COLUMN: A humanitarian way to honor a dealer

In the six months that I have had the privilege of serving our readers as editor, I have enjoyed plenty of perks.

I have met wonderful dealers from all parts of the industry, from a young dealer who lives in California, to a contemporary from Oklahoma, to an elder statesman from Pennsylvania. I have had the privilege of interviewing several top executives from tire manufacturers. And I've had the opportunity to travel the world, bringing our readers stories from near and afar.

But the best, I'm told, is yet to come.

That will happen in late October, when I will have the privilege of presenting the 2017 Tire Dealer Humanitarian of the Year Award.

I am looking forward to meeting the person who will be honored for making significant contributions to the betterment of his or her community through charitable acts or public service work. I can't wait to learn his or her story, how he or she gives back, and what motivates him or her to give so tirelessly, often with little or no fanfare.

That, to me, is what life is all about: Making your community a better place.

If you know of an independent tire dealer or retreader who meets this criteria, be sure to nominate him or her for the 2017 Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award. But do it soon: the July 31st deadline is fast approaching.

An independent committee outside of the tire industry will judge nominees.

And if history repeats itself, that committee will have a difficult task. I have found independent tire dealers not only to be savvy business people but also pillars of their community. I have listened as they brag about the communities they serve and the families who support their dealerships.

If you know of a dealer who routinely gives of himself or herself to help others, I encourage you to nominate him or her. While he or she may not seek the spotlight, we think it's important to shed light on these hometown heroes and show people outside the industry the positive impact tire dealers have on their communities. And maybe it will inspire others to follow suit.

A nomination form can be found at tirebusiness.com and on Page 23 of this issue. As you assemble your nomination packet, please be sure to include supporting materials, such as newspaper clippings, support letters and other information, to help our judges understand the humanitarian contributions of your nominee.

The process culminates on Oct. 30, when I have the honor to present the 24th annual Tire Dealer Humanitarian of the Year award, sponsored by Tire Business, during the Tire Industry Association Honors Night, prior to the opening of the SEMA Show, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, in Las Vegas.

The winner receives the Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award Medal, as well as a $2,500 donation to the charity of his or her choice.

I look forward to learning what this year's nominees are doing for others.