The Mid-America Tire Dealers Association (MATDA) elected a new president and six new board members at its recent convention and trade show, held in Catoosa, Okla.
At the 20th annual event, held outside Kansas for the first time, Gary Champlin, general manager of Champlin Tire Recycling Inc., took over as president. He replaces Max Kuhlman of Central Plains Co-op in Athol, Kan.
Five board members representing Kansas were elected to two-year terms. They are:
* Steve Burhenn, Becker Tire & Treading Inc., Great Bend;
* Justin Glasgow, Performance Tire & Wheel, Topeka;
* Connie Hey, Hey Machinery, Baldwin City;
* Rob Pickrell, Cross-Midwest Tire Co., Salina; and
* Phil Thompson, Thompson's OK tire, Beloit.
Roger Howland of Country Tire Inc. in Blair, Neb., was elected to a one-year term. He is one of two members representing Nebraska on the 15-person board.
Burhenn received the MATDA's Industry Service Award in recognition of his dedication to the tire industry. The award was sponsored by Champlin Tire Recycling. Blake Salina of Cross-Midwest Tire was named Employee of the Year.
At the annual membership meeting, Treasurer Burhenn announced that the association ended 2009 with $94,846 in total assets, up from $82,701 in 2008.
To see photos from the MATDA Convention and Trade Show, visit Modern Tire Dealer's Facebook page.
