Is Bridgestone Staying in Akron?

BFNAT has a big 20th anniversary celebration of Bridgestone Corp.’s May 1988 purchase of Firestone scheduled for 3 p.m. this afternoon in Akron and has representatives from the Akron mayor’s office, the area county executive and the head of the Ohio economic development department on the invited list, according to the Web site for the Akron Beacon Journal.

The story also states reporters were "strongly encouraged" to attend.

A quick check of Murfreesboro area officials indicated no specific information from BFNAT concerning today’s event or any potential announcement.

The event will be held at 3 p.m. event at Bridgestone Americas Center for Research & Technology off South Main Street.

Murfreesboro was chosen as the final competitor with Akron for the technology center that would employ some 600 at an annual average salary of $70,000. Murfreesboro has offered to give BFNAT a prime site in the Gateway development area along with other state incentives.

Ohio came forward with an additional $18 million in tax breaks to keep the tech center in Akron, resulting in a total package estimated at $68 million. (Tire Review/Akron)

The Tire Industry Association has opened nominations for the 2023 Tire Industry Hall of Fame. Nomination forms can be found here. Forms must be received by Friday, June 23.

TIA says the hall of fame recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of individuals who have contributed greatly to the growth and/or development of the tire industry or have demonstrated high standards, ideals and leadership in the management of their businesses in the tire community. The award is open to all individuals in the tire industry, including manufacturers, inventors, publishers, equipment suppliers, tire association executives, tire dealers, tire and rubber recyclers and retreaders. Hall of fame membership may be awarded posthumously.