BOWIE, Md. — The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is seeking nominations for the Tire Industry Hall of Fame, which recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of individuals who have contributed greatly to the growth and/or development of the tire industry or have demonstrated high standards, ideals and leadership in the management of their businesses in the tire community.
The Hall of Fame award is open to all individuals in the tire industry, including manufacturers, inventors, publishers, equipment suppliers, tire association executives, tire dealers, tire and rubber recyclers and retreaders, TIA said. Hall of Fame membership may be awarded posthumously.
Inductees are chosen based on:
• Contribution of new ideas promoting the well-being of the tire industry;
• Service that is exemplary within the tire industry; and
• Respect of their peers.
Candidates' civic, cultural, educational or charitable endeavors will be considered but are not a primary consideration as attributes for selection, the Bowie-based trade association said.
Assuming COVID-19-related gathering restrictions are lifted by this fall, the induction ceremony for new members would take place on Nov. 1 during TIA's Tire Industry Honors Awards luncheon prior to the opening of the 2021 Global Tire Expo/SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
"The tire industry is filled with individuals who, through hard work, creativity, leadership, innovation, service and business acumen, have made a mark," TIA CEO Roy Littlefield said. "The Hall of Fame honors the best of them and celebrates their lasting contributions. We look forward to recognizing the 2021 inductees."
The trade group opted to not hold Hall of Fame ceremonies last year, after it was determined there would be no in-person SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The last Hall of Fame class, inducted in November 2019, comprised Brent Hesje, CEO of Fountain Tire Ltd., and the late Frank Holeman, director of the Tire Industry Safety Council in the 1970s and '80s.
A full list of Hall of Famers dating back to 1985 can be found on TIA's website.
Nomination are being accepted until July 2. Nomination forms can be found at tireindustry.org.
For more information or questions, contact: Dave Zielasko, TIA vice president of marketing and communications, at [email protected] or 301-430-7280/ext. 102.
