SEMA Votes 2012: � ���������������� Critical Election Demands Industry Participation By Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO Election Day is less than one week away, and the results of next Tuesday’s contests will have far reaching consequences for our country and our industry. In addition to the presidential election, voters will be electing 435 members of the U.S. House, 33 U.S. senators, 12 governors and thousands of state and local leaders. It is vitally important that our industry members make the effort and vote to fulfill their civic duty, but, more importantly, to weigh in on one of the most crucial elections in our nation’s history. Our industry and small businesses are affected on a daily basis by laws and regulations issued at the national, state and local levels. Some laws and rules are industry-friendly. Many are not. Meanwhile, our economy is lagging and prospects for improvement are weak. On Election Day, we have an opportunity to determine which WD-40/SEMA Cares, continued from page 6 Leading companies that stepped up to donate parts, equipment and services to the project include: Street Scene Equipment, Barrett-Jackson, LMC Truck, L&R Engine, Egge, MHT Wheels, Pirelli Tires, BASF Paint, American Auto Wire, Painless Performance, Quiet Ride, K&N Filters, McGard and others. In tribute to the 60th anniversary of WD-40 Multi-Use Product, Foose endowed the ’53 Ford with a vin- 8 SEMA <strong>Show</strong> <strong>Daily</strong> elected politicians will be making the laws and setting the regulatory direction for our country. At the national level, issues range from tax reform and access to affordable health care to keeping land open for motorized recreation. At the state and local level, issues range from equipment standards to titling and registration classifications, and from emissions test exemptions to hobbyist rights. Each of us owes it to our families, to our fellow employees and to future generations to be informed about the candidates, what they stand for and whether you believe they will help get our nation’s manufacturers and small businesses moving forward again. SEMA has several resources available through the Government Affairs office to help you learn more about the candidates. State Caucus: SEMA works closely with hundreds of lawmakers at the tage shop truck look that pays homage to the truck that onced delivered the first case of the WD-40 product in the early ’50s when the manufacturer was known as the Rocket Chemical Company. Meanwhile, the ’12 Ford celebrates the manufacturer’s current specialty products in the modern era. This year marks the fourth time that Foose has lent his considerable design experience to SEMA Cares project vehicles. state level. More than 600 state legislators who share a common goal to support the motor-vehicle hobby and the industry that serves it have joined the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. A full listing of Caucus members can be found at www.semasan.com. SEMA PAC: SEMA also maintains a Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) that helps elect proindustry, pro-business candidates to the U.S. Congress. SEMA PAC is vital to protecting and promoting the future of SEMA-member businesses, as federal laws and regulations have a direct impact on you and your business. Federal Caucus: In Washington, D.C., members of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus have joined together to recognize contributions made by the “After raising a combined $400,000 for SEMA Cares with our last three project vehicle builds, we expect these trucks to turn a lot of heads and continue to help a great cause,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for the WD-40 Co. “Working with Chip, who’s an expert in his trade and has been using our products his whole life, is a great fit and we look forward to showcasing more of his designs on some limited-edition cans this fall.” automotive performance and motorsports industry to the U.S. economy. Recently, several Caucus members have co-sponsored a bill to help stimulate low-volume production of specialty automobiles, thereby creating jobs and offering unique products to the American consumer. This informal and bipartisan Congressional Caucus has nearly 100 members. To see if your elected officials are members, visit www.semapac.com. If you haven’t already, take a few minutes to learn about SEMA PAC during the <strong>Show</strong>. Not only will you be entered to win a Kindle Fire HD, but you’ll have access to inside information from our SEMA Government Affairs team on issues directly impacting our industry. Stop by the SEMA PAC Lounge in the SEMA Members Lounge (N251) for more information. Take action today and vote on November 6! Chip Foose joins Gary Bennett, vice president of consignment for Barrett-Jackson, in front of the ’53 Ford F-100 that will be auctioned for SEMA Cares charity. “This year, we’re upping the ante and building two vehicles—one that pays tribute to WD-40 Co.’s history, and one that celebrates some of its newer specialty products that help auto pros like me get the job done right,” explained Foose. WD-40 Co. is now collaborating with SIM to help spread the word about the charity truck builds. For more information about the WD-40/ SEMA Cares truck builds project, visit www.WD40.com/Foose.
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