Advocacy

New York/West Virginia Proclaim July 13, 2012, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day” 


Thanks to the efforts of Assemblyman Bill Reilich, the New York State Assembly issued a resolution memorializing Governor Andrew Cuomo to proclaim July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day in the state. In West Virginia, at the request of Delegate Gary Howell, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin issued a proclamation also designating July 13, 2012, as Collector Car Appreciation Day.  

New York and West Virginia join New Mexico and Hawaii as states that have officially recognized the celebration. Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 452 at SEMA’s request to acknowledge the day’s significance in raising awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event.  

Assemblyman Reilich and Delegate Howell are both SEMA members and members of the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus.  In addition to their roles as lawmakers, Reilich is the owner and operator of Rochester Auto Design—a retailer of auto display stands for auto shows and showrooms, and Howell owns Howell Automotive, which provides retail sales of performance parts and accessories for domestic and imported vehicles, specializing in Chrysler products.   

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is maintaining 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 July 13, 2012, events should contact Colby Martin of the SEMA Government Affairs office at 909-978-6721 or colbym@sema.org.