SEMA News - April 2010

The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to read this column and become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.

The last election cycle ensconced a Congress and White House that continue to overlook a crucial point in the plans for an economic turnaround: it is small businesses supplying most of the jobs in America. Unless small businesses succeed, the needed re-employment, improved consumer confidence and healthy climb out of the current recession will not materialize.

SEMA has important tools to help you individually and as SEMA members make a difference in the battle to keep small businesses from getting crushed by the decisions being made in Washington, D.C. But you have to get active. Look at your weekly SEMA eNews, visit the SEMA website, these resources highlight the legislative issues important to our industry. The SEMA website has all the information you need to contact your member of Congress and the White House. Our Washington staff is also available to help you arrange a meeting with your legislator in your home district or in Washington, D.C. Because so many Americans are apathetic, if you do take initiative and speak up, your voice will matter more than you may think. Legislators are eager to hear what their constituents want.

Another important means to make a difference is to act collectively with your fellow SEMA members. When we join together, when we lend volume to each other, we cannot help but be heard. That is the essence of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC).

SEMA PAC is our industry’s means to help the election efforts of legislators who act to support our industry. The seven-year-old SEMA PAC pools its collective resources, giving it a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

PACs are funded by personal contributions; companies cannot contribute. In fact, SEMA itself is prohibited from using association funds to make political contributions, but it is allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC, so 100% of the contributions you make are used to help elect industry-supportive legislators. The funds we provide and the relationships we build are vital. In this election year, it could mean the difference between re-establishing support for small businesses or allowing the current economic tailspin to continue.

Recent elections in Massachusetts, Virginia and New Jersey have confirmed the electorate’s discontent over the prospects of larger government, uncontrolled deficits and an economy that has been unable to produce jobs. Those who hold office after this November’s elections will hold the ultimate sway on important issues, such as affordable health care, credit availability, environmental issues and budget reform.

Federal election law requires trade associations, such as SEMA, to obtain the prior approval of its members in order to solicit contributions to the PAC. Signing such a form doesn’t obligate you to contribute; it just allows the PAC to contact you. Downloading, signing and submitting the prior-consent form ensures that you will hear updates about what’s happening in Washington, and it is the first step in ensuring that Washington hears from you and your industry colleagues. It is ultimately your private financial contribution to the PAC that gives voice to the industry on Capitol Hill.

As noted, SEMA uses your dues and revenue from the SEMA Show to operate an effective government affairs office in Washington to safeguard the industry on issues and opportunities that are of concern specifically to us. That really is one of the association’s primary jobs. However, so much more can be done with a large number of active, united SEMA members working with the association’s staff.

Now, more than ever, your association and its leaders are calling on you to make your voice heard. SEMA PAC can help. Please visit www.SEMAPAC.org and submit a prior-approval form today. 

SEMA News - April 2010

The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to read this column and become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.

The last election cycle ensconced a Congress and White House that continue to overlook a crucial point in the plans for an economic turnaround: it is small businesses supplying most of the jobs in America. Unless small businesses succeed, the needed re-employment, improved consumer confidence and healthy climb out of the current recession will not materialize.

SEMA has important tools to help you individually and as SEMA members make a difference in the battle to keep small businesses from getting crushed by the decisions being made in Washington, D.C. But you have to get active. Look at your weekly SEMA eNews, visit the SEMA website, these resources highlight the legislative issues important to our industry. The SEMA website has all the information you need to contact your member of Congress and the White House. Our Washington staff is also available to help you arrange a meeting with your legislator in your home district or in Washington, D.C. Because so many Americans are apathetic, if you do take initiative and speak up, your voice will matter more than you may think. Legislators are eager to hear what their constituents want.

Another important means to make a difference is to act collectively with your fellow SEMA members. When we join together, when we lend volume to each other, we cannot help but be heard. That is the essence of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC).

SEMA PAC is our industry’s means to help the election efforts of legislators who act to support our industry. The seven-year-old SEMA PAC pools its collective resources, giving it a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

PACs are funded by personal contributions; companies cannot contribute. In fact, SEMA itself is prohibited from using association funds to make political contributions, but it is allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC, so 100% of the contributions you make are used to help elect industry-supportive legislators. The funds we provide and the relationships we build are vital. In this election year, it could mean the difference between re-establishing support for small businesses or allowing the current economic tailspin to continue.

Recent elections in Massachusetts, Virginia and New Jersey have confirmed the electorate’s discontent over the prospects of larger government, uncontrolled deficits and an economy that has been unable to produce jobs. Those who hold office after this November’s elections will hold the ultimate sway on important issues, such as affordable health care, credit availability, environmental issues and budget reform.

Federal election law requires trade associations, such as SEMA, to obtain the prior approval of its members in order to solicit contributions to the PAC. Signing such a form doesn’t obligate you to contribute; it just allows the PAC to contact you. Downloading, signing and submitting the prior-consent form ensures that you will hear updates about what’s happening in Washington, and it is the first step in ensuring that Washington hears from you and your industry colleagues. It is ultimately your private financial contribution to the PAC that gives voice to the industry on Capitol Hill.

As noted, SEMA uses your dues and revenue from the SEMA Show to operate an effective government affairs office in Washington to safeguard the industry on issues and opportunities that are of concern specifically to us. That really is one of the association’s primary jobs. However, so much more can be done with a large number of active, united SEMA members working with the association’s staff.

Now, more than ever, your association and its leaders are calling on you to make your voice heard. SEMA PAC can help. Please visit www.SEMAPAC.org and submit a prior-approval form today. 

SEMA News - April 2010

The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to read this column and become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.

The last election cycle ensconced a Congress and White House that continue to overlook a crucial point in the plans for an economic turnaround: it is small businesses supplying most of the jobs in America. Unless small businesses succeed, the needed re-employment, improved consumer confidence and healthy climb out of the current recession will not materialize.

SEMA has important tools to help you individually and as SEMA members make a difference in the battle to keep small businesses from getting crushed by the decisions being made in Washington, D.C. But you have to get active. Look at your weekly SEMA eNews, visit the SEMA website, these resources highlight the legislative issues important to our industry. The SEMA website has all the information you need to contact your member of Congress and the White House. Our Washington staff is also available to help you arrange a meeting with your legislator in your home district or in Washington, D.C. Because so many Americans are apathetic, if you do take initiative and speak up, your voice will matter more than you may think. Legislators are eager to hear what their constituents want.

Another important means to make a difference is to act collectively with your fellow SEMA members. When we join together, when we lend volume to each other, we cannot help but be heard. That is the essence of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC).

SEMA PAC is our industry’s means to help the election efforts of legislators who act to support our industry. The seven-year-old SEMA PAC pools its collective resources, giving it a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

PACs are funded by personal contributions; companies cannot contribute. In fact, SEMA itself is prohibited from using association funds to make political contributions, but it is allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC, so 100% of the contributions you make are used to help elect industry-supportive legislators. The funds we provide and the relationships we build are vital. In this election year, it could mean the difference between re-establishing support for small businesses or allowing the current economic tailspin to continue.

Recent elections in Massachusetts, Virginia and New Jersey have confirmed the electorate’s discontent over the prospects of larger government, uncontrolled deficits and an economy that has been unable to produce jobs. Those who hold office after this November’s elections will hold the ultimate sway on important issues, such as affordable health care, credit availability, environmental issues and budget reform.

Federal election law requires trade associations, such as SEMA, to obtain the prior approval of its members in order to solicit contributions to the PAC. Signing such a form doesn’t obligate you to contribute; it just allows the PAC to contact you. Downloading, signing and submitting the prior-consent form ensures that you will hear updates about what’s happening in Washington, and it is the first step in ensuring that Washington hears from you and your industry colleagues. It is ultimately your private financial contribution to the PAC that gives voice to the industry on Capitol Hill.

As noted, SEMA uses your dues and revenue from the SEMA Show to operate an effective government affairs office in Washington to safeguard the industry on issues and opportunities that are of concern specifically to us. That really is one of the association’s primary jobs. However, so much more can be done with a large number of active, united SEMA members working with the association’s staff.

Now, more than ever, your association and its leaders are calling on you to make your voice heard. SEMA PAC can help. Please visit www.SEMAPAC.org and submit a prior-approval form today. 

SEMA News - April 2010

The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to read this column and become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.

The last election cycle ensconced a Congress and White House that continue to overlook a crucial point in the plans for an economic turnaround: it is small businesses supplying most of the jobs in America. Unless small businesses succeed, the needed re-employment, improved consumer confidence and healthy climb out of the current recession will not materialize.

SEMA has important tools to help you individually and as SEMA members make a difference in the battle to keep small businesses from getting crushed by the decisions being made in Washington, D.C. But you have to get active. Look at your weekly SEMA eNews, visit the SEMA website, these resources highlight the legislative issues important to our industry. The SEMA website has all the information you need to contact your member of Congress and the White House. Our Washington staff is also available to help you arrange a meeting with your legislator in your home district or in Washington, D.C. Because so many Americans are apathetic, if you do take initiative and speak up, your voice will matter more than you may think. Legislators are eager to hear what their constituents want.

Another important means to make a difference is to act collectively with your fellow SEMA members. When we join together, when we lend volume to each other, we cannot help but be heard. That is the essence of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC).

SEMA PAC is our industry’s means to help the election efforts of legislators who act to support our industry. The seven-year-old SEMA PAC pools its collective resources, giving it a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

PACs are funded by personal contributions; companies cannot contribute. In fact, SEMA itself is prohibited from using association funds to make political contributions, but it is allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC, so 100% of the contributions you make are used to help elect industry-supportive legislators. The funds we provide and the relationships we build are vital. In this election year, it could mean the difference between re-establishing support for small businesses or allowing the current economic tailspin to continue.

Recent elections in Massachusetts, Virginia and New Jersey have confirmed the electorate’s discontent over the prospects of larger government, uncontrolled deficits and an economy that has been unable to produce jobs. Those who hold office after this November’s elections will hold the ultimate sway on important issues, such as affordable health care, credit availability, environmental issues and budget reform.

Federal election law requires trade associations, such as SEMA, to obtain the prior approval of its members in order to solicit contributions to the PAC. Signing such a form doesn’t obligate you to contribute; it just allows the PAC to contact you. Downloading, signing and submitting the prior-consent form ensures that you will hear updates about what’s happening in Washington, and it is the first step in ensuring that Washington hears from you and your industry colleagues. It is ultimately your private financial contribution to the PAC that gives voice to the industry on Capitol Hill.

As noted, SEMA uses your dues and revenue from the SEMA Show to operate an effective government affairs office in Washington to safeguard the industry on issues and opportunities that are of concern specifically to us. That really is one of the association’s primary jobs. However, so much more can be done with a large number of active, united SEMA members working with the association’s staff.

Now, more than ever, your association and its leaders are calling on you to make your voice heard. SEMA PAC can help. Please visit www.SEMAPAC.org and submit a prior-approval form today. 

SEMA NEWS - APRIL 2010

By Dan Sadowski

Photos Courtesy Drew Phillips

Congressman John Campbell Engages SEMA Members on This Year’s Hot Topics

	Lance Stander (right), president and CEO of Hillbank Motor Corp. in Irvine, California, welcomed Congressman John Campbell to the company’s facility as part of SEMA’s Congressional Site Visit Program.

United States Congressman John Campbell took time from his busy schedule in January to meet with SEMA members at an event hosted by Hillbank Motor Corporation in Irvine, California. The gathering was part of SEMA’s Congressional Site Visit Program, which provides an opportunity for lawmakers to visit SEMA-member facilities and discuss current industry issues with constituents.

Prior to serving in public office, Rep. Campbell’s career spanned 25 years in the automotive industry representing automobile franchises, including Nissan, Mazda, Ford, Saturn and Saab. After election to the California State Assembly in 2000 and the State Senate in 2004, Campbell established himself as a fiscal conservative and activist for sensible public policies. He was a strong advocate for industry initiatives, such as exempting vehicles 30 years and older from emissions inspections. He was also one of the first members of the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.

Rep. Campbell took his industry credentials to Washington when he was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2005. He represents California’s 48th district, which encompasses much of Orange County and has the one of the highest concentrations of SEMA-member companies in the country, with more than 110. Rep. Campbell joined the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus and most recently helped SEMA secure a provision within the “Cash for Clunkers” program to protect vehicles 25 years old and older from the crusher.

	Hillbank’s garage is stocked with a variety of hand-crafted, carefully engineered Shelby CSX Cobras, Shelby Daytona Coupes, GT40s and Superformance MKIIIs.

From the minute Rep. Campbell arrived at the Hillbank event, he left no doubt that gasoline runs in his veins. Pulling up in his gleaming ’73 Buick Riviera, Rep. Campbell was ready to talk shop—both politics and exotic kit cars. Hillbank’s garage is stocked with a variety of hand-crafted, carefully engineered Shelby CSX Cobras, Shelby Daytona Coupes, GT40s and Superformance MKIIIs.

Hillbank USA was founded in 1999 as an extension of Hillbank South Africa, which has been in business since 1977. Hillbank USA is the southwestern dealer for Superformance replica and Shelby continuation vintage racing and street-legal component cars of the ’60s. It is also a premier retailer of top name-brand and genuine aftermarket American muscle performance parts, including components for late-model Camaros, Challengers, F-Series trucks, Mustangs and Rangers.

Rep. Campbell walked among the exotic cars, asking questions and chatting with SEMA members who were present.

“As a local business owner, I am pleased that Congressman Campbell took the time to meet with SEMA members in his home district and listen to the concerns of small-business owners,” said Hillbank President and CEO Lance Stander. “It was also wonderful to talk about engine performance, superchargers, exhausts and other topics of discussion with a fellow auto enthusiast.”

	Stander took time out from discussions about the automotive industry and the current state of political affairs to admire the Congressman’s ’73 Buick Riviera.

After the tour, the congressman convened a Q&A session to discuss important upcoming legislative topics relevant to his constituency. At the briefing, Rep. Campbell showed the same enthusiasm for important legislative issues that he had for the Cobras and GTs. Covering topics such as health care, taxation, regulation and litigation, Rep. Campbell engaged the audience in conversation regarding the current political and legislative landscape in D.C.

“This year more than ever the priorities for our country are clear,” Rep. Campbell said. “We need to work to make tax cuts permanent, simplify the tax code, enact tort reform to stop frivolous lawsuits and reduce the size of government through elimination of needless regulatory burdens. By visiting with small-business owners and employees in my district, I am more aware of the issues important to my constituents to get our economy moving in the right direction.”

For more information about the Congressional Site Visit Program, contact Dan Sadowski.

SEMA NEWS - APRIL 2010

By Dan Sadowski

Photos Courtesy Drew Phillips

Congressman John Campbell Engages SEMA Members on This Year’s Hot Topics

	Lance Stander (right), president and CEO of Hillbank Motor Corp. in Irvine, California, welcomed Congressman John Campbell to the company’s facility as part of SEMA’s Congressional Site Visit Program.

United States Congressman John Campbell took time from his busy schedule in January to meet with SEMA members at an event hosted by Hillbank Motor Corporation in Irvine, California. The gathering was part of SEMA’s Congressional Site Visit Program, which provides an opportunity for lawmakers to visit SEMA-member facilities and discuss current industry issues with constituents.

Prior to serving in public office, Rep. Campbell’s career spanned 25 years in the automotive industry representing automobile franchises, including Nissan, Mazda, Ford, Saturn and Saab. After election to the California State Assembly in 2000 and the State Senate in 2004, Campbell established himself as a fiscal conservative and activist for sensible public policies. He was a strong advocate for industry initiatives, such as exempting vehicles 30 years and older from emissions inspections. He was also one of the first members of the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.

Rep. Campbell took his industry credentials to Washington when he was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2005. He represents California’s 48th district, which encompasses much of Orange County and has the one of the highest concentrations of SEMA-member companies in the country, with more than 110. Rep. Campbell joined the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus and most recently helped SEMA secure a provision within the “Cash for Clunkers” program to protect vehicles 25 years old and older from the crusher.

	Hillbank’s garage is stocked with a variety of hand-crafted, carefully engineered Shelby CSX Cobras, Shelby Daytona Coupes, GT40s and Superformance MKIIIs.

From the minute Rep. Campbell arrived at the Hillbank event, he left no doubt that gasoline runs in his veins. Pulling up in his gleaming ’73 Buick Riviera, Rep. Campbell was ready to talk shop—both politics and exotic kit cars. Hillbank’s garage is stocked with a variety of hand-crafted, carefully engineered Shelby CSX Cobras, Shelby Daytona Coupes, GT40s and Superformance MKIIIs.

Hillbank USA was founded in 1999 as an extension of Hillbank South Africa, which has been in business since 1977. Hillbank USA is the southwestern dealer for Superformance replica and Shelby continuation vintage racing and street-legal component cars of the ’60s. It is also a premier retailer of top name-brand and genuine aftermarket American muscle performance parts, including components for late-model Camaros, Challengers, F-Series trucks, Mustangs and Rangers.

Rep. Campbell walked among the exotic cars, asking questions and chatting with SEMA members who were present.

“As a local business owner, I am pleased that Congressman Campbell took the time to meet with SEMA members in his home district and listen to the concerns of small-business owners,” said Hillbank President and CEO Lance Stander. “It was also wonderful to talk about engine performance, superchargers, exhausts and other topics of discussion with a fellow auto enthusiast.”

	Stander took time out from discussions about the automotive industry and the current state of political affairs to admire the Congressman’s ’73 Buick Riviera.

After the tour, the congressman convened a Q&A session to discuss important upcoming legislative topics relevant to his constituency. At the briefing, Rep. Campbell showed the same enthusiasm for important legislative issues that he had for the Cobras and GTs. Covering topics such as health care, taxation, regulation and litigation, Rep. Campbell engaged the audience in conversation regarding the current political and legislative landscape in D.C.

“This year more than ever the priorities for our country are clear,” Rep. Campbell said. “We need to work to make tax cuts permanent, simplify the tax code, enact tort reform to stop frivolous lawsuits and reduce the size of government through elimination of needless regulatory burdens. By visiting with small-business owners and employees in my district, I am more aware of the issues important to my constituents to get our economy moving in the right direction.”

For more information about the Congressional Site Visit Program, contact Dan Sadowski.

SEMA NEWS - APRIL 2010

By Dan Sadowski

Photos Courtesy Drew Phillips

Congressman John Campbell Engages SEMA Members on This Year’s Hot Topics

	Lance Stander (right), president and CEO of Hillbank Motor Corp. in Irvine, California, welcomed Congressman John Campbell to the company’s facility as part of SEMA’s Congressional Site Visit Program.

United States Congressman John Campbell took time from his busy schedule in January to meet with SEMA members at an event hosted by Hillbank Motor Corporation in Irvine, California. The gathering was part of SEMA’s Congressional Site Visit Program, which provides an opportunity for lawmakers to visit SEMA-member facilities and discuss current industry issues with constituents.

Prior to serving in public office, Rep. Campbell’s career spanned 25 years in the automotive industry representing automobile franchises, including Nissan, Mazda, Ford, Saturn and Saab. After election to the California State Assembly in 2000 and the State Senate in 2004, Campbell established himself as a fiscal conservative and activist for sensible public policies. He was a strong advocate for industry initiatives, such as exempting vehicles 30 years and older from emissions inspections. He was also one of the first members of the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.

Rep. Campbell took his industry credentials to Washington when he was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2005. He represents California’s 48th district, which encompasses much of Orange County and has the one of the highest concentrations of SEMA-member companies in the country, with more than 110. Rep. Campbell joined the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus and most recently helped SEMA secure a provision within the “Cash for Clunkers” program to protect vehicles 25 years old and older from the crusher.

	Hillbank’s garage is stocked with a variety of hand-crafted, carefully engineered Shelby CSX Cobras, Shelby Daytona Coupes, GT40s and Superformance MKIIIs.

From the minute Rep. Campbell arrived at the Hillbank event, he left no doubt that gasoline runs in his veins. Pulling up in his gleaming ’73 Buick Riviera, Rep. Campbell was ready to talk shop—both politics and exotic kit cars. Hillbank’s garage is stocked with a variety of hand-crafted, carefully engineered Shelby CSX Cobras, Shelby Daytona Coupes, GT40s and Superformance MKIIIs.

Hillbank USA was founded in 1999 as an extension of Hillbank South Africa, which has been in business since 1977. Hillbank USA is the southwestern dealer for Superformance replica and Shelby continuation vintage racing and street-legal component cars of the ’60s. It is also a premier retailer of top name-brand and genuine aftermarket American muscle performance parts, including components for late-model Camaros, Challengers, F-Series trucks, Mustangs and Rangers.

Rep. Campbell walked among the exotic cars, asking questions and chatting with SEMA members who were present.

“As a local business owner, I am pleased that Congressman Campbell took the time to meet with SEMA members in his home district and listen to the concerns of small-business owners,” said Hillbank President and CEO Lance Stander. “It was also wonderful to talk about engine performance, superchargers, exhausts and other topics of discussion with a fellow auto enthusiast.”

	Stander took time out from discussions about the automotive industry and the current state of political affairs to admire the Congressman’s ’73 Buick Riviera.

After the tour, the congressman convened a Q&A session to discuss important upcoming legislative topics relevant to his constituency. At the briefing, Rep. Campbell showed the same enthusiasm for important legislative issues that he had for the Cobras and GTs. Covering topics such as health care, taxation, regulation and litigation, Rep. Campbell engaged the audience in conversation regarding the current political and legislative landscape in D.C.

“This year more than ever the priorities for our country are clear,” Rep. Campbell said. “We need to work to make tax cuts permanent, simplify the tax code, enact tort reform to stop frivolous lawsuits and reduce the size of government through elimination of needless regulatory burdens. By visiting with small-business owners and employees in my district, I am more aware of the issues important to my constituents to get our economy moving in the right direction.”

For more information about the Congressional Site Visit Program, contact Dan Sadowski.

SEMA NEWS - APRIL 2010

By Dan Sadowski

Photos Courtesy Drew Phillips

Congressman John Campbell Engages SEMA Members on This Year’s Hot Topics

	Lance Stander (right), president and CEO of Hillbank Motor Corp. in Irvine, California, welcomed Congressman John Campbell to the company’s facility as part of SEMA’s Congressional Site Visit Program.

United States Congressman John Campbell took time from his busy schedule in January to meet with SEMA members at an event hosted by Hillbank Motor Corporation in Irvine, California. The gathering was part of SEMA’s Congressional Site Visit Program, which provides an opportunity for lawmakers to visit SEMA-member facilities and discuss current industry issues with constituents.

Prior to serving in public office, Rep. Campbell’s career spanned 25 years in the automotive industry representing automobile franchises, including Nissan, Mazda, Ford, Saturn and Saab. After election to the California State Assembly in 2000 and the State Senate in 2004, Campbell established himself as a fiscal conservative and activist for sensible public policies. He was a strong advocate for industry initiatives, such as exempting vehicles 30 years and older from emissions inspections. He was also one of the first members of the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.

Rep. Campbell took his industry credentials to Washington when he was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2005. He represents California’s 48th district, which encompasses much of Orange County and has the one of the highest concentrations of SEMA-member companies in the country, with more than 110. Rep. Campbell joined the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus and most recently helped SEMA secure a provision within the “Cash for Clunkers” program to protect vehicles 25 years old and older from the crusher.

	Hillbank’s garage is stocked with a variety of hand-crafted, carefully engineered Shelby CSX Cobras, Shelby Daytona Coupes, GT40s and Superformance MKIIIs.

From the minute Rep. Campbell arrived at the Hillbank event, he left no doubt that gasoline runs in his veins. Pulling up in his gleaming ’73 Buick Riviera, Rep. Campbell was ready to talk shop—both politics and exotic kit cars. Hillbank’s garage is stocked with a variety of hand-crafted, carefully engineered Shelby CSX Cobras, Shelby Daytona Coupes, GT40s and Superformance MKIIIs.

Hillbank USA was founded in 1999 as an extension of Hillbank South Africa, which has been in business since 1977. Hillbank USA is the southwestern dealer for Superformance replica and Shelby continuation vintage racing and street-legal component cars of the ’60s. It is also a premier retailer of top name-brand and genuine aftermarket American muscle performance parts, including components for late-model Camaros, Challengers, F-Series trucks, Mustangs and Rangers.

Rep. Campbell walked among the exotic cars, asking questions and chatting with SEMA members who were present.

“As a local business owner, I am pleased that Congressman Campbell took the time to meet with SEMA members in his home district and listen to the concerns of small-business owners,” said Hillbank President and CEO Lance Stander. “It was also wonderful to talk about engine performance, superchargers, exhausts and other topics of discussion with a fellow auto enthusiast.”

	Stander took time out from discussions about the automotive industry and the current state of political affairs to admire the Congressman’s ’73 Buick Riviera.

After the tour, the congressman convened a Q&A session to discuss important upcoming legislative topics relevant to his constituency. At the briefing, Rep. Campbell showed the same enthusiasm for important legislative issues that he had for the Cobras and GTs. Covering topics such as health care, taxation, regulation and litigation, Rep. Campbell engaged the audience in conversation regarding the current political and legislative landscape in D.C.

“This year more than ever the priorities for our country are clear,” Rep. Campbell said. “We need to work to make tax cuts permanent, simplify the tax code, enact tort reform to stop frivolous lawsuits and reduce the size of government through elimination of needless regulatory burdens. By visiting with small-business owners and employees in my district, I am more aware of the issues important to my constituents to get our economy moving in the right direction.”

For more information about the Congressional Site Visit Program, contact Dan Sadowski.

SEMA News - April 2010

By Drew Hardin

Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

If the company president’s desk is clean,” the old adage goes, “then someone else is doing the work.” That’s certainly not the case with Ed Iskenderian. When this photo was taken for Rod & Custom magazine in 1969, he was obviously still in the thick of developing the camshafts and other speed parts that bore the distinctive Isky name.

Like other performance pioneers, Iskenderian was a Southern California hot rodder in the years leading up to World War II, learning speed secrets in an effort to make his own T roadster go faster. Grinding camshafts came after the war, when a sudden demand for parts—fueled by returning GIs eager to get back to hot rodding—was so great that Iskenderian was faced with a long wait for a cam he wanted for his own car. Figuring he could do as well himself, he bought a surplus cylindrical grinder, converted it into a cam-grinding machine and went to work.

Isky cams made power, and Iskenderian’s business grew on the strength of that reputation. But he was also an innovator—mechanically and otherwise—and developed practices now standard in the performance aftermarket. For example, he was the first to use computers to create cam profiles and the first to develop cam kits. He recognized the power of marketing his brand early on and did so by sponsoring racers (notably a young Floridian named Don Garlits) and through a regular series of entertaining (and sometimes outrageous) ads in Hot Rod and other magazines.

In 1963, a few years before this photo was taken, Iskenderian Racing Cams was among a group of performance parts companies that formed what was then called the Speed Equipment Manufacturer’s Association. Ed was SEMA’s first president, serving in 1963 and 1964 and helping to guide the association’s early policies. His company had a booth at SEMA’s first trade show at Dodger Stadium in 1967, and Ed still attends the SEMA Show today.

If you happen to see him there and get a chance, ask him what’s on his desk these days.  

SEMA News - April 2010

By Drew Hardin

Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

If the company president’s desk is clean,” the old adage goes, “then someone else is doing the work.” That’s certainly not the case with Ed Iskenderian. When this photo was taken for Rod & Custom magazine in 1969, he was obviously still in the thick of developing the camshafts and other speed parts that bore the distinctive Isky name.

Like other performance pioneers, Iskenderian was a Southern California hot rodder in the years leading up to World War II, learning speed secrets in an effort to make his own T roadster go faster. Grinding camshafts came after the war, when a sudden demand for parts—fueled by returning GIs eager to get back to hot rodding—was so great that Iskenderian was faced with a long wait for a cam he wanted for his own car. Figuring he could do as well himself, he bought a surplus cylindrical grinder, converted it into a cam-grinding machine and went to work.

Isky cams made power, and Iskenderian’s business grew on the strength of that reputation. But he was also an innovator—mechanically and otherwise—and developed practices now standard in the performance aftermarket. For example, he was the first to use computers to create cam profiles and the first to develop cam kits. He recognized the power of marketing his brand early on and did so by sponsoring racers (notably a young Floridian named Don Garlits) and through a regular series of entertaining (and sometimes outrageous) ads in Hot Rod and other magazines.

In 1963, a few years before this photo was taken, Iskenderian Racing Cams was among a group of performance parts companies that formed what was then called the Speed Equipment Manufacturer’s Association. Ed was SEMA’s first president, serving in 1963 and 1964 and helping to guide the association’s early policies. His company had a booth at SEMA’s first trade show at Dodger Stadium in 1967, and Ed still attends the SEMA Show today.

If you happen to see him there and get a chance, ask him what’s on his desk these days.