Our own Vice President, Doug Evans, was named SEMA's Person of the Year. I'll stop sucking up now so you can check out the official press release after the jump...

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has named Doug Evans, senior vice president of the Performance Automotive Group (PAG) at SIM, the 2009 SEMA Person of the Year, recognizing his dedication and legislative activism in support of the specialty‐equipment industry. Evans was presented the award during the 2009 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet in Las Vegas. 

Evans is an active member of the SEMA Board of Directors and has served three consecutive terms on the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Select Committee. He has also served on the SEMA Political Action Committee and has been a member of the SEMA Executive Committee. 
 
Legislative issues are at the forefront of Evans’ activism, and he is in a unique position to disseminate SEMA Action Network (SAN) issues to enthusiasts to get them to respond swiftly and reach out to their local politicians to protect their hobby. He also has established relationships with various U.S. Senate and House representatives who are friends of the specialty‐equipment industry.
 
Evans’ 28 years of experience has included media planning and account management, as well serving as vice president of sales and senior vice president and group publisher of multiple media entities. He currently oversees the print and digital business of more than 35 enthusiast publications and events, including Hot Rod, Car Craft, 4‐Wheel & Off‐Road, Super Street, Lowrider, Hot Rod TV and the Hot Rod Power Tour. Evans is based in the Tampa, FL office of SIM.
 
Created in 1969, the Person of the Year Award recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to the trade association and the specialty‐equipment industry.