Francois Michelin, well in his 80s, had traveled all night from France to be in Vegas for his long-overdue induction. He was being added to the Hall as a “historical contributor,” a nice name TIA has given to those industry icons who had been forgotten over the years. The fact Mr. Michelin made the trip, a long journey he certainly didn’t need, said a lot about how we all have sort of given short shrift to the importance of the Hall of Fame. Time was when the Hall of Fame had its own area on the SEMA Show floor; not any more.
It remains heartening to me – a member of the Hall of Fame Committee – that the audience sees the value and affords inductees the attention and appreciation they deserve.
So I urge you all to make a difference. Nominations have opened for the HOF class of 2009, and I’d like to see the committee challenged with a huge crop of deserving nominees. Of special interest are nominations of your fellow tire dealers – particularly those who have helped build this business.
Nomination forms are available at www.tireindustry.org or by calling TIA at 301-430-7280 ext. 109.
If you have comments to share, send to me at [email protected].
– Jim Smith
