SEMA News - September 2009

SEMA Trade Shows Director

SEMA News: Can you briefly explain your role and the role of your department at SEMA?

Gary Vigil: One of the ways SEMA tries to fulfill its mission of helping its members’ businesses succeed and prosper is to produce the industry’s leading trade show. Thanks to the loyalty of SEMA-member companies and the dedication of staff, the SEMA Show has become a truly world-class event. The SEMA staff, along with the support of ConvExx Show Management, plays an important role in delivering a successful Show to exhibitors and Show attendees. The staff is aware that SEMA members have limited marketing budgets and have many options on which to spend their money. So when they put their trust in SEMA by their participation and support of the SEMA Show, the staff works to ensure that they get a great return on their investments. The staff takes pride in providing great customer service and in creating programs that address the needs of the association’s members.

SN: The 2009 SEMA Show is less than 100 days away. What can attendees expect from this year’s Show?

GV: Attendees at the 2009 SEMA Show can expect what they’re accustomed to getting at a SEMA-produced event: the industry’s leading manufacturers, a world-class New Products Showcase with cutting-edge products, an incredible display of customized vehicles, high-quality educational programs, great special events, and plenty of networking opportunities. In addition, this year’s SEMA Show will include two new Show sections: Paint, Body & Equipment and Powersports & Utility Vehicles.

SN: What are some of the challenges and opportunities related to this year’s Show?

GV: The economy has certainly created some unique challenges this year. Most companies have smaller budgets to work with and are looking for the most effective use of their limited dollars. More exhibitors have looked to us this year to find ways for them to exhibit more affordably. With the assistance of ConvExx Show Management and our partners, such as Freeman, we have been able to provide exhibitors with lower-cost options that still enable them to accomplish their objectives. I believe that we’ll see better pre-show planning by exhibitors and attendees this year, and I expect there to be very productive meetings at the Show, as both exhibitors and buyers will be looking for those business partnerships and opportunities that will help them to generate revenues.

SN: The association says that it continues to look for ways to add value to participants’ Show experiences. Can you highlight some of the programs and services that have been created to meet that goal?

GV: In the 15 years that I’ve worked at SEMA, I can’t recall a more concerted effort among the staff and the association’s partners to create value-added programs for exhibitors and attendees. In order to make it easier and more affordable for Southern California buyers to attend, SEMA has created a Buyer Bus Program, which will be transporting buyers from key Southern California cities directly to the Las Vegas Convention Center. For only $25, buses will pick up buyers Tuesday morning and return them on Wednesday evening.

Working with hotel partners, SEMA has been able to make available discounted rooms at dozens of hotels—with most rates 25% to 45% lower than last year. Turnkey discounted booth packages can save exhibitors up to 30% off booth services, and SEMA is providing an online matchmaking tool that enables exhibiting manufacturers to connect with buyers before, during and after the SEMA Show. The matchmaking program pairs exhibitors with buyers, prioritizing them by relevance based on their common product interests. As part of the matchmaking program, eligible exhibitors are guaranteed 1,000 matches or they may request to withdraw from the Show and receive their money back.

In addition, SEMA Show exhibitors will benefit by receiving a bonus seniority point this year, which will benefit them in their booth location selection in future years. Exhibitors who signed up before the space selection were given the opportunity to pay only 25% deposit if paying by credit card. Last year, a minimum 50% deposit was required. Exhibitors with at least five years’ seniority were offered a payment option that would allow them to extend their final payment to May, 2010. In previous years, all exhibitors were required to pay months before the Show opened.

SN: Is there anything else you would like to relate to the membership?

GV: SEMA remains committed to delivering value and return on investment to its members. We’re constantly trying to understand our members’ greatest challenges and needs and striving to improve the Show so that it meets or exceeds those expectations.

SEMA News - September 2009

SEMA Trade Shows Director

SEMA News: Can you briefly explain your role and the role of your department at SEMA?

Gary Vigil: One of the ways SEMA tries to fulfill its mission of helping its members’ businesses succeed and prosper is to produce the industry’s leading trade show. Thanks to the loyalty of SEMA-member companies and the dedication of staff, the SEMA Show has become a truly world-class event. The SEMA staff, along with the support of ConvExx Show Management, plays an important role in delivering a successful Show to exhibitors and Show attendees. The staff is aware that SEMA members have limited marketing budgets and have many options on which to spend their money. So when they put their trust in SEMA by their participation and support of the SEMA Show, the staff works to ensure that they get a great return on their investments. The staff takes pride in providing great customer service and in creating programs that address the needs of the association’s members.

SN: The 2009 SEMA Show is less than 100 days away. What can attendees expect from this year’s Show?

GV: Attendees at the 2009 SEMA Show can expect what they’re accustomed to getting at a SEMA-produced event: the industry’s leading manufacturers, a world-class New Products Showcase with cutting-edge products, an incredible display of customized vehicles, high-quality educational programs, great special events, and plenty of networking opportunities. In addition, this year’s SEMA Show will include two new Show sections: Paint, Body & Equipment and Powersports & Utility Vehicles.

SN: What are some of the challenges and opportunities related to this year’s Show?

GV: The economy has certainly created some unique challenges this year. Most companies have smaller budgets to work with and are looking for the most effective use of their limited dollars. More exhibitors have looked to us this year to find ways for them to exhibit more affordably. With the assistance of ConvExx Show Management and our partners, such as Freeman, we have been able to provide exhibitors with lower-cost options that still enable them to accomplish their objectives. I believe that we’ll see better pre-show planning by exhibitors and attendees this year, and I expect there to be very productive meetings at the Show, as both exhibitors and buyers will be looking for those business partnerships and opportunities that will help them to generate revenues.

SN: The association says that it continues to look for ways to add value to participants’ Show experiences. Can you highlight some of the programs and services that have been created to meet that goal?

GV: In the 15 years that I’ve worked at SEMA, I can’t recall a more concerted effort among the staff and the association’s partners to create value-added programs for exhibitors and attendees. In order to make it easier and more affordable for Southern California buyers to attend, SEMA has created a Buyer Bus Program, which will be transporting buyers from key Southern California cities directly to the Las Vegas Convention Center. For only $25, buses will pick up buyers Tuesday morning and return them on Wednesday evening.

Working with hotel partners, SEMA has been able to make available discounted rooms at dozens of hotels—with most rates 25% to 45% lower than last year. Turnkey discounted booth packages can save exhibitors up to 30% off booth services, and SEMA is providing an online matchmaking tool that enables exhibiting manufacturers to connect with buyers before, during and after the SEMA Show. The matchmaking program pairs exhibitors with buyers, prioritizing them by relevance based on their common product interests. As part of the matchmaking program, eligible exhibitors are guaranteed 1,000 matches or they may request to withdraw from the Show and receive their money back.

In addition, SEMA Show exhibitors will benefit by receiving a bonus seniority point this year, which will benefit them in their booth location selection in future years. Exhibitors who signed up before the space selection were given the opportunity to pay only 25% deposit if paying by credit card. Last year, a minimum 50% deposit was required. Exhibitors with at least five years’ seniority were offered a payment option that would allow them to extend their final payment to May, 2010. In previous years, all exhibitors were required to pay months before the Show opened.

SN: Is there anything else you would like to relate to the membership?

GV: SEMA remains committed to delivering value and return on investment to its members. We’re constantly trying to understand our members’ greatest challenges and needs and striving to improve the Show so that it meets or exceeds those expectations.

SEMA News - September 2009

SEMA Trade Shows Director

SEMA News: Can you briefly explain your role and the role of your department at SEMA?

Gary Vigil: One of the ways SEMA tries to fulfill its mission of helping its members’ businesses succeed and prosper is to produce the industry’s leading trade show. Thanks to the loyalty of SEMA-member companies and the dedication of staff, the SEMA Show has become a truly world-class event. The SEMA staff, along with the support of ConvExx Show Management, plays an important role in delivering a successful Show to exhibitors and Show attendees. The staff is aware that SEMA members have limited marketing budgets and have many options on which to spend their money. So when they put their trust in SEMA by their participation and support of the SEMA Show, the staff works to ensure that they get a great return on their investments. The staff takes pride in providing great customer service and in creating programs that address the needs of the association’s members.

SN: The 2009 SEMA Show is less than 100 days away. What can attendees expect from this year’s Show?

GV: Attendees at the 2009 SEMA Show can expect what they’re accustomed to getting at a SEMA-produced event: the industry’s leading manufacturers, a world-class New Products Showcase with cutting-edge products, an incredible display of customized vehicles, high-quality educational programs, great special events, and plenty of networking opportunities. In addition, this year’s SEMA Show will include two new Show sections: Paint, Body & Equipment and Powersports & Utility Vehicles.

SN: What are some of the challenges and opportunities related to this year’s Show?

GV: The economy has certainly created some unique challenges this year. Most companies have smaller budgets to work with and are looking for the most effective use of their limited dollars. More exhibitors have looked to us this year to find ways for them to exhibit more affordably. With the assistance of ConvExx Show Management and our partners, such as Freeman, we have been able to provide exhibitors with lower-cost options that still enable them to accomplish their objectives. I believe that we’ll see better pre-show planning by exhibitors and attendees this year, and I expect there to be very productive meetings at the Show, as both exhibitors and buyers will be looking for those business partnerships and opportunities that will help them to generate revenues.

SN: The association says that it continues to look for ways to add value to participants’ Show experiences. Can you highlight some of the programs and services that have been created to meet that goal?

GV: In the 15 years that I’ve worked at SEMA, I can’t recall a more concerted effort among the staff and the association’s partners to create value-added programs for exhibitors and attendees. In order to make it easier and more affordable for Southern California buyers to attend, SEMA has created a Buyer Bus Program, which will be transporting buyers from key Southern California cities directly to the Las Vegas Convention Center. For only $25, buses will pick up buyers Tuesday morning and return them on Wednesday evening.

Working with hotel partners, SEMA has been able to make available discounted rooms at dozens of hotels—with most rates 25% to 45% lower than last year. Turnkey discounted booth packages can save exhibitors up to 30% off booth services, and SEMA is providing an online matchmaking tool that enables exhibiting manufacturers to connect with buyers before, during and after the SEMA Show. The matchmaking program pairs exhibitors with buyers, prioritizing them by relevance based on their common product interests. As part of the matchmaking program, eligible exhibitors are guaranteed 1,000 matches or they may request to withdraw from the Show and receive their money back.

In addition, SEMA Show exhibitors will benefit by receiving a bonus seniority point this year, which will benefit them in their booth location selection in future years. Exhibitors who signed up before the space selection were given the opportunity to pay only 25% deposit if paying by credit card. Last year, a minimum 50% deposit was required. Exhibitors with at least five years’ seniority were offered a payment option that would allow them to extend their final payment to May, 2010. In previous years, all exhibitors were required to pay months before the Show opened.

SN: Is there anything else you would like to relate to the membership?

GV: SEMA remains committed to delivering value and return on investment to its members. We’re constantly trying to understand our members’ greatest challenges and needs and striving to improve the Show so that it meets or exceeds those expectations.

SEMA News - September 2009

By Steve McDonald

U.S. Congressman and Lifelong Car Guy

U.S. Representative Bill Posey has been passionate about cars all his life, and he has been a friend to SEMA and auto enthusiasts throughout his political career, from his tenure in the Florida Legislature to his current position in the nation’s capital. Posey represents Florida’s 15th Congressional District, which encompasses most of Brevard County and includes Cape Canaveral and cities from Vero Beach to Palm Bay, Melbourne and Kissimmee. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008.

Currently, Posey serves on the House Financial Services Committee and its two subcommittees on capital markets and domestic monetary policy. Prior to being elected to Congress, Posey served for eight years in the Florida State House and another eight years in the Florida Senate, where he led the successful effort to reform Florida’s insurance laws to increase competition and lower rates.

SEMA and Posey have been well-acquainted from the time he served in the Florida State Senate. He was a charter member of SEMA’s State Automotive Enthusiasts Leadership Caucus and sponsored SEMA-model legislation in 2007 to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and create a new classification for custom vehicles. In 2008, he introduced legislation to provide an exemption from the commercial motor carrier regulations for vehicles that occasionally transport personal property to a motorsports facility. Both bills were enacted into law.

Along with his political skills, Rep. Posey is an accomplished stock car racer, having received the “Short Track Driver Achievement” in memory of Davey and Clifford Allison and presented by Bobby and Judy Allison.

SEMA News recently spent a few minutes interviewing the Congressman from his Capitol Hill office.

SEMA News: Let’s talk about your love of cars and racing. What sparked your interest?

Bill Posey: It started when I was just a child. We lived in California, and my Dad took me to races at a track in Encino. I loved it, and we had a great time together. I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing—it was in my blood. I bought my first car in 1962. It was a 1951 Ford flathead. Back then, you had to be 16 to race. I was only 15 and would sneak in and go a few laps before they stopped me. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I’d get them, fix them up, and race them.

SN: What cars have you been working on more recently?

BP: I sold off my race cars and moved into classic cars. I’ve mostly been involved in what they call the super-late models—cars of the last 20 years. Also, I would get fiberglass bodies of cars from the 1930s, put in a Chevy V8 motor and build around those. I enjoyed that quite a bit but eventually sold them. Today, I own three cars. I have a 2003 silver Mercury Marauder and a pewter 1966 Chevelle Malibu. I also have a gold 2005 GMC 1/2-ton.

SN: Switching gears, tell us how you got involved in politics?

BP: I never aspired to be in politics. It started when I attended a Rockledge city council meeting. I came away with the feeling that the whole business of running the city council and local government could really be done better. I was first elected to the city council and then won a seat in the Florida House and later the Florida Senate. I moved up the chain and devoted a lot of my attention to doing things better than they had been done before, while striving for efficiency and accountability. From the Florida Senate, I was elected to the U.S. Congress last year.

SN: What has been the most unusual or unexpected aspect of your life as a U.S. Congressman from Florida.

BP: I suppose there are many things, but the first thing that comes to mind is the cost of living in Washington, D.C. The city is a very expensive place to live as compared with our Florida home. My wife Katie and I have been married for 42 years, and in all that time, we have never had to share such a small living space.

SN: Let’s discuss some of your current duties. Health care reform is at the top of the Congressional agenda. What’s Bill Posey’s prescription for reform?

BP: There are many good options that have been put forward. We must begin by recognizing that 80% of Americans are happy with their current coverage, but 50% are concerned about the price. My priority for health care reform therefore starts with making coverage more affordable, then protecting patient choice, keeping the government out of medical decisions, and opposing mandates on employers.

	I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing—it was in my blood. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I’d get them, fix them up, and race them.” —Representative Bill Posey

BP: Improving affordability can be done through enhancing employer purchasing pools and by providing additional tax credits and deductions to individuals and small businesses. Also, more than eight million Americans have enrolled in Health Savings Accounts, which are getting good reviews from enrollees.

SN: What do you see as the biggest risks to the country and small business in this process of reform?

BP: Some in Washington want to scrap the current system and turn the health care system over to the government to run. Those who think this is a good idea need to consider closely the government’s track record. It has a poor track record and cannot figure out how to keep solvent the three programs they are already running: Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. I don’t want rules that lead to the government making medical decisions and I don’t want new expensive mandates on employers. Those are the biggest risks in my view.

SEMA News - September 2009

By Steve McDonald

U.S. Congressman and Lifelong Car Guy

U.S. Representative Bill Posey has been passionate about cars all his life, and he has been a friend to SEMA and auto enthusiasts throughout his political career, from his tenure in the Florida Legislature to his current position in the nation’s capital. Posey represents Florida’s 15th Congressional District, which encompasses most of Brevard County and includes Cape Canaveral and cities from Vero Beach to Palm Bay, Melbourne and Kissimmee. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008.

Currently, Posey serves on the House Financial Services Committee and its two subcommittees on capital markets and domestic monetary policy. Prior to being elected to Congress, Posey served for eight years in the Florida State House and another eight years in the Florida Senate, where he led the successful effort to reform Florida’s insurance laws to increase competition and lower rates.

SEMA and Posey have been well-acquainted from the time he served in the Florida State Senate. He was a charter member of SEMA’s State Automotive Enthusiasts Leadership Caucus and sponsored SEMA-model legislation in 2007 to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and create a new classification for custom vehicles. In 2008, he introduced legislation to provide an exemption from the commercial motor carrier regulations for vehicles that occasionally transport personal property to a motorsports facility. Both bills were enacted into law.

Along with his political skills, Rep. Posey is an accomplished stock car racer, having received the “Short Track Driver Achievement” in memory of Davey and Clifford Allison and presented by Bobby and Judy Allison.

SEMA News recently spent a few minutes interviewing the Congressman from his Capitol Hill office.

SEMA News: Let’s talk about your love of cars and racing. What sparked your interest?

Bill Posey: It started when I was just a child. We lived in California, and my Dad took me to races at a track in Encino. I loved it, and we had a great time together. I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing—it was in my blood. I bought my first car in 1962. It was a 1951 Ford flathead. Back then, you had to be 16 to race. I was only 15 and would sneak in and go a few laps before they stopped me. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I’d get them, fix them up, and race them.

SN: What cars have you been working on more recently?

BP: I sold off my race cars and moved into classic cars. I’ve mostly been involved in what they call the super-late models—cars of the last 20 years. Also, I would get fiberglass bodies of cars from the 1930s, put in a Chevy V8 motor and build around those. I enjoyed that quite a bit but eventually sold them. Today, I own three cars. I have a 2003 silver Mercury Marauder and a pewter 1966 Chevelle Malibu. I also have a gold 2005 GMC 1/2-ton.

SN: Switching gears, tell us how you got involved in politics?

BP: I never aspired to be in politics. It started when I attended a Rockledge city council meeting. I came away with the feeling that the whole business of running the city council and local government could really be done better. I was first elected to the city council and then won a seat in the Florida House and later the Florida Senate. I moved up the chain and devoted a lot of my attention to doing things better than they had been done before, while striving for efficiency and accountability. From the Florida Senate, I was elected to the U.S. Congress last year.

SN: What has been the most unusual or unexpected aspect of your life as a U.S. Congressman from Florida.

BP: I suppose there are many things, but the first thing that comes to mind is the cost of living in Washington, D.C. The city is a very expensive place to live as compared with our Florida home. My wife Katie and I have been married for 42 years, and in all that time, we have never had to share such a small living space.

SN: Let’s discuss some of your current duties. Health care reform is at the top of the Congressional agenda. What’s Bill Posey’s prescription for reform?

BP: There are many good options that have been put forward. We must begin by recognizing that 80% of Americans are happy with their current coverage, but 50% are concerned about the price. My priority for health care reform therefore starts with making coverage more affordable, then protecting patient choice, keeping the government out of medical decisions, and opposing mandates on employers.

	I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing—it was in my blood. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I’d get them, fix them up, and race them.” —Representative Bill Posey

BP: Improving affordability can be done through enhancing employer purchasing pools and by providing additional tax credits and deductions to individuals and small businesses. Also, more than eight million Americans have enrolled in Health Savings Accounts, which are getting good reviews from enrollees.

SN: What do you see as the biggest risks to the country and small business in this process of reform?

BP: Some in Washington want to scrap the current system and turn the health care system over to the government to run. Those who think this is a good idea need to consider closely the government’s track record. It has a poor track record and cannot figure out how to keep solvent the three programs they are already running: Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. I don’t want rules that lead to the government making medical decisions and I don’t want new expensive mandates on employers. Those are the biggest risks in my view.

SEMA News - September 2009

By Steve McDonald

U.S. Congressman and Lifelong Car Guy

U.S. Representative Bill Posey has been passionate about cars all his life, and he has been a friend to SEMA and auto enthusiasts throughout his political career, from his tenure in the Florida Legislature to his current position in the nation’s capital. Posey represents Florida’s 15th Congressional District, which encompasses most of Brevard County and includes Cape Canaveral and cities from Vero Beach to Palm Bay, Melbourne and Kissimmee. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008.

Currently, Posey serves on the House Financial Services Committee and its two subcommittees on capital markets and domestic monetary policy. Prior to being elected to Congress, Posey served for eight years in the Florida State House and another eight years in the Florida Senate, where he led the successful effort to reform Florida’s insurance laws to increase competition and lower rates.

SEMA and Posey have been well-acquainted from the time he served in the Florida State Senate. He was a charter member of SEMA’s State Automotive Enthusiasts Leadership Caucus and sponsored SEMA-model legislation in 2007 to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and create a new classification for custom vehicles. In 2008, he introduced legislation to provide an exemption from the commercial motor carrier regulations for vehicles that occasionally transport personal property to a motorsports facility. Both bills were enacted into law.

Along with his political skills, Rep. Posey is an accomplished stock car racer, having received the “Short Track Driver Achievement” in memory of Davey and Clifford Allison and presented by Bobby and Judy Allison.

SEMA News recently spent a few minutes interviewing the Congressman from his Capitol Hill office.

SEMA News: Let’s talk about your love of cars and racing. What sparked your interest?

Bill Posey: It started when I was just a child. We lived in California, and my Dad took me to races at a track in Encino. I loved it, and we had a great time together. I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing—it was in my blood. I bought my first car in 1962. It was a 1951 Ford flathead. Back then, you had to be 16 to race. I was only 15 and would sneak in and go a few laps before they stopped me. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I’d get them, fix them up, and race them.

SN: What cars have you been working on more recently?

BP: I sold off my race cars and moved into classic cars. I’ve mostly been involved in what they call the super-late models—cars of the last 20 years. Also, I would get fiberglass bodies of cars from the 1930s, put in a Chevy V8 motor and build around those. I enjoyed that quite a bit but eventually sold them. Today, I own three cars. I have a 2003 silver Mercury Marauder and a pewter 1966 Chevelle Malibu. I also have a gold 2005 GMC 1/2-ton.

SN: Switching gears, tell us how you got involved in politics?

BP: I never aspired to be in politics. It started when I attended a Rockledge city council meeting. I came away with the feeling that the whole business of running the city council and local government could really be done better. I was first elected to the city council and then won a seat in the Florida House and later the Florida Senate. I moved up the chain and devoted a lot of my attention to doing things better than they had been done before, while striving for efficiency and accountability. From the Florida Senate, I was elected to the U.S. Congress last year.

SN: What has been the most unusual or unexpected aspect of your life as a U.S. Congressman from Florida.

BP: I suppose there are many things, but the first thing that comes to mind is the cost of living in Washington, D.C. The city is a very expensive place to live as compared with our Florida home. My wife Katie and I have been married for 42 years, and in all that time, we have never had to share such a small living space.

SN: Let’s discuss some of your current duties. Health care reform is at the top of the Congressional agenda. What’s Bill Posey’s prescription for reform?

BP: There are many good options that have been put forward. We must begin by recognizing that 80% of Americans are happy with their current coverage, but 50% are concerned about the price. My priority for health care reform therefore starts with making coverage more affordable, then protecting patient choice, keeping the government out of medical decisions, and opposing mandates on employers.

	I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing—it was in my blood. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I’d get them, fix them up, and race them.” —Representative Bill Posey

BP: Improving affordability can be done through enhancing employer purchasing pools and by providing additional tax credits and deductions to individuals and small businesses. Also, more than eight million Americans have enrolled in Health Savings Accounts, which are getting good reviews from enrollees.

SN: What do you see as the biggest risks to the country and small business in this process of reform?

BP: Some in Washington want to scrap the current system and turn the health care system over to the government to run. Those who think this is a good idea need to consider closely the government’s track record. It has a poor track record and cannot figure out how to keep solvent the three programs they are already running: Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. I don’t want rules that lead to the government making medical decisions and I don’t want new expensive mandates on employers. Those are the biggest risks in my view.

SEMA News - September 2009

By Steve McDonald

U.S. Congressman and Lifelong Car Guy

U.S. Representative Bill Posey has been passionate about cars all his life, and he has been a friend to SEMA and auto enthusiasts throughout his political career, from his tenure in the Florida Legislature to his current position in the nation’s capital. Posey represents Florida’s 15th Congressional District, which encompasses most of Brevard County and includes Cape Canaveral and cities from Vero Beach to Palm Bay, Melbourne and Kissimmee. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008.

Currently, Posey serves on the House Financial Services Committee and its two subcommittees on capital markets and domestic monetary policy. Prior to being elected to Congress, Posey served for eight years in the Florida State House and another eight years in the Florida Senate, where he led the successful effort to reform Florida’s insurance laws to increase competition and lower rates.

SEMA and Posey have been well-acquainted from the time he served in the Florida State Senate. He was a charter member of SEMA’s State Automotive Enthusiasts Leadership Caucus and sponsored SEMA-model legislation in 2007 to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and create a new classification for custom vehicles. In 2008, he introduced legislation to provide an exemption from the commercial motor carrier regulations for vehicles that occasionally transport personal property to a motorsports facility. Both bills were enacted into law.

Along with his political skills, Rep. Posey is an accomplished stock car racer, having received the “Short Track Driver Achievement” in memory of Davey and Clifford Allison and presented by Bobby and Judy Allison.

SEMA News recently spent a few minutes interviewing the Congressman from his Capitol Hill office.

SEMA News: Let’s talk about your love of cars and racing. What sparked your interest?

Bill Posey: It started when I was just a child. We lived in California, and my Dad took me to races at a track in Encino. I loved it, and we had a great time together. I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing—it was in my blood. I bought my first car in 1962. It was a 1951 Ford flathead. Back then, you had to be 16 to race. I was only 15 and would sneak in and go a few laps before they stopped me. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I’d get them, fix them up, and race them.

SN: What cars have you been working on more recently?

BP: I sold off my race cars and moved into classic cars. I’ve mostly been involved in what they call the super-late models—cars of the last 20 years. Also, I would get fiberglass bodies of cars from the 1930s, put in a Chevy V8 motor and build around those. I enjoyed that quite a bit but eventually sold them. Today, I own three cars. I have a 2003 silver Mercury Marauder and a pewter 1966 Chevelle Malibu. I also have a gold 2005 GMC 1/2-ton.

SN: Switching gears, tell us how you got involved in politics?

BP: I never aspired to be in politics. It started when I attended a Rockledge city council meeting. I came away with the feeling that the whole business of running the city council and local government could really be done better. I was first elected to the city council and then won a seat in the Florida House and later the Florida Senate. I moved up the chain and devoted a lot of my attention to doing things better than they had been done before, while striving for efficiency and accountability. From the Florida Senate, I was elected to the U.S. Congress last year.

SN: What has been the most unusual or unexpected aspect of your life as a U.S. Congressman from Florida.

BP: I suppose there are many things, but the first thing that comes to mind is the cost of living in Washington, D.C. The city is a very expensive place to live as compared with our Florida home. My wife Katie and I have been married for 42 years, and in all that time, we have never had to share such a small living space.

SN: Let’s discuss some of your current duties. Health care reform is at the top of the Congressional agenda. What’s Bill Posey’s prescription for reform?

BP: There are many good options that have been put forward. We must begin by recognizing that 80% of Americans are happy with their current coverage, but 50% are concerned about the price. My priority for health care reform therefore starts with making coverage more affordable, then protecting patient choice, keeping the government out of medical decisions, and opposing mandates on employers.

	I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing—it was in my blood. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I’d get them, fix them up, and race them.” —Representative Bill Posey

BP: Improving affordability can be done through enhancing employer purchasing pools and by providing additional tax credits and deductions to individuals and small businesses. Also, more than eight million Americans have enrolled in Health Savings Accounts, which are getting good reviews from enrollees.

SN: What do you see as the biggest risks to the country and small business in this process of reform?

BP: Some in Washington want to scrap the current system and turn the health care system over to the government to run. Those who think this is a good idea need to consider closely the government’s track record. It has a poor track record and cannot figure out how to keep solvent the three programs they are already running: Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. I don’t want rules that lead to the government making medical decisions and I don’t want new expensive mandates on employers. Those are the biggest risks in my view.

SEMA News - September 2009

By Steve McDonald

U.S. Congressman and Lifelong Car Guy

U.S. Representative Bill Posey has been passionate about cars all his life, and he has been a friend to SEMA and auto enthusiasts throughout his political career, from his tenure in the Florida Legislature to his current position in the nation’s capital. Posey represents Florida’s 15th Congressional District, which encompasses most of Brevard County and includes Cape Canaveral and cities from Vero Beach to Palm Bay, Melbourne and Kissimmee. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008.

Currently, Posey serves on the House Financial Services Committee and its two subcommittees on capital markets and domestic monetary policy. Prior to being elected to Congress, Posey served for eight years in the Florida State House and another eight years in the Florida Senate, where he led the successful effort to reform Florida’s insurance laws to increase competition and lower rates.

SEMA and Posey have been well-acquainted from the time he served in the Florida State Senate. He was a charter member of SEMA’s State Automotive Enthusiasts Leadership Caucus and sponsored SEMA-model legislation in 2007 to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and create a new classification for custom vehicles. In 2008, he introduced legislation to provide an exemption from the commercial motor carrier regulations for vehicles that occasionally transport personal property to a motorsports facility. Both bills were enacted into law.

Along with his political skills, Rep. Posey is an accomplished stock car racer, having received the “Short Track Driver Achievement” in memory of Davey and Clifford Allison and presented by Bobby and Judy Allison.

SEMA News recently spent a few minutes interviewing the Congressman from his Capitol Hill office.

SEMA News: Let’s talk about your love of cars and racing. What sparked your interest?

Bill Posey: It started when I was just a child. We lived in California, and my Dad took me to races at a track in Encino. I loved it, and we had a great time together. I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing—it was in my blood. I bought my first car in 1962. It was a 1951 Ford flathead. Back then, you had to be 16 to race. I was only 15 and would sneak in and go a few laps before they stopped me. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I’d get them, fix them up, and race them.

SN: What cars have you been working on more recently?

BP: I sold off my race cars and moved into classic cars. I’ve mostly been involved in what they call the super-late models—cars of the last 20 years. Also, I would get fiberglass bodies of cars from the 1930s, put in a Chevy V8 motor and build around those. I enjoyed that quite a bit but eventually sold them. Today, I own three cars. I have a 2003 silver Mercury Marauder and a pewter 1966 Chevelle Malibu. I also have a gold 2005 GMC 1/2-ton.

SN: Switching gears, tell us how you got involved in politics?

BP: I never aspired to be in politics. It started when I attended a Rockledge city council meeting. I came away with the feeling that the whole business of running the city council and local government could really be done better. I was first elected to the city council and then won a seat in the Florida House and later the Florida Senate. I moved up the chain and devoted a lot of my attention to doing things better than they had been done before, while striving for efficiency and accountability. From the Florida Senate, I was elected to the U.S. Congress last year.

SN: What has been the most unusual or unexpected aspect of your life as a U.S. Congressman from Florida.

BP: I suppose there are many things, but the first thing that comes to mind is the cost of living in Washington, D.C. The city is a very expensive place to live as compared with our Florida home. My wife Katie and I have been married for 42 years, and in all that time, we have never had to share such a small living space.

SN: Let’s discuss some of your current duties. Health care reform is at the top of the Congressional agenda. What’s Bill Posey’s prescription for reform?

BP: There are many good options that have been put forward. We must begin by recognizing that 80% of Americans are happy with their current coverage, but 50% are concerned about the price. My priority for health care reform therefore starts with making coverage more affordable, then protecting patient choice, keeping the government out of medical decisions, and opposing mandates on employers.

	I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing—it was in my blood. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I’d get them, fix them up, and race them.” —Representative Bill Posey

BP: Improving affordability can be done through enhancing employer purchasing pools and by providing additional tax credits and deductions to individuals and small businesses. Also, more than eight million Americans have enrolled in Health Savings Accounts, which are getting good reviews from enrollees.

SN: What do you see as the biggest risks to the country and small business in this process of reform?

BP: Some in Washington want to scrap the current system and turn the health care system over to the government to run. Those who think this is a good idea need to consider closely the government’s track record. It has a poor track record and cannot figure out how to keep solvent the three programs they are already running: Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. I don’t want rules that lead to the government making medical decisions and I don’t want new expensive mandates on employers. Those are the biggest risks in my view.

SEMA News - September 2009

By Steve McDonald

U.S. Congressman and Lifelong Car Guy

U.S. Representative Bill Posey has been passionate about cars all his life, and he has been a friend to SEMA and auto enthusiasts throughout his political career, from his tenure in the Florida Legislature to his current position in the nation’s capital. Posey represents Florida’s 15th Congressional District, which encompasses most of Brevard County and includes Cape Canaveral and cities from Vero Beach to Palm Bay, Melbourne and Kissimmee. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008.

Currently, Posey serves on the House Financial Services Committee and its two subcommittees on capital markets and domestic monetary policy. Prior to being elected to Congress, Posey served for eight years in the Florida State House and another eight years in the Florida Senate, where he led the successful effort to reform Florida’s insurance laws to increase competition and lower rates.

SEMA and Posey have been well-acquainted from the time he served in the Florida State Senate. He was a charter member of SEMA’s State Automotive Enthusiasts Leadership Caucus and sponsored SEMA-model legislation in 2007 to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and create a new classification for custom vehicles. In 2008, he introduced legislation to provide an exemption from the commercial motor carrier regulations for vehicles that occasionally transport personal property to a motorsports facility. Both bills were enacted into law.

Along with his political skills, Rep. Posey is an accomplished stock car racer, having received the “Short Track Driver Achievement” in memory of Davey and Clifford Allison and presented by Bobby and Judy Allison.

SEMA News recently spent a few minutes interviewing the Congressman from his Capitol Hill office.

SEMA News: Let’s talk about your love of cars and racing. What sparked your interest?

Bill Posey: It started when I was just a child. We lived in California, and my Dad took me to races at a track in Encino. I loved it, and we had a great time together. I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing—it was in my blood. I bought my first car in 1962. It was a 1951 Ford flathead. Back then, you had to be 16 to race. I was only 15 and would sneak in and go a few laps before they stopped me. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I’d get them, fix them up, and race them.

SN: What cars have you been working on more recently?

BP: I sold off my race cars and moved into classic cars. I’ve mostly been involved in what they call the super-late models—cars of the last 20 years. Also, I would get fiberglass bodies of cars from the 1930s, put in a Chevy V8 motor and build around those. I enjoyed that quite a bit but eventually sold them. Today, I own three cars. I have a 2003 silver Mercury Marauder and a pewter 1966 Chevelle Malibu. I also have a gold 2005 GMC 1/2-ton.

SN: Switching gears, tell us how you got involved in politics?

BP: I never aspired to be in politics. It started when I attended a Rockledge city council meeting. I came away with the feeling that the whole business of running the city council and local government could really be done better. I was first elected to the city council and then won a seat in the Florida House and later the Florida Senate. I moved up the chain and devoted a lot of my attention to doing things better than they had been done before, while striving for efficiency and accountability. From the Florida Senate, I was elected to the U.S. Congress last year.

SN: What has been the most unusual or unexpected aspect of your life as a U.S. Congressman from Florida.

BP: I suppose there are many things, but the first thing that comes to mind is the cost of living in Washington, D.C. The city is a very expensive place to live as compared with our Florida home. My wife Katie and I have been married for 42 years, and in all that time, we have never had to share such a small living space.

SN: Let’s discuss some of your current duties. Health care reform is at the top of the Congressional agenda. What’s Bill Posey’s prescription for reform?

BP: There are many good options that have been put forward. We must begin by recognizing that 80% of Americans are happy with their current coverage, but 50% are concerned about the price. My priority for health care reform therefore starts with making coverage more affordable, then protecting patient choice, keeping the government out of medical decisions, and opposing mandates on employers.

	I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing—it was in my blood. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I’d get them, fix them up, and race them.” —Representative Bill Posey

BP: Improving affordability can be done through enhancing employer purchasing pools and by providing additional tax credits and deductions to individuals and small businesses. Also, more than eight million Americans have enrolled in Health Savings Accounts, which are getting good reviews from enrollees.

SN: What do you see as the biggest risks to the country and small business in this process of reform?

BP: Some in Washington want to scrap the current system and turn the health care system over to the government to run. Those who think this is a good idea need to consider closely the government’s track record. It has a poor track record and cannot figure out how to keep solvent the three programs they are already running: Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. I don’t want rules that lead to the government making medical decisions and I don’t want new expensive mandates on employers. Those are the biggest risks in my view.

SEMA News - September 2009

By Steve McDonald

U.S. Congressman and Lifelong Car Guy

U.S. Representative Bill Posey has been passionate about cars all his life, and he has been a friend to SEMA and auto enthusiasts throughout his political career, from his tenure in the Florida Legislature to his current position in the nation’s capital. Posey represents Florida’s 15th Congressional District, which encompasses most of Brevard County and includes Cape Canaveral and cities from Vero Beach to Palm Bay, Melbourne and Kissimmee. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008.

Currently, Posey serves on the House Financial Services Committee and its two subcommittees on capital markets and domestic monetary policy. Prior to being elected to Congress, Posey served for eight years in the Florida State House and another eight years in the Florida Senate, where he led the successful effort to reform Florida’s insurance laws to increase competition and lower rates.

SEMA and Posey have been well-acquainted from the time he served in the Florida State Senate. He was a charter member of SEMA’s State Automotive Enthusiasts Leadership Caucus and sponsored SEMA-model legislation in 2007 to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and create a new classification for custom vehicles. In 2008, he introduced legislation to provide an exemption from the commercial motor carrier regulations for vehicles that occasionally transport personal property to a motorsports facility. Both bills were enacted into law.

Along with his political skills, Rep. Posey is an accomplished stock car racer, having received the “Short Track Driver Achievement” in memory of Davey and Clifford Allison and presented by Bobby and Judy Allison.

SEMA News recently spent a few minutes interviewing the Congressman from his Capitol Hill office.

SEMA News: Let’s talk about your love of cars and racing. What sparked your interest?

Bill Posey: It started when I was just a child. We lived in California, and my Dad took me to races at a track in Encino. I loved it, and we had a great time together. I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing—it was in my blood. I bought my first car in 1962. It was a 1951 Ford flathead. Back then, you had to be 16 to race. I was only 15 and would sneak in and go a few laps before they stopped me. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I’d get them, fix them up, and race them.

SN: What cars have you been working on more recently?

BP: I sold off my race cars and moved into classic cars. I’ve mostly been involved in what they call the super-late models—cars of the last 20 years. Also, I would get fiberglass bodies of cars from the 1930s, put in a Chevy V8 motor and build around those. I enjoyed that quite a bit but eventually sold them. Today, I own three cars. I have a 2003 silver Mercury Marauder and a pewter 1966 Chevelle Malibu. I also have a gold 2005 GMC 1/2-ton.

SN: Switching gears, tell us how you got involved in politics?

BP: I never aspired to be in politics. It started when I attended a Rockledge city council meeting. I came away with the feeling that the whole business of running the city council and local government could really be done better. I was first elected to the city council and then won a seat in the Florida House and later the Florida Senate. I moved up the chain and devoted a lot of my attention to doing things better than they had been done before, while striving for efficiency and accountability. From the Florida Senate, I was elected to the U.S. Congress last year.

SN: What has been the most unusual or unexpected aspect of your life as a U.S. Congressman from Florida.

BP: I suppose there are many things, but the first thing that comes to mind is the cost of living in Washington, D.C. The city is a very expensive place to live as compared with our Florida home. My wife Katie and I have been married for 42 years, and in all that time, we have never had to share such a small living space.

SN: Let’s discuss some of your current duties. Health care reform is at the top of the Congressional agenda. What’s Bill Posey’s prescription for reform?

BP: There are many good options that have been put forward. We must begin by recognizing that 80% of Americans are happy with their current coverage, but 50% are concerned about the price. My priority for health care reform therefore starts with making coverage more affordable, then protecting patient choice, keeping the government out of medical decisions, and opposing mandates on employers.

	I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing—it was in my blood. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I’d get them, fix them up, and race them.” —Representative Bill Posey

BP: Improving affordability can be done through enhancing employer purchasing pools and by providing additional tax credits and deductions to individuals and small businesses. Also, more than eight million Americans have enrolled in Health Savings Accounts, which are getting good reviews from enrollees.

SN: What do you see as the biggest risks to the country and small business in this process of reform?

BP: Some in Washington want to scrap the current system and turn the health care system over to the government to run. Those who think this is a good idea need to consider closely the government’s track record. It has a poor track record and cannot figure out how to keep solvent the three programs they are already running: Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. I don’t want rules that lead to the government making medical decisions and I don’t want new expensive mandates on employers. Those are the biggest risks in my view.