October 23, 2024: Michigan Auto Heritage Day

WHEREAS, Michigan’s unique automotive heritage is preserved and promoted by the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership, part of the National Heritage Area System of the National Park Service; and

WHEREAS, for over 25 years, MotorCities National Heritage Area has told the stories of how Michigan “put the world on wheels” throughout a region of 10,000 square miles that includes 16 Michigan counties with a population of more than 6 million people; and,

WHEREAS, MotorCities National Heritage Area is the state’s only National Heritage Area and uses these stories to advance the state culturally and economically; and,

WHEREAS, the MotorCities National Heritage Area is the largest concentration of auto-related sites, attractions, and events in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year; and,

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

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

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 23, 2024, as Michigan Auto Heritage Day.