Thu, 03/01/2012 - 10:56

SEMA News—March 2012

INDUSTRY NEWS

Nominations Open for SEMA Hall of Fame

  aftermarket news, automotive industry news, automotive news, aftermarket business, SEMA Hall of Fame
Nominations for the prestigious SEMA Hall of Fame are due March 16. 
   
Nominations for the SEMA Hall of Fame—the most prestigious honor presented to an individual by the association—are now being accepted. The deadline to submit nominations is March 16, 2012.

Created in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is designed to honor outstanding persons in the industry who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or the association’s growth.

To submit your nomination, contact Arlene Wood at 909-978-6689.

The 2011 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were Art Chrisman, Gray Baskerville, Chris Economaki and John Towle. To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit here.

Herb “Mr. Phone” Goldstein Passes Away

  aftermarket news, automotive industry news, automotive news, aftermarket business, Herb Goldstein
Known in the automotive specialty-equipment industry as “Mr. Phone,” Herb Goldstein was a creative salesman who had a long career as a manufacturers’ rep for many major companies.
   
Herb Goldstein, known in the automotive specialty-equipment industry as “Mr. Phone,” passed away on January 13. Goldstein had a long and illustrious career as a high-performance manufacturers’ representative for many major companies and was the guiding light in not only bringing those manufacturers to market but also helping to carry them into national prominence.

“I worked with Herb in the mid ’60s when we were both in the wheel business,” said Chuck Blum, owner of Chuck Blum & Associates. “He was a flamboyant, aggressive salesman who put a lot of up-and-coming companies in this market on the map. He made a lot of money for many companies and will always be remembered for his contributions to this industry.”

Goldstein was always on the phone with every high-performance customer in the United States, hence his nickname. He was a powerful and creative salesman with a family background in sales. (His father, Jack, had a long career on the West Coast.) In his time, Goldstein was perhaps the best-known performance rep in the entire country and was also invested in several manufacturing enterprises.

Collector Car Appreciation Day Returns July 13

  aftermarket news, automotive industry news, automotive news, aftermarket business, Collector Car Appreciation Day
Friday, July 13, 2012, is Collector Car Appreciation Day, a commemoration to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. 
   
SEMA’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) announced July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SEMA and its councils are working to secure a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. The industry endeavors to preserve the nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to the collector-car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

“On July 13, 2012, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds of events across the country,” said Laura Bergan, ARMO chairman. “We will again proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day.”

The previous resolutions were sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC).

Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and the resolution reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

SEMA will maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or e-mail san@SEMA.org.

Industry Veteran Earl Richey Owen Sr. Passes Away

  aftermarket news, automotive industry news, automotive news, aftermarket business, Earl Richey Owen
Earl Owen started Earl Owen Co. in 1952 with one sewing machine, a table and two parking spaces.

Earl Richey Owen Sr. passed away January 14 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born November 23, 1927, in Whitewright, Texas, and started Earl Owen Co. in 1952 after working at various downtown upholstery shops.

He started with one sewing machine, a table and two parking spaces. When a customer needed seats covered the next day, Owen would go to the lot, take the seat out of the car, return it to his shop, cover it, take it back to the lot, bolt it down to the vehicle, and it would be ready for the fleet the next morning.

As the business grew, Owen became interested in selling auto accessories. Today, Earl Owen Co. is one of the largest suppliers of auto and truck accessories and equipment in the southwestern United States. Despite his achievements, Owen remained humble, kind and loyal. His favorite hobby was work, and he traveled at the urging of his wife. They enjoyed more than 20 cruises and went everywhere from Hawaii to Dubai.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 10:56

SEMA News—March 2012

INDUSTRY NEWS

Nominations Open for SEMA Hall of Fame

  aftermarket news, automotive industry news, automotive news, aftermarket business, SEMA Hall of Fame
Nominations for the prestigious SEMA Hall of Fame are due March 16. 
   
Nominations for the SEMA Hall of Fame—the most prestigious honor presented to an individual by the association—are now being accepted. The deadline to submit nominations is March 16, 2012.

Created in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is designed to honor outstanding persons in the industry who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or the association’s growth.

To submit your nomination, contact Arlene Wood at 909-978-6689.

The 2011 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were Art Chrisman, Gray Baskerville, Chris Economaki and John Towle. To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit here.

Herb “Mr. Phone” Goldstein Passes Away

  aftermarket news, automotive industry news, automotive news, aftermarket business, Herb Goldstein
Known in the automotive specialty-equipment industry as “Mr. Phone,” Herb Goldstein was a creative salesman who had a long career as a manufacturers’ rep for many major companies.
   
Herb Goldstein, known in the automotive specialty-equipment industry as “Mr. Phone,” passed away on January 13. Goldstein had a long and illustrious career as a high-performance manufacturers’ representative for many major companies and was the guiding light in not only bringing those manufacturers to market but also helping to carry them into national prominence.

“I worked with Herb in the mid ’60s when we were both in the wheel business,” said Chuck Blum, owner of Chuck Blum & Associates. “He was a flamboyant, aggressive salesman who put a lot of up-and-coming companies in this market on the map. He made a lot of money for many companies and will always be remembered for his contributions to this industry.”

Goldstein was always on the phone with every high-performance customer in the United States, hence his nickname. He was a powerful and creative salesman with a family background in sales. (His father, Jack, had a long career on the West Coast.) In his time, Goldstein was perhaps the best-known performance rep in the entire country and was also invested in several manufacturing enterprises.

Collector Car Appreciation Day Returns July 13

  aftermarket news, automotive industry news, automotive news, aftermarket business, Collector Car Appreciation Day
Friday, July 13, 2012, is Collector Car Appreciation Day, a commemoration to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. 
   
SEMA’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) announced July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SEMA and its councils are working to secure a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. The industry endeavors to preserve the nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to the collector-car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

“On July 13, 2012, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds of events across the country,” said Laura Bergan, ARMO chairman. “We will again proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day.”

The previous resolutions were sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC).

Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and the resolution reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

SEMA will maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or e-mail san@SEMA.org.

Industry Veteran Earl Richey Owen Sr. Passes Away

  aftermarket news, automotive industry news, automotive news, aftermarket business, Earl Richey Owen
Earl Owen started Earl Owen Co. in 1952 with one sewing machine, a table and two parking spaces.

Earl Richey Owen Sr. passed away January 14 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born November 23, 1927, in Whitewright, Texas, and started Earl Owen Co. in 1952 after working at various downtown upholstery shops.

He started with one sewing machine, a table and two parking spaces. When a customer needed seats covered the next day, Owen would go to the lot, take the seat out of the car, return it to his shop, cover it, take it back to the lot, bolt it down to the vehicle, and it would be ready for the fleet the next morning.

As the business grew, Owen became interested in selling auto accessories. Today, Earl Owen Co. is one of the largest suppliers of auto and truck accessories and equipment in the southwestern United States. Despite his achievements, Owen remained humble, kind and loyal. His favorite hobby was work, and he traveled at the urging of his wife. They enjoyed more than 20 cruises and went everywhere from Hawaii to Dubai.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 10:56

SEMA News—March 2012

INDUSTRY NEWS

Nominations Open for SEMA Hall of Fame

  aftermarket news, automotive industry news, automotive news, aftermarket business, SEMA Hall of Fame
Nominations for the prestigious SEMA Hall of Fame are due March 16. 
   
Nominations for the SEMA Hall of Fame—the most prestigious honor presented to an individual by the association—are now being accepted. The deadline to submit nominations is March 16, 2012.

Created in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is designed to honor outstanding persons in the industry who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or the association’s growth.

To submit your nomination, contact Arlene Wood at 909-978-6689.

The 2011 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were Art Chrisman, Gray Baskerville, Chris Economaki and John Towle. To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, visit here.

Herb “Mr. Phone” Goldstein Passes Away

  aftermarket news, automotive industry news, automotive news, aftermarket business, Herb Goldstein
Known in the automotive specialty-equipment industry as “Mr. Phone,” Herb Goldstein was a creative salesman who had a long career as a manufacturers’ rep for many major companies.
   
Herb Goldstein, known in the automotive specialty-equipment industry as “Mr. Phone,” passed away on January 13. Goldstein had a long and illustrious career as a high-performance manufacturers’ representative for many major companies and was the guiding light in not only bringing those manufacturers to market but also helping to carry them into national prominence.

“I worked with Herb in the mid ’60s when we were both in the wheel business,” said Chuck Blum, owner of Chuck Blum & Associates. “He was a flamboyant, aggressive salesman who put a lot of up-and-coming companies in this market on the map. He made a lot of money for many companies and will always be remembered for his contributions to this industry.”

Goldstein was always on the phone with every high-performance customer in the United States, hence his nickname. He was a powerful and creative salesman with a family background in sales. (His father, Jack, had a long career on the West Coast.) In his time, Goldstein was perhaps the best-known performance rep in the entire country and was also invested in several manufacturing enterprises.

Collector Car Appreciation Day Returns July 13

  aftermarket news, automotive industry news, automotive news, aftermarket business, Collector Car Appreciation Day
Friday, July 13, 2012, is Collector Car Appreciation Day, a commemoration to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. 
   
SEMA’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) announced July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SEMA and its councils are working to secure a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. The industry endeavors to preserve the nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to the collector-car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

“On July 13, 2012, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds of events across the country,” said Laura Bergan, ARMO chairman. “We will again proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day.”

The previous resolutions were sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC).

Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and the resolution reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

SEMA will maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or e-mail san@SEMA.org.

Industry Veteran Earl Richey Owen Sr. Passes Away

  aftermarket news, automotive industry news, automotive news, aftermarket business, Earl Richey Owen
Earl Owen started Earl Owen Co. in 1952 with one sewing machine, a table and two parking spaces.

Earl Richey Owen Sr. passed away January 14 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born November 23, 1927, in Whitewright, Texas, and started Earl Owen Co. in 1952 after working at various downtown upholstery shops.

He started with one sewing machine, a table and two parking spaces. When a customer needed seats covered the next day, Owen would go to the lot, take the seat out of the car, return it to his shop, cover it, take it back to the lot, bolt it down to the vehicle, and it would be ready for the fleet the next morning.

As the business grew, Owen became interested in selling auto accessories. Today, Earl Owen Co. is one of the largest suppliers of auto and truck accessories and equipment in the southwestern United States. Despite his achievements, Owen remained humble, kind and loyal. His favorite hobby was work, and he traveled at the urging of his wife. They enjoyed more than 20 cruises and went everywhere from Hawaii to Dubai.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 10:54

 

  hot rod and restoration trade show
  The Lucas Oil Plaza will be the site where Forrest Lucas, president and CEO of Lucas Oil Products, will give his welcome speech during lunch at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show's Education & Training Day.

Forrest Lucas, president and CEO of Lucas Oil Products, has been announced as a special guest speaker for the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show’s Education & Training Day, Thursday, March 22. Lucas will give his welcome speech on the Lucas Oil Plaza during lunch, from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Manufacturer gift certificate raffles will take place throughout the day on Thursday with the second of these raffles taking place during lunch. Additional raffle times will be 9:05 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. at SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) table in the seminar area. Attendees can pick up raffle tickets at the HRIA table at the beginning of the day. The Oil Can Grill, located on the Lucas Oil Plaza, will be open for purchasing lunch.

Show passes are $10 (but they're free if you register by March 1).

For more information, visit www.HotRodShow.com or call 800-576-8788.

Education & Training Day is hosted by the HRIA.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 10:54

 

  hot rod and restoration trade show
  The Lucas Oil Plaza will be the site where Forrest Lucas, president and CEO of Lucas Oil Products, will give his welcome speech during lunch at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show's Education & Training Day.

Forrest Lucas, president and CEO of Lucas Oil Products, has been announced as a special guest speaker for the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show’s Education & Training Day, Thursday, March 22. Lucas will give his welcome speech on the Lucas Oil Plaza during lunch, from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Manufacturer gift certificate raffles will take place throughout the day on Thursday with the second of these raffles taking place during lunch. Additional raffle times will be 9:05 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. at SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) table in the seminar area. Attendees can pick up raffle tickets at the HRIA table at the beginning of the day. The Oil Can Grill, located on the Lucas Oil Plaza, will be open for purchasing lunch.

Show passes are $10 (but they're free if you register by March 1).

For more information, visit www.HotRodShow.com or call 800-576-8788.

Education & Training Day is hosted by the HRIA.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 10:54

 

  hot rod and restoration trade show
  The Lucas Oil Plaza will be the site where Forrest Lucas, president and CEO of Lucas Oil Products, will give his welcome speech during lunch at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show's Education & Training Day.

Forrest Lucas, president and CEO of Lucas Oil Products, has been announced as a special guest speaker for the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show’s Education & Training Day, Thursday, March 22. Lucas will give his welcome speech on the Lucas Oil Plaza during lunch, from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Manufacturer gift certificate raffles will take place throughout the day on Thursday with the second of these raffles taking place during lunch. Additional raffle times will be 9:05 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. at SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) table in the seminar area. Attendees can pick up raffle tickets at the HRIA table at the beginning of the day. The Oil Can Grill, located on the Lucas Oil Plaza, will be open for purchasing lunch.

Show passes are $10 (but they're free if you register by March 1).

For more information, visit www.HotRodShow.com or call 800-576-8788.

Education & Training Day is hosted by the HRIA.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 10:54

 

  hot rod and restoration trade show
  The Lucas Oil Plaza will be the site where Forrest Lucas, president and CEO of Lucas Oil Products, will give his welcome speech during lunch at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show's Education & Training Day.

Forrest Lucas, president and CEO of Lucas Oil Products, has been announced as a special guest speaker for the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show’s Education & Training Day, Thursday, March 22. Lucas will give his welcome speech on the Lucas Oil Plaza during lunch, from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Manufacturer gift certificate raffles will take place throughout the day on Thursday with the second of these raffles taking place during lunch. Additional raffle times will be 9:05 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. at SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) table in the seminar area. Attendees can pick up raffle tickets at the HRIA table at the beginning of the day. The Oil Can Grill, located on the Lucas Oil Plaza, will be open for purchasing lunch.

Show passes are $10 (but they're free if you register by March 1).

For more information, visit www.HotRodShow.com or call 800-576-8788.

Education & Training Day is hosted by the HRIA.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 10:54

 

  hot rod and restoration trade show
  The Lucas Oil Plaza will be the site where Forrest Lucas, president and CEO of Lucas Oil Products, will give his welcome speech during lunch at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show's Education & Training Day.

Forrest Lucas, president and CEO of Lucas Oil Products, has been announced as a special guest speaker for the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show’s Education & Training Day, Thursday, March 22. Lucas will give his welcome speech on the Lucas Oil Plaza during lunch, from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Manufacturer gift certificate raffles will take place throughout the day on Thursday with the second of these raffles taking place during lunch. Additional raffle times will be 9:05 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. at SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) table in the seminar area. Attendees can pick up raffle tickets at the HRIA table at the beginning of the day. The Oil Can Grill, located on the Lucas Oil Plaza, will be open for purchasing lunch.

Show passes are $10 (but they're free if you register by March 1).

For more information, visit www.HotRodShow.com or call 800-576-8788.

Education & Training Day is hosted by the HRIA.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 10:34

SEMA News—March 2012

FROM THE HILL
By Dan Sadowski

Made in Detroit

Caucus Member Representative Gary Peters Tours Dart Machinery

  aftermarket parts regulation, aftermarket parts laws, auto legislation, federal regulation aftermarket parts, Representative Gary Peters
Taking part in the Congressional District Site Visit at Dart Machinery were (from left) Bill Wolf, SEMA senior director of OEM relations; Bob Angliss of AxleTech International; MPMC Select Committee Member Jack McInnis; Dart Machinery owner Richard Maskin; Rep. Gary Peters; Greg Banish of Calibrated Success; Curt Brainard of EcoMotors International; John Coletti of EcoMotors International; and Dan Sadowski, SEMA director of congressional affairs.
   
  aftermarket parts regulation, aftermarket parts laws, auto legislation, federal regulation aftermarket parts, Representative Gary Peters
Rep. Peters observes how each manufactured engine component is customized by machine during the tour.
   
  aftermarket parts regulation, aftermarket parts laws, auto legislation, federal regulation aftermarket parts, Representative Gary Peters
Rep. Peters (right) chats with Dart Machinery founder/owner Maskin (left) and MPMC Select Committee Member McInnis during the Congressional District Site Visit tour.
Once a year, automotive performance and restoration enthusiasts descend on the Detroit, Michigan, area to celebrate the Woodward Dream Cruise, the largest one-day collector-car event in the world. Many vehicles at the Dream Cruise are equipped with specialty equipment manufactured in the greater Detroit area. To recognize the importance of these manufacturers and SEMA members to the American economy, Congressman Gary Peters toured Dart Machinery in Troy, Michigan, only a few miles from Woodward Avenue.

Representative Peters was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2008 to represent the 9th District, which includes most of Oakland County. Prior to his election, Peters served in the Michigan State Senate from 1994–2002. In 2007, Rep. Peters became the third Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chairman in American Government faculty member at Central Michigan University. Rep. Peters has also served as a senior policy and financial analyst for the Michigan Department of Treasury. In Congress, he serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the Small Business Committee. He is the author of the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2011, which is designed to create advanced manufacturing jobs and promote the use of alternative-fuel vehicles.

Dart Machinery is a leading manufacturer of custom performance cylinder heads, intake manifolds and engine blocks for racing, hot rodding and marine performance. Founded in 1981 by Richard Maskin, Dart began by building aluminum Hemi cylinder heads for racing use in the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories. Dart has now expanded its product line to include aluminum and cast-iron engine blocks that are designed to meet the specialized needs of racers and performance enthusiasts. Dart’s Technology Center in Troy houses the company’s administrative offices, the research and development headquarters and the inspection, machining and
warehouse operations.

“Dart Machinery was pleased to show Rep. Peters the true meaning of ‘Made in Michigan,’” said Maskin. “Since 1981, Dart has been a leading manufacturer of engine components, and we continue to expand our locally based operations. As we explore technologies for alternative-fuel vehicles, we look forward to working with Rep. Peters and our local officials to keep Southeast Michigan as the center of specialty vehicle manufacturing.”

Rep. Peters was greeted by MPMC Select Committee member and Dart Advertising Director Jack McInnis as well as SEMA members Bob Angliss from AxleTech International; Greg Banish from Calibrated Success; John Coletti and Curt Brainard from EcoMotors International; and Bill Wolf, SEMA senior director of OEM relations.

Peters quickly learned the important role SEMA members play in the local community by driving innovation and employing skilled workers. Maskin then provided the guests with a tour of Dart’s manufacturing facility.

During the tour, Peters was shown each step of the engine, cylinder head, and intake manifold manufacturing process. Peters took time to meet with Dart employees and received a hands-on demonstration of how each manufactured product is specialized to meet an individual customer’s needs. Near the end of the tour, Peters learned more about Dart’s distribution network and was pleased to see that all outgoing packaging includes a special “Made in Detroit, Michigan, USA” label. Later, Peters held a roundtable discussion to provide an update on Washington legislative activities and to learn more about issues facing small businesses in suburban Detroit.

“When you look at the cars on Woodward this weekend, there’s a good chance you’re looking at parts made right here in Southeast Michigan,” Peters said. “My focus in Congress is creating jobs, and I want to hear directly from small manufacturers in our area about what they need to grow and succeed as our economy recovers. We’ve been working to get the auto industry back on track, and part of that effort is helping small, independent manufacturers continue to come out with innovative new products.”

Roundtable attendees had a chance to ask questions about opportunities for local companies to partner with their elected officials. Topics included access to credit for small businesses, health care reform and research/development and manufacturing tax credits. Attendees also discussed the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act. Introduced in Congress last October, the SEMA-supported bill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish a regulatory structure for cars produced in small quantities, such as replica street rods, customs and sports cars.

As a result of the event, Rep. Peters joined the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, a bipartisan group of legislators who recognize the important economic impact of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. The caucus now has almost 100 members. The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s Government Affairs office in Washington, D.C. The program pairs SEMA member companies with their congressional member for facility tours and business roundtables in their
home district.

If you are interested in hosting an event with your federal elected officials at your facility, please contact Dan Sadowski, director of congressional affairs, at202-783-6007 x19.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 10:34

SEMA News—March 2012

FROM THE HILL
By Dan Sadowski

Made in Detroit

Caucus Member Representative Gary Peters Tours Dart Machinery

  aftermarket parts regulation, aftermarket parts laws, auto legislation, federal regulation aftermarket parts, Representative Gary Peters
Taking part in the Congressional District Site Visit at Dart Machinery were (from left) Bill Wolf, SEMA senior director of OEM relations; Bob Angliss of AxleTech International; MPMC Select Committee Member Jack McInnis; Dart Machinery owner Richard Maskin; Rep. Gary Peters; Greg Banish of Calibrated Success; Curt Brainard of EcoMotors International; John Coletti of EcoMotors International; and Dan Sadowski, SEMA director of congressional affairs.
   
  aftermarket parts regulation, aftermarket parts laws, auto legislation, federal regulation aftermarket parts, Representative Gary Peters
Rep. Peters observes how each manufactured engine component is customized by machine during the tour.
   
  aftermarket parts regulation, aftermarket parts laws, auto legislation, federal regulation aftermarket parts, Representative Gary Peters
Rep. Peters (right) chats with Dart Machinery founder/owner Maskin (left) and MPMC Select Committee Member McInnis during the Congressional District Site Visit tour.
Once a year, automotive performance and restoration enthusiasts descend on the Detroit, Michigan, area to celebrate the Woodward Dream Cruise, the largest one-day collector-car event in the world. Many vehicles at the Dream Cruise are equipped with specialty equipment manufactured in the greater Detroit area. To recognize the importance of these manufacturers and SEMA members to the American economy, Congressman Gary Peters toured Dart Machinery in Troy, Michigan, only a few miles from Woodward Avenue.

Representative Peters was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2008 to represent the 9th District, which includes most of Oakland County. Prior to his election, Peters served in the Michigan State Senate from 1994–2002. In 2007, Rep. Peters became the third Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chairman in American Government faculty member at Central Michigan University. Rep. Peters has also served as a senior policy and financial analyst for the Michigan Department of Treasury. In Congress, he serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the Small Business Committee. He is the author of the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2011, which is designed to create advanced manufacturing jobs and promote the use of alternative-fuel vehicles.

Dart Machinery is a leading manufacturer of custom performance cylinder heads, intake manifolds and engine blocks for racing, hot rodding and marine performance. Founded in 1981 by Richard Maskin, Dart began by building aluminum Hemi cylinder heads for racing use in the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories. Dart has now expanded its product line to include aluminum and cast-iron engine blocks that are designed to meet the specialized needs of racers and performance enthusiasts. Dart’s Technology Center in Troy houses the company’s administrative offices, the research and development headquarters and the inspection, machining and
warehouse operations.

“Dart Machinery was pleased to show Rep. Peters the true meaning of ‘Made in Michigan,’” said Maskin. “Since 1981, Dart has been a leading manufacturer of engine components, and we continue to expand our locally based operations. As we explore technologies for alternative-fuel vehicles, we look forward to working with Rep. Peters and our local officials to keep Southeast Michigan as the center of specialty vehicle manufacturing.”

Rep. Peters was greeted by MPMC Select Committee member and Dart Advertising Director Jack McInnis as well as SEMA members Bob Angliss from AxleTech International; Greg Banish from Calibrated Success; John Coletti and Curt Brainard from EcoMotors International; and Bill Wolf, SEMA senior director of OEM relations.

Peters quickly learned the important role SEMA members play in the local community by driving innovation and employing skilled workers. Maskin then provided the guests with a tour of Dart’s manufacturing facility.

During the tour, Peters was shown each step of the engine, cylinder head, and intake manifold manufacturing process. Peters took time to meet with Dart employees and received a hands-on demonstration of how each manufactured product is specialized to meet an individual customer’s needs. Near the end of the tour, Peters learned more about Dart’s distribution network and was pleased to see that all outgoing packaging includes a special “Made in Detroit, Michigan, USA” label. Later, Peters held a roundtable discussion to provide an update on Washington legislative activities and to learn more about issues facing small businesses in suburban Detroit.

“When you look at the cars on Woodward this weekend, there’s a good chance you’re looking at parts made right here in Southeast Michigan,” Peters said. “My focus in Congress is creating jobs, and I want to hear directly from small manufacturers in our area about what they need to grow and succeed as our economy recovers. We’ve been working to get the auto industry back on track, and part of that effort is helping small, independent manufacturers continue to come out with innovative new products.”

Roundtable attendees had a chance to ask questions about opportunities for local companies to partner with their elected officials. Topics included access to credit for small businesses, health care reform and research/development and manufacturing tax credits. Attendees also discussed the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act. Introduced in Congress last October, the SEMA-supported bill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish a regulatory structure for cars produced in small quantities, such as replica street rods, customs and sports cars.

As a result of the event, Rep. Peters joined the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, a bipartisan group of legislators who recognize the important economic impact of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. The caucus now has almost 100 members. The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s Government Affairs office in Washington, D.C. The program pairs SEMA member companies with their congressional member for facility tours and business roundtables in their
home district.

If you are interested in hosting an event with your federal elected officials at your facility, please contact Dan Sadowski, director of congressional affairs, at202-783-6007 x19.