By Camee Edelbrock

Camee Edelbrock

When this industry began more than 75 years ago, the men were racing ’32 roadsters across the dry lakes of Southern California while the women were racing around the house, making sure they had a clean place to live and food on the table. Today, women are as much a part of this industry as the men, with roles that include driving race cars, managing businesses, building project vehicles and more.

Balancing a career and home life is more challenging than ever, but the women of the automotive specialty-equipment industry have done it with style for more than 30 years. As a woman who has literally grown up in this business, I’ve witnessed the transition firsthand. In the late ’70s, I attended many events as a representative of the Edelbrock Corp. It was a struggle in those days to get any of the customers to take me seriously. When I offered to answer a question, they simply replied, “I’ll talk to one of the guys.” In 1991, I started racing a ’66 Shelby Mustang GT-350 on the vintage racing circuit. There were no women in the B-production class in which I raced at that time, and very few who drove. Some of the guys treated me like a little sister, teaching me the ropes about road racing. Others were irritated and threatened by my presence, but only when I got close to their rear bumpers or had a faster lap time and qualified for a better starting position.

It’s a completely different story today, thanks to women such as Lynn St. James, Linda Vaughn, Lauren Fix, Courtney Hansen, Jesse Combs and others who have helped pave the way. It’s rather obvious that gender diversity is here to stay!

Here are more thoughts from some of our SBN members:

JoAnn Bortles
Owner of Crazy Horse Painting
Custom Painter/Artist

JoAnn Bortles

“When I first got involved in the auto customizing business in 1979, a longtimer in the industry gave me a friendly reality check. He said, ‘To be a woman in a traditionally male profession, be prepared to work twice as hard and be twice as good as the men.’ For 31 years, I have followed that advice, and it has served me well. There have been times when I ran into men who thought what I was doing was very cool. They would say, ‘Wow, a chick doing that kind of stuff—sure, I’ll let you work on my project!’ Then, in the ’90s, when I thought the old days and stereotyping were behind me, I had an unpleasant job experience where the men I was working with had a ‘women belong in the home, not on the job’ mentality. I was shocked. It was hard to believe that kind of thinking still existed. But it is refreshing and incredible to run into men in this industry, especially very respected and accomplished men, who look at women in this industry and know what it took for us to be here. The acceptance and acknowledgement they give means so much. The reality of being a woman who works in the hands-on end of the custom auto industry means one thing to me, hard work. This is not a 9–5 industry. For the average woman who wears many hats (mom, wife, chef, housekeeper, kid’s taxi service, etc.) working at a career that demands so much, requires serious dedication and discipline. I still work hard, put in brutal long hours and stay creative, inventive and competitive. So I guess, I’m still following that advice I got so very long ago. The upside? It has been an amazing 31 years for me. I look back at all the incredible people I have known and friends I have made, with so many priceless experiences and adventures along the way.”

LuAnne Brown
Owner of eTool Developers
Internet Marketing and Training Specialist

“I love being a woman in the automotive aftermarket! While I am not a big fan of the women’s liberation movement, I want to have the same respect and the same opportunities as our male counterparts. I have found this working in the automotive aftermarket. As in most industries, you have to prove yourself, but if you do what you say you are going to do and get the job done, it doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman! You do good work, you reap the rewards.”

Christina Kwan
Founder and Owner of Kwan International
Global Marketing, Public Relations

“For me, being a woman in the industry today is having the opportunity to continue the efforts of the women who have opened the doors for us. It’s our job now to not only exemplify but to exceed the expectations of what a woman is capable of in the automotive industry. My hopes are that, one day, our efforts as women won’t have to be looked upon as well-deserved respect because of being a woman but rather as an extraordinary individual who happens to be a woman.

To say that we’ve come a long way is quite an understatement, especially when you consider the turbulent economy we’ve all weathered and the technological advances that we continue to provide for men and women enthusiasts. The passion, dedication and continued love affair of this wonderful hobby is a guarantee that there will be plenty of performance, excitement and great-looking hot rods for many years to come.”

By Camee Edelbrock

Camee Edelbrock

When this industry began more than 75 years ago, the men were racing ’32 roadsters across the dry lakes of Southern California while the women were racing around the house, making sure they had a clean place to live and food on the table. Today, women are as much a part of this industry as the men, with roles that include driving race cars, managing businesses, building project vehicles and more.

Balancing a career and home life is more challenging than ever, but the women of the automotive specialty-equipment industry have done it with style for more than 30 years. As a woman who has literally grown up in this business, I’ve witnessed the transition firsthand. In the late ’70s, I attended many events as a representative of the Edelbrock Corp. It was a struggle in those days to get any of the customers to take me seriously. When I offered to answer a question, they simply replied, “I’ll talk to one of the guys.” In 1991, I started racing a ’66 Shelby Mustang GT-350 on the vintage racing circuit. There were no women in the B-production class in which I raced at that time, and very few who drove. Some of the guys treated me like a little sister, teaching me the ropes about road racing. Others were irritated and threatened by my presence, but only when I got close to their rear bumpers or had a faster lap time and qualified for a better starting position.

It’s a completely different story today, thanks to women such as Lynn St. James, Linda Vaughn, Lauren Fix, Courtney Hansen, Jesse Combs and others who have helped pave the way. It’s rather obvious that gender diversity is here to stay!

Here are more thoughts from some of our SBN members:

JoAnn Bortles
Owner of Crazy Horse Painting
Custom Painter/Artist

JoAnn Bortles

“When I first got involved in the auto customizing business in 1979, a longtimer in the industry gave me a friendly reality check. He said, ‘To be a woman in a traditionally male profession, be prepared to work twice as hard and be twice as good as the men.’ For 31 years, I have followed that advice, and it has served me well. There have been times when I ran into men who thought what I was doing was very cool. They would say, ‘Wow, a chick doing that kind of stuff—sure, I’ll let you work on my project!’ Then, in the ’90s, when I thought the old days and stereotyping were behind me, I had an unpleasant job experience where the men I was working with had a ‘women belong in the home, not on the job’ mentality. I was shocked. It was hard to believe that kind of thinking still existed. But it is refreshing and incredible to run into men in this industry, especially very respected and accomplished men, who look at women in this industry and know what it took for us to be here. The acceptance and acknowledgement they give means so much. The reality of being a woman who works in the hands-on end of the custom auto industry means one thing to me, hard work. This is not a 9–5 industry. For the average woman who wears many hats (mom, wife, chef, housekeeper, kid’s taxi service, etc.) working at a career that demands so much, requires serious dedication and discipline. I still work hard, put in brutal long hours and stay creative, inventive and competitive. So I guess, I’m still following that advice I got so very long ago. The upside? It has been an amazing 31 years for me. I look back at all the incredible people I have known and friends I have made, with so many priceless experiences and adventures along the way.”

LuAnne Brown
Owner of eTool Developers
Internet Marketing and Training Specialist

“I love being a woman in the automotive aftermarket! While I am not a big fan of the women’s liberation movement, I want to have the same respect and the same opportunities as our male counterparts. I have found this working in the automotive aftermarket. As in most industries, you have to prove yourself, but if you do what you say you are going to do and get the job done, it doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman! You do good work, you reap the rewards.”

Christina Kwan
Founder and Owner of Kwan International
Global Marketing, Public Relations

“For me, being a woman in the industry today is having the opportunity to continue the efforts of the women who have opened the doors for us. It’s our job now to not only exemplify but to exceed the expectations of what a woman is capable of in the automotive industry. My hopes are that, one day, our efforts as women won’t have to be looked upon as well-deserved respect because of being a woman but rather as an extraordinary individual who happens to be a woman.

To say that we’ve come a long way is quite an understatement, especially when you consider the turbulent economy we’ve all weathered and the technological advances that we continue to provide for men and women enthusiasts. The passion, dedication and continued love affair of this wonderful hobby is a guarantee that there will be plenty of performance, excitement and great-looking hot rods for many years to come.”

	The staff and membership of SEMA and the HRIA can have a direct impact on safeguarding the tradition of hot rodding in America through the SEMA Hot Rod Bill. (Photo Courtesy Dennis Overholser)

There may be nothing more American than a hot rod! As the rest of the world continues to adopt elements of our unique cultural identity, there are few things left that are truly American. Classic hot rods and musclecars are 100% American made. Unfortunately, these vehicles have long struggled to find their place in the law. Too often, a lack of knowledge and experience on the part of legislators has led to bad laws that negatively impact our industry and the hobby. However, the staff and membership of SEMA and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) can have a direct impact on safeguarding the tradition of hot rodding in America.

	The staff and membership of SEMA and the HRIA can have a direct impact on safeguarding the tradition of hot rodding in America through the SEMA Hot Rod Bill. (Photo Courtesy Dennis Overholser)

There may be nothing more American than a hot rod! As the rest of the world continues to adopt elements of our unique cultural identity, there are few things left that are truly American. Classic hot rods and musclecars are 100% American made. Unfortunately, these vehicles have long struggled to find their place in the law. Too often, a lack of knowledge and experience on the part of legislators has led to bad laws that negatively impact our industry and the hobby. However, the staff and membership of SEMA and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) can have a direct impact on safeguarding the tradition of hot rodding in America.

	The staff and membership of SEMA and the HRIA can have a direct impact on safeguarding the tradition of hot rodding in America through the SEMA Hot Rod Bill. (Photo Courtesy Dennis Overholser)

There may be nothing more American than a hot rod! As the rest of the world continues to adopt elements of our unique cultural identity, there are few things left that are truly American. Classic hot rods and musclecars are 100% American made. Unfortunately, these vehicles have long struggled to find their place in the law. Too often, a lack of knowledge and experience on the part of legislators has led to bad laws that negatively impact our industry and the hobby. However, the staff and membership of SEMA and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) can have a direct impact on safeguarding the tradition of hot rodding in America.

	Three tests are used for benchmark testing in the wheel industry. If any wheel has a design flaw or a material weakness, it will be presented and found during these tests. The SAE and WTC have done a great job in developing a testing standard to establish a set of industry-recommended minimum guidelines for the wheel industry.

A few years ago, SEMA and its Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) worked with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to develop an industry testing practice for aftermarket wheels. SAE J2530 (Aftermarket Wheels Performance Requirements and Testing Procedures) outlines performance and sampling guidelines, testing procedures and marking requirements for aftermarket wheels used on cars, light trucks and multipurpose vehicles. The document identifies three main areas of testing, including cornering and radial fatigue and impact strength. A manufacturer can purchase the J2530 specifications from SAE and test at its own internal lab or at any testing facility of its choosing, so long as that facility maintains the necessary equipment to perform the tests.

SEMA and the WTC strongly support J2530 and urge manufacturers to adopt its recommended practices.

“Consumer safety was the driving force in the development of these guidelines,” said George Finch of Carlisle Tire and Wheel and WTC’s science and technology chairman. “It’s a way for manufacturers who care about safety to differentiate themselves.”

Three test machines are required for the SAE J2530 radial fatigue, cornering fatigue and impact fatigue tests. They are designed to fatigue all of the metal components and design features of an individual wheel.

The radial test fatigues the metal in the rim flanges of the wheel, the section that holds the tire onto the wheel and is loaded through the radial axis of the centerline of the wheel. This test also fatigues the metal in the spoke features of the wheel, which carries the load of the vehicle from the hub to the center disc and then to the barrel of the wheel. With every revolution of the wheel, the components are compressed under load as the test load passes over the tire footprint load point and then relaxes after the load has passed. This movement fatigues the metal through the wheel as if it were mounted on the vehicle.

The cornering test (a.k.a. rotary fatigue) fatigues the metal in the hub and the center disc as it pertains to the mounting pattern all the way out to the connection points of the barrel part of the wheel. This is the most stringent of the three tests, as it exercises the portions of the wheel that are subjected to the most movement under load. This test represents the wheels that steer a vehicle and simulates a cornering maneuver, the point at which wheels are subjected to the greatest
cornering forces.

The lateral curb impact is designed to simulate hitting a curb and causing a shock injury to the wheel from the side. The applied impact energy determines if the wheel can sustain an injury from a side impact and not break or crack the rim flange, causing air loss to the tire. This immediate burst of energy can also cause the mounting pattern or center disc to crack, break or separate.

These three tests are staples for benchmark testing in the wheel industry. If any wheel has a design flaw or a material weakness, it will be presented and found during these tests. The SAE and WTC have done a great job in developing this testing standard to establish a set of industry-recommended minimum guidelines for the wheel industry.

SAE is considering taking an additional step, requiring manufacturers to register with the organization in order to place an SAE logo on wheels that conform to J2530. The voluntary program would provide consumers with access to a database of participating companies and basic test results. SAE intends to eventually expand the program to require that participating companies submit test results to SAE for publication and require that individual test labs be certified using SAE-recognized procedures in order for those using the recommended practice to claim individual certification to
the practice.

SEMA and WTC have expressed reservations about the registration/certification program.

“We are a self-policing industry, and there should be the means to provide some oversight in our industry,” said Tim Dietz of Standards Testing Laboratories Inc. and WTC’s chairman. “SAE J2530 testing practices help provide the tools with which a company might ensure that it is producing a safe product that will perform in the field as expected. However, there are companies that already test their products and others that still do not. We are not entirely convinced that this portion of the SAE program will solve this problem. We feel that this program will only affect those companies that are already performing the testing and will not reach those companies that are not testing. As this program progresses, we hope to find ways of prompting the manufacturers that do not legitimately test their products without adding unnecessary overhead to burden those responsible manufacturers that already do conduct testing.”

SEMA and WTC continue to support the J2530 standard and are actively working with SAE to address the industry’s concerns and create a program that benefits all.

	Three tests are used for benchmark testing in the wheel industry. If any wheel has a design flaw or a material weakness, it will be presented and found during these tests. The SAE and WTC have done a great job in developing a testing standard to establish a set of industry-recommended minimum guidelines for the wheel industry.

A few years ago, SEMA and its Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) worked with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to develop an industry testing practice for aftermarket wheels. SAE J2530 (Aftermarket Wheels Performance Requirements and Testing Procedures) outlines performance and sampling guidelines, testing procedures and marking requirements for aftermarket wheels used on cars, light trucks and multipurpose vehicles. The document identifies three main areas of testing, including cornering and radial fatigue and impact strength. A manufacturer can purchase the J2530 specifications from SAE and test at its own internal lab or at any testing facility of its choosing, so long as that facility maintains the necessary equipment to perform the tests.

SEMA and the WTC strongly support J2530 and urge manufacturers to adopt its recommended practices.

“Consumer safety was the driving force in the development of these guidelines,” said George Finch of Carlisle Tire and Wheel and WTC’s science and technology chairman. “It’s a way for manufacturers who care about safety to differentiate themselves.”

Three test machines are required for the SAE J2530 radial fatigue, cornering fatigue and impact fatigue tests. They are designed to fatigue all of the metal components and design features of an individual wheel.

The radial test fatigues the metal in the rim flanges of the wheel, the section that holds the tire onto the wheel and is loaded through the radial axis of the centerline of the wheel. This test also fatigues the metal in the spoke features of the wheel, which carries the load of the vehicle from the hub to the center disc and then to the barrel of the wheel. With every revolution of the wheel, the components are compressed under load as the test load passes over the tire footprint load point and then relaxes after the load has passed. This movement fatigues the metal through the wheel as if it were mounted on the vehicle.

The cornering test (a.k.a. rotary fatigue) fatigues the metal in the hub and the center disc as it pertains to the mounting pattern all the way out to the connection points of the barrel part of the wheel. This is the most stringent of the three tests, as it exercises the portions of the wheel that are subjected to the most movement under load. This test represents the wheels that steer a vehicle and simulates a cornering maneuver, the point at which wheels are subjected to the greatest
cornering forces.

The lateral curb impact is designed to simulate hitting a curb and causing a shock injury to the wheel from the side. The applied impact energy determines if the wheel can sustain an injury from a side impact and not break or crack the rim flange, causing air loss to the tire. This immediate burst of energy can also cause the mounting pattern or center disc to crack, break or separate.

These three tests are staples for benchmark testing in the wheel industry. If any wheel has a design flaw or a material weakness, it will be presented and found during these tests. The SAE and WTC have done a great job in developing this testing standard to establish a set of industry-recommended minimum guidelines for the wheel industry.

SAE is considering taking an additional step, requiring manufacturers to register with the organization in order to place an SAE logo on wheels that conform to J2530. The voluntary program would provide consumers with access to a database of participating companies and basic test results. SAE intends to eventually expand the program to require that participating companies submit test results to SAE for publication and require that individual test labs be certified using SAE-recognized procedures in order for those using the recommended practice to claim individual certification to
the practice.

SEMA and WTC have expressed reservations about the registration/certification program.

“We are a self-policing industry, and there should be the means to provide some oversight in our industry,” said Tim Dietz of Standards Testing Laboratories Inc. and WTC’s chairman. “SAE J2530 testing practices help provide the tools with which a company might ensure that it is producing a safe product that will perform in the field as expected. However, there are companies that already test their products and others that still do not. We are not entirely convinced that this portion of the SAE program will solve this problem. We feel that this program will only affect those companies that are already performing the testing and will not reach those companies that are not testing. As this program progresses, we hope to find ways of prompting the manufacturers that do not legitimately test their products without adding unnecessary overhead to burden those responsible manufacturers that already do conduct testing.”

SEMA and WTC continue to support the J2530 standard and are actively working with SAE to address the industry’s concerns and create a program that benefits all.

	Three tests are used for benchmark testing in the wheel industry. If any wheel has a design flaw or a material weakness, it will be presented and found during these tests. The SAE and WTC have done a great job in developing a testing standard to establish a set of industry-recommended minimum guidelines for the wheel industry.

A few years ago, SEMA and its Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) worked with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to develop an industry testing practice for aftermarket wheels. SAE J2530 (Aftermarket Wheels Performance Requirements and Testing Procedures) outlines performance and sampling guidelines, testing procedures and marking requirements for aftermarket wheels used on cars, light trucks and multipurpose vehicles. The document identifies three main areas of testing, including cornering and radial fatigue and impact strength. A manufacturer can purchase the J2530 specifications from SAE and test at its own internal lab or at any testing facility of its choosing, so long as that facility maintains the necessary equipment to perform the tests.

SEMA and the WTC strongly support J2530 and urge manufacturers to adopt its recommended practices.

“Consumer safety was the driving force in the development of these guidelines,” said George Finch of Carlisle Tire and Wheel and WTC’s science and technology chairman. “It’s a way for manufacturers who care about safety to differentiate themselves.”

Three test machines are required for the SAE J2530 radial fatigue, cornering fatigue and impact fatigue tests. They are designed to fatigue all of the metal components and design features of an individual wheel.

The radial test fatigues the metal in the rim flanges of the wheel, the section that holds the tire onto the wheel and is loaded through the radial axis of the centerline of the wheel. This test also fatigues the metal in the spoke features of the wheel, which carries the load of the vehicle from the hub to the center disc and then to the barrel of the wheel. With every revolution of the wheel, the components are compressed under load as the test load passes over the tire footprint load point and then relaxes after the load has passed. This movement fatigues the metal through the wheel as if it were mounted on the vehicle.

The cornering test (a.k.a. rotary fatigue) fatigues the metal in the hub and the center disc as it pertains to the mounting pattern all the way out to the connection points of the barrel part of the wheel. This is the most stringent of the three tests, as it exercises the portions of the wheel that are subjected to the most movement under load. This test represents the wheels that steer a vehicle and simulates a cornering maneuver, the point at which wheels are subjected to the greatest
cornering forces.

The lateral curb impact is designed to simulate hitting a curb and causing a shock injury to the wheel from the side. The applied impact energy determines if the wheel can sustain an injury from a side impact and not break or crack the rim flange, causing air loss to the tire. This immediate burst of energy can also cause the mounting pattern or center disc to crack, break or separate.

These three tests are staples for benchmark testing in the wheel industry. If any wheel has a design flaw or a material weakness, it will be presented and found during these tests. The SAE and WTC have done a great job in developing this testing standard to establish a set of industry-recommended minimum guidelines for the wheel industry.

SAE is considering taking an additional step, requiring manufacturers to register with the organization in order to place an SAE logo on wheels that conform to J2530. The voluntary program would provide consumers with access to a database of participating companies and basic test results. SAE intends to eventually expand the program to require that participating companies submit test results to SAE for publication and require that individual test labs be certified using SAE-recognized procedures in order for those using the recommended practice to claim individual certification to
the practice.

SEMA and WTC have expressed reservations about the registration/certification program.

“We are a self-policing industry, and there should be the means to provide some oversight in our industry,” said Tim Dietz of Standards Testing Laboratories Inc. and WTC’s chairman. “SAE J2530 testing practices help provide the tools with which a company might ensure that it is producing a safe product that will perform in the field as expected. However, there are companies that already test their products and others that still do not. We are not entirely convinced that this portion of the SAE program will solve this problem. We feel that this program will only affect those companies that are already performing the testing and will not reach those companies that are not testing. As this program progresses, we hope to find ways of prompting the manufacturers that do not legitimately test their products without adding unnecessary overhead to burden those responsible manufacturers that already do conduct testing.”

SEMA and WTC continue to support the J2530 standard and are actively working with SAE to address the industry’s concerns and create a program that benefits all.

FROM THE HILL

Taking part in the Congressional District Site Visit Program call at RTM Productions in Franklin, Tennessee, were (from left) Donnie Eatherly, president of P&E Distributors; Cara Dalmolin and Mike Knotts from the office of Rep. Marsha Blackburn; Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); Joe St. Lawrence, president of RTM Productions; Patty Bledsoe St. Lawrence, COO of RTM Productions; Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising; and Jim Cozzie, former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors and executive vice president of RTM Productions.

SEMA-member RTM Productions welcomed Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for a behind-the-scenes tour and legislative briefing at its headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee. Established in 1989, RTM produces automotive, outdoor and entertainment programming for television, including the acclaimed PowerBlockTV series. In 2006, RTM consolidated its three locations and moved into a state-of-the-art, 50,000-sq.-ft. facility. The production technical center features six full production studios and five editing suites along with the company’s business offices.

Rep. Blackburn was first elected to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in 2002 and is now serving her fifth term in Congress. She owns a small-business marketing company and, before coming to Washington, was active in state and local politics. She served in the Tennessee State Senate from 1998–2002, where she led a grassroots campaign to defeat a proposed state income tax.

Rep. Blackburn has been a strong advocate for small businesses in Congress, serving on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. She is the Republican Deputy Whip, an important position for coordinating party positions and votes in the House. Rep. Blackburn is also a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

At RTM Productions, Rep. Blackburn was greeted by Chief Operating Officer Patty Bledsoe St. Lawrence and President Joe St. Lawrence as well as Executive Vice President and former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors Jim Cozzie. Joining the tour were SEMA Board members and constituents Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising, and Donnie Eatherly, president of P&E Distributors. Based in Nashville, Martin & Company specializes in public relations and marketing strategies for the automotive aftermarket. P&E Distributors is a premier automotive wholesale distribution center in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

	Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) was first elected to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in 2002 and is now serving her fifth term in Congress as Republican Deputy Whip. She owns a small business marketing company and is also a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

The RTM tour featured visits to the PowerblockTV studios and production facilities, including the stage sets for RTM shows “Xtreme 4x4,” “Trucks!,” “HorsePower” and “MuscleCar.” Following the tour, Blackburn led a discussion regarding critical issues in Washington, including how to make health care more affordable for small-business owners and increasing access to credit to spur economic growth.

“Small businesses are the engines of our economy, and they will drive our recovery,” Rep. Blackburn said. “As we get to work in Washington creating the environment for jobs growth, it is vital that I stay in touch with the job creators in Tennessee. This visit gave me a wonderful perspective on RTM’s challenges as well as its incredible potential.”

Cozzie congratulated Rep. Blackburn on her leadership in the new Congress and wished her the best of luck for a productive year.

“We appreciate Representative Blackburn’s hands-on approach to constituent service here in her district, especially her fight against increased health care premiums for business owners,” Cozzie said. “Having the opportunity to showcase RTM’s production facilities and discuss local issues with our lawmakers through SEMA’s Congressional District Site Visit Program is invaluable.”

The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C. The program allows SEMA members to raise the visibility of the industry on Capitol Hill by connecting lawmakers with their constituents in their home districts. The RTM event was Blackburn’s second program visit. In 2003, she toured the Hypertech Inc. headquarters and met with local constituents.

Any company interested in hosting an event at its facilities with its federal elected officials may contact Congressional Affairs Manager Dan Sadowski via e-mail or by calling 202/783-6007 x19.

FROM THE HILL

Taking part in the Congressional District Site Visit Program call at RTM Productions in Franklin, Tennessee, were (from left) Donnie Eatherly, president of P&E Distributors; Cara Dalmolin and Mike Knotts from the office of Rep. Marsha Blackburn; Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); Joe St. Lawrence, president of RTM Productions; Patty Bledsoe St. Lawrence, COO of RTM Productions; Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising; and Jim Cozzie, former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors and executive vice president of RTM Productions.

SEMA-member RTM Productions welcomed Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for a behind-the-scenes tour and legislative briefing at its headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee. Established in 1989, RTM produces automotive, outdoor and entertainment programming for television, including the acclaimed PowerBlockTV series. In 2006, RTM consolidated its three locations and moved into a state-of-the-art, 50,000-sq.-ft. facility. The production technical center features six full production studios and five editing suites along with the company’s business offices.

Rep. Blackburn was first elected to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in 2002 and is now serving her fifth term in Congress. She owns a small-business marketing company and, before coming to Washington, was active in state and local politics. She served in the Tennessee State Senate from 1998–2002, where she led a grassroots campaign to defeat a proposed state income tax.

Rep. Blackburn has been a strong advocate for small businesses in Congress, serving on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. She is the Republican Deputy Whip, an important position for coordinating party positions and votes in the House. Rep. Blackburn is also a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

At RTM Productions, Rep. Blackburn was greeted by Chief Operating Officer Patty Bledsoe St. Lawrence and President Joe St. Lawrence as well as Executive Vice President and former chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors Jim Cozzie. Joining the tour were SEMA Board members and constituents Zan Martin, president of Martin & Company Advertising, and Donnie Eatherly, president of P&E Distributors. Based in Nashville, Martin & Company specializes in public relations and marketing strategies for the automotive aftermarket. P&E Distributors is a premier automotive wholesale distribution center in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

	Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) was first elected to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in 2002 and is now serving her fifth term in Congress as Republican Deputy Whip. She owns a small business marketing company and is also a member of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

The RTM tour featured visits to the PowerblockTV studios and production facilities, including the stage sets for RTM shows “Xtreme 4x4,” “Trucks!,” “HorsePower” and “MuscleCar.” Following the tour, Blackburn led a discussion regarding critical issues in Washington, including how to make health care more affordable for small-business owners and increasing access to credit to spur economic growth.

“Small businesses are the engines of our economy, and they will drive our recovery,” Rep. Blackburn said. “As we get to work in Washington creating the environment for jobs growth, it is vital that I stay in touch with the job creators in Tennessee. This visit gave me a wonderful perspective on RTM’s challenges as well as its incredible potential.”

Cozzie congratulated Rep. Blackburn on her leadership in the new Congress and wished her the best of luck for a productive year.

“We appreciate Representative Blackburn’s hands-on approach to constituent service here in her district, especially her fight against increased health care premiums for business owners,” Cozzie said. “Having the opportunity to showcase RTM’s production facilities and discuss local issues with our lawmakers through SEMA’s Congressional District Site Visit Program is invaluable.”

The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C. The program allows SEMA members to raise the visibility of the industry on Capitol Hill by connecting lawmakers with their constituents in their home districts. The RTM event was Blackburn’s second program visit. In 2003, she toured the Hypertech Inc. headquarters and met with local constituents.

Any company interested in hosting an event at its facilities with its federal elected officials may contact Congressional Affairs Manager Dan Sadowski via e-mail or by calling 202/783-6007 x19.