The SRMA Council recently met in Phoenix for the yearly planning meeting. Ten committee members sat at a round table with Ray Doe, chairperson; Debbie Walls, chairperson elect; and David Stutts, advisor, for eight hours planning priorities for the coming year. Beside Pat Talaska, our SEMA advisor, we were fortunate to have Chris Kersting, the next president of SEMA, sit in on our planning meeting. We have come away from that meeting excited about the future of SRMA. Of course, we planned receptions for the SEMA Show and Hot Rod and Performance Show and the meeting schedule for the following season, but other important goals were unveiled.
Youth Involvement Month was moved to April from October. SEMA coordinators were so involved with the SEMA Show in Las Vegas they could not give enough time to this important project. For those shops or manufacturers that wish to be involved, call Bill Mullins of Mullins Steering Gears or Frank Zupan of Zoops Products. You will read more about this important project in future columns.
Another important topic of discussion was Legislative issues. Many state governments have a full agenda including automotive regulations. This year the federal government has the scrappage issue before them. We all need to be concerned. GET INVOLVED! The task force is being lead by George Packard from Vintage Air. We are all proud of the job Del Austin (of Primedia) has done with the new "street modified" definition. This clarification will help not only the street rod legislation but also the kit car licensing. SEMA is now poised to help street rods and kit cars get their own license plate designation in several states. Our applause to Brian Caudill, public affairs director at SEMA; he is doing a great job of keeping us all informed-how would you like that political job? By the way, he has owned a '71 El Camino forever.
If you are not a member of SRMA, Vince Sica is the new head of that taskforce. He is excited to tell you all the ways you can get involved (he is with Powermaster). Ask him about the powerful networking that took place at the Hot Rod and Performance Show. The exchange between dealers and manufacturers was dynamic. There is no price tag you can put on getting to know each other personally.
The last two areas I have not touched upon are very important and I have saved them for last: the awards and the elections. These are the areas we want you to become more involved in! The Awards Committee is led by Mary Wescott of Wescott Fiberglass and DeEtte Crow of Primedia. They depend on your vote to make their presentation. If you don't get involved, who will? These presentations are very prestigious; you would be proud to be the recipient. Please help us make an appropriate choice. As with the elections, these are the leaders of your industry; get active! Nominate, nominate, nominate! When you receive these ballots by e-mail or post, take a moment, fill them in, and fax or mail them back. We on the Select Committee want to represent you in the best possible way.