A record-setting amount of exhibitors and attendees
took part in this year’s Global Tire Expo produced
by the Tire Industry Association (TIA) and held in
conjunction with the Specialty Equipment Market
Association (SEMA) Show.
The combined events drew more than 132,000 people,
including 61,000 registered buyers – the highest
number ever tallied – from the industry’s wholesaler
and manufacturing segments.
“The record attendance in Las Vegas demonstrates
that the networking opportunities and educational
seminars that TIA stages provide true value to
independent tire dealers,” says President Larry
Brandt.
TIA also conducted several political action
committee (TirePAC) fundraising activities at its
annual membership meeting and welcome reception at
the Cosmopolitan Hotel.
“TirePAC worked hard taking the Silent Auction and
PAC Board to the next level and did so this year,
selling out all of the PAC Board and doubling the
number items sold over last year in the auction,”
reports Dr. Roy Littlefield, TIA’s executive vice
president.
“Building support in Washington is essential for the
tire industry to have the impact to defend the
industry and its members’ interests,” notes Randall
Groh, chairman of the Government Affairs Committee,
“and the generous contributions help us achieve this
goal.”
Dan Clark, president of Tire Warehouse, won a
first-place prize of $500 from the PAC Board; he
donated all of his winnings back to TirePAC so the
members can continue onward with their
efforts.
For more information, visit www.tireindustry.org.
