Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.

	Performance Improvements relocated its head office after 48 years. Its new location has more space and provided the company an opportunity to expand its showroom.

Performance Improvements Relocates to New Facility
After 48 years of selling performance parts and high-end automotive accessories on the Queensway in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Performance Improvements has relocated its head office to 87 Advance Rd., four stoplights North of the Queensway, left off Islington Avenue to Advance. The company reports that the new location has a showroom equal to the size of its old building, allowing the company to have more products on display rather than stored in the warehouse. In addition to the large showroom, the new location also contains a meeting and training room.

Roadwire Wins $10,000 in Facebook Advertising
SEMA member Roadwire was a winner of Facebook's "Small Business Boost" contest. The prize of $10,000 was awarded to the top 10 companies that acquired the most fans on Facebook from January through April 2012. The company credits the marketing of its power convertible top for Jeep, known as myTop, for providing a boost of more than 125,000 fans in three months.  

JMPR Public Relations Oversee Media Outreach for The Coker Group
JMPR Public Relations was appointed the agency of record for The Coker Group. JMPR will oversee media outreach for the Coker family of companies that includes several tire and wheel manufacturers, a bicycle company, hot rod and speed shops and a cross-country rally. JMPR is responsible for the promotion of The Coker Group and its subsidiaries, including the launch of new products and creating brand awareness with key audiences.

Source Interlink Media Promotes Jeff Holt to Editorial Director of Its American Motorcycle Group
Source Interlink Media promoted Jeff Holt to editorial director of the company’s American Motorcycle Group, which includes Hot Bike, Baggers and the Street Chopper, as well as several special interest publications. Holt, previously Editor-in-Chief of Street Chopper and Baggers, will direct all editorial planning for the group, as well as pilot the re-launch of Hot Bike slated for early 2013. Related changes will move both Hot Bike editors Eric Ellis and Jordan Mastagni to Baggers. New hire John Zamora will be appointed editor of Hot Bike. Each staff member is an avid motorcyclist with excellent mechanical abilities, and each of them fulfills writing and photography duties.

RealTruck.com Hires Three Employees to Support Expansion
RealTruck.com announced that it hired three employees to help support its expansion: IT Helpdesk Specialist Shane Ide, Graphic Design Extraordinaire Lindsey Volker and Customer Loyalty Specialist Chris Moore. “There is a wealth of young talent that exists within North Dakota’s workforce,” said Bintz. “We had a lot of great applicants from around the region, and it was incredible to see the diversity of talent that exists in our state. It makes us feel good about choosing to do business here.”

Chicago Automobile Trade Association's Paul Brian Retires
Paul Brian, director of communications and spokesman for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), retired from the association April 30. Brian has been with the CATA for 19 years. In addition to his work with the CATA, Brian is the longtime host of the "Drive Chicago" radio show heard on WLS radio 890 AM. He will continue in his role as host of "Drive Chicago." Mark Bilek, currently the Internet director for the CATA, will assume Brian's duties.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is phasing-out a rule that certain gasoline stations install vapor-recovery nozzles on gas pumps. The pollution-control devices have been required since 1994 in about 40 ozone non-attainment areas across the country. Individual states will still have authority to mandate the nozzles. The EPA’s decision to abandon the nozzles is part of the Obama Administration’s directive that federal agencies identify outdated regulations. The EPA concluded that the controls are unnecessary since about 70% of all U.S. vehicles are now equipped with onboard vapor recovery systems, including all vehicles manufactured after 2006. According to the EPA, 31,000 affected gas stations in mostly urban areas where smog is a problem will each save $3,000 apiece once the ruling is fully implemented. 

For details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is phasing-out a rule that certain gasoline stations install vapor-recovery nozzles on gas pumps. The pollution-control devices have been required since 1994 in about 40 ozone non-attainment areas across the country. Individual states will still have authority to mandate the nozzles. The EPA’s decision to abandon the nozzles is part of the Obama Administration’s directive that federal agencies identify outdated regulations. The EPA concluded that the controls are unnecessary since about 70% of all U.S. vehicles are now equipped with onboard vapor recovery systems, including all vehicles manufactured after 2006. According to the EPA, 31,000 affected gas stations in mostly urban areas where smog is a problem will each save $3,000 apiece once the ruling is fully implemented. 

For details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

SEMA-opposed legislation that threatened to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles” died when the Connecticut Legislature adjourned for the year, suffering the same fate as an identical bill last year. The bill had been approved by the Joint Committee on Planning and Development by a narrow 10–9 vote. Under the measure, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles would have been required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increased the maximum assessment of these vehicles to $2,500. Antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles are currently assessed at a rate of $500 and owners pay personal property taxes on that amount. 

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

SEMA-opposed legislation that threatened to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles” died when the Connecticut Legislature adjourned for the year, suffering the same fate as an identical bill last year. The bill had been approved by the Joint Committee on Planning and Development by a narrow 10–9 vote. Under the measure, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles would have been required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increased the maximum assessment of these vehicles to $2,500. Antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles are currently assessed at a rate of $500 and owners pay personal property taxes on that amount. 

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

SEMA President Chris Kersting (left) and SEMA Board Chairman Scooter Brothers (right) greet Rep. John Campbell (R-CA) as he arrives in his powder blue ’57 Ford Thunderbird.

More than 70 SEMA members met with their U.S. Representatives and Senators as part of the May 9 Washington Rally, providing a valuable opportunity to urge members of Congress to pursue a pro-growth manufacturing and job creation agenda. Specific topics included support for the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act,” which would create a separate system for regulating companies that produce limited quantities of specialty cars, and the ongoing need to address spiraling health care costs. Other issues of concern included support for comprehensive tax reform, ensuring small business access to capital, preventing the sale of “E15” ethanol and protecting reasonable access to federal lands by the off-road community.

A new addition this year was a product expo held in the foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building. A diverse group of SEMA-member companies displayed a variety of niche-specific products throughout the day. The expo featured Courtney Hansen, host of “Overhaulin’,” Spike TV’s “Powerblock” and Velocity Television Network’s “Vinsetta Garage.” Members of Congress and staff saw firsthand the impact of the industry on the American economy.

Five members of Congress spoke at a SEMA-sponsored luncheon held in the Capitol Visitor’s Center. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL), Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA), Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) discussed the upcoming elections and the need to address pressing issues impacting the economy. All of the lawmakers are members of the “Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus,” an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The lawmakers also encouraged SEMA members to get involved in this important election year by hosting members of Congress at their businesses through the Congressional District Site Visit Program. These visits allow elected officials to connect in their local community with job creators and business owners while learning more about the industry.

Senators Tester and Burr announced passage earlier that day of Senate Resolution 452 (S. Res 452), designating July 13, 2012, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. It is also the third time that Senators Tester and Burr have joined forces with SEMA to sponsor the Senate Resolution.

The day ended with an evening reception and dinner. The special guest for the evening, Rep. John Campbell (R-CA), arrived in his powder blue ’57 Ford Thunderbird and was greeted by SEMA President Chris Kersting and SEMA Board Chairman Scooter Brothers. Campbell met with Rally attendees and later delivered keynote remarks. As the original sponsor of HR 3274, the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act,” Campbell spoke candidly about being a “car guy” in Washington and the need for this important legislation to level the playing field for small businesses.

For more information about the Rally, the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus or the SEMA Congressional District Site Visit program, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

SEMA President Chris Kersting (left) and SEMA Board Chairman Scooter Brothers (right) greet Rep. John Campbell (R-CA) as he arrives in his powder blue ’57 Ford Thunderbird.

More than 70 SEMA members met with their U.S. Representatives and Senators as part of the May 9 Washington Rally, providing a valuable opportunity to urge members of Congress to pursue a pro-growth manufacturing and job creation agenda. Specific topics included support for the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act,” which would create a separate system for regulating companies that produce limited quantities of specialty cars, and the ongoing need to address spiraling health care costs. Other issues of concern included support for comprehensive tax reform, ensuring small business access to capital, preventing the sale of “E15” ethanol and protecting reasonable access to federal lands by the off-road community.

A new addition this year was a product expo held in the foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building. A diverse group of SEMA-member companies displayed a variety of niche-specific products throughout the day. The expo featured Courtney Hansen, host of “Overhaulin’,” Spike TV’s “Powerblock” and Velocity Television Network’s “Vinsetta Garage.” Members of Congress and staff saw firsthand the impact of the industry on the American economy.

Five members of Congress spoke at a SEMA-sponsored luncheon held in the Capitol Visitor’s Center. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL), Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA), Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) discussed the upcoming elections and the need to address pressing issues impacting the economy. All of the lawmakers are members of the “Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus,” an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The lawmakers also encouraged SEMA members to get involved in this important election year by hosting members of Congress at their businesses through the Congressional District Site Visit Program. These visits allow elected officials to connect in their local community with job creators and business owners while learning more about the industry.

Senators Tester and Burr announced passage earlier that day of Senate Resolution 452 (S. Res 452), designating July 13, 2012, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. It is also the third time that Senators Tester and Burr have joined forces with SEMA to sponsor the Senate Resolution.

The day ended with an evening reception and dinner. The special guest for the evening, Rep. John Campbell (R-CA), arrived in his powder blue ’57 Ford Thunderbird and was greeted by SEMA President Chris Kersting and SEMA Board Chairman Scooter Brothers. Campbell met with Rally attendees and later delivered keynote remarks. As the original sponsor of HR 3274, the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act,” Campbell spoke candidly about being a “car guy” in Washington and the need for this important legislation to level the playing field for small businesses.

For more information about the Rally, the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus or the SEMA Congressional District Site Visit program, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

SEMA President Chris Kersting (left) and SEMA Board Chairman Scooter Brothers (right) greet Rep. John Campbell (R-CA) as he arrives in his powder blue ’57 Ford Thunderbird.

More than 70 SEMA members met with their U.S. Representatives and Senators as part of the May 9 Washington Rally, providing a valuable opportunity to urge members of Congress to pursue a pro-growth manufacturing and job creation agenda. Specific topics included support for the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act,” which would create a separate system for regulating companies that produce limited quantities of specialty cars, and the ongoing need to address spiraling health care costs. Other issues of concern included support for comprehensive tax reform, ensuring small business access to capital, preventing the sale of “E15” ethanol and protecting reasonable access to federal lands by the off-road community.

A new addition this year was a product expo held in the foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building. A diverse group of SEMA-member companies displayed a variety of niche-specific products throughout the day. The expo featured Courtney Hansen, host of “Overhaulin’,” Spike TV’s “Powerblock” and Velocity Television Network’s “Vinsetta Garage.” Members of Congress and staff saw firsthand the impact of the industry on the American economy.

Five members of Congress spoke at a SEMA-sponsored luncheon held in the Capitol Visitor’s Center. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL), Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA), Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) discussed the upcoming elections and the need to address pressing issues impacting the economy. All of the lawmakers are members of the “Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus,” an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The lawmakers also encouraged SEMA members to get involved in this important election year by hosting members of Congress at their businesses through the Congressional District Site Visit Program. These visits allow elected officials to connect in their local community with job creators and business owners while learning more about the industry.

Senators Tester and Burr announced passage earlier that day of Senate Resolution 452 (S. Res 452), designating July 13, 2012, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. It is also the third time that Senators Tester and Burr have joined forces with SEMA to sponsor the Senate Resolution.

The day ended with an evening reception and dinner. The special guest for the evening, Rep. John Campbell (R-CA), arrived in his powder blue ’57 Ford Thunderbird and was greeted by SEMA President Chris Kersting and SEMA Board Chairman Scooter Brothers. Campbell met with Rally attendees and later delivered keynote remarks. As the original sponsor of HR 3274, the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act,” Campbell spoke candidly about being a “car guy” in Washington and the need for this important legislation to level the playing field for small businesses.

For more information about the Rally, the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus or the SEMA Congressional District Site Visit program, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.