TIA accepting nominations for 2008 Hall of Fame

Nominations for induction into The Tire Industry Association (TIA) 2008 Tire Industry Hall of Fame are being accepted through July 1.

The Hall of Fame is open to individuals throughout the tire industry, including tire dealers, equipment suppliers, tire and rubber recyclers, manufacturers, inventors, publishers, tire association executives and retreaders.

The “Historical Contributors” category at the Hall of Fame recognizes those who have been out of the industry for at least 20 years. They can be retired, deceased, or may have begun their career in the tire industry and moved on to a different industry.

Inductees are chosen based on the following criteria: their contributions of new ideas, practices, and/or innovations that promote the health and well being of the tire industry; their exemplary and distinguished service in the tire industry; and respect of their peers. Contributions in civic, cultural, educational, or charitable endeavors will be considered but are not a primary consideration as attributes for selection.

The TIA is also accepting nominations for the Friend of the Industry Award (a former International Tire and Rubber Association honor), which recognizes well-known individuals who are allies and proven supporters of the tire industry. These people are not part of the tire industry, but have positively affected it in some manner.

“We are looking forward to receiving this year’s nominations,” says TIA President Peggy Fisher. “The TIA Hall of Fame Committee is always faced with a great challenge when it comes to selecting the honorees. The profiles of those nominated reflect lifetimes of achievement as business and community leaders. It’s always a difficult decision.”

The 2007 inductees were Norman Affleck, retired president and CEO of Big O Tires; Craig Anderson, retired president and CEO at Hercules Tire & Rubber Co.; Ira J. Cooper, who formed The Cooper Corp., which became the Cooper Tire and Rubber Co.; Robert Eisentrout, “the father of American performance tires” and former president of BF Goodrich Tire Group; Otto and Willy Gruber, founders of Otto Gruber & Co., known today as Rema Tip Top; and Rudy Holman and Neil McIntyre, developers of the Orbitread extruder.

The Hall of Fame inductions will take place during the TIA’s Breakfast with the President at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino from 6:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4 during the 2008 Tires, Wheels & Equipment /SEMA Show in Las Vegas.