2012 TIA Foundation Fundraising Drive Going Strong

The Tire Industry Association (TIA), reported continued success with the TIA Foundation fundraising drive for 2012, with the addition of Yokohama Tire Corp. and Marangoni Tread North America as contributors.

This brings the total to six major tire and retread companies that have pledged funds to support TIA’s educational efforts, joining contributors Bridgestone Americas, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Michelin North America.

Funds from the foundation have financed the development of several training initiatives over the last decade. Most recently, it helped fund the Spanish translation of TIA’s Commercial Tire Service (CTS) program and will fund development of the new Farm Tire Service (FTS) training that is slated for release next year.

"The support and enthusiasm we are receiving from the manufacturers for the foundation is incredible,” said Larry Brandt, TIA president. “They appreciate the investment in educational programs that TIA has made and want to help us continue the mission of training technicians on the proper procedures for servicing all types of tires and wheels."

Kevin Rohlwing, TIA senior vice president of training, said the TIA Foundation is "the life-blood for technician training and certification. Without the Foundation resources, we would not have the funding to update and translate existing programs or develop new ones.” He added in the last five years, the foundation has invested $772,000 in program development and plans to spend at least another $300,000 over the next three years on the new FTS and Industrial Tire Service (ITS) Programs.

Founded in 2001, the TIA Foundation is a completely separate 501(c)3 nonprofit entity of TIA, so all contributions are tax-deductible. The foundation’s sole purpose is to fund training and education, which means every dollar contributed is returned to the industry in the form of a new program or video. Foundation funds cannot be used for the Association’s operating expenses, such as meetings and travel, TIA noted

Companies or individuals interested in making a donation can do so by sending a check (payable to "TIA Foundation") to: TIA Foundation, Tire Industry Association, 1532 Pointer Ridge Place, Suite G, Bowie, MD 20716. The Foundation can provide receipts upon request for tax purposes.

GRI recently conducted programs in Sri Lanka to empower women and motivate children under its Green x Circle initiative. The company said these endeavors aimed to address the needs of the community, focusing on both women empowerment and youth motivation.

GRI recently organized a training program titled "Management of household finance under current economic conditions" at the Ingiriya Rubber Collecting Center in Sri Lanka, South Asia led by Shashika Nimali, an NLP practitioner and life coach. The company said this initiative provided women in the industry with essential skills and knowledge to effectively manage household finances. GRI's tailored training sessions equipped participants with tools for informed decision-making, ultimately fostering greater financial security and independence, the company said.