Denman Tire's CEO to retire
LEAVITTSBURG, Ohio-Charles Wright, president and CEO of Denman Tire Corp., announced he will retire when his replacement is hired.
Mr. Wright, 63, joined Denman in 1993 at his current positions. He has worked in the tire industry for 43 years, including as general manager of the former Pirelli-Armstrong Tire Corp.'s Nashville, Tenn., operation before starting at Denman. In 1998 he was named Rubber Industry Executive of the Year by Rubber & Plastics News, a sister publication of Tire Business.
``It's a difficult decision to leave a great company like Denman Tire Corp., and I would like to thank the management team, all employees and our wonderful customers for a great 12 years,'' Mr. Wright said. ``But I believe the time is right for me to move on and for someone else to take the reins of the organization.''
The search for Mr. Wright's successor is under way, the Leavittsburg-based company said.
Anti-counterfeiting bill receives approval
WASHINGTON-The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security has approved by voice vote a bill that would strengthen the legal penalties against counterfeiters of tires, auto parts and other goods.
The Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act would require convicted counterfeiters to destroy the equipment and materials they use to make counterfeit products, and would clarify current law to establish that it is illegal to sell counterfeit trademarks on labels, patches or medallions.
Several automotive aftermarket associations strongly endorse the legislation and had its sponsor, Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Mich., as a key speaker at the Aftermarket Legislative Summit held March 1-2 in Washington.
There are no hearings on the bill currently scheduled before the full Judiciary Committee or the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property, which usually oversees all legislation on intellectual property theft, according to the committee Web site.
Goodwin hearing held up again
PASADENA, Calif.-Defense attorneys for Michael F. Goodwin, the man charged with the 1988 murders of racing legend Mickey Thompson and his wife Trudy, will present their motions to dismiss on April 29.
The Pasadena Superior Court was supposed to hear the defense's motion to dismiss on the grounds of misconduct by investigators on March 17, but the date was moved back because of delays in filing all paperwork, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office.
On March 7 Judge Janice Croft denied a motion to dismiss the case against Mr. Goodwin on the grounds of insufficient evidence. If the next motion is also denied, either a pre-trial hearing or the actual trial setting will be held.
BFS to sponsor cleanup campaign
NASHVILLE, Tenn.-Bridgestone/Firestone will sponsor Keep America Beautiful's Great American Cleanup for the fourth year.
The tire maker said it will participate in the annual effort through its company-owned retail stores. For the event, BFS retail stores will recycle-for no charge-scrap tires from community cleanup days, do-it-yourself used engine oil and automotive batteries. Many retail outlets also will participate in local community cleanup events.
The Great American Cleanup runs from March through May.
Dan Hunter leaves Del-Nat
MEMPHIS, Tenn.-Dan Hunter left his post as president of Del-Nat Tire Corp. effective March 14, and tire dealer Dick Erickson, chairman of the buying group's board, will assume the position as a search gets under way for a replacement.
Mr. Erickson, owner of Sun Tire Inc. in Jacksonville, Fla., said he will be in Memphis often during the search, though he declined to set a timetable for the process. Mr. Erickson said the search will be ``slow but intense.''
``In today's competitiveness, we'll not do anything quick,'' he said. ``We're looking for what best fits the needs of our stockholders and we'll stay focused on that.''
Mr. Hunter, a former Yokohama Tire Corp. executive, had been president of Del-Nat since 2001.
``As we moved forward, it became evident to probably all parties it was time for a change,'' Mr. Erickson said, adding the shift wasn't the result of management problems, but primarily changes in the buying group landscape.
TRIB to meet prior to World Tire Expo
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif.-The Tire Retread Information Bureau (TRIB) will hold its membership and board of directors meetings the day before the start of the World Tire Expo in Louisville, Ky.
TRIB's meetings are scheduled for 4-6 p.m. on April 19 in the Overlook Suite at the Louisville Convention Center. The membership meeting will be held first, followed by the board meeting. Both are open to guests, TRIB said.
TIA seeking board nominations
BOWIE, Md.-The Tire Industry Association is seeking nominations for its 2005-2006 board of directors.
Nominations of TIA members can be made by TIA members or official representatives of state tire dealer associations. Self-nominations are accepted.
``TIA is looking for energetic members with a passion for the tire industry,'' said Roy Littlefield, executive vice president. He added the positions involve time and financial commitments since TIA does not pay for most expenses.
The deadline is April 4. Nomination forms are available online at www.tireindustry.org, under the ``Hot News'' section, or by calling (800) 876-8372.
New CEO named at Fountain Tire
EDMONTON, Alberta-Fountain Tire's CEO since 1992, Brian Hesje, has been named chairman of the board of the Edmonton-based dealership.
Succeeding Mr. Hesje as CEO will be his nephew Brent Hesje, who has served as president of the company since 2001, the year he joined the company. Brian Hesje, who joined Fountain Tire in 1984, is not retired, a spokeswoman said.
In addition to Brent Hesje, Fountain Tire's executive team will include Leroy Hawtin, senior vice president; Garry Paulson, vice president of finance; and Jim Pangle, general manager of stores.
Fountain Tire operates more than 140 stores across western Canada.
Toyo names senior VP of marketing
CYPRESS, Calif.-Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Inc. has named Steve Weinger, a 22-year company veteran, senior vice president of sales and marketing.
Most recently, Mr. Weinger served as senior vice president of sales, where he implemented programs that resulted in record increases in overall sales, Toyo said.
The move follows several recent personnel changes for the tire maker. Earl Knoper, 63, retired as vice president though he will continue to serve as a consultant. Travis Roffler, who was recently named senior director of marketing, will assume some of Mr. Knoper's marketing duties.