have helped scores of SEMA members expand sales into overseas markets. ‘E’ Star recognition is an honor and an endorsement of services that I urge more members to utilize.”

The President’s “E” Award dates back to 1961 when President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America’s exporters. Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth and case studies which demonstrate valuable support to exporters resulting in increased exports for the company’s clients. 

“SEMA greatly values its partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce,” said Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs. “For example, the International Trade Administration provides grants to companies participating in SEMA’s overseas trade missions to help defray the costs to attend. In addition, the Department of Commerce has proven to be a valuable resource to SEMA-member companies by leading delegations of overseas buyers to attend SEMA events, providing in-country briefings on key markets and offering assistance to SEMA members encountering hurdles selling overseas on issues ranging from intellectual property concerns to signing exclusive contracts.”

For more information on SEMA’s year-round programs and resources, including an upcoming trip to Shanghai, China, and a series of roundtables focused on export opportunities in the Middle East, Australia, Latin America and China, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/international.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Eric Snyder (right), SEMA’s congressional affairs director, received the “E” Star Award from U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross presented SEMA with the President’s “E” Star Award for Export Service at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. Secretary Ross honored 43 U.S. companies and organizations from across the country with the President’s “E” Award for their role in strengthening the U.S. economy by sharing American ingenuity outside of U.S. borders. SEMA was the only second-time winner in the export service category. 

“SEMA has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion,” said Secretary Wilbur Ross in his congratulatory letter to the trade association. “The ‘E’ Awards Committee was very impressed with SEMA’s use of partnerships to help create effective business-to-business matchmaking opportunities for its clients. The organization’s measurement of exports supported by its programs was also particularly notable. SEMA’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting noted, “SEMA’s international programs have helped scores of SEMA members expand sales into overseas markets. ‘E’ Star recognition is an honor and an endorsement of services that I urge more members to utilize.”

The President’s “E” Award dates back to 1961 when President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America’s exporters. Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth and case studies which demonstrate valuable support to exporters resulting in increased exports for the company’s clients. 

“SEMA greatly values its partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce,” said Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs. “For example, the International Trade Administration provides grants to companies participating in SEMA’s overseas trade missions to help defray the costs to attend. In addition, the Department of Commerce has proven to be a valuable resource to SEMA-member companies by leading delegations of overseas buyers to attend SEMA events, providing in-country briefings on key markets and offering assistance to SEMA members encountering hurdles selling overseas on issues ranging from intellectual property concerns to signing exclusive contracts.”

For more information on SEMA’s year-round programs and resources, including an upcoming trip to Shanghai, China, and a series of roundtables focused on export opportunities in the Middle East, Australia, Latin America and China, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/international.

By Chad Simon

Last year, nearly 500 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the SEMA Installation & Gala to pay tribute to the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers.
	Held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation & Gala, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races will take place Friday, July 20, 2018, at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, in Universal City, California.

Join friends and colleagues for the SEMA Installation & Gala, Friday, July 20, from 6:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m., at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, in Universal City, California. This special evening honors the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers, 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—Donnie Eatherly, Ed Pink and Chris Thomson—and the association’s incoming and outgoing Board members.

The 2018 SEMA Installation & Gala will feature up-and-coming industry leaders and esteemed icons from the automotive accessories world. The celebration will include a cocktail reception, where the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races will take place, and dinner will follow. Purchasing a pinewood car is one of the easiest ways to contribute to SEMA Cares.

All SEMA-member companies are invited to join the festivities, but seats are limited, so register now at www.SEMA.org/gala.

Once again held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation & Gala, the SEMA Cares 2018 Pinewood Drag Races will take place during the cocktail reception, shortly before the gala begins. Each year, hundreds of SEMA-member companies step up to generously sponsor pinewood cars, with 100% of the proceeds going to qualified SEMA Cares charities. To learn more and register, visit www.sema.org/semacares.

SEMA members can race either a car or a truck in three classes: Build It For Me (BIFM), Stock and Unlimited. Members can either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the BIFM or Stock Class, or they can build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock-Class racing usually garners the most entries with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule—that one item from the stock kit be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds, and many of the past top builders include some of the most recognized names in the industry.

SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races special features include the annual HRIA Builders Challenge and the Council Cup. Watch as some of the biggest names in hot rodding build state-of-the-art custom pinewoods that will be raced and then auctioned off, with all of the proceeds going to SEMA Cares. Council members are invited to come out and challenge their peers for the opportunity to win the coveted Council Cup. The more cars or trucks fielded by each council member, the greater their chances of winning.

Now in its second year, the Industry Cup Challenge features five divisions where sponsoring companies race child-built pinewood cars. Each division crowns a winning company, which then goes on to represent that division in an all-out industry race to No. 1. The industry challengers each have a limited number of entrants in the following divisions: Warehouse Distributors, Manufacturers, Media Groups, Rep Agencies and Service Providers. The champion can display the trophy for a year with its company name engraved among the winners. It must then be returned, in a Stanley Cup-style tradition, as it will be up for grabs again at the next Pinewood Drag Races, where the company will have a chance to defend their title. The donation cost is $1,000 per sponsoring company. The standard pinewood build rules apply to all competing vehicles. Vehicles are randomly assigned and the race is officiated by SEMA Cares volunteers.

Proceeds from the races will benefit SEMA Cares charities, including The Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides a camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. Sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races car or truck is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today!

Register for the Installation & Gala at www.SEMA.org/gala.

2017 Pinewood Drag Race Winners:

By Chad Simon

Last year, nearly 500 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the SEMA Installation & Gala to pay tribute to the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers.
	Held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation & Gala, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races will take place Friday, July 20, 2018, at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, in Universal City, California.

Join friends and colleagues for the SEMA Installation & Gala, Friday, July 20, from 6:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m., at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, in Universal City, California. This special evening honors the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers, 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—Donnie Eatherly, Ed Pink and Chris Thomson—and the association’s incoming and outgoing Board members.

The 2018 SEMA Installation & Gala will feature up-and-coming industry leaders and esteemed icons from the automotive accessories world. The celebration will include a cocktail reception, where the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races will take place, and dinner will follow. Purchasing a pinewood car is one of the easiest ways to contribute to SEMA Cares.

All SEMA-member companies are invited to join the festivities, but seats are limited, so register now at www.SEMA.org/gala.

Once again held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation & Gala, the SEMA Cares 2018 Pinewood Drag Races will take place during the cocktail reception, shortly before the gala begins. Each year, hundreds of SEMA-member companies step up to generously sponsor pinewood cars, with 100% of the proceeds going to qualified SEMA Cares charities. To learn more and register, visit www.sema.org/semacares.

SEMA members can race either a car or a truck in three classes: Build It For Me (BIFM), Stock and Unlimited. Members can either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the BIFM or Stock Class, or they can build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock-Class racing usually garners the most entries with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule—that one item from the stock kit be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds, and many of the past top builders include some of the most recognized names in the industry.

SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races special features include the annual HRIA Builders Challenge and the Council Cup. Watch as some of the biggest names in hot rodding build state-of-the-art custom pinewoods that will be raced and then auctioned off, with all of the proceeds going to SEMA Cares. Council members are invited to come out and challenge their peers for the opportunity to win the coveted Council Cup. The more cars or trucks fielded by each council member, the greater their chances of winning.

Now in its second year, the Industry Cup Challenge features five divisions where sponsoring companies race child-built pinewood cars. Each division crowns a winning company, which then goes on to represent that division in an all-out industry race to No. 1. The industry challengers each have a limited number of entrants in the following divisions: Warehouse Distributors, Manufacturers, Media Groups, Rep Agencies and Service Providers. The champion can display the trophy for a year with its company name engraved among the winners. It must then be returned, in a Stanley Cup-style tradition, as it will be up for grabs again at the next Pinewood Drag Races, where the company will have a chance to defend their title. The donation cost is $1,000 per sponsoring company. The standard pinewood build rules apply to all competing vehicles. Vehicles are randomly assigned and the race is officiated by SEMA Cares volunteers.

Proceeds from the races will benefit SEMA Cares charities, including The Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides a camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. Sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races car or truck is easy and rewarding. Help a child in need today!

Register for the Installation & Gala at www.SEMA.org/gala.

2017 Pinewood Drag Race Winners: