SEMA News—September 2012

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

STATE UPDATE

Iowa Ethanol/Exhaust Systems/Historic Registration: SEMA-opposed legislation that would have required only E85 ethanol gas pump labels died when the legislature adjourned for the year. Current Iowa law requires labeling when gasoline is blended with any amount of ethanol. If the bill had been enacted into law, it would have removed labeling requirements for ethanol-blended gasoline containing 15% or less ethanol, thereby increasing the risk of misfueling and potential engine damage. In addition, SEMA-model legislation that would have allowed Iowa’s vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket-modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was not given committee consideration before the legislature adjourned for the year. Similarly, a bill to allow any vehicle that is 25 years old or older and used only for exhibition, entertainment or educational purposes to be registered for a minimal annual $5 fee was not given consideration.

Michigan Historic Vehicles: Governor Rick Snyder signed into law a SEMA-supported bill that allows unlimited use of historic motor vehicles during the month of August. Under previous Michigan law, use of historic vehicles was limited to participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades and similar uses, including mechanical testing, but not for general transportation. The law provides Michigan historic vehicle owners with the opportunity to enjoy recreational driving during August in addition to the other sanctioned uses. The law also acknowledges the immeasurable time and money automotive hobbyists—especially historic vehicle owners—invest in their cars.

New York/West Virginia/Idaho/Manitoba Collector Car Appreciation Day: The New York State Assembly approved a resolution prompting Governor Andrew Cuomo to proclaim July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day in the state. In addition, Idaho Governor Butch Otter and West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin issued proclamations recognizing the celebration, while the Manitoba Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism designated July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day and the month of July as Collector Car Appreciation Month in the province. These states and province join New Mexico and Hawaii as jurisdictions that officially acknowledged the day. Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 452 at SEMA’s request to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. The date marked the third commemoration in what has become an annual event.

New York Hobbyist Bills: At adjournment of this year’s legislative session, the New York State Legislature failed to complete action on a series of bills that would have had an impact on the automotive hobby. Among these bills were measures to allow historical vehicle owners to pay only a one-time registration fee of $100 upon initial registration; SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles; legislation to provide for the issuance of special historic vehicle plates to be issued to owners for display on a trailer towing the historic vehicle; and a SEMA-opposed bill to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles based on state calculations of carbon emissions.

FEDERAL UPDATE

Highway Bill and Auto Safety Measures: After months of negotiations and short-term extensions, Congress passed a sweeping $120 billion package to fund highway construction and other transportation projects for the next two years. The spending is financed by the current 18.4¢-per-gallon gas tax and the 24.4-¢-per-gallon diesel tax along with $19 billion in general treasury funds. The new law funds state programs to reduce distracted and impaired driving and increase seatbelt use. It also increases the civil penalties for defective or noncompliant vehicles and equipment, although lawmakers dropped some of the more onerous provisions opposed by SEMA and the automakers, such as mandatory installation of event data recorders. The law also includes $85 million in funding for the SEMA-supported Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which provides funds to states to develop and maintain motorized and non-motorized recreational trails. SEMA joined with several off-road enthusiast organizations to maintain RTP funding in the final highway bill.

Global Rule for Auto Glass: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing changes to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 205, Glazing Materials, so that it will conform with a global glazing standard. The changes modernize the test procedures for tempered glass, laminated glass and glass-plastic glazing used in front and rear windshields and side windows. According to the agency, the changes include an upgraded fragmentation test for curved tempered glass and a new procedure for testing an optical property of the windshield at the angle of installation to better reflect real-world driving conditions. Glazing intended for aftermarket replacements would need to meet the revised FMVSS No. 205, except glazing produced for vehicles manufactured prior to November 1, 2006. In that case, the manufacturer has the option of complying with the previous standards, FMVSS No. 205(a).

Greenhouse Gases: A federal court upheld a finding by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and threaten public health. The court ruling allows the EPA to limit emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases through new regulations for vehicle tailpipe emissions and large stationary source emitters. For tailpipe emissions, the EPA, the NHTSA and the California Air Resources Board agreed to regulate CO2 within the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, since CO2 emissions are directly proportional to the amount of carbon fuel burned. The EPA also intends to regulate the largest stationary source emitters (power plants, refineries, iron and steel mills, pulp and paper mills, etc.) by requiring them to potentially install the best available control technology and obtain permits that track emissions. For a number of years, Congress has struggled to enact legislation that would change the agency’s approach. There are many options, from removing the EPA’s authority to regulate CO2 to implementing an emissions-trading scheme or a carbon tax and everything in between. SEMA remains concerned that the current rules will translate into higher energy costs and lower economic growth while not substantially addressing global warming and that future regulations will target medium and smaller operations.

 

SEMA News—September 2012

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

STATE UPDATE

Iowa Ethanol/Exhaust Systems/Historic Registration: SEMA-opposed legislation that would have required only E85 ethanol gas pump labels died when the legislature adjourned for the year. Current Iowa law requires labeling when gasoline is blended with any amount of ethanol. If the bill had been enacted into law, it would have removed labeling requirements for ethanol-blended gasoline containing 15% or less ethanol, thereby increasing the risk of misfueling and potential engine damage. In addition, SEMA-model legislation that would have allowed Iowa’s vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket-modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was not given committee consideration before the legislature adjourned for the year. Similarly, a bill to allow any vehicle that is 25 years old or older and used only for exhibition, entertainment or educational purposes to be registered for a minimal annual $5 fee was not given consideration.

Michigan Historic Vehicles: Governor Rick Snyder signed into law a SEMA-supported bill that allows unlimited use of historic motor vehicles during the month of August. Under previous Michigan law, use of historic vehicles was limited to participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades and similar uses, including mechanical testing, but not for general transportation. The law provides Michigan historic vehicle owners with the opportunity to enjoy recreational driving during August in addition to the other sanctioned uses. The law also acknowledges the immeasurable time and money automotive hobbyists—especially historic vehicle owners—invest in their cars.

New York/West Virginia/Idaho/Manitoba Collector Car Appreciation Day: The New York State Assembly approved a resolution prompting Governor Andrew Cuomo to proclaim July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day in the state. In addition, Idaho Governor Butch Otter and West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin issued proclamations recognizing the celebration, while the Manitoba Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism designated July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day and the month of July as Collector Car Appreciation Month in the province. These states and province join New Mexico and Hawaii as jurisdictions that officially acknowledged the day. Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 452 at SEMA’s request to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. The date marked the third commemoration in what has become an annual event.

New York Hobbyist Bills: At adjournment of this year’s legislative session, the New York State Legislature failed to complete action on a series of bills that would have had an impact on the automotive hobby. Among these bills were measures to allow historical vehicle owners to pay only a one-time registration fee of $100 upon initial registration; SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles; legislation to provide for the issuance of special historic vehicle plates to be issued to owners for display on a trailer towing the historic vehicle; and a SEMA-opposed bill to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles based on state calculations of carbon emissions.

FEDERAL UPDATE

Highway Bill and Auto Safety Measures: After months of negotiations and short-term extensions, Congress passed a sweeping $120 billion package to fund highway construction and other transportation projects for the next two years. The spending is financed by the current 18.4¢-per-gallon gas tax and the 24.4-¢-per-gallon diesel tax along with $19 billion in general treasury funds. The new law funds state programs to reduce distracted and impaired driving and increase seatbelt use. It also increases the civil penalties for defective or noncompliant vehicles and equipment, although lawmakers dropped some of the more onerous provisions opposed by SEMA and the automakers, such as mandatory installation of event data recorders. The law also includes $85 million in funding for the SEMA-supported Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which provides funds to states to develop and maintain motorized and non-motorized recreational trails. SEMA joined with several off-road enthusiast organizations to maintain RTP funding in the final highway bill.

Global Rule for Auto Glass: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing changes to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 205, Glazing Materials, so that it will conform with a global glazing standard. The changes modernize the test procedures for tempered glass, laminated glass and glass-plastic glazing used in front and rear windshields and side windows. According to the agency, the changes include an upgraded fragmentation test for curved tempered glass and a new procedure for testing an optical property of the windshield at the angle of installation to better reflect real-world driving conditions. Glazing intended for aftermarket replacements would need to meet the revised FMVSS No. 205, except glazing produced for vehicles manufactured prior to November 1, 2006. In that case, the manufacturer has the option of complying with the previous standards, FMVSS No. 205(a).

Greenhouse Gases: A federal court upheld a finding by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and threaten public health. The court ruling allows the EPA to limit emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases through new regulations for vehicle tailpipe emissions and large stationary source emitters. For tailpipe emissions, the EPA, the NHTSA and the California Air Resources Board agreed to regulate CO2 within the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, since CO2 emissions are directly proportional to the amount of carbon fuel burned. The EPA also intends to regulate the largest stationary source emitters (power plants, refineries, iron and steel mills, pulp and paper mills, etc.) by requiring them to potentially install the best available control technology and obtain permits that track emissions. For a number of years, Congress has struggled to enact legislation that would change the agency’s approach. There are many options, from removing the EPA’s authority to regulate CO2 to implementing an emissions-trading scheme or a carbon tax and everything in between. SEMA remains concerned that the current rules will translate into higher energy costs and lower economic growth while not substantially addressing global warming and that future regulations will target medium and smaller operations.

 

SEMA News—September 2012

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

STATE UPDATE

Iowa Ethanol/Exhaust Systems/Historic Registration: SEMA-opposed legislation that would have required only E85 ethanol gas pump labels died when the legislature adjourned for the year. Current Iowa law requires labeling when gasoline is blended with any amount of ethanol. If the bill had been enacted into law, it would have removed labeling requirements for ethanol-blended gasoline containing 15% or less ethanol, thereby increasing the risk of misfueling and potential engine damage. In addition, SEMA-model legislation that would have allowed Iowa’s vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket-modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was not given committee consideration before the legislature adjourned for the year. Similarly, a bill to allow any vehicle that is 25 years old or older and used only for exhibition, entertainment or educational purposes to be registered for a minimal annual $5 fee was not given consideration.

Michigan Historic Vehicles: Governor Rick Snyder signed into law a SEMA-supported bill that allows unlimited use of historic motor vehicles during the month of August. Under previous Michigan law, use of historic vehicles was limited to participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades and similar uses, including mechanical testing, but not for general transportation. The law provides Michigan historic vehicle owners with the opportunity to enjoy recreational driving during August in addition to the other sanctioned uses. The law also acknowledges the immeasurable time and money automotive hobbyists—especially historic vehicle owners—invest in their cars.

New York/West Virginia/Idaho/Manitoba Collector Car Appreciation Day: The New York State Assembly approved a resolution prompting Governor Andrew Cuomo to proclaim July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day in the state. In addition, Idaho Governor Butch Otter and West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin issued proclamations recognizing the celebration, while the Manitoba Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism designated July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day and the month of July as Collector Car Appreciation Month in the province. These states and province join New Mexico and Hawaii as jurisdictions that officially acknowledged the day. Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 452 at SEMA’s request to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. The date marked the third commemoration in what has become an annual event.

New York Hobbyist Bills: At adjournment of this year’s legislative session, the New York State Legislature failed to complete action on a series of bills that would have had an impact on the automotive hobby. Among these bills were measures to allow historical vehicle owners to pay only a one-time registration fee of $100 upon initial registration; SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles; legislation to provide for the issuance of special historic vehicle plates to be issued to owners for display on a trailer towing the historic vehicle; and a SEMA-opposed bill to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles based on state calculations of carbon emissions.

FEDERAL UPDATE

Highway Bill and Auto Safety Measures: After months of negotiations and short-term extensions, Congress passed a sweeping $120 billion package to fund highway construction and other transportation projects for the next two years. The spending is financed by the current 18.4¢-per-gallon gas tax and the 24.4-¢-per-gallon diesel tax along with $19 billion in general treasury funds. The new law funds state programs to reduce distracted and impaired driving and increase seatbelt use. It also increases the civil penalties for defective or noncompliant vehicles and equipment, although lawmakers dropped some of the more onerous provisions opposed by SEMA and the automakers, such as mandatory installation of event data recorders. The law also includes $85 million in funding for the SEMA-supported Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which provides funds to states to develop and maintain motorized and non-motorized recreational trails. SEMA joined with several off-road enthusiast organizations to maintain RTP funding in the final highway bill.

Global Rule for Auto Glass: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing changes to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 205, Glazing Materials, so that it will conform with a global glazing standard. The changes modernize the test procedures for tempered glass, laminated glass and glass-plastic glazing used in front and rear windshields and side windows. According to the agency, the changes include an upgraded fragmentation test for curved tempered glass and a new procedure for testing an optical property of the windshield at the angle of installation to better reflect real-world driving conditions. Glazing intended for aftermarket replacements would need to meet the revised FMVSS No. 205, except glazing produced for vehicles manufactured prior to November 1, 2006. In that case, the manufacturer has the option of complying with the previous standards, FMVSS No. 205(a).

Greenhouse Gases: A federal court upheld a finding by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and threaten public health. The court ruling allows the EPA to limit emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases through new regulations for vehicle tailpipe emissions and large stationary source emitters. For tailpipe emissions, the EPA, the NHTSA and the California Air Resources Board agreed to regulate CO2 within the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, since CO2 emissions are directly proportional to the amount of carbon fuel burned. The EPA also intends to regulate the largest stationary source emitters (power plants, refineries, iron and steel mills, pulp and paper mills, etc.) by requiring them to potentially install the best available control technology and obtain permits that track emissions. For a number of years, Congress has struggled to enact legislation that would change the agency’s approach. There are many options, from removing the EPA’s authority to regulate CO2 to implementing an emissions-trading scheme or a carbon tax and everything in between. SEMA remains concerned that the current rules will translate into higher energy costs and lower economic growth while not substantially addressing global warming and that future regulations will target medium and smaller operations.

 

SEMA News—September 2012

BUSINESS
By Jon Wyly

The SEMA Data Cooperative

An Industry Solution for Data Independence

As the SEMA Data Cooperative (SDC) gets up and running, its officers are getting a lot of questions and comments from participants, curious observers and skeptics. They range from those who are currently active in managing their data to folks who are just realizing that product data management is fast becoming a requirement to do business in today’s marketplace.

In this installment of an ongoing series concerning the SDC, we will address a few of the most commonly asked questions to clear away some of the fog surrounding this important, game-changing effort. As always, we are happy to talk one on one with anyone interested in learning more about the SDC and are available through the contact information shown at the end of this article.

Q: I’m a supplier who wants to take control of my product data, but we don’t know where to start. How can the SDC help us get on the right path?

A: The SDC is as much about education and training as it is about actually managing data. Our fulltime help desk is dedicated to teaching the process from whatever level the customer needs, beginning with an introductory session to identify the current state of your data. Then we walk you through a process to gather key data points from your existing systems and create a standards-compliant version to build on. This process will require some time investment on your part but will lead to a lifetime of benefits as you take ownership of this critical business element.

Q: I am already having my data managed through a third-party provider. Why do I need the SDC?

	Our help desk will work with that individual to gather your data in whatever format you have (even a simple spreadsheet).

A: An important part of the SDC is the data repository where all data is stored. Our goal is to create a centralized place for all industry data to securely reside, providing a one-stop resource for receivers [customers] of all kinds. We are already establishing valuable receiver relationships, and we will provide unlimited data exports in standard PIES/ACES formats or custom exports specific to the receiver’s needs, with only a small annual membership fee. This repository relieves you of the need to create and export data in countless formats and enables you to manage who gets your data though a custom online interface. We welcome data feeds from your third-party service, provided they meet SDC requirements for completeness and pass our validation tests.

Q: I like what I am seeing in the beta phase. What is it going to cost once the production system goes live?

A: As a non-profit association, SEMA is ideally suited to provide quality education, the latest technology and expert services at the lowest possible cost. Therefore, we are anticipating a total cost to suppliers for all on-boarding, data validation, secure storage and unlimited data exports to range from $300–$600 per month, depending on the amount of storage space required. This will enable all companies—regardless of size—to benefit from the most state-of-the-art data facility and services while taking control and complete ownership of this valuable business asset.

Q: I don’t have a data expert on staff and know nothing about ACES and PIES. How will I be able to manage these complex data standards?

A: A data expert is not required with the SDC, but you will likely find that you will want to assign responsibility for your data files to a trusted employee as you engage with the Co-op. Our help desk will work with that individual to gather your data in whatever format you have (even a simple spreadsheet), and we will use our tools to begin the process of making your data compliant with the standards. As we identify missing or inaccurate data, we will work with your contact to fill in the blanks, correct errors and prepare your new standards-compliant data for export to your customers.

As of this writing, the SEMA Data Cooperative has more than 90 leading companies engaged in the beta phase and is on target to show a working model of the production system at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, with January as the target launch date for the full production facility.

For more information about the SDC or how to join, visit www.SEMAdatacoop.org or call 888-958-6698.

SEMA News—September 2012

BUSINESS
By Jon Wyly

The SEMA Data Cooperative

An Industry Solution for Data Independence

As the SEMA Data Cooperative (SDC) gets up and running, its officers are getting a lot of questions and comments from participants, curious observers and skeptics. They range from those who are currently active in managing their data to folks who are just realizing that product data management is fast becoming a requirement to do business in today’s marketplace.

In this installment of an ongoing series concerning the SDC, we will address a few of the most commonly asked questions to clear away some of the fog surrounding this important, game-changing effort. As always, we are happy to talk one on one with anyone interested in learning more about the SDC and are available through the contact information shown at the end of this article.

Q: I’m a supplier who wants to take control of my product data, but we don’t know where to start. How can the SDC help us get on the right path?

A: The SDC is as much about education and training as it is about actually managing data. Our fulltime help desk is dedicated to teaching the process from whatever level the customer needs, beginning with an introductory session to identify the current state of your data. Then we walk you through a process to gather key data points from your existing systems and create a standards-compliant version to build on. This process will require some time investment on your part but will lead to a lifetime of benefits as you take ownership of this critical business element.

Q: I am already having my data managed through a third-party provider. Why do I need the SDC?

	Our help desk will work with that individual to gather your data in whatever format you have (even a simple spreadsheet).

A: An important part of the SDC is the data repository where all data is stored. Our goal is to create a centralized place for all industry data to securely reside, providing a one-stop resource for receivers [customers] of all kinds. We are already establishing valuable receiver relationships, and we will provide unlimited data exports in standard PIES/ACES formats or custom exports specific to the receiver’s needs, with only a small annual membership fee. This repository relieves you of the need to create and export data in countless formats and enables you to manage who gets your data though a custom online interface. We welcome data feeds from your third-party service, provided they meet SDC requirements for completeness and pass our validation tests.

Q: I like what I am seeing in the beta phase. What is it going to cost once the production system goes live?

A: As a non-profit association, SEMA is ideally suited to provide quality education, the latest technology and expert services at the lowest possible cost. Therefore, we are anticipating a total cost to suppliers for all on-boarding, data validation, secure storage and unlimited data exports to range from $300–$600 per month, depending on the amount of storage space required. This will enable all companies—regardless of size—to benefit from the most state-of-the-art data facility and services while taking control and complete ownership of this valuable business asset.

Q: I don’t have a data expert on staff and know nothing about ACES and PIES. How will I be able to manage these complex data standards?

A: A data expert is not required with the SDC, but you will likely find that you will want to assign responsibility for your data files to a trusted employee as you engage with the Co-op. Our help desk will work with that individual to gather your data in whatever format you have (even a simple spreadsheet), and we will use our tools to begin the process of making your data compliant with the standards. As we identify missing or inaccurate data, we will work with your contact to fill in the blanks, correct errors and prepare your new standards-compliant data for export to your customers.

As of this writing, the SEMA Data Cooperative has more than 90 leading companies engaged in the beta phase and is on target to show a working model of the production system at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, with January as the target launch date for the full production facility.

For more information about the SDC or how to join, visit www.SEMAdatacoop.org or call 888-958-6698.

SEMA News—September 2012

BUSINESS
By Jon Wyly

The SEMA Data Cooperative

An Industry Solution for Data Independence

As the SEMA Data Cooperative (SDC) gets up and running, its officers are getting a lot of questions and comments from participants, curious observers and skeptics. They range from those who are currently active in managing their data to folks who are just realizing that product data management is fast becoming a requirement to do business in today’s marketplace.

In this installment of an ongoing series concerning the SDC, we will address a few of the most commonly asked questions to clear away some of the fog surrounding this important, game-changing effort. As always, we are happy to talk one on one with anyone interested in learning more about the SDC and are available through the contact information shown at the end of this article.

Q: I’m a supplier who wants to take control of my product data, but we don’t know where to start. How can the SDC help us get on the right path?

A: The SDC is as much about education and training as it is about actually managing data. Our fulltime help desk is dedicated to teaching the process from whatever level the customer needs, beginning with an introductory session to identify the current state of your data. Then we walk you through a process to gather key data points from your existing systems and create a standards-compliant version to build on. This process will require some time investment on your part but will lead to a lifetime of benefits as you take ownership of this critical business element.

Q: I am already having my data managed through a third-party provider. Why do I need the SDC?

	Our help desk will work with that individual to gather your data in whatever format you have (even a simple spreadsheet).

A: An important part of the SDC is the data repository where all data is stored. Our goal is to create a centralized place for all industry data to securely reside, providing a one-stop resource for receivers [customers] of all kinds. We are already establishing valuable receiver relationships, and we will provide unlimited data exports in standard PIES/ACES formats or custom exports specific to the receiver’s needs, with only a small annual membership fee. This repository relieves you of the need to create and export data in countless formats and enables you to manage who gets your data though a custom online interface. We welcome data feeds from your third-party service, provided they meet SDC requirements for completeness and pass our validation tests.

Q: I like what I am seeing in the beta phase. What is it going to cost once the production system goes live?

A: As a non-profit association, SEMA is ideally suited to provide quality education, the latest technology and expert services at the lowest possible cost. Therefore, we are anticipating a total cost to suppliers for all on-boarding, data validation, secure storage and unlimited data exports to range from $300–$600 per month, depending on the amount of storage space required. This will enable all companies—regardless of size—to benefit from the most state-of-the-art data facility and services while taking control and complete ownership of this valuable business asset.

Q: I don’t have a data expert on staff and know nothing about ACES and PIES. How will I be able to manage these complex data standards?

A: A data expert is not required with the SDC, but you will likely find that you will want to assign responsibility for your data files to a trusted employee as you engage with the Co-op. Our help desk will work with that individual to gather your data in whatever format you have (even a simple spreadsheet), and we will use our tools to begin the process of making your data compliant with the standards. As we identify missing or inaccurate data, we will work with your contact to fill in the blanks, correct errors and prepare your new standards-compliant data for export to your customers.

As of this writing, the SEMA Data Cooperative has more than 90 leading companies engaged in the beta phase and is on target to show a working model of the production system at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, with January as the target launch date for the full production facility.

For more information about the SDC or how to join, visit www.SEMAdatacoop.org or call 888-958-6698.

SEMA News—September 2012

BUSINESS
By Jon Wyly

The SEMA Data Cooperative

An Industry Solution for Data Independence

As the SEMA Data Cooperative (SDC) gets up and running, its officers are getting a lot of questions and comments from participants, curious observers and skeptics. They range from those who are currently active in managing their data to folks who are just realizing that product data management is fast becoming a requirement to do business in today’s marketplace.

In this installment of an ongoing series concerning the SDC, we will address a few of the most commonly asked questions to clear away some of the fog surrounding this important, game-changing effort. As always, we are happy to talk one on one with anyone interested in learning more about the SDC and are available through the contact information shown at the end of this article.

Q: I’m a supplier who wants to take control of my product data, but we don’t know where to start. How can the SDC help us get on the right path?

A: The SDC is as much about education and training as it is about actually managing data. Our fulltime help desk is dedicated to teaching the process from whatever level the customer needs, beginning with an introductory session to identify the current state of your data. Then we walk you through a process to gather key data points from your existing systems and create a standards-compliant version to build on. This process will require some time investment on your part but will lead to a lifetime of benefits as you take ownership of this critical business element.

Q: I am already having my data managed through a third-party provider. Why do I need the SDC?

	Our help desk will work with that individual to gather your data in whatever format you have (even a simple spreadsheet).

A: An important part of the SDC is the data repository where all data is stored. Our goal is to create a centralized place for all industry data to securely reside, providing a one-stop resource for receivers [customers] of all kinds. We are already establishing valuable receiver relationships, and we will provide unlimited data exports in standard PIES/ACES formats or custom exports specific to the receiver’s needs, with only a small annual membership fee. This repository relieves you of the need to create and export data in countless formats and enables you to manage who gets your data though a custom online interface. We welcome data feeds from your third-party service, provided they meet SDC requirements for completeness and pass our validation tests.

Q: I like what I am seeing in the beta phase. What is it going to cost once the production system goes live?

A: As a non-profit association, SEMA is ideally suited to provide quality education, the latest technology and expert services at the lowest possible cost. Therefore, we are anticipating a total cost to suppliers for all on-boarding, data validation, secure storage and unlimited data exports to range from $300–$600 per month, depending on the amount of storage space required. This will enable all companies—regardless of size—to benefit from the most state-of-the-art data facility and services while taking control and complete ownership of this valuable business asset.

Q: I don’t have a data expert on staff and know nothing about ACES and PIES. How will I be able to manage these complex data standards?

A: A data expert is not required with the SDC, but you will likely find that you will want to assign responsibility for your data files to a trusted employee as you engage with the Co-op. Our help desk will work with that individual to gather your data in whatever format you have (even a simple spreadsheet), and we will use our tools to begin the process of making your data compliant with the standards. As we identify missing or inaccurate data, we will work with your contact to fill in the blanks, correct errors and prepare your new standards-compliant data for export to your customers.

As of this writing, the SEMA Data Cooperative has more than 90 leading companies engaged in the beta phase and is on target to show a working model of the production system at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, with January as the target launch date for the full production facility.

For more information about the SDC or how to join, visit www.SEMAdatacoop.org or call 888-958-6698.

SEMA News—September 2012

BUSINESS
By Jon Wyly

The SEMA Data Cooperative

An Industry Solution for Data Independence

As the SEMA Data Cooperative (SDC) gets up and running, its officers are getting a lot of questions and comments from participants, curious observers and skeptics. They range from those who are currently active in managing their data to folks who are just realizing that product data management is fast becoming a requirement to do business in today’s marketplace.

In this installment of an ongoing series concerning the SDC, we will address a few of the most commonly asked questions to clear away some of the fog surrounding this important, game-changing effort. As always, we are happy to talk one on one with anyone interested in learning more about the SDC and are available through the contact information shown at the end of this article.

Q: I’m a supplier who wants to take control of my product data, but we don’t know where to start. How can the SDC help us get on the right path?

A: The SDC is as much about education and training as it is about actually managing data. Our fulltime help desk is dedicated to teaching the process from whatever level the customer needs, beginning with an introductory session to identify the current state of your data. Then we walk you through a process to gather key data points from your existing systems and create a standards-compliant version to build on. This process will require some time investment on your part but will lead to a lifetime of benefits as you take ownership of this critical business element.

Q: I am already having my data managed through a third-party provider. Why do I need the SDC?

	Our help desk will work with that individual to gather your data in whatever format you have (even a simple spreadsheet).

A: An important part of the SDC is the data repository where all data is stored. Our goal is to create a centralized place for all industry data to securely reside, providing a one-stop resource for receivers [customers] of all kinds. We are already establishing valuable receiver relationships, and we will provide unlimited data exports in standard PIES/ACES formats or custom exports specific to the receiver’s needs, with only a small annual membership fee. This repository relieves you of the need to create and export data in countless formats and enables you to manage who gets your data though a custom online interface. We welcome data feeds from your third-party service, provided they meet SDC requirements for completeness and pass our validation tests.

Q: I like what I am seeing in the beta phase. What is it going to cost once the production system goes live?

A: As a non-profit association, SEMA is ideally suited to provide quality education, the latest technology and expert services at the lowest possible cost. Therefore, we are anticipating a total cost to suppliers for all on-boarding, data validation, secure storage and unlimited data exports to range from $300–$600 per month, depending on the amount of storage space required. This will enable all companies—regardless of size—to benefit from the most state-of-the-art data facility and services while taking control and complete ownership of this valuable business asset.

Q: I don’t have a data expert on staff and know nothing about ACES and PIES. How will I be able to manage these complex data standards?

A: A data expert is not required with the SDC, but you will likely find that you will want to assign responsibility for your data files to a trusted employee as you engage with the Co-op. Our help desk will work with that individual to gather your data in whatever format you have (even a simple spreadsheet), and we will use our tools to begin the process of making your data compliant with the standards. As we identify missing or inaccurate data, we will work with your contact to fill in the blanks, correct errors and prepare your new standards-compliant data for export to your customers.

As of this writing, the SEMA Data Cooperative has more than 90 leading companies engaged in the beta phase and is on target to show a working model of the production system at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, with January as the target launch date for the full production facility.

For more information about the SDC or how to join, visit www.SEMAdatacoop.org or call 888-958-6698.

SEMA News—September 2012

BUSINESS
By Jon Wyly

The SEMA Data Cooperative

An Industry Solution for Data Independence

As the SEMA Data Cooperative (SDC) gets up and running, its officers are getting a lot of questions and comments from participants, curious observers and skeptics. They range from those who are currently active in managing their data to folks who are just realizing that product data management is fast becoming a requirement to do business in today’s marketplace.

In this installment of an ongoing series concerning the SDC, we will address a few of the most commonly asked questions to clear away some of the fog surrounding this important, game-changing effort. As always, we are happy to talk one on one with anyone interested in learning more about the SDC and are available through the contact information shown at the end of this article.

Q: I’m a supplier who wants to take control of my product data, but we don’t know where to start. How can the SDC help us get on the right path?

A: The SDC is as much about education and training as it is about actually managing data. Our fulltime help desk is dedicated to teaching the process from whatever level the customer needs, beginning with an introductory session to identify the current state of your data. Then we walk you through a process to gather key data points from your existing systems and create a standards-compliant version to build on. This process will require some time investment on your part but will lead to a lifetime of benefits as you take ownership of this critical business element.

Q: I am already having my data managed through a third-party provider. Why do I need the SDC?

	Our help desk will work with that individual to gather your data in whatever format you have (even a simple spreadsheet).

A: An important part of the SDC is the data repository where all data is stored. Our goal is to create a centralized place for all industry data to securely reside, providing a one-stop resource for receivers [customers] of all kinds. We are already establishing valuable receiver relationships, and we will provide unlimited data exports in standard PIES/ACES formats or custom exports specific to the receiver’s needs, with only a small annual membership fee. This repository relieves you of the need to create and export data in countless formats and enables you to manage who gets your data though a custom online interface. We welcome data feeds from your third-party service, provided they meet SDC requirements for completeness and pass our validation tests.

Q: I like what I am seeing in the beta phase. What is it going to cost once the production system goes live?

A: As a non-profit association, SEMA is ideally suited to provide quality education, the latest technology and expert services at the lowest possible cost. Therefore, we are anticipating a total cost to suppliers for all on-boarding, data validation, secure storage and unlimited data exports to range from $300–$600 per month, depending on the amount of storage space required. This will enable all companies—regardless of size—to benefit from the most state-of-the-art data facility and services while taking control and complete ownership of this valuable business asset.

Q: I don’t have a data expert on staff and know nothing about ACES and PIES. How will I be able to manage these complex data standards?

A: A data expert is not required with the SDC, but you will likely find that you will want to assign responsibility for your data files to a trusted employee as you engage with the Co-op. Our help desk will work with that individual to gather your data in whatever format you have (even a simple spreadsheet), and we will use our tools to begin the process of making your data compliant with the standards. As we identify missing or inaccurate data, we will work with your contact to fill in the blanks, correct errors and prepare your new standards-compliant data for export to your customers.

As of this writing, the SEMA Data Cooperative has more than 90 leading companies engaged in the beta phase and is on target to show a working model of the production system at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, with January as the target launch date for the full production facility.

For more information about the SDC or how to join, visit www.SEMAdatacoop.org or call 888-958-6698.

SEMA News—September 2012

CHRIS KERSTING

Our Migration to the Future

SEMA will soon be celebrating its 50th year and, like many 50-year-olds, we are taking stock. We’re asking, “How will the association stay relevant and help SEMA members in the coming decades?”

Within the automotive specialty-equipment arena, we see the rising generations moving into a range of market segments, seeing new opportunities, using different tools and communicating in different ways. SEMA is taking action to help younger individuals and companies find clear pathways to tap into the association and its seasoned members and to build productive business relationships, just as it did for prior generations.

One channel for this activity is the highly successful outreach program of the Young Executives Network (YEN). Just this month, YEN membership topped 1,000, making it the largest group of its kind and our largest council by far.

YEN undertakes a range of programs to introduce industry members to the benefits of involvement with the association. An example is YEN’s recently launched “Scholarship-to-SEMA-Show,” a program allowing 10 qualifying YEN members a “scholarship” to attend and participate in a range of Show opportunities. Recipients are those who would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend and gain exposure to the products, learning and networking that are the tremendous opportunities at the Show.

Backing up the YEN efforts are other initiatives to identify and integrate younger leaders. Starting on p. 24 of this issue, SEMA News premieres an annual piece to spotlight contributions being made by industry participants age 35 or under. While interacting with this group of up-and-comers, we learned how they see the industry’s future, the opportunities they perceive and their reactions to the challenges we all face. For example, this group is already comfortable with the ongoing marketing shift to mobile devices. Many use smartphones, tablets and their associated apps as primary business tools. Almost all mentioned the need to stay abreast of digital media and social media as those technologies evolve.

Some of our efforts are not new but evolving. The SEMA forefathers long ago established a scholarship fund to help train young people interested in careers in the automotive field. Today a committee of dedicated volunteers is working to tweak and tune the scholarship program to be in sync with the current environment. Thanks to efforts from industry sponsors and volunteers, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded $130,000 to 69 scholarship recipients plus $15,000 in loan forgiveness this past year alone. In all, $1.5 million has gone to 1,000 deserving students since the fund was started in 1984.

SEMA also gladly supports mentoring programs such as Hot Rodders of Tomorrow to help foster a culture that inspires future industry superstars. Meanwhile, the SEMA Show Student Program introduces those with automotive inclinations to the annual SEMA Show—and the leaders who have made careers from their passion for cars and trucks. The students gain a sense of the size and diversity of the specialty parts industry and come away with a network of business contacts and potential future employers.

We hope you find this month’s profiles of under-35 industry standouts enjoyable. And have no doubt that SEMA will continue to make it a priority to connect with the younger generation, because our industry needs their enthusiasm, their fearless determination and their unique insights as we move through this decade…and the next.

—Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO