La. convention draws crowd
LAFAYETTE, La.-A record crowd of more than 400 dealers and exhibitors attended the Louisiana Independent Tire Dealers Association's convention March 2-3 in Lafayette, according to Executive Director Norm Rhea.
In adition to holding its annual golf outing to kick off the convention weekend, the association also elected two new members to its board-Mike Pratt of Lafayette Tire in Lafayette and David Biondo, owner of Thibodaux Firestone in Thibodaux, La.
Mr. Rhea also noted that attorney George Ditta II from Findlay, Ohio-based Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., discussed liability issues of concern to tire dealers.
Fla. dealers plan May convention
BOCA RATON, Fla.-The Florida Independent Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association will hold its annual convention May 18-20 at the Hilton Hotel in Clearwater Beach, Fla.
Jim Vogel, Goodyear vice president of sales and marketing for North American Tire, will speak at Sunday's membership appreciation breakfast.
Seminars will include a presentation by Becky MacDicken, director of government relations for the Tire Association of North America. An ASA Tire Systems Inc. seminar will focus on ``Improving Dealer Profits through Technology.''
The meeting also will feature a golf tournament, deep-sea fishing and a beach party.
Keynote speaker for the Annual Meeting Breakfast will be Lee Roy Selmon, a 1995 NFL Hall of Fame inductee and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player.
For more information, contact Florida ITDRA Executive Director Jill Mondo at (800) 434-8372.
Ontario TDA plans golf outing
LONDON, Ontario-The Ontario Tire Dealers Association will hold the Bob Arthurs Charity Golf Tournament June 28 at the Pine Knot Golf & Country Club in Dorchester, Ontario.
The association renamed the annual event in honor of the late Bob Arthurs, an OTDA member for more than 25 years who served as executive director for 12 years, said current Executive Director John Goodwin. Tournament proceeds will benefit the ``children's wing'' of London Health Sciences Centre, a local hospital.
There are three tournament sponsor levels available for suppliers: bronze ($350), for two locations on the golf course recognizing the company; silver ($550) for four locations; and gold ($850), for six locations. Sponsorship deadline is the end of May.
Cost for registration is $99. A general meeting will precede the tournament. For more information, contact Mr. Goodwin at (519) 641-2548.
Ohio tire dealers to meet in June
COLUMBUS, Ohio-The Ohio Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association is planning its annual convention and suppliers showcase for June 22-24 at the Wyndham Hotel in Cleveland.
The gathering will include a presentation by Donald Steinman of Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.'s Mastercraft division on the subject of buying and selling a tire business. The meeting also will include a golf outing, an update of association activities, an ``Insurance 101'' presentation by Federated Insurance, as well as a private party at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
For more information, contact Larry Stelzer, executive director, at (614) 221-7950.