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Make New Friends, Not New Foes

Getting to one's neighbors can be beneficial; doing the same with lawmakers offers unique advantages of its own. Interestingly, making in-roads with either group should be approached similarly. Officials are elected to represent their own home communities, after all. New personal connections always begin with the act of reaching out. Striking up a pleasant conversation lays the groundwork for future discussion on matters of importance—the same fundamentals are used to lobby a politician successfully.

The term "lobby" is one heard often in political context. What exactly does the word mean? At its most basic, the act of lobbying is rooted in attempting to sway those in power and shape the course of decision-making. A common belief surrounds the word's origin: influential conversations with government leadership often began in—of all places—the actual lobby of a luxury hotel. To this day, grabbing the ears of lawmakers can be more effective away from the public official's chamber or office.

On the heels of an historic U.S. Election, the timing to step up one's advocacy game is a no-brainer. Many fresh faces will be taking office with the beginning of the new legislative session. Plenty of familiar names will also be returning. No surprise that a successful conversation with a legislator often lies in the strength of the relationship in question. While location may be key—as commonly said in the real estate profession—positive political outcomes do not happen overnight. The greatest challenge is usually about where to begin.

Thankfully, enthusiasts of all ages can learn the basics of advocacy at the grassroots level. Whether starting from scratch or seeking the next level, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) has a new means to assist your participation in the political process. The latest enhancement to the SAN's growing online resources is a digital lobbying guide complete with animated video shorts. This mobile-friendly series of quick and simple tips breaks down common misconceptions about influencing public policy. Empowering our hobby with the necessary tools can ease doubts about the system—and boost involvement with our cause.

Take advantage of this resource free of charge and share with others. Use the following link for full details: semaSAN.com/Lobby.

Experience the Competition

Don't Miss "SEMA: Battle of the Builders" TV Special Set To Premiere February 7

Representing the innovation and ingenuity of the automotive aftermarket industry, the annual "SEMA: Battle of the Builders" TV special is back and will premiere on A+E Networks' History Channel on Sunday, February 7, 2021 9a (EST).

Adrienne "AJ" Janic and Tanner Foust return to their hosting duties as a new group of builders compete against one another for a chance at being named the best of the best and receiving the Top Builder Trophy. Hear from the builders in exclusive interviews, see their builds up close and watch the Top 12 judging.

The judges, industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar's), Cam Miller (HS Customs), Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt's Resurrection Land Cruisers) and 2019 Battle of the Builders Champions Mike and Jim Ring (Ringbrothers), were tasked with narrowing down the field of over 300 vehicles to the Top 10 in each of the four categories—Hot Rod, Sport Compact, Truck/Off-Road and Young Guns--before choosing the Top 12 builds.

The Top 12 competitors judged each other in the final round to determine the top build in each category and then the top build overall. These builders know what to look for when it comes to superior automotive craftsmanship and they judge their peers accordingly. Experience all the action and cheer on your favorite builds on A+E Networks' History Channel on Sunday, February 7. Check your local listings for times in your area.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders program, visit the website: www.semabotb.com
 

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Legislative Alerts



HISTORIC CELEBRATION AHEAD

Bill to Commemorate Route 66 Centennial Signed into Law

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives approved a SAN-supported bill to create a commission to recommend ways to commemorate Route 66’s 100th anniversary. The first all-paved U.S. highway was completed in 1926. The 15-person commission will include representatives from the states through which the highway ran: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

The commission may recommend the production of various written materials, films and documentaries, education programs, artistic works, commemorative memorabilia and celebrations to commemorate Route 66’s storied history. The bill was signed into law on December 23, 2020.

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