Global Tire Expo sets attendance records

Nov. 14, 2011

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has announced that the Global Tire Expo - Powered by TIA (GTE) broke records for the number of attendees and exhibitors. The event is held in conjunction with the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nev.

TIA says there were 132,000 people who attended the co-located expos. A record-breaking 61,000 buyers were in attendance signifying the value that GTE and SEMA have for the wholesaler and manufacturing community.

“The record attendance in Las Vegas demonstrates that the networking opportunities and educational seminars that TIA stages provide true value to independent tire dealers,” said TIA president Larry Brandt.

TIA also conducted a number of political action committee (TirePAC) fundraising activities at their annual membership meeting and welcome reception.

“TirePAC worked hard taking the Silent Auction and PAC board to the next level and did so this year, selling out all of the PAC board and doubling the number items sold over last year in the auction,” Roy Littlefield, executive vice president of TIA said.

Tire Warehouse President Dan Clark won first place at the PAC Board, however, he feels so strongly about TirePAC and its importance to the tire industry, he donated back the full amount of his first place prize of $500.

Randall Groh, chairman of TIA’s Government Affairs Committee says that “Building support in Washington is essential for the tire industry to have the impact to defend the industry and its members’ interests and the generous contributions help us achieve this goal.”

For more information, visit www.tireindustry.org.