MRA moves HQ to historic site LANSING, Mich.—The Michigan Retailers Association, which manages the Michigan Tire & Wheel Service Association, has relocated its headquarters to an historic building in downtown Lansing.
The group's address—in a building built by Oldsmobile founder R.E. Olds for the women's clubs of Lansing—is: 603 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, Mich., 48933. Phone: (517) 372-5656, or (800) 366-3699.
Gegax to keynote ITE breakfast
RESTON, Va.—Tires Plus Ltd. CEO Tom Gegax will be the keynote speaker at the Tire Association of North America's ``Tire Dealer Appreciation Breakfast'' Nov. 4 at the International Tire Expo in Las Vegas.
Mr. Gegax, who started his business with ``just $15,000 and a bank loan,'' is now the largest tire distributor in the Midwest with 115 stores in eight states and projected 1999 sales of $207 million. He will discuss his business philosophies and successful business leadership.
Inc. Magazine and Ernst & Young selected him as regional retail ``Entrepreneur of the Year'' in 1995. Mr. Gegax recently embarked on a nationwide tour to promote his just-published book, ``Winning in the Game of Life—Self-coaching Secrets for Success.''
Texas TDA raising funds for lobbying
AUSTIN, Texas—The Texas Tire Dealers Association is sponsoring a ``Legislative Day'' on Sept. 17 to raise funds for its efforts to lobby and educate state legislators on issues pertaining to the tire industry.
The TTDA is asking its members to contribute $1 for every new tire they sell on Sept. 17 or a minimum $50 contribution. Suppliers are being asked to contribute at least $100.
The Texas legislature's next session, in 2001, will deal with scrap tire and business taxation issues. The TTDA hopes to raise $25,000 for its lobbying efforts for committee hearings to be held during the interim period, said TTDA Executive Director Chuck Space.
To pledge, members can call the TTDA at (800) 844-8748. Contributors pledging in September will be recognized in the group's newsletter. Donation deadline is Oct. 15.