MECA, the Mobile Electronics Competition Association, has been sold for an undisclosed sum to a family of current MECA judges– Bud, Shannon, and Salena, from Louisville, KY (pictured above).
The sale takes effect November 1 and it includes all MECA properties such as the Sound Quality League, Sound Pressure League, Show & Shine, and Ride the Light.
MECA founder and President Steve Stern will continue to run the organization for the 2021 season and then turn over the business to the Ballingers.
Stern said, “For 23 years, since 1999, MECA has endeavored to be a family friendly, fun, and worthwhile organization for our varied members, and the mobile electronics industry. Bud, Shannon, and Salena know the mission statements and goals MECA stands for, and are dedicated to keeping the spirit and purposes of MECA strong, relevant, and consistent with our founding principles.”
Bud Ballinger started off as a MECA competitor and was an SPL world champion. He and his wife Shannon have been judging MECA events for the past 8 years. He’s also on the MECA Rules & Ethics Committee and he has served as the SPL coordinator for the past 5 or 6 years, said Stern. Salena, the Ballingers’ daughter, is a 4-time SPL world champion and also serves as a judge.
Shannon Ballinger said, “We don’t plan on making any big changes. There’s still a lot under the hood we are trying to get familiar with. We’re trying to keep the spirit of MECA alive the same way Steve has. We have some goals for the future but we don’t want to change too much.”
When asked why the family purchased MECA, Bud Ballinger said, “It’s something we’ve been passionate about for a long time. We started out as competitors and fell into the role we’re in. We just really like car audio sports and want to grow it and hopefully make it bigger and better.”
For his part Stern, 67, said it was time to spend more time on his career as a musician.
“I’d like to thank those who have supported my efforts to develop and maintain a meaningful organization,” he said. “There are so many people who have contributed throughout the years, and made MECA a viable business and organization. My appreciation and respect for these MECA friends are boundless. We have shared many memorable moments together, in the lanes and in our lives. MECA is about people, music, the gear, and our vehicles. That’s not going to change.”
