[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 24, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S4375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            AAA OHIO MOTORISTS ASSOCIATION 100TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. VOINOVICH, Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
100th anniversary of the AAA Ohio Motorists Association.
  On January 8, 1900, seven prominent Cleveland businessmen with ties 
to the automotive industry met in a small room in the Old Hollenden 
House Hotel on Superior Avenue to incorporate an organization that 
would promote and protect their interests in the growth of the 
automobile. Their belief in the future of this fledgling industry led 
to the founding of the Cleveland Automobile Club. Over the years, as 
cars became more popular, the Club expanded and the name changed, 
finally becoming the AAA Ohio Motorists Association. But through it 
all, the successor organization to the first meeting of the Cleveland 
Automobile Club celebrates not only its 100th anniversary this year, 
but its stature as the oldest automobile club in the world.
  I have often said that the one organization that I listen to in Ohio 
which represents the motoring public is the American Automobile 
Association, and I am certain many of my colleagues feel the same way. 
AAA's service to its members is renowned, and there are many cold and 
rainy nights where that service is especially appreciated, via AAA's 
Emergency Road Service. In addition, AAA provides Approved Auto Repair 
service, AAA Travel Agency and high quality maps and TourBooks. These 
are some of the services that AAA members have depended upon for 
generations; services that are possible, in part, because of the many 
firsts that can be attributed to the association. The Cleveland 
Automobile Club opened the first travel agency in the State of Ohio; 
operated the first license bureau in the state; and was the first in 
the United States to use radios to dispatch emergency road service 
vehicles. In addition, the Ohio Motorist magazine, which has been 
published for 92 years, was recently selected as one of the best 
magazines in Ohio.
  Ohio Motorists Association members as well as non-members benefit 
from the OMA's support of local communities' traffic, bike and 
pedestrian safety programs, including the Helmet Smart and Community 
Traffic Safety programs. Also, the Ohio Motorists Association is a 
leader in the promotion of seat belt safety and courteous, responsible 
driving.
  From those first 7 members in Cleveland 100 years ago, the AAA Ohio 
Motorist Association has grown to serve over 650,000 members in nine 
counties today. As they begin another 100 years, I know that the AAA 
Ohio Motorists Association will continue help stranded motorists, plan 
trips, and perform the many services that members have come to enjoy.
  On behalf of the citizens of Northeast Ohio, I congratulate the AAA 
Ohio Motorists Association on their centennial and look forward to many 
more years of service.

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