Tire Industry Association

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	TIA Contact: Jim Smith
March 7, 2007	330-676-1234 ext 298 jsmith@babcox.com

Entries Being Accepted for Tire Review Top Shop Award Contest

(Akron – Mar. 7, 2007) Entries are now being accepted for the 2007 Tire Review Top Shop Award presented by Hennessy Industries, a new program that seeks to honor the “best of the best” independent tire dealers in the U.S. and Canada.

One winner will be named the 2007 Top Shop and receive a Coats tire changer, a cash prize, and a trip for two to Las Vegas for the 2007 SEMA Show. Three finalists will receive Coats tire/wheel balancers and cash prizes.

The contest is now open, and entries will be accepted until July 15, according to the magazine. Entry forms and information are available online at Tire Review’s Web site (www.tirereview.com) or in each issue of the publication from February through July.

“The Top Shop Awards are not a popularity contest or focused of which dealer is biggest,” said Jim Smith, editor of Tire Review. “We are trying to find independent tire dealers – small or large – who epitomize those attributes and values we stress with every issue of Tire Review: a true professional who is exemplary in customer service and retention, in training and education, in merchandising and promotion, in professional standards and conduct, in appearance, in solid business management, in community involvement and in growth and achievement.”

“When Tire Review presented us with the Top Shop Award concept, we knew right away it was something we wanted to support,” said Kevin Keefe, director of marketing for Hennessy Industries. “Our primary focus at Ammco/Coats is to provide products and solutions that help independent tire dealers deliver an outstanding service experience to their customers, and grow their businesses in the process. The Top Shop Award will recognize just a few of the many outstanding dealers we encounter each and every day in our travels, and we're proud to be a part of its debut.

“What struck us about the Top Shop Award is that it's about a lot more than selling tires,” Keefe said. “It emphasizes several key drivers of success for just about any business: customer service/retention, community involvement, training and education and overcoming everyday obstacles. It's an award Ammco/Coats believes will bring much deserved recognition to a few of the many successful businesspeople in our industry.”

Dealers can nominate their business, or others can nominate tire dealer businesses. The entry process is simple: Those making the nomination need to provide basic information about the dealership being nominated and write a short (300-word maximum) essay explaining why that dealership should be considered. (See attached entry form)

From there, all entrants will reviewed and a group of semi-finalists selected. Those semi-finalists will be asked to provide additional information for judging. A panel of judges, including industry professionals and a member of the Tire Review staff, will select the four finalists and, ultimately, the 2007 Top Shop Award winner.

The Top Shop Award winner will receive a Coats APX90 tire changer, a $1,500 cash prize, airfare and hotel for two (2 nights/3 days) to the 2007 SEMA Show, a feature story on their business in the October issue of Tire Review, and a specially designed trophy to display in their store.

The three finalists will each receive a Coats 1250 tire/wheel balancer, a $500 cash prize, a feature story on their dealership in that same October issue, and a specially designed plaque.

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TIA is an international association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that manufacture, repair, recycle, sell, service or use new or retreaded tires, and also those suppliers or individuals who furnish equipment, material or services to the industry. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has a history that spans more than 80 years and includes several name changes. Originally known as the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), the organization gave birth over the years to the American Retreaders Association (ARA) and the Tire Association of North America (TANA). ARA changed its name to the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) and merged with TANA in 2002 to form the current Tire Industry Association (TIA), which now represents every interest in the tire industry.

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