Press Release: ITRHFM Hall of Fame Selection Postponed

[For The Industry]

ITRHFM Hall of Fame Selection Postponed

 

Chattanooga, TN – April 16, 2020 – Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the need for social distancing, the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum has been closed since March 16.  The museum’s winter board meeting was also postponed due to the health crisis and travel restrictions affecting our nation and the world.  As a result, the Hall of Fame selection committee has been unable to meet and select the inductees for the Class of 2020.

 

Museum leadership is continuing to closely monitor the unfolding situation.  The health and welfare of our staff and volunteers is our highest priority.  The decision to close before a shelter in place order was issued was a difficult one as was the postponement of the Hall of Fame selection process.  It is now quite clear that postponement and closure were the correct decision and re-opening and resumption of the process will continue as the virus concerns are mitigated and as we are permitted to return to business as usual.

 

“Our goal is to complete the selection process as soon as possible and practical once we are able to meet as a group,” commented Jeffrey Godwin, ITRHFM 1^st Vice President.  “The museum’s Hall of Fame induction is the highest honor in our industry and we look forward to announcing the Class of 2020.”

 

The towing museum’s annual weekend of events is planned for October 9-11, 2020 in conjunction with the Tennessee Tow Show.

 

“Speaking for all of our staff and volunteers, we look forward to seeing everyone at the events in October, providing the virus situation is resolved,” said Bill Gratzianna, ITRHFM President.  “As our museum team meets, we’ll determine what will be the best event for this year’s attendees.”

 

While the museum is closed to tours and other visitors, its online gift shop remains open at www.towingmuseum.com.  The museum appreciates the support of the industry and our community as we all work through this together.

 

About ITRHFM

The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Chattanooga, TN, houses an array of displays and exhibits showcasing the history of towing and recovery. The rotating collection includes early equipment by Manley, Holmes, Vulcan, and Weaver. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly advanced the industry. The Museum includes a theater, a library, and a gift shop selling souvenirs related to the towing industry. On the outside grounds is the Wall of the Fallen memorial, dedicated to towers who died in the line of service. The ITRHFM Survivor Fund assists the families of the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of service by providing a uniform financial gift at the time of their loss. ITRHFM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and accepts donations for its programs and operations from individuals, corporations and groups.

Learn more at www.towingmuseum.com.