(Tire Business photos by Bruce Davis)
LAS VEGAS — The Tire Industry Association celebrated those who have had an impact on the tire industry with its annual Hall of Fame induction and awards night.
The event was held Oct. 30 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel, along with a cocktail hour and reception.
The Tire Industry Association's 2017 Hall of Fame class included two historical figures — Cabot Corp. founder Godfrey Cabot and Schenuit Tire & Rubber Co. President William Conklin III — and industry veteran Norman Gaither, founder and owner of DSP 20 Group.
In addition, TIA also honored longtime industry contributors, Atlantic Tire & Service Owner Anthony Blackman and Tire Business Publisher David Zielasko, with its Ed Wagner Leadership Award.
The Hall of Fame Award is TIA's highest honor, recognizing individuals who have made a significant impact within the tire, rubber and transportation industries. The Ed Wagner Leadership Award is presented to individuals or companies that demonstrate leadership or innovation in products and services that foster and promote the tire, retreading and/or tire recycling industries.
In addition to the TIA presentations, Tire Business honored Kent Olson, owner of Olson Tire Pros & Auto Service in Wausau, Wis., as the Tire Dealer Humanitarian of the Year. He was recognized for the impact he has had on the community through the Wheels to Work program.
Following the awards presentations, Richard Smallwood, president and CEO of Sumitomo Rubber North America Inc. delivered a keynote speech focusing on the ways in which autonomous vehicles will have an impact on the auto and tire industries.