SEMA News—June 2014

SEMA HERITAGE

By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Petersen Archives

Be Your Own Disc Jockey!

If you think texting while driving is a distraction, imagine changing 45-rpm records while barreling down the highway.

“Wherever you go, listen to your favorite sounds by being your own disc jockey,” wrote Bud Lang in this Car Craft magazine how-to from 1963. “At the drags, beach, mountains or while just cruising around with the guys or your favorite chick, you can now play your own 45-rpm platters on an automatic reject record [ARC] changer that is designed for genuine driving pleasure.”

The design of the ARC actually made operation less distracting than it looks from the photo. The changer would hold up to 14 records, and the “special High Fidelity ceramic cartridge” made contact with the records from the bottom of the stack, a feature that “…lets you drive and play without the tone arm skipping and jumping.” Once a record was over, it dropped onto a rubber cushion in the bottom of the unit and the next record was ready to play.

The ARC’s “compact size…permits installation in a variety of compact and sports cars in addition to the larger, standard size family sedan,” Lang wrote. “Compact” in 1963 was a little different from what we consider compact now. The ARC measured nearly a foot across, 9 inches deep and 6 inches high. That’s bigger than the toaster sitting on your kitchen counter.

Installation was fairly straightforward: Burly straps held the chrome-plated player to the underside of the dash, and it wired into the car’s existing radio and speakers. Changers for 12- and 6-volt systems were offered at the time.

Yes, it looks clunky compared to today’s sophisticated in-car entertainment systems. And when was the last time you played a 45? But the ARC’s goal—“the finest in music, uninterrupted by commercials and fade-outs,” as Lang wrote—wasn’t any different from what we have now with satellite radio, streaming audio and music players jacked into onboard ports. It just took a while for the tech to catch up.

SEMA News—June 2014

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

SEMA PAC Firing on all Cylinders in Election year

Become an Industry Champion by Joining the “Winner’s Circle”

For many, “politics” is a four-letter word. People are fed up with Washington’s antics. Truth is, whether it’s banning the sale of E-15 gasoline, reforming the tax code, spurring job creation or addressing many other critical issues, there’s a lot that’s not happening in Washington, D.C., which affects your bottom line. So we simply can’t afford to sit in neutral while others determine the future of the industry.

This year is a busy time in the political process, with an important election right around the corner. In November, 435 members of Congress and 36 senators will ask for our votes. In other words, whether or not they keep their jobs is up to us. While you may feel that you can’t fix the dysfunction alone, SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) allows members to come together to speak with a collective voice. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.

Last year, we asked you to chip in $10 to help celebrate a decade of protecting our industry with the $10 for 10 campaign. More people supported SEMA PAC than ever before! This year, we’re kicking things into high gear with the introduction of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle.

When you chip in $20, we’ll send you a Winner’s Circle lapel pin that you can wear with pride at industry events. Contribute $50, or more, and we’ll give you a SEMA PAC coffee mug (made in the USA!) and access to the SEMA PAC lounge for high-octane coffee (and refills) during this year’s SEMA Show. If you donate more than $100, lunch is on us. In addition to the caffeine boost, we’ll treat you and a colleague to a hot lunch in the SEMA PAC President’s Club dining room for one day during the SEMA Show. There you will be able to rub elbows with members of the SEMA PAC President’s Club who personally contribute $1,000 annually. Best of all, you’ll be supporting the car guys and gals in Congress who have our industry’s back!

To take advantage of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle, you must first become SEMA PAC Approved. We know that sounds complicated, but it’s totally painless. First off, being PAC Approved does not obligate you to contribute to the PAC. The form takes seconds to fill out. In fact, when you log on to www.SEMApac.com using your “MySEMA” account, the form is already filled out for you! All you have to do is check a few boxes and you’re done. It’s that easy. With a greater number of business owners willing to stand up to the government meddling with their businesses, more and more members are signing up every day. So head over to www.SEMApac.com and join!

Got questions? Visit www.SEMApac.com or contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 or via e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Susan Carpenter

Susan Carpenter is the president of JR Products, which is headquartered in Clarence Center, New York. Carpenter joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2013 and is active in SEMA volunteer councils, including the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network.

“I am a true believer that you should not be a spectator on the sidelines if you want to be a part of the game,” Carpenter said.

“If you want change in our government, you have to make the effort to be heard. Being a member of SEMA PAC gives me the opportunity to be part of a team fighting for our industry. With the guidance of the highly talented SEMA government affairs staff, we are a united force!”

SEMA News—June 2014

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

SEMA PAC Firing on all Cylinders in Election year

Become an Industry Champion by Joining the “Winner’s Circle”

For many, “politics” is a four-letter word. People are fed up with Washington’s antics. Truth is, whether it’s banning the sale of E-15 gasoline, reforming the tax code, spurring job creation or addressing many other critical issues, there’s a lot that’s not happening in Washington, D.C., which affects your bottom line. So we simply can’t afford to sit in neutral while others determine the future of the industry.

This year is a busy time in the political process, with an important election right around the corner. In November, 435 members of Congress and 36 senators will ask for our votes. In other words, whether or not they keep their jobs is up to us. While you may feel that you can’t fix the dysfunction alone, SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) allows members to come together to speak with a collective voice. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.

Last year, we asked you to chip in $10 to help celebrate a decade of protecting our industry with the $10 for 10 campaign. More people supported SEMA PAC than ever before! This year, we’re kicking things into high gear with the introduction of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle.

When you chip in $20, we’ll send you a Winner’s Circle lapel pin that you can wear with pride at industry events. Contribute $50, or more, and we’ll give you a SEMA PAC coffee mug (made in the USA!) and access to the SEMA PAC lounge for high-octane coffee (and refills) during this year’s SEMA Show. If you donate more than $100, lunch is on us. In addition to the caffeine boost, we’ll treat you and a colleague to a hot lunch in the SEMA PAC President’s Club dining room for one day during the SEMA Show. There you will be able to rub elbows with members of the SEMA PAC President’s Club who personally contribute $1,000 annually. Best of all, you’ll be supporting the car guys and gals in Congress who have our industry’s back!

To take advantage of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle, you must first become SEMA PAC Approved. We know that sounds complicated, but it’s totally painless. First off, being PAC Approved does not obligate you to contribute to the PAC. The form takes seconds to fill out. In fact, when you log on to www.SEMApac.com using your “MySEMA” account, the form is already filled out for you! All you have to do is check a few boxes and you’re done. It’s that easy. With a greater number of business owners willing to stand up to the government meddling with their businesses, more and more members are signing up every day. So head over to www.SEMApac.com and join!

Got questions? Visit www.SEMApac.com or contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 or via e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Susan Carpenter

Susan Carpenter is the president of JR Products, which is headquartered in Clarence Center, New York. Carpenter joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2013 and is active in SEMA volunteer councils, including the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network.

“I am a true believer that you should not be a spectator on the sidelines if you want to be a part of the game,” Carpenter said.

“If you want change in our government, you have to make the effort to be heard. Being a member of SEMA PAC gives me the opportunity to be part of a team fighting for our industry. With the guidance of the highly talented SEMA government affairs staff, we are a united force!”

SEMA News—June 2014

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

SEMA PAC Firing on all Cylinders in Election year

Become an Industry Champion by Joining the “Winner’s Circle”

For many, “politics” is a four-letter word. People are fed up with Washington’s antics. Truth is, whether it’s banning the sale of E-15 gasoline, reforming the tax code, spurring job creation or addressing many other critical issues, there’s a lot that’s not happening in Washington, D.C., which affects your bottom line. So we simply can’t afford to sit in neutral while others determine the future of the industry.

This year is a busy time in the political process, with an important election right around the corner. In November, 435 members of Congress and 36 senators will ask for our votes. In other words, whether or not they keep their jobs is up to us. While you may feel that you can’t fix the dysfunction alone, SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) allows members to come together to speak with a collective voice. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.

Last year, we asked you to chip in $10 to help celebrate a decade of protecting our industry with the $10 for 10 campaign. More people supported SEMA PAC than ever before! This year, we’re kicking things into high gear with the introduction of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle.

When you chip in $20, we’ll send you a Winner’s Circle lapel pin that you can wear with pride at industry events. Contribute $50, or more, and we’ll give you a SEMA PAC coffee mug (made in the USA!) and access to the SEMA PAC lounge for high-octane coffee (and refills) during this year’s SEMA Show. If you donate more than $100, lunch is on us. In addition to the caffeine boost, we’ll treat you and a colleague to a hot lunch in the SEMA PAC President’s Club dining room for one day during the SEMA Show. There you will be able to rub elbows with members of the SEMA PAC President’s Club who personally contribute $1,000 annually. Best of all, you’ll be supporting the car guys and gals in Congress who have our industry’s back!

To take advantage of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle, you must first become SEMA PAC Approved. We know that sounds complicated, but it’s totally painless. First off, being PAC Approved does not obligate you to contribute to the PAC. The form takes seconds to fill out. In fact, when you log on to www.SEMApac.com using your “MySEMA” account, the form is already filled out for you! All you have to do is check a few boxes and you’re done. It’s that easy. With a greater number of business owners willing to stand up to the government meddling with their businesses, more and more members are signing up every day. So head over to www.SEMApac.com and join!

Got questions? Visit www.SEMApac.com or contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 or via e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Susan Carpenter

Susan Carpenter is the president of JR Products, which is headquartered in Clarence Center, New York. Carpenter joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2013 and is active in SEMA volunteer councils, including the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network.

“I am a true believer that you should not be a spectator on the sidelines if you want to be a part of the game,” Carpenter said.

“If you want change in our government, you have to make the effort to be heard. Being a member of SEMA PAC gives me the opportunity to be part of a team fighting for our industry. With the guidance of the highly talented SEMA government affairs staff, we are a united force!”

SEMA News—June 2014

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

SEMA PAC Firing on all Cylinders in Election year

Become an Industry Champion by Joining the “Winner’s Circle”

For many, “politics” is a four-letter word. People are fed up with Washington’s antics. Truth is, whether it’s banning the sale of E-15 gasoline, reforming the tax code, spurring job creation or addressing many other critical issues, there’s a lot that’s not happening in Washington, D.C., which affects your bottom line. So we simply can’t afford to sit in neutral while others determine the future of the industry.

This year is a busy time in the political process, with an important election right around the corner. In November, 435 members of Congress and 36 senators will ask for our votes. In other words, whether or not they keep their jobs is up to us. While you may feel that you can’t fix the dysfunction alone, SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) allows members to come together to speak with a collective voice. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.

Last year, we asked you to chip in $10 to help celebrate a decade of protecting our industry with the $10 for 10 campaign. More people supported SEMA PAC than ever before! This year, we’re kicking things into high gear with the introduction of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle.

When you chip in $20, we’ll send you a Winner’s Circle lapel pin that you can wear with pride at industry events. Contribute $50, or more, and we’ll give you a SEMA PAC coffee mug (made in the USA!) and access to the SEMA PAC lounge for high-octane coffee (and refills) during this year’s SEMA Show. If you donate more than $100, lunch is on us. In addition to the caffeine boost, we’ll treat you and a colleague to a hot lunch in the SEMA PAC President’s Club dining room for one day during the SEMA Show. There you will be able to rub elbows with members of the SEMA PAC President’s Club who personally contribute $1,000 annually. Best of all, you’ll be supporting the car guys and gals in Congress who have our industry’s back!

To take advantage of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle, you must first become SEMA PAC Approved. We know that sounds complicated, but it’s totally painless. First off, being PAC Approved does not obligate you to contribute to the PAC. The form takes seconds to fill out. In fact, when you log on to www.SEMApac.com using your “MySEMA” account, the form is already filled out for you! All you have to do is check a few boxes and you’re done. It’s that easy. With a greater number of business owners willing to stand up to the government meddling with their businesses, more and more members are signing up every day. So head over to www.SEMApac.com and join!

Got questions? Visit www.SEMApac.com or contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 or via e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Susan Carpenter

Susan Carpenter is the president of JR Products, which is headquartered in Clarence Center, New York. Carpenter joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2013 and is active in SEMA volunteer councils, including the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network.

“I am a true believer that you should not be a spectator on the sidelines if you want to be a part of the game,” Carpenter said.

“If you want change in our government, you have to make the effort to be heard. Being a member of SEMA PAC gives me the opportunity to be part of a team fighting for our industry. With the guidance of the highly talented SEMA government affairs staff, we are a united force!”

SEMA News—June 2014

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

SEMA PAC Firing on all Cylinders in Election year

Become an Industry Champion by Joining the “Winner’s Circle”

For many, “politics” is a four-letter word. People are fed up with Washington’s antics. Truth is, whether it’s banning the sale of E-15 gasoline, reforming the tax code, spurring job creation or addressing many other critical issues, there’s a lot that’s not happening in Washington, D.C., which affects your bottom line. So we simply can’t afford to sit in neutral while others determine the future of the industry.

This year is a busy time in the political process, with an important election right around the corner. In November, 435 members of Congress and 36 senators will ask for our votes. In other words, whether or not they keep their jobs is up to us. While you may feel that you can’t fix the dysfunction alone, SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) allows members to come together to speak with a collective voice. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.

Last year, we asked you to chip in $10 to help celebrate a decade of protecting our industry with the $10 for 10 campaign. More people supported SEMA PAC than ever before! This year, we’re kicking things into high gear with the introduction of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle.

When you chip in $20, we’ll send you a Winner’s Circle lapel pin that you can wear with pride at industry events. Contribute $50, or more, and we’ll give you a SEMA PAC coffee mug (made in the USA!) and access to the SEMA PAC lounge for high-octane coffee (and refills) during this year’s SEMA Show. If you donate more than $100, lunch is on us. In addition to the caffeine boost, we’ll treat you and a colleague to a hot lunch in the SEMA PAC President’s Club dining room for one day during the SEMA Show. There you will be able to rub elbows with members of the SEMA PAC President’s Club who personally contribute $1,000 annually. Best of all, you’ll be supporting the car guys and gals in Congress who have our industry’s back!

To take advantage of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle, you must first become SEMA PAC Approved. We know that sounds complicated, but it’s totally painless. First off, being PAC Approved does not obligate you to contribute to the PAC. The form takes seconds to fill out. In fact, when you log on to www.SEMApac.com using your “MySEMA” account, the form is already filled out for you! All you have to do is check a few boxes and you’re done. It’s that easy. With a greater number of business owners willing to stand up to the government meddling with their businesses, more and more members are signing up every day. So head over to www.SEMApac.com and join!

Got questions? Visit www.SEMApac.com or contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 or via e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Susan Carpenter

Susan Carpenter is the president of JR Products, which is headquartered in Clarence Center, New York. Carpenter joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2013 and is active in SEMA volunteer councils, including the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network.

“I am a true believer that you should not be a spectator on the sidelines if you want to be a part of the game,” Carpenter said.

“If you want change in our government, you have to make the effort to be heard. Being a member of SEMA PAC gives me the opportunity to be part of a team fighting for our industry. With the guidance of the highly talented SEMA government affairs staff, we are a united force!”

SEMA News—June 2014

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

SEMA PAC Firing on all Cylinders in Election year

Become an Industry Champion by Joining the “Winner’s Circle”

For many, “politics” is a four-letter word. People are fed up with Washington’s antics. Truth is, whether it’s banning the sale of E-15 gasoline, reforming the tax code, spurring job creation or addressing many other critical issues, there’s a lot that’s not happening in Washington, D.C., which affects your bottom line. So we simply can’t afford to sit in neutral while others determine the future of the industry.

This year is a busy time in the political process, with an important election right around the corner. In November, 435 members of Congress and 36 senators will ask for our votes. In other words, whether or not they keep their jobs is up to us. While you may feel that you can’t fix the dysfunction alone, SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) allows members to come together to speak with a collective voice. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.

Last year, we asked you to chip in $10 to help celebrate a decade of protecting our industry with the $10 for 10 campaign. More people supported SEMA PAC than ever before! This year, we’re kicking things into high gear with the introduction of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle.

When you chip in $20, we’ll send you a Winner’s Circle lapel pin that you can wear with pride at industry events. Contribute $50, or more, and we’ll give you a SEMA PAC coffee mug (made in the USA!) and access to the SEMA PAC lounge for high-octane coffee (and refills) during this year’s SEMA Show. If you donate more than $100, lunch is on us. In addition to the caffeine boost, we’ll treat you and a colleague to a hot lunch in the SEMA PAC President’s Club dining room for one day during the SEMA Show. There you will be able to rub elbows with members of the SEMA PAC President’s Club who personally contribute $1,000 annually. Best of all, you’ll be supporting the car guys and gals in Congress who have our industry’s back!

To take advantage of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle, you must first become SEMA PAC Approved. We know that sounds complicated, but it’s totally painless. First off, being PAC Approved does not obligate you to contribute to the PAC. The form takes seconds to fill out. In fact, when you log on to www.SEMApac.com using your “MySEMA” account, the form is already filled out for you! All you have to do is check a few boxes and you’re done. It’s that easy. With a greater number of business owners willing to stand up to the government meddling with their businesses, more and more members are signing up every day. So head over to www.SEMApac.com and join!

Got questions? Visit www.SEMApac.com or contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 or via e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Susan Carpenter

Susan Carpenter is the president of JR Products, which is headquartered in Clarence Center, New York. Carpenter joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2013 and is active in SEMA volunteer councils, including the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network.

“I am a true believer that you should not be a spectator on the sidelines if you want to be a part of the game,” Carpenter said.

“If you want change in our government, you have to make the effort to be heard. Being a member of SEMA PAC gives me the opportunity to be part of a team fighting for our industry. With the guidance of the highly talented SEMA government affairs staff, we are a united force!”

SEMA News—June 2014

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

SEMA PAC Firing on all Cylinders in Election year

Become an Industry Champion by Joining the “Winner’s Circle”

For many, “politics” is a four-letter word. People are fed up with Washington’s antics. Truth is, whether it’s banning the sale of E-15 gasoline, reforming the tax code, spurring job creation or addressing many other critical issues, there’s a lot that’s not happening in Washington, D.C., which affects your bottom line. So we simply can’t afford to sit in neutral while others determine the future of the industry.

This year is a busy time in the political process, with an important election right around the corner. In November, 435 members of Congress and 36 senators will ask for our votes. In other words, whether or not they keep their jobs is up to us. While you may feel that you can’t fix the dysfunction alone, SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) allows members to come together to speak with a collective voice. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.

Last year, we asked you to chip in $10 to help celebrate a decade of protecting our industry with the $10 for 10 campaign. More people supported SEMA PAC than ever before! This year, we’re kicking things into high gear with the introduction of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle.

When you chip in $20, we’ll send you a Winner’s Circle lapel pin that you can wear with pride at industry events. Contribute $50, or more, and we’ll give you a SEMA PAC coffee mug (made in the USA!) and access to the SEMA PAC lounge for high-octane coffee (and refills) during this year’s SEMA Show. If you donate more than $100, lunch is on us. In addition to the caffeine boost, we’ll treat you and a colleague to a hot lunch in the SEMA PAC President’s Club dining room for one day during the SEMA Show. There you will be able to rub elbows with members of the SEMA PAC President’s Club who personally contribute $1,000 annually. Best of all, you’ll be supporting the car guys and gals in Congress who have our industry’s back!

To take advantage of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle, you must first become SEMA PAC Approved. We know that sounds complicated, but it’s totally painless. First off, being PAC Approved does not obligate you to contribute to the PAC. The form takes seconds to fill out. In fact, when you log on to www.SEMApac.com using your “MySEMA” account, the form is already filled out for you! All you have to do is check a few boxes and you’re done. It’s that easy. With a greater number of business owners willing to stand up to the government meddling with their businesses, more and more members are signing up every day. So head over to www.SEMApac.com and join!

Got questions? Visit www.SEMApac.com or contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 or via e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Susan Carpenter

Susan Carpenter is the president of JR Products, which is headquartered in Clarence Center, New York. Carpenter joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2013 and is active in SEMA volunteer councils, including the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network.

“I am a true believer that you should not be a spectator on the sidelines if you want to be a part of the game,” Carpenter said.

“If you want change in our government, you have to make the effort to be heard. Being a member of SEMA PAC gives me the opportunity to be part of a team fighting for our industry. With the guidance of the highly talented SEMA government affairs staff, we are a united force!”

SEMA News—June 2014

CHRIS KERSTING

Wrong Reasons Not to Vote

Once a year, SEMA provides members with a way to select the Board of Directors—the volunteers who help SEMA make decisions that will help your business and the industry to succeed. I want to thank the many members who participated in the nomination process; we have some very strong candidates again this year. And thanks in advance to all of you who will be first-time voters, as well as all our regular voters.

Not everyone can find the time to work on the Board, but every company can have a voice in the process. If you haven’t voted, you may think that you have good reasons, like the ones listed below. Let’s talk about those.

“My vote won’t really make a difference.”

This is not an election where the winner is decided by huge margins or by special-interest groups. Look at who is running, and see what they want to emphasize in leading SEMA. Find the candidates who have the same ideas and aims as you, and take two minutes to cast your vote. Many of the SEMA races are decided by just a few votes. This is an election where your vote really could be the deciding one.

“Someone else will do it.”

Sadly, wrong. Voting in the SEMA elections is an easy act of volunteerism that will help guide your association. We need a good number of votes to adequately represent the aims of the membership. No one can do it for you. Voting takes only a few minutes, and you can vote from your desk.

“Nobody from my segment is up for election.”

Your ballot will allow you to vote for any candidate in any category, across the board. True, there was a time when each SEMA-member company was allowed to vote for only candidates in their own category. That restriction has been lifted, and Board members are elected to serve the interests of all SEMA member companies.

“SEMA will do fine without my vote.”

Good times or bad, your association doesn’t run on autopilot. The Board focuses on preparing the industry for future challenges and opportunities. Difficult decisions are made about allocating resources. SEMA’s work on legislative and regulatory challenges, the SEMA Data Co-op, the tools in the SEMA Garage—these are just a few examples of important initiatives that require attentive leadership and effective long-range vision. Vote for the leaders you believe have the right ideas about the future.

“I’m too busy at work.”

True, we’re all busy. But the voting process is now electronic, making it quicker and easier to register your vote than ever. The ballots and links have already been sent to each member company’s designated primary contact. Those of you who have already voted know that it’s not a tedious process. Taking five minutes to register your vote should be a meaningful and rewarding part of your day.

“I don’t know enough about the candidates to vote.”

This issue of SEMA News gives you all you need to know. Take a look at the candidate profiles in these pages or go to www.sema.org/BOD14. Each candidate has taken the time to share his background and ideas about what he believes is important. Our nominees come from a range of segments and functions in our industry. All are volunteers, spanning a broad range of age and experience.

So by now you know that I respectfully suggest the “reasons” above just don’t add up to good reasons not to participate. Here’s the bottom line: If you have received a voting packet, we urge you to vote. Do it now, before the June 10 deadline expires. It will take only a few minutes, and it will help ensure that SEMA continues to deliver useful tools to help you succeed.

—Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO

SEMA News—June 2014

CHRIS KERSTING

Wrong Reasons Not to Vote

Once a year, SEMA provides members with a way to select the Board of Directors—the volunteers who help SEMA make decisions that will help your business and the industry to succeed. I want to thank the many members who participated in the nomination process; we have some very strong candidates again this year. And thanks in advance to all of you who will be first-time voters, as well as all our regular voters.

Not everyone can find the time to work on the Board, but every company can have a voice in the process. If you haven’t voted, you may think that you have good reasons, like the ones listed below. Let’s talk about those.

“My vote won’t really make a difference.”

This is not an election where the winner is decided by huge margins or by special-interest groups. Look at who is running, and see what they want to emphasize in leading SEMA. Find the candidates who have the same ideas and aims as you, and take two minutes to cast your vote. Many of the SEMA races are decided by just a few votes. This is an election where your vote really could be the deciding one.

“Someone else will do it.”

Sadly, wrong. Voting in the SEMA elections is an easy act of volunteerism that will help guide your association. We need a good number of votes to adequately represent the aims of the membership. No one can do it for you. Voting takes only a few minutes, and you can vote from your desk.

“Nobody from my segment is up for election.”

Your ballot will allow you to vote for any candidate in any category, across the board. True, there was a time when each SEMA-member company was allowed to vote for only candidates in their own category. That restriction has been lifted, and Board members are elected to serve the interests of all SEMA member companies.

“SEMA will do fine without my vote.”

Good times or bad, your association doesn’t run on autopilot. The Board focuses on preparing the industry for future challenges and opportunities. Difficult decisions are made about allocating resources. SEMA’s work on legislative and regulatory challenges, the SEMA Data Co-op, the tools in the SEMA Garage—these are just a few examples of important initiatives that require attentive leadership and effective long-range vision. Vote for the leaders you believe have the right ideas about the future.

“I’m too busy at work.”

True, we’re all busy. But the voting process is now electronic, making it quicker and easier to register your vote than ever. The ballots and links have already been sent to each member company’s designated primary contact. Those of you who have already voted know that it’s not a tedious process. Taking five minutes to register your vote should be a meaningful and rewarding part of your day.

“I don’t know enough about the candidates to vote.”

This issue of SEMA News gives you all you need to know. Take a look at the candidate profiles in these pages or go to www.sema.org/BOD14. Each candidate has taken the time to share his background and ideas about what he believes is important. Our nominees come from a range of segments and functions in our industry. All are volunteers, spanning a broad range of age and experience.

So by now you know that I respectfully suggest the “reasons” above just don’t add up to good reasons not to participate. Here’s the bottom line: If you have received a voting packet, we urge you to vote. Do it now, before the June 10 deadline expires. It will take only a few minutes, and it will help ensure that SEMA continues to deliver useful tools to help you succeed.

—Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO