Driving Force - November 2006

SEMA Action Network

Driving Force - November 2006

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 will soon be 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 Jason Tolleson at jasont@sema.org.

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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.

Click here for a complete list of Caucus members.

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Legislative Quick Hit

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.

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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.

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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).

Thanks to all who have sent in or e-mailed us photos. Please continue to send us photos of your trail rides, restorations in progress, rod runs, car shows, charity events and drag races. Kindly submit pictures to: The Driving Force, SEMA, 1575 South Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765. You also may send high-resolution digital pictures (minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch; minimum 5 inches wide) by e-mail to carrw@sema.org.

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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 Rpriority. Without you and your vote of support, they would not be in office, so make sure you're registered and get out and vote.

To download a copy of the SAN Lobbying Guide, please visit our website at www.semasan.com. For more information, contact Ben Burdick at benb@sema.org or 202/783-6007, ext. 38.

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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 jasont@sema.org.

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NOVEMBER 2006 SAN CLUB 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

Check out these 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

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Attention Car Clubs, Event Organizers and Enthusiasts!

Put SAN on Your Mailing List!

One of the best ways to keep us abreast of what's going on and what's important to the vehicle hobbies nationwide is for us to receive your club newsletters and updates. Please consider placing SEMA on your mailing list.

Send correspondence to: Jason Tolleson, SEMA, 1317 F Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20004-1105.

Or by e-mail at jasont@sema.org.