Mike Spagnola Named 2010 Person of the Year
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 13:49

SEMA News—February 2011

With More Than 30 Years in the Industry, Spagnola Is Recognized for His Work With SEMA and Charity

By Chad Simon
 

SEMA News-February 2011-Mike Spagnola, founder and president of Street Scene Equipment and SEMA Board member
Mike Spagnola, founder and president of Street Scene Equipment and SEMA Board member, was recognized as the 2010 Person of the Year at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas for his work with SEMA and children’s charities. 

   
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 2010 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,” Spagnola said. “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 aftermarket industry, based on his willingness to assist magazines and others in the industry with the building of project vehicles.

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 the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp 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 Named 2010 Person of the Year
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 13:49

SEMA News—February 2011

With More Than 30 Years in the Industry, Spagnola Is Recognized for His Work With SEMA and Charity

By Chad Simon
 

SEMA News-February 2011-Mike Spagnola, founder and president of Street Scene Equipment and SEMA Board member
Mike Spagnola, founder and president of Street Scene Equipment and SEMA Board member, was recognized as the 2010 Person of the Year at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas for his work with SEMA and children’s charities. 

   
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 2010 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,” Spagnola said. “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 aftermarket industry, based on his willingness to assist magazines and others in the industry with the building of project vehicles.

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 the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp 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 Named 2010 Person of the Year
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 13:49

SEMA News—February 2011

With More Than 30 Years in the Industry, Spagnola Is Recognized for His Work With SEMA and Charity

By Chad Simon
 

SEMA News-February 2011-Mike Spagnola, founder and president of Street Scene Equipment and SEMA Board member
Mike Spagnola, founder and president of Street Scene Equipment and SEMA Board member, was recognized as the 2010 Person of the Year at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas for his work with SEMA and children’s charities. 

   
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 2010 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,” Spagnola said. “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 aftermarket industry, based on his willingness to assist magazines and others in the industry with the building of project vehicles.

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 the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp 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 Named 2010 Person of the Year
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 13:49

SEMA News—February 2011

With More Than 30 Years in the Industry, Spagnola Is Recognized for His Work With SEMA and Charity

By Chad Simon
 

SEMA News-February 2011-Mike Spagnola, founder and president of Street Scene Equipment and SEMA Board member
Mike Spagnola, founder and president of Street Scene Equipment and SEMA Board member, was recognized as the 2010 Person of the Year at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas for his work with SEMA and children’s charities. 

   
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 2010 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,” Spagnola said. “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 aftermarket industry, based on his willingness to assist magazines and others in the industry with the building of project vehicles.

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 the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp 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.

Iowa Reintroduces Bill to Reduce Registration Fee for Limited-Mileage Antique Motor Vehicles
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 13:48

A SEMA-supported bill has been reintroduced in the Iowa Legislature to allow ’64 or older motor vehicles to be registered as “limited-mileage” antique vehicles for an annual fee of $10. Vehicle owners taking advantage of this registration class are permitted to drive these vehicles up to 2,500 miles annually. Currently, antique vehicles undergoing the registration process in Iowa for the first time are required to pay an annual $50 registration fee. The measure stipulates that the owner must certify with the annual application for registration that the mileage limit will be observed. The bill also allows the owner of a "limited-mileage" antique vehicle to display authentic model-year registration plates that are registered with the department as the current and valid registration plates for the vehicle. The model-year plates must be furnished by the owner and approved by the department to serve as the vehicle's regular registration plates.

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

Iowa Reintroduces Bill to Reduce Registration Fee for Limited-Mileage Antique Motor Vehicles
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 13:48

A SEMA-supported bill has been reintroduced in the Iowa Legislature to allow ’64 or older motor vehicles to be registered as “limited-mileage” antique vehicles for an annual fee of $10. Vehicle owners taking advantage of this registration class are permitted to drive these vehicles up to 2,500 miles annually. Currently, antique vehicles undergoing the registration process in Iowa for the first time are required to pay an annual $50 registration fee. The measure stipulates that the owner must certify with the annual application for registration that the mileage limit will be observed. The bill also allows the owner of a "limited-mileage" antique vehicle to display authentic model-year registration plates that are registered with the department as the current and valid registration plates for the vehicle. The model-year plates must be furnished by the owner and approved by the department to serve as the vehicle's regular registration plates.

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

North Dakota Introduces Bill to Restrict Vehicle Modifications
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 13:44

A bill has been introduced in the North Dakota State Legislature to prohibit the modification of any motor vehicle that alters the manufacturer's original suspension, steering or brake system unless the state highway patrol issues an inspection certificate. Current law permits modification if the equipment meets “SEMA standards.”

The bill adds that modifying equipment may also meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Among other things, the bill also would require fenders on all motor vehicles. The measure will be considered by the North Dakota House Transportation Committee on February 3, 2011. In a letter to the committee, SEMA informed legislators that there are no specific SEMA standards applicable to equipment used to modify suspension, steering or brake systems. SEMA does not set standards. Further, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) only issues FMVSS to regulate equipment that is required on all new motor vehicles. An aftermarket part may only be regulated if it takes a vehicle out-of-compliance with a required piece of safety equipment when installed. For example, lift kits used to modify ride height for function and utility are not specifically regulated by FMVSS. 

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

North Dakota Introduces Bill to Restrict Vehicle Modifications
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 13:44

A bill has been introduced in the North Dakota State Legislature to prohibit the modification of any motor vehicle that alters the manufacturer's original suspension, steering or brake system unless the state highway patrol issues an inspection certificate. Current law permits modification if the equipment meets “SEMA standards.”

The bill adds that modifying equipment may also meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Among other things, the bill also would require fenders on all motor vehicles. The measure will be considered by the North Dakota House Transportation Committee on February 3, 2011. In a letter to the committee, SEMA informed legislators that there are no specific SEMA standards applicable to equipment used to modify suspension, steering or brake systems. SEMA does not set standards. Further, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) only issues FMVSS to regulate equipment that is required on all new motor vehicles. An aftermarket part may only be regulated if it takes a vehicle out-of-compliance with a required piece of safety equipment when installed. For example, lift kits used to modify ride height for function and utility are not specifically regulated by FMVSS. 

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

Pro-Hobbyist Specially Constructed Vehicle Bill Introduced in Maryland
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 13:41

A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for specially constructed vehicles, including kits and replicas, has been introduced in the Maryland House of Delegates. The bill defines a specially constructed vehicle as a vehicle that was constructed from any combination of new or used parts; was not originally constructed by a generally recognized vehicle manufacturer; and has not been materially altered. The measure allows for the use of non-original materials, exempts specially constructed vehicles from standard equipment requirements and emissions inspections, and provides for special license plates for specially constructed vehicles. The bill will be considered by the Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee on February 8, 2011.

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

Pro-Hobbyist Specially Constructed Vehicle Bill Introduced in Maryland
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 13:41

A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for specially constructed vehicles, including kits and replicas, has been introduced in the Maryland House of Delegates. The bill defines a specially constructed vehicle as a vehicle that was constructed from any combination of new or used parts; was not originally constructed by a generally recognized vehicle manufacturer; and has not been materially altered. The measure allows for the use of non-original materials, exempts specially constructed vehicles from standard equipment requirements and emissions inspections, and provides for special license plates for specially constructed vehicles. The bill will be considered by the Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee on February 8, 2011.

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