SEMA News - May 2009
SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Government Affairs

The SEMA Government Affairs Office advocates in support of pro-industry initiatives and opposes unfair or restrictive legislation. To counter outdated vehicle registration laws, SEMA has developed model legislation to create titling and registration classes for street rods and custom vehicles.

Officials across the country are constantly working on legislative and regulatory proposals that have a direct impact on our industry and your customers. The SEMA Government Affairs Office advocates in support of pro-industry initiatives, and when needed, opposes unfair or restrictive legislation. Here are just a few of the issues facing each of the market segments within our industry.

Off-Road

In spite of mass opposition from enthusiast and industry groups, areas designed for motorized recreation are being closed to off-highway vehicles. This is extremely consequential to SEMA members since such designations potentially deny access to off-roaders and the equipment they purchase to enhance the utility of their vehicles.

As public land regulations come in multiple forms and from various branches of government, SEMA has urged decision makers to actively solicit the participation of enthusiasts groups in developing their policies. SEMA has also advocated that regulators in Washington, D.C., do not adopt one-size-fits-all guidelines for motorized recreation. In its place, SEMA promotes permitting local officials to work with end users to adopt reasonable and responsible motorized vehicle access while maintaining the overall health of the area.

Restoration

First it was scrappage. Then it was “Cash for Clunkers.” Add restrictions to backyard builders, and it seems that the only place lawmakers would like to see older cars is in the crusher. Fortunately, SEMA has identified and is working with an increasing number of pro-industry lawmakers who recognize the irreplaceable value of these classic vehicles.

Crucial to these efforts is educating policymakers that these vehicles are well-maintained, used only on a limited basis and, in many circumstances, emit less pollution than when first produced.

Targeting these vehicles is a poor source for emissions reductions. SEMA is also working to support this ever-growing market through legislation that provides reduced or one-time registration fees and other proposals that will ease the bureaucratic burden in purchasing and owning these vehicles.

Street Performance

From street machines to sport compacts, it’s all about performance. However, some officials have tried to limit the types of modifications that can be made to these vehicles. These include restrictions to specialty-equipment exhaust systems, engine-enhancing equipment and performance tires and wheels.

Over the years, SEMA has worked with lawmakers to enact fair and responsible alternatives to these proposals. To counter restrictive attempts on modified exhaust systems, SEMA created model legislation to establish a 95-decibel exhaust-noise testing standard. Instead of banning nitrous-oxide systems, SEMA has urged lawmakers to adopt legislation that permits equipped vehicles to be operated on public roads if the supply lines have been disconnected, the canisters have been removed or if the vehicle is en route to or from a racetrack.

Street Rod

In many states, outdated vehicle registration laws have created confusion for those attempting to register street rods and other custom vehicles. To help simplify this process, SEMA has developed model legislation to create titling and registration classes for street rods and custom vehicles.

Through this initiative, qualifying vehicles are assigned the same model-year designations as the production vehicles they most closely resemble and are exempted from periodic inspections and emissions tests. The SEMA-model bill has helped to clear the often muddied process of street-rod titling and has provided an avenue to have this program adopted in states that either don’t have registration classifications for these vehicles or have laws that are lacking in some way. Through the help of hobby-friendly lawmakers, the list of states adopting this language continues to grow.

Street Truck/SUV

With the current economic situation and fluctuating fuel prices, the last thing consumers want is additional fees for purchasing a vehicle that meets their needs. Throughout all this, SEMA has consistently opposed attempts to penalize consumers for purchasing trucks and SUVs through increased taxes or vehicle surcharges.

While the specialty-equipment market is a birthplace for many of the new technologies that will help automakers achieve higher fuel standards, new laws must provide the necessary time to apply such breakthroughs to mass production and to ensure there is no unnecessary disruption to the marketplace, businesses and workers. In addition to these issues, SEMA diligently works with pro-industry lawmakers to prevent restrictions on grille guards and other truck accessories. SEMA has also rallied against legislative proposals that would unfairly prohibit reasonable modifications to suspension equipment on trucks and SUVs.

SEMA News - May 2009
SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Government Affairs

The SEMA Government Affairs Office advocates in support of pro-industry initiatives and opposes unfair or restrictive legislation. To counter outdated vehicle registration laws, SEMA has developed model legislation to create titling and registration classes for street rods and custom vehicles.

Officials across the country are constantly working on legislative and regulatory proposals that have a direct impact on our industry and your customers. The SEMA Government Affairs Office advocates in support of pro-industry initiatives, and when needed, opposes unfair or restrictive legislation. Here are just a few of the issues facing each of the market segments within our industry.

Off-Road

In spite of mass opposition from enthusiast and industry groups, areas designed for motorized recreation are being closed to off-highway vehicles. This is extremely consequential to SEMA members since such designations potentially deny access to off-roaders and the equipment they purchase to enhance the utility of their vehicles.

As public land regulations come in multiple forms and from various branches of government, SEMA has urged decision makers to actively solicit the participation of enthusiasts groups in developing their policies. SEMA has also advocated that regulators in Washington, D.C., do not adopt one-size-fits-all guidelines for motorized recreation. In its place, SEMA promotes permitting local officials to work with end users to adopt reasonable and responsible motorized vehicle access while maintaining the overall health of the area.

Restoration

First it was scrappage. Then it was “Cash for Clunkers.” Add restrictions to backyard builders, and it seems that the only place lawmakers would like to see older cars is in the crusher. Fortunately, SEMA has identified and is working with an increasing number of pro-industry lawmakers who recognize the irreplaceable value of these classic vehicles.

Crucial to these efforts is educating policymakers that these vehicles are well-maintained, used only on a limited basis and, in many circumstances, emit less pollution than when first produced.

Targeting these vehicles is a poor source for emissions reductions. SEMA is also working to support this ever-growing market through legislation that provides reduced or one-time registration fees and other proposals that will ease the bureaucratic burden in purchasing and owning these vehicles.

Street Performance

From street machines to sport compacts, it’s all about performance. However, some officials have tried to limit the types of modifications that can be made to these vehicles. These include restrictions to specialty-equipment exhaust systems, engine-enhancing equipment and performance tires and wheels.

Over the years, SEMA has worked with lawmakers to enact fair and responsible alternatives to these proposals. To counter restrictive attempts on modified exhaust systems, SEMA created model legislation to establish a 95-decibel exhaust-noise testing standard. Instead of banning nitrous-oxide systems, SEMA has urged lawmakers to adopt legislation that permits equipped vehicles to be operated on public roads if the supply lines have been disconnected, the canisters have been removed or if the vehicle is en route to or from a racetrack.

Street Rod

In many states, outdated vehicle registration laws have created confusion for those attempting to register street rods and other custom vehicles. To help simplify this process, SEMA has developed model legislation to create titling and registration classes for street rods and custom vehicles.

Through this initiative, qualifying vehicles are assigned the same model-year designations as the production vehicles they most closely resemble and are exempted from periodic inspections and emissions tests. The SEMA-model bill has helped to clear the often muddied process of street-rod titling and has provided an avenue to have this program adopted in states that either don’t have registration classifications for these vehicles or have laws that are lacking in some way. Through the help of hobby-friendly lawmakers, the list of states adopting this language continues to grow.

Street Truck/SUV

With the current economic situation and fluctuating fuel prices, the last thing consumers want is additional fees for purchasing a vehicle that meets their needs. Throughout all this, SEMA has consistently opposed attempts to penalize consumers for purchasing trucks and SUVs through increased taxes or vehicle surcharges.

While the specialty-equipment market is a birthplace for many of the new technologies that will help automakers achieve higher fuel standards, new laws must provide the necessary time to apply such breakthroughs to mass production and to ensure there is no unnecessary disruption to the marketplace, businesses and workers. In addition to these issues, SEMA diligently works with pro-industry lawmakers to prevent restrictions on grille guards and other truck accessories. SEMA has also rallied against legislative proposals that would unfairly prohibit reasonable modifications to suspension equipment on trucks and SUVs.

SEMA News - May 2009
SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Government Affairs

The SEMA Government Affairs Office advocates in support of pro-industry initiatives and opposes unfair or restrictive legislation. To counter outdated vehicle registration laws, SEMA has developed model legislation to create titling and registration classes for street rods and custom vehicles.

Officials across the country are constantly working on legislative and regulatory proposals that have a direct impact on our industry and your customers. The SEMA Government Affairs Office advocates in support of pro-industry initiatives, and when needed, opposes unfair or restrictive legislation. Here are just a few of the issues facing each of the market segments within our industry.

Off-Road

In spite of mass opposition from enthusiast and industry groups, areas designed for motorized recreation are being closed to off-highway vehicles. This is extremely consequential to SEMA members since such designations potentially deny access to off-roaders and the equipment they purchase to enhance the utility of their vehicles.

As public land regulations come in multiple forms and from various branches of government, SEMA has urged decision makers to actively solicit the participation of enthusiasts groups in developing their policies. SEMA has also advocated that regulators in Washington, D.C., do not adopt one-size-fits-all guidelines for motorized recreation. In its place, SEMA promotes permitting local officials to work with end users to adopt reasonable and responsible motorized vehicle access while maintaining the overall health of the area.

Restoration

First it was scrappage. Then it was “Cash for Clunkers.” Add restrictions to backyard builders, and it seems that the only place lawmakers would like to see older cars is in the crusher. Fortunately, SEMA has identified and is working with an increasing number of pro-industry lawmakers who recognize the irreplaceable value of these classic vehicles.

Crucial to these efforts is educating policymakers that these vehicles are well-maintained, used only on a limited basis and, in many circumstances, emit less pollution than when first produced.

Targeting these vehicles is a poor source for emissions reductions. SEMA is also working to support this ever-growing market through legislation that provides reduced or one-time registration fees and other proposals that will ease the bureaucratic burden in purchasing and owning these vehicles.

Street Performance

From street machines to sport compacts, it’s all about performance. However, some officials have tried to limit the types of modifications that can be made to these vehicles. These include restrictions to specialty-equipment exhaust systems, engine-enhancing equipment and performance tires and wheels.

Over the years, SEMA has worked with lawmakers to enact fair and responsible alternatives to these proposals. To counter restrictive attempts on modified exhaust systems, SEMA created model legislation to establish a 95-decibel exhaust-noise testing standard. Instead of banning nitrous-oxide systems, SEMA has urged lawmakers to adopt legislation that permits equipped vehicles to be operated on public roads if the supply lines have been disconnected, the canisters have been removed or if the vehicle is en route to or from a racetrack.

Street Rod

In many states, outdated vehicle registration laws have created confusion for those attempting to register street rods and other custom vehicles. To help simplify this process, SEMA has developed model legislation to create titling and registration classes for street rods and custom vehicles.

Through this initiative, qualifying vehicles are assigned the same model-year designations as the production vehicles they most closely resemble and are exempted from periodic inspections and emissions tests. The SEMA-model bill has helped to clear the often muddied process of street-rod titling and has provided an avenue to have this program adopted in states that either don’t have registration classifications for these vehicles or have laws that are lacking in some way. Through the help of hobby-friendly lawmakers, the list of states adopting this language continues to grow.

Street Truck/SUV

With the current economic situation and fluctuating fuel prices, the last thing consumers want is additional fees for purchasing a vehicle that meets their needs. Throughout all this, SEMA has consistently opposed attempts to penalize consumers for purchasing trucks and SUVs through increased taxes or vehicle surcharges.

While the specialty-equipment market is a birthplace for many of the new technologies that will help automakers achieve higher fuel standards, new laws must provide the necessary time to apply such breakthroughs to mass production and to ensure there is no unnecessary disruption to the marketplace, businesses and workers. In addition to these issues, SEMA diligently works with pro-industry lawmakers to prevent restrictions on grille guards and other truck accessories. SEMA has also rallied against legislative proposals that would unfairly prohibit reasonable modifications to suspension equipment on trucks and SUVs.

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Action Network

Since its inception in 1997, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) has become a potent force in advocating on behalf of the automotive community. The SAN now has more than 35,000 enthusiast members from all 50 states and Canada who have proven to be an effective tool in responding to the hundreds of federal and state bills that directly affect the specialty-equipment industry.

The SAN reaches out to millions of enthusiasts through informative ads in magazines, websites, Internet forums, chat rooms and its own monthly publication, Driving Force. However, even with all of the new technology and momentum behind the SAN, it’s the dedication of individual members, car clubs and business owners that is responsible for the network’s success. SAN members possess a passion for the automotive hobby, are eager to convey that enthusiasm to their lawmakers and are essential to the association’s legislative efforts.

	“If everybody would join together with the SAN, we would be able to keep the laws working for the hobby. After I get Driving Force in the mail, I take it to my club meetings. If we don’t educate lawmakers, then who will?” —Paul and Mike Wayman Kansas City, Missouri
	“I joined the SAN two years ago because it’s important to keep this around for younger generations. I take copies of the SAN newsletter to work so my coworkers can read it.” —John Lucas Lafayette, Indiana
	“If you want this hobby of ours to continue in the future, you’d better get involved. There are those out there who don’t understand our hobby, and we have to educate them. It takes little effort to respond to the alerts from the SAN. However, it does take all of us working together to ensure that our kids or grandkids have the same opportunities that we have at shows and events to enjoy this hobby.” —Terry and Rendy Box McKinney, Texas
	“I enjoy reading the latest news and alerts in the SAN newsletter. After I finish reading it, I take the newsletter to our club. We need to keep this sport going. It’s awesome to see people getting good laws passed or defeating bad ones.” —Glenn and Donna Baumann Mayville, Wisconsin
	“I love getting the newsletter every month. It keeps us posted on legislative issues across the country. Getting the SEMA Street Rod Bill signed into law in Florida was a major victory for enthusiasts.” —Tim Weber and Lori Warnicke Sanford, Florida

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Action Network

Since its inception in 1997, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) has become a potent force in advocating on behalf of the automotive community. The SAN now has more than 35,000 enthusiast members from all 50 states and Canada who have proven to be an effective tool in responding to the hundreds of federal and state bills that directly affect the specialty-equipment industry.

The SAN reaches out to millions of enthusiasts through informative ads in magazines, websites, Internet forums, chat rooms and its own monthly publication, Driving Force. However, even with all of the new technology and momentum behind the SAN, it’s the dedication of individual members, car clubs and business owners that is responsible for the network’s success. SAN members possess a passion for the automotive hobby, are eager to convey that enthusiasm to their lawmakers and are essential to the association’s legislative efforts.

	“If everybody would join together with the SAN, we would be able to keep the laws working for the hobby. After I get Driving Force in the mail, I take it to my club meetings. If we don’t educate lawmakers, then who will?” —Paul and Mike Wayman Kansas City, Missouri
	“I joined the SAN two years ago because it’s important to keep this around for younger generations. I take copies of the SAN newsletter to work so my coworkers can read it.” —John Lucas Lafayette, Indiana
	“If you want this hobby of ours to continue in the future, you’d better get involved. There are those out there who don’t understand our hobby, and we have to educate them. It takes little effort to respond to the alerts from the SAN. However, it does take all of us working together to ensure that our kids or grandkids have the same opportunities that we have at shows and events to enjoy this hobby.” —Terry and Rendy Box McKinney, Texas
	“I enjoy reading the latest news and alerts in the SAN newsletter. After I finish reading it, I take the newsletter to our club. We need to keep this sport going. It’s awesome to see people getting good laws passed or defeating bad ones.” —Glenn and Donna Baumann Mayville, Wisconsin
	“I love getting the newsletter every month. It keeps us posted on legislative issues across the country. Getting the SEMA Street Rod Bill signed into law in Florida was a major victory for enthusiasts.” —Tim Weber and Lori Warnicke Sanford, Florida

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

SEMA Action Network

Since its inception in 1997, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) has become a potent force in advocating on behalf of the automotive community. The SAN now has more than 35,000 enthusiast members from all 50 states and Canada who have proven to be an effective tool in responding to the hundreds of federal and state bills that directly affect the specialty-equipment industry.

The SAN reaches out to millions of enthusiasts through informative ads in magazines, websites, Internet forums, chat rooms and its own monthly publication, Driving Force. However, even with all of the new technology and momentum behind the SAN, it’s the dedication of individual members, car clubs and business owners that is responsible for the network’s success. SAN members possess a passion for the automotive hobby, are eager to convey that enthusiasm to their lawmakers and are essential to the association’s legislative efforts.

	“If everybody would join together with the SAN, we would be able to keep the laws working for the hobby. After I get Driving Force in the mail, I take it to my club meetings. If we don’t educate lawmakers, then who will?” —Paul and Mike Wayman Kansas City, Missouri
	“I joined the SAN two years ago because it’s important to keep this around for younger generations. I take copies of the SAN newsletter to work so my coworkers can read it.” —John Lucas Lafayette, Indiana
	“If you want this hobby of ours to continue in the future, you’d better get involved. There are those out there who don’t understand our hobby, and we have to educate them. It takes little effort to respond to the alerts from the SAN. However, it does take all of us working together to ensure that our kids or grandkids have the same opportunities that we have at shows and events to enjoy this hobby.” —Terry and Rendy Box McKinney, Texas
	“I enjoy reading the latest news and alerts in the SAN newsletter. After I finish reading it, I take the newsletter to our club. We need to keep this sport going. It’s awesome to see people getting good laws passed or defeating bad ones.” —Glenn and Donna Baumann Mayville, Wisconsin
	“I love getting the newsletter every month. It keeps us posted on legislative issues across the country. Getting the SEMA Street Rod Bill signed into law in Florida was a major victory for enthusiasts.” —Tim Weber and Lori Warnicke Sanford, Florida

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

Invest in Our Political Future

Support the SEMA PAC

SEMA, as with all trade associations, must receive written permission before we can provide information regarding our efforts on Capitol Hill and the PAC. You can join in this effort by visiting www.semapac.org and becoming “SEMA PAC Approved!”

This summer, Congress will undertake major health care reform that will have significant impacts on SEMA members and their employees. As these and other initiatives move quickly through the legislative process, it is more important than ever that SEMA remain connected with its members and key friends in Congress.

Through the SEMA Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC), SEMA members can pool together, giving the association a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

“The SEMA PAC gives members an opportunity to help protect our industry’s future” said SEMA PAC Chairman Doug Evans. “It is an essential tool in raising our presence on Capitol Hill by supporting candidates who recognize the significant contributions our industry makes to the U.S. economy. I challenge all SEMA members to become involved with the SEMA PAC to ensure that we always have a voice in Washington, D.C.”

The PAC also raises awareness among SEMA members about the need to engage in the political process. A strong and effective SEMA PAC is a crucial resource to help elect candidates who recognize the important role of our industry in the economy and are willing to work with us on the issues that affect our members. It also becomes a valuable tool to reinforce ongoing relationships on Capitol Hill.

Associations such as SEMA are prohibited from using association funds to make political contributions. SEMA is, however, allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC. Simply put, 100% of the contributions made to the SEMA PAC are used to help elect industry-friendly legislators.

For more information, visit www.semapac.org.

If this is your industry, SEMA PAC is an investment in your future.

Contribute to Industry Success in California: Support SEMA’s Cal PAC

As a SEMA member, you may have noticed that your membership renewal statement included a request for support for SEMA’s California Political Action Committee. Whether you represent a homegrown California company, do business in the state or just want to provide for the industry’s continued success, we hope that you’ll consider making a contribution to this important effort.

SEMA maintains an experienced government affairs staff in Washington, D.C., to further the association’s efforts in legislative and regulatory arenas. The association also retains the services of Advocation Inc., an established lobbying firm in California’s capital city of Sacramento. Together, we advocate on issues affecting the specialty automotive industry as well as those issues affecting enthusiast groups and car clubs throughout California.

Working with the California Legislature in recent years, SEMA sought legislation to force California’s regulators to save vintage cars and parts from “car-crusher” scrappage programs, attempted to stop under-the-hood visual inspections for cars that have passed tailpipe tests, supported efforts to create favorable emissions-system certification criteria for kit cars and replicas and attempted to beat back legislation to repeal the state’s 30-year rolling emissions inspection exemption. SEMA also helped create a statewide exhaust-noise testing program that allows vehicle owners to prove compliance with the state’s 95-decibel limit.

“These critical accomplishments would not be possible without the hard work and perseverance of the California legislators who have taken up our banner time and time again and who need our support to ensure the industry’s continued viability,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “Their efforts have kept open markets for specialty automotive equipment and have enabled the creation of new markets to meet the demands of technological innovations.”

So, the next time you open your member renewal letter, please consider making a contribution to this critical tool in our efforts to protect and grow the specialty automotive industry.

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

Invest in Our Political Future

Support the SEMA PAC

SEMA, as with all trade associations, must receive written permission before we can provide information regarding our efforts on Capitol Hill and the PAC. You can join in this effort by visiting www.semapac.org and becoming “SEMA PAC Approved!”

This summer, Congress will undertake major health care reform that will have significant impacts on SEMA members and their employees. As these and other initiatives move quickly through the legislative process, it is more important than ever that SEMA remain connected with its members and key friends in Congress.

Through the SEMA Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC), SEMA members can pool together, giving the association a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

“The SEMA PAC gives members an opportunity to help protect our industry’s future” said SEMA PAC Chairman Doug Evans. “It is an essential tool in raising our presence on Capitol Hill by supporting candidates who recognize the significant contributions our industry makes to the U.S. economy. I challenge all SEMA members to become involved with the SEMA PAC to ensure that we always have a voice in Washington, D.C.”

The PAC also raises awareness among SEMA members about the need to engage in the political process. A strong and effective SEMA PAC is a crucial resource to help elect candidates who recognize the important role of our industry in the economy and are willing to work with us on the issues that affect our members. It also becomes a valuable tool to reinforce ongoing relationships on Capitol Hill.

Associations such as SEMA are prohibited from using association funds to make political contributions. SEMA is, however, allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC. Simply put, 100% of the contributions made to the SEMA PAC are used to help elect industry-friendly legislators.

For more information, visit www.semapac.org.

If this is your industry, SEMA PAC is an investment in your future.

Contribute to Industry Success in California: Support SEMA’s Cal PAC

As a SEMA member, you may have noticed that your membership renewal statement included a request for support for SEMA’s California Political Action Committee. Whether you represent a homegrown California company, do business in the state or just want to provide for the industry’s continued success, we hope that you’ll consider making a contribution to this important effort.

SEMA maintains an experienced government affairs staff in Washington, D.C., to further the association’s efforts in legislative and regulatory arenas. The association also retains the services of Advocation Inc., an established lobbying firm in California’s capital city of Sacramento. Together, we advocate on issues affecting the specialty automotive industry as well as those issues affecting enthusiast groups and car clubs throughout California.

Working with the California Legislature in recent years, SEMA sought legislation to force California’s regulators to save vintage cars and parts from “car-crusher” scrappage programs, attempted to stop under-the-hood visual inspections for cars that have passed tailpipe tests, supported efforts to create favorable emissions-system certification criteria for kit cars and replicas and attempted to beat back legislation to repeal the state’s 30-year rolling emissions inspection exemption. SEMA also helped create a statewide exhaust-noise testing program that allows vehicle owners to prove compliance with the state’s 95-decibel limit.

“These critical accomplishments would not be possible without the hard work and perseverance of the California legislators who have taken up our banner time and time again and who need our support to ensure the industry’s continued viability,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “Their efforts have kept open markets for specialty automotive equipment and have enabled the creation of new markets to meet the demands of technological innovations.”

So, the next time you open your member renewal letter, please consider making a contribution to this critical tool in our efforts to protect and grow the specialty automotive industry.

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

Invest in Our Political Future

Support the SEMA PAC

SEMA, as with all trade associations, must receive written permission before we can provide information regarding our efforts on Capitol Hill and the PAC. You can join in this effort by visiting www.semapac.org and becoming “SEMA PAC Approved!”

This summer, Congress will undertake major health care reform that will have significant impacts on SEMA members and their employees. As these and other initiatives move quickly through the legislative process, it is more important than ever that SEMA remain connected with its members and key friends in Congress.

Through the SEMA Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC), SEMA members can pool together, giving the association a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

“The SEMA PAC gives members an opportunity to help protect our industry’s future” said SEMA PAC Chairman Doug Evans. “It is an essential tool in raising our presence on Capitol Hill by supporting candidates who recognize the significant contributions our industry makes to the U.S. economy. I challenge all SEMA members to become involved with the SEMA PAC to ensure that we always have a voice in Washington, D.C.”

The PAC also raises awareness among SEMA members about the need to engage in the political process. A strong and effective SEMA PAC is a crucial resource to help elect candidates who recognize the important role of our industry in the economy and are willing to work with us on the issues that affect our members. It also becomes a valuable tool to reinforce ongoing relationships on Capitol Hill.

Associations such as SEMA are prohibited from using association funds to make political contributions. SEMA is, however, allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC. Simply put, 100% of the contributions made to the SEMA PAC are used to help elect industry-friendly legislators.

For more information, visit www.semapac.org.

If this is your industry, SEMA PAC is an investment in your future.

Contribute to Industry Success in California: Support SEMA’s Cal PAC

As a SEMA member, you may have noticed that your membership renewal statement included a request for support for SEMA’s California Political Action Committee. Whether you represent a homegrown California company, do business in the state or just want to provide for the industry’s continued success, we hope that you’ll consider making a contribution to this important effort.

SEMA maintains an experienced government affairs staff in Washington, D.C., to further the association’s efforts in legislative and regulatory arenas. The association also retains the services of Advocation Inc., an established lobbying firm in California’s capital city of Sacramento. Together, we advocate on issues affecting the specialty automotive industry as well as those issues affecting enthusiast groups and car clubs throughout California.

Working with the California Legislature in recent years, SEMA sought legislation to force California’s regulators to save vintage cars and parts from “car-crusher” scrappage programs, attempted to stop under-the-hood visual inspections for cars that have passed tailpipe tests, supported efforts to create favorable emissions-system certification criteria for kit cars and replicas and attempted to beat back legislation to repeal the state’s 30-year rolling emissions inspection exemption. SEMA also helped create a statewide exhaust-noise testing program that allows vehicle owners to prove compliance with the state’s 95-decibel limit.

“These critical accomplishments would not be possible without the hard work and perseverance of the California legislators who have taken up our banner time and time again and who need our support to ensure the industry’s continued viability,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “Their efforts have kept open markets for specialty automotive equipment and have enabled the creation of new markets to meet the demands of technological innovations.”

So, the next time you open your member renewal letter, please consider making a contribution to this critical tool in our efforts to protect and grow the specialty automotive industry.

SEMA News - May 2009

SEMA LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

Invest in Our Political Future

Support the SEMA PAC

SEMA, as with all trade associations, must receive written permission before we can provide information regarding our efforts on Capitol Hill and the PAC. You can join in this effort by visiting www.semapac.org and becoming “SEMA PAC Approved!”

This summer, Congress will undertake major health care reform that will have significant impacts on SEMA members and their employees. As these and other initiatives move quickly through the legislative process, it is more important than ever that SEMA remain connected with its members and key friends in Congress.

Through the SEMA Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC), SEMA members can pool together, giving the association a larger cumulative voice on Capitol Hill.

“The SEMA PAC gives members an opportunity to help protect our industry’s future” said SEMA PAC Chairman Doug Evans. “It is an essential tool in raising our presence on Capitol Hill by supporting candidates who recognize the significant contributions our industry makes to the U.S. economy. I challenge all SEMA members to become involved with the SEMA PAC to ensure that we always have a voice in Washington, D.C.”

The PAC also raises awareness among SEMA members about the need to engage in the political process. A strong and effective SEMA PAC is a crucial resource to help elect candidates who recognize the important role of our industry in the economy and are willing to work with us on the issues that affect our members. It also becomes a valuable tool to reinforce ongoing relationships on Capitol Hill.

Associations such as SEMA are prohibited from using association funds to make political contributions. SEMA is, however, allowed to fund all administrative costs of running the PAC. Simply put, 100% of the contributions made to the SEMA PAC are used to help elect industry-friendly legislators.

For more information, visit www.semapac.org.

If this is your industry, SEMA PAC is an investment in your future.

Contribute to Industry Success in California: Support SEMA’s Cal PAC

As a SEMA member, you may have noticed that your membership renewal statement included a request for support for SEMA’s California Political Action Committee. Whether you represent a homegrown California company, do business in the state or just want to provide for the industry’s continued success, we hope that you’ll consider making a contribution to this important effort.

SEMA maintains an experienced government affairs staff in Washington, D.C., to further the association’s efforts in legislative and regulatory arenas. The association also retains the services of Advocation Inc., an established lobbying firm in California’s capital city of Sacramento. Together, we advocate on issues affecting the specialty automotive industry as well as those issues affecting enthusiast groups and car clubs throughout California.

Working with the California Legislature in recent years, SEMA sought legislation to force California’s regulators to save vintage cars and parts from “car-crusher” scrappage programs, attempted to stop under-the-hood visual inspections for cars that have passed tailpipe tests, supported efforts to create favorable emissions-system certification criteria for kit cars and replicas and attempted to beat back legislation to repeal the state’s 30-year rolling emissions inspection exemption. SEMA also helped create a statewide exhaust-noise testing program that allows vehicle owners to prove compliance with the state’s 95-decibel limit.

“These critical accomplishments would not be possible without the hard work and perseverance of the California legislators who have taken up our banner time and time again and who need our support to ensure the industry’s continued viability,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “Their efforts have kept open markets for specialty automotive equipment and have enabled the creation of new markets to meet the demands of technological innovations.”

So, the next time you open your member renewal letter, please consider making a contribution to this critical tool in our efforts to protect and grow the specialty automotive industry.