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Lights... Camera... SEMA Action Network
A behind the scenes Look at the SAN's New Commercials
In its ongoing effort to reach out to car and truck enthusiasts from across the country, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) is taking its proactive, pro-hobby message to the air waves through three new commercials. Each with its own unique message, the commercials encourage enthusiasts to become more involved in legislative issues by joining the SAN. Filmed at the the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, California and starring Adrienne "AJ" Janic, co-host of the hit television series "Overhaulin'," the ads will debut at the 2006 SEMA Show and are available to car clubs and hobbyists to view and download from the SAN website at www.semasan.com. For more information on how you can post the commercials on your club's website, contact us at san@sema.org.
CAUCUS CORNER
New York State Lawmaker Named Next Caucus Chairman
New York Assemblymember Bill Reilich has been named as the next Chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. Formed in 2005, the Caucus consists of over 140 state lawmakers from around the country who continue to show their dedication and love for everything automotive. After joining the Caucus in February of this year, he immediately got involved by helping to stall action on a bill that threatened to ban brush and grille guards in New York. To help ensure that the laws in New York stay hobby and industry-friendly, he is seeking a position on the Assembly's Transportation Committee. Next year, Assemblyman Reilich will introduce the SEMA Street Rod and Custom Vehicle model bill in New York.
"As a self proclaimed car enthusiast I am looking forward to my new responsibilities with the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. I realize we need to continually monitor proposed legislation throughout our country in the various statehouses which could impact the aftermarket industry and the thousands of automotive enthusiasts."
Reilich will join current Caucus Chairman, Montana State Senator John Brueggeman, in communicating a proactive and pro-hobby message to the fellow caucus members and legislative colleagues. Assemblymember Reilich will begin his two-year term as Caucus Chairman in Spring of 2007.
State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus
Chairman:
Senator John Brueggeman (Montana)
Incoming Chairman:
Assemblymember Bill Reilich (New York)
Alaska
Representative David Guttenberg
Arizona
Senator Ken Bennett
Senator Ron Gould
Senator Harry Mitchell
Representative Bill Konopnicki
Representative Russell Jones
Arkansas
Senator Denny Altes
Representative Johnny Key
California
Senator Tom McClintock
Assemblymember Bob Huff
Assemblymember Doug La Malfa
Assemblymember Gloria Negrete-McLeod
Assemblymember Alberto Torrico
Assemblymember Michael Villines
Colorado
Senator Ken Kester
Representative Debbie Benefield
Representative Larry Liston
Representative Nancy Todd
Connecticut
Representative Toni Walker
Delaware
Senator Steven Amick
Representative William Oberle Jr.
Florida
Senator Bill Posey
Georgia
Representative Calvin Hill
Representative Alan Powell
Hawaii
Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland
Iowa
Representative Dwayne Alons
Representative Jim Lykam
Kansas
Senator Chris Steineger
Representative Bob Bethell
Representative Doug Gatewood
Representative Harold Lane
Representative Judith Loganbill
Representative Melvin Neufeld
Representative Tom Thull
Kentucky
Representative Charlie Hoffman
Louisiana
Senator Ken Hollis
Maine
Representative Richard Cebra
Representative Carol Grose
Representative Lawrence Jacobsen
Representative Everett McLeod, Sr.
Representative Peter Rines
Representative Nancy Smith
Representative A. David Trahan
Maryland
Senator J. Robert Hooper
Delegate Don Dwyer
Delegate Barbara Frush
Delegate Barry Glassman
Delegate Warren Miller
Delegate Richard Weldon
Massachusetts
Representative Robert Hargraves
Michigan
Senator Ron Jelinek
Representative Fran Amos
Representative Bill Caul
Representative Joe Hune
Representative Chris Kolb
Representative Rick Jones
Representative Kathleen Law
Representative John Pastor
Representative Tom Pearce
Representative John Proos
Representative Joel Sheltrown
Representative John Stahl
Representative Lorence Wenke
Minnesota
Senator Mike McGinn
Representative Jim Abeler
Representative Dan Dorman
Representative Pat Garofalo
Representative Rick Hansen
Representative Melissa Hortman
Representative Duke Powell
Mississippi
Representative Pat Montgomery
Representative Dannie Reed
Representative Clayton Smith
Missouri
Representative Bruce Darrough
Representative Sherman Parker
Representative James Whorton
Montana
Senator John Brueggeman
Senator Jeff Essmann
Senator Jon Tester
Representative Gordon Hendrick
Nebraska
Senator Jeanne Combs
Senator Don Preister
Nevada
Senator Bob Beers
Assemblymember Chad Christensen
Assemblymember Moises (Mo) Denis
Assemblymember Ellen Marie Koivisto
Assemblymember Mark Manendo
Assemblymember John Oceguera
Assemblymember David Parks
New Hampshire
Senator Rob Boyce
Senator Robert Flanders
Representative Gail Barry
Representative Bernard Buzzell
Representative Kevin Waterhouse
New York
Senator Jeff Klein
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo
Assemblymember Bill Reilich
North Carolina
Representative Larry Brown
Representative George Cleveland
Representative Nelson Cole
Representative William Current
Representative Bill Faison
Representative Phillip Frye
North Dakota
Senator Tom Fischer
Senator John Syverson
Representative Margaret Sitte
Representative Robin Weisz
Representative Alon Wieland
Ohio
Senator Lynn Wachtmann
Representative Kenny Yuko
Oregon
Senator Gary George
Representative Jeff Barker
Representative Alan Brown
Rhode Island
Senator Michael Damiani
Senator William Walaska
South Carolina
Representative J. Gary Simrill
Tennessee
Senator Tim Burchett
Senator Mike Williams
Representative Chris Crider
Representative John Tidwell
Representative Joe Towns
Vermont
Representative Richard Marron
Virginia
Senator J. Brandon Bell
Delegate William Fralin
Delegate Morgan Griffith
Delegate Dave Nutter
Delegate Tom Rust
Delegate Terrie Suit
Delegate Onzlee Ware
Washington
Senator Jerome Delvin
Representative Cary Condotta
Representative Bob Hasegawa
Representative Chris Strow
Representative Deb Wallace
West Virginia
Delegate Robert Beach
Delegate Cliff Moore
Wisconsin
Representative Sheryl Albers
Representative Steve Kestell
Wyoming
Representative Pat Childers
LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS
California Greenhouse Gas: A Federal court ruled that the automobile manufacturers can proceed with their case against the state's greenhouse gas emissions regulations for passenger cars and light-trucks. In 2002, California lawmakers approved legislation which directed state regulators to adopt rules to address carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Car makers claimed that the state's program established a fuel economy standard, which is the sole prerogative of the Federal government. The SAN supports the position that the California law usurps federal authority and contends that the federal government has better expertise in establishing fuel economy and clean air standards that take into account the impact on jobs, safety, consumer choice, technological feasibility, emissions controls and the disparate impacts on manufacturers.
OFF-ROAD NEWS
Congress Approves OHV-Friendly California Wilderness Bill
Congress approved and sent to President Bush compromise legislation that would designate 300,000-acres in Northern California's Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino and Napa counties as wilderness. Although off-highway vehicle (OHV) use is traditionally restricted in wilderness areas, the SAN-supported compromise provided for approximately 79,000 acres to be set aside as recreation management areas for off-road vehicles. The measure also provided for the use of "cherry-stem" roads within the wilderness areas to allow continued motorized access to existing roads and trails. Wilderness legislation is consequential to SAN members since it potentially denies access to off-road trails and riding areas. The SAN continues to support land use decisions that allow local stakeholders to participate in the decision-making process. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law in the near future.
SAN Stands By Oregon Off-Roaders
Responding to a U.S. Senate bill that would designate an additional 125,000 acres of Wilderness around Mount Hood, the SAN sent a letter to key Congressional members stating that additional public involvement was needed before proceeding with the wilderness proposal. The SAN also commented that the U.S. House of Representatives has already approved a measure which would increase the Mount Hood Wilderness Area by 77,000 acres. Included in the SAN-supported House bill were provisions for the conversion of old forest roads into new recreational trails and to provide for a revenue sharing system for the fees collected from recreation and land use. While off-highway vehicle (OHV) use is traditionally restricted in wilderness areas, the inclusion of these provisions was due to ongoing involvement and input from the local and OHV community.
HEY, THAT'S MY CAR!
When You Wish Upon a Car
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Owner: Tyler Small
South Berwick, Maine
When Tyler Small was approached by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine, he didn't ask to take an exotic trip or to meet someone he idolized. He had but one request‹customize his car.
Tyler, a senior at Marshwood High School, is in remission from a form of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. His wish was to have his 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse customized and ready in time for his high school's homecoming. After all, what teenager doesn't want a nice car for homecoming?
Lori Hoppe of the Make-A-Wish Foundation enlisted the help of a number of automotive businesses around Maine to work with the foundation to make Tyler's wish become a reality. The car was completely redone from the inside out with custom bodywork, a custom flame paintjob, new wheels and tires, a new Alpine stereo with subwoofers and a DVD player, and a number of other components. To top it all off, the car received a Tenzo rear spoiler, one of last remaining of its kind in the entire country.
After three months of hard work, the car was ready just in time. The build team unveiled the car to Tyler in late September in front of the entire student body, just hours before the school's homecoming football game. It's safe to say that this team helped make Tyler's wish come true, and then some.
A special thanks goes out to Ray Simond of C.F.A. Imported Parts in Lewiston Maine as well as the following: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine; Extreme Rod & Custom (Wells, Maine); Archie's Off Road & Performance Center (Wells, Maine); Portland Speed (Portland, Maine); Sanford Sound (Sanford, Maine); and Snow's Auto (Spokane, Washington).
Lobby for the Hobby
10 Tips to Effectively Lobby Your Lawmakers
After hearing about everything that goes on in politics and government, for many people lobbying has become a dirty word. However, it's important to remember that our system of representative democracy was created to give citizens a voice in the operations of government. Getting involved in the political process and staying vigilant are the best ways you as a hobbyist can help keep the automotive hobby thriving and protect it from unfair laws and restrictions. Joining the SEMA Action Network is a great first step in getting informed about the issues, with Driving Force, Legislative Action Alerts, and the SAN website all at your disposal. The next step is learning how to put these resources to good use. The following are some tips that will allow you to most effectively lobby your elected officials:
1. Develop and Maintain Relationships with Your Legislators and Their Staff
Make contact and develop productive relationships with individual legislators. It is the most effective form of grassroots lobbying. It's also important to develop a relationship with their staff who monitor ongoing legislative and community initiatives.
2. Educate Legislators About Our Hobby and Our Issues
Educate your legislator about the hobby and emphasize the positive impact it has on the community.
3. Maintain a Positive Attitude
Develop a positive relationship with your legislator. The next time an enthusiast-related issue comes up, that same legislator may be needed to support your cause.
4. Stay Informed
Keep up-to-date on SAN Action Alerts, newspaper articles, and hearing notices. Share this information with fellow enthusiasts.
5. Get Involved in the Community
Join with other community groups to build positive exposure. Holding charity
runs and fundraisers provide a great opportunity to show local residents and
politicians that auto clubs are a positive community force.
6. Build Relationships with the Local Media
Contact local newspapers and radio/TV stations to publicize car shows,
charity events, etc.
7. Invite Officials to Participate in Your Events
Give legislators a platform to reach an audience of
constituents.
8. Build an Automotive Coalition
Create coalitions to add strength in numbers and ensure that the rights of
ALL vehicle enthusiasts are represented. Actively participating in regional
and statewide councils will develop a unified message to lawmakers. These
types of pro-hobbyist groups can be an influential political force.
9. Spread the Word
Tear off this page of Driving Force and take it to your next club meeting,
cruise night or post it on your online forums. Share this information with
other enthusiasts who are willing to help lobby for the hobby.
10. Register to Vote
Exercise your right to support pro-hobby candidates. Constituents are an
elected official's number-one priority. Without you and your vote of support, they would not be in office, so make sure you're registered and get out and vote.
CLUB SPOTLIGHT
Cars for a Cause
One club in New Jersey has found a great way to raise money for charity.
In August the Tri-County Cruisers of Wayne Township held their annual
benefit car show. For each of the past 15 years, the club has held this show
and donated the proceeds to local charities and organizations such as
D.A.R.E. and their local fire department. This year, the Tri-County Cruisers
raised $1500 for the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad.
Established in 1993, the club's forty members have always been dedicated
to giving back to the community. In addition to the annual show fundraiser,
each year the club sponsors a local child with special needs. "Our club's
whole mission is to use the vehicle hobby to raise money for charity and
reach out to the community," said Tri-County Cruisers President Chris
Wegman. Mission accomplished.
Editor's note: Please send your Club Spotlight stories and photos to the SAN
at san@sema.org.
EVENTS
ALABAMA
November 3-4, Montgomery
Southeastern Division Fall National Meet
Sponsor: AACA, Central Alabama Region
Information: ernestgellis@earthlink.net or 334/514-2227
ARIZONA
November 5, Chandler
2nd Annual 5 & Diner Shiner All-Chevy Show
Sponsor: Arizona Impalas
Information: www.arizonaimpalas.com or 623/792-7508
November 18, Sierra Vista
Imports Showdown at the Desert
Information: alfbocanegra@gmail.com
November 18-19, Scottsdale
9th Southwest Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys
Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
ARKANSAS
November 3-5, Crossett
16th Annual Fun Run Crossett Car Show
Sponsor: Klassy Kruzers
Information: 870/364-5596
CALIFORNIA
November 3-5, Bakersfield
8th Fuel and Gas Finals
Sponsor: Goodguys
Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838 9876
November 11-12, Pleasanton
17th Autumn Get-Together
Sponsor: Goodguys
Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838 9876
FLORIDA
November 3-4, Gulfport
31st Annual Antique Car Show and Swap Meet
Sponsor: AACA/Florida West Coast Region
Information: www.aaca.org/fwcr or 727/595-7554
November 4, St. Augustine
5th Annual Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show
Sponsor: St. Augustine Cruisers
Information: 904/669-2321
November 8-11, Panama City Beach
Emerald Coast Cruzin Event
Information: www.emeraldcoastcruzin.com or 662/587-9572
November 9-12, Zephyrhills
22nd Annual Fall AutoFest Car Show
Information: www.zephyrhillsfestivals.com or 813/258-6726
November 12, Dade City
18th annual Pasco Bug Jam
Information: www.pascobugjam.com or 352/567-6678
ILLINOIS
November 5, Grayslake
Skip's Show and Swap Meet
Information: 630/876-1042
November 18-19, Rosemont Convention Center
Fall Chevy/Vettefest Nationals
Information: 708/563-4300
INDIANA
November 4-5, Richmond
34th Annual Rod and Custom Car Show
Sponsor: Vintage Wheels
Information: 765/966-0541
MARYLAND
November 4, Glen Burnie
3rd Annual Hot Rod Jalopyrama
Sponsor: The Rusty Nuts H.R.G.
Information: www.jalopyrama.com or 410/437-3763
NEW MEXICO
November 4, Truth or Consequences
2nd Annual 1600 Oldies Rolling Thunder Car Show
Information: oldcarnut1932@earthlink.net or 505/894-6900
NORTH CAROLINA
November 1-6, Cherokee
Cherokee Rod Run
Information: www.cherokee-nc.com or 800/438-1601
November 4, Wilmington
9th Annual Brits and Battleships
Sponsor: British Motor Club of the Cape Fear
Information: www.bmccf.org or 910/755-6099
TEXAS
November 4-5, Conroe
Fall Conroe Swap Meet
Sponsor: Early Irons of Texas
Information: www.earlyironsswapmeet.com or 409/749-0824
Early December 2006 Events
CALIFORNIA
December 3, Long Beach
Cadillac Concours D'Elegance Sponsor: Cadillac Club International Consortium
Information: 951/845-5916
MARYLAND
December 2-3, Timonium
East Coast Indoor Nationals
Information: www.eastcoastindoornats.com or 410/628-6262
TEXAS
December 2, Weatherford
Texas Pythian Children's Home Car Show
Sponsor: D&D Rockin' Rods
Information: www.ddrockinrods.com or 817/797-1197