SEMA News—January 2015

EVENTS

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Igniting the Industry

Each year, during the first week of November, manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories gather in Las Vegas to debut their new products and connect with buyers and media. As the largest annual gathering of small businesses, the SEMA Show provides these manufacturers with a venue for which to do business. They spend months in advance preparing their booths and securing meetings, and they work nonstop during the Show to connect with buyers who are seeking the hottest, newest products to fill their store shelves.

With more than 2,400 exhibitors at the 2014 SEMA Show, the most recent event was the ideal platform for industry professionals to discover new products and trends. In addition to four dedicated Show days, the 2014 SEMA Show included pre- and post-event activities that offered added opportunities for networking and training.

New at the 2014 SEMA Show was a Media Preview, hosted by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) on Monday before Show opening. Hundreds of editors and reporters met with exhibitors for a sneak peak as to what they would be sharing in the days to follow. Also new was SEMA Ignited, a brand-new event that took place on Friday evening after the SEMA Show concluded. Taking place at The LINQ in Las Vegas, SEMA Ignited was open to consumers and attracted more than 10,000 individuals to the event.

“The unprecedented participation levels this year indicate that the industry is moving into growth mode,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This was a record-breaking year, and we’re seeing companies ready and eager to do business.”

On the pages that follow, we’ve selected a few highlights from the 2014 Show. Thumb through the pages, enjoy the photography and watch as the industry gets ignited.

SEMA News—January 2015

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

My Old Kentucky Home

Bed Wood & Parts Hosts U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield

Today, Bed Wood & Parts manufactures American-made, ready-to-finish bed kits for virtually any truck or specialty vehicle dating back to 1915. Based in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the company offers consumers more than 40 types of wood through a network of 80 dealers.

Bed Wood & Parts isn’t the only notable product to come out of western Kentucky. U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY) also hails from Hopkinsville—a place he called home until he went off to the University of Kentucky, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate. Rep. Whitfield served in the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1974–1975 while practicing law in Hopkinsville, where he operated a successful oil distributorship.

Since 1994, Rep. Whitfield has served Kentucky’s first Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bed Wood & Parts, its ownership and employees are all part of Whitfield’s constituency. In Congress, he serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the automotive aftermarket industry. He also chairs its Subcommittee on Energy and Power, which oversees American energy policy.

“I was excited to visit the folks at Bed Wood & Parts,” Rep. Whitfield said. “It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about America’s vibrant automotive aftermarket industry and how it is creating jobs right here in Kentucky.”

Like 92% of SEMA-member companies, Bed Wood & Parts is a small business. During his visit, Rep. Whitfield was able to hear firsthand from Major what needs to be done to help small businesses, such as his prosper and hire more skilled workers. With a new Congress set to begin work in January, it’s a message Major is confident Rep. Whitfield will share with his colleagues back in Washington.

“Having an ally like Rep. Whitfield is huge,” Major said. “As a small-business owner, I was excited to show him not only how we’ve grown but also how we’re prepared to expand even further, creating more badly needed jobs.”

For more information on planning your own Congressional District Site Visit, please contact Christian Robinson via e-mail in the SEMA government affairs office at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Jonathan Ward

Jonathan Ward is the CEO and lead designer of ICON, which is headquartered in Chatsworth, California. He joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2012.

“As an automotive designer and enthusiast, my passion has always been the automobile industry.” Ward said.

“Regulatory reform is necessary for its sustainability and longevity. I can’t sit idly and hope for change. I joined the President’s Club to ensure that my voice is heard and that we can achieve a regulatory system that functions on the merits of hard-working people looking for success and paving the road for innovation and U.S. manufacturing growth.”

For more information on SEMA PAC, please contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 x20, or by e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA News—January 2015

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

My Old Kentucky Home

Bed Wood & Parts Hosts U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield

Today, Bed Wood & Parts manufactures American-made, ready-to-finish bed kits for virtually any truck or specialty vehicle dating back to 1915. Based in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the company offers consumers more than 40 types of wood through a network of 80 dealers.

Bed Wood & Parts isn’t the only notable product to come out of western Kentucky. U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY) also hails from Hopkinsville—a place he called home until he went off to the University of Kentucky, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate. Rep. Whitfield served in the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1974–1975 while practicing law in Hopkinsville, where he operated a successful oil distributorship.

Since 1994, Rep. Whitfield has served Kentucky’s first Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bed Wood & Parts, its ownership and employees are all part of Whitfield’s constituency. In Congress, he serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the automotive aftermarket industry. He also chairs its Subcommittee on Energy and Power, which oversees American energy policy.

“I was excited to visit the folks at Bed Wood & Parts,” Rep. Whitfield said. “It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about America’s vibrant automotive aftermarket industry and how it is creating jobs right here in Kentucky.”

Like 92% of SEMA-member companies, Bed Wood & Parts is a small business. During his visit, Rep. Whitfield was able to hear firsthand from Major what needs to be done to help small businesses, such as his prosper and hire more skilled workers. With a new Congress set to begin work in January, it’s a message Major is confident Rep. Whitfield will share with his colleagues back in Washington.

“Having an ally like Rep. Whitfield is huge,” Major said. “As a small-business owner, I was excited to show him not only how we’ve grown but also how we’re prepared to expand even further, creating more badly needed jobs.”

For more information on planning your own Congressional District Site Visit, please contact Christian Robinson via e-mail in the SEMA government affairs office at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Jonathan Ward

Jonathan Ward is the CEO and lead designer of ICON, which is headquartered in Chatsworth, California. He joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2012.

“As an automotive designer and enthusiast, my passion has always been the automobile industry.” Ward said.

“Regulatory reform is necessary for its sustainability and longevity. I can’t sit idly and hope for change. I joined the President’s Club to ensure that my voice is heard and that we can achieve a regulatory system that functions on the merits of hard-working people looking for success and paving the road for innovation and U.S. manufacturing growth.”

For more information on SEMA PAC, please contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 x20, or by e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA News—January 2015

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

My Old Kentucky Home

Bed Wood & Parts Hosts U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield

Today, Bed Wood & Parts manufactures American-made, ready-to-finish bed kits for virtually any truck or specialty vehicle dating back to 1915. Based in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the company offers consumers more than 40 types of wood through a network of 80 dealers.

Bed Wood & Parts isn’t the only notable product to come out of western Kentucky. U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY) also hails from Hopkinsville—a place he called home until he went off to the University of Kentucky, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate. Rep. Whitfield served in the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1974–1975 while practicing law in Hopkinsville, where he operated a successful oil distributorship.

Since 1994, Rep. Whitfield has served Kentucky’s first Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bed Wood & Parts, its ownership and employees are all part of Whitfield’s constituency. In Congress, he serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the automotive aftermarket industry. He also chairs its Subcommittee on Energy and Power, which oversees American energy policy.

“I was excited to visit the folks at Bed Wood & Parts,” Rep. Whitfield said. “It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about America’s vibrant automotive aftermarket industry and how it is creating jobs right here in Kentucky.”

Like 92% of SEMA-member companies, Bed Wood & Parts is a small business. During his visit, Rep. Whitfield was able to hear firsthand from Major what needs to be done to help small businesses, such as his prosper and hire more skilled workers. With a new Congress set to begin work in January, it’s a message Major is confident Rep. Whitfield will share with his colleagues back in Washington.

“Having an ally like Rep. Whitfield is huge,” Major said. “As a small-business owner, I was excited to show him not only how we’ve grown but also how we’re prepared to expand even further, creating more badly needed jobs.”

For more information on planning your own Congressional District Site Visit, please contact Christian Robinson via e-mail in the SEMA government affairs office at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Jonathan Ward

Jonathan Ward is the CEO and lead designer of ICON, which is headquartered in Chatsworth, California. He joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2012.

“As an automotive designer and enthusiast, my passion has always been the automobile industry.” Ward said.

“Regulatory reform is necessary for its sustainability and longevity. I can’t sit idly and hope for change. I joined the President’s Club to ensure that my voice is heard and that we can achieve a regulatory system that functions on the merits of hard-working people looking for success and paving the road for innovation and U.S. manufacturing growth.”

For more information on SEMA PAC, please contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 x20, or by e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA News—January 2015

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

My Old Kentucky Home

Bed Wood & Parts Hosts U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield

Today, Bed Wood & Parts manufactures American-made, ready-to-finish bed kits for virtually any truck or specialty vehicle dating back to 1915. Based in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the company offers consumers more than 40 types of wood through a network of 80 dealers.

Bed Wood & Parts isn’t the only notable product to come out of western Kentucky. U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY) also hails from Hopkinsville—a place he called home until he went off to the University of Kentucky, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate. Rep. Whitfield served in the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1974–1975 while practicing law in Hopkinsville, where he operated a successful oil distributorship.

Since 1994, Rep. Whitfield has served Kentucky’s first Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bed Wood & Parts, its ownership and employees are all part of Whitfield’s constituency. In Congress, he serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the automotive aftermarket industry. He also chairs its Subcommittee on Energy and Power, which oversees American energy policy.

“I was excited to visit the folks at Bed Wood & Parts,” Rep. Whitfield said. “It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about America’s vibrant automotive aftermarket industry and how it is creating jobs right here in Kentucky.”

Like 92% of SEMA-member companies, Bed Wood & Parts is a small business. During his visit, Rep. Whitfield was able to hear firsthand from Major what needs to be done to help small businesses, such as his prosper and hire more skilled workers. With a new Congress set to begin work in January, it’s a message Major is confident Rep. Whitfield will share with his colleagues back in Washington.

“Having an ally like Rep. Whitfield is huge,” Major said. “As a small-business owner, I was excited to show him not only how we’ve grown but also how we’re prepared to expand even further, creating more badly needed jobs.”

For more information on planning your own Congressional District Site Visit, please contact Christian Robinson via e-mail in the SEMA government affairs office at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Jonathan Ward

Jonathan Ward is the CEO and lead designer of ICON, which is headquartered in Chatsworth, California. He joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2012.

“As an automotive designer and enthusiast, my passion has always been the automobile industry.” Ward said.

“Regulatory reform is necessary for its sustainability and longevity. I can’t sit idly and hope for change. I joined the President’s Club to ensure that my voice is heard and that we can achieve a regulatory system that functions on the merits of hard-working people looking for success and paving the road for innovation and U.S. manufacturing growth.”

For more information on SEMA PAC, please contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 x20, or by e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA News—January 2015

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

My Old Kentucky Home

Bed Wood & Parts Hosts U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield

Today, Bed Wood & Parts manufactures American-made, ready-to-finish bed kits for virtually any truck or specialty vehicle dating back to 1915. Based in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the company offers consumers more than 40 types of wood through a network of 80 dealers.

Bed Wood & Parts isn’t the only notable product to come out of western Kentucky. U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY) also hails from Hopkinsville—a place he called home until he went off to the University of Kentucky, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate. Rep. Whitfield served in the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1974–1975 while practicing law in Hopkinsville, where he operated a successful oil distributorship.

Since 1994, Rep. Whitfield has served Kentucky’s first Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bed Wood & Parts, its ownership and employees are all part of Whitfield’s constituency. In Congress, he serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the automotive aftermarket industry. He also chairs its Subcommittee on Energy and Power, which oversees American energy policy.

“I was excited to visit the folks at Bed Wood & Parts,” Rep. Whitfield said. “It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about America’s vibrant automotive aftermarket industry and how it is creating jobs right here in Kentucky.”

Like 92% of SEMA-member companies, Bed Wood & Parts is a small business. During his visit, Rep. Whitfield was able to hear firsthand from Major what needs to be done to help small businesses, such as his prosper and hire more skilled workers. With a new Congress set to begin work in January, it’s a message Major is confident Rep. Whitfield will share with his colleagues back in Washington.

“Having an ally like Rep. Whitfield is huge,” Major said. “As a small-business owner, I was excited to show him not only how we’ve grown but also how we’re prepared to expand even further, creating more badly needed jobs.”

For more information on planning your own Congressional District Site Visit, please contact Christian Robinson via e-mail in the SEMA government affairs office at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Jonathan Ward

Jonathan Ward is the CEO and lead designer of ICON, which is headquartered in Chatsworth, California. He joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2012.

“As an automotive designer and enthusiast, my passion has always been the automobile industry.” Ward said.

“Regulatory reform is necessary for its sustainability and longevity. I can’t sit idly and hope for change. I joined the President’s Club to ensure that my voice is heard and that we can achieve a regulatory system that functions on the merits of hard-working people looking for success and paving the road for innovation and U.S. manufacturing growth.”

For more information on SEMA PAC, please contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 x20, or by e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA News—January 2015

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

My Old Kentucky Home

Bed Wood & Parts Hosts U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield

Today, Bed Wood & Parts manufactures American-made, ready-to-finish bed kits for virtually any truck or specialty vehicle dating back to 1915. Based in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the company offers consumers more than 40 types of wood through a network of 80 dealers.

Bed Wood & Parts isn’t the only notable product to come out of western Kentucky. U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY) also hails from Hopkinsville—a place he called home until he went off to the University of Kentucky, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate. Rep. Whitfield served in the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1974–1975 while practicing law in Hopkinsville, where he operated a successful oil distributorship.

Since 1994, Rep. Whitfield has served Kentucky’s first Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bed Wood & Parts, its ownership and employees are all part of Whitfield’s constituency. In Congress, he serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the automotive aftermarket industry. He also chairs its Subcommittee on Energy and Power, which oversees American energy policy.

“I was excited to visit the folks at Bed Wood & Parts,” Rep. Whitfield said. “It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about America’s vibrant automotive aftermarket industry and how it is creating jobs right here in Kentucky.”

Like 92% of SEMA-member companies, Bed Wood & Parts is a small business. During his visit, Rep. Whitfield was able to hear firsthand from Major what needs to be done to help small businesses, such as his prosper and hire more skilled workers. With a new Congress set to begin work in January, it’s a message Major is confident Rep. Whitfield will share with his colleagues back in Washington.

“Having an ally like Rep. Whitfield is huge,” Major said. “As a small-business owner, I was excited to show him not only how we’ve grown but also how we’re prepared to expand even further, creating more badly needed jobs.”

For more information on planning your own Congressional District Site Visit, please contact Christian Robinson via e-mail in the SEMA government affairs office at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Jonathan Ward

Jonathan Ward is the CEO and lead designer of ICON, which is headquartered in Chatsworth, California. He joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2012.

“As an automotive designer and enthusiast, my passion has always been the automobile industry.” Ward said.

“Regulatory reform is necessary for its sustainability and longevity. I can’t sit idly and hope for change. I joined the President’s Club to ensure that my voice is heard and that we can achieve a regulatory system that functions on the merits of hard-working people looking for success and paving the road for innovation and U.S. manufacturing growth.”

For more information on SEMA PAC, please contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 x20, or by e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to require that motor vehicles display only a single license plate on the rear of the vehicle died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill had been approved by the Ohio House Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and was awaiting a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives by all members.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to require that motor vehicles display only a single license plate on the rear of the vehicle died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill had been approved by the Ohio House Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and was awaiting a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives by all members.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C. Staff

Michigan legislation, opposed by SEMA, that would have required the issuance of two license plates for motor vehicles died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The state currently only requires one. The bill required that plates be attached to the front and rear of the vehicle.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.