By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In an update to the Moab, Utah motorized access closures, the U.S. Department of Interior's Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) has agreed to hear the Off-Road Business Association's (ORBA) appeal of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) decision to approve the Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan (TMP). If enacted, the TMP would significantly reduce motorized recreational access near Moab, Utah. 

The IBLA has denied the BLM's Motion to Dismiss ORBA's appeal of the Moab Field Office's September 2023 updated TMP that would close an estimated 317 miles of roads and trails to motorized recreationists at the Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Special Recreation Management Area. Below is the timeline that the IBLA laid out for ORBA's and another group's challenges to the BLM's Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges TMP: 

• BLM must file and serve its administrative record on or before January 16, 2024; 
• BLM must file its Answer or a Motion to Dismiss on or before April 15, 2024; 
• The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA), which supports BLM's proposed closures, may file an Answer on or before May 13, 2024; and;  
• ORBA may file one Reply to the Answers of BLM and SUWA on or before June 10, 2024. 

"The IBLA's decision to hear ORBA's appeal of the BLM's heavy-handed closure is an important step in protecting roads and trails near Moab," said Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs. "I'm proud to serve on ORBA's board of directors, as SEMA values its role in working with ORBA to help lead the fight to protect motorized recreational access."  

ORBA's appeal is supported by One Voice, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), United Four-Wheel Drive Association, USA (United Snowmobile Alliance), SEMA and the many off-road businesses that comprise ORBA's membership. The coalition is challenging the BLM's proposed closures along with the agency's process surrounding the decision on the grounds that there was inadequate review, incomplete and defective factual data, mapping errors, decisions made from unsupported data, and violations of settlement agreements.  

ORBA's November 2023 filing asked the IBLA to rescind the BLM's Travel Management Plan (TMP) and Environmental Assessment (EA), and it directed the BLM to: 

• (i) revamp and redraft the TMP consistent with this Statement of Reasons,  
• (ii) ensure the new TMP considers an adequate range of alternatives, including alternatives that contemplate the establishment of new routes and trails,  
• (iii) initiate pre-NEPA outreach with Appellants and others as required by the SUWA Settlement Agreement, 
• (iv) prepare an EIS, not EA, to address all impacts of the proposed TMP, including cumulative impacts on OHV recreation,  
• (v) correct all mapping errors cited above and provide up-to-date, accurate information in the new TMP and EIS, and  
• (vi) release the new TMP and EIS for a minimum 90-day review and comment period so that Appellants and other members of the public can confirm the accuracy of BLM's mapping and other supporting data. 

ORBA's appeal focuses on the BLM's road and trail closures at the Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Special Recreation Management Area for the following reasons: 

• BLM provided an inadequate review period for public assessment of the proposed TMP and Environmental Assessment (EA), both of which were incomplete and factually defective when released to the public. 
• Mapping errors persist and render BLM's decision to approve the TMP and EA arbitrary and capricious. 
• BLM approved the TMP and EA in violation of the 2017 Settlement Agreement in Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance et al. v. U.S. Dept. of Interior. 
• BLM improperly limited the scope of the TMP and alternatives, resulting in conflicts with the Applicable Resource Management Plan. 
• The TMP and EA rely on visitation and resource capacity assumption that defy logic and are unsupported by evidence. 
• The TMP and EA fail to account for or analyze the cumulative impact of past, present and reasonably foreseeable trail and route closures. 
• The EA fails to base its analysis on high-quality data, resulting in a document that confuses rather than informs the public and decision-makers. 
• The TMP and EA did not consider an adequate range of alternatives. 
• The TMP and EA provide an inadequate and facially incorrect analysis of the plan's economic impacts. 
• The TMP and EA draw conclusions regarding recreational visitor impacts that cannot be supported by the available data. 
• The TMP and EA fail to acknowledge that routes designated under the National Trails System Act, including the Old Spanish Trail, remain multiple-use areas. 
• The TMP and EA impermissibly rely on outdated and/or generalized technical reports. 
• The TMP and EA fail to address data showing that closure of recreational areas often make user conflicts worse, not better. 

For additional information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In an update to the Moab, Utah motorized access closures, the U.S. Department of Interior's Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) has agreed to hear the Off-Road Business Association's (ORBA) appeal of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) decision to approve the Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan (TMP). If enacted, the TMP would significantly reduce motorized recreational access near Moab, Utah. 

The IBLA has denied the BLM's Motion to Dismiss ORBA's appeal of the Moab Field Office's September 2023 updated TMP that would close an estimated 317 miles of roads and trails to motorized recreationists at the Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Special Recreation Management Area. Below is the timeline that the IBLA laid out for ORBA's and another group's challenges to the BLM's Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges TMP: 

• BLM must file and serve its administrative record on or before January 16, 2024; 
• BLM must file its Answer or a Motion to Dismiss on or before April 15, 2024; 
• The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA), which supports BLM's proposed closures, may file an Answer on or before May 13, 2024; and;  
• ORBA may file one Reply to the Answers of BLM and SUWA on or before June 10, 2024. 

"The IBLA's decision to hear ORBA's appeal of the BLM's heavy-handed closure is an important step in protecting roads and trails near Moab," said Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs. "I'm proud to serve on ORBA's board of directors, as SEMA values its role in working with ORBA to help lead the fight to protect motorized recreational access."  

ORBA's appeal is supported by One Voice, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), United Four-Wheel Drive Association, USA (United Snowmobile Alliance), SEMA and the many off-road businesses that comprise ORBA's membership. The coalition is challenging the BLM's proposed closures along with the agency's process surrounding the decision on the grounds that there was inadequate review, incomplete and defective factual data, mapping errors, decisions made from unsupported data, and violations of settlement agreements.  

ORBA's November 2023 filing asked the IBLA to rescind the BLM's Travel Management Plan (TMP) and Environmental Assessment (EA), and it directed the BLM to: 

• (i) revamp and redraft the TMP consistent with this Statement of Reasons,  
• (ii) ensure the new TMP considers an adequate range of alternatives, including alternatives that contemplate the establishment of new routes and trails,  
• (iii) initiate pre-NEPA outreach with Appellants and others as required by the SUWA Settlement Agreement, 
• (iv) prepare an EIS, not EA, to address all impacts of the proposed TMP, including cumulative impacts on OHV recreation,  
• (v) correct all mapping errors cited above and provide up-to-date, accurate information in the new TMP and EIS, and  
• (vi) release the new TMP and EIS for a minimum 90-day review and comment period so that Appellants and other members of the public can confirm the accuracy of BLM's mapping and other supporting data. 

ORBA's appeal focuses on the BLM's road and trail closures at the Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Special Recreation Management Area for the following reasons: 

• BLM provided an inadequate review period for public assessment of the proposed TMP and Environmental Assessment (EA), both of which were incomplete and factually defective when released to the public. 
• Mapping errors persist and render BLM's decision to approve the TMP and EA arbitrary and capricious. 
• BLM approved the TMP and EA in violation of the 2017 Settlement Agreement in Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance et al. v. U.S. Dept. of Interior. 
• BLM improperly limited the scope of the TMP and alternatives, resulting in conflicts with the Applicable Resource Management Plan. 
• The TMP and EA rely on visitation and resource capacity assumption that defy logic and are unsupported by evidence. 
• The TMP and EA fail to account for or analyze the cumulative impact of past, present and reasonably foreseeable trail and route closures. 
• The EA fails to base its analysis on high-quality data, resulting in a document that confuses rather than informs the public and decision-makers. 
• The TMP and EA did not consider an adequate range of alternatives. 
• The TMP and EA provide an inadequate and facially incorrect analysis of the plan's economic impacts. 
• The TMP and EA draw conclusions regarding recreational visitor impacts that cannot be supported by the available data. 
• The TMP and EA fail to acknowledge that routes designated under the National Trails System Act, including the Old Spanish Trail, remain multiple-use areas. 
• The TMP and EA impermissibly rely on outdated and/or generalized technical reports. 
• The TMP and EA fail to address data showing that closure of recreational areas often make user conflicts worse, not better. 

For additional information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

Building a high-performance team is important to an organization's success. It helps build employee engagement, increases productivity and leads to a better company culture.

SEMA members in supervisor or managerial positions are invited to attend the upcoming session, "Building a High-Performance Team, presented by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)," on January 23, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. PST/3:00 p.m. EST to hear from industry experts as they share their top tips for improved performance.

Attendees will learn:

• How to build a high-performance team.
• How to recognize if your plan is working as designed.
• The importance of aligning the team's values and vision with a common goal.
• Benefits of having a system that works for your team.
• How a high-performance team can improve communication, cooperation and culture experience.

The session will be moderated by Melissa Parker-Boudreaux (ORACLE Lighting) and feature panelists Matt Beenen (BuiltRight Industries), Colby McLaughlin (Trim Illusion) and Joanna Shere (Steele Rubber Products). Time will be allocated at the end of the session for a Q&A. Don’t miss out. Secure your seat.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA member company employees have an exclusive opportunity to apply to reduce their student debt through the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program. Loan Forgiveness applications are open now and run through March 1 at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness. 

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program issues awards up to $2,000 to individuals who are paying off a degree or certification from a college, university, or career tech school in the United States or Canada. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a passion for the automotive industry and have a minimum of $2,000 in student loans. 

"Receiving a SEMA loan forgiveness award presents a unique for our members to focus more on excelling in their careers, rather than be burdened by financial strain," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer. "It also helps to ease their stress, motivating them to pursue new goals and thrive in the automotive aftermarket industry." 

The Loan Forgiveness program is open exclusively to employees of SEMA member businesses as a benefit of membership. Review the eligibility requirements and submit your application at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness. Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer at Chriss@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

zMAX CARS Tour Adds West Coast Schedule for 2024

zMAX CARS Tour will expand to the West Coast in 2024 in the form of the zMAX CARS Tour Pro Late Model Series West.

The nine-race season will open on February 17 at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, California, and includes stops at Madera Speedway, Irwindale Speedway, The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and All American Speedway in Roseville, California.

For the full announcement, visit carsracingtour.com.

USAC Announces 2024 Rules Updates

The United States Auto Club (USAC) has announced multiple rules updates and enforcements to be implemented during the 2024 USAC Silver Crown National Championship, AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship and NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship seasons.

USAC competitors discussed and voted on the rules updates during the annual competition meetings held on December 5, 2023, at USAC headquarters in Speedway, Indiana.

For the full list of rules updates for the 2024 season, visit usacracing.com.

For additional racing news, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website. 

By SEMA News Editors

COBB Tuning Becomes Tread Lightly! Official Partner

Tread Lightly!, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation through stewardship and educational programs, has added COBB Tuning as its newest official partner.

COBB Tuning will support Tread Lightly!'s mission to protect off-road trail access and public lands.

As an official partner of Tread Lightly!, COBB Tuning will support Tread Lightly!'s mission to protect off-road trail access and public lands.

"Thank you to COBB Tuning for embracing Tread Lightly!'s mission through this partnership and in its company ethos," said Matt Caldwell, executive director of Tread Lightly! "It is support from companies like these that help us continue our work to protect the adventure."

For more information on COBB Tuning visit, www.cobbtuning.com. To learn more about Tread Lightly! visit www.treadlightly.org.

Hot Shot’s Secret Expands EDT+ Winter Defense Distribution

Hot Shot's Secret has expanded the distribution of its EDT+ Winter Defense anti-gel fuel booster for diesel-powered vehicles.

The 16-oz. bottle is now available at O'Reilly Auto Parts stores nationwide.

EDT+ Winter Defense adds anti-gel and anti-icing properties to Hot Shot's Secret's Everyday Diesel Treatment to keep diesel engines fully operational as low as -40°F. The additive also includes a cetane booster, lubricity additive, injector cleaner and fuel stabilizer chemicals.

For more information, visit hotshotsecret.com.

Kahn Media Launches Business Podcast

Kahn Media, a public relations and integrated marketing agency, has launched a new podcast featuring conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators on what it takes to survive in the current business environment.

The podcast will feature conversations with business leaders on what it takes to survive in the current business environment.

Hosted by Kahn Media President and CEO Dan Kahn, "Only the Strong Survive" will examine topics like navigating the constantly shifting media landscape, the role of private equity in small- and mid-size businesses, properly assessing risk, and more.

Available on Spotify, iTunes and otsspodcast.com, the show will debut biweekly. Four episodes of the show are currently available.

For more information, visit kahnmedia.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

Youth Automotive Training Center

Executive Director in Deerfield Beach, Florida

The Youth Automotive Training Center (YATC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to training and educating at-risk youth in basic automotive and other skills, is seeking an executive director. The ideal candidate for the post has an automotive and training background, as well as experience working with populations who require guidance/support. The position oversees all aspects of the development, implementation and management of the YATC program, works with the board and staff to support the students, develops curriculum, oversees the staff, manages contracts and budgets, and coordinates and advocates for students and alumni.

Malco Automotive

Community Manager in Barberton, Ohio

The specialty chemical manufacturer is in search of a community manager to enhance Malco Automotive's brand presence, engagement and overall community experience. This position will be responsible for social-media management, event planning and execution, brand experience management, community engagement and advocacy, analytics and reporting and more.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA has issued a call for speakers for its annual SEMA Show--taking place in Las Vegas in November 2024--and its year-round virtual education program. Innovative thinkers and dynamic presenters who can share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket are invited to apply at sema.org/speakers.

Innovate thinkers and dynamic presenters are invited to submit speaker proposals for the 2024 SEMA Show by February 16.

Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate new ideas, technologies and expertise at seminars that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level. Educational seminars make up one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals go to learn new business strategies. Likewise, SEMA's year-round virtual program provides relevant, engaging and inspiring information on the industry's complex issues and topics through online events and informational webinars.

Topics of focus for 2024 include:

• Aftermarket updates and future trends
• Legislative and regulatory
• Sales and marketing
• Small-business strategy
• Vehicle technology and electric vehicles
• Specific industry segments

Speaker proposals for the 2024 SEMA Show must be submitted by February 16. Virtual education proposals can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Submit proposals at sema.org/speakers. For more details, contact Gary Vigil, senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) named Dan LaRou, director of logistics at Chrome Enhancements, as the network’s newest spotlight member.  

Get to know LaRou in his interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Dan LaRou: To be proactive instead of reactive. Whether it's professionally or personally, being proactive can help mitigate serious problems in the future and cause less stress if something does not go according to plan. Being proactive can also help generate better ideas that can lead to bigger success. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

DL: My passion for cars keeps me in the automotive aftermarket industry. I love that there are so many different things that you can do to a vehicle to make it your own. I get to go to work every day and mix it with passion. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

DL: If you are looking for me on any given Saturday, spring through fall, I will be at the racetrack or sitting on the beach at the lake. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?  

DL: By going over the agenda several times to make sure I am well-versed on what the talking points are. I also write some notes for myself beforehand on things I want to talk about. Of course, I always make sure I have my notepad and my favorite pen nearby. 

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?  

DL: Lee Iacocca. He may not have been directly a part of the aftermarket industry, but he helped spawn some of the amazing cars we have today. He helped develop my favorite car, the Mustang, and managed to convince Ford to get back into racing. 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed a SEMA-supported bill (HB 201) into law that safeguards Ohioans' right to choose the vehicles that best suit their needs, regardless of fuel type. The new law prohibits any state or local government entity from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on their power source, including internal combustion engines (ICEs).

The SEMA-supported bill safeguards Ohioans' right to choose the vehicles that best suit their needs, regardless of fuel type.

"This is a monumental win for Ohioans and the freedom to choose," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's director of state government affairs and grassroots. "Governor DeWine's decision to sign HB 201 into law sends a powerful message that Ohio values individual liberty and empowers its citizens to make informed choices about their transportation needs."

The law's enactment comes at a pivotal time in the automotive industry, with rapid advancements in alternative fuel technologies alongside ongoing concerns about electric vehicle affordability and infrastructure readiness. HB 201 safeguards the diversity of options available to Ohioans, allowing them to choose vehicles that align with their budgets, driving habits and personal preferences.

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org.