Responding to the widespread – even international – negative reaction to the firing of long-time TRIB managing director Harvey Brodsky, the TRIB board of directors issued a statement to reassure members.

Brodsky was dismissed by the board on Oct. 5 after serving as TRIB managing director for nearly 30 years. Since the news broke, a number of TRIB members and others in the industry expressed shock and support for Brodsky, with some stating they were prepared to leave TRIB because of the board’s move.

In a letter to members issued Oct. 6, TRIB president Mike Berra Jr. outlined TRIB’s position and plans moving forward:

“There have been many questions from members, following the news that TRIB was searching for a new director to replace Harvey Brodsky. The board’s unanimous decision to replace Mr. Brodsky was made only after long and careful deliberation that such action was in the best interest of TRIB.  
 
“This decision was by no means intended to detract from Mr. Brodsky’s enthusiasm and efforts on behalf of TRIB over the years. The board made a decision based on what we considered compelling factual circumstances, to change leadership. The board did offer an alternative to Mr. Brodsky that we sincerely believed would be in his and TRIB’s best interests. Mr. Brodsky, as is his right, has chosen to proceed down a different path.
 
“On behalf of my fellow directors, I would like to assure you that the core mission of defending and promoting tire retreading and repairing continues and will not be sacrificed, and that the TRIB board is taking every step possible to ensure that this transition is a seamless one. As I write this, Marvin Bozarth is in the TRIB office, and he has agreed to fill in on an interim basis. As many of you know, Marvin is a well-known industry veteran who possesses decades of experience in the retreading and tire repairing industry, and you should rest assured that he will serve you well during this transition.

“The TRIB staff – Rachel and Salina – are both excited and committed to working with Marvin and to the task of making this a smooth transition. In addition, a search committee has been in place, laying the groundwork to find the best candidate to lead TRIB into the future.
 
“I know there will be a lot to digest in the coming days, but I kindly ask for your patience and continued support for this great association. I firmly believe that TRIB will emerge from this as a stronger, more dynamic and effective association. As Mr. Brodsky said in many of his speeches, ‘There is never a wrong time to do the right thing.’”
 
Just days before Brodsky was let go, TRIB announced plans for a special membership meeting during the Global Tire Expo/SEMA Show in Las Vegas. That meeting was slated for Tuesday, Nov. 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

In the meeting notice, sent out by Brodsky, he said, “This will be a very important meeting regarding the future of TRIB and we urge you to attend.”

Brodsky, recognized around the world as a leading retreading expert and the industry’s greatest cheerleader, started as TRIB managing director in 1981.

In a statement he released on Oct. 5, Brodsky indicated surprise in the board’s move. “I was not pleased with their decision but I serve at the pleasure of the board, or at least I did until a few minutes ago,” Brodsky wrote in his statement. “Having spent the better part of my career defending and promoting the retread industry I am very disappointed at the board’s decision which I believe is extremely ill advised.”

In announcing the search for Brodsky’s replacement, Berra, who is also the incoming president of TIA, said: “We hope to find an individual with the administrative talents and the fund raising skills necessary for the successful operation of a non-profit organization representing tire repair companies and retreaders in the commercial tire industry.”