TIA is currently accepting nominations for service on the 2008-2009 Board of Directors. Any TIA member in good standing or an official representative of an industry association may recommend candidates to the Nominating Committee. Self-nominations are also accepted. The nomination form is located on the home page of TIA’s website, www.tireindustry.org under “Hot News.” If you do not have access to the Internet, please call the TIA office at 800-876-8372, ext. 109 or send an email to sgoblet@tireindustry.org to request a Board Nomination Form. Nominations must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., EDT, on April 2, 2008, to be considered.
CONFERENCES
New Names & Places to Remember in 2008!
The Performance Tires & Wheels section of the SEMA Show sponsored by TIA will now be called, Tires, Wheels & Equipment (TWE). This name change is a result of feedback from exhibitors and attendees for a name that more closely fits the products that are being displayed in this popular section of the trade show. The trade show will be held Tuesday, November 4 – Friday, November 7, 2008, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
We also have a new place to remember for the upcoming show in Las Vegas. TIA’s Headquarters Hotel for TWE will move from Caesars Palace to the new Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.We’re excited about this change and the new opportunities it presents for TIA’s special events.
Beginning Monday, March 17, 2008, you can make your hotel reservations at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino by calling 800-967-8852 or online at https://reg.itsmeetings.com/its/0811AAWLAS/start.asp?group=TIA. Attendees must identify themselves as “TIA members” to receive the discounted rate of $180.00 plus tax, single/double.
ATTN: SEMA Show Attendee Registration Is Now Open
The SEMA Show is known as the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world (AND IS NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC). As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center attracts more than 120,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, and RV markets. The displays are segmented into 10 sections (including TWE), and a New Products Showcase features more than 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components.
For qualified buyers and non-buyers, before October 24, the registration fee is $15 online and $25 via fax or mail with the exception of nonexhibiting manufacturers which is $200 per person. After October 24, registration is $60 (U.S.) on-site or via on-line registration. Advance fees are payable by credit card or check only. All registrations are subject to review and approval by Show Management. For further information, visit www.semashow.com.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Chinese OTR Tires Subject to New Anti-Dumping Tariffs
We have received a few calls about the impending anti-dumping tariffs about to be charged on many Chinese OTR manufacturers and that tells us there are many of you with questions about where this will lead and whether TIA will have a “position.” From a practical standpoint, it would be difficult to be in opposition to anti-dumping fines. However, many of our members have probably been doing business with several of those manufacturers and the concerns about new shortages arising as the price of these tires rise two- or three-fold due to the steep fines. Many folks on both sides of the Pacific believe that some OTR tires were named without merit and there will be appeals. TIA will address the issue with some volunteer help at the Government Affairs
Committee’s next conference call. The Department of Commerce (DOC) article is available from the first link below and the DOC “Fact Sheet” can be found at the second link. Please let us know of your opinion on this topic by emailing pfiore@tireindustry.org.
Estate (Death) Tax
The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on estate tax relief this week. As we opined earlier this year, the passage of the stimulus bill was probably the fatal blow to our efforts this year. With each passing day, it looks as if we are on a crash course with the temporary repeal in 2010 and the ultimate return to a top rate of 55 percent and a $1 million personal exemption in 2011. Our coalition will be extraordinarily lucky if we can convince Congress to “stop the clock” in 2009, and have them make permanent the $3.5 million exemption and 45 percent top rate that will be the temporary numbers for 2009. In addition to the hearing, the budget resolution debate will generate some estate tax relief buzz this week.
TRAINING
Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) Training Video Preview
Kevin Rohlwing, TIA Senior VP of Training, is wrapping up the production on the much anticipated Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) Training Program. The video is finished and the workbook design is complete. Currently, we are in the review process, asking industry professionals to examine the material. Once all the reviews are received and edits are made, we will go to production. TIA should be able to release this program for sale by the end of May. TIA has developed a 10-minute video trailer that you can view by going to www.tireindustry.org/etspreview.asp.
Zipper Rupture Bulletin Revised
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has revised its Industry Service Bulletin on how to identify potential sidewall zipper ruptures in commercial vehicle tires. The six-page bulletin describes proper inspection procedures for possible zipper ruptures on steel-belted radial truck/bus and light truck tires. It also presents precautionary measures tire technicians can use to avoid being killed or seriously injured by an exploding zipper rupture.
Copies of the bulletin may be downloaded from RMA’s publication section on its website, www.rma.org, or by calling RMA at 800-325-5095.
Spring 2008 Certified Instructor Class Schedule:
ATS Instructor – Baltimore
CTS Instructor – Baltimore
April 29-May 2, 2008
March 18-21, 2008
ATS Instructor – Denver
CTS Instructor – Denver
April 22-25, 2008
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For more information on registering for these courses, please visit www.tireindustry.org, or call 800-876-8372, ext. 107.
SEVENTH ANNUAL NATIONAL TIRE SAFETY WEEK
Only a few more weeks until the Seventh Annual National Tire Safety Week, April 20-26, 2008. The annual event is an initiative of the RMA’s “Be Tire Smart – Play Your PART” program, a year-round effort designed to help drivers learn the simple steps they can take to ensure that their tires are in good working condition. Tire manufacturers and retailers nationwide will work to educate motorists about proper tire care and maintenance. RMA provides tire retailers, auto dealers and automotive repair shops with free “Be Tire Smart” brochures and other materials. As a partner in this program, TIA promotes Tire Safety Week in all of its publications encouraging members to participate in this valuable education program.
NOTE: This is available to U.S.-based companies ONLY. For more information, contact RMA at betiresmart@rma.org.
TIA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
There’s only a few more weeks left to take advantage of two scholarship opportunities available for TIA members and their children – the Michelin/TIA Scholarship and the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship.
MICHELIN/TIA SCHOLARSHIP
The Michelin/TIA Scholarship is still accepting online applications. The application and more information can be found by visiting www.scholarshipprograms.org. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2008.
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.
Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale through the fall 2007 SEMESTER.
Any questions or requests for an application to be mailed should be directed to Susan Lee with the Michelin/TIA Scholarship at 864-268-3363.
GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET SYMPOSIUM (GAAS) SCHOLARSHIP
The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship is also available to TIA members. GAAS gives priority to students who are planning careers in the automotive aftermarket, and to sons and daughters of aftermarket industry families. Applications are now being accepted. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2008.
Qualified applicants must either be a graduating high school senior or have graduated from high school within the past two years (2006 or after). An exception to the two-year requirement will be made for military or religious service.
To receive a scholarship, applicants must be enrolled in a collegelevel program or a NATEF (National Automotive Technician Education Foundation) accredited automotive technical program.
For information or to obtain an application, contact MEMA, P.O. Box 13966, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3966; call Jobie Dowd at 919-549-4800, fax 919-549-4824, or you may apply online at www.automotivescholarships.com.
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 vcunningham@tireindustry.org, or fax them to 301.430.7283. Contact TIA at: 1532 Pointer Ridge Place, Suite G, Bowie, Maryland 20716-1883. Phone: 800.876.8372, 301.430.7280 or www.tireindustry.org.
