July 15 is the final date entries will be accepted for the program, which seeks to seeks to honor the “best of the best” independent tire dealers in the U.S. and Canada.

One winner will be named the 2007 Top Shop and receive a Coats tire changer, a cash prize, and a trip for two to Las Vegas for the 2007 SEMA Show. Three finalists will receive Coats tire/wheel balancers and cash prizes.

Entry forms and information are available online at Tire Review’s Web site (www.tirereview.com) or in each issue of the publication from February through July.

The entry process is simple: Those making the nomination need to provide basic information about the dealership being nominated and write a short (300-word maximum) essay explaining why that dealership should be considered. From there, all entrants will reviewed and a group of semi-finalists selected. A panel of judges, including industry professionals and a member of the Tire Review staff, will select the four finalists and, ultimately, the 2007 Top Shop Award winner.

The Top Shop Award winner will receive a Coats APX90 tire changer, a $1,500 cash prize, airfare and hotel for two (2 nights/3 days) to the 2007 SEMA Show, a feature story on their business in the October issue of Tire Review, and a specially designed trophy to display in their store.

The three finalists will each receive a Coats 1250 tire/wheel balancer, a $500 cash prize, a feature story on their dealership in that same October issue, and a specially designed plaque.

“We are trying to find independent tire dealers – small or large – who epitomize those attributes and values we stress with every issue of Tire Review: a true professional who is exemplary in customer service and retention, in training and education, in merchandising and promotion, in professional standards and conduct, in appearance, in solid business management, in community involvement and in growth and achievement,” said Jim Smith, editor of Tire Review.