HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

Gene Winfield was having a big year in 1963 when Petersen Publishing Company photographer Eric Rickman took this photo at Winfield’s car customizing shop in Modesto, California. Rickman was chronicling the progress of several cars being prepped for land speed record attempts at the Bonneville Salt Flats, and he captured Winfield as he was laying out “a super streamlined street roadster over an early Ford frame and running gear.”

That Bonneville story ran in the August 1963 issue of Hot Rod magazine, and it was one of two stories in that issue in which Winfield appeared. A few pages later, you can see him with a body hammer and dolly shaping aluminum panels for Tex Smith’s XR-6 roadster. The unusual-looking hot rod, “developed to investigate the uses of modern ideas in hot rod design,” as Smith described it, would win the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) trophy that year at the Oakland Roadster Show. Winfield’s bodywork and skill with pearl paint also helped Don Tognotti win the AMBR trophy a year later with his “King T” roadster.

Like so many hot rodding pioneers, Winfield started messing with cars by racing them on dragstrips and the dry lakes. Following a stint in the Navy, he began customizing cars in the mid ‘40s after first teaching himself how to weld and work with lead. In the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, Winfield experimented with unusual—and sometimes radical—combinations of candy and pearl paint colors. Those pioneering efforts in blended paint jobs were showcased on several Winfield-built cars, including two notable custom Mercurys called the Jade Idol and Solar Scene.

Winfield’s bodyworking talents and eye for design would take him from Ford’s Custom Car Caravan in Detroit to the AMT Model Company in Phoenix and then to Hollywood, where he built TV and movie cars for Star Trek, Blade Runner, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and other features. He has gone back to Bonneville, taught metalworking classes to pass on his techniques to a new generation of builders and still today reshapes and customizes cars. He’s not quite as busy as he was when he appeared in Hot Rod in 1963, but close.

HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

Gene Winfield was having a big year in 1963 when Petersen Publishing Company photographer Eric Rickman took this photo at Winfield’s car customizing shop in Modesto, California. Rickman was chronicling the progress of several cars being prepped for land speed record attempts at the Bonneville Salt Flats, and he captured Winfield as he was laying out “a super streamlined street roadster over an early Ford frame and running gear.”

That Bonneville story ran in the August 1963 issue of Hot Rod magazine, and it was one of two stories in that issue in which Winfield appeared. A few pages later, you can see him with a body hammer and dolly shaping aluminum panels for Tex Smith’s XR-6 roadster. The unusual-looking hot rod, “developed to investigate the uses of modern ideas in hot rod design,” as Smith described it, would win the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) trophy that year at the Oakland Roadster Show. Winfield’s bodywork and skill with pearl paint also helped Don Tognotti win the AMBR trophy a year later with his “King T” roadster.

Like so many hot rodding pioneers, Winfield started messing with cars by racing them on dragstrips and the dry lakes. Following a stint in the Navy, he began customizing cars in the mid ‘40s after first teaching himself how to weld and work with lead. In the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, Winfield experimented with unusual—and sometimes radical—combinations of candy and pearl paint colors. Those pioneering efforts in blended paint jobs were showcased on several Winfield-built cars, including two notable custom Mercurys called the Jade Idol and Solar Scene.

Winfield’s bodyworking talents and eye for design would take him from Ford’s Custom Car Caravan in Detroit to the AMT Model Company in Phoenix and then to Hollywood, where he built TV and movie cars for Star Trek, Blade Runner, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and other features. He has gone back to Bonneville, taught metalworking classes to pass on his techniques to a new generation of builders and still today reshapes and customizes cars. He’s not quite as busy as he was when he appeared in Hot Rod in 1963, but close.

HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

Gene Winfield was having a big year in 1963 when Petersen Publishing Company photographer Eric Rickman took this photo at Winfield’s car customizing shop in Modesto, California. Rickman was chronicling the progress of several cars being prepped for land speed record attempts at the Bonneville Salt Flats, and he captured Winfield as he was laying out “a super streamlined street roadster over an early Ford frame and running gear.”

That Bonneville story ran in the August 1963 issue of Hot Rod magazine, and it was one of two stories in that issue in which Winfield appeared. A few pages later, you can see him with a body hammer and dolly shaping aluminum panels for Tex Smith’s XR-6 roadster. The unusual-looking hot rod, “developed to investigate the uses of modern ideas in hot rod design,” as Smith described it, would win the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) trophy that year at the Oakland Roadster Show. Winfield’s bodywork and skill with pearl paint also helped Don Tognotti win the AMBR trophy a year later with his “King T” roadster.

Like so many hot rodding pioneers, Winfield started messing with cars by racing them on dragstrips and the dry lakes. Following a stint in the Navy, he began customizing cars in the mid ‘40s after first teaching himself how to weld and work with lead. In the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, Winfield experimented with unusual—and sometimes radical—combinations of candy and pearl paint colors. Those pioneering efforts in blended paint jobs were showcased on several Winfield-built cars, including two notable custom Mercurys called the Jade Idol and Solar Scene.

Winfield’s bodyworking talents and eye for design would take him from Ford’s Custom Car Caravan in Detroit to the AMT Model Company in Phoenix and then to Hollywood, where he built TV and movie cars for Star Trek, Blade Runner, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and other features. He has gone back to Bonneville, taught metalworking classes to pass on his techniques to a new generation of builders and still today reshapes and customizes cars. He’s not quite as busy as he was when he appeared in Hot Rod in 1963, but close.

HRIA Select Committee Member Hosts Congressman Dan Benishek

Rep. Dan Benishek was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2010 to represent the 1st District, which covers most of northeast Michigan, including all of the Upper Peninsula. Prior to his election, Rep. Benishek served as a general surgeon in private practice from 1983 to 2011. He has also worked part time for the past 20 years at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan. In Congress, Rep. Benishek serves on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“Having the opportunity to meet and talk with Rep. Benishek was wonderful,” McLeod said. “I now have a better understanding and feel more comfortable sharing my opinion or asking questions of my elected officials. It does matter, and my vote does count!”

As a new member of Congress, Rep. Benishek was enthusiastic about visiting Classic Instruments’ headquarters and learning more about the success of the small businesses in his district. He also had a chance to meet other influential members of the local community. Boyne City Manager Mike Cain and Boyne Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jim Baumann participated in the visit.

	SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski (far right) and the Classic Instruments staff gathered at the end of the tour to thank Rep. Benishek (center rear) for visiting the shop and supporting small businesses in Washington.

“Small businesses like Classic Instruments are the engines that drive Northern Michigan’s economy,” Rep. Benishek said. “It was a pleasure to visit their facility last year and learn more about ways that federal policy can help their business continue to grow and hire more employees.”

McLeod, General Manager Ron Hanna and their team provided a tour of Classic Instruments’ facility, including an impressive collection of limited-edition collector vehicles. Many of the vehicles on display in the showroom were either custom builds by Classic employees or included Classic Instruments products in their restorations. Also in the shop was a custom 1935 Chevy that McLeod drove to the 2011 SEMA Show.

The company’s corporate offices were part of the tour, and Rep. Benishek met with many of the employees and chatted about classic cars and upcoming projects. From these offices, Classic’s employees handle every step of each custom order from start to finish. Many of the orders received include highly customized features, which can be personalized to suit the customer’s individual preferences.

Rep. Benishek observed how each order is designed to exact specifications on a computer and sent to special machines devised to complete each item. In addition to the custom orders, Classic Instruments offers several product lines for classic vehicles. Classic’s new Sky Drive, an electric speedometer sending unit that uses GPS satellite signals to operate a vehicle’s speedometer, was honored with a 2011 SEMA Show New Product of the Year award.

	Rep. Benishek talks cars with owner and HRIA Select Committee member John McLeod in the Classic Instruments shop. McLeod drove the 1935 Chevy (on lift) to the 2011 SEMA Show from northern Michigan.

Rep. Benishek was also shown Classic Instruments’ machine shop, which is one of the few remaining manually operated shops in the region. Benishek was impressed to hear that Classic opens its doors to local high schools and community colleges to help train students preparing for future careers. At the end of the tour, Rep. Benishek discussed local economic matters and pledged to continue his support of local small businesses in Washington.

Before Rep. Benishek departed, John McLeod and Haili Friedrich, Classic Instruments’ graphic and advertising specialist, presented him with a special plaque that included a custom “Made in Michigan” speedometer gauge. Benishek was impressed with the craftsmanship of the handmade plaque and promised to display it in his office.

“I encourage all SEMA members to get involved, not only by paying your dues but by using the association’s resources such as the Congressional District Site Visit Program,” said McLeod. “As a SEMA member, if you make the effort and ask the questions, you will find that SEMA really works on your behalf.”

The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C. Given that members of Congress will be in their home district more often during 2012, companies interested in hosting an event with their elected officials are encouraged to contact SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski via e-mail at dans@sema.org or by phone at 202-783-6007, Ext. 19.

HRIA Select Committee Member Hosts Congressman Dan Benishek

Rep. Dan Benishek was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2010 to represent the 1st District, which covers most of northeast Michigan, including all of the Upper Peninsula. Prior to his election, Rep. Benishek served as a general surgeon in private practice from 1983 to 2011. He has also worked part time for the past 20 years at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan. In Congress, Rep. Benishek serves on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“Having the opportunity to meet and talk with Rep. Benishek was wonderful,” McLeod said. “I now have a better understanding and feel more comfortable sharing my opinion or asking questions of my elected officials. It does matter, and my vote does count!”

As a new member of Congress, Rep. Benishek was enthusiastic about visiting Classic Instruments’ headquarters and learning more about the success of the small businesses in his district. He also had a chance to meet other influential members of the local community. Boyne City Manager Mike Cain and Boyne Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jim Baumann participated in the visit.

	SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski (far right) and the Classic Instruments staff gathered at the end of the tour to thank Rep. Benishek (center rear) for visiting the shop and supporting small businesses in Washington.

“Small businesses like Classic Instruments are the engines that drive Northern Michigan’s economy,” Rep. Benishek said. “It was a pleasure to visit their facility last year and learn more about ways that federal policy can help their business continue to grow and hire more employees.”

McLeod, General Manager Ron Hanna and their team provided a tour of Classic Instruments’ facility, including an impressive collection of limited-edition collector vehicles. Many of the vehicles on display in the showroom were either custom builds by Classic employees or included Classic Instruments products in their restorations. Also in the shop was a custom 1935 Chevy that McLeod drove to the 2011 SEMA Show.

The company’s corporate offices were part of the tour, and Rep. Benishek met with many of the employees and chatted about classic cars and upcoming projects. From these offices, Classic’s employees handle every step of each custom order from start to finish. Many of the orders received include highly customized features, which can be personalized to suit the customer’s individual preferences.

Rep. Benishek observed how each order is designed to exact specifications on a computer and sent to special machines devised to complete each item. In addition to the custom orders, Classic Instruments offers several product lines for classic vehicles. Classic’s new Sky Drive, an electric speedometer sending unit that uses GPS satellite signals to operate a vehicle’s speedometer, was honored with a 2011 SEMA Show New Product of the Year award.

	Rep. Benishek talks cars with owner and HRIA Select Committee member John McLeod in the Classic Instruments shop. McLeod drove the 1935 Chevy (on lift) to the 2011 SEMA Show from northern Michigan.

Rep. Benishek was also shown Classic Instruments’ machine shop, which is one of the few remaining manually operated shops in the region. Benishek was impressed to hear that Classic opens its doors to local high schools and community colleges to help train students preparing for future careers. At the end of the tour, Rep. Benishek discussed local economic matters and pledged to continue his support of local small businesses in Washington.

Before Rep. Benishek departed, John McLeod and Haili Friedrich, Classic Instruments’ graphic and advertising specialist, presented him with a special plaque that included a custom “Made in Michigan” speedometer gauge. Benishek was impressed with the craftsmanship of the handmade plaque and promised to display it in his office.

“I encourage all SEMA members to get involved, not only by paying your dues but by using the association’s resources such as the Congressional District Site Visit Program,” said McLeod. “As a SEMA member, if you make the effort and ask the questions, you will find that SEMA really works on your behalf.”

The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C. Given that members of Congress will be in their home district more often during 2012, companies interested in hosting an event with their elected officials are encouraged to contact SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski via e-mail at dans@sema.org or by phone at 202-783-6007, Ext. 19.

HRIA Select Committee Member Hosts Congressman Dan Benishek

Rep. Dan Benishek was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2010 to represent the 1st District, which covers most of northeast Michigan, including all of the Upper Peninsula. Prior to his election, Rep. Benishek served as a general surgeon in private practice from 1983 to 2011. He has also worked part time for the past 20 years at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan. In Congress, Rep. Benishek serves on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“Having the opportunity to meet and talk with Rep. Benishek was wonderful,” McLeod said. “I now have a better understanding and feel more comfortable sharing my opinion or asking questions of my elected officials. It does matter, and my vote does count!”

As a new member of Congress, Rep. Benishek was enthusiastic about visiting Classic Instruments’ headquarters and learning more about the success of the small businesses in his district. He also had a chance to meet other influential members of the local community. Boyne City Manager Mike Cain and Boyne Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jim Baumann participated in the visit.

	SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski (far right) and the Classic Instruments staff gathered at the end of the tour to thank Rep. Benishek (center rear) for visiting the shop and supporting small businesses in Washington.

“Small businesses like Classic Instruments are the engines that drive Northern Michigan’s economy,” Rep. Benishek said. “It was a pleasure to visit their facility last year and learn more about ways that federal policy can help their business continue to grow and hire more employees.”

McLeod, General Manager Ron Hanna and their team provided a tour of Classic Instruments’ facility, including an impressive collection of limited-edition collector vehicles. Many of the vehicles on display in the showroom were either custom builds by Classic employees or included Classic Instruments products in their restorations. Also in the shop was a custom 1935 Chevy that McLeod drove to the 2011 SEMA Show.

The company’s corporate offices were part of the tour, and Rep. Benishek met with many of the employees and chatted about classic cars and upcoming projects. From these offices, Classic’s employees handle every step of each custom order from start to finish. Many of the orders received include highly customized features, which can be personalized to suit the customer’s individual preferences.

Rep. Benishek observed how each order is designed to exact specifications on a computer and sent to special machines devised to complete each item. In addition to the custom orders, Classic Instruments offers several product lines for classic vehicles. Classic’s new Sky Drive, an electric speedometer sending unit that uses GPS satellite signals to operate a vehicle’s speedometer, was honored with a 2011 SEMA Show New Product of the Year award.

	Rep. Benishek talks cars with owner and HRIA Select Committee member John McLeod in the Classic Instruments shop. McLeod drove the 1935 Chevy (on lift) to the 2011 SEMA Show from northern Michigan.

Rep. Benishek was also shown Classic Instruments’ machine shop, which is one of the few remaining manually operated shops in the region. Benishek was impressed to hear that Classic opens its doors to local high schools and community colleges to help train students preparing for future careers. At the end of the tour, Rep. Benishek discussed local economic matters and pledged to continue his support of local small businesses in Washington.

Before Rep. Benishek departed, John McLeod and Haili Friedrich, Classic Instruments’ graphic and advertising specialist, presented him with a special plaque that included a custom “Made in Michigan” speedometer gauge. Benishek was impressed with the craftsmanship of the handmade plaque and promised to display it in his office.

“I encourage all SEMA members to get involved, not only by paying your dues but by using the association’s resources such as the Congressional District Site Visit Program,” said McLeod. “As a SEMA member, if you make the effort and ask the questions, you will find that SEMA really works on your behalf.”

The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C. Given that members of Congress will be in their home district more often during 2012, companies interested in hosting an event with their elected officials are encouraged to contact SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski via e-mail at dans@sema.org or by phone at 202-783-6007, Ext. 19.

HRIA Select Committee Member Hosts Congressman Dan Benishek

Rep. Dan Benishek was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2010 to represent the 1st District, which covers most of northeast Michigan, including all of the Upper Peninsula. Prior to his election, Rep. Benishek served as a general surgeon in private practice from 1983 to 2011. He has also worked part time for the past 20 years at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan. In Congress, Rep. Benishek serves on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“Having the opportunity to meet and talk with Rep. Benishek was wonderful,” McLeod said. “I now have a better understanding and feel more comfortable sharing my opinion or asking questions of my elected officials. It does matter, and my vote does count!”

As a new member of Congress, Rep. Benishek was enthusiastic about visiting Classic Instruments’ headquarters and learning more about the success of the small businesses in his district. He also had a chance to meet other influential members of the local community. Boyne City Manager Mike Cain and Boyne Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jim Baumann participated in the visit.

	SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski (far right) and the Classic Instruments staff gathered at the end of the tour to thank Rep. Benishek (center rear) for visiting the shop and supporting small businesses in Washington.

“Small businesses like Classic Instruments are the engines that drive Northern Michigan’s economy,” Rep. Benishek said. “It was a pleasure to visit their facility last year and learn more about ways that federal policy can help their business continue to grow and hire more employees.”

McLeod, General Manager Ron Hanna and their team provided a tour of Classic Instruments’ facility, including an impressive collection of limited-edition collector vehicles. Many of the vehicles on display in the showroom were either custom builds by Classic employees or included Classic Instruments products in their restorations. Also in the shop was a custom 1935 Chevy that McLeod drove to the 2011 SEMA Show.

The company’s corporate offices were part of the tour, and Rep. Benishek met with many of the employees and chatted about classic cars and upcoming projects. From these offices, Classic’s employees handle every step of each custom order from start to finish. Many of the orders received include highly customized features, which can be personalized to suit the customer’s individual preferences.

Rep. Benishek observed how each order is designed to exact specifications on a computer and sent to special machines devised to complete each item. In addition to the custom orders, Classic Instruments offers several product lines for classic vehicles. Classic’s new Sky Drive, an electric speedometer sending unit that uses GPS satellite signals to operate a vehicle’s speedometer, was honored with a 2011 SEMA Show New Product of the Year award.

	Rep. Benishek talks cars with owner and HRIA Select Committee member John McLeod in the Classic Instruments shop. McLeod drove the 1935 Chevy (on lift) to the 2011 SEMA Show from northern Michigan.

Rep. Benishek was also shown Classic Instruments’ machine shop, which is one of the few remaining manually operated shops in the region. Benishek was impressed to hear that Classic opens its doors to local high schools and community colleges to help train students preparing for future careers. At the end of the tour, Rep. Benishek discussed local economic matters and pledged to continue his support of local small businesses in Washington.

Before Rep. Benishek departed, John McLeod and Haili Friedrich, Classic Instruments’ graphic and advertising specialist, presented him with a special plaque that included a custom “Made in Michigan” speedometer gauge. Benishek was impressed with the craftsmanship of the handmade plaque and promised to display it in his office.

“I encourage all SEMA members to get involved, not only by paying your dues but by using the association’s resources such as the Congressional District Site Visit Program,” said McLeod. “As a SEMA member, if you make the effort and ask the questions, you will find that SEMA really works on your behalf.”

The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C. Given that members of Congress will be in their home district more often during 2012, companies interested in hosting an event with their elected officials are encouraged to contact SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski via e-mail at dans@sema.org or by phone at 202-783-6007, Ext. 19.

HRIA Select Committee Member Hosts Congressman Dan Benishek

Rep. Dan Benishek was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2010 to represent the 1st District, which covers most of northeast Michigan, including all of the Upper Peninsula. Prior to his election, Rep. Benishek served as a general surgeon in private practice from 1983 to 2011. He has also worked part time for the past 20 years at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan. In Congress, Rep. Benishek serves on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“Having the opportunity to meet and talk with Rep. Benishek was wonderful,” McLeod said. “I now have a better understanding and feel more comfortable sharing my opinion or asking questions of my elected officials. It does matter, and my vote does count!”

As a new member of Congress, Rep. Benishek was enthusiastic about visiting Classic Instruments’ headquarters and learning more about the success of the small businesses in his district. He also had a chance to meet other influential members of the local community. Boyne City Manager Mike Cain and Boyne Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jim Baumann participated in the visit.

	SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski (far right) and the Classic Instruments staff gathered at the end of the tour to thank Rep. Benishek (center rear) for visiting the shop and supporting small businesses in Washington.

“Small businesses like Classic Instruments are the engines that drive Northern Michigan’s economy,” Rep. Benishek said. “It was a pleasure to visit their facility last year and learn more about ways that federal policy can help their business continue to grow and hire more employees.”

McLeod, General Manager Ron Hanna and their team provided a tour of Classic Instruments’ facility, including an impressive collection of limited-edition collector vehicles. Many of the vehicles on display in the showroom were either custom builds by Classic employees or included Classic Instruments products in their restorations. Also in the shop was a custom 1935 Chevy that McLeod drove to the 2011 SEMA Show.

The company’s corporate offices were part of the tour, and Rep. Benishek met with many of the employees and chatted about classic cars and upcoming projects. From these offices, Classic’s employees handle every step of each custom order from start to finish. Many of the orders received include highly customized features, which can be personalized to suit the customer’s individual preferences.

Rep. Benishek observed how each order is designed to exact specifications on a computer and sent to special machines devised to complete each item. In addition to the custom orders, Classic Instruments offers several product lines for classic vehicles. Classic’s new Sky Drive, an electric speedometer sending unit that uses GPS satellite signals to operate a vehicle’s speedometer, was honored with a 2011 SEMA Show New Product of the Year award.

	Rep. Benishek talks cars with owner and HRIA Select Committee member John McLeod in the Classic Instruments shop. McLeod drove the 1935 Chevy (on lift) to the 2011 SEMA Show from northern Michigan.

Rep. Benishek was also shown Classic Instruments’ machine shop, which is one of the few remaining manually operated shops in the region. Benishek was impressed to hear that Classic opens its doors to local high schools and community colleges to help train students preparing for future careers. At the end of the tour, Rep. Benishek discussed local economic matters and pledged to continue his support of local small businesses in Washington.

Before Rep. Benishek departed, John McLeod and Haili Friedrich, Classic Instruments’ graphic and advertising specialist, presented him with a special plaque that included a custom “Made in Michigan” speedometer gauge. Benishek was impressed with the craftsmanship of the handmade plaque and promised to display it in his office.

“I encourage all SEMA members to get involved, not only by paying your dues but by using the association’s resources such as the Congressional District Site Visit Program,” said McLeod. “As a SEMA member, if you make the effort and ask the questions, you will find that SEMA really works on your behalf.”

The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C. Given that members of Congress will be in their home district more often during 2012, companies interested in hosting an event with their elected officials are encouraged to contact SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski via e-mail at dans@sema.org or by phone at 202-783-6007, Ext. 19.