Goodyear Launches ‘Name the Blimp’ Contest

Goodyear unveiled the blimp at its airship base near Akron, Ohio, and introduced a nationwide contest to name the new aircraft.

Starting at noon on Tuesday, Apr. 11, consumers can begin submitting their suggested names for the new blimp on a designated site, located at http://www.nametheblimp.com. The site also offers complete details and official rules of the contest.

The individual that submits the winning entry will win the chance to use the Goodyear blimp for a day in his or her hometown, Goodyear said.

“Whether it’s an aerial party for friends or personal messages over their hometown, one lucky winner will actually get the blimp for his or her own personal use,” said Goodyear officials. Nine first-place winners will receive a set of Goodyear tires.

Winners will be notified on or around June 5, and the blimp will get its new name during a ceremony in Akron later that month.

"We make decisions every day on how we want to use our fleet of Goodyear blimps," said Chuck Sinclair, senior vice president at Goodyear. "It occurred to us as we were preparing to invite America for input on naming the new airship, that the most compelling incentive to enter would be an opportunity to live that dream. Ask yourself, what would you do if you had the blimp for a day?"

The Ohio Tire and Automotive Association (OTAA) held its annual golf outing this year at The Country Club at Muirfield Village, close to the renowned Muirfield Village Golf Club, home of the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament.

OTAA leadership welcomed around 116 OTAA members and thanked sponsors before teeing off and, following golf, attendees gathered for dinner, drinks and donations. OTAA leadership, including new President Jon Boyd, tire business manager, from Boyd’s Tire and Service, presented a $3,000 donation to the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF). OTAA also presented the William Floyd Distinguished Service Award to Tom White, owner of the six-store Tire Source chain based in Canton. White received the honor in recognition of his long-term dedication and contributions to the OTAA board and the broader Ohio tire industry.