SEMA PAC Firing on all Cylinders in Election year

SEMA News—June 2014

SEMA PAC Firing on all Cylinders in Election year

Become an Industry Champion by Joining the “Winner’s Circle”

For many, “politics” is a four-letter word. People are fed up with Washington’s antics. Truth is, whether it’s banning the sale of E-15 gasoline, reforming the tax code, spurring job creation or addressing many other critical issues, there’s a lot that’s not happening in Washington, D.C., which affects your bottom line. So we simply can’t afford to sit in neutral while others determine the future of the industry.

This year is a busy time in the political process, with an important election right around the corner. In November, 435 members of Congress and 36 senators will ask for our votes. In other words, whether or not they keep their jobs is up to us. While you may feel that you can’t fix the dysfunction alone, SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) allows members to come together to speak with a collective voice. The more people who join, the louder our voice and the greater our ability to impact change.

Last year, we asked you to chip in $10 to help celebrate a decade of protecting our industry with the $10 for 10 campaign. More people supported SEMA PAC than ever before! This year, we’re kicking things into high gear with the introduction of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle.

When you chip in $20, we’ll send you a Winner’s Circle lapel pin that you can wear with pride at industry events. Contribute $50, or more, and we’ll give you a SEMA PAC coffee mug (made in the USA!) and access to the SEMA PAC lounge for high-octane coffee (and refills) during this year’s SEMA Show. If you donate more than $100, lunch is on us. In addition to the caffeine boost, we’ll treat you and a colleague to a hot lunch in the SEMA PAC President’s Club dining room for one day during the SEMA Show. There you will be able to rub elbows with members of the SEMA PAC President’s Club who personally contribute $1,000 annually. Best of all, you’ll be supporting the car guys and gals in Congress who have our industry’s back!

To take advantage of the SEMA PAC Winner’s Circle, you must first become SEMA PAC Approved. We know that sounds complicated, but it’s totally painless. First off, being PAC Approved does not obligate you to contribute to the PAC. The form takes seconds to fill out. In fact, when you log on to www.SEMApac.com using your “MySEMA” account, the form is already filled out for you! All you have to do is check a few boxes and you’re done. It’s that easy. With a greater number of business owners willing to stand up to the government meddling with their businesses, more and more members are signing up every day. So head over to www.SEMApac.com and join!

	Susan Carpenter (left) with Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY).

Through SEMA PAC, members have the opportunity to build relationships with not only their own elected representatives but also a number of other powerful lawmakers. Whenever you have a problem or want to make your opinion heard, you’ve got fellow car guys and gals in Washington who have your back. Make your voice heard this election year by supporting SEMA PAC. Remember, the more people who help out, the stronger we are!

Got questions? Visit www.SEMApac.com or contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 or via e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Susan Carpenter

Susan Carpenter is the president of JR Products, which is headquartered in Clarence Center, New York. Carpenter joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2013 and is active in SEMA volunteer councils, including the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network.

“I am a true believer that you should not be a spectator on the sidelines if you want to be a part of the game,” Carpenter said.

“If you want change in our government, you have to make the effort to be heard. Being a member of SEMA PAC gives me the opportunity to be part of a team fighting for our industry. With the guidance of the highly talented SEMA government affairs staff, we are a united force!”