Goodyear opens two Gemini stores
AKRON—Goodyear opened two new Gemini automotive care centers in Allen, Texas, and Aurora, Colo., last month as part of its ongoing plan to increase the number of company-owned stores.
"The new stores are among the 26 new Gemini locations being added to the network of company-owned stores this year," said John Peer, director of retail operations.
Goodyear operates more than 700 company-owned Gemini outlets in the U.S. Combined with independent dealerships, there are more than 1,700 Gemini locations nationwide.
Retread group's Redmon dies
MIDDLESBORO, Ky.—Austin Redmon, a charter member of the former Central States Retreaders Association, now called the International Tire and Rubber Association, died July 7 at his home in Middlesboro. He was 81.
The founder of Hilltop Tire in Middlesboro, Mr. Redmon served on the association's board of directors from its founding in the late 1950s until 1992, when he resigned for health reasons. A longtime attendee at the organization's annual tire conference, he continued as a director emeritus until his death.
He received the association's Pioneer Award in 1993.
Mr. Redmon is survived by his wife, Maxine, of Middlesboro, a daughter and two sons, Doug and Shane Redmon, who will continue to operate Hilltop Tire.
Purcell to supply OTR tires to S.A.
POTOSI, Mo.—Purcell Tire Co. has added South America to it Mexico sales and service division, effective July 1, and has begun selling Earthmover tires to the gold and copper mining industries on that continent.
Al Chicago, senior vice president of Purcell, will head the South American sales and service team, which includes General Manager Ken McCool, Richardo Cabrera, Harry James and Marco Noriega. Mr. Chicago will remain based in Phoenix, and Mr. McCool will remain in Tucson, Ariz.
Purcell soon will open an office in Lima, Peru, to service the continent, Mr. Chicago said. The dealership has added the division in response to Arizona mining firms moving to South America, he said.
Institute posts online directory
INDIALANTIC, Fla.—The Automotive Lift Institute's ALI/ETL Directory of Certified Lifts is now posted on its Web site at www.ali-directory.org.
The directory is updated on a continuing basis. The site is maintained by ETL/ITS, the institute's contractor that performs testing. A printed directory was issued quarterly prior to April 2000.
The ALI also noted that a new safety standard for automotive lift construction, testing and validation became effective April 1. The group is listing only those lifts that have been evaluated by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.
Distributor offers Vredestine site
MONTREAL—Pneus-Inter Quebec, Canadian distributor of the Vredestein brand, has launched a Web site offering tires directly to consumers via the Internet.
The site, www.vredireact.com, permits consumers to browse and order Vredestine products, including passenger, light truck, farm, industrial and antique tires.
Vredestine, whose production facilities and headquarters are in Enshede, The Netherlands, has established distribution in 60 countries worldwide.
Pneus-Inter Quebec is based in Beloeil, Quebec. Prices quoted on the site include transportation costs for Canadian customers. Buyers outside of Canada must pay the cost of transportation and any other collateral charges such as local sales taxes.
Humanitarian deadline July 31
AKRON—Those wishing to nominate an individual for Tire Business' annual Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award have only days to do so.
July 31 is is the deadline for submitting such nominations.
The award honors an independent tire dealer or retreader who has made a difference in his or her community through charitable and/or civic contributions.
The recipient will be honored with a bronze medal and a $1,000 donation to a charity of his or her choice at the Tire Association of North America/Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show in Las Vegas, Oct. 31-Nov. 3.
To submit a nomination, use the form on page 23 or telephone Tire Business at (330) 865-6148.