OTR CONFERENCE WRAP-UP
The 2004 TIA OTR Conference was highlighted by great attendance, a vast array of educational presentations and some of the best networking opportunities in recent years. The host facility the "Gaylord Palms Resort" was well received by all attendees. Featured speakers and topics covered included Bryan Dodge, "How To Build a Better You"; Walker Evans, Off-road racing Legend, "Energizing Yourself Through Off-Road Racing"; Gary Nash, "An Industry Update-Tires a Global World" and a panel discussion on "The Intelligent Tire" to mention a few. The business sessions were blended in along with a Dealer/ Manufacturers Lunch, Golf Tournament, Evening Reception and a "Gala" Event. Next Years' TIA OTR Conference is scheduled for February 24-26, 2005 at the new Starr Pass Marriott Resort and Spa, Tucson, Arizona — When the OTR Group Gathers!  TIA'S WORLD TIRE EXPO – BACK TO CORE MARKETS
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) unveiled a new logo for the TIA World Tire Expo, the Conference and Exhibition for the Commercial Tire, Retreading and Recycling Industry to be held in Louisville, Kentucky, April 20-22, 2005.
"The new WTE logo works with our logo to insure that the tire industry knows that TIA is running this international show geared towards the commercial, retreading and recycling segments of the market," said Larry Morgan, President of TIA. "The TIA World Tire Expo provides an ideal forum for diverse individuals to meet, network and advance new business and marketing opportunities. We have a long, rich history with this show that we must preserve." TIA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
TIA has two scholarship opportunities for our members and their high school seniors: The TIA/Michelin Scholarship has extended the deadline until March 31, 2004. Information is available on the web at: http://www.scholarshipprograms.org/pdf/mtia/mtia_2004_ins.pdf. Applicants must be seniors in high school, and must be planning to pursue a post-secondary education at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational technical school. Scholarships are available to part-time employees OR dependent children of full-time employees of TIA member tire dealers. Dependent children include natural children, adopted children, legal wards, or resident stepchildren. The employee must be employed by the firm at the time of application. All questions must be directed to: MICHELIN/TIA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, PO Box 1465, Taylors, SC 29687-0031; Phone (864) 268-3363. E-mail sallyking@bellsouth.net. TIA is also a part of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship program. Scholarships of $1,000 are awarded to high school graduates who are enrolling in a college/university or vocational-technical school. As a bonus, a matching grant is available to scholarship recipients who become technicians in the automotive aftermarket. You may claim your matching grant up to one year after graduation. Please submit proof of at least six months employment as a technician in the automotive aftermarket. While all students are encouraged to apply, priority in awarding scholarships will be given to those who pursue a career in the automotive aftermarket. More information on the program, along with an application, can be found at: www.automotivescholarships.com. All applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2004. USPS RETREAD CONTRACT UPDATE
TIA has another meeting with the United States Postal Service on March 16. Supposedly the USPS is ready to award the national retread contract on April 1, but wants to meet with TIA and TRIB one more time. We are trying to view this as a positive sign, but have no real indication of what the meeting will bring. DEWINE'S LATEST
While Senator DeWine withdrew his amendment to the Highway Funding bill mid-February, he is by no means done with his crusade on tire aging. His staff indicates he is now looking towards "new science" as a means to figure out the aging problem. They also mentioned liking the idea of "freshness indicators." We don't exactly know what this means at this time but TIA will stay in constant contact with the Senator and continue to protect the tire industry. EPA USED OIL MEETING
On Wednesday, March 3, TIA spent the afternoon with the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the exemption from Superfund/Used Oil liability for small businesses performing automotive service and repair that generate or collect used oil. The EPA has a draft cover letter and "request for information" which will supposedly help streamline the process of finding potentially responsible parties (PRPs) to pay for cleanup when Superfund sites are opened up. TIA, along with several other groups from the automotive industry, voiced several objections to the draft over language, intent and substance. Formal comments are due to the EPA on April 5. The EPA indicated a willingness to work with the industry, more so than in the past. SHOWTIMES
Mid-America Tire Dealers Association (Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma) Convention and Trade Show March 19-21 Holiday Inn Holidome, Salina, Kansas 785-286-1110 Virginia Tire & Automotive Service Dealers Assn. Convention & Tabletop Trade Show March 19-21 Omni Hotel, Charlottesville, Virginia 800-488-2732 National Tyre Distributors Association 25th Automotive Trade Show and Commercial Vehicle Show March 23-25 NEC, Birmingham, England www.ntda.co.uk The Mid-America 33rd Annual Trucking Show March 25-27 Kentucky Fair & Expo Center, Louisville, Kentucky 502-899-3892 or www.truckingshow.com Tire Industry Association Automotive Tire Service (ATS) Instructor Certification Program March 29 – April 2 and April 12-16 Louisville, Kentucky 800-426-8835 or 502-968-8900 North Carolina Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association Annual Convention April 2-3 Ocean Drive Hotel and Golf Resort, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 910-458-9091 New England Tire and Service Association Annual Convention and Trade Show April 11-13 Holiday Inn Center of New Hampshire, Manchester, New Hampshire 207-846-0986 Louisiana Independent Tire Dealers Association Convention and Trade Show April 14–16 Radisson Hotel, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 337-981-7021 Texas Tire Dealers Association Annual Convention and Tire Expo April 15–17 J.W. Marriott, Houston, Texas 800-844-8748 Tire Industry Association Commercial Tire Service (CTS) Instructor Certification Program April 20-23 Louisville, Kentucky 800-426-8835 or 502-968-8900 Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association Expo 2004 April 23-24 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada 847-541-6550 TIA FAX is a service for members of the Tire Industry Association. It is distributed the 3rd Monday of each month. Send suggestions and news releases to bmacdicken@tireindustry.org, or fax them to 304.263.3609. Contact TIA at: 1532 Pointer Ridge Place, Suite E, Bowie, Maryland 20716-1883. Phone: 800.876.8372, 301.430.7280 or www.tireindustry.org.>
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