Mike Spagnola (left), founder and president of Street Scene Equipment received the 2010 Person of the Year Award at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Congratulating Spagnola is 2009 SEMA Person of the Year Doug Evans.

By Jason Catullo

SEMA presented Mike Spagnola, founder and president of Street Scene Equipment and long-time SEMA member, with the 2010 Person of the Year Award at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

"I've long considered myself lucky to work in an industry I love and serve as an advocate for issues that have such a tremendous impact on the future of the automotive aftermarket," said Mike Spagnola. “Being recognized by my peers, many of whom I respect and feel fortunate to have worked with, is one of the greatest honors I could ever receive.”

Spagnola has been involved in the specialty-equipment industry for more than 30 years, having worked in both manufacturing and distribution. He is known for his understanding of the importance of collaboration within the specialty-equipment industry based on his willingness to assist magazines and others in the industry build project cars.

Spagnola is currently serving his second term on the SEMA Board of Directors. He also served as the chairman of the SEMA Scholarship Committee for several years and is passionate about ensuring that the association gives back to the community by helping to bring the next generation of students successfully into the industry. In addition to volunteering his time to numerous SEMA events, Spagnola is credited with creating SEMA’s Annual Pinewood Drag Race and Show 'N Shine Car Show for charity, which coincide with SEMA’s annual Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. These events have helped raise more than $500,000 for two children’s charities.

Created in 1969, the Person of the Year Award recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to the trade association and the specialty-equipment industry. One of SEMA's most prestigious honors, the Person of the Year Award is presented in front of thousands of industry leaders and professionals during the annual Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show.

Mike Spagnola (left), founder and president of Street Scene Equipment received the 2010 Person of the Year Award at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Congratulating Spagnola is 2009 SEMA Person of the Year Doug Evans.

By Jason Catullo

SEMA presented Mike Spagnola, founder and president of Street Scene Equipment and long-time SEMA member, with the 2010 Person of the Year Award at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

"I've long considered myself lucky to work in an industry I love and serve as an advocate for issues that have such a tremendous impact on the future of the automotive aftermarket," said Mike Spagnola. “Being recognized by my peers, many of whom I respect and feel fortunate to have worked with, is one of the greatest honors I could ever receive.”

Spagnola has been involved in the specialty-equipment industry for more than 30 years, having worked in both manufacturing and distribution. He is known for his understanding of the importance of collaboration within the specialty-equipment industry based on his willingness to assist magazines and others in the industry build project cars.

Spagnola is currently serving his second term on the SEMA Board of Directors. He also served as the chairman of the SEMA Scholarship Committee for several years and is passionate about ensuring that the association gives back to the community by helping to bring the next generation of students successfully into the industry. In addition to volunteering his time to numerous SEMA events, Spagnola is credited with creating SEMA’s Annual Pinewood Drag Race and Show 'N Shine Car Show for charity, which coincide with SEMA’s annual Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. These events have helped raise more than $500,000 for two children’s charities.

Created in 1969, the Person of the Year Award recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to the trade association and the specialty-equipment industry. One of SEMA's most prestigious honors, the Person of the Year Award is presented in front of thousands of industry leaders and professionals during the annual Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show.

Bob Moore (left), founder and president of J&B Service, received the Chairman's Service Award from SEMA Chairman Rick Rollins during the 2010 SEMA Show.

In recognition of his outstanding and selfless contributions to the industry and specifically a SEMA project known as the SEMA Data Pool Initiative, Bob Moore, founder and president of J&B Service, was honored with the 2010 Chairman’s Award at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“Bob is a one-man operation when it comes to running his business, yet he’s always made time to volunteer for important SEMA projects, such as the Data Pool initiative,” said Rick Rollins, SEMA’s chairman of the Board. “Bob is very respected in the industry and when he believes in something, he really gets behind it. We are fortunate to have someone with his leadership and determination driving some of our industry’s most critical initiatives.”

With more than 30 years in the specialty-equipment industry, Moore has been exposed to virtually every segment of the automotive aftermarket. The consulting company he formed in 1996, now called J&B Service, took him “inside” the operations of dozens of manufacturers, distributors and retailers, which has given him a unique perspective from both sides of the business. He writes a monthly column called “Ahead of the Curve” for Aftermarket Business, which focuses on business issues affecting all facets of the industry.

As the chairman of the SEMA Business Technology Committee and the SEMA Board member on point for the SEMA Data Pool initiative, Moore’s drive has resulted in substantial progress with data pool introduced earlier this year. His dedication and leadership on this program has resulted in major strides toward establishing a uniform, industry data pool that will make high-quality catalog and product data more accessible to more businesses and with substantial savings.

He is a SEMA Ambassador, and a member of the SEMA Executive Committee, SEMA PAC President’s Club and Performance Warehouse Association. He also served as Chairman of the SEMA Person of the Year Task Force, is a regular contributor to SEMA News and is a speaker at SEMA educational forums. Moore is also an instructor for the University of the Aftermarket - Northwood University and recipient of Northwood University’s Aftermarket Education Award.

The Chairman’s Award recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to the trade association and the specialty-equipment industry. One of SEMA's most prestigious honors, the Chairman’s Award is presented in front of thousands of industry leaders and professionals during the annual Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show.

Bob Moore (left), founder and president of J&B Service, received the Chairman's Service Award from SEMA Chairman Rick Rollins during the 2010 SEMA Show.

In recognition of his outstanding and selfless contributions to the industry and specifically a SEMA project known as the SEMA Data Pool Initiative, Bob Moore, founder and president of J&B Service, was honored with the 2010 Chairman’s Award at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“Bob is a one-man operation when it comes to running his business, yet he’s always made time to volunteer for important SEMA projects, such as the Data Pool initiative,” said Rick Rollins, SEMA’s chairman of the Board. “Bob is very respected in the industry and when he believes in something, he really gets behind it. We are fortunate to have someone with his leadership and determination driving some of our industry’s most critical initiatives.”

With more than 30 years in the specialty-equipment industry, Moore has been exposed to virtually every segment of the automotive aftermarket. The consulting company he formed in 1996, now called J&B Service, took him “inside” the operations of dozens of manufacturers, distributors and retailers, which has given him a unique perspective from both sides of the business. He writes a monthly column called “Ahead of the Curve” for Aftermarket Business, which focuses on business issues affecting all facets of the industry.

As the chairman of the SEMA Business Technology Committee and the SEMA Board member on point for the SEMA Data Pool initiative, Moore’s drive has resulted in substantial progress with data pool introduced earlier this year. His dedication and leadership on this program has resulted in major strides toward establishing a uniform, industry data pool that will make high-quality catalog and product data more accessible to more businesses and with substantial savings.

He is a SEMA Ambassador, and a member of the SEMA Executive Committee, SEMA PAC President’s Club and Performance Warehouse Association. He also served as Chairman of the SEMA Person of the Year Task Force, is a regular contributor to SEMA News and is a speaker at SEMA educational forums. Moore is also an instructor for the University of the Aftermarket - Northwood University and recipient of Northwood University’s Aftermarket Education Award.

The Chairman’s Award recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to the trade association and the specialty-equipment industry. One of SEMA's most prestigious honors, the Chairman’s Award is presented in front of thousands of industry leaders and professionals during the annual Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show.

General Motors' representatives toured the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2010 SEMA Show, highlighting the vehicles and products that represented the best combination of specialty-equipment and GM's most iconic platforms. The following General Motors Design Awards were presented during the Show. General Motors congratulates the recipients for their innovation, creativity and contributions to the automotive industry.

Ford Motor Company also had representatives judging the vehicles and products builders and manufacturers submitted for consideration at the 2010 SEMA Show. The following Ford Design Awards were presented during the Show. Ford proudly salutes the ingenuity, creativity and determination of the following builders and manufacturers.

General Motors' representatives toured the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2010 SEMA Show, highlighting the vehicles and products that represented the best combination of specialty-equipment and GM's most iconic platforms. The following General Motors Design Awards were presented during the Show. General Motors congratulates the recipients for their innovation, creativity and contributions to the automotive industry.

Ford Motor Company also had representatives judging the vehicles and products builders and manufacturers submitted for consideration at the 2010 SEMA Show. The following Ford Design Awards were presented during the Show. Ford proudly salutes the ingenuity, creativity and determination of the following builders and manufacturers.

Californians rejected Proposition 23 at the polls on November 2, however, many proponents of the failed measure successfully supported Proposition 26. Prop. 23 would have suspended implementation of California’s “Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006” (AB 32) until the state unemployment rate fell below 5.6%. The state would not have been able to pursue regulations intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as a cap-and-trade policy, low carbon fuel standard and wind and solar power mandates. Prop. 23 would not have had an impact on California’s vehicle smog check, car scrap programs and vehicle emissions standards.

Prop. 26 serves the function of delaying or preventing any new or increased fees including, but not limited to, fees associated with the implementation of AB 32. New fees will now require approval by 2/3 of each house of the California State Legislature or 2/3 of registered voters. Measures to increase taxes or fees that passed the legislature in 2010 will be permitted to remain in effect for one year, during which time they must garner the 2/3 authorization to remain in effect. Previous to the passing of Prop. 26, lawmakers were able to balance the state budget and introduce laws that were revenue neutral, meaning that they increased collection of funds from one source while decreasing it from another, with a simple majority. Under Prop. 26, a new super-majority of voters will be necessary for these measures. Many groups feel that Prop. 26 will hinder the implementation of a cap-and-trade program and other steps that are expected to be taken to implement the state’s greenhouse gas reduction plan in accordance with AB 32. When the California legislature returns next session, there will be a total of 51 Democrats and 29 Republicans, meaning at least three Republicans (or 25 Democrats) will need to cross the aisle for fee increases to take place.

For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Californians rejected Proposition 23 at the polls on November 2, however, many proponents of the failed measure successfully supported Proposition 26. Prop. 23 would have suspended implementation of California’s “Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006” (AB 32) until the state unemployment rate fell below 5.6%. The state would not have been able to pursue regulations intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as a cap-and-trade policy, low carbon fuel standard and wind and solar power mandates. Prop. 23 would not have had an impact on California’s vehicle smog check, car scrap programs and vehicle emissions standards.

Prop. 26 serves the function of delaying or preventing any new or increased fees including, but not limited to, fees associated with the implementation of AB 32. New fees will now require approval by 2/3 of each house of the California State Legislature or 2/3 of registered voters. Measures to increase taxes or fees that passed the legislature in 2010 will be permitted to remain in effect for one year, during which time they must garner the 2/3 authorization to remain in effect. Previous to the passing of Prop. 26, lawmakers were able to balance the state budget and introduce laws that were revenue neutral, meaning that they increased collection of funds from one source while decreasing it from another, with a simple majority. Under Prop. 26, a new super-majority of voters will be necessary for these measures. Many groups feel that Prop. 26 will hinder the implementation of a cap-and-trade program and other steps that are expected to be taken to implement the state’s greenhouse gas reduction plan in accordance with AB 32. When the California legislature returns next session, there will be a total of 51 Democrats and 29 Republicans, meaning at least three Republicans (or 25 Democrats) will need to cross the aisle for fee increases to take place.

For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

If you attended the 2010 SEMA Show, you may have missed the final results of this year’s mid-term elections. As predicted, the political landscape has changed again, and for the first time since 2006, Republicans will hold a significant majority in the House of Representatives. Democrats have maintained their slim control of the Senate.

SEMA is well positioned to work closely with members of Congress when the new legislative year begins in January. This year’s mid-term election has raised SEMA’s profile on Capitol Hill and strengthened our relationships with lawmakers supportive of small-business issues. Please click here to view a complete listing of election results in your state and post-election analysis as posted on the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) website.

SEMA PAC allows the industry to work together towards a common political purpose. The PAC website, www.semapac.com, makes it easy for industry members to quickly become “PAC-Approved”—an authorization form required by federal law that allows SEMA to share information about the PAC—and to make online, secure contributions. We encourage all members to visit the new site, become PAC-Approved and learn how SEMA PAC is protecting your future.

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

SEMA PAC—Your Industry. Your Voice. Your Future.

If you attended the 2010 SEMA Show, you may have missed the final results of this year’s mid-term elections. As predicted, the political landscape has changed again, and for the first time since 2006, Republicans will hold a significant majority in the House of Representatives. Democrats have maintained their slim control of the Senate.

SEMA is well positioned to work closely with members of Congress when the new legislative year begins in January. This year’s mid-term election has raised SEMA’s profile on Capitol Hill and strengthened our relationships with lawmakers supportive of small-business issues. Please click here to view a complete listing of election results in your state and post-election analysis as posted on the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) website.

SEMA PAC allows the industry to work together towards a common political purpose. The PAC website, www.semapac.com, makes it easy for industry members to quickly become “PAC-Approved”—an authorization form required by federal law that allows SEMA to share information about the PAC—and to make online, secure contributions. We encourage all members to visit the new site, become PAC-Approved and learn how SEMA PAC is protecting your future.

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

SEMA PAC—Your Industry. Your Voice. Your Future.