USTMA sends tire industry 'ambassadors' to Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON — For the second year, the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has selected "Tire Manufacturing Ambassadors" from its member companies to meet with federal lawmakers as advocates for issues important to the tire manufacturing industry.

Each of the USTMA's 12 members chose employees from their plants who, in the association's words, embody the industry's commitment to safety and demonstrate superior leadership, passion and service.

"Our ambassadors and the facilities in which they work are impacted by the decisions of our nation's policymakers and maintain a unique perspective that needs to be heard by members of Congress," USTMA President and CEO Anne Forristall Luke said.

Accompanied by USTMA staff, the ambassadors met with staffers in a dozen congressional offices representing states that have a strong tire manufacturing presence, the association said, without identifying which representatives were visited.

Among the topics covered were the 232 tariffs imposed earlier this year on steel imports, which the USTMA maintains will have potential negative implications on the tire manufacturing industry and the U.S. economy.

This year's ambassadors are:

• Francis Ellis-Lynch, quality assurance officer, Bridgestone Americas Inc., Wilson, N.C.

• Larsen Cline, executive assistant to plant manager, Continental Tire the Americas Inc., Sumter, S.C.

• Luke Schroeder, engineering manager, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Findlay, Ohio.

• Ashley Stewart, market research analyst, Giti Tire (U.S.A.) Ltd., Fort Mill, S.C.

• Anthony Jackson, technical leader, Goodyear, Fayetteville, N.C.

• Wes Boling, public affairs manager, Hankook Tire America Corp., Nashville, Tenn.

• Binh Dang, inside sales manager, Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc., Atlanta.

• Jackie Branscomb, tire performance engineer, Michelin North America Inc., Greenville, S.C.

• Sarah Sandidge, account manager, Pirelli Tire North America, Rome, Ga.

• Nicholas Kreuter, industrial engineer, Sumitomo Rubber North America, Buffalo, N.Y.

• Christopher Major, group leader – technical mold group, Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc., White, Ga.

• Christian Yates, senior environmental specialist, Yokohama Tire Corp., Salem, Va.

According to the USTMA, the U.S. tire manufacturing industry provides more than 737,000 jobs directly and another 284,000 through manufacturing, distribution and retailing, and 450,000 additional U.S. jobs in supplier and induced activities.