FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Della Domingo
909/978-6723
dellad@sema.org
SEMA SETS JULY 13th AS "COLLECTOR CAR APPRECIATION DAY"
Annual Event Acknowledges Importance
of Collection and Restoration of Classic Cars
Washington, D.C. (January 9, 2012) - The Specialty Equipment Market
Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils this year announced July 13, 2012
as "Collector Car Appreciation Day." The date marks the third
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 are again working to secure 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.
"In the previous two years, the U.S. Senate helped launch national Collector
Car Appreciation Day by passing resolutions at our request," said SEMA Vice
President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "As a result, thousands
of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to
celebrate our nation's automotive heritage. By taking part in these
events around the country, these automotive enthusiasts and related businesses
ensured that their passion was honored and recognized."
The previous resolutions were 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 the resolution reaffirmed 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 the automobile's unique historical place in our history.
"On July 13, 2012, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds of events
across the country," said Laura Bergan, Chairman of SEMA's Automotive
Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Council. "We will again proudly
partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car
cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day."
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 13th, SEMA
encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.
About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded
in 1963, represents the $27.9 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,461
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 www.enjoythedrive.com.