“Collector Car Appreciation Day.”

Paul Steinberg

PCS Life Member Past President 2010-2012 2020-2024
Staff member
Super Site Supporter
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils announced July 8, 2011 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA and its councils are now working to secure a Congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance.

“Last year, the United States Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. As we move forward, SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.”

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 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 8, 2011, 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 proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day.”

Rick Love, Chairman-elect of SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Council said, “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 this industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.”

SEMA will maintain 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 Mike Dingell, Director, SEMA Action Network (SAN) at 202/783-6007, etc. 38 or miked@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on July 8th, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.
 
Thanks Paul! The above mentioned organizations are vital to the survival of the collector vehicle hobby. They have been very active in raising awareness to both good and not so good legislation. If our voices are not heard and our concerns for the future of our hobby are not tended to, one day there might not be an o0ld car hobby. It is so important that we always present ourselves in a positive way, so that our neighbors and our elected officials can recognize the value and importance of maintaining our vehicle history for posterity.
 
Though I'll never understand why the U.S. Senate didn't designate a weekend day when most old car shows typically take place - there is also the issue of them spending time on ANY business of this non-essential sort while the debt ceiling issue remains stalemated - this offers extra incentive for pro-car owners to seek out a Friday cruise night where they can promote the PCS' advocacy of authentically-preserved and faithfully-restored funeral vehicles, ambulances and livery-type limousines. Should there be no Friday events in your area, you should at least consider July 8th an especially auspicious day to take your pro-car out for some exercise.
 
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