NATRE speaker program continues to grow

NEW ORLEANS (March 24, 2016) — Two more experts in the field of retreading have agreed to speak at the North America Tire & Retread Expo (NATRE), coming up April 19-21 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center New Orleans.

In addition, David Stevens, managing directory of the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB), has named three panelists for the retread panel he will moderate that will delve into hot topics impacting the retreading industry.

These speakers bring to nine the number of seminar programs planned for the three-day conference and trade show. Tire Business is organizing the educational program that will run concurrently with the trade show being organized by Latin Expo Group L.L.C.

The educational lineup is in addition to a Keynote Tireside Chat featuring Kurt Danielson, president of Bridgestone Commercial Group, and two panel presentations.  

The event is free and open to all tire dealers, distributors, retreaders, suppliers and others allied to the tire and automotive service industries. Attendees must register to attend.

Joining the NATRE educational program is Brian Brasch, president of retread equipment supplier Hawkinson, who will speak on “How to Reinvent the Retread Industry for the Future.” A serial entrepreneur and certified public accountant with seven profitable businesses, Mr. Brasch has a track record of taking old technology and reinventing it to align with today's markets, including the development of High Voltage Inspection for retreads.

One of his inventions involving gym equipment landed Mr. Brasch on ABC TV's Shark Tank, where he successfully scored a deal with Kevin O'Leary.

Also new to the NATRE educational conference is Kai Tan, president of international sales for Nam Bee Rubber Works Sdn. Bhd., a retread tire component manufacturer and supplier based in Malaysia.

Mr. Tan, who is responsible for heading up the family business in the U.S., will talk about: “Why it is so Favorable to Do Business in Southeast Asia — And the History of Malaysian Rubber.”

Nam Bee Rubber has been in the retreading and rubber industry in Southeast Asia and Australia for 78 years and exports to more than 14 countries.

Panelists for the Retreading Panel include: Bob Majewski of Sumerel Tire Service Inc. and Acutread Alliance Group in Newport, Ky.; Bill Waerzeggers of Pomp's Tire, Green Bay, Wis.; and Jeremy Benton of Black's Tire & Auto Service, Clarkton, N.C.

They will discuss topics such as the impact of low-cost Chinese truck tires on the retread business, changes they've made in their retread plants to improve productivity and profits and where they see opportunities for growth in retreading.

The NATRE, now in its second year, includes a 100-both trade show, special events including an inaugural party at the New Orleans House of Blues and contests including the Miss Retread Tire and Mr. OTR Radial Retread Beauty Contests.

Entrance to all events, including the House of Blues inaugural party, is free to all registrants. Visit www.usatireexpo.com for conference, registration and housing information.