Amelia Island Concours Taps Tom Cotter for Co-Chairman

Respected Motorsports Veteran/Enthusiast to Work Closely With Show Founder to Transition Duties

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Foundation, Inc. announced today that Tom Cotter will join the organization as Co-Chairman, working side-by-side with show founder and chairman Bill Warner to take over duties of the annual show. This year marked the 12th edition of the Amelia Island Concours and an estimated 18,000 people attended the three-day event.

"With Amelia firmly established on the auto enthusiast's calendar and on solid financial ground, now is the right time to bring someone in who can continue the show should I be unable to do so," says Warner. "A succession plan has been in the works for sometime now and Tom is the perfect fit. Besides his tremendous background in motorsports and the automotive industry overall, Tom shares my passion for the automobile and the collectors who keep it alive. This was a very important part of my decision."

Warner anticipates that the transition will take three to five years, at which time he will retain the title of Founder of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

Long Career in Motorsports Started Over 20 Years Ago

A native of New York, Cotter, 53, became involved with motorsports in the early 80s and turned his passion for automobiles into a highly successful career. In 1985, he got on board with Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina, where speedway president H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler immediately recognized his talent and named him director of public relations. Cotter held the position for four years before striking out on his own to form The Cotter Group, which specialized in motorsport public relations, marketing, promotions, hospitality, licensing, publishing and consulting. The firm grew to more than 80 professionals on staff before Cotter sold it in 2000 to entertainment powerhouse Clear Channel Entertainment.

From his home in Davidson, North Carolina, Cotter has been active in numerous civic causes and organizations, including the Ruth and Billy Graham Children's Health Center, Motor Racing Outreach, Boy Scouts of America, and St. Mark Catholic Church. He also stays connected to the auto industry as a contributing editor to "Road & Track" magazine. Never far from a track or automotive event, Cotter today maintains a growing collection of vintage automobiles, including a Ford Woodie, several British sports cars, and a 289 Cobra.

In addition to his extensive automotive marketing background, Cotter is also a published author and recently released the well-received book, "The Cobra In The Barn: Great Stories of Automotive Archaeology." He has also published a book on the famed Holman & Moody organization.

"Everything I've done in my life has led me to this position," says Cotter. "Bill has built this event into one of the most prestigious in the automotive world. Filling Bill's size 13 shoes will be a huge challenge."

The 2008 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance will be held March 7-9 on the 10th and 18th fairways of The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The show's foundation has donated nearly $1.5 million to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc. since 1996.

The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is one of the nation's most innovative vintage auto events featuring over 250 rare classics from seldom- seen private collections nationwide. The show is scheduled for March 7-9, 2008, at The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach adjacent to The Ritz- Carlton, Amelia Island. For more information, visit http://www.ameliaconcours.org/ or contact them at 904-636-0027.