AKRON (June 17, 2002) — The International Tire & Rubber Association and the Tire Association of North America have announced their merged organization will be known as TIA—the Tire Industry Association.
The name, which the incoming TIA board of directors agreed upon May 6, was chosen because of its inclusive nature and simplicity.
“Tire Industry Association represents all geographies by specifying none,” TANA President Steve Disney said. “Past names of our respective organizations have mentioned specific geographies and included the geographic terms 'international,' 'national' and 'North America.' By not identifying any specific region, we are inclusive of all.”
ITRA President Tom Raben noted that this is the fifth name in seven years for ITRA and TANA, and that an easy name would be crucial to the organization's plans to boost the tire industry's public image.
“One of the goals of the new association will be to appeal to consumers and to improve the public image of the tire industry,” Mr. Raben said. “Having a name that is easy to remember will help.”
Mr. Disney will stay on as TIA president until November, at which time Mr. Raben will take over.
The two associations officially will merge July 1.
During a press conference held in Akron, TANA Executive Vice President Ross Kogel noted that “internally, operationally and mentally we've already merged. I don't think there's anything that we can't do together.”
The first TIA board of directors meeting is scheduled to be held June 20-22 in Pinehurst, N.C. Topics to be discussed at the meeting include: implementing a structure for elections to the board of directors; a full review of current ITRA and TANA benefits, services and publications; the implementation of a membership plan; approval of a long-term plan specifically for the tire and rubber recycling segment of the association; training and education; government relations; and discussion of the industry's public advocacy efforts.