A Message From Roy Littlefield
TIA CEO
Welcome back to an extra special Global Tire Expo (GTE)–Powered by the Tire Industry Association. This year, in addition to the excitement of returning to Las Vegas and the GTE/SEMA Show following last year’s COVID-19 shutdown, we are proud to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of our Association. What a milestone that is!
Like the recent pandemic we’ve experienced, TIA has endured many ups and downs during its long and iconic history, only to emerge stronger than ever. It all started humbly in 1921 when 500 tire dealers representing 14 recently founded city associations met in Chicago to form a national association to represent the common interests of the independent tire dealer. That mission continues today with TIA serving its 13,000 members and the industry at large by promoting tire safety, providing certified tire service training and serving as a legislative watchdog. It is a history of which I am extremely proud.
At this year’s Global Tire Expo/SEMA Show, I invite you to join us on Monday evening, November 1, as we celebrate the association’s first 100 years with a special event at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. This ticketed event will begin with a fabulous cocktail reception followed by a program featuring stories about TIA’s iconic past, a keynote address sponsored by Goodyear and entertainment provided by Bridgestone.
Earlier that day, TIA will induct several new members into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame and recognize the winners of the tire industry trade press awards and the recipient of TIA’s State Leadership Award during the Tire Industry Honors luncheon, also at The Cosmopolitan. Please join us for this, too. The program is open to all who have a ticket.
These events serve as prelude to the fabulous Global Tire Expo/SEMA Show, which opens the next day. After a year off, it will be exciting to get back on the trade-show floor, see old friends and experience the energy that only SEMA and GTE can provide. I especially encourage you to visit the exhibitors in the GTE tire section in the lower South Hall. This is where you will see the latest and greatest in tires and wheels, learn about new tire technology and network with peers.
TIA will offer four educational seminars at this year’s Show on topics that include Tips for Tire Technicians, Road Service Safety, Preventing Ride Complaints, Impact Wrench Technology and the always-popular session “Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets.”
It’s been two years since the tire and aftermarket industries gathered at GTE and the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. While touring the Show, please stop by the TIA booth #40067 in the South Hall to meet our team and learn more about what TIA has to offer. We can’t wait to see you.
Roy Littlefield
TIA CEO
