SEMA News—January 2013

REQUIRED READING

Headlines During the SEMA Show

If you were among the thousands of industry professionals who attended the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, chances are good that you were so busy meeting with colleagues out on the Show floor that you missed the media coverage taking place.

Since the SEMA Show is the world’s largest automotive trade gathering and features the hottest and newest automotive products and accessories, it’s no surprise that media from around the globe came to the SEMA Show to report on the amazing customized vehicles. From major daily newspapers and television news programs to auto-enthusiast magazines and Internet radio, journalists were out in full force. Below is some of the coverage that resulted during the Show. And if you did miss the on-site coverage, you’re in luck: Many of the long-lead print magazines are featuring their SEMA Show coverage now. Be sure to visit the newsstands today!

Los Angeles Times The front page of the Los Angeles Times Business section read: “Aftermarket car show all revved up…. If it has anything to do with a car, it can be found at the SEMA trade show.” Adding to the print story were several online articles and videos posted on the publication’s website, www.latimes.com. From reporting on the hottest vehicles at the Show to a behind-the-scenes video interview, the staff at the Los Angeles Times shared with its readers the latest happenings in the $30 billion industry.

USA Today Women have played key roles in the automobile industry, yet the automotive aftermarket remains a male-dominated field. But things are changing. With support from SEMA, Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network organized the SEMA Mustang Build—Powered by Women to highlight the work that women are doing and encourage others to get involved. The project brought together more than 40 women, garnering national headlines in USA Today, AutoWeek, Car & Driver, MSN Autos, the “CBS Evening News” and many other media outlets.

The New York Times Contrary to what many may think about the SEMA Show, automotive reporter Jerry Garrett describes it best when he says that the event “…is not a car show…it’s a showcase for automotive products.” Manufacturers invest in exhibiting so that they can showcase their newest products, and buyers attend the event to see what the hot, new trends are. The New York Times featured a number of articles from the SEMA Show, including one on November 3 that highlighted a few award-winning products.

Las Vegas Review Journal As a trade show, the SEMA Show is about doing business. Las Vegas Review Journal reporter Hubble Smith reported on the business aspect of the Show—even before the Show opened. The preview story on October 26 gave readers some insight into what goes into planning the SEMA Show.

SEMA News—January 2013

REQUIRED READING

Headlines During the SEMA Show

If you were among the thousands of industry professionals who attended the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, chances are good that you were so busy meeting with colleagues out on the Show floor that you missed the media coverage taking place.

Since the SEMA Show is the world’s largest automotive trade gathering and features the hottest and newest automotive products and accessories, it’s no surprise that media from around the globe came to the SEMA Show to report on the amazing customized vehicles. From major daily newspapers and television news programs to auto-enthusiast magazines and Internet radio, journalists were out in full force. Below is some of the coverage that resulted during the Show. And if you did miss the on-site coverage, you’re in luck: Many of the long-lead print magazines are featuring their SEMA Show coverage now. Be sure to visit the newsstands today!

Los Angeles Times The front page of the Los Angeles Times Business section read: “Aftermarket car show all revved up…. If it has anything to do with a car, it can be found at the SEMA trade show.” Adding to the print story were several online articles and videos posted on the publication’s website, www.latimes.com. From reporting on the hottest vehicles at the Show to a behind-the-scenes video interview, the staff at the Los Angeles Times shared with its readers the latest happenings in the $30 billion industry.

USA Today Women have played key roles in the automobile industry, yet the automotive aftermarket remains a male-dominated field. But things are changing. With support from SEMA, Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network organized the SEMA Mustang Build—Powered by Women to highlight the work that women are doing and encourage others to get involved. The project brought together more than 40 women, garnering national headlines in USA Today, AutoWeek, Car & Driver, MSN Autos, the “CBS Evening News” and many other media outlets.

The New York Times Contrary to what many may think about the SEMA Show, automotive reporter Jerry Garrett describes it best when he says that the event “…is not a car show…it’s a showcase for automotive products.” Manufacturers invest in exhibiting so that they can showcase their newest products, and buyers attend the event to see what the hot, new trends are. The New York Times featured a number of articles from the SEMA Show, including one on November 3 that highlighted a few award-winning products.

Las Vegas Review Journal As a trade show, the SEMA Show is about doing business. Las Vegas Review Journal reporter Hubble Smith reported on the business aspect of the Show—even before the Show opened. The preview story on October 26 gave readers some insight into what goes into planning the SEMA Show.

SEMA News—January 2013

REQUIRED READING

Headlines During the SEMA Show

If you were among the thousands of industry professionals who attended the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, chances are good that you were so busy meeting with colleagues out on the Show floor that you missed the media coverage taking place.

Since the SEMA Show is the world’s largest automotive trade gathering and features the hottest and newest automotive products and accessories, it’s no surprise that media from around the globe came to the SEMA Show to report on the amazing customized vehicles. From major daily newspapers and television news programs to auto-enthusiast magazines and Internet radio, journalists were out in full force. Below is some of the coverage that resulted during the Show. And if you did miss the on-site coverage, you’re in luck: Many of the long-lead print magazines are featuring their SEMA Show coverage now. Be sure to visit the newsstands today!

Los Angeles Times The front page of the Los Angeles Times Business section read: “Aftermarket car show all revved up…. If it has anything to do with a car, it can be found at the SEMA trade show.” Adding to the print story were several online articles and videos posted on the publication’s website, www.latimes.com. From reporting on the hottest vehicles at the Show to a behind-the-scenes video interview, the staff at the Los Angeles Times shared with its readers the latest happenings in the $30 billion industry.

USA Today Women have played key roles in the automobile industry, yet the automotive aftermarket remains a male-dominated field. But things are changing. With support from SEMA, Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network organized the SEMA Mustang Build—Powered by Women to highlight the work that women are doing and encourage others to get involved. The project brought together more than 40 women, garnering national headlines in USA Today, AutoWeek, Car & Driver, MSN Autos, the “CBS Evening News” and many other media outlets.

The New York Times Contrary to what many may think about the SEMA Show, automotive reporter Jerry Garrett describes it best when he says that the event “…is not a car show…it’s a showcase for automotive products.” Manufacturers invest in exhibiting so that they can showcase their newest products, and buyers attend the event to see what the hot, new trends are. The New York Times featured a number of articles from the SEMA Show, including one on November 3 that highlighted a few award-winning products.

Las Vegas Review Journal As a trade show, the SEMA Show is about doing business. Las Vegas Review Journal reporter Hubble Smith reported on the business aspect of the Show—even before the Show opened. The preview story on October 26 gave readers some insight into what goes into planning the SEMA Show.

SEMA News—January 2013

REQUIRED READING

Headlines During the SEMA Show

If you were among the thousands of industry professionals who attended the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, chances are good that you were so busy meeting with colleagues out on the Show floor that you missed the media coverage taking place.

Since the SEMA Show is the world’s largest automotive trade gathering and features the hottest and newest automotive products and accessories, it’s no surprise that media from around the globe came to the SEMA Show to report on the amazing customized vehicles. From major daily newspapers and television news programs to auto-enthusiast magazines and Internet radio, journalists were out in full force. Below is some of the coverage that resulted during the Show. And if you did miss the on-site coverage, you’re in luck: Many of the long-lead print magazines are featuring their SEMA Show coverage now. Be sure to visit the newsstands today!

Los Angeles Times The front page of the Los Angeles Times Business section read: “Aftermarket car show all revved up…. If it has anything to do with a car, it can be found at the SEMA trade show.” Adding to the print story were several online articles and videos posted on the publication’s website, www.latimes.com. From reporting on the hottest vehicles at the Show to a behind-the-scenes video interview, the staff at the Los Angeles Times shared with its readers the latest happenings in the $30 billion industry.

USA Today Women have played key roles in the automobile industry, yet the automotive aftermarket remains a male-dominated field. But things are changing. With support from SEMA, Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network organized the SEMA Mustang Build—Powered by Women to highlight the work that women are doing and encourage others to get involved. The project brought together more than 40 women, garnering national headlines in USA Today, AutoWeek, Car & Driver, MSN Autos, the “CBS Evening News” and many other media outlets.

The New York Times Contrary to what many may think about the SEMA Show, automotive reporter Jerry Garrett describes it best when he says that the event “…is not a car show…it’s a showcase for automotive products.” Manufacturers invest in exhibiting so that they can showcase their newest products, and buyers attend the event to see what the hot, new trends are. The New York Times featured a number of articles from the SEMA Show, including one on November 3 that highlighted a few award-winning products.

Las Vegas Review Journal As a trade show, the SEMA Show is about doing business. Las Vegas Review Journal reporter Hubble Smith reported on the business aspect of the Show—even before the Show opened. The preview story on October 26 gave readers some insight into what goes into planning the SEMA Show.

SEMA News—January 2013

FROM THE HILL
By Dan Sadowski

“A Woman’s Place Is in the Garage”

Congresswoman Jackie Speier Supports SEMA Mustang Build During Visit to 2012 SEMA Show

From left) Sherry Kollinen, Ford Motor Co.; Rose Kawasaki, SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Chair-elect; Rep. Jackie Speier; and SBN Chair and SEMA Person of the Year Marla Moore at the Ford Mustang Build—Powered by Women exhibit during the 2012 SEMA Show. SBN sponsored the project in partnership with Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media. The completed Mustang was auctioned off on eBay with all proceeds benefiting the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

U.S. Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) took time from her busy election-year schedule to speak at the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) breakfast and tour the 2012 SEMA Show. Rep. Speier was elected to Congress in 2008 and represents most of San Mateo County, including a portion of San Francisco. She previously served in both the California State Assembly and Senate.

At the SEMA Show, Rep. Speier briefed PWA members on the “Marketplace Equity Act,” legislation that would require companies selling goods via the Internet and catalogs to collect sales tax in the same manner as brick-and-mortar retailers. Rep. Speier is a co-sponsor of the bill.

Under a 1992 U.S. Supreme Court decision, states cannot currently force retailers to collect use taxes unless the company has a physical presence in the state or Congress authorizes collection. Given its diverse membership, SEMA has not taken a position on the proposed legislation to authorize collection.

Escorted by staff from SEMA’s government affairs office, Rep. Speier toured the SEMA Show floor and visited with exhibitors from her district, including GoPro (San Mateo) and Everlast Power Equipment (South San Francisco). These visits provided a snapshot of how SEMA members are impacting both the local and national economy.

Rep. Speier also met with SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Chairman Marla Moore, Chair-Elect Rose Kawasaki and Ford Motor Co. representative Sherry Kollien at the SEMA Mustang Build—Powered by Women display in the Ford booth. Under the direction of SBN and built entirely by SBN members in partnership with Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media, the project was designed to shine a light on women working in the automotive specialty-equipment market.

	Rep. Jackie Speier met with students from the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) program at the Vehicle Technology Center in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.				Rep. Jackie Speier visits with constituent Jamie Oliver (left) at the GoPro booth in the Central Hall. GoPro is headquartered in Rep. Speier’s Congressional District.

“The SEMA Mustang Build is a great showcase for the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network and the women working in the automotive aftermarket,” Speier said. “This project demonstrates the growing potential and influence of women in the industry, and I applaud this effort to encourage women to pursue careers in the automotive field. The positive result of the Mustang Build is clear evidence that women are an important part of SEMA’s leadership.”

More than 40 SEMA-member companies donated products and services for the build, which includes custom paint, customized wheels, a custom leather interior, high-performance suspension and a new supercharger autographed by industry legend Vic Edelbrock.

Before departing, Rep. Speier toured the Vehicle Technology Center (VTC) and met with students from Clemson University’s ICAR program.

The VTC served as a venue to connect emerging-technology enthusiasts with the aftermarket’s advanced-technology offerings. It was also a forum to discuss a variety of issues, from high-performance synthetic oils to vehicle-to-vehicle sensors that warn drivers about impending collisions. The VTC included a display of a self-driving car equipped by Google Inc. with sophisticated 360-degree sensors.

SEMA is pleased to welcome members of Congress and other elected officials to the SEMA Show. For more information about inviting your elected representatives to the SEMA Show next year, please contact SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org. 

SEMA News—January 2013

FROM THE HILL
By Dan Sadowski

“A Woman’s Place Is in the Garage”

Congresswoman Jackie Speier Supports SEMA Mustang Build During Visit to 2012 SEMA Show

From left) Sherry Kollinen, Ford Motor Co.; Rose Kawasaki, SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Chair-elect; Rep. Jackie Speier; and SBN Chair and SEMA Person of the Year Marla Moore at the Ford Mustang Build—Powered by Women exhibit during the 2012 SEMA Show. SBN sponsored the project in partnership with Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media. The completed Mustang was auctioned off on eBay with all proceeds benefiting the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

U.S. Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) took time from her busy election-year schedule to speak at the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) breakfast and tour the 2012 SEMA Show. Rep. Speier was elected to Congress in 2008 and represents most of San Mateo County, including a portion of San Francisco. She previously served in both the California State Assembly and Senate.

At the SEMA Show, Rep. Speier briefed PWA members on the “Marketplace Equity Act,” legislation that would require companies selling goods via the Internet and catalogs to collect sales tax in the same manner as brick-and-mortar retailers. Rep. Speier is a co-sponsor of the bill.

Under a 1992 U.S. Supreme Court decision, states cannot currently force retailers to collect use taxes unless the company has a physical presence in the state or Congress authorizes collection. Given its diverse membership, SEMA has not taken a position on the proposed legislation to authorize collection.

Escorted by staff from SEMA’s government affairs office, Rep. Speier toured the SEMA Show floor and visited with exhibitors from her district, including GoPro (San Mateo) and Everlast Power Equipment (South San Francisco). These visits provided a snapshot of how SEMA members are impacting both the local and national economy.

Rep. Speier also met with SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Chairman Marla Moore, Chair-Elect Rose Kawasaki and Ford Motor Co. representative Sherry Kollien at the SEMA Mustang Build—Powered by Women display in the Ford booth. Under the direction of SBN and built entirely by SBN members in partnership with Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media, the project was designed to shine a light on women working in the automotive specialty-equipment market.

	Rep. Jackie Speier met with students from the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) program at the Vehicle Technology Center in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.				Rep. Jackie Speier visits with constituent Jamie Oliver (left) at the GoPro booth in the Central Hall. GoPro is headquartered in Rep. Speier’s Congressional District.

“The SEMA Mustang Build is a great showcase for the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network and the women working in the automotive aftermarket,” Speier said. “This project demonstrates the growing potential and influence of women in the industry, and I applaud this effort to encourage women to pursue careers in the automotive field. The positive result of the Mustang Build is clear evidence that women are an important part of SEMA’s leadership.”

More than 40 SEMA-member companies donated products and services for the build, which includes custom paint, customized wheels, a custom leather interior, high-performance suspension and a new supercharger autographed by industry legend Vic Edelbrock.

Before departing, Rep. Speier toured the Vehicle Technology Center (VTC) and met with students from Clemson University’s ICAR program.

The VTC served as a venue to connect emerging-technology enthusiasts with the aftermarket’s advanced-technology offerings. It was also a forum to discuss a variety of issues, from high-performance synthetic oils to vehicle-to-vehicle sensors that warn drivers about impending collisions. The VTC included a display of a self-driving car equipped by Google Inc. with sophisticated 360-degree sensors.

SEMA is pleased to welcome members of Congress and other elected officials to the SEMA Show. For more information about inviting your elected representatives to the SEMA Show next year, please contact SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org. 

SEMA News—January 2013

FROM THE HILL
By Dan Sadowski

“A Woman’s Place Is in the Garage”

Congresswoman Jackie Speier Supports SEMA Mustang Build During Visit to 2012 SEMA Show

From left) Sherry Kollinen, Ford Motor Co.; Rose Kawasaki, SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Chair-elect; Rep. Jackie Speier; and SBN Chair and SEMA Person of the Year Marla Moore at the Ford Mustang Build—Powered by Women exhibit during the 2012 SEMA Show. SBN sponsored the project in partnership with Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media. The completed Mustang was auctioned off on eBay with all proceeds benefiting the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

U.S. Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) took time from her busy election-year schedule to speak at the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) breakfast and tour the 2012 SEMA Show. Rep. Speier was elected to Congress in 2008 and represents most of San Mateo County, including a portion of San Francisco. She previously served in both the California State Assembly and Senate.

At the SEMA Show, Rep. Speier briefed PWA members on the “Marketplace Equity Act,” legislation that would require companies selling goods via the Internet and catalogs to collect sales tax in the same manner as brick-and-mortar retailers. Rep. Speier is a co-sponsor of the bill.

Under a 1992 U.S. Supreme Court decision, states cannot currently force retailers to collect use taxes unless the company has a physical presence in the state or Congress authorizes collection. Given its diverse membership, SEMA has not taken a position on the proposed legislation to authorize collection.

Escorted by staff from SEMA’s government affairs office, Rep. Speier toured the SEMA Show floor and visited with exhibitors from her district, including GoPro (San Mateo) and Everlast Power Equipment (South San Francisco). These visits provided a snapshot of how SEMA members are impacting both the local and national economy.

Rep. Speier also met with SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Chairman Marla Moore, Chair-Elect Rose Kawasaki and Ford Motor Co. representative Sherry Kollien at the SEMA Mustang Build—Powered by Women display in the Ford booth. Under the direction of SBN and built entirely by SBN members in partnership with Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media, the project was designed to shine a light on women working in the automotive specialty-equipment market.

	Rep. Jackie Speier met with students from the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) program at the Vehicle Technology Center in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.				Rep. Jackie Speier visits with constituent Jamie Oliver (left) at the GoPro booth in the Central Hall. GoPro is headquartered in Rep. Speier’s Congressional District.

“The SEMA Mustang Build is a great showcase for the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network and the women working in the automotive aftermarket,” Speier said. “This project demonstrates the growing potential and influence of women in the industry, and I applaud this effort to encourage women to pursue careers in the automotive field. The positive result of the Mustang Build is clear evidence that women are an important part of SEMA’s leadership.”

More than 40 SEMA-member companies donated products and services for the build, which includes custom paint, customized wheels, a custom leather interior, high-performance suspension and a new supercharger autographed by industry legend Vic Edelbrock.

Before departing, Rep. Speier toured the Vehicle Technology Center (VTC) and met with students from Clemson University’s ICAR program.

The VTC served as a venue to connect emerging-technology enthusiasts with the aftermarket’s advanced-technology offerings. It was also a forum to discuss a variety of issues, from high-performance synthetic oils to vehicle-to-vehicle sensors that warn drivers about impending collisions. The VTC included a display of a self-driving car equipped by Google Inc. with sophisticated 360-degree sensors.

SEMA is pleased to welcome members of Congress and other elected officials to the SEMA Show. For more information about inviting your elected representatives to the SEMA Show next year, please contact SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org. 

SEMA News—January 2013

FROM THE HILL
By Dan Sadowski

“A Woman’s Place Is in the Garage”

Congresswoman Jackie Speier Supports SEMA Mustang Build During Visit to 2012 SEMA Show

From left) Sherry Kollinen, Ford Motor Co.; Rose Kawasaki, SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Chair-elect; Rep. Jackie Speier; and SBN Chair and SEMA Person of the Year Marla Moore at the Ford Mustang Build—Powered by Women exhibit during the 2012 SEMA Show. SBN sponsored the project in partnership with Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media. The completed Mustang was auctioned off on eBay with all proceeds benefiting the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

U.S. Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) took time from her busy election-year schedule to speak at the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) breakfast and tour the 2012 SEMA Show. Rep. Speier was elected to Congress in 2008 and represents most of San Mateo County, including a portion of San Francisco. She previously served in both the California State Assembly and Senate.

At the SEMA Show, Rep. Speier briefed PWA members on the “Marketplace Equity Act,” legislation that would require companies selling goods via the Internet and catalogs to collect sales tax in the same manner as brick-and-mortar retailers. Rep. Speier is a co-sponsor of the bill.

Under a 1992 U.S. Supreme Court decision, states cannot currently force retailers to collect use taxes unless the company has a physical presence in the state or Congress authorizes collection. Given its diverse membership, SEMA has not taken a position on the proposed legislation to authorize collection.

Escorted by staff from SEMA’s government affairs office, Rep. Speier toured the SEMA Show floor and visited with exhibitors from her district, including GoPro (San Mateo) and Everlast Power Equipment (South San Francisco). These visits provided a snapshot of how SEMA members are impacting both the local and national economy.

Rep. Speier also met with SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Chairman Marla Moore, Chair-Elect Rose Kawasaki and Ford Motor Co. representative Sherry Kollien at the SEMA Mustang Build—Powered by Women display in the Ford booth. Under the direction of SBN and built entirely by SBN members in partnership with Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media, the project was designed to shine a light on women working in the automotive specialty-equipment market.

	Rep. Jackie Speier met with students from the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) program at the Vehicle Technology Center in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.				Rep. Jackie Speier visits with constituent Jamie Oliver (left) at the GoPro booth in the Central Hall. GoPro is headquartered in Rep. Speier’s Congressional District.

“The SEMA Mustang Build is a great showcase for the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network and the women working in the automotive aftermarket,” Speier said. “This project demonstrates the growing potential and influence of women in the industry, and I applaud this effort to encourage women to pursue careers in the automotive field. The positive result of the Mustang Build is clear evidence that women are an important part of SEMA’s leadership.”

More than 40 SEMA-member companies donated products and services for the build, which includes custom paint, customized wheels, a custom leather interior, high-performance suspension and a new supercharger autographed by industry legend Vic Edelbrock.

Before departing, Rep. Speier toured the Vehicle Technology Center (VTC) and met with students from Clemson University’s ICAR program.

The VTC served as a venue to connect emerging-technology enthusiasts with the aftermarket’s advanced-technology offerings. It was also a forum to discuss a variety of issues, from high-performance synthetic oils to vehicle-to-vehicle sensors that warn drivers about impending collisions. The VTC included a display of a self-driving car equipped by Google Inc. with sophisticated 360-degree sensors.

SEMA is pleased to welcome members of Congress and other elected officials to the SEMA Show. For more information about inviting your elected representatives to the SEMA Show next year, please contact SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org. 

SEMA News—January 2013

FROM THE HILL
By Dan Sadowski

“A Woman’s Place Is in the Garage”

Congresswoman Jackie Speier Supports SEMA Mustang Build During Visit to 2012 SEMA Show

From left) Sherry Kollinen, Ford Motor Co.; Rose Kawasaki, SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Chair-elect; Rep. Jackie Speier; and SBN Chair and SEMA Person of the Year Marla Moore at the Ford Mustang Build—Powered by Women exhibit during the 2012 SEMA Show. SBN sponsored the project in partnership with Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media. The completed Mustang was auctioned off on eBay with all proceeds benefiting the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

U.S. Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) took time from her busy election-year schedule to speak at the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) breakfast and tour the 2012 SEMA Show. Rep. Speier was elected to Congress in 2008 and represents most of San Mateo County, including a portion of San Francisco. She previously served in both the California State Assembly and Senate.

At the SEMA Show, Rep. Speier briefed PWA members on the “Marketplace Equity Act,” legislation that would require companies selling goods via the Internet and catalogs to collect sales tax in the same manner as brick-and-mortar retailers. Rep. Speier is a co-sponsor of the bill.

Under a 1992 U.S. Supreme Court decision, states cannot currently force retailers to collect use taxes unless the company has a physical presence in the state or Congress authorizes collection. Given its diverse membership, SEMA has not taken a position on the proposed legislation to authorize collection.

Escorted by staff from SEMA’s government affairs office, Rep. Speier toured the SEMA Show floor and visited with exhibitors from her district, including GoPro (San Mateo) and Everlast Power Equipment (South San Francisco). These visits provided a snapshot of how SEMA members are impacting both the local and national economy.

Rep. Speier also met with SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Chairman Marla Moore, Chair-Elect Rose Kawasaki and Ford Motor Co. representative Sherry Kollien at the SEMA Mustang Build—Powered by Women display in the Ford booth. Under the direction of SBN and built entirely by SBN members in partnership with Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media, the project was designed to shine a light on women working in the automotive specialty-equipment market.

	Rep. Jackie Speier met with students from the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) program at the Vehicle Technology Center in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.				Rep. Jackie Speier visits with constituent Jamie Oliver (left) at the GoPro booth in the Central Hall. GoPro is headquartered in Rep. Speier’s Congressional District.

“The SEMA Mustang Build is a great showcase for the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network and the women working in the automotive aftermarket,” Speier said. “This project demonstrates the growing potential and influence of women in the industry, and I applaud this effort to encourage women to pursue careers in the automotive field. The positive result of the Mustang Build is clear evidence that women are an important part of SEMA’s leadership.”

More than 40 SEMA-member companies donated products and services for the build, which includes custom paint, customized wheels, a custom leather interior, high-performance suspension and a new supercharger autographed by industry legend Vic Edelbrock.

Before departing, Rep. Speier toured the Vehicle Technology Center (VTC) and met with students from Clemson University’s ICAR program.

The VTC served as a venue to connect emerging-technology enthusiasts with the aftermarket’s advanced-technology offerings. It was also a forum to discuss a variety of issues, from high-performance synthetic oils to vehicle-to-vehicle sensors that warn drivers about impending collisions. The VTC included a display of a self-driving car equipped by Google Inc. with sophisticated 360-degree sensors.

SEMA is pleased to welcome members of Congress and other elected officials to the SEMA Show. For more information about inviting your elected representatives to the SEMA Show next year, please contact SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org. 

SEMA News—January 2013

FROM THE HILL
By Dan Sadowski

“A Woman’s Place Is in the Garage”

Congresswoman Jackie Speier Supports SEMA Mustang Build During Visit to 2012 SEMA Show

From left) Sherry Kollinen, Ford Motor Co.; Rose Kawasaki, SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Chair-elect; Rep. Jackie Speier; and SBN Chair and SEMA Person of the Year Marla Moore at the Ford Mustang Build—Powered by Women exhibit during the 2012 SEMA Show. SBN sponsored the project in partnership with Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media. The completed Mustang was auctioned off on eBay with all proceeds benefiting the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

U.S. Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) took time from her busy election-year schedule to speak at the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) breakfast and tour the 2012 SEMA Show. Rep. Speier was elected to Congress in 2008 and represents most of San Mateo County, including a portion of San Francisco. She previously served in both the California State Assembly and Senate.

At the SEMA Show, Rep. Speier briefed PWA members on the “Marketplace Equity Act,” legislation that would require companies selling goods via the Internet and catalogs to collect sales tax in the same manner as brick-and-mortar retailers. Rep. Speier is a co-sponsor of the bill.

Under a 1992 U.S. Supreme Court decision, states cannot currently force retailers to collect use taxes unless the company has a physical presence in the state or Congress authorizes collection. Given its diverse membership, SEMA has not taken a position on the proposed legislation to authorize collection.

Escorted by staff from SEMA’s government affairs office, Rep. Speier toured the SEMA Show floor and visited with exhibitors from her district, including GoPro (San Mateo) and Everlast Power Equipment (South San Francisco). These visits provided a snapshot of how SEMA members are impacting both the local and national economy.

Rep. Speier also met with SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Chairman Marla Moore, Chair-Elect Rose Kawasaki and Ford Motor Co. representative Sherry Kollien at the SEMA Mustang Build—Powered by Women display in the Ford booth. Under the direction of SBN and built entirely by SBN members in partnership with Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media, the project was designed to shine a light on women working in the automotive specialty-equipment market.

	Rep. Jackie Speier met with students from the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) program at the Vehicle Technology Center in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.				Rep. Jackie Speier visits with constituent Jamie Oliver (left) at the GoPro booth in the Central Hall. GoPro is headquartered in Rep. Speier’s Congressional District.

“The SEMA Mustang Build is a great showcase for the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network and the women working in the automotive aftermarket,” Speier said. “This project demonstrates the growing potential and influence of women in the industry, and I applaud this effort to encourage women to pursue careers in the automotive field. The positive result of the Mustang Build is clear evidence that women are an important part of SEMA’s leadership.”

More than 40 SEMA-member companies donated products and services for the build, which includes custom paint, customized wheels, a custom leather interior, high-performance suspension and a new supercharger autographed by industry legend Vic Edelbrock.

Before departing, Rep. Speier toured the Vehicle Technology Center (VTC) and met with students from Clemson University’s ICAR program.

The VTC served as a venue to connect emerging-technology enthusiasts with the aftermarket’s advanced-technology offerings. It was also a forum to discuss a variety of issues, from high-performance synthetic oils to vehicle-to-vehicle sensors that warn drivers about impending collisions. The VTC included a display of a self-driving car equipped by Google Inc. with sophisticated 360-degree sensors.

SEMA is pleased to welcome members of Congress and other elected officials to the SEMA Show. For more information about inviting your elected representatives to the SEMA Show next year, please contact SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.