HRIA Annual Report 2009-2010 - Specialty Equipment Market ...

INDUSTRY ALLIANCE
2009–2010
ANNUAL
REPORT
WHAT ARE
WE DOING
FOR YOU?

MESSAGE FROM
CHAIRMAN AND
CHAIR-ELECT
As my term as chairman of HRIA draws to a close, I want to thank the industry
for this opportunity. I have grown as a leader through the extensive training
and guidelines that SEMA provides, and my relationships within
the industry have expanded considerably.
The involvement with HRIA has also benefited my business through awareness
of the legislative issues that could easily affect our business and livelihoods.
Our events have continued to get stronger with one of the best attended
receptions at SEMA and an HRIA Education & Training Day that has expanded
knowledge to all participants with the goal that the more you know, the more
you can accomplish!
As the baton passes to Dennis Overholser, the incoming chairman, and Rick
Love, the new chair-elect, I am confident that these individuals will continue
to work to improve the industry we all love. The outstanding Select Committee
members that I have had the privilege to work with volunteer their time and
expertise to what ultimately transcribes into industry growth and awareness.
The time, energy and enthusiasm of this group are truly impressive. At the end
of the day, each of us becomes stronger in our commitments to the industry.
—Jeanette Ladina, Chairman,
Flaming River Industries Inc.
During these challenging times, HRIA is striving to bring the industries
road blocks and curves to forefront even more. Helping to find solutions
for our youth to be more involved in the automotive world has always been
a challenge and will continue to be. Kerry Hopperstad has accepted the task
of reorganizing the Youth Awareness Program and getting more HRIA
companies involved. John Menzler has aggressively taken the Education
& Training Day at the Hotrod and Restoration Show to a new level.
As the incoming chair of the council, I plan on being behind these and all
the members of the Select Committee. Keeping the problems that present
themselves under control to our membership will always be challenging, but
we must continue to strive for perfection. Join me in being involved in council
activities and meetings. Input is always helpful, so give a Select Committee
member a call or come to one of the open meetings and let us know your
thoughts to help better our industry.
Cover and back page 1949 Mercury photos courtesy of Fesler Built, Scottsdale, Arizona
—Dennis Overholser, Chair-Elect,
Painless Performance

Voice your opinions and concerns t o
a Select Committee member or offer
to help with a special project.
Why HRIA?
While the reason that HRIA exists can be summed up in its mission
statement, “to ensure the future prosperity and betterment of the hot-rod
industry (defined as vehicles 25 years and older in appearance) by advancing
and promoting awareness of the market and providing education and
networking opportunities to our members”, the direct benefit to you,
the hot-rod business, may well be better defined.
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance focuses on five key areas:
• Education & Training Day – Working in conjunction with the Hotrod &
Restoration trade show, HRIA-member companies are provided a platform
to educate and train dealers on the specifics of their products and key selling
points. Dealers are better at selling products they are more knowledgeable
and comfortable with, which results in higher sales and less returns.
• Youth Awareness – The next generation of automotive enthusiasts are needed
to ensure the longevity of our hobby and the businesses that rely on it. Getting
kids interested in the history, enjoyment and career opportunities the hot-rod
industry has to offer provides our best hope for enthusiastic customers and
qualified employees.
• Legislative Issues – Working in conjunction with SEMA’s Washington, D.C.,
staff, HRIA works to head off any federal or state legislation that could be
detrimental to the hot-rod industry or support legislation that could benefit
us. Whether they need our help through grassroots letter-writing campaigns
or we need their help in monitoring for such bills, it’s a combined effort
to ensure our government is listening.
• Industry Reception and Recognition – Networking opportunities provide
the backdrop for friendships to be renewed and business relationships to be
fostered. At these events, we also pause to recognize those who have stood
out amongst their peers and thank those who have served our industry
with their time, talent and dedication.
• Hot Rod Alley – As part of the large SEMA Show, this focused area
highlighting our industry provides buyers a more targeted solution
for their product needs.
This is in addition to the many SEMA-member benefits, which
highlights include:
• Market research that will help you make decisions on future business
directions by outlining industry trends.
• Educational and training programs to help sharpen the skills of your staff,
making your company more competitive.
• Business resources and solutions designed to save you time and money.
• World-class trade shows providing you a venue for one-on-one product
demonstrations and discussions with customers and prospects.
• International resources to expand your market into global opportunities.
• Industry communications giving you the latest information in the form of
printed and electronic media.
• OEM relations and programs providing vehicle information and
licensing opportunities.
• Government advocacy and legislative programs giving the automotive
specialty-equipment industry a voice in federal and state legislation
along with providing a conduit for information about bills that directly
affect our industry.
While these are just the highlights of what HRIA and SEMA offers, you can
do your part, first by joining HRIA and, if you are already a member, participate.
Voice your opinions and concerns to a Select Committee member or offer
to help with a special project, such as a youth awareness program in your area.
Run for a seat on the Select Committee and be part of the leadership that
makes up HRIA. Finally, take an active roll in the trade association. We are
as good as our membership, and your participation makes us just that
much better.

If we do not take a stand now,
tomorrow could be too late.
Remember that this is our
industry to protect. SEMA
does a great job, but it is our
duty and responsibility to
get involved when necessary.
For additional information on the SEMA Action Network (SAN) contact any one of the HRIA Select Committee members or Jason Tolleson at:
SEMA, 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765 or by e-mail at: jasont@sema.org.

HRIA 2009 Legislative Report
Although the presidential election took center stage in 2008, the year was filled
with legislative activity that had a direct impact on the hot-rod market. Working
hand-in-hand with HRIA is the SEMA Government Affairs Office. Here are some of
the highlights from the last year:
Iowa and Tennessee joined the list of states that have the SEMA Street Rod/Custom
Vehicle bill. Since 1999, 18 states have passed into law, in one form or another,
the bill which allows qualifying vehicles to be titled as the production year it most
closely resembles. There are six additional states that have already or soon will
introduce the SEMA model bill during the 2009 legislative session.
SEMA is also actively working on the behalf of hot rodders in California to address
the titling and registration dilemma in that state. Jim McFarland, SEMA’s technical
consultant, along with other SEMA staff, are negotiating with California’s Attorney
General’s office, Bureau of Automotive Repair, Department of Motor Vehicles and
Air Resources Board to find a reasonable solution that will address the interests of
all parties. Discussions are ongoing even as this report goes to print.
In Washington, D.C., the pressing concerns are the various scrappage proposals
being considered by Congress. Federal scrappage programs, if passed, will
be funded with billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars, which would provide incentives
to retire older vehicles. These measures are short-sighted and will only hurt
specialty-equipment businesses in an already struggling economy.
Driving Force – January 2009
On a positive note, more than 100 state lawmakers joined the SEMA-sponsored
State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus in 2008. Formed in 2005, this
coalition of hobby- and industry-friendly lawmakers now has more than 300
members from all 50 states. To see if your state lawmaker is on the list, visit
www.semasan.com. You can also find information on its counterpart in
Washington, the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.
Whether it concerns local, state or national issues, one of the most important
things we can do is stay informed and get involved at every level. When you
receive the e-mail action alerts from the SEMA Washington Office, act on them.
Call your elected officials and educate them on the issues that matter most to you
and your business.
If we do not take a stand now, tomorrow could be too late. Remember this is
our industry to protect. SEMA does a great, job but it is our duty and responsibility
to get involved.
For additional information, contact any one of the HRIA Select Committee
members or Jason Tolleson at jasont@sema.org or by mail at: SEMA,
1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Education
HRIA supports education for our members through a variety of programs
throughout the year. The HRIA Education & Training Day is held annually
at the Hotrod & Restoration Show in Indianapolis. Many of the industries
best and most influential manufacturers offer workshops on installations,
new products, marketing and selling techniques and tips for running your
business. With more than 30 seminars, this day-long event supports HRIA’s
mission to offer quality educational programs benefiting all aspects of our
members’ business.
The new HRIA Webinar Series offers convenient and regularly scheduled
online seminars related specifically to the needs of smaller hot-rod and
custom shops. These seminars are conducted by well-known experts and
speakers. Topics include best business practices, small-business accounting
and finance, online marketing and specialized marketing techniques.
YOUTH
AWARENESS
Times have changed. Today’s youth often do not get the real-life
experiences of helping out in the garage as we did. Because of this,
HRIA’s Youth Awareness Program is a crucial part of the future success
of our industry. The program exposes them to jobs and creates a constant
flow of an educated work force into our industry.
Get involved: Invite local high schools or colleges to tour your facility and
give a short presentation about the hot-rod industry—or go to them.
Bring a hot rod to your local high schools or colleges and again give
a short presentation. Make sure to first introduce yourself to the school
and class instructor and discuss setting up one of these events. HRIA
provides an introductory letter that can be sent, using your company’s
letterhead, to the schools. Most importantly, get involved now!
For more information, e-mail hria@sema.org.
Many of the industries best and
most influential manufacturers offer
workshops on installation, new products,
marketing and selling techniques
and tips for running your business.

HRIA Award W i n n e r s
HRIA Hall of Fame Members
George Lane of Motor State Distributing 2008
Debbie Walls of Lokar Inc. 2008
Gary Heidt, Heidts Hot Rod Shop 2007
Joe Mayall, NSRA/StreetScene 2007
“Speedway” Bill Smith 2006
Mark Campbell 2006
“Chico” Kodoma 2005
“Wings” Kalahan 2005
CW Yearwood 2004
Roy Brizio 2004
SRMA Hall of Fame Members
Brian Brennan 2003
Ken “Posie” Fenical 2002
Bob Reynolds 2001
Jim Downs 2000
Skip Walls 2000
Ralph Lisena 1999
Jerry Slover 1999
Gary Meadors 1998
Gilbert Bugg Sr. 1997
Andy Brizio 1997
Jack Chisenhall 1996
Bill Burnham 1996
Chuck Lombardo 1995
Barry Lobeck 1995
Ginny Lobeck 1995
Roger Steiner 1994
Cody Parr 1993
Pat Ganahl 1992
SREA Hall of Fame Members
Vic Edelbrock 1991
Mickey Lauria 1990
Boyd Coddington 1989
Dee Wescott 1989
Gene Scott 1989
Norm Grabowski 1988
Dick “Magoo” Megugorse 1988
Tom McMullen 1987
Lil’ John Buttera 1987
Gray Baskerville 1986
Andy Brizio 1986
Leroi “Tex” Smith 1986
Pete Chapouris 1985
Roy Fjastad 1985
Vernon Walker 1985
Tom Medley 1985
Jim “Jake” Jacobs 1985
Jim Ewing 1985
SRMA Person of the Year
Roy Brizio 2002
Ray Doe 2001
Tom Vogele 2000
Skip and Debbie Walls 1999
Cody Parr 1998
David Stutts 1997
HRIA Lifetime Achievement
Gary Meadors 2004
SRMA Lifetime Achievement
Billy F. Gibbons 2003
Gray Baskerville 2002
Cody and Elizabeth Parr 2001
Ron Francis 2000
Chuck Lombardo 1999
Dick Williams 1998
Tom Medley 1997
HRIA Industry Recognition
of an Individual
Bret Voelkel Air Ride Technologies 2008
Gary Meadors Goodguys Rod & Custom Assn. 2007
Gary Meadors Goodguys Rod & Custom Assn. 2006
Jane Callison ididit inc. 2006
Debbie Lewis Hotrod & Restoration 2005
Micky Laura Total Performance Inc. 2004
SRMA Industry Recognition
of an Individual
Vernon Walker NSRA 2003
Tom Vogele Primedia 2002
DeEtte Crow Primedia 2001
Bill Mullins Mullins Steering Gears 2000
Dennis Overholser Painless Performance 1999
Dick Wells SEMA & NHRA 1998
Wes Yocum Jr. General Motors Corp. 1997
SRMA Service Award
Frank Hettick 2000
Ginny Lobeck 2000
Pete Chapouris 1999
HRIA Business of the Year
Speedway Motors 2008
Art Morrison Enterprises 2007
ididit inc. 2006
Total Performance Inc. 2005
Vintage Air Inc. 2004
SRMA Business of the Year
Watson Street Works 2003
Air Ride Technologies Inc. 2002
SRMA Dealer of the Year
Yearwood Speed & Custom 2001
Zig’s Street Rod Center 2000
RB’s Obsolete Automotive 1999
Parr Automotive 1998
Yearwood Speed & Custom 1997
SRMA Manufacturer of the Year
Alan Grove Components Inc. 2001
Pete & Jake’s 2000
Total Cost Involved Engineering 1999
Lokar Inc. 1998
Heidts Hot Rod Shop Inc. 1997
SRMA Best Marketing
Booth Display
Dakota Digital Inc. 2001
Hagan’s Street Rods 2000
1st Place Winner, Painless Performance 1999
1st Place Runner-Up, Walker Radiators 1999
2nd Place, Air Ride Technology Inc. 1999
Hagan’s Street Rods 1998
HRIA Best New Product
Cradle Rack & Pinon System ’68–’72 Chevelle,
Flaming River Industries 2006
All Steel ’32 Ford 3-Window Coupe Body,
Brookville Roadsters 2005
Dearborn Deuce Convertible,
Hotrods & Horsepower 2004
SRMA Best New Product
Weber 48IDA Carburetor, $500 & up
Imagine Engineering 2003
Fuel Filter Concealment Kit, $100–$499
Legens 2003
Race Labels, $1–$99
R & R Wireloom 2003
Cross Steer Rack and Pinion,
Unisteer Performance Products 2003
Dearborn Deuce ’32, All Steel Ford Coupe Body,
Hotrods & Horsepower 2002
Stainless Steel Gearshift Column,
Flaming River Industries Inc. 2001
Weber 48IDA Carburetor, $500 & up
Imagine Engineering 2000
Elite Series Evaporator, Hot Rod Air Inc. 2000
Deuce Factory 1999
SRMA Best New Color Catalog
Bob Drake 2000
1st Place Winner, Flaming River Industry Inc. 1999
1st Place Runner-Up, Dakota Digital Inc. 1999
2nd Place, Painless Performance 1999
Total Cost Involved 1998
SRMA Best New B/W Catalog
Posies Inc. 2001
Borgeson Universal Co. 2000
1st Place Winner, Borgeson Universal 1999
1st Place Runner-Up, Air Ride Technology 1999
2nd Place, Westcott’s Auto Restyling 1999
Parr Automotive 1998
SRMA Best New 2-Color Catalog
Powermaster 2001
SRMA Best New 4-Color Catalog
Flaming River Industries Inc. 2001
SRMA Best New Website
Dakota Digital Inc. 2003
Zoops Products Inc. 2001
RodDoors 2000

Why use the HRIA WebSite?
Printed materials are almost always outdated before they
even make it off the press. But with the World Wide Web,
HRIA can keep its members up-to-date on all aspects
of the organization 24/7. On the website you can view
programs and services, such as classifieds, committees,
educational materials, membership services and much
more. Also find information on all upcoming shows
and events, as well as information on legislation and
regulations affecting our industry. Locate information
about products and about companies within HRIA. And
this is just a mere fraction of the plethora of information
available on the HRIA website. So why use the HRIA
website? Quite simply, it’s the best HRIA resource available.
Visit www.sema.org/hria for
the latest news and events.