USTMA “Tire Manufacturing Ambassadors” Hike to Capitol Hill

Nine “Tire Manufacturing Ambassadors” hiked to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. today to highlight a key issue and tout the economic contribution of the U.S. tire manufacturing industry. The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) initiative engaged congressional offices with individuals that work directly in facilities and offices of tire manufacturers.

Each participating USTMA member chose its respective Tire Manufacturing Ambassador because she or he takes initiative and motivates others to excel; demonstrates significant organizational commitment; leads by example to contribute to productivity and outcomes, and demonstrates professional and ethical excellence.

“This is an important new program that we initiated to communicate our industry’s contributions and key issues to congressional offices,” said Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA President and CEO. “Bringing constituents to Capitol Hill that work in USTMA member facilities adds an important dimension to the conversation with Members of Congress about this vital industry that generates thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic output to our nation.”

A USTMA-sponsored study showed that the U.S. tire manufacturing industry supports 737,000 jobs, contributes nearly $150 billion in economic output and pays $21 billion in state, federal and local taxes.

The Tire Manufacturing Ambassadors and USTMA staff met with more than a dozen congressional offices that represent USTMA members. Tire Ambassadors explained their respective roles in the company and the contributions that tire manufacturer facilities bring to local communities. They also urged Congress to work with USTMA members to exempt steel used in tire manufacturing from a U.S. Commerce Department investigation to determine the effects of steel imports on national security.

USTMA’s Tire Manufacturing Ambassadors are:

• TODD HEATH
  Bridgestone Americas, Inc.
  Machine Operator
  Aiken South Carolina
• MARK STERNER
  Continental Tire the Americas, LLC
  Lead Supervisor
  Mt. Vernon, Illinois
• NICHOLE WILLIAMS
  Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
  Master Black Belt
  Tupelo, Mississippi
• GARY SLOAN
  The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
  Sr. Technology Engineering Specialist
  Lawton, Oklahoma
• SCOTT DOSS
  Yokohama Tire Corporation
  Shift Superintendent
  Salem, Virginia
• ALISON KUBIAK
  Michelin North America, Inc.
  Technology Manager
  Greenville, South Carolina
• JAMES LEE
  Pirelli Tire North America
  Maintenance and Facilities Manager
  Rome, Georgia
• TOM CALPIN
  Sumitomo Rubber Industries
  HR Manager
  Buffalo, New York
• STEVEN ALTOMARE
  Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc.
  Replacement Product Tire Engineering Group Leader
  White, Georgia

“This was a first effort by USTMA to bring a delegation of workers to Washington and engage with policymakers to talk about our industry and issues of concern,” said Luke. “This is an important perspective that is needed to ensure that those who regulate and legislate our industry fully understand potential impacts. More importantly, it helps to remind legislators and staff that ours is a vibrant, innovative, hard-working industry that provides a vital safety product on every vehicle.”