(NEWS RELEASE)

Lakeland, FL., August 22, 2013 – The Antique Motorcycle Foundation has conferred on the National Packard Museum and a number of antique motorcycle enthusiasts and organizations in Ohio its highest award, the AMF Award for Excellence. The Award has been given only once before, in 2011 to Motorcycle Cannonball, Inc.

AMF’s Wanda Winger presents the Antique Motorcycle Foundation Award of Excellence to Fred Davis, President of the Lake Erie Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America.

Thirteen years ago, the National Packard Museum was considering closing its doors for reduced winter hours due to a lack of visitation. Then arrived local antique motorcycle enthusiasts Bruce Williams and Daryl Timko with the idea of an annual motorcycle exhibit. Once announced, the project received enthusiastic support from other local motorcyclists as well as members of the Lake Erie Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America.

Not only has the popularity of this exhibit helped keep the museum open, but money and attendance it has generated has allowed the museum to expand by more than doubling its space.

Wanda Winger, Antique Motorcycle Foundation Treasurer, who presented the award, said, “The Board of the Foundation feels that one of the most effective ways to reach the American public with the great story of antique motorcycle history, restoration, and preservation is through exhibits in major museums. We believe there is no better proof of this than the popularity of the Packard Museum’s annual exhibit. It stands as a model of success for antique motorcycle enthusiasts and clubs everywhere.”

Fred Davis, President of the Lake Erie Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, received the award on behalf of all of the enthusiasts who have made the project a success. The crystal award will be placed on display at the National Packard Museum.

Winger added, “I would note that this is the second major award the Packard motorcycle exhibit and its creators have received this year. Last March, they were recognized with the Award of Excellence by the National Association of Automobile Museums.”

The Antique Motorcycle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. Its mission is to support the collection and preservation of antique motorcycles and motorcycle history, and to tell the story of antique motorcycling to the public at large. For more information about the AMF’s mission and programs, go to http://www.antiquemotorcyclefoundation.org.