Law and Order is an update of some of the most recent federal and state legislative and regulatory issues that could potentially impact the automotive specialty-equipment industry. These include issues affecting small-business owners and their employees.
SEMA PAC Allows You to Do Something About It
For a decade, SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) has been fighting for SEMA members and their businesses in the nation’s capital. Recently, SEMA decided to create a new position in the association devoted exclusively to growing the PAC’s influence.
Experienced campaign veteran Christian Robinson was chosen to lead the PAC in the years ahead. SEMA News had a chance to catch up with the new SEMA PAC manager. We wanted to know who he is, how SEMA PAC works and why members should take notice.
One of the greatest tools in the SEMA toolbox for member manufacturers is the new SEMA Garage-Industry Innovations Center. About a year ago, the SEMA Board of Directors met to discuss ways to help the association’s manufacturing members address various product development challenges. The SEMA Garage was born as a result of those discussions, and I was hired to lead this effort.
Located in Diamond Bar, California, adjacent to SEMA headquarters, this 15,000-sq.-ft. facility houses a variety of tools and programs designed to help SEMA manufacturers more efficiently develop and market new products. The facility is comprised of four separate cells, each of which play a critical role in helping members get products to market in a quick and economical manner.
SEMA Focuses Efforts to Help Members Achieve Regulatory Requirements
SEMA continues its work to untangle a variety of emissions-compliance requirements while identifying and pursuing alternative paths to relieve or clarify concerns about navigating the regulatory landscape. At both the state and federal levels, the association is engaged in facilitating member compliance through a variety of programs and initiatives. This article summarizes issues that are either being addressed or have become more manageable as a result of these efforts.
SEMA Action Network Seeks Unified Voice to Strengthen Impact
As the fight to defend our automotive pursuits continues, the necessity of showcasing the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) efforts to the specialty-equipment industry remains critical. SEMA-member businesses represent an integral component in successfully reaching lawmakers in the United States and Canada with a unified message on important legislation. You, your colleagues and customers can help guide the course of the future.
Each legislative session, the SAN tracks and responds to hundreds of legislative initiatives affecting the specialty-equipment industry and the consumers it serves. Some bills will not advance past introduction; others will go on to become the laws of tomorrow.
A Wealth of Information Is Just One Click Away
SEMA-member information on how specialty-equipment parts are regulated by the government, health care law overview, California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order (EO) instructions, intellectual property rights guide, links to small-business issues, off-road equipment and land use laws, etc.
SEMA Action Network (SAN) is the industry’s outreach to the hobbyist community (your customers) and provides a nationwide partnership of car clubs, individuals and SEMA members working together to promote industry-friendly laws and regulations.
SEMA Government Affairs Successes Are Driven by Member Participation
We have expressed disappointment through this column over the years with the continued political gridlock in Washington. Partisan stalemate has created an adversarial climate on Capitol Hill for nearly every major legislative issue, from health care to entitlement reforms and everything in between. Both parties share the blame for a situation that renders it difficult for politicians to collaborate.
However, there have been a few recent signs of bipartisan cooperation in Congress. The House Ways and Means Committee, responsible for all tax legislation in Congress, has convened bipartisan working groups to begin reviewing the tax code. The groups have gathered input from lawmakers, companies, trade associations and other stakeholders to offer recommendations...
Law and Order is an update of some of the most recent federal and state legislative and regulatory issues that could potentially impact the automotive specialty-equipment industry. These include issues affecting small-business owners and their employees.
Year-Long Celebration to Focus on Increased Member Involvement
This year marks the 10th anniversary of SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC). To commemorate 10 years of protecting the industry in Washington, D.C., SEMA PAC will be unveiling exciting new initiatives. To take full advantage of what SEMA PAC has planned, you must first become “SEMA PAC Approved.” To get started, simply complete the form on the next page. It takes less than a minute to fill out and allows the PAC to share information on how SEMA is working for you in the nation’s capital. You can easily become “PAC Approved” online. Remember, completing the form does not obligate you to contribute to SEMA PAC.
LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald
Law and Order is an update of some of the most recent federal and state legislative and regulatory issues that could potentially impact the automotive specialty-equipment industry. These include issues affecting small-business owners and their employees.