Northwest Tire Dealers merging with auto group

KENNEWICK, Wash. — The Northwest Tire Dealers Association (NWTDA) has voted to become part of the Northwest Auto Care Alliance (NWACA), effective Jan. 1.

Richard Nordness, executive director of the NWTDA since 1992, called the merger is "a great move for our tire dealers and suppliers to maintain the current benefits we offer, as well as adding the extensive programs that the Northwest Auto Care Alliance provides for their members."

The NWTDA board of directors approved the move recently.

NWACA is a member of the national Auto Care Alliance (AAC), group of state and regional automotive trade associations that work together to provide nationwide benefits for members, as well as addressing issues facing service, repair, tire and specialty automotive businesses.

The NWTDA started life in 1939 as the Washington Tire Dealers Association, and in 1946, a group in Oregon was formed. The organizations operated separately under a d.b.a. of the NWTDA.

The groups incorporated in Washington state in 2000 as the Northwest Tire Dealers Association. At the time of the merger, the NWTDA represents around 400 retail tire stores in Washington and Oregon, with several member stores in Idaho and Alaska.

The NWTDA defines its mission as to help tire dealers "improve and upgrade your profession, increase your management skills, update your service training and keep you posted on changes as they occur."

It also monitored state and national legislative matters in the topics that affect tire dealers.

The Lakewood, Wash-based NWACA has a four-person staff, according to the NWTDA, and holds an annual three-day Automotive Training Expo (ATE) each spring in Seattle. The NWTDA said the event is the West Coast's largest training event for automotive service and repair professionals. A separate ATE East is held each fall in Spokane.

NWACA Executive Director Brenda Wolslegel welcomed members and suppliers of the NWTDA the automotive service and repair group.

"It's a unique opportunity for all involved to provide strong automotive industry support in the Northwest region and share in benefits and programs that enhance each of our member's businesses," Wolslegel said.

For more information, Wolslegel can be reached at 253-473-6970 or via e-mail: [email protected]