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.
TIA’S
WORLD TIRE EXPO – BACK TO CORE MARKETS 