Bob Ulrich

Editor

Bob Ulrich was named Modern Tire Dealer editor in August 2000. He joined the magazine in 1985 as assistant editor, and has been responsible for gathering statistical information for MTD's "Facts Issue" since 1993. He has won numerous awards for editorial and feature writing, including five gold medals from the International Automotive Media Association. Bob earned a B.A. in English literature from Ohio Northern University and has a law degree from the University of Akron.

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Business and government working together? Believe it!

By: Bob Ulrich

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Bridgesone Americas CEO Mark Emkes, Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic and Bridgestone Vice President Bob Handlos unveil a model of the state-of-the-art Akron Technical Center.

“With strong leadership, business and government can work together for the greater good.”

Those words were spoken by Bob Handlos, vice president of product development for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC (BATO), at the Bridgestone Technical Center groundbreaking ceremony.

Held on Thursday, Feb. 18, in Akron, Ohio, the event was attended by business leaders and politicians alike. And rightfully so.

Getting the $100 million tech center built in Akron was a team effort, with hundreds of jobs at stake. It certainly made sense to build it in Nashville, Tenn., where BATO is headquartered.

On the other hand, Bridgestone's exisiting IT Center and Center for Research and Technology are in Akron, where Harvey Firestone started the Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. in 1900.

On the "business' side, Bridgestone Americas Inc. Chairman, CEO and President Mark Emkes played a crucial, behind-the-scenes role.

"Being responsible to shareholders, we did have to look around, but all things being equal, this was the place to be," he said.

On the "government" side, everyone from Ohio Governor Ted Strickland to Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic lent their support. For example, they agreed to improve the city's infrastructure. Stimulus money was involved, too.

The many speeches given offered thanks to many people. However, three names kept coming up: Handlos, Plusquellic and Summit County Executive Russ Pry.

Bridgestone expects the tech center and a $6 million to $7 million parking deck to be up and running by the end of 2011. When it is completed, the state-of-the-art facility will be "home for the next generation of innovation," according to Emkes.

And Akron will be left with a legacy for which many people can take credit.

Related Topics: Akron, Bridgestone Tech Center, Mark Emkes, Politics