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sema Action Network |
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Each year countless pieces of legislation are introduced across the country, many of which directly impact you and your antique vehicle. Whether it deals with registration fees, limited use provisions, inoperable vehicles, or emissions tests, these laws could change the way you own and operate your vehicle. You may be asking, “How does the average car guy keep up with the fast paced and often confusing legislative process?” Simple. Join with other AACA regions from across the country in signing up for the SEMA Action Network (SAN). Through this ongoing partnership between AACA and the SAN, hobbyists are provided the most important tool in keeping this tradition alive -- information. In recent years the SAN and its members have achieved legislative victories on a wide range of issues. From enacting laws in Kentucky, Maine and Virginia to preserve your right to restore vehicles on private property, to emissions exemptions for collector vehicles in Arizona, to defeating federally funded scrappage programs, the SAN actively works with hobbyist and lawmakers alike to protect and preserve our hobby. This year alone, the SAN has worked on antique vehicle legislation in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. As legislation is introduced in your state, the SAN will send an e-mail alert directly to your inbox. Each alert includes basic information on the legislation, how it would impact you, and the recommended action to be taken. Appropriate contact information is included with the action alert, whether it is an individual representative or the committee that is considering the legislation. Alerts are also posted in the legislative forum on the AACA website. What about those of you out that there that don’t get online? Find that person in your region that always talks about posting in the AACA forums or sharing photos of their car online and make sure that they join the SAN. Then, as legislation is introduced, they can simply pass the word onto you. Better yet, regions should consider having an individual with Internet access serve as a legislative liaison for the region. In joining the SAN, members are also sent a free copy of its monthly newsletter, Driving Force. (For those of you who don’t have e-mail, a print copy of newsletter can be mailed to you through the U.S. postal service.) Driving Force provides a monthly snapshot of what’s happening with hobby related legislation across the country. It also includes features such as club spotlights, monthly car show calendars, and letters to editors. You can also submit pictures of your ride for the “Hey, That’s My Car!” section of the newsletter. All this and more is available online at www.semasan.com. The site includes several useful resources that are updated regularly such as warranty information, consumer bill of rights information and much more. The SAN website also provides members with contact information for their various local, state and federal elected officials. It’s all pretty simple… become a member and get involved! The more hands that touch this information, the more eyes that read this information, and the more people who stand up and do something with this information, the more we are able to protect our rights and our passion for antique vehicles. To join or learn more about the SAN, please visit www.semasan.com or contact Jason Tolleson, SAN director
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By Terry Bond |
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Wandering the fields of Hershey this year (between meetings) was for some reason a little more fun than usual. Perhaps it was the new layout and the “treasure hunt” all the changes produced. No longer was it possible to rush right to the usual favorite haunts. After connecting early with a few people who I did need to see however, I just put the road map away and began to enjoy the hunt. Let me back up and tell you that I look for nothing particular, and everything in general all at the same time. As a devoted collector of early “automobilia” anything legitimately old and related to early motoring is potentially of interest. That way the odds are increased considerably that something exciting will turn up. Of course that also increases the chance of breaking the bank. As the swap meet unfolded during the week I was particularly drawn to the Orange Field. There was just something about the grass, patches of mud, shade trees, and the less crowded aisles that brought me back a few years. Things seemed a bit slower there. Like life itself, everything moves so fast that it is getting difficult to slow down and “smell the roses” as the adage goes. In our case, that is “smell the chocolate” at Hershey! While I was in the Orange Field it became quickly obvious that most of the vendors were just enjoying the day and sitting back in their chairs, visiting with folks passing by. There were so many fascinating conversations, and it felt great that people were really enjoying the Hershey experience and the fellowship that events like this can bring. It’s something that over the years has been pushed aside by our pace of life unfortunately. I paused, sucked in some of that fall chocolate air, and looked around…and made my first discovery. A rare desk-top paperweight in the shape of a one-cylinder De Dion Bouton engine. Soon after, I made another great discovery, a much sought after porcelain sign advertising Atlantic Automobile gasoline. Before the afternoon was over my bag was heavy with a nice early brass dashboard clock, some parts for the MG, a couple of spark plugs for the collection, and a nice radiator emblem for my wall-mounted display. It was really unfolding as a great collector’s experience. I shared my finds with a friend encountered in the aisles, and as I did so, I recalled some “guidelines” that I had created for myself several years ago. I call these “Terry’s Rules of Collecting.” They are nothing more than personal revelations. But, they have served me well to enhance the collecting experience. Enjoy them, and for goodness sake, slow down and smell the roses (Chocolate!).
Happy Collecting!
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By Brenda Shore Kaiser |
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Everyone knows that the AACA is an organization made up of volunteers and yet I frequently receive the question ‘How do I get involved?’ My response sounds somewhat simple but it is honest – ask to get involved, ask to volunteer, ask what you can do to help. Each Director and Chairperson is responsible for a lot of activities and we would welcome your assistance and enthusiasm. When you ask to get involved we will be glad to let you know what is available to do in your region or for National. We realize that not everyone wants to do everything so let us know your skills and interests – there is something for everyone. If you prefer to work behind the scenes, we can accommodate you; if you like to work with people, we have something for you also. You must be careful! If you ask for something to do we will find it for you and keep you busy. As it is for any thing that you do, the more involved you are the more you will get out of the AACA and the more valuable the club becomes – you are an asset to the club. We are strengthened by you - our members, by what you bring to the club, your beliefs and your involvement. Do not sit on the sidelines and wonder how to get involved – just ask one of the Directors and we will help you become busy! Below is just a sampling of where you can get involved – don’t forget to ask!
I look forward to hearing from you and having you join us in the wonderful world of volunteering with the AACA, the AACA Library & Research Center, or the AACA Museum. You can contact me directly at bshorekaiser@hotmail.com or if you prefer, by phone at 704/241-2872.
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What do you think when you hear the words national activities? By Joanna Cooper |
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I cannot believe this year is almost over. I just returned from the Hershey Region, recognizing their outstanding work on their national fall meet. If you have never been to the Eastern division Fall Meet, you are missing something. The new Orange Field was like old times. Wednesday and Thursday, the vendors were sitting in their chairs visiting and acorns were falling from the trees across the fields of grass and gravel roads. That used to be the old Hershey. I know some of you were unhappy, but we can’t please everyone; we just try to. National Activities is all about friendship, enjoying the area we are in, seeing the most beautiful cars there are, eating (and we do lots of that), and laughing. Now that is good medicine; meeting new friends that turn into lifetime friends and family ties. We are really like family. AACA activities are a family affair. Some of you may not be aware how important the National Activity calendar is. We need more Regions and Chapters to step up and host a National event. We don’t care if you have never held a meet or tour before, because National is here to help you. We can furnish the Chief Judge, Registration Chairmen, and judges. If there is anything else you need, we are here to help you. We like to have tours and meets anywhere in the USA. In the year 2007, we are having a Special Meet in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Come to Philadelphia in February; attend the seminars, and get involved. You will not be sorry. At your next meeting, talk about having a National Meet or Tour. Yes, it is a lot of work. The pleasure you will bring to other AACA members is too great to mention. If our National calendar is not filled with the enjoyment of everyone, what a dull year we would have. If you are a member that does not support the meets and tours, you don’t know what you are missing. A new year is here on us. Let’s get on that planning team to either attend or host a National activity. See you down the road.
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By Tom Cox |
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Over the past several
years our AACA family has been wringing it's hands over the graying of our
membership. All of this concern has been met with action via the
implementation of promising youth programs aimed at developing the
interest of school age children. The importance of these programs cannot
be understated if our hobby is to remain healthy and robust long into the
future. However, while those kids are coming along, AACA needs to recruit
and retain young adults to ensure the clubs viability in the meantime. The
greatest chance for success in that endeavor lies with all of us at the
region level. With the explosive interest seen in the general automotive
hobby, borne out by television shows and auctions, it may just be easier
than you think to reel in a few new young adult enthusiasts. Shows are the best shot we have at recruiting new members. Using our cars as ambassadors, we need to reach out to those who come to check us out. Perhaps instead of huddling with our buddies and hanging that "Do Not Touch" sign out, we need to spend some of that show time around our cars interacting with those who are admiring them. Strike up a conversation with spectators of all ages with an eye to the young ones. You never know when that potential member is itching to get involved but needs a welcoming hand. We have a great hobby. It's time we start sharing it. If you want to see someone's eyes bug out, just let them sit in your car for a moment. You can remember your first time, can't you? Afterwards you can give them a little old fashioned AACA hospitality on the way to your membership table, which of course you have at all of your events...right?? Let's face it people who come to car shows like cars, so why not catch fish while the fishing is good. It may not hurt to advertise your shows in free or low advertising cost publications either. The cars are our bait, but we have to bring folks aboard. Give it a try. If your region doesn't have a banner to fly at all of your events, it's a great investment in the future. In fact, a banner for shows and smaller signs, for cruz-ins your membership may be attending amongst non-members, would be even better. Don't take for granted that potential members, especially young adults, know what AACA stands for. Spell it out...Antique Automobile Club of America, _______ Region...Join Us. Any attention you receive from signs is useless if you don't have a membership application or information to hand out. National has produced a fantastic brochure for AACA which includes a membership application and explains the benefits of joining. Request a few of those and hand them out along with a copy of your regions newsletter. Once you've made the pitch, make it easy for them to join by offering to take care of their paperwork along with their check for dues. Strike while the iron is hot, they will thank you later. So... you've had some success at signing up some new young adult members, but now you have to keep them involved. If your region meetings consist of rushing through the agenda so everyone can get home in time to watch Wheel of Fortune, you may have a big problem. All too often we get into the same old dull routine of eating, meeting, and going home. Young adults are looking for fun quality time between their jobs and family obligations. You should be too! Try changing up your meetings. Go somewhere different, or try a weekend breakfast run with the cars. Too many regions only pull the cars out once or twice a year We are a CAR club, so get them out at every opportunity. You may find the membership gets reinvigorated while keeping those young adults captivated. Sharing all that experience the club holds within it's older members wont hurt either. Try having judging or tech session at the meeting. Share all of that knowledge, and dispel the rumors that old cars are just plain unreliable. Teach the young folks how to work on all those old systems and help them out. Show some films available through the AACA library. Enthusiasm is infectious. Generate some through your activities, and you will see results. Well there you have it. All is not lost. Of course, these couple of hints are just the tip of the iceberg. Sit down at your next your next region meeting and lay out a game plan for ttracting new young adult members. Put an end to all of that worry and hand wringing about the future. Make some changes and you may find yourselves attracting new members of all ages. Best of all, you might rekindle your own interest in AACA. It doesn't get any better than that. |
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