Compiled by SEMA Staff

	Clay Buzzard

The University of the Aftermarket Foundation board of trustees is mourning its former chairman, Clay Buzzard, who passed away February 7, at the age of 87, and has pledged that donations made in his honor will be used to advance industry education.

"Clay Buzzard was a true aftermarket visionary who left a legacy of excellence that will always be remembered,” said Rusty Bishop, chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. “One of his lasting accomplishments will be his work as chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. Clay was instrumental in getting the industry to emphasize the importance of education and training, and the foundation is a tribute to his hard work and dedication.

“We have received numerous inquiries from those who want to make a donation to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation in Clay’s name. This is a testament to the effect Clay had on people’s lives as well as his commitment to the industry. We are honored to accept these donations in his memory and will ensure that they are used toward one of his favorite causes—aftermarket education.”

Buzzard was the former chairman and CEO of Middle Atlantic Warehouse Distributor Inc. (MAWDI) from 1963 until 2004, when Uni-Select purchased the company. After the sale, he served on the Uni-Select Inc. board of directors until May 2012. He remained active in the aftermarket during his time on the Uni-Select board. Buzzard received many honors during his distinguished career, including Leader of the Year by the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) in 1996, Hall of Fame honors by the New York State Automotive Aftermarket Association in 2000 and the Automotive Aftermarket Education Award by Northwood University in 2003.

Industry colleague Mort Schwartz remembers Buzzard: “When Clay took over as chairman of the foundation, he elevated the program to new heights, bringing energy, enthusiasm and direction to the group. He focused on the main objective of providing more funds for education and scholarships, and with his background of building a highly successful family WD business, he used his contacts and know-how to raise the foundation to the level it is today. The aftermarket has lost a true leader and a wonderful person.”

Fellow University of the Aftermarket Foundation board member Jack Creamer recalls: “When Martin Fromm was looking for real leadership to head up the foundation, he turned to Clay. Everyone he asked had suggested Clay because of his reputation for tough, yet fair leadership in business and his warmth, yet coolness under pressure. Clay rallied those on the foundation board, and they responded to his ideas and plans. The result was the strong organization that endures today. Clay was ahead of his time in business and he set the tone for the foundation.”

To make a donation to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation in memory of Clay Buzzard, call 816-584-0511.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell has introduced a concurrent resolution urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revoke its decision to allow the sale of gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) until there is clear and convincing scientific evidence that E15 does not pose a risk to any gasoline-powered vehicle or equipment. Among other things, the resolution recognizes that ethanol increases water formation, which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber, especially over a period of time when the vehicle is not used. Current high-performance specialty parts, along with the pre-’01 cars and parts, may be most susceptible to corrosion. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell has introduced a concurrent resolution urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revoke its decision to allow the sale of gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) until there is clear and convincing scientific evidence that E15 does not pose a risk to any gasoline-powered vehicle or equipment. Among other things, the resolution recognizes that ethanol increases water formation, which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber, especially over a period of time when the vehicle is not used. Current high-performance specialty parts, along with the pre-’01 cars and parts, may be most susceptible to corrosion. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell has introduced a concurrent resolution urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revoke its decision to allow the sale of gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) until there is clear and convincing scientific evidence that E15 does not pose a risk to any gasoline-powered vehicle or equipment. Among other things, the resolution recognizes that ethanol increases water formation, which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber, especially over a period of time when the vehicle is not used. Current high-performance specialty parts, along with the pre-’01 cars and parts, may be most susceptible to corrosion. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” or “modified antique motor vehicles” has been reintroduced in the Connecticut State Legislature. Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or as modified antique motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. 

For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,500. The measure, which SEMA is opposing, makes no provision for “grandfathering” existing antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or modified antique motor vehicles that are 20–30 years old and allowing them to retain their current registration status. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” or “modified antique motor vehicles” has been reintroduced in the Connecticut State Legislature. Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or as modified antique motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. 

For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,500. The measure, which SEMA is opposing, makes no provision for “grandfathering” existing antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or modified antique motor vehicles that are 20–30 years old and allowing them to retain their current registration status. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” or “modified antique motor vehicles” has been reintroduced in the Connecticut State Legislature. Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or as modified antique motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. 

For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,500. The measure, which SEMA is opposing, makes no provision for “grandfathering” existing antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or modified antique motor vehicles that are 20–30 years old and allowing them to retain their current registration status. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff  

Legislation to exempt from emissions inspections those vehicles that have not yet reached their 10th model year was denied approval by the Colorado Senate Transportation Committee on a 3–1 vote. Current law only exempts vehicles that are four model years old or newer. The bill would have also exempted previously registered motor vehicles that have never failed an emissions-control inspection and created a senior citizen hardship exemption whereby a senior citizen could register one motor vehicle without obtaining an emissions inspection. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff  

Legislation to exempt from emissions inspections those vehicles that have not yet reached their 10th model year was denied approval by the Colorado Senate Transportation Committee on a 3–1 vote. Current law only exempts vehicles that are four model years old or newer. The bill would have also exempted previously registered motor vehicles that have never failed an emissions-control inspection and created a senior citizen hardship exemption whereby a senior citizen could register one motor vehicle without obtaining an emissions inspection. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By Arlene Wood

	SEMA's council leaders.

Nominations for a Select Committee seat on one of SEMA's councils and member networks are now open.

Do you have a business challenge that goes beyond the walls of your shop? See a change in the market that needs to be made? Have an idea but need some industry muscle to make it happen? Then it may be time for you to volunteer to be an industry leader and make your voice heard.

The Select Committee serves as the volunteer leadership body for the entire membership of a specific council or network. These volunteers are in tune with their market and have the drive needed to influence change. Elected volunteers are entrusted to direct SEMA resources toward building solutions to matters facing the industry, benefits and opportunities that help companies succeed and prosper. 
There are currently 10 council and network groups within SEMA, and each represents a collection of SEMA members who share a common business purpose or market segment. Councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges that require a special focus by the association.

Find out who is currently involved in SEMA's councils and networks and follow the link to the group that supports your interests.

Get started now by using the online council nominations form; it's quick and easy to complete, and no printing or faxing is required. All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PDT) March 22, 2013.



For more information on SEMA's councils and committees or the nomination and election process, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org.