By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee passed legislation that would create and expand wilderness designations in California, Colorado and Washington state. Wilderness designations provide the highest level of permanent protection available and prevent the creation of roads and trails. Listed below are the wilderness and national recreation area bills passed by the committee, which are now eligible for consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives:

• HR 2546, the “Colorado Wilderness Act of 2019” – Rep. Diana DeGette’s (D-CO) bill would designate 33 areas in Colorado as wilderness totaling 740,000 acres, which have been managed as wilderness for decades. Most of the areas that the bill seeks to protect are mid-elevation ecosystems that are used for outdoor recreational activities and serve as critical habitats for a variety of plants and wildlife.
• HR 2250, the “Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act” – Rep. Jared Huffman’s (D-CA) bill would authorize eight new wilderness areas and expand nine others, protecting a total of 260,000 acres of federal public land.
• HR 2215, the "San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act" – Rep. Judy Chu's (D-CA) bill would establish a 51,000-acre San Gabriel National Recreation Area as a unit with the national park system and create four wilderness designations totaling over 30,000 acres. The bill states that the visitor services plan for the recreation area must consider the demand for various types of recreation, including motorized and mechanized vehicles, as permissible and appropriate.
• HR 2199, the "Central Coast Heritage Protection Act" – Rep. Salud Carbajal’s (D-CA) bill would add to or develop at least 17 smaller wilderness sites, building a new 400-mile-long trail to connect Los Angeles and Monterey counties.
• HR 1708 from Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) would adjust the boundary of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include the Rim of the Valley Corridor, adding more than 191,000 acres to the Recreation Area. The bill provides Dept. of Interior with three years after the bill becomes law to update the general management plan for the recreation area to reflect the boundaries. 

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed SEMA-supported legislation that would dedicate much-needed funding to address a more than $12 billion maintenance backlog in America’s National Parks. The “Restore Our Parks Act,” S. 500, would create a National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund for Fiscal Years 2020 through 2024, using unallocated revenue from energy produced on federal government owned lands and waters. The amount of money that could be allocated to the fund would be capped at $1.3 billion annually during the five-year program.

The bill is strongly supported by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), which is comprised of 27 top industry associations, including SEMA, representing off-roading, camping, fishing, boating, hiking, archery and other sports. This legislation recognizes the significant economic contributions that the outdoor recreation industry generates ($887 billion per year in economic activity and provides an estimated 7.6 million direct jobs) and is consistent with ORR’s efforts to support rebuilding and expanding the nation’s recreation-related infrastructure.

The House Natural Resources Committee passed companion legislation, the “Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act” (H.R. 1225), in October, which awaits House floor consideration. H.R. 1225 is more expansive than S. 500, as it creates a National Park Service and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund, which allows funds to be allocated to address the maintenance backlog for lands managed by the Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management, in addition to the National Park Service.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed SEMA-supported legislation that would dedicate much-needed funding to address a more than $12 billion maintenance backlog in America’s National Parks. The “Restore Our Parks Act,” S. 500, would create a National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund for Fiscal Years 2020 through 2024, using unallocated revenue from energy produced on federal government owned lands and waters. The amount of money that could be allocated to the fund would be capped at $1.3 billion annually during the five-year program.

The bill is strongly supported by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), which is comprised of 27 top industry associations, including SEMA, representing off-roading, camping, fishing, boating, hiking, archery and other sports. This legislation recognizes the significant economic contributions that the outdoor recreation industry generates ($887 billion per year in economic activity and provides an estimated 7.6 million direct jobs) and is consistent with ORR’s efforts to support rebuilding and expanding the nation’s recreation-related infrastructure.

The House Natural Resources Committee passed companion legislation, the “Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act” (H.R. 1225), in October, which awaits House floor consideration. H.R. 1225 is more expansive than S. 500, as it creates a National Park Service and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund, which allows funds to be allocated to address the maintenance backlog for lands managed by the Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management, in addition to the National Park Service.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed SEMA-supported legislation that would dedicate much-needed funding to address a more than $12 billion maintenance backlog in America’s National Parks. The “Restore Our Parks Act,” S. 500, would create a National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund for Fiscal Years 2020 through 2024, using unallocated revenue from energy produced on federal government owned lands and waters. The amount of money that could be allocated to the fund would be capped at $1.3 billion annually during the five-year program.

The bill is strongly supported by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), which is comprised of 27 top industry associations, including SEMA, representing off-roading, camping, fishing, boating, hiking, archery and other sports. This legislation recognizes the significant economic contributions that the outdoor recreation industry generates ($887 billion per year in economic activity and provides an estimated 7.6 million direct jobs) and is consistent with ORR’s efforts to support rebuilding and expanding the nation’s recreation-related infrastructure.

The House Natural Resources Committee passed companion legislation, the “Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act” (H.R. 1225), in October, which awaits House floor consideration. H.R. 1225 is more expansive than S. 500, as it creates a National Park Service and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund, which allows funds to be allocated to address the maintenance backlog for lands managed by the Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management, in addition to the National Park Service.

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

By Ashley Reyes

The Media Trade Conference makes it possible for media representatives to take part in up to 42 (14 per day) private, uninterrupted meetings with exhibitors from motorsports parts manufacturers.

Journalists are encouraged to register early for the 2020 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference to receive the best possible schedule. Taking place January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California, the Media Trade Conference makes it possible for media representatives to take part in up to 42 (14 per day) private, uninterrupted meetings with exhibitors from motorsports parts manufacturers.

By attending the conference, reporters can ask questions about the topics in which they are most interested, from exhibitor product lines to industry trends, and photograph products as they see fit.

Media participation is free to all editorial media representatives, including editors, reporters, freelance journalists and photographers, providing the most effective and affordable way for reporters to get detailed information specific to their audience’s needs and interests, and gather a year’s worth of editorial content.

Journalists who register by December 19, will receive their schedules in advance, as exhibitor meetings fill up fast and are scheduled based on the companies that journalists select on their applications. Those who register afterward will receive their schedules on site.

While it is recommended that media mark “Do Not Meet” for exhibitors that do not appeal to their audience or readership, leaving exhibitors marked as “Okay to Meet” will increase the likelihood that media have full schedules. Exhibitors are not notified as to the media’s selections.

For questions regarding the event, visit SEMA’s website or contact Juan Torres, SEMA media relations specialist, at juant@sema.org or 909-978-6722.

By Ashley Reyes

The Media Trade Conference makes it possible for media representatives to take part in up to 42 (14 per day) private, uninterrupted meetings with exhibitors from motorsports parts manufacturers.

Journalists are encouraged to register early for the 2020 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference to receive the best possible schedule. Taking place January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California, the Media Trade Conference makes it possible for media representatives to take part in up to 42 (14 per day) private, uninterrupted meetings with exhibitors from motorsports parts manufacturers.

By attending the conference, reporters can ask questions about the topics in which they are most interested, from exhibitor product lines to industry trends, and photograph products as they see fit.

Media participation is free to all editorial media representatives, including editors, reporters, freelance journalists and photographers, providing the most effective and affordable way for reporters to get detailed information specific to their audience’s needs and interests, and gather a year’s worth of editorial content.

Journalists who register by December 19, will receive their schedules in advance, as exhibitor meetings fill up fast and are scheduled based on the companies that journalists select on their applications. Those who register afterward will receive their schedules on site.

While it is recommended that media mark “Do Not Meet” for exhibitors that do not appeal to their audience or readership, leaving exhibitors marked as “Okay to Meet” will increase the likelihood that media have full schedules. Exhibitors are not notified as to the media’s selections.

For questions regarding the event, visit SEMA’s website or contact Juan Torres, SEMA media relations specialist, at juant@sema.org or 909-978-6722.

By SEMA Editors

Roxanne Amiot (center), auto technology instructor at Bullard-Havens Technical High School in Bridgeport, Connecticut, received the 2019 SEMA-NACAT Education Award for her use of aftermarket technology in her classroom.

Roxanne Amiot, auto technology instructor at Bullard-Havens Technical High School in Bridgeport, Connecticut, received the 2019 SEMA-NACAT Education Award during the Education Partners Breakfast at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The award, which encourages education in the automotive aftermarket industry, recognizes instructors who teach automotive-related curricula and demonstrate positive and innovative use of aftermarket technology in their classrooms.

Amiot, who is also the head of the Automotive Technology Department at Bullard-Havens Technical High School, was selected from a competitive field that included applicants from the United States and Canada.

“We are pleased to present Amiot with an award that recognizes the daily impact made in the classroom and her true passion for automotive,” said Zane Clark, SEMA senior director of education. “Her dedication to students is essential to fostering an exciting future for our aftermarket industry.”

Amiot, who worked in the automotive industry before teaching in 1988, is an alumni of the award-winning program that she now oversees. The Bullard-Havens Technical High School automotive program has been recognized for its live production repair garage, where aftermarket parts are used in community projects throughout the year. Students are prepared for careers in the automotive industry through job shadowing, community work-based opportunities, as well as interview days that include automotive aftermarket businesses such as NAPA, Fed Mogul, O’Reillys and Pep Boys.

“Being recognized nationally by SEMA and NACAT brings positive attention and credibility to the work we do in our automotive technology repair program,” said Amiot. “With that comes support from the industry and the state to keep our programs open and financially funded so that we can continue to do what we do best, build skilled workers for our automotive industry.”  

Amiot is an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Certified Technician with L1 and G1 certifications. Her automotive technology is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and Automotive Youth Educational Systems.

As part of the award, Amiot will also receive a complimentary registration to NACAT and $500 toward travel to attend the 2020 NACAT Conference and Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio.  

In addition to partnering with NACAT to recognize educators who support the automotive education of students, SEMA’s Educational Program includes Scholarship & Loan Forgiveness, SEMA Show Student Programs and an annual High School Vehicle Build Program.

To learn more about the SEMA-NACAT Award or SEMA’s Educational Programs, visit www.sema.org/education.

By SEMA Editors

Roxanne Amiot (center), auto technology instructor at Bullard-Havens Technical High School in Bridgeport, Connecticut, received the 2019 SEMA-NACAT Education Award for her use of aftermarket technology in her classroom.

Roxanne Amiot, auto technology instructor at Bullard-Havens Technical High School in Bridgeport, Connecticut, received the 2019 SEMA-NACAT Education Award during the Education Partners Breakfast at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The award, which encourages education in the automotive aftermarket industry, recognizes instructors who teach automotive-related curricula and demonstrate positive and innovative use of aftermarket technology in their classrooms.

Amiot, who is also the head of the Automotive Technology Department at Bullard-Havens Technical High School, was selected from a competitive field that included applicants from the United States and Canada.

“We are pleased to present Amiot with an award that recognizes the daily impact made in the classroom and her true passion for automotive,” said Zane Clark, SEMA senior director of education. “Her dedication to students is essential to fostering an exciting future for our aftermarket industry.”

Amiot, who worked in the automotive industry before teaching in 1988, is an alumni of the award-winning program that she now oversees. The Bullard-Havens Technical High School automotive program has been recognized for its live production repair garage, where aftermarket parts are used in community projects throughout the year. Students are prepared for careers in the automotive industry through job shadowing, community work-based opportunities, as well as interview days that include automotive aftermarket businesses such as NAPA, Fed Mogul, O’Reillys and Pep Boys.

“Being recognized nationally by SEMA and NACAT brings positive attention and credibility to the work we do in our automotive technology repair program,” said Amiot. “With that comes support from the industry and the state to keep our programs open and financially funded so that we can continue to do what we do best, build skilled workers for our automotive industry.”  

Amiot is an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Certified Technician with L1 and G1 certifications. Her automotive technology is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and Automotive Youth Educational Systems.

As part of the award, Amiot will also receive a complimentary registration to NACAT and $500 toward travel to attend the 2020 NACAT Conference and Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio.  

In addition to partnering with NACAT to recognize educators who support the automotive education of students, SEMA’s Educational Program includes Scholarship & Loan Forgiveness, SEMA Show Student Programs and an annual High School Vehicle Build Program.

To learn more about the SEMA-NACAT Award or SEMA’s Educational Programs, visit www.sema.org/education.

By Kristopher Porter

The 2019 PRI Trade Show will feature a week full of exhibiting, customer meetings, networking and MPMC-sponsored events and education seminars.

Just weeks after the SEMA Show, MPMC members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week full of exhibiting, customer meetings, networking and MPMC-sponsored events and education seminars at the PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members and those who are planning on attending PRI are encouraged to take part in these MPMC events during the week.

MPMC Happy Hour
Indiana Convention Center – LOS Exhibitor Hall
December 11, 2019, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Join MPMC members and fellow industry leaders to wind down from a long day on the Show floor with free beverages and engaging conversations about the latest industry trends. Learn more about the benefits of MPMC membership and connect with select committee members who can help you get plugged in. The council offers many volunteer opportunities that lend a way to give back to the industry.

RSVP now.

MPMC Performance Industry Reception
Indiana Convention Center – Rooms 208–209
December 13, 2019, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Open to all manufacturers and media, the MPMC Performance Industry Reception serves as a wonderful opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of this year’s event is the induction of the newest three members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and cold drinks while mingling with the MPMC Select Committee, fellow manufacturers and this year’s MPMC Hall of Fame inductees.

The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are being honored for their tireless contributions to the MPMC and industry.

RSVP now.

PRI MPMC Education Seminars

Sponsorship Proposals, Powered by SEMA’s Motorsports Council
Indiana Convention Center – Rooms 234
Thursday, December 12, from 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

The most common mistake in sponsorship sales is to rush into the marketplace before you’re ready to sell or buy. Successful motorsports sponsorships involve strong brands helping prepared sponsors create business value around racing. In this presentation, industry experts will share practical tips to help buyers and sellers prepare for sponsorship success.

RSVP now.

Opportunities for Women in Motorsports, Powered by SEMA’s Motorsports Council
Indiana Convention Center – Room 231
Friday, December 13, from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.

An all-female panel of industry professionals, led by Jeanette DesJardins of Car Chix and Crank It Media, discuss their achievements, aspirations, challenges, triumphs and efforts to engage and raise awareness among young women interested in pursuing motorsports as a career. Panelists include NASCAR Truck Series driver Natalie Decker, drag racer Lea Ochs and off-road racer Sarah Burgess (joined by her daughter and fellow racer Bridget Burgess).

RSVP now. 

By Kristopher Porter

The 2019 PRI Trade Show will feature a week full of exhibiting, customer meetings, networking and MPMC-sponsored events and education seminars.

Just weeks after the SEMA Show, MPMC members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week full of exhibiting, customer meetings, networking and MPMC-sponsored events and education seminars at the PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members and those who are planning on attending PRI are encouraged to take part in these MPMC events during the week.

MPMC Happy Hour
Indiana Convention Center – LOS Exhibitor Hall
December 11, 2019, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Join MPMC members and fellow industry leaders to wind down from a long day on the Show floor with free beverages and engaging conversations about the latest industry trends. Learn more about the benefits of MPMC membership and connect with select committee members who can help you get plugged in. The council offers many volunteer opportunities that lend a way to give back to the industry.

RSVP now.

MPMC Performance Industry Reception
Indiana Convention Center – Rooms 208–209
December 13, 2019, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Open to all manufacturers and media, the MPMC Performance Industry Reception serves as a wonderful opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of this year’s event is the induction of the newest three members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and cold drinks while mingling with the MPMC Select Committee, fellow manufacturers and this year’s MPMC Hall of Fame inductees.

The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are being honored for their tireless contributions to the MPMC and industry.

RSVP now.

PRI MPMC Education Seminars

Sponsorship Proposals, Powered by SEMA’s Motorsports Council
Indiana Convention Center – Rooms 234
Thursday, December 12, from 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

The most common mistake in sponsorship sales is to rush into the marketplace before you’re ready to sell or buy. Successful motorsports sponsorships involve strong brands helping prepared sponsors create business value around racing. In this presentation, industry experts will share practical tips to help buyers and sellers prepare for sponsorship success.

RSVP now.

Opportunities for Women in Motorsports, Powered by SEMA’s Motorsports Council
Indiana Convention Center – Room 231
Friday, December 13, from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.

An all-female panel of industry professionals, led by Jeanette DesJardins of Car Chix and Crank It Media, discuss their achievements, aspirations, challenges, triumphs and efforts to engage and raise awareness among young women interested in pursuing motorsports as a career. Panelists include NASCAR Truck Series driver Natalie Decker, drag racer Lea Ochs and off-road racer Sarah Burgess (joined by her daughter and fellow racer Bridget Burgess).

RSVP now.