The first Tire Industry Association (TIA) board meeting -- combining board members from the Tire Association of North America (TANA) and the International Tire and & Rubber Association (ITRA) -- was held this past weekend in Pinehurst, N.C.
It was a very busy and well-attended function, according to Steve Disney, TANA president, with the main focus on long-term strategic planning.
Following a great deal of preparation by both organizations, the combined group made many inroads, including agreeing upon a new budget and bylaws and officer nomination and election procedures.
Each group agreed to act as a unified body, Disney said. "We've been working as such, but this really pulled the trigger," he said.
Government affairs, training and education, and membership committees moved their agendas forward, he noted. "This was not a time for review," Disney said. "We worked on current and future projects. We will not be dragging our heels."
Disney called the meetings totally upbeat and positive. It was only about eight months ago that the ball got rolling on the idea of combining the two groups, Disney pointed out. "Everyone was surprised how smoothly it went."
Teleconference committee meetings are ongoing, and the next board meeting will be held in Las Vegas in conjunction with the ITE/SEMA show, Disney adds.
The two organizations will officially become one on July 1, 2002.
