November 17, 2021: Michigan Auto Heritage Day

WHEREAS, the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership was created in 1998 when Congress and the National Park Service recognized the significance of the American automobile and the people and places that shaped its history; and,

 

WHEREAS, National Heritage Areas are places where stories of importance to American history rise to a level of national importance; and, 

 

WHEREAS, the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership is Michigan's only national heritage area, located throughout a region of more than 10,000 miles covering a population of more than 6 million people; and,

 

WHEREAS, the MotorCities National Heritage Area is the largest concentration of auto-related sites, attractions, and events in the world bringing millions of visitors and dollars into the state's economy each year; and,

 

WHEREAS, the MotorCities National Heritage Area annually generates nearly $490 million in economic impact, supports $40 million in tax revenue, and generates over 5,300 jobs; and,

 

WHEREAS, the economic strength of our state is connected integrally to the vitality of the automobile industry, which employs millions of workers; and,

 

WHEREAS, on this date, I encourage residents to join with me in commemorating a Michigan industry deeply woven into Michigan's past, present, and future;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 17, 2021, as Michigan Auto Heritage Day.