Jim MacMaster

On June 30, Jim MacMaster, Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) executive vice president and chief operating officer, will retire after 39 years in the tire industry. MacMaster, who also served as chairman of the Rubber Manufacturers Association from 2007–2009, began his career with a three-year stint in the navy, followed by work in the defense and computer industries and then 10 years on the manufacturing and dealer side of the tire business. He ultimately joined Yokohama in January 1981. During his 30-year tenure at Yokohama—the U.S. flagship for Tokyo, Japan-based Yokohama Rubber Company (YRC)—the organization grew from a $30 million company to nearly $1 billion and is now the seventh largest tire manufacturer in the world.

HRE Performance Wheels has selected Kahn Media to assist with public relations and communication initiatives. In addition to providing media outreach and PR assistance, Kahn Media will work with HRE management on strategic planning initiatives and social media marketing campaigns to elevate brand visibility, increase sales and promote the company’s top products.

OptiCat announced that Illumaware has become an OptiCat TeamDIO member. As a TeamDIO member, Illumaware will provide AAIA Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES), Legacy and Product Information Exchange Standards (PIES) data directly to the OptiCat DIO Data Repository, resulting in faster and more accurate data delivery to auto parts resellers.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) acquired Accessories Marketing Inc. (AMI), creator and manufacturer of the Slime brand of tire-sealant products. AMI is a leader in flat-tire prevention and repair. Accessories Marketing Inc. employs approximately 60 people and has a global headquarters in Grover Beach, California. The purchase was announced by David C. Parry, executive vice president of ITW, who indicated that AMI would become part of ITW’s Performance Polymers and Fluids Group and continue to operate as a separate entity. The AMI acquisition was led by Permatex, a business unit of ITW.

The Automobile Club of Southern California has extended and added to its relationship with the NHRA and has expanded its sponsorship to include title rights of the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway International Raceway outside St. Louis. The relationship also includes naming rights for Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, entitlement rights of the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals held at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, sponsorship of the Auto Club "Road to the Future" award annually recognizing the sport's professional rookie of the year, presenting sponsorship of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, and presenting sponsorship of the popular California Hot Rod Reunion held at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California. In addition, Automobile Club of Southern California is presenting sponsor of the NHRA Safety Safari and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. 

Ford Motor Company will host a measuring session for the 2011 Ford Fiesta at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

Ford Motor Company will host a measuring session for the 2011 Ford Fiesta at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

Ford Motor Company will host a measuring session for the 2011 Ford Fiesta at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

Ford Motor Company will host a measuring session for the 2011 Ford Fiesta at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA News - April 2010

The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to read this column and become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.

The last election cycle ensconced a Congress and White House that continue to overlook a crucial point in the plans for an economic turnaround: it is small businesses supplying most of the jobs in America. Unless small businesses succeed, the needed re-employment, improved consumer confidence and healthy climb out of the current recession will not materialize.

SEMA has important tools to help you individually and as SEMA members make a difference in the battle to keep small businesses from getting crushed by the decisions being made in Washington, D.C. But you have to get active. Look at your weekly SEMA eNews, visit the SEMA website, these resources highlight the legislative issues important to our industry. The SEMA website has all the information you need to contact your member of Congress and the White House. Our Washington staff is also available to help you arrange a meeting with your legislator in your home district or in Washington, D.C. Because so many Americans are apathetic, if you do take initiative and speak up, your voice will matter more than you may think. Legislators are eager to hear what their constituents want.

Another important means to make a difference is to act collectively with your fellow SEMA members. When we join together, when we lend volume to each other, we cannot help but be heard. That is the essence of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC).

SEMA PAC is our industry’s means to help the election efforts of legislators who act to support our industry. The seven-year-old SEMA PAC pools its collective resources, giving it a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

PACs are funded by personal contributions; companies cannot contribute. In fact, SEMA itself is prohibited from using association funds to make political contributions, but it is allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC, so 100% of the contributions you make are used to help elect industry-supportive legislators. The funds we provide and the relationships we build are vital. In this election year, it could mean the difference between re-establishing support for small businesses or allowing the current economic tailspin to continue.

Recent elections in Massachusetts, Virginia and New Jersey have confirmed the electorate’s discontent over the prospects of larger government, uncontrolled deficits and an economy that has been unable to produce jobs. Those who hold office after this November’s elections will hold the ultimate sway on important issues, such as affordable health care, credit availability, environmental issues and budget reform.

Federal election law requires trade associations, such as SEMA, to obtain the prior approval of its members in order to solicit contributions to the PAC. Signing such a form doesn’t obligate you to contribute; it just allows the PAC to contact you. Downloading, signing and submitting the prior-consent form ensures that you will hear updates about what’s happening in Washington, and it is the first step in ensuring that Washington hears from you and your industry colleagues. It is ultimately your private financial contribution to the PAC that gives voice to the industry on Capitol Hill.

As noted, SEMA uses your dues and revenue from the SEMA Show to operate an effective government affairs office in Washington to safeguard the industry on issues and opportunities that are of concern specifically to us. That really is one of the association’s primary jobs. However, so much more can be done with a large number of active, united SEMA members working with the association’s staff.

Now, more than ever, your association and its leaders are calling on you to make your voice heard. SEMA PAC can help. Please visit www.SEMAPAC.org and submit a prior-approval form today. 

SEMA News - April 2010

The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to read this column and become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.

The last election cycle ensconced a Congress and White House that continue to overlook a crucial point in the plans for an economic turnaround: it is small businesses supplying most of the jobs in America. Unless small businesses succeed, the needed re-employment, improved consumer confidence and healthy climb out of the current recession will not materialize.

SEMA has important tools to help you individually and as SEMA members make a difference in the battle to keep small businesses from getting crushed by the decisions being made in Washington, D.C. But you have to get active. Look at your weekly SEMA eNews, visit the SEMA website, these resources highlight the legislative issues important to our industry. The SEMA website has all the information you need to contact your member of Congress and the White House. Our Washington staff is also available to help you arrange a meeting with your legislator in your home district or in Washington, D.C. Because so many Americans are apathetic, if you do take initiative and speak up, your voice will matter more than you may think. Legislators are eager to hear what their constituents want.

Another important means to make a difference is to act collectively with your fellow SEMA members. When we join together, when we lend volume to each other, we cannot help but be heard. That is the essence of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC).

SEMA PAC is our industry’s means to help the election efforts of legislators who act to support our industry. The seven-year-old SEMA PAC pools its collective resources, giving it a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

PACs are funded by personal contributions; companies cannot contribute. In fact, SEMA itself is prohibited from using association funds to make political contributions, but it is allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC, so 100% of the contributions you make are used to help elect industry-supportive legislators. The funds we provide and the relationships we build are vital. In this election year, it could mean the difference between re-establishing support for small businesses or allowing the current economic tailspin to continue.

Recent elections in Massachusetts, Virginia and New Jersey have confirmed the electorate’s discontent over the prospects of larger government, uncontrolled deficits and an economy that has been unable to produce jobs. Those who hold office after this November’s elections will hold the ultimate sway on important issues, such as affordable health care, credit availability, environmental issues and budget reform.

Federal election law requires trade associations, such as SEMA, to obtain the prior approval of its members in order to solicit contributions to the PAC. Signing such a form doesn’t obligate you to contribute; it just allows the PAC to contact you. Downloading, signing and submitting the prior-consent form ensures that you will hear updates about what’s happening in Washington, and it is the first step in ensuring that Washington hears from you and your industry colleagues. It is ultimately your private financial contribution to the PAC that gives voice to the industry on Capitol Hill.

As noted, SEMA uses your dues and revenue from the SEMA Show to operate an effective government affairs office in Washington to safeguard the industry on issues and opportunities that are of concern specifically to us. That really is one of the association’s primary jobs. However, so much more can be done with a large number of active, united SEMA members working with the association’s staff.

Now, more than ever, your association and its leaders are calling on you to make your voice heard. SEMA PAC can help. Please visit www.SEMAPAC.org and submit a prior-approval form today. 

SEMA News - April 2010

The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to read this column and become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.

The last election cycle ensconced a Congress and White House that continue to overlook a crucial point in the plans for an economic turnaround: it is small businesses supplying most of the jobs in America. Unless small businesses succeed, the needed re-employment, improved consumer confidence and healthy climb out of the current recession will not materialize.

SEMA has important tools to help you individually and as SEMA members make a difference in the battle to keep small businesses from getting crushed by the decisions being made in Washington, D.C. But you have to get active. Look at your weekly SEMA eNews, visit the SEMA website, these resources highlight the legislative issues important to our industry. The SEMA website has all the information you need to contact your member of Congress and the White House. Our Washington staff is also available to help you arrange a meeting with your legislator in your home district or in Washington, D.C. Because so many Americans are apathetic, if you do take initiative and speak up, your voice will matter more than you may think. Legislators are eager to hear what their constituents want.

Another important means to make a difference is to act collectively with your fellow SEMA members. When we join together, when we lend volume to each other, we cannot help but be heard. That is the essence of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC).

SEMA PAC is our industry’s means to help the election efforts of legislators who act to support our industry. The seven-year-old SEMA PAC pools its collective resources, giving it a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

PACs are funded by personal contributions; companies cannot contribute. In fact, SEMA itself is prohibited from using association funds to make political contributions, but it is allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC, so 100% of the contributions you make are used to help elect industry-supportive legislators. The funds we provide and the relationships we build are vital. In this election year, it could mean the difference between re-establishing support for small businesses or allowing the current economic tailspin to continue.

Recent elections in Massachusetts, Virginia and New Jersey have confirmed the electorate’s discontent over the prospects of larger government, uncontrolled deficits and an economy that has been unable to produce jobs. Those who hold office after this November’s elections will hold the ultimate sway on important issues, such as affordable health care, credit availability, environmental issues and budget reform.

Federal election law requires trade associations, such as SEMA, to obtain the prior approval of its members in order to solicit contributions to the PAC. Signing such a form doesn’t obligate you to contribute; it just allows the PAC to contact you. Downloading, signing and submitting the prior-consent form ensures that you will hear updates about what’s happening in Washington, and it is the first step in ensuring that Washington hears from you and your industry colleagues. It is ultimately your private financial contribution to the PAC that gives voice to the industry on Capitol Hill.

As noted, SEMA uses your dues and revenue from the SEMA Show to operate an effective government affairs office in Washington to safeguard the industry on issues and opportunities that are of concern specifically to us. That really is one of the association’s primary jobs. However, so much more can be done with a large number of active, united SEMA members working with the association’s staff.

Now, more than ever, your association and its leaders are calling on you to make your voice heard. SEMA PAC can help. Please visit www.SEMAPAC.org and submit a prior-approval form today. 

SEMA News - April 2010

The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to read this column and become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.

The last election cycle ensconced a Congress and White House that continue to overlook a crucial point in the plans for an economic turnaround: it is small businesses supplying most of the jobs in America. Unless small businesses succeed, the needed re-employment, improved consumer confidence and healthy climb out of the current recession will not materialize.

SEMA has important tools to help you individually and as SEMA members make a difference in the battle to keep small businesses from getting crushed by the decisions being made in Washington, D.C. But you have to get active. Look at your weekly SEMA eNews, visit the SEMA website, these resources highlight the legislative issues important to our industry. The SEMA website has all the information you need to contact your member of Congress and the White House. Our Washington staff is also available to help you arrange a meeting with your legislator in your home district or in Washington, D.C. Because so many Americans are apathetic, if you do take initiative and speak up, your voice will matter more than you may think. Legislators are eager to hear what their constituents want.

Another important means to make a difference is to act collectively with your fellow SEMA members. When we join together, when we lend volume to each other, we cannot help but be heard. That is the essence of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC).

SEMA PAC is our industry’s means to help the election efforts of legislators who act to support our industry. The seven-year-old SEMA PAC pools its collective resources, giving it a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

PACs are funded by personal contributions; companies cannot contribute. In fact, SEMA itself is prohibited from using association funds to make political contributions, but it is allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC, so 100% of the contributions you make are used to help elect industry-supportive legislators. The funds we provide and the relationships we build are vital. In this election year, it could mean the difference between re-establishing support for small businesses or allowing the current economic tailspin to continue.

Recent elections in Massachusetts, Virginia and New Jersey have confirmed the electorate’s discontent over the prospects of larger government, uncontrolled deficits and an economy that has been unable to produce jobs. Those who hold office after this November’s elections will hold the ultimate sway on important issues, such as affordable health care, credit availability, environmental issues and budget reform.

Federal election law requires trade associations, such as SEMA, to obtain the prior approval of its members in order to solicit contributions to the PAC. Signing such a form doesn’t obligate you to contribute; it just allows the PAC to contact you. Downloading, signing and submitting the prior-consent form ensures that you will hear updates about what’s happening in Washington, and it is the first step in ensuring that Washington hears from you and your industry colleagues. It is ultimately your private financial contribution to the PAC that gives voice to the industry on Capitol Hill.

As noted, SEMA uses your dues and revenue from the SEMA Show to operate an effective government affairs office in Washington to safeguard the industry on issues and opportunities that are of concern specifically to us. That really is one of the association’s primary jobs. However, so much more can be done with a large number of active, united SEMA members working with the association’s staff.

Now, more than ever, your association and its leaders are calling on you to make your voice heard. SEMA PAC can help. Please visit www.SEMAPAC.org and submit a prior-approval form today. 

SEMA News - April 2010

The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to read this column and become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.

The last election cycle ensconced a Congress and White House that continue to overlook a crucial point in the plans for an economic turnaround: it is small businesses supplying most of the jobs in America. Unless small businesses succeed, the needed re-employment, improved consumer confidence and healthy climb out of the current recession will not materialize.

SEMA has important tools to help you individually and as SEMA members make a difference in the battle to keep small businesses from getting crushed by the decisions being made in Washington, D.C. But you have to get active. Look at your weekly SEMA eNews, visit the SEMA website, these resources highlight the legislative issues important to our industry. The SEMA website has all the information you need to contact your member of Congress and the White House. Our Washington staff is also available to help you arrange a meeting with your legislator in your home district or in Washington, D.C. Because so many Americans are apathetic, if you do take initiative and speak up, your voice will matter more than you may think. Legislators are eager to hear what their constituents want.

Another important means to make a difference is to act collectively with your fellow SEMA members. When we join together, when we lend volume to each other, we cannot help but be heard. That is the essence of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC).

SEMA PAC is our industry’s means to help the election efforts of legislators who act to support our industry. The seven-year-old SEMA PAC pools its collective resources, giving it a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

PACs are funded by personal contributions; companies cannot contribute. In fact, SEMA itself is prohibited from using association funds to make political contributions, but it is allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC, so 100% of the contributions you make are used to help elect industry-supportive legislators. The funds we provide and the relationships we build are vital. In this election year, it could mean the difference between re-establishing support for small businesses or allowing the current economic tailspin to continue.

Recent elections in Massachusetts, Virginia and New Jersey have confirmed the electorate’s discontent over the prospects of larger government, uncontrolled deficits and an economy that has been unable to produce jobs. Those who hold office after this November’s elections will hold the ultimate sway on important issues, such as affordable health care, credit availability, environmental issues and budget reform.

Federal election law requires trade associations, such as SEMA, to obtain the prior approval of its members in order to solicit contributions to the PAC. Signing such a form doesn’t obligate you to contribute; it just allows the PAC to contact you. Downloading, signing and submitting the prior-consent form ensures that you will hear updates about what’s happening in Washington, and it is the first step in ensuring that Washington hears from you and your industry colleagues. It is ultimately your private financial contribution to the PAC that gives voice to the industry on Capitol Hill.

As noted, SEMA uses your dues and revenue from the SEMA Show to operate an effective government affairs office in Washington to safeguard the industry on issues and opportunities that are of concern specifically to us. That really is one of the association’s primary jobs. However, so much more can be done with a large number of active, united SEMA members working with the association’s staff.

Now, more than ever, your association and its leaders are calling on you to make your voice heard. SEMA PAC can help. Please visit www.SEMAPAC.org and submit a prior-approval form today.