April 18, 2011 — At the request of SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils, the U.S. Senate recently passed a resolution declaring July 8 Collector Car Appreciation Day.
It’s the Senate’s second commemoration of the date, which SEMA expects to become an annual celebration of automotive heritage. The hope is that the day will raise awareness of the role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.
“Last year, the United States Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day at our request,” said Steven McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day. We look forward to even more celebrations this July 8 and in the years to come.”
Rick Love, HRIA chairman-elect, said the recognition day has meaning beyond remembering automotive history.
“The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide,” Love said. “Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to this industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.”
Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont, and Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., sponsored the most recent resolution. They have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby.
SEMA plans to keep a list of scheduled events to commemorate the automobile. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Ashley Ailsworth, SEMA research and state affairs manager, at [email protected], or 202.783.6007x39.
