BOWIE, Md. (Oct. 30, 2013) — An unexplained, all-day power outage struck the Bowie headquarters of the Tire Industry Association (TIA) Oct. 29, just days before the beginning of the trade group's biggest event of the year, the Global Tire Expo-Powered by TIA in Las Vegas.
TIA staff members found the power out when they arrived for work, and power remained off until about 4:45 p.m. despite the efforts of crews from two power-company trucks, according to TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield.
The outage left TIA members and exhibitors unable to contact the headquarters, while staff did their best to stay in touch with the outside via cell phone.
"You can't imagine how frustrated everyone was by the end of the day," Mr. Littlefield said. "But it was something that was completely beyond our control."
The Global Tire Expo is part of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, scheduled for Nov. 4-8 in Las Vegas.