On August 13, Congressmember Joe Crowley welcomed Jay Williams, executive director of the federal government’s Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, to the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA) for a tour of the association’s Center for Automotive Education & Training and to meet with the local auto dealership owners to discuss the future of the American auto industry and the impact of the federal government’s rescue efforts on Queens and New York.

The tour gave the officials a firsthand look at how the Center’s career development program is training students for jobs in the auto industry. The program currently includes 750 students, 49 of which are returning war veterans.

“I am so pleased Executive Director Williams was able to join us in Queens to see firsthand the unique approach the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association is taking to prepare workers, including our veterans, for a future in the auto industry,” said Crowley. “From employing thousands of residents, to generating much-needed tax revenues, the auto industry is playing a pivotal role far beyond Detroit, and is a leading innovator and employer right here in Queens. Thanks to Mr. Williams and the successful efforts by the Obama Administration to keep the U.S. auto industry from going bankrupt, the industry is once again thriving across the country and has maintained a strong presence here in New York.”

As head of the federal government’s Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, Williams is working directly with state and local stakeholders in areas affected by the changing American automotive industry to ensure they receive the federal support necessary to thrive, grow and succeed in the current economy.

According to a 2010 economic impact study released by GNYADA, franchised new car dealers in the New York metro area have pumped $24.9 billion into the economy, provided more than 56,000 jobs to area residents, and generated $1.71 billion in tax revenue to state and local governments.

Nationwide, the U.S. auto industry has created 250,000 American jobs since June 2009.