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| (From left to right) Jill Bookman, CEO; Laura Bergan, VP/Marketing; and Melissa Trought, CFO/COO, of American Collectors Insurance accept a framed copy of Senate Resolution 513. Bergan is also chairman of the Automotive Restoration Market Organization. |
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| Ethan Landesman, director of the SEMA Action Network (left), presents Senate Resolution 513 to Dennis Overholser (middle) and Rick Love, chairman and chair-elect respectively of the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA). |
Collector car enthusiast organizations gathered across the country July 9 to celebrate the first-ever “Collector Car Appreciation Day,” as designated by U.S. Senate Resolution 513 (S. Res. 513). Events ranged from car cruises and shows to small-business open houses, and special offers were held to honor the cultural and educational importance of collector cars.
Car clubs, enthusiast organizations and affiliated businesses hosted more than 100 events in more than 40 states to commemorate this special day. Check out the photos at www.flickr.com/photos/collectorcarappreciationday/sets.
“The Senate resolution creating Collector Car Appreciation Day validated what we already knew,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO. “Americans love their cars. By taking part in these events around the country, automotive enthusiasts and the businesses that serve them ensured that this passion was honored and recognized.”
At the request of SEMA and the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), S. Res. 513 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and S. Res. 513 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars.
The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The Caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for motorsports.
A sample of some of the events that took place on July 9 include: Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio; Classic Industries Collector Car Appreciation Day Sale; The Sid Waterman Classic Auto and Art Show in Gualala, California; a cruise on scenic Hwy. 8 organized by the AACA in North Carolina; the Meguiar's nationwide “Automotive Handshake”; two-for-one admission to the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada; and many more.
During several of these events, SEMA presented copies of S. Res. 513 to enthusiast advocates and supporters of the industry who will display them at museums and car club events.
“We look forward to working with the Congress to make Collector Car Appreciation Day an annual event,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. “The momentum created on July 9 will continue to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.”