The U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution
493 (S. Res. 493) designating July 11, 2014, as “Collector Car Appreciation
Day.” The Resolution was requested by the Specialty Equipment Market
Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils. The date marks the fifth
commemoration in what has become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness
of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American
society.
S. Res. 493 was sponsored by
Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator
Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Senator Richard Burr (R-N.C.), along with Sen. Mark
Begich (D-Ark.). The Senators are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in
Washington, D.C., and S. Res. 493 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural
importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan member
organization that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the
car and motorsports.
“We thank the U.S. Senate for its
continued recognition of the collector car hobby as a valued American tradition
and pastime,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald.
“With Australia and Canada joining the celebration, Collector Car Appreciation
Day has now become an international recognition of the collector car industry
and the millions of hobbyists it supports. A number of states and local
governments have adopted similar commemorative declarations as well.”
Alex Tainsh, chairman of ARMO said, “The
industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing
well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Collector Car Appreciation Day is a
singular tribute to this industry and its enthusiasts.”
Rick Love, chairman of HRIA, added,
“Collector Car Appreciation Day is the opportunity for everyone involved in
this great American hobby to show off their cars and celebrate new traditions.
Businesses and car clubs across the country will be hosting car shows and
cruises. More events are being held to commemorate this special day each year.”
All automotive enthusiasts are
encouraged to take part in this year’s celebration by planning or attending
events in their community. Through its grassroots hobbyist organization, the
SEMA Action Network (SAN), SEMA is maintaining a list of scheduled events to
commemorate the day at www.semasan.com/ccad. Individuals, car clubs and
business owners interested in publicizing events should contact SAN Director
Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or [email protected]. If you are unable to celebrate on July
11, SAN encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.