◄ Back to Driving Force, Fall 2015
It’s Not Just What You Know, It’s Who You Know
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| In 2013, I had the rare opportunity to showcase the hobby to my own federal representative, former Congresswoman Gloria Negrete McLeod (left). The event—Hot Rod’s “Hot Rod Homecoming,” a celebration of the publication’s 65th anniversary—was held in her Southern California district. | |
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Strong relationships form the necessary foundation of any success—be it a sports team, an office staff or even a performance vehicle. After all, what good is a bunch of horsepower if the remainder of the drivetrain won’t transfer it to the ground? The overall result is only going to be as good as the weakest component. This is especially true in advocacy groups such as the SEMA Action Network (SAN). In the role as SAN director, I’ve been fortunate to work together with fellow auto enthusiasts, car club leadership, business owners, lawmakers, colleagues and many others. Each bring valuable assets to the SAN. Meaningful ties with members of each contingent serve a role that cannot be overstated.
Our society has moved into an age where electronic communication has seemingly dominated every other form of interaction. However, while speed and efficiency may be improving, these benefits often come at the hefty expense of personal connection. Reliance on technology may very well begin unravelling human relationships that were otherwise strong. The importance of the SAN in this regard can be found in its name. We are a networking operation that uses the tools of modern technology but strives to retain the common touch. Let’s take a look at how our organization is best served by cultivating its human connection.
The car-crazed community is about the people who participate, not the machines. Over the summer, I was able to visit local events supporting the national celebration of Collector Car Appreciation Day. At these events, I was welcomed with open arms as a member of this rare extended family. Similarly, getting to know lawmakers in a “real” context has felt especially rewarding to me. By way of background, I had limited interest in my high school government classes. I’ve since learned firsthand that there are personalities behind each of those names on the ballot. It’s the SAN’s mission to build firm bridges with elected officials through the SAN-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. As part of their affiliation, Caucus members are invited to attend functions related to the hobby throughout the year. Many of them enjoy car shows as much as we do. There is nothing better than rubbing shoulders with a legislator at an event where a familiar passion for four wheels spouts naturally and can lead to mutual benefit.
Lastly, the Driving Force staff is always seeking to reach out to its diverse readership through the products we deliver. Creating content in each issue that appeals to everyone all the time is virtually impossible—but we try. Since the SAN’s inception in 1997, this newsletter has been the glue that binds our force together through its coverage of the current legislative and regulatory landscape on issues of critical concern. May the contributions made by each facet of the SAN continue to reinforce the rest.
—IGNITED WE STAND!