The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has hired Paul Fiore to be its director of business development.
Fiore's main duty will be cultivating relationships between TIA and the largest independent tire dealerships and buying groups in North America, according to TIA officials.
"We recognize that consolidation is changing the industry so rapidly that most of the remaining mom-and-pop tire dealerships belong to a buying group," says TIA President Tom Raben.
"Between the large independent regional dealers, the nationwide chains and the buying groups, we could more than triple our current membership.
"Bringing Paul aboard gives us the opportunity to begin a dialogue with these companies so that we can move forward with a more aggressive member benefit package."
Following next month's International Tire Expo in Las Vegas, Nev., Fiore will embark on a campaign to reach the continent's 100 largest tire dealerships and buying groups.
"His goal is to develop long-term membership and training partnerships, which provide the association with important stability from year-to-year, and the industry with a consistent resource for training and education," say TIA officials.
Fiore has more than 25 years of auto industry experience. He has served as president of the Washington, Maryland, Delaware Service Station and Automotive Trade Association, and has been active in legislative affairs at the state and federal levels.
