National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada
Celebrating 50 years of helping the Collector Car Hobby in Canada
Greetings NAACC members and friends,
As 2020 draws to a close I am reflecting back on an unforgettable year. The NAACC has had one of its busiest years ever in spite of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020 we formed Strategic partnerships with five new groups. America’s Automotive Trust, RPM Foundation, America’s Car Museum, TechForce Foundation and the (ICJAG) International Chief Judge Advisory Group. I cannot express how privileged the NAACC feels to be recognized by such prestigious organizations. By working jointly together we hope to expand our focus to help bring post-secondary scholarship funds to the younger generation so that they may pursue formal ‘Trades’ training in the automotive restoration world.
This year we have spent a considerable amount of time reorganizing and updating our website so that you have the latest news about the hobby and Federal Government legislation. Webmaster Cam Hutchins has photographed and posted some of the finest automobiles in the world. Yes, we have deliberately left some older articles and pictures on the website ‘Home’ page because we have had requests to leave them for your enjoyment. The Header Bar on the website has many dropdown menus. These dropdowns were all updated in 2020 with the help of website designer Kevin Meronuk.
This year we had two very dedicated NAACC Directors retire. Jim Herbert from Alberta and Ron Haines from New Brunswick have stepped down. There are no words that can express our gratitude for what they have done for you and the hobby over the years. We wish to thank Don MacDonald from Alberta and Blair Chisholm from New Brunswick for stepping forward to become new NAACC Directors.
COVID-19, Dues and Expenses: The operational costs of the NAACC are fixed obligations with the exception of our AGM. Our website provider and the cost of our webmaster remain the same. Our many membership obligations remain the same. As an example, our membership in the CCMTA-Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators is over $700 per year and our costs to attend their meetings is nearly $3000. The cost of doing business remains the same. Remember, we are not a Club.
What I am saying in a long- winded way is that COVID-19 or no COVID-19 we are obligated to spend nearly the same amount of money each year. The cost of a significant Government lobby can easily be in the $100,000 plus range. I point this out because I know most clubs have been inactive since January of 2020. Some have suggested that they be given an NAACC discount or have their dues waived. The reality is that we are our own worst enemy as we have not raised our dues for many years. By being extremely frugal and picking our battles, we have been able to carry on without increased dues. Your $5.00 per year membership is the best money you could ever spend to ensure you have the right and ability to drive your collector car on the public highways of Canada. Please keep in mind that we are not paid as we are a ‘Not for Profit’ Federal Corporation. We work for you and the hobby for free.
In closing, on behalf of the NAACC Board of Directors and myself I want to wish you all a very warm and Merry Christmas, and a joyous New Year.
My best regards to you all.
John Carlson
President/CEO
NAACC