Goodyear makes resources available for hurricane relief

Sept. 2, 2005

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. will use its blimps, tires and other resources to support Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Goodyear is offering a variety of airship support options to relief agencies, according to Chuck Sinclair, Goodyear senior vice president of global communications.

"We talked about the possibility of flying signs over the affected areas. However, it was agreed that the best way to offer immediate support is through an awareness campaign to alert the

public where donations can be made.

"We recognize the relief efforts will go on for months, and we pledge our resources in support of these efforts as a way to keep the American public focused on the needs.

"We have extensive travel plans for the airships over the next few

months where the California airship will travel coast-to-coast carrying the hurricane relief messages," continues Sinclair. "We also are looking at innovative ways to support fund-raising telethons and concerts."

Goodyear is providing additional support to aid relief efforts, as well as a focus on the many Goodyear associates who were directly impacted by the disaster.

The Akron, Ohio-based company is exploring alternative work opportunities for these people, including jobs in other Goodyear facilities.

Also under consideration is the establishment of emergency service centers in the area and outfitting and operating mobile tire service trucks to fulfill expected on-site demand.

"We still have associates unaccounted for and we are making every effort to locate them and to ensure support of affected associates and

families."

Goodyear is establishing an internal repository for donations from other Goodyear associates worldwide who want to assist their fellow workers. It also is encouraging donations to the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and FEMA relief efforts.

In addition, Goodyear officials say the company is focusing efforts on providing enough tires for those who will need them in the affected areas.

"Disaster relief is a massive undertaking and this requires an ample

supply of tires, many of which are already in short supply. Goodyear is prioritizing the supply of certain types of tires for police cruisers, utility trucks, tractors, loaders and other work vehicles with plans to hold them in reserve in local warehouses for the agencies that desperately need them to support their efforts."