USTMA Tire Manufacturing Ambassadors Meet with Members of Congress to Highlight Industry Priorities

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) is hosting a Capitol Hill virtual fly-in June 14-16 for its Tire Manufacturing Ambassadors to raise awareness about issues important to the U.S. tire manufacturing sector and the communities it serves. The Ambassadors represent USTMA’s 12 member companies, and the annual event provides the opportunity to share perspectives on industry economic impact, innovative infrastructure solutions, and sustainability with elected officials who make policy that impacts manufacturing.

“There’s no better way to raise awareness for the impact of tire manufacturing on our national economy and in our communities than through those who actually work in the industry every day,” said Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA President and CEO. “In addition to constantly evolving to produce tires that are safe and sustainable, tire manufacturers are deeply involved in communities across the country, offering workforce opportunities and contributing to local philanthropic efforts.”

The USTMA Ambassadors will also be encouraging members of Congress to co-sponsor a House Resolution led by the chairs of Congressional Tire Caucus, Reps. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) and Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), expressing support for the designation of the week of June 27 through July 3, 2022, as ‘‘National Tire Safety Week.’’ The resolution also supports efforts to educate American motorists about the importance of proper tire care and maintenance.

This year’s Ambassadors represent a cross-section of industry expertise ranging from engineering and business operations to marketing and human resources. The representatives will highlight industry efforts to engage in the major federal infrastructure projects taking place all over the county as a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill.

In May, USTMA, joined by 15 stakeholder organizations, sent a joint letter highlighting available technologies to support national infrastructure improvements: rubber modified asphalt and tire derived aggregate. The letter outlined the benefits of these materials and identified the specific provisions within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law where these materials would qualify for consideration.

With 57 facilities in 17 states across the country, U.S. tire manufacturing has an annual economic footprint of $170.6 billion dollars and is responsible for more than 291,000 U.S. jobs in manufacturing, distribution, and retailing. The industry supports more than 510,000 additional U.S. jobs in supplier and induced activities, totaling more than 801,000 jobs nationwide.