News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Sun, 04/01/2018 - 11:28

SEMA News—April 2018

FROM THE HILL

Make Your Voice Heard in 2018’s Primary Elections

Voting can often seem like a cynical affair. When roughly 130 million Americans cast a ballot for president, it can be hard to see how one vote will make a difference. With that many people heading to the polls, winning the lottery may seem like a safer bet. However, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: John Viscardo

John Viscardo is the general manager of Car Craft magazine, which is published by TEN: The Enthusiast Network. Viscardo joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2016.

“I’m so glad I joined the SEMA PAC. It has already paid dividends in networking and idea generation,” Viscardo said. “I also learned that many companies in this industry share the same passions and concerns. Recruiting (and keeping) high-level employees, making sure our legislative and regulatory ideas are heard, creating new revenue streams, mastering social media, and supporting legislators that support our industry are all goals we strive towards.”

For more information on SEMA PAC, contact SEMA PAC and Congressional Relations Director Christian Robinson at 202-794-8279 or christianr@sema.org.

Earlier this year, as members of the national media looked on, an elections official from the Commonwealth of Virginia reached his hand into a small ceramic bowl and pulled out a small film cannister. Inside was a sheet of paper that contained one of two names—Republican David E. Yancey or Democrat Shelly Simonds. When the name was read, one would be crowned the winner in the election to represent District 94 in Virginia’s House of Delegates.

As we all know, American elections are not typically decided by drawing a name from a hat or flipping a coin. However, after a close contest on Election Day, Yancey maintained a razor-thin 10-vote margin over his Democrat opponent. After a recount of the 25,215 votes cast, it was Simonds who found herself on top, this time by a single vote. The next day, a panel of judges ruled that one of the ballots was ineligible, and the race was tied. As a result, the winner would be determined by drawing a name from a hat.

In the end, it would be Republican David E. Yancey whose name was drawn. Not only did his selection determine who represented District 94 in Virginia’s House of Delegates, but which party would control the chamber and its agenda. It was not just Yancey’s race that was tied, but so too the party makeup of the legislature. In the end, Republicans remained in control of the chamber. While this wild electoral tale will surely go down in the annals of American political history, it’s also proof positive that a single vote can make a huge difference in an election.

While November’s general midterm elections will receive all the headlines, a more consequential election may occur months earlier. Before a candidate can appear on the ballot in November, he or she must first win the nomination of their respective political party. In most cases, that is determined by the voters through primary elections. While the results of these primary elections are often thought of as foregone conclusions, recent history has taught us otherwise.

In 2014, U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), the sitting House Majority Leader, shockingly lost his primary election to a relatively unknown college professor. Cantor, who at the time was next in line to the Speaker of House, was the first ever in his leadership position to lose a primary. Two years earlier, U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN), a 35-year veteran of the U.S. Senate, similarly suffered a stunning primary defeat at the hands of a far less experienced candidate. While the Cantor and Lugar losses marked the end of their political careers, Lugar’s Senate colleague, Lisa Murkowski (R-AR), only managed to retain her seat by mounting a write-in campaign after losing the Republican primary to another candidate.

In some cases, the primary victor becomes the de facto winner of November’s general election contest. In deep blue or red areas, it’s often a near certainty that the winner of the dominant party’s primary will ultimately win in the general election. In 2016, three of Alabama’s seven Congressional incumbents ran unopposed during the November election. In the other four races, all held by Republicans, Democrats offered long-shot or “also ran” candidates.

What each of these examples show is that your vote matters, especially in primary elections, when turnout is typically low except for the most passionate voters (frequently to the right or left of the mainstream electorate). In the cases of Cantor, Lugar and Murkowski, this was especially true.

The greatest tool at each citizen’s disposal is their right to vote. Voting gives you a voice in government, allowing you to choose leaders and shape the future of the country and our industry. Included on this page is a list of primary dates for all 50 states. You can also use the voting tool at www.semasan.com/votes to register to vote and learn the deadlines for where you live.

What are you waiting for? Get involved in your local primary elections today!

State	Primary	Runoff
Alabama	6/5/18	7/17/18
Alaska	8/21/18
Arizona	8/28/18
Arkansas	5/22/18	6/19/18
California	6/5/18
Colorado	6/26/18
Connecticut	8/14/18
Delaware	9/6/18
Florida	8/28/18
Georgia	5/22/18	7/24/18
Hawaii	8/11/18
Idaho	5/15/18
Illinois	3/20/18
Indiana	5/8/18
Iowa	6/5/18
Kansas	8/7/18
Kentucky	5/22/18
Louisiana	11/6/18	12/8/18
Maine	6/12/18
Maryland	6/26/18
Massachusetts	9/4/18
Michigan	8/7/18
Minnesota	8/14/18
Mississippi	6/5/18	6/26/18
Missouri	8/7/18
Montana	6/5/18
Nebraska	5/15/18
Nevada	6/12/18
New Hampshire	9/11/18
New Jersey	6/5/18
New Mexico	6/5/18
New York	6/26/18
North Carolina	5/8/18	7/17/18
North Dakota	6/12/18
Ohio	5/8/18
Oklahoma	6/26/18	8/28/18
Oregon	5/15/18
Pennsylvania	5/15/18
Rhode Island	9/12/18
South Carolina	6/12/18	6/26/18
South Dakota	6/12/18	8/14/18
Tennessee	8/2/18
Texas	3/6/18	5/22/18
Utah	6/26/18
Vermont	8/14/18
Virginia	6/12/18
Washington	8/7/18
West Virginia	5/8/18
Wisconsin	8/14/18
Wyoming	8/21/18

Getting a Piece of the Global Pie

Sun, 04/01/2018 - 08:08

SEMA News—April 2018

INTERNATIONAL

By Linda Spencer

Getting a Piece of the Global Pie

SEMA Resources to Raise Your Brand’s International Standing

According to the findings of a recent survey of U.S.-based SEMA-member manufacturers, SEMA-member companies are exporting in greater numbers than ever before and are optimistic that those sales will continue to climb in the next three years.

A full 84% of SEMA-member manufacturers reported that overseas sales contribute to their bottom lines, and 51% take a hands-on approach, with 124 respondents noting that they actively seek overseas business. Another 33% reported that they know their products are reaching overseas enthusiasts, though that is largely through their U.S.-based distribution (i.e., warehouse distributors). The remaining 16% reported that they don’t export abroad and/or aren’t aware if their products are being sold overseas.

SEMA provides a range of programs and resources to assist member companies that are already actively exporting as well as those that have set their sights on increasing their overseas customer bases. What follows is an overview of those member benefits.

This is the first of a two-part series on SEMA international offerings. Vehicle make/model data and programming at the SEMA Show are among the topics covered in the next article.

SEMA Overseas Business-Development Program

Participating in SEMA’s international trips has helped SEMA members open new markets and grow their businesses in existing markets. To date, 200 SEMA members have participated on one or more SEMA overseas business-development trips designed to provide members with a low-cost, high-value way to explore promising overseas markets. Taking part in these programs is an effective way for businesses to test markets, build brand awareness and set up distribution networks.

For those with distributors already in the target country, the trips are an excellent time to gauge how their arrangements are working and let their customers know that you are there to support their efforts to market your products. To date, companies traveling with SEMA are reporting a total of more than $124 million in export sales.

SEMA organizes three annual business-development programs to promising overseas markets. Fees for each trip include hotel, meals, a turnkey booth, exhibition fees and networking events. U.S. government support is available for qualified companies.

The sites for SEMA overseas business development programs are selected based on the following criteria:

Sizable population interested in customizing.
Discretionary income to afford U.S. specialty-equipment products.
Legal/regulatory environment allowing vehicle customization or a local government exploring legalization.

International Vehicles Scans Available to Create Export-Ready Products

In order to provide members with the opportunity to create export-ready products, SEMA has created a program for members to measure vehicles popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States. Through a special partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the seven-year-old program includes importation of accessory-friendly vehicles into the United States so that SEMA members have access to the hard-to-obtain vehicles in order to create prototypes/products for overseas sales.

SEMA has made available seven international vehicles since the program began in 2012. The vehicles are allowed to remain in the United States for up to three years through U.S. government waiver programs. A ’16 Toyota HiLux and a ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger are currently available for SEMA members to measure in order to create export-ready products. Members are invited to measure the vehicles in the SEMA Garage; however, the vehicle can also be transported to the member’s facility, if preferred.

If you have another international vehicle not available in the United States to recommend, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

SEMA Warns Against Harmful Tariffs

Thu, 03/29/2018 - 14:32

By Della Domingo

SEMA has joined forces with other U.S. manufacturers warning President Trump and the U.S. Congress that newly-enacted tariffs have the potential to harm American companies, workers and consumers. SEMA-member companies are concerned over higher prices for steel and aluminum because of tariffs imposed globally.

“The specialty auto-parts industry employs more than a million American workers who will be affected by the proposed tariffs,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki. “These U.S. workers produce products to personalize and enhance vehicle performance—from wheels and exhausts to engines and grilles—and many of these parts contain metals that are now subject to tariffs that will harm the industry.”

Price hikes began to show up in recent months under the threat of potential tariffs. Fear of supply-chain disruption beyond the metal market is now real as other nations consider retaliatory trade measures.

“We urge the president and lawmakers to use trade laws strategically so that unfair trade practices are addressed without harming U.S. businesses,” said SEMA President and CEO Christopher J. Kersting. “SEMA has joined forces with other domestic manufacturer associations to express concerns with the current approach and the potential downstream damage to domestic industries and American consumers.”

Although the steel and aluminum tariffs are only now going into effect, there is marketplace confusion surrounding their potential impact. Government officials were caught off guard when the metal tariffs were imposed on a global scale and at higher levels than anticipated. This has resulted in a scramble to create an exclusion program for certain countries and companies and the exclusions are still uncertain. SEMA is closely monitoring this matter and will keep members informed as developments unfold.

SEMA Warns Against Harmful Tariffs

Thu, 03/29/2018 - 14:32

By Della Domingo

SEMA has joined forces with other U.S. manufacturers warning President Trump and the U.S. Congress that newly-enacted tariffs have the potential to harm American companies, workers and consumers. SEMA-member companies are concerned over higher prices for steel and aluminum because of tariffs imposed globally.

“The specialty auto-parts industry employs more than a million American workers who will be affected by the proposed tariffs,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki. “These U.S. workers produce products to personalize and enhance vehicle performance—from wheels and exhausts to engines and grilles—and many of these parts contain metals that are now subject to tariffs that will harm the industry.”

Price hikes began to show up in recent months under the threat of potential tariffs. Fear of supply-chain disruption beyond the metal market is now real as other nations consider retaliatory trade measures.

“We urge the president and lawmakers to use trade laws strategically so that unfair trade practices are addressed without harming U.S. businesses,” said SEMA President and CEO Christopher J. Kersting. “SEMA has joined forces with other domestic manufacturer associations to express concerns with the current approach and the potential downstream damage to domestic industries and American consumers.”

Although the steel and aluminum tariffs are only now going into effect, there is marketplace confusion surrounding their potential impact. Government officials were caught off guard when the metal tariffs were imposed on a global scale and at higher levels than anticipated. This has resulted in a scramble to create an exclusion program for certain countries and companies and the exclusions are still uncertain. SEMA is closely monitoring this matter and will keep members informed as developments unfold.

SEMA Warns Against Harmful Tariffs

Thu, 03/29/2018 - 14:32

By Della Domingo

SEMA has joined forces with other U.S. manufacturers warning President Trump and the U.S. Congress that newly-enacted tariffs have the potential to harm American companies, workers and consumers. SEMA-member companies are concerned over higher prices for steel and aluminum because of tariffs imposed globally.

“The specialty auto-parts industry employs more than a million American workers who will be affected by the proposed tariffs,” said SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki. “These U.S. workers produce products to personalize and enhance vehicle performance—from wheels and exhausts to engines and grilles—and many of these parts contain metals that are now subject to tariffs that will harm the industry.”

Price hikes began to show up in recent months under the threat of potential tariffs. Fear of supply-chain disruption beyond the metal market is now real as other nations consider retaliatory trade measures.

“We urge the president and lawmakers to use trade laws strategically so that unfair trade practices are addressed without harming U.S. businesses,” said SEMA President and CEO Christopher J. Kersting. “SEMA has joined forces with other domestic manufacturer associations to express concerns with the current approach and the potential downstream damage to domestic industries and American consumers.”

Although the steel and aluminum tariffs are only now going into effect, there is marketplace confusion surrounding their potential impact. Government officials were caught off guard when the metal tariffs were imposed on a global scale and at higher levels than anticipated. This has resulted in a scramble to create an exclusion program for certain countries and companies and the exclusions are still uncertain. SEMA is closely monitoring this matter and will keep members informed as developments unfold.

2018 SEMA Show Springtime Schedule

Thu, 03/29/2018 - 14:16

By Jason Catullo

Here is a timeline of key dates for the 2018 SEMA Show, taking place in Las Vegas, October 30–November 2.

Friday, March 30: Applications Due to Participate in Priority Space Selection
Exhibitor booth space applications due for companies that want to participate in the 2018 SEMA Show Priority Selection. To exhibit at the 2018 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Monday, April 2: SEMA Show Registration Officially Opens
Exhibitor, attendee and media registration for the 2018 SEMA Show will be available at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Monday, April 30–Friday, May 16: 2018 SEMA Show Priority Selection
Based on exhibitor seniority, the Priority Space Selection provides companies with the opportunity to choose the best locations for their Show displays.

Monday April 2: SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual Goes Live
The SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual contains the forms and information needed to participate in the 2018 SEMA Show. In addition to applications for Show and booth services, the Exhibitor Services Manual includes a guide to frequently asked questions, checklists to help keep exhibitors on time while maintaining budgets, and resources that cover Show hours, move-out details and Show staff contact information.

Monday, June 25–Tuesday, June 26: SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit – Tips and Training for Exhibitors
Designed for exhibitors with limited trade show experience, as well as companies new to the SEMA Show, the Exhibitor Summit features proven strategies and best practices for all Show aspects, from exhibit move-in and set-up to teardown and move-out. Summit attendees also learn how to minimize costs on booth services, take advantage of promotional and sponsorship opportunities, and apply expert strategies for attracting buyers at the Show.

The cost for the summit is intentionally low, with hotels, meals and workshops covered by SEMA. The only expense that attendees will incur is transportation to and from the event. Simply put: You get to Vegas, we’ll do the rest! Read more, or sign up for the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit.

More information about the 2018 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.