The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is accepting nominations for the 2027 Marvin Bozarth Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) Technician of the Year Award, which recognizes OTR tire technicians for their commitment to safety, professionalism and technical expertise.

TIA member companies have until Dec. 1, 2026, to nominate technicians for the award.

To be eligible, nominees must work for a TIA member company in good standing, have completed TIA’s Basic Commercial Tire Service (CTS) and Basic Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) training programs and have at least three years of experience as an OTR tire technician.

Nominees also must be available to attend TIA’s 72nd Annual OTR Tire Conference, which will take place Feb. 24-27, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.

“OTR tire technicians are among the most highly skilled professionals in our industry, and this award is an opportunity to recognize the dedication and commitment to safety they demonstrate every day,” says Kevin Rohlwing, TIA chief technical officer. “We know there are outstanding technicians working throughout the industry, and we encourage TIA member companies to nominate those individuals who consistently go above and beyond.”

The winner and one guest will receive roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations, conference registration and ground transportation to attend the OTR Tire Conference. The technician also will receive TIA’s Golden Hard Hat Award and be recognized before attendees at the conference.

Honoring Marvin Bozarth

TIA created the award in honor of Marvin Bozarth, a longtime tire industry leader who played a major role in the development of technician training and certification programs that eventually led to TIA’s ETS program.

Bozarth spent decades in the retreading and OTR tire industries before joining the American Retreaders Association in 1990 as technical director. He became the association’s executive director in 1991 and continued to lead the organization as it became the International Tire & Rubber Association, one of TIA’s predecessor organizations. He later served TIA as a senior technical consultant and was inducted into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame in 2003. Bozarth retired from TIA in 2018 and died in 2022.

TIA says Bozarth’s emphasis on hands-on training, safety and proper tire service helped shape the association’s ETS training program.

TIA  is also seeking sponsors for the 2027 award. Sponsorship support helps cover the recipient’s recognition experience and provides participating companies with exposure through the OTR Tire Conference, TIA communications and the association’s website.

Complete nomination guidelines, eligibility requirements and sponsorship information are available on TIA’s website.