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Scroll Down to see lots more LeMay Museum information with the oldest at the bottom
Click on these four files to get an impression of what some of the New Museum will look like...impressive !!...
Inside Display Tower Collector Car Centre Aerial Show Field Pavilion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 29, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Holly Wood, LeMay America’s Car Museum®
Ph: 253.779.8490
Fax: 253.779.8499
holly.wood@lemaymuseum.org
Johnny Rutherford Joins LeMay America’s Car Museum® Board of Directors
(Tacoma, WA) LeMay America’s Car Museum® is pleased to welcome three-time Indy 500 winning racer Johnny Rutherford to its Board of Directors. Mr. Rutherford joins the board with an extensive racing record that includes such accomplishments as 27 Indy car victories with 23 pole positions, ranking 7th on the all-time win list. He set an all-time Indy Car qualifying lap speed record of 215.189 mph in 1984 at Michigan International Speedway and is one of only four drivers in Indy Car history to have nine straight seasons with a victory in each and to have driven in five decades. Rutherford has been inducted into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.
David Madeira, President and CEO for the Museum has expressed his excitement about Rutherford’s appointment. “Johnny Rutherford is an icon in the racing world and we are thrilled to have him on board,” said Madeira. “He definitely will bring a unique and much needed perspective to the Museum’s efforts in expanding its social network among automotive enthusiasts and in creating our new building in downtown Tacoma, WA.”
Though he has officially retired from Indy Car Racing, Mr. Rutherford is still very active in Motorsports as Director of Special Events for the IRL. He drives Indy Racing League’s pace cars on race weekends and has chaired several concours events. He continues to assist his son, John IV, with his own racing career. Rutherford has also been an auto racing TV analyst for NBC, ABC, CBS, ESPN and Speed TV. Rutherford currently resides near Fort Worth, Texas with his wife Betty.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 22, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Holly Wood, LeMay America’s Car Museum®
Ph: 253.779.8490
Fax: 253.779.8499
holly.wood@lemaymuseum.org
Hedges Family Estate to be Preferred Wine of LeMay America’s Car Museum®
(Tacoma, WA) - LeMay America’s Car Museum® is proud to announce the recent sponsorship agreement with Hedges Family Estate, and has named Hedges as the Preferred Wine of LeMay America’s Car Museum. The agreement provides that Hedges Estate premium wines will be served at Museum functions, and also provides additional funding over the course of five years, bringing the total donation amount to $100,000.
Hedges Family Estate is a family-owned winery located on the slopes of Red Mountain in Washington, just outside of the Tri-Cities. It was started by Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges who brought their first vintage to market in 1987.
“We’re delighted to have Hedges Family Estate wines as the Preferred Wine for the Museum,” said President and CEO David Madeira. “This is a significant donation and shows how wide and varied the support for the Museum and its efforts are in Washington State. I’m particularly pleased with this commitment as Tom is a true “car guy” and looks forward to promoting enthusiast events for the Museum in wine country.”
Tom Hedges of Hedges Family Estate expressed his excitement for the partnership. “We’re extremely pleased to be a part of building the new Museum, and quite happy to help the Museum offset membership entertainment costs by having our wine served at events and gatherings for the Museum,” said Mr. Hedges.
The Hedges Family Estate Chateau was dedicated in 1995 and houses a fully functioning winery and tasting room, with views of the Hedges Estate Vineyards. Visitors to the Winery are welcome on Fridays and Saturdays, March through December, or by appointment. For more information on Hedges Family Estate wines, visit them online at “www.hedgesfamilyestate.com”.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 4, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Holly Wood, The LeMay America’s Car Museum®
Ph: 253.779.8490
Fax: 253.779.8499
holly.wood@lemaymuseum.org
Park Place Motors Pledges $250K to LeMay America’s Car Museum®
(Tacoma, WA) The LeMay America’s Car Museum® is pleased to announce the pledge of $250,000 from The Bingham Family and Park Place Motors of Bellevue, Washington. The gift, in support of the “Drive for America’s Car Museum” campaign, was presented to the Museum by David Bingham, Chairman and CEO, Park Place Ltd. In recognition for the gift, Mr. Bingham will select a room to be named for Park Place Motors in the new Museum. Plans are to break ground in 2008 and open to the public by 2010.
“Park Place Motors joins the ranks of other key companies and organizations in the automotive industry that sponsor the Museum and we’re delighted at this generous gift given to help us complete the first stage of the campaign,” said David Madeira, President and CEO of LeMay - America’s Car Museum. “Park Place the West Coast’s largest luxury, sports and special interest automobile dealership features new marks such as Aston Martin, Spyker, Shelby and Lotus along with pre-owned Porsches, exotic and collector cars. Their customers comprise a vital component of our growing audience within the collector and enthusiast communities.”
This multi-year commitment to the Museum will also grant Park Place Motors “official provider” status and their experience with prominent auctions will make them a valuable partner with the Museum in developing a LeMay - America’s Car Museum auction. In addition, Park Place takes community involvement seriously and supports organizations such as Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center, both through direct contributions and through Team Seattle and SOVREN, two groups of Northwest racecar drivers.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 26, 2007
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Holly Wood, LeMay America’s Car Museum®
Ph: 253.779.8490
Fax: 253.779.8499
holly.wood@lemaymuseum.org
Boeing Donates $300K to LeMay America’s Car Museum®
(Tacoma, WA) The LeMay America’s Car Museum® is pleased to announce the donation of $300,000 from The Boeing Company. The check was presented to the Museum last Saturday at its 5th Annual Fabulous Fifties Sock Hop by Boeing’s Karin Leslie, Community Investor, Arts & Culture-Global Corporate Citizenship in the Northwest Region, in support of the “Drive for America’s Car Museum” campaign. In recognition for the gift, a classroom will be named for Boeing in the Education Center of the new Museum. Plans are to break ground in April 2008 and open to the public by 2010.
“Boeing was among the first major corporations to become a sponsor of the Museum and we’re delighted at this generous gift given to help us complete the first stage of the campaign,” said David Madeira, President and CEO of LeMay - America’s Car Museum. “Boeing is home to many car enthusiasts who support us and we look forward to providing a place where Boeing can host corporate events for clients and employees for years to come.”
Boeing is well known for its philanthropy and generous support of various charitable organizations, both nationally and internationally. Boeing is also a member of the Foundation for Corporate Social Responsibility which encourages corporations to be socially responsible and assists them in achieving commercial success in ways that respect ethical values, people in need and their communities and the environment. For more information visit The Boeing Company’s website at www.boeing.com.
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Click on these four files to get an impression of what some of the New Museum will look like...impressive !!
Inside Display Tower.jpg Collector Car Centre.jpg
Aerial Show Field.jpg Pavilion.jpg
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
September 14, 2007 Holly Wood, LeMay America’s Car Museum®
Ph: 253.779.8490
Fax: 253.779.8499
holly.wood@lemaymuseum.org
LeMay America’s Car Museum® Passes Another Milestone toward Groundbreaking
The Tacoma City Council approves revisions to Museum building plan agreement
( Tacoma , WA ) The LeMay - America’s Car Museum® successfully passed another major milestone toward building its new Pavilion, Collector Car Center and Show Field this week at the Tacoma City Council meeting where revisions to the Museum agreement were approved by the City. The latest version of the agreement received unanimous support by the seven city council members and will allow the Museum to build the campus in stages.
The first stage will include a 120,000 square foot Collector Car Center , the Administration and Education Center and the Show Field. This major facility will provide storage for the LeMay Collection, display galleries, club houses for members, restoration facilities and private storage opportunities for collectors. The second stage of construction will include the main Pavilion and the retail and entertainment facilities.
The revised plan provides several key benefits to the Museum including a reduction of several million dollars in total campus construction costs, the ability to open facilities including the Show Field for hosting major events nearly a year ahead of the original schedule, and the ability to remain open during construction of the second stage.
The Museum plans to hold a ground breaking ceremony in early December 2007 with first stage construction beginning in April, 2008. The Museum will be built on the nine acre lot that is currently tiered parking lots next to the Tacoma Dome and Interstate 5.
To date, the Museum has raised $49 million in commitments, including donation of the land by the city. This total represents 79 percent of the first-stage goal and 34 percent of the overall $143 million goal, which includes the building of the main Pavilion. “We are exceptionally pleased with this vote of confidence by the city of Tacoma ,” said David Madeira, President and CEO of the LeMay America’s Car Museum, “our home is meant to be here in Tacoma , and we look forward to beginning construction within the next 6 months.”
LeMay ‘America’ Museum---------------------------September 12, 2007
Tacoma Washington
I'm DELIGHTED to report that yesterday the Tacoma City Council approved our revised land agreement and staging plan unanimously!!. This means that we can proceed full speed to finalize a construction financing plan, complete vehicle acquisition agreement with Nancy LeMay, and complete design development of the Museum. With these tasks complete we can begin construction. Our goal is to do so by April of next spring with a ceremonial groundbreaking, if possible, before year-end.
I want to thank John Barline, Paul Miller and Michael Phillips for joining with me to negotiate the revised agreement with the City. I also want to thank Karl Anderson, Jamie Will and Bill Weyerhaeuser for their lobbying efforts these past few months with members of the Council. It was a solid effort and produced a spectacular result. I'm delighted that Nancy LeMay was with us yesterday to hear the vote which brings her and Harold's vision closer to reality. Her words of thanks to the City and expressions of gratitude to our entire Board were well-received.
It's a day to celebrate. Tomorrow we re-double our efforts to complete the tasks in front of us.
Thank you all for your leadership and support .
Cordially,
David
David L. Madeira
President and Chief Executive Officer
Subject: Early Results of Exhibit at 2007 New York International Auto Show
Couple of Interesting Posters. Click Here for NYIAS Poster Click Here for a pdf format Poster .NOTE The pdf poster takes a minute or so to load and you need Acrobat 7.0 to view it.
To LeMay Museum Board of Directors and Steering Committee: As many of you know, the LeMay Museum seized the opportunity when offered to exhibit at the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). We hosted an eclectic display of 15 vehicles under the theme of “Heritage and Horsepower”. The 15 vehicles included LeMay Museum vehicles and cars from other friends of the museum including Grand-Am Road Racing, the GM Heritage Collection, Watkins Glen International, Nicola Bulgari and two other collectors.
To help cover event costs, we were pleased to be able to secure a $15,000 event sponsorship from State Farm. Through the efforts of Steering Committee member Scott Stubbs and his staff at HB Stubbs, we were able to present 24 display panels in our 22,000 square foot exhibit area that highlighted the collection and renderings of the new museum and its many features. Thanks also to HB Stubbs for the donated use of their exhibit equipment valued at approximately $18,000!
The museum received significant attention in the print media and David Madeira was interviewed on the Saturday morning edition of Fox and Friends which is televised nationally during the Opening Ceremonies for the show. At a later point in time we will present more information on the event but we thought you might enjoy seeing some of the print attention received by the museum.
The first attachment to this email is from the NYIAS insert in the Friday, April 6th edition of the New York Daily News circulation 700,000 as well as online coverage! This full page story highlights the theme of the “Heritage and Horsepower” exhibit. Many thanks to Steering Committee member, Marty Schorr, for lining up this and many other public relations opportunities during the show. Marty’s industry and New York contacts prove invaluable.
The second attachment is from the 144 page, full-color, magazine-quality NYIAS program circulation 75,000! This advertisement was developed by Denise Sullivan and Walt Tomsic who are responsible for designing most museum publications. I’m sure you’ll agree that the look of the advertisement is excellent! [NOTE: This past March, the museum submitted The Open Road magazine and other print collateral designed by Denise and Walt to a competition held by the National Association of Automobile Museums. We are happy to report that the museum’s entries took first place in both categories. Thanks to Denise and Walt for developing and designing such high quality, professional materials for the museum.
As referenced above, the museum owes a debt of gratitude to the individuals and organizations that partnered with us for this event.
To Nicola Bulgari, thank you for the privilege of being able to share five examples from your exquisite collection. And, to Marty Schorr and Keith Flickinger who managed the logistics and transport issues for Mr. Bulgari’s cars and arranged the other two loaned vehicles, thank you!
To Ed Welburn, Scot Keller and Dave Hederich of the GM Heritage Collection, thank you for providing two very fine examples of concept cars the public enjoyed them immensely!
To Jim France, Adam Saal and Brandon Huddleston of Grand-Am Road Racing, thank you for bringing two very special race cars that looked awesome in the exhibit and even better when they smoked down 11th Avenue at the Opening Ceremonies!
To Craig Rust and Marisa Indelicato of Watkins Glen International, thanks for bringing the Indy race car that looked great!
Hopefully this email gives a little taste of the museum’s presence at NYIAS. We will provide a more detailed summary and photos for the June board meeting.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Subject: Early Results of Exhibit at 2007 New York International Auto Show
Couple of Interesting Posters. Click Here for NYIAS Poster Click Here for a pdf format Poster .NOTE The pdf poster takes a minute or so to load and you need Acrobat 7.0 to view it.
Regards,
Bruce P. Benson
Chief Operating Officer
The Harold E. LeMay Museum America’s Car Museum®
P.O. Box 1117
Tacoma, WA 98401
Phone: 253.779.8490
Fax:253.779.8499
www.lemaymuseum.org
bruce@lemaymuseum.org
Lemay Museum, America’s Car Museum, presents: HERITAGE & HORSEPOWER
An eclectic exhibit at the New York International Auto Show celebrates the spirit of motoring, 1912 to 2007
(New York, NY) There’s something for everyone rarefied elegance to pavement-pounding power at HERITAGE & HORSEPOWER, the LeMay Museum’s “Auto Show Within An Auto Show” at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, April 4-8, 2007. Showcasing iconic classics, street rods, muscle cars, concept vehicles and NASCAR, Grand-Am, Indy, GT and NHRA racecars, the 22,000-square-foot exhibit is located on the Lower Level, Hall 1-E.
“Like the LeMay Museum itself, HERITAGE & HORSEPOWER celebrates the very essence of spirited motoring throughout the years,” said LeMay President & CEO, David Madeira. “We couldn't’ have produced this exhibit without our sponsor, State Farm Insurance and strategic partners: GM Heritage Center, Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, NYIAS, Precision Motors, H.B. Stubbs Companies and Watkins Glen International. Special ‘thanks’ go to Board member Nicola Bulgari and Friends of the Lemay Museum for providing many of the vehicles on display,” added Madeira.
Several of the cars to be displayed in HERITAGE & HORSEPOWER include: 1912 Standard Electric (LeMay Museum), 1927 LaSalle 303 Roadster (LeMay Museum), 1930 Lincoln Limousine (Lemay Museum), 1931 Chrysler CG1 Imperial LeBaron (Nicola Bulgari Collection), 1936 Cadillac Series 85 Coupe (Lemay Museum), 1940 “Bette Davis” Buick Station Wagon (Nicola Bulgari Collection), 1953 Hudson Hornet “Satan of Morimar” (Nicola Bulgari Collection), 1967 Astro I Concept car (GM Heritage Center), 1968 Plymouth Hemi-Cuda SS/AA (John Troxell Collection), 1987 Buick Grand National GNX (Nicola Bulgari Collection), 1989 Buick NASCAR Winston Cup Regal (Nicola Bulgari Collection), 1992 GM Ultralite Concept car (GM Heritage Center), DuPont DOMINATION Show & Street Rod (Makofske Collection), Lexus Riley #61 Grand-Am Daytona Prototype (Grand-AM), Team Penske Hornish Jr./ Castroneves Indy Car (Watkins Glen International), and the MineStar/Doncaster #17 Porsche GT3 (Grand-AM).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
February 15, 2007
Holly Wood
The Harold E. LeMay Museum Ph: 253.779.8490
holly.wood@lemaymuseum.org
LeMay Museum ’s Prominent Board of Directors Continues to Grow
President of Watkins Glen International, Craig Rust joins the LeMay Museum ’s Steering Committee
( Tacoma , WA ) America ’s Car Museum welcomes Craig Rust to the Museum’s Steering Committee effective February 2007. Rust is currently President of Watkins Glen International (WGI) in Watkins Glen, NY and Nazareth Speedway in Lehigh Valley , PA. Prior to his current role, Rust began his career in professional sports and sponsorship sales at Madison Square Garden in New York City . In 1996, he accepted a position in California as Director of Marketing and Sales at California Speedway to work with Penskse Motorsports during the development of the Speedway , located 60 miles east of Los Angeles . He was appointed President of Nazareth Speedway in 2000, which is currently for sale, and named President of WGI in 2002.
President and CEO of the LeMay Museum , David Madeira is enthusiastic about Rust’s appointment to the Steering Committee. “Craig is a passionate car guy and very involved with vintage racing. We look forward to working with him to promote opportunities that further the interests of vintage racing and East Coast car enthusiasts as we expand Museum opportunities through ‘America’s Car Club,’ ” said Madeira.
Rust continues to stay active in his community by serving on several boards including the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen, the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED) and the Executive Committee and Board for the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce, both located in Schuyler County, NY. Rust currently resides in Corning , NY with his wife Shannon and their three children, Katelyn, Collin and Ryan.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
September 27, 2006
Valerie O’Shea
The Harold E. LeMay Museum
Ph: 253.779.8490 Fax: 253.779.8499 v
The LeMay Museum Takes Major Steps in Design Development and Fundraising
Revisions made to building will cut overall costs while the
Museum continues to make solid progress in fundraising efforts
( Tacoma , WA ) The LeMay Museum is delighted to announce that it has completed design development and significantly reduced the projected cost of the Museum campus from $125,000,000 to $99,000,000. The design refinements, presented to the Board and Steering Committee at their September meeting by lead architect Alan Grant, will dramatically reduce costs without limiting program possibilities.
The plans were approved by the Board which also authorized Grant Architects to begin the Construction Documentation phase of the projectthe last critical step before construction. According to Chief Executive Officer, David Madeira, the Board approvals were based on the continued progress of the Museum’s fundraising efforts. “The Drive For America’s Car Museum ” campaign has garnered $47,000,000 in commitments since the drive was launched in 2004. The Museum remains on course to break ground in late 2007 or early 2008 and to open to the public in late 2009 or early 2010.
The drive for $139,000,000 is an effort to acquire the land, build the campus, raise operating support for this period of development, and begin an endowment to support the Museum in the future. In just over two years, the effort has attained 47 percent of its first phase goal and 34 percent of its total campaign.
Madeira credited the cost reductions to the excellent efforts of Grant Architects and the team of consultants engaged to develop the design. He also noted that the design team completed its work two months ahead of schedule.
Subject: LeMay Museum goes 'Hollywood' in celebration of $1.5 million sponsorship from State Farm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
June 13, 2006 Valerie O’Shea, The Harold E. LeMay Museum Ph: 253.779.8490
Fax: 253.779.8499
Vicki Harper, public affairs specialist State Farm
Ph: 253.912.6248
Web: www.statefarm.com
LeMay Museum goes ‘Hollywood’ in celebration
of $1.5 million sponsorship from State Farm
America’s largest car insurer will sponsor theatre in the new museum,
set for groundbreaking near Tacoma Dome in 2007
In its own Hollywood-style event, The Harold E. LeMay Museum will celebrate a $1.5 million sponsorship from State Farm for a theater in its new facility.
Our sponsorship of the LeMay Museum is in keeping with State Farm’s efforts to help educate people about the importance of driver safety,” said Harold Gray, State Farm’s senior vice president for the Pacific Northwest. “We’re delighted to work with auto enthusiasts in creation of a facility that will bring people from across the country.” "As the largest insurer of cars in the US for the last 64 years, our sponsorship of the LeMay museum is a natural extension of our core business", said Tim VanHoof, Director of Marketing for State Farm.
State Farm will receive naming rights to the new museum’s theatre, said museum Chief Executive Officer David Madeira. The current design calls for the theater to feature a 360-degree, “in-the-round” concept, with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, although the exact specifications have yet to be finalized, he said.
State Farm’s sponsorship shows the strong nationwide interest that exists for creation of a new LeMay Museum,” Madeira said. “We also want this event to give credit to the strong support we have received from the State Farm regional offices.”
Red-carpet event June 20
The sponsorship will be celebrated with a Hollywood-style event starting at 1:30 p.m. June 20 at the LeMay family estate, 13502 C St., southeast of Tacoma. A red carpet will welcome invited participants who will see classic cars from the museum’s collection including a number with celebrity provenance.
Thos. L. Bryant, Vice President and Editor-In-Chief of Road & Track magazine, and a member of the museum’s Steering Committee, will emcee the event. Bryant has been involved with the magazine since 1972 and is among the foremost writers and opinion makers on the automobile industry today.
or anyone who’s ever driven or been a passenger in an automobile, the new LeMay Museum will be a dream factory, just like Hollywood,” said Bryant. “The dream of a new museum is a result of hard work, planning and local and national support.”
Later this month and through the summer the “Hollywood” cars featured at the event will be on display at the LeMay Museum, located on the grounds of the former Marymount Academy, 423 E. 152nd St. in Tacoma.
Event participants, besides Gray, Madeira, and Bryant, will include Nancy LeMay, the wife of the late Harold LeMay and member of the Museum Board of Directors.
Local support growing
The State Farm sponsorship comes as the museum has received significant support from local foundations and increased membership from individuals.
The Titus-Will Family Foundation recently pledged $500,000 for the new museum as did the Gary E. Milgard Family Foundation. Each of these foundations will be honored with a named facility in the new Museum.
Overall, the “Drive for America’s Car Museum” has raised $47.8 million, more than a third of the way toward the campaign goal of $140 million, Madeira said. Also, the museum has 1,352 charter members, nearly double from 2002.
s we look toward the start of construction, we have received tremendous support both locally and from across the country,” Madeira said. “We all recognize the value of having this national treasure in Tacoma.”
Museum on track for 2009 opening
Groundbreaking for the new museum is set for mid-2007 with formal opening expected in 2009, Madeira said. The location will be across the street from the Tacoma Dome, near Interstate 5 and I-705.
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About The Harold E. LeMay Museum
The Harold E. LeMay Museum in Tacoma, Wash., is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the LeMay Collection of automobiles and memorabilia, along with vehicles and artifacts it may acquire. The LeMay Collection was recognized in the Guinness Book of World records as the largest privately held car collection in the world. At its peak, the collection was in excess of 3,000 automobiles, motorcycles, trucks and other vehicles, plus more than 30,000 pieces of related 20th century Americana. Plans are under way to build a museum in Tacoma to feature a permanent collection of 1,200 cars and memorabilia. More information about the museum is available online at www.lemaymuseum.org.
About State Farm
State Farm insures more cars than any other insurer in North America and is the leading U.S. home insurer. State Farm’s 17,000 agents and 69,000 employees serve nearly 73 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 19 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca™
LeMay Museum Collaborates with Clover Park Technical College
Find out more about the Collectors Foundation
at www.collectorsfoundation.org
NAAACCC members please call up the site above there are funds available
for the right projects
LeMay Museum Collaboration to be Celebrated at Clover Park Technical College
Joint educational program to be featured at reception
(Tacoma, WA) Clover Park Technical College and the LeMay Museum America’s Car Museum - will showcase their expanded collaboration on June 2, 2006 in Building 18, at CPTC. The reception will celebrate the growing educational partnership and also recognize three Collectors Foundation’s scholarship recipients who are currently enrolled in the Automobile Restoration Program.
The educational collaboration gives students an opportunity to pursue careers in collector car restoration by helping to preserve and restore some of the LeMay Collection’s valuable automobiles. “The students will, upon completion, have a basic understanding of shop practice and the research skills that it takes to complete a thorough vehicle assessment,” said Stacy Puckett, Museum Collection Manager and Adjunct Instructor of the program. CPTC and the LeMay Museum plan to make this curriculum an ongoing course.
Those invited to the reception will include Clover Park Administration and Trustees, the LeMay Museum Board of Directors and Steering Committee, Collectors Foundation representatives, individual and corporate supporters of the Museum, local elected officials as well as local and regional media. The Clover Park Culinary Arts program will provide a variety of appetizers and beverages for the reception giving the students an opportunity to show off their culinary skills as well.
The Collectors Foundation of Traverse City, Michigan awarded scholarships totaling $10,000 to three CPTC Automobile Restoration Program students earlier this year. The scholarship recipients were jointly chosen by the LeMay Museum and CPTC. Find out more about the Collectors Foundation at www.collectorsfoundation.org.
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Titus-Will Family Foundation pledges $500,000
for LeMay Museum campaign
One of 10 galleries in new facility will be named for the family
as a result of the donation
Hoping to motor The Harold E. LeMay Museum toward a successful fundraising campaign, the Titus-Will Family foundation has pledged $500,000 to the “Drive for America’s Car Museum.”
The campaign has raised nearly $43 million to date, according to Madeira. The museum also has 1,352 charter members, nearly double from 2002.
James M. Will, vice chairman of the museum’s board of directors, recently announced the gift. Will is president of Titus-Will Enterprises, the parent company for Titus-Will Chevrolet, Cadillac & Hyundai of Olympia and sister company to Titus-Will Ford/Toyota in Tacoma.
“We look forward to the reality of ‘America’s Car Museum’ being accomplished sooner rather than later,” Will said. Will is a former chairman of the museum’s advancement committee, which oversees the campaign effort.
Madeira announced that one of the new museum’s 10 galleries will be named for the Titus-Will families. “We’re deeply indebted to the Titus and Will families for their leadership, tireless efforts and generosity on our behalf,” Madeira said.
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The Harold E. LeMay Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the LeMay Collection of automobiles and memorabilia, along with vehicles and artifacts it may acquire. The LeMay Collection was recognized in the Guinness Book of World records as the largest privately held car collection in the world. At its peak, the collection was in excess of 3,000 automobiles, motorcycles, trucks and other vehicles, plus more than 30,000 pieces of related 20th century Americana. Plans are under way to build a museum in Tacoma, Wash., to feature a permanent collection of 1,200 cars and memorabilia. More information about the museum is available online at www.lemaymuseum.org.
Kelly Werner
Membership Development Manager
The Harold E. LeMay Museum®
America ’s Car Museumtm
www.lemaymuseum.org
253 779 8490
253 779 8499 fax
PO Box 1117 / Tacoma , WA 98401
917 Pacific Avenue / Suite 400 / Tacoma , WA 98402-4421
Prominent motorsports figure added
to The LeMay Museum Board of Directors
International Speedway Corp. CEO James C. France’s family ties include Daytona International Speedway and founding NASCAR
James C. France, a member of the family that built Daytona International Speedway and founded NASCAR, has joined the board of directors of The Harold E. LeMay Museum® in Tacoma.
France is CEO of International Speedway Corp., where he was president and chief operating officer from 1987-2003 and a director since 1970.
“The France family is the most prominent name in U.S. motorsports,” said David Madeira, the museum’s chief executive officer. “We’re delighted to have Jim on our board.”
The museum’s board of directors made the selection during its annual meeting held last month in Scottsdale, Ariz., Madeira said. The board includes 32 top officials from the automotive industry as well as car enthusiasts and elected representatives from the state and federal level.
“Jim’s passionate about cars and especially loves sports cars,” Madeira noted. France is a principal behind the Rolex Grand American Sports Car Racing Series, including the 24 Hours of Daytona race and the U.S. Sports Car Invitational at Laguna Seca Raceway on the Monterey Peninsula, Calif.
The museum already has a strong relationship with International Speedway Corp. Grant Lynch, ISC vice president, is on the museum’s steering committee that advises the board of directors. ISC, and its subsidiary Great Western Sports, last year donated $25,000 to the museum. ISC and the museum also are working on a partnership to host joint events.
At the annual meeting, the museum’s board of directors unanimously called on Washington state Gov. Chris Gregoire to establish a task force to further examine ISC’s proposal for a NASCAR-ready track near Bremerton, in time for a new bill to be submitted in the 2007 legislature. Madeira cited the “tremendously positive” economic impact on Kitsap, Pierce and King counties if the track were built in a letter to Gregoire.
International Speedway Corp. is a leading promoter of motorsports activities in the United States, currently promoting more than 100 events annually. The company owns and/or operates 12 of the nation’s motorsports facilities, including Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama among others.
The LeMay Museum features the LeMay Collection of American cars and memorabilia. The LeMay Collection was recognized in the Guinness Book of World records as the largest privately held car collection in the world. Plans are under way to build a museum in Tacoma to permanently showcase 1,200 cars and related items.
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The LeMay Museum increases global influence
America’s Car Museum adds automotive, speedway executives
to its steering committee as plans continue for new exhibit space
Three automotive professionals with a global reach have been added to the Steering Committee of The Harold E. LeMay Museum.
Grant Lynch, Vice President of International Speedway Corp., and President of Talladega Superspeedway; Richard Rurak, Vice President of PPG-Kansai Automotive Finishes of Michigan; and Bill Warner, Chairman of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, joined the Museum’s advisory board. They will provide counsel to the CEO and to the Board of Directors.
David Madeira, Museum Chief Executive Officer, said the three bring added insight and influence to America’s Car Museum.
“All of these individuals are well-respected and well-liked and bring the Museum enthusiasm, expertise and a strong network of influence,” Madeira said. “All are passionate car guys and enthusiastic about our vision.”
The LeMay Museum, south of Tacoma, features the LeMay Collection of American cars and memorabilia. The LeMay Collection was recognized in the Guinness Book of World records as the largest privately held car collection in the world. Plans are under way to build a museum in Tacoma to permanently showcase 1,200 cars and related items.
The three join the 19-member Steering Committee, which includes a wide spectrum of automotive professionals and car enthusiasts.
Grant Lynch
Lynch shares the Museum’s interest in making Puget Sound a destination for auto-tourism. He is leading International Speedway Corporation’s efforts to build a new racetrack in Bremerton. Planned collaboration with the Museum will attract well-over 1 million visitors annually. Grant has extensive contacts in the sports car, NASCAR and motorcycle racing communities. Lynch came to Talladega Superspeedway after 11 years with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., where he managed the company’s involvement in NASCAR Winston Cup racing.
Richard Rurak
Rurak has a long history working with the automotive industry across the globe. He started working with PPG Industries in 1977 and has held several positions for the company in Tokyo and Paris. He has been involved with Chrysler Corp. in the Touring Car Series and PPG Neon challenge. He has gone to racing school twice and competed in four PPG Neon Celebrity races.
Bill Warner
Warner built the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance into one of America’s top classic car events since its founding in 1996. The event has raised $1.5 million for Community Hospice and Spina Bifida. He also has a strong involvement in automotive racing he was inducted in 2003 into the Road Racing Driver’s Club - and in automotive photojournalism, with work in Road & Track, Car and Driver, Autoweek and other publications.
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The Harold E. LeMay Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the LeMay Collection of automobiles and memorabilia, along with vehicles and artifacts it may acquire. The LeMay Collection was recognized in the Guinness Book of World records as the largest privately held car collection in the world. At its peak, the collection was in excess of 3,000 automobiles, motorcycles, trucks and other vehicles, plus more than 30,000 pieces of related 20th century Americana. Plans are under way to build a museum in Tacoma, Wash., to feature a permanent collection of 1,200 cars and memorabilia. More information about the museum is available online at www.lemaymuseum.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December,2005
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Madeira
p: 253.779.8490
f: 253.779.8499
david@lemaymuseum.org
Clover Park students gain access to LeMay Collection
Two scholarships from the Collectors Foundation will give
students a chance to restore classic automobiles
Two Clover Park Technical College students with a passion for restoring classic cars will receive full-ride scholarships in a unique opportunity to work on cars of The Harold E. LeMay Museum.
A committee of college officials and representatives from the LeMay Collection will select the students for the scholarships starting Jan. 3. The students will be from the college’s automotive restoration and automotive upholstery programs.
The students will have a chance for hands-on work and the museum will get more cars restored for future exhibits,” said David Madeira, museum chief executive officer. “We will work to increase the museum’s involvement over time.”
The Collectors Foundation of Traverse City, Michigan is funding the scholarships, valued at $5,000 each. Museum board member McKeel Hagerty, President of Hagerty Classic Insurance, created the foundation to preserve and encourage appreciation and respect for the artistic, technological and cultural significance of the automobile. Hagerty has insured the LeMay family and Museum collections for many years. Earlier this year, Robert Knechel, Executive Director of the Collector Foundation, presented the museum with a $3,000 grant to initiate an outstanding collector car educational symposium for auto hobbyists.
“McKeel Hagerty’s passion and commitment to seeing the automotive restoration industry grow is well known,” said Madeira. “The Collector’s Foundation and Hagerty Insurance are taking a very active role in promoting the collectible car and boat hobbies, in supporting educational institutions related to the hobbies, and in helping students develop the skills they need in order to successfully enter the restoration and preservation industry.”
The scholarships have been greeted with an enthusiastic response from the Lakewood, Wash.-based college. “The scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for enthusiastic students to achieve their career goals,” said Dr. Sharon McGavick, college president. “Not having to worry about tuition or books allows our students the opportunity to complete their education without added difficulty.”
Technology Program Dean Keith Dyson, who oversees the automotive restoration programs, said this is the first scholarship of its type available in Washington State that is related to classic cars.” We wanted to create something no one else is offering and that’s accomplished through our affiliation with the LeMay Museum,” Dyson said. “This whole department is excited about anything having to do with automobiles and when it involves classic cars, the excitement goes up a notch.”
He said this type of scholarship was something faculty members had talked about for years, even before television shows such as “Monster Garage” attracted more people to the automotive restoration industry. A visit from the Museum and Collectors Foundation representatives this past summer to the college’s 85,000-square-foot training center may have helped reach an agreement, Dyson said.
The LeMay Collection was recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest privately held car collection in the world. At its peak, the collection was in excess of 3,000 automobiles, motorcycles, trucks and other vehicles, plus more than 30,000 pieces of related 20th century Americana. More information about the museum is available online at www.lemaymuseum.org.
The Harold E. LeMay Museum is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit initiative established in 1998 in Tacoma, Washington to build a permanent home for the world’s largest private collection of vintage automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and automobile memorabilia
September 2005
Racetrack partnership fuels 'America's Car Museum'
Great Western Sports becomes major sponsor
Classic cruisers and speed machines will come together in a new partnership announced by The Harold E. LeMay Museum today.
Great Western Sports, developer of the proposed NASCAR racetrack in Kitsap County, started its formal relationship with The LeMay Museum by making a sponsoring gift of $25,000.
“We are delighted that Great Western has made such a generous contribution to our efforts before they are even operating in Kitsap County,” said David Madeira, chief executive officer.
Great Western Sports is a division of International Speedway Corporation, owner/operator of 11 major race tracks in the United States. The group is moving forward with plans to build a racetrack in Belfair, Kitsap County. Designed for NASCAR and sports car racing events, the facility would be available for community activities throughout the year.
Madeira said a partnership with Great Western will include combined promotions such as advertising, Web sites, events and ticket sales. In addition, there will be opportunities to display classic cars and racecars at both facilities and host joint events.
Museum and racetrack officials anticipate their attractions would each draw more than 500,000 visitors per year.
The LeMay Museum, south of Tacoma, features the LeMay Collection, which was recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest privately held car collection in the world.
“Through collaboration we believe auto-tourism will flourish, encouraging visitors to stay longer, adding economic value to Kitsap, Pierce and King counties,” Madeira said.
About nine months ago Madeira was invited to join Great Western Sports’ Checkered Flag Task Force to identify a racetrack site in Washington state. Madeira said it wasn't’ long before discussions included partnership opportunities with the car museum.
Grant Lynch, International Speedway Corporation vice president, said the LeMay Collection is astounding and “must be preserved because it preserves American automobile history.”
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The Harold E. LeMay Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the LeMay Collection of automobiles and memorabilia, along with vehicles and artifacts it may acquire. The LeMay Collection was recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest privately held car collection in the world. At its peak, the collection was in excess of 3,000 automobiles, motorcycles, trucks and other vehicles plus more than 30,000 pieces of related 20th century Americana. Plans are under way to build a museum in Tacoma, Wash., to feature a permanent collection of 1,200 cars and memorabilia.
For photos and additional information contact Steve Kovach 253 779 8490 steve@lemaymuseum.org
Ben B. Cheney Foundation Awards LeMay Museum $500,000
The Ben B. Cheney Foundation has pledged $500,000 to the LeMay Museum Building Campaign over a two year period and presented America’s Car Museum with a check for $250,000 as the first installment. In presenting their gift to Nancy LeMay, John Barline Museum Board Chairman and David Madeira, Museum CEO, Brad Cheney said, “The Board of the Ben B. Cheney Foundation were unanimous in the belief that the impact and presence of the LeMay Museum will continue the renaissance that Tacoma is enjoying and in fact will set the bar even higher with the quality of this facility”.
Nancy LeMay accepted the check on behalf of the Museum and enthusiastically responded, “I want to thank you and the Cheney Foundation Board for this generous gift that brings us one step closer to realizing our vision”. Madeira added, “On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff and growing membership, we appreciate the support we have received from the Foundation beginning in 2002 and recognize the confidence that a gift of this magnitude expresses to our community and constituents”.
Cheney thanked the assembled team and continued, “Successful efforts are usually led by successful individuals. The LeMay Board and staff are exemplary and have a vision that is building an outstanding base of supporters to see the campaign successfully completed”.
The Ben B. Cheney Foundation has awarded over $60,000,000 since grant making began in 1975. The LeMay Museum received $35,000 in 2002 and $30,000 in 2003.
The Harold E. LeMay Museum is a non-profit initiative in Tacoma, Washington to build a permanent home for the world largest private collection of vintage and classic automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and automobile memorabilia.
For more information contact Steve Kovach 253 779 8490 steve@lemaymuseum.org
Harold E. LeMay Museum P. O. Box 44627 Tacoma, Washington 98444
www.lemaymuseum.org
April 2005
For additional information contact Steve Kovach 253 779 8179 or steve@lemaymuseum.org
Washington State Legislators Commit $11,000,000 to the LeMay Museum
The Washington State Legislature adjourned on April 24, 2005 with a 2005-2006 Budget that included an $11,000,000 commitment to building the LeMay Museum America’s Car Museum. Governor Christine Gregoire signed the initiatives into law on May 17, 2005.
“The initiatives of House Bill 2134 and Senate Bill 5990 were supported by a majority of State Legislators and Governor Gregoire. They recognized the historic value of America’s Car Museum as well as the important economic benefits the entire State will enjoy with the tourism draw and jobs the LeMay Museum will create,” commented David Madeira, CEO of the Museum. “We’re very grateful to the Governor and Legislature for their generous support, particularly during these times of severe budgetary constraints,” he continued.
The direct appropriations, not including the tax deferral, bring the total capital commitments to $35,500,000 representing over 20% of the total $167,500,000 need for full campus build-out. The Museum Pavilion (Phase I) can be built for approximately $50,000,000 so commitments to date are over half of the required funding to break ground. “We are on track to break ground in the second half of 2006 and host a grand opening celebration in 2008,” continued Madeira. Cash gifts to the Museum in 2004 exceeded $3,500,000, an increase of 137% over 2003.
The funding package from the State of Washington includes:
1. $3,000,000 in appropriations for building construction, and
2. $4,500,000 to $8,000,000 sales and use tax deferral; construction sales tax is delayed for 5 years and due no later than 10 years without interest.
The Harold E. LeMay Museum is a non-profit initiative established in 1998 in Tacoma, Washington to build a permanent home for the world’s largest private collection of vintage and classic automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and automobile memorabilia.
For more information contact Steve Kovach 253 779 8490 steve@lemaymuseum.org
The Harold E. LeMay Museum P. O. Box 44627 Tacoma, Washington 98444
www.lemaymuseum.org
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