By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Senate voted to take up the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), a bill that is critically important to revitalizing America’s outdoor recreation industry. The GAOA would dedicate $9.5 billion over the next five years to address the maintenance backlog on federally owned lands by creating a national parks and public land legacy restoration fund. The bill would also appropriate $900 million annually to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which allocates funding to protect natural areas, water resources, cultural heritage sites and to provide recreation opportunities. The SEMA-supported legislation is critical to addressing the infrastructure needs facing our public lands and waters, such as improving trails, roads, docks, campgrounds and more. The GAOA will receive a final vote in the Senate in the next few days.

Passage of the GAOA would benefit many SEMA members in the off-road market (four-wheel, ATVs and UTVs) in addition to companies producing and selling wheels/tires, suspension, power and other equipment to help tow RVs and boats to the nation’s parks and recreation areas. More than 90 outdoor recreation related companies, including several SEMA members, sent a letter calling on the U.S. Congress to pass the GAOA. Addressing the infrastructure needs of our public lands will create jobs and provide Americans with access to open spaces.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Senate voted to take up the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), a bill that is critically important to revitalizing America’s outdoor recreation industry. The GAOA would dedicate $9.5 billion over the next five years to address the maintenance backlog on federally owned lands by creating a national parks and public land legacy restoration fund. The bill would also appropriate $900 million annually to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which allocates funding to protect natural areas, water resources, cultural heritage sites and to provide recreation opportunities. The SEMA-supported legislation is critical to addressing the infrastructure needs facing our public lands and waters, such as improving trails, roads, docks, campgrounds and more. The GAOA will receive a final vote in the Senate in the next few days.

Passage of the GAOA would benefit many SEMA members in the off-road market (four-wheel, ATVs and UTVs) in addition to companies producing and selling wheels/tires, suspension, power and other equipment to help tow RVs and boats to the nation’s parks and recreation areas. More than 90 outdoor recreation related companies, including several SEMA members, sent a letter calling on the U.S. Congress to pass the GAOA. Addressing the infrastructure needs of our public lands will create jobs and provide Americans with access to open spaces.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act was signed into law on June 5, and provides companies more flexibility on the use of funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Businesses are encouraged to contact participating lenders prior to the June 30 deadline. Highlights of the program include:

• Loan Amount: PPP loans equal the average of one month’s 2019 payroll multiplied by 2.5 (capped at $10 million).
• Amount Forgiven: The SBA will forgive that portion of the loan used to cover payroll, rent payments, mortgage interest and the cost of utilities for a fixed period of time. As a result of the PPP Flexibility Act, the employer may now choose the covered period, either: (a) eight consecutive weeks from when the loan was received, or (b) up to 24 weeks from when the loan was received or on December 31, 2020, whichever comes first.
• Use of Funds: PPP funds can be used to cover payroll, mortgage or rent payments, utilities and other specified expenses. At least 60% of the amount to be forgiven must be spent on payroll, which includes employee benefit costs for vacation, sick/parental leave, insurance premiums, retirement benefits and state and local taxes.
• Interest Rate and Repayment Terms: The loan interest rate is 1%. Repayments on any amount not forgiven is deferred at least 10 months after the end of the covered period, with a two-year term for loans secured before June 5, and five-year term for loans on or after that date.
• Rehiring Workers: Employers have until December 31, 2020, to rehire workers and have their salaries count toward forgiveness.
• Payroll Taxes: Businesses receiving a PPP loan may also defer payment of 2020 payroll taxes.
• Apply Now: The deadline for application approval is June 30, 2020. Companies are encouraged to apply as quickly as possible because there is only $130 billion left to be lent (as of June 7, 2020). Click here for more information.
• Find a Bank: Companies looking to apply for PPP loans are encouraged to use the SBA’s “Find Local Lenders” page to locate the nearest PPP lending institutions.

For more information:

• View a taped SEMA webinar on May 28, entitled “Everything You Need to Know About the Paycheck Protection Program,” which features Gene Marks, a CPA and recognized expert on small business issues. 
• View additional PPP information posted on SEMA’s SBA loan webpage.
• Visit the SBA's PPP webpage.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act was signed into law on June 5, and provides companies more flexibility on the use of funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Businesses are encouraged to contact participating lenders prior to the June 30 deadline. Highlights of the program include:

• Loan Amount: PPP loans equal the average of one month’s 2019 payroll multiplied by 2.5 (capped at $10 million).
• Amount Forgiven: The SBA will forgive that portion of the loan used to cover payroll, rent payments, mortgage interest and the cost of utilities for a fixed period of time. As a result of the PPP Flexibility Act, the employer may now choose the covered period, either: (a) eight consecutive weeks from when the loan was received, or (b) up to 24 weeks from when the loan was received or on December 31, 2020, whichever comes first.
• Use of Funds: PPP funds can be used to cover payroll, mortgage or rent payments, utilities and other specified expenses. At least 60% of the amount to be forgiven must be spent on payroll, which includes employee benefit costs for vacation, sick/parental leave, insurance premiums, retirement benefits and state and local taxes.
• Interest Rate and Repayment Terms: The loan interest rate is 1%. Repayments on any amount not forgiven is deferred at least 10 months after the end of the covered period, with a two-year term for loans secured before June 5, and five-year term for loans on or after that date.
• Rehiring Workers: Employers have until December 31, 2020, to rehire workers and have their salaries count toward forgiveness.
• Payroll Taxes: Businesses receiving a PPP loan may also defer payment of 2020 payroll taxes.
• Apply Now: The deadline for application approval is June 30, 2020. Companies are encouraged to apply as quickly as possible because there is only $130 billion left to be lent (as of June 7, 2020). Click here for more information.
• Find a Bank: Companies looking to apply for PPP loans are encouraged to use the SBA’s “Find Local Lenders” page to locate the nearest PPP lending institutions.

For more information:

• View a taped SEMA webinar on May 28, entitled “Everything You Need to Know About the Paycheck Protection Program,” which features Gene Marks, a CPA and recognized expert on small business issues. 
• View additional PPP information posted on SEMA’s SBA loan webpage.
• Visit the SBA's PPP webpage.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act was signed into law on June 5, and provides companies more flexibility on the use of funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Businesses are encouraged to contact participating lenders prior to the June 30 deadline. Highlights of the program include:

• Loan Amount: PPP loans equal the average of one month’s 2019 payroll multiplied by 2.5 (capped at $10 million).
• Amount Forgiven: The SBA will forgive that portion of the loan used to cover payroll, rent payments, mortgage interest and the cost of utilities for a fixed period of time. As a result of the PPP Flexibility Act, the employer may now choose the covered period, either: (a) eight consecutive weeks from when the loan was received, or (b) up to 24 weeks from when the loan was received or on December 31, 2020, whichever comes first.
• Use of Funds: PPP funds can be used to cover payroll, mortgage or rent payments, utilities and other specified expenses. At least 60% of the amount to be forgiven must be spent on payroll, which includes employee benefit costs for vacation, sick/parental leave, insurance premiums, retirement benefits and state and local taxes.
• Interest Rate and Repayment Terms: The loan interest rate is 1%. Repayments on any amount not forgiven is deferred at least 10 months after the end of the covered period, with a two-year term for loans secured before June 5, and five-year term for loans on or after that date.
• Rehiring Workers: Employers have until December 31, 2020, to rehire workers and have their salaries count toward forgiveness.
• Payroll Taxes: Businesses receiving a PPP loan may also defer payment of 2020 payroll taxes.
• Apply Now: The deadline for application approval is June 30, 2020. Companies are encouraged to apply as quickly as possible because there is only $130 billion left to be lent (as of June 7, 2020). Click here for more information.
• Find a Bank: Companies looking to apply for PPP loans are encouraged to use the SBA’s “Find Local Lenders” page to locate the nearest PPP lending institutions.

For more information:

• View a taped SEMA webinar on May 28, entitled “Everything You Need to Know About the Paycheck Protection Program,” which features Gene Marks, a CPA and recognized expert on small business issues. 
• View additional PPP information posted on SEMA’s SBA loan webpage.
• Visit the SBA's PPP webpage.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act was signed into law on June 5, and provides companies more flexibility on the use of funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Businesses are encouraged to contact participating lenders prior to the June 30 deadline. Highlights of the program include:

• Loan Amount: PPP loans equal the average of one month’s 2019 payroll multiplied by 2.5 (capped at $10 million).
• Amount Forgiven: The SBA will forgive that portion of the loan used to cover payroll, rent payments, mortgage interest and the cost of utilities for a fixed period of time. As a result of the PPP Flexibility Act, the employer may now choose the covered period, either: (a) eight consecutive weeks from when the loan was received, or (b) up to 24 weeks from when the loan was received or on December 31, 2020, whichever comes first.
• Use of Funds: PPP funds can be used to cover payroll, mortgage or rent payments, utilities and other specified expenses. At least 60% of the amount to be forgiven must be spent on payroll, which includes employee benefit costs for vacation, sick/parental leave, insurance premiums, retirement benefits and state and local taxes.
• Interest Rate and Repayment Terms: The loan interest rate is 1%. Repayments on any amount not forgiven is deferred at least 10 months after the end of the covered period, with a two-year term for loans secured before June 5, and five-year term for loans on or after that date.
• Rehiring Workers: Employers have until December 31, 2020, to rehire workers and have their salaries count toward forgiveness.
• Payroll Taxes: Businesses receiving a PPP loan may also defer payment of 2020 payroll taxes.
• Apply Now: The deadline for application approval is June 30, 2020. Companies are encouraged to apply as quickly as possible because there is only $130 billion left to be lent (as of June 7, 2020). Click here for more information.
• Find a Bank: Companies looking to apply for PPP loans are encouraged to use the SBA’s “Find Local Lenders” page to locate the nearest PPP lending institutions.

For more information:

• View a taped SEMA webinar on May 28, entitled “Everything You Need to Know About the Paycheck Protection Program,” which features Gene Marks, a CPA and recognized expert on small business issues. 
• View additional PPP information posted on SEMA’s SBA loan webpage.
• Visit the SBA's PPP webpage.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance’s (TORA) newest Volunteer Spotlight member is Kelli Mallicote of BodyGuard Bumpers. Mallicote was featured in 2016 as one of SEMA’s “35 Under 35,” in part for her rising industry talent and role in advancing the industry through her volunteerism with TORA. Check out her video to learn more about her experience and the many ways she gives back to the truck and off-road industry.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Kelli Mallicote: I’d really like to say that the automotive industry found me, rather than me finding it. I came from a background in the medical field and this was something that I just happened upon. My husband was working in manufacturing when he started BodyGuard Bumpers years ago and I started helping him and just grew to love the industry and the people. It kind of just found me.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

KM: I decided to volunteer with TORA and get involved around 2014 to 2015. I wanted to meet people in the industry, get connected and just learn more about what the industry was about. It was a personal thing for me as well. I wanted to network and get more involved and I ran for the Select Committee in 2016 to 2018.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

KM: The best piece of advice that I could give is to get connected. The industry is really big, yet again, it’s really small. All the companies are very well connected, everyone knows everyone and a lot of people see each other frequently at shows. The best advice that I could give is if you have any questions or want to grow in the industry, don’t be afraid to ask. Connect with other people and get to know them. Just get involved.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it?

KM: My dream vehicle is anything to do with a Jeep. I currently have a Jeep JL, and I love anything outdoors, rock-crawling or anything off-road where we can take the top off and get out and just try and hang out and have fun. I’ve owned a couple of trucks as well. I’m probably more of a truck or Jeep girl; definitely not a car girl. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance’s (TORA) newest Volunteer Spotlight member is Kelli Mallicote of BodyGuard Bumpers. Mallicote was featured in 2016 as one of SEMA’s “35 Under 35,” in part for her rising industry talent and role in advancing the industry through her volunteerism with TORA. Check out her video to learn more about her experience and the many ways she gives back to the truck and off-road industry.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Kelli Mallicote: I’d really like to say that the automotive industry found me, rather than me finding it. I came from a background in the medical field and this was something that I just happened upon. My husband was working in manufacturing when he started BodyGuard Bumpers years ago and I started helping him and just grew to love the industry and the people. It kind of just found me.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

KM: I decided to volunteer with TORA and get involved around 2014 to 2015. I wanted to meet people in the industry, get connected and just learn more about what the industry was about. It was a personal thing for me as well. I wanted to network and get more involved and I ran for the Select Committee in 2016 to 2018.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

KM: The best piece of advice that I could give is to get connected. The industry is really big, yet again, it’s really small. All the companies are very well connected, everyone knows everyone and a lot of people see each other frequently at shows. The best advice that I could give is if you have any questions or want to grow in the industry, don’t be afraid to ask. Connect with other people and get to know them. Just get involved.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it?

KM: My dream vehicle is anything to do with a Jeep. I currently have a Jeep JL, and I love anything outdoors, rock-crawling or anything off-road where we can take the top off and get out and just try and hang out and have fun. I’ve owned a couple of trucks as well. I’m probably more of a truck or Jeep girl; definitely not a car girl. 

By Ashley Reyes

Wade Kawasaki, president and CEO of Legendary Companies, is the latest industry icon featured in recently released video footage from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE. Produced by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC), the new series episode includes Kawasaki as he shares his career path and stories of being exposed to the automotive industry at a young age, what advice he would give his younger self and more.

“Work hard, that’s really the name of the game—if you’re willing to focus and apply yourself in a meaningful way to whatever your dream is and have a great time doing it,” said Kawasaki. “You know, as they said, I’m so blessed to be in this industry. I love going to work every day.”

Additional topics include the benefits of selling direct to consumer, his experience selling product internationally versus in the United States and how working at his local speed shop trained him for a successful career in business.

“After getting into business and realizing that it’s the relationships that you develop that are really the important thing, then you realize that if you focus on the relationships with your team and with your customers, then the money will come; and the money will come for a long time,” said Kawasaki.

When asked about his experience learning from industry mentors at such a young age, Kawasaki also shared his thoughts and advice for the younger generation.

“That’s my encouragement with young people today, and why this education program is so great. If you ask, all of these guys are glad to help you. We want to share this passion; we want this to spread and we want everybody to be able to enjoy it.”

In addition to his role at Legendary Companies, Kawasaki is the SEMA immediate past chairman and secretary of the Board of Directors. He is also an avid collector of vintage and classic cars.

Check out the full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional interviews from the STAGE, powered by SEMA Education and the SEMA WTC.

By Ashley Reyes

Wade Kawasaki, president and CEO of Legendary Companies, is the latest industry icon featured in recently released video footage from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE. Produced by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC), the new series episode includes Kawasaki as he shares his career path and stories of being exposed to the automotive industry at a young age, what advice he would give his younger self and more.

“Work hard, that’s really the name of the game—if you’re willing to focus and apply yourself in a meaningful way to whatever your dream is and have a great time doing it,” said Kawasaki. “You know, as they said, I’m so blessed to be in this industry. I love going to work every day.”

Additional topics include the benefits of selling direct to consumer, his experience selling product internationally versus in the United States and how working at his local speed shop trained him for a successful career in business.

“After getting into business and realizing that it’s the relationships that you develop that are really the important thing, then you realize that if you focus on the relationships with your team and with your customers, then the money will come; and the money will come for a long time,” said Kawasaki.

When asked about his experience learning from industry mentors at such a young age, Kawasaki also shared his thoughts and advice for the younger generation.

“That’s my encouragement with young people today, and why this education program is so great. If you ask, all of these guys are glad to help you. We want to share this passion; we want this to spread and we want everybody to be able to enjoy it.”

In addition to his role at Legendary Companies, Kawasaki is the SEMA immediate past chairman and secretary of the Board of Directors. He is also an avid collector of vintage and classic cars.

Check out the full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional interviews from the STAGE, powered by SEMA Education and the SEMA WTC.