COLUMBUS, Ohio – Members of the Ohio Tire & Automotive Association (OTAA) looking for additional training for their tire technicians will have a special opportunity this fall courtesy of their association.
The OTAA, in partnership with the Tire Industry Association (TIA), will offer OTAA members passenger and light truck tire service training throughout September and October. The member benefit offering will include TIA’s in-person, hands-on 300-Level Certified Automotive Tire Service (ATS) technician training classes.
“The goal of the program is to train technicians, deliver value, communicate value and grow membership,” said OTAA President Jeff Wallick. “Our focus on creating training opportunities for our members fulfills our mission as an organization, which is: We are dedicated to protecting the legislative interests of Ohio tire and automotive suppliers and providing resources to our members.”
In developing the training offering, Wallick said the role of a successful state tire association has evolved over the past several years. “We are focused on training opportunities for our members who serve their communities across the state,” he said. “Partnering with TIA to offer tire safety training was a natural step, and we are currently evaluating automotive service training providers in order to expand our portfolio of training options for our members.”
During September and October, the OTAA will host regional in-person technician training and certification sessions at three Ohio locations. Training sessions will be held at Goodyear/Cooper Tire in Findlay, Sept. 13-15 and Sept. 20-22, at Babcox Media/Tire Review in Akron, Sept. 20-22, and at Tire Discounters’ Cincinnati training facility Oct. 11-13.
OTAA members interested in participating are encouraged to contact the OTAA directly by calling (614)-221-7950 or emailing at info@ohiotire.org, or by signing up at www.ohiotire.org/training.htm. The sessions will be conducted by a TIA-certified ATS trainer.
Classes will consist of a half-day session on Tuesday, a full day on Wednesday and a half day on Thursday, for two full days of training, Wallick said.
The OTAA will cover the cost of the training, meals and hotel accommodations for member employees participating in the program. Travel expenses and purchasing the required TIA manual will be the members’ responsibility.
To participate, tire retailers must be members of the OTAA. “Becoming a member of the OTAA is easy, affordable and includes a host of other benefits,” Wallick said.
“TIA is excited to work with the OTAA on this valuable member benefit program,” TIA CEO Richard “Dick” Gust said. “We encourage current and prospective members of the OTAA to participate in the training and look forward to working with the association on additional mutually beneficial programs.”
To learn more about the OTAA Training program, visit the OTAA website, www.ohiotire.org, email info@ohiotire.org, or contact the association by phone at 614-221-7950. Tire and auto retailers in Ohio who are not OTAA members can join the association online at https://www.ohiotire.org/join.htm.
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About the Tire Industry Association: The Tire Industry Association (TIA), with a 101-year history representing all segments of the national and international tire industry, is the leading advocate as well as instructor in technical training of tire service technicians. For more information, visit www.tireindustry.org or call 800-876-8372.
TIA Mission Statement: The mission of TIA is to promote tire safety through training and education, to act as the principal advocate in government affairs and to enhance the image and professionalism of the industry so that our member businesses may be more successful.