SEMA News - October 2010

Hobbyist Organizations, Businesses Host Events Nationwide

By Stuart Gosswein

	Crazy Cruisers, Panama City, Florida.

On July 9, 2010, collector-car enthusiast organizations across the nation gathered to celebrate the first-ever Collector Car Appreciation Day, as designated by U.S. Senate Resolution 513 (S. Res. 513). Events ranging 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.

“The Senate resolution creating Collector Car Appreciation Day validated what we already knew—Americans love their cars,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “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.”

	Wayne County Cruisers, Goldsboro, North Carolina.

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, nonpartisan 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 the 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 Highway 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 SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “The momentum created on July 9 will continue to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.”

 

Auto Show, Southern California.

From left: Jill Bookman, Laura Bergan and Melissa Trought of American Collectors Insurance accept a framed copy of Senate Resolution 513, which designates July 9 as Collector Car Appreciation Day. Bergan is also chairman of SEMA’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) council.

 

SEMA Congressional Affairs Manager Dan Sadowski (right) presents Senate Resolution 513 to Jim Barber (left), ARMO’s immediate past chairman.

National Collector Car Appreciation Day Barbeque, Nebraska Rod and Custom Association, North Platte, Nebraska.

Auto Clubs Council of Indiana, Haynes Apperson Festival, Kokomo, Indiana.