Sen. Kane’s Proposed ‘Antiques Trail’ Legislation Becomes Law [Oxford Patch]

July 1, 2013

Article as it appeared in the Oxford Patch

Bill would promote antiques shops throughout the state.

A bill that would promote antiques shops and large auction houses throughout the state with road signs, notices and web advertisements was signed into law by the governor on June 24.

Sen. Rob Kane, R-Watertown, sponsored the legislation, which establishes a statewide “Connecticut Antiques Trail.”

The marketing campaign will be modeled after a trail already in existence in Woodbury. It was established in 2009 when Kane, at the request of a constituent, worked with the state Department of Transportation to erect signs on Interstate 84 to promote antiques shops off the highway.

“This new law will extend the antiques trail across Connecticut,” Kane said.

The new law requires the state to identify major antiques dealers, communities like Woodbury with a large concentration of dealers, and auction houses with annual sales over $1 million. The state will erect road signs in those communities to promote the shops and advertise them on a new website.

“The unofficial antiques capital of Connecticut is Woodbury, but we have antiques dealers in all corners of our state,” Kane said. “It makes a lot of sense for us to promote those unique, small businesses and get them the attention they deserve.”

Kane likens the antiques campaign to the Connecticut Wine Trail, which promotes vineyards with road signs.

“There are many ancillary businesses which would benefit from this new law,” Kane said. “Restaurants, museums and bed and breakfasts could all see an uptick in business. It’s a chance for residents and visitors to get to know our beautiful state and enjoy its wonderful history and culture. We have much to be proud of, so why not let the world know?”

The law takes effect immediately.

*Sen. Kane (www.senatorkane.com) represents the 32nd district of Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Seymour, Southbury, Roxbury, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury.

Contributed by Kane’s public relations officer.