FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Della Domingo
909/978-6723
dellad@sema.org
4th Annual "Collector Car
Appreciation Day" to be Celebrated on
July 12, 2013
Annual Event Acknowledges
Importance of Collection and Restoration of Classic Cars
Washington, D.C. (October 31, 2012) - The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils announced that the next "Collector Car Appreciation Day" will be celebrated on July 12, 2013. The date marks the fourth consecutive commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.
SEMA and its Councils will once again seek a Congressional resolution to recognize the day's significance. 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 the collector car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.
"The U.S. Senate helped launch Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Resolutions each year at our request," said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "As we prepare for the fourth celebration of our nation's automotive heritage, enthusiasts and related businesses are already planning open houses, car cruises, club gatherings and educational events throughout the world to mark this annual commemoration. In fact, Collector Car Appreciation Day is quickly taking on a global character, with events held in the United States, Canada, and Australia."
The previous resolutions were sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs 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 recognize the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation's appreciation for the automobile's unique historical place in our history. The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America's ever growing love affair with the car and motorsports.
"Over the past three years, thousands of enthusiasts and collectors have celebrated their hobby at events throughout the country," said Alex Tainsh, Chairman of SEMA's Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Council. "The event continues to grow in prominence as a summer holiday for the hobby. This year we look forward to partnering with enthusiasts, car clubs, and businesses to make this the largest celebration to date."
Rick Love, Chairman-elect of SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Council said, "Collector Car Appreciation Day is an opportunity for hobbyists to share their passion for the automotive hobby. Each year, more events are held to raise awareness of the unique educational and economic impact of collector car enthusiasts across the globe."
SEMA will maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events to commemorate America's time-tested love affair with the automobile. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin, Director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), at 909/978-6721 or san@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on July 12th, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.
About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $30 billion specialty automotive industry of more than 6,500 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit www.sema.org or http://www.enjoythedrive.com.