10th National Tire Safety Week Set

The Rubber Manufacturers Association has selected June 5-11, 2011, as the tenth annual National Tire Safety Week.

NTSW is an initiative of the RMA’s “Be Tire Smart – Play Your PART” program, a year-round effort designed to help drivers learn the simple steps they can take to ensure their tires are in good working condition.

And the initiative is needed, according to a recent RMA survey of more than 6,300 vehicles that showed 55% of vehicles had at least one underinflated tire. Fifteen percent of vehicles had at least one tire underinflated by 8 psi. The study also showed 10% of vehicles had at least one bald tire.

During NTSW, tire manufacturers and retailers nationwide will work to educate motorists about proper tire care and maintenance. RMA provides tire retailers, auto dealers and automotive repair shops with free “Be Tire Smart” brochures and other materials. Many participating retail outlets use the opportunity to promote tire care through advertising, promotions, free tire pressure checks and conducting media outreach. More than 21,000 shops participated during the 2010 NTSW.

The Be Tire Smart program is funded by RMA’s tire manufacturer members: Bridgestone Americas, Continental Tire the Americas, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Michelin North America, Pirelli Tire North America, Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas and Yokohama Tire Corp.

For more information, or to obtain free RMA materials, visit www.betiresmart.org. Retailers who have participated in the event before will receive materials again this year.

Ascot Supply Corporation, based in Newnan, Georgia, has selected Mark Paquette for the newly created position of vice president. In this position, Ascot Supply said Paquette will oversee the growth of the company's products, corporate profitability, manage marketing and advertising and assume many other responsibilities.

He will work under the direction of current President David Kessler and officially begin his new role on June 3. Paquette joined the tire and automotive industry in the early 1980s at his father's tire shop, and his contributions to Mohawk Rubber Sales were instrumental in the company's growth and eventual sale to Myers Tire Supply in 2021, according to Ascot Supply. Paquette eventually was given a promotion to the role of director of operations at Myers Tire Supply.