The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has updated schedule and session information for the first TIA Environmental Symposium, which will be held Sept. 30 through Oct. 2, 2010, at the Ocean City Convention Center in Ocean City, Md.
The event will be held in conjunction with the Washington, Maryland & Delaware Service Station and Automotive Repair Association Annual Convention & Mega Trade Show.
The scheduled sessions are:
* TIA Goes Green. TIA President Wayne Croswell and Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) Co-Chairman Dick Gust will introduce the EAC and its plans to help TIA members with environmental issues.
* Orange is the New Green. Yokohama Tire Corp.'s Dan Guiney will discuss how Yokohama’s use of an alternative renewable material -- orange oil -- reduces their environmental footprint without compromising product performance.
* Michelin and Sustainability. Michelin North America’s Don Baldwin will discuss how the company’s commitment to the environment is carried out through their sustainable mobility program.
* One Team, One Planet: Thinking Green for a Better Tomorrow. Bob Handlos of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC will discuss how the company is taking a leadership role in environmental outreach and programs under Bridgestone Corp.'s "One Team, One Planet“ initiative.
* Superfund Issues Affecting the Tire Industry. Environmental law expert Gary Letcher will cover the current status of Superfund liability for tires, oil, and other discarded automotive materials, as well as case histories and possible resolutions to legal challenges the tire industry faces from Superfund determinations.
* What Dealers Can and Should Do to Become Greener. Bridgestone Americas’ John Sheerin will discuss which practices offer the best opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of typical tire, battery, and automotive service facilities.
* Eco-Friendly Tire and Auto Care. From basic to visionary, this session has what you need to start your own green program.
* Separating Myths from Facts Concerning the Use of Recycled Rubber Products. Attendees will learn about the scientific, performance and environmental facts concerning recycled rubber products.
* Environmental Best Practices for the Tire and Service Station Dealer. This presentation will help attendees learn how to create an improved environmental image, protect profits and potentially establish the competitive differentiator for which they are looking.
* Greening Highways Means Saving Money and the Environment. A panel of asphalt rubber experts will present information on the most common methods of using end-of-life tires as a beneficial engineering material in asphalt pavements.
* Maryland Scrap Tire Program. This presentation will bring you up-to-date on several ongoing projects, including ones devoted to increasing scrap tire markets in the state (rubberized asphalt pavement, playground surfacing), and a leading-edge project studying the use of crumb rubber in green roofs.
In addition to the education sessions, environmental and recycling exhibits will be showcased at the Mega Trade Show, and will provide attendees an important “hands-on” education opportunity in the exhibition hall.
“This is an opportunity to meet the "go-to" experts within the tire industry who can assist in advancing the initiatives that will support our industry’s commitment to protecting and improving the environment," says EAC Co-Chair Dick Gust. "The Ocean City program represents one of the EAC's first initiatives to carry out their mission to ‘identify and promote, through education, environmentally sustainable practices.’"
Speakers and sessions are subject to change. For the latest information on the Environmental Symposium, visit the “Events” section of TIA’s Web site at www.tireindustry.org, or contact LaKisha Pindell at 301-430-7280, ext. 104 ([email protected]) or Mary Sikora at 571-258-0500 ([email protected]).
