The Hall of Fame is open to individuals in the tire industry, including manufacturers, inventors, publishers, equipment suppliers, tire association executives, tire dealers, tire and rubber recyclers, and retreaders. The "Historical Contributors" category of the Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals who have been out of the industry for 20 years or more. These individuals may be retired, deceased, or may have begun their career in the tire industry and moved on to a different industry.
Inductees are chosen based on the following criteria: their contributions of new ideas, practices, and/or innovations that promote the health and well-being of the tire industry; their exemplary and distinguished service in the tire industry; and respect of their peers. Contributions in civic, cultural, educational, or charitable endeavors will be considered but are not a primary consideration as attributes for selection.
TIA is also accepting nominations for the Friend of the Industry Award, which recognizes well-known individuals who are allies and proven supporters of the tire industry. These individuals are not part of the tire industry, but have affected it positively in some manner.
Nominations for each award must be accepted by July 1. A nomination form that can be used for both awards is available on www.tireindustry.org or by calling TIA’s national office at 301-430-7280 ext. 109.
The Hall of Fame Inductions will take place during TIA’s Breakfast with the President at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino during the 2008 SEMA show in Las Vegas.
The 2007 inductees were: Norman Affleck, retired President and CEO, Big O Tires; Craig Anderson, retired President and CEO, Hercules Tire & Rubber Company; Ira J. Cooper, formed The Cooper Corporation later to be known as Cooper Tire and Rubber Company; Robert Eisentrout, “father of American performance tires” and former President of BF Goodrich Tire Group; Otto and Willy Gruber, founders of Otto Gruber & Company known today as Rema Tip Top; and Rudy Holman and Neil McIntyre, developers of the Orbitread extruder. (Tire Review/Akron)
