SEMA Members Celebrate Fifth Annual Collector Car Appreciation Day

On July 11, 2014, SEMA members joined with SEMA staff and thousands of enthusiasts to celebrate the fifth annual Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). A wide range of official events were held in the United States, Canada and Australia to commemorate the day, designated by SEMA-requested U.S. Senate Resolution 493, which was sponsored by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Mark Begich (D-AK).

The U.S. Senate Resolution recognized “that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.” Lawmakers in states, counties and local areas all over the country and Canada followed the Senate’s lead. The states of California, Louisiana and New Mexico, along with the Canadian Provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba and Nova Scotia, adopted their own resolutions commemorating the day.

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.

MSD Performance Hosts U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke

For more than four decades, the MSD Performance brand has been synonymous with high-performance ignition parts. The company designs, develops, tests and manufactures its entire line of ignition boxes, distributors, EFI systems, coils, sparkplug wires, crank triggers and other performance parts. While known for producing engine timing accessories for auto enthusiasts and the racing circuit, MSD also has a strong commitment to its hometown of El Paso, Texas. Since 1970, MSD’s presence in the community has grown to five buildings covering 150,000 sq. ft. and more than 500 employees.

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.

More than 40 SEMA members met with their elected representatives in Washington, D.C., as part of the May 14 Washington Rally. The meetings were a valuable opportunity to urge members of Congress to pursue a pro-growth, manufacturing and job-creation agenda. Between meetings, Rally participants were treated to a unique lunchtime panel discussion hosted by “Fox News” contributor Frank Luntz, who is known for his trademark public-opinion focus groups.

SEMA’s Guide to November’s High-Stakes Election

The mid-term elections are around the corner, and at no time in recent history has Washington been so divided. Lawmakers could not agree on how to stimulate the economy before becoming mired in the debate to reform the American health-care system.

Sound familiar? That’s because you’ve read those words before. In fact, it was in these very pages just four short years ago. The times have changed, but the song remains the same. Voters are fed up with Washington. Where do things stand heading into November’s midterm elections? Let’s have a look.

Influence Laws Affecting Your Business

Legislative proposals, both beneficial and harmful, are introduced each year in legislatures all over the country. Many have a direct and immediate impact on you and your company. Targeted and timely responses from constituents like you can sway the final vote. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) gives you easy-to-follow guidance on helping affect bills related to vehicles and small business before they become law.

In this issue of SEMA News, you’ll find a number of articles making clear that our industry needs to be aware and more involved when it comes to laws and government regulation. Whether over safety or environmental concerns, land-use policy or small-business regulations, our industry has a great deal at stake.

Trade associations such as SEMA unite our industry’s individual voices and resources to have a meaningful impact. But we can only achieve results if we have you involved—and a great first step is to learn more about the issues and the legislators in your neck of the woods. Then arrange for a visit—with hands-on help from the SEMA team.

Many lawmakers are big fans of collector cars, vehicle exhibitions and auto racing. One of the biggest is West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell. As a SEMA member and owner of Howell Automotive in Keyser, West Virginia, Howell has consistently demonstrated his desire to keep the laws in his state hobby-friendly while representing his constituents in the state legislature. He has worked extensively in the motorsports industry, raced both stock cars and drag cars, built winning race cars and award-winning show cars and designed racing parts. He has also hosted a syndicated radio show, written automotive magazine articles and served as a technical expert on automotive TV shows.

Aeromotive Hosts Kansas Representative Kevin Yoder

Like many other leaders in the automotive specialty-equipment industry, Steve Matusek started small. He formed Aeromotive Inc. in 1994 in Lenexa, Kansas, with dreams of applying aerospace techniques and processes to high-performance automotive fuel systems. The company blossomed by relying on three generations of engineering and racing experience. It is now a leading designer and manufacturer of fuel-delivery systems for racing, street and marine applications.