SEMA Member News - September/October 2009
HRIA
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is one of the most successful SEMA councils—successful because every member of this unique industry niche has a passion for the American automobile, a love for hot rodding and a commitment to the hot rod community. HRIA subcommittees and task forces offer volunteers the opportunity to lend a hand. Whether behind the scenes or through active participation, members helping members keeps the hot rod community connected and informed—it’s what HRIA does best.
If you have an interest in any of the subcommittees or task forces, we ask that you speak to the chairman of each group. The following will give you an idea of the various projects the council has on its plate:
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| Ray Gorman of Stainless Steel Brakes |
Award Program: The chairman is Ray Gorman of Stainless Steel Brakes. This program seeks to honor and recognize exceptional industry members, businesses or products that have had a positive impact on the hot rod industry and council. All awards are currently presented to recipients at the HRIA Industry Awards Reception held during SEMA Show Week.
HRIA Bi-Annual Report: The HRIA report was created to showcase council activities and to define the mission of the Hot Rod Industry Alliance, which is to ensure the future and prosperity of the hot rod industry and to advance and promote awareness of the hobby. Dennis Overholser of Painless Performance is the chairman of this task force. The next report is targeted for the early part of 2011.
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| Bret Voelkel of Air Ride Technology |
Educational Programs: John Menzler of Comp Performance Group chairs this subcommittee, which routinely addresses the educational needs of the hot rod industry segment and provides educational opportunities to members. The subcommittee is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The current focus is on education day at the Hotrod and Restoration Trade Show. Bret Voelkel of Air Ride Technology will be part of the team for the 2010 event.
Elections/Nominations Program: HRIA participates in a nomination and election process each year. It is the intent of the council, SEMA and its members to keep fresh and innovative ideas flowing into positions of leadership. Rick Love of Vintage Air Inc., current HRIA chair-elect, has been appointed chairman of this task force for the next two years.
Fundraising (SEMA Cares Charities): This group develops creative and innovative ideas to raise funds to help the children of ChildHelp USA and the Victory Junction Gang Camp. ChildHelp assists abused and neglected children, and Victory Junction Gang Camp gives children the chance to be a kid and forget about their troubling illnesses. Eric Saltrick of Steele Rubber Products is the chairman.
Legislative Program: Del Austin of Egge Machine Company is the current chairman of this subcommittee, which works with SEMA’s Washington, D.C., office to maintain positive communications with HRIA members, industry companies and hobbyist groups.
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| Vince Sica of Powermaster |
Membership Program: The group is tasked with welcoming and mentoring new members on council activities/events/meetings and council benefits. The subcommittee is also tasked with developing fresh ideas to solicit new members and retain current members. The chairman for this subcommittee is Vince Sica of Powermaster.
Publicity Program: The publicity subcommittee disseminates information to the industry about HRIA’s activities, events and newsworthy items. The subcommittee creates industry awareness not only of council activities but also the preservation of the industry and those who enjoy and participate in the hobby. Eric Saltrick of Steele Rubber Products is chairman of this subcommittee.
Reception/Mixers Program: Stacy Tucker of Detroit Speed and Engineering will once again chair this subcommittee. It coordinates and produces social networking functions and events in order to enable communications between members, select committee members and SEMA. The current focus is on the Industry Awards Reception to be held during SEMA Show week.
Sponsorship Program: All council-member companies are encouraged and welcome to show their council support through sponsorship opportunities. This subcommittee is chaired by Janeen Webb of Source Interlink Media, and the participants in this subcommittee continually seek new ways to bring sponsorship opportunities to the membership.
Vehicle Program: John McLeod of Classic Instruments Inc. is chairman of this task force, which is responsible for selecting and coordinating a variety of eye-appealing, significant and/or newly constructed vehicles to represent HRIA and the industry segment during SEMA Show week at both the booth and the HRIA Industry Awards Reception.
Youth Awareness Program: Quality employees result in quality products and successful businesses. Bringing awareness of the hot rod industry and the hobby to younger generations is imperative so that our industry has a constant flow of educated people in the work force to continue our success into the future. Kerry Hopperstad of Hopperstad Customs is chairman of this task force.
To become involved or to receive additional information, contact Council Relations Director Jan Desma at 909/396-0289, ext. 134, or via e-mail at jand@sema.org.