SEMA News—August 2014

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Christian Robinson

2014 Washington Rally Brings Industry Fight to Nation’s Capital

Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) arrived in style—behind the wheel of a replica Cobra. He was greeted at the event by SEMA President Chris Kersting (left), SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton (second left) and Chair-Elect Doug Evans (second right).
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) arrived in style—behind the wheel of a replica Cobra. He was greeted at the event by SEMA President Chris Kersting (left), SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton (second left) and Chair-Elect Doug Evans (second right).

More than 40 SEMA members met with their elected representatives in Washington, D.C., as part of the May 14 Washington Rally. The meetings were a valuable opportunity to urge members of Congress to pursue a pro-growth, manufacturing and job-creation agenda.

Between meetings, Rally participants were treated to a unique lunchtime panel discussion hosted by “Fox News” contributor Frank Luntz, who is known for his trademark public-opinion focus groups.

Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) arrived in style—behind the wheel of a replica Cobra. He was greeted at the event by SEMA President Chris Kersting (left), SEMA Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton (second left) and Chair-Elect Doug Evans (second right).

The day ended with an evening reception and dinner that featured fellow gearhead and member of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA). During the festivities, Rep. LaMalfa visited with Rally attendees before addressing the gathering.

Rep. LaMalfa encouraged SEMA members to get involved in this important election year by hosting members of Congress at their businesses through the Congressional District Site Visit Program.

These visits allow elected officials to connect in their local communities with job creators and business owners while learning more about the industry.

For more information about the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus or to schedule your own Congressional District Site Visit, please contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Dr. Frank Luntz engaged Washington Rally participants on topics impacting the industry and the current political landscape.
Dr. Frank Luntz engaged Washington Rally participants on topics impacting the industry and the current political landscape.

South Carolinian Jeff Bates (left) of Bob Cook Sales met with his Senator, Tim Scott (R-SC).
South Carolinian Jeff Bates (left) of Bob Cook Sales met with his Senator, Tim Scott (R-SC).

Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and John Hotchkis (right) of Hotchkis Performance.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and John Hotchkis (right) of Hotchkis Performance.

From left: Matt Agosta of Steele Rubber Products; JoAnn Bortles of Crazy Horse Painting; Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC); Lindsay Bianco from SEMA; and Jim Cozzie of Brenton Productions.
From left: Matt Agosta of Steele Rubber Products; JoAnn Bortles of Crazy Horse Painting; Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC); Lindsay Bianco from SEMA; and Jim Cozzie of Brenton Productions.

Wade Kawasaki (left) of Coker Group, Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and Rose Kawasaki (right) of Exports International.
Wade Kawasaki (left) of Coker Group, Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and Rose Kawasaki (right) of Exports International.

Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) with SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (center) and Susan Carpenter (right) of JR Products.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) with SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (center) and Susan Carpenter (right) of JR Products.

Kyle Fickler (right) of Weld Racing was introduced to Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) by SEMA Chairman Nate Shelton (center).
Kyle Fickler (right) of Weld Racing was introduced to Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) by SEMA Chairman Nate Shelton (center).

SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald thanked the participants for attending the 2014 Washington Rally.
SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald thanked the participants for attending the 2014 Washington Rally.

Latest Related News

Government Affairs
LAW AND ORDER
May 2024
View Article
Government Affairs
LAW AND ORDER
March 2024
View Article
Government Affairs
Law & Order
May 2023
View Article