By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
While many people assume that lawmakers aren't working when Congress is not in session, most members are out visiting businesses that are run by the people they were elected to represent. Earlier this week, Hellwig Products, a SEMA and PRI member company, took advantage of the Congressional recess week by hosting U.S. Representative Jim Costa (D-CA). Hellwig provided Rep. Costa a tour of their 57,000-sq.-ft. location in Visalia, California and conversation with their employees.
"Hosting Rep. Costa at our business further solidified the relationship that we have forged over the years with the Congressman," said Hellwig Products CEO and Owner Melanie White. "I encourage SEMA member companies to take the opportunity to invite your elected representatives to visit your business. It's the best way to educate your lawmakers on our industry and its policy needs. We thank Congressman Costa for taking the time to interact with our team and for recognizing the important role that specialty automotive aftermarket businesses like Hellwig play in the local economy."
Rep. Costa, who represents California's 21st congressional district spanning from Fresno to Visalia, has been supportive of the industry. Of note, he voted in support of the SEMA-supported Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act (H.R. 1435), a bill that would stop California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation from taking effect, thereby halting a requirement that all new vehicles sold in the state must be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) by 2035. Hellwig Products was founded in 1946 by Rudy Hellwig and his son and has remained family-owned and operated to this day. It manufactures sway bars, suspension components, and steel products in California's Central Valley. Vice President Mark Hellwig and CEO Melanie White represent the third and fourth generations leading the company today.
Hosting a site visit with your member of Congress and their staff is a compelling way to provide them a first-hand look at what you and your team do while discussing the challenges and opportunities your business and the industry face. If you are interested in hosting your elected officials for a tour of your business, SEMA will assist you in coordinating the event. The government relations team can provide important resources to help your business prepare for the meeting, including local/state/national industry economic impact infographics and talking points on relevant policy issues. SEMA staff can draft and send an invitation to your lawmakers, coordinate the visit by providing a briefing before the event, and manage day-of logistics in coordination with you and your company. Use this link to let SEMA's government affairs staff know that you want to explore hosting your member of Congress.
For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.