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A wide range of automotive events are being held on the second Friday in July (July 11, 2014) to honor CCAD. At the request of the SAN, this “holiday” has been marked each year since 2010 by a U.S. Senate Resolution recognizing that the “collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.” As this annual event continues to grow worldwide, states, provinces, counties and cities are following suit with their own recognition. The SAN encourages participation throughout the month of July to honor the classics of the past and the future.
CELEBRATE OUR HOBBY YOUR WAY!
- ATTEND an official vehicle-inspired event
- HOST your own gathering or club meeting
- Promote a “HOLIDAY SALE” at your business
- DRIVE your special ride, new or old, whatever the destination
Plan and submit your July event at no cost, locate a listing near you and more on the website: semasan.com/CCAD.
(Participating organizers will be awarded a copy of the Congressional resolution for display at each registered event.)
Legislative Front Lines
View complete list of Legislative Action Alerts.
» Delaware Bill to Exempt Reconstructed Vehicles from Emissions Inspections Signed Into Law
» Rhode Island Bill to Allow Year of Manufacture License Plates Passed by Committee; Moves to House Floor
SEMA SAN Strike Force
Earlier this year, Louisiana legislation (H.B. 480) to annually designate the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the second weekend in July as "Louisiana Collector Car Appreciation" weekend was signed into law by Governor Bobby Jindal. Inspired by the national celebration of Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD), SEMA Action Network (SAN) member Chat Jones of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was the catalyst behind the first state law recognizing the annual event.
Devoted SEMA Action Network (SAN) followers understand how difficult a task the fight for fair automotive laws can be. Thankfully, there are elected officials who understand our four-wheeled passion and take measures to support the goals of our community. However, it also takes enthusiasts willing to reach out to them, and Bogalusa, Louisiana-based Chat Jones is truly one who fits into that category. As a result of Chat's initiative, his home state recently became the first to enact legislation (H.B. 480) into state law that corresponds with the national celebration of Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) each July, which is marked by a U.S. Senate Resolution at the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN). The process began last year when Jones worked with Washington Parish, Louisiana President Richard N. Thomas to have a proclamation declaring July 12, 2013 "Collector Car Appreciation Day" issued in the jurisdiction. To build on that success this year, he contacted his state Senators and Representatives with the hopes of achieving a similar feat at the state level. Representative Harold L. Ritchie expressed an interest in the idea and introduced a bill into the legislature without opposition. "The process wasn't difficult, I just asked," Chat explained. "The result is a 'feel-good' for the state."
Jones's involvement in the hobby can be traced back over thirty years, when his dad purchased a 1957 Chevy 3100 pickup to temporarily replace the family’s ailing work truck. Upon being repaired, Chat received the keys to the '57 as a high school senior and subsequently drove it throughout college. Also counted in the collection are his grandfather's 1947 Willys CJ-2A Jeep and a 1965 Chevy C-10 that once belonged to a neighbor. Ever the automotive ally, Jones campaigns for "advocacy, awareness and appreciation of the antique automobile and its associated activities" as Chatz Classic Car Concern. As such, he actively spreads word of the SAN’s mission to fellow gearheads.
Your story is inspiring, Chat, thanks for sharing your passion! Clearly the system can work in our favor– "The proof is in the pudding."
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