The National Future Farmers of America (FFA) recently honored Firestone Farm Tires with a Distinguished Citation award.
The company, a division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO), received the award for what it said were “numerous contributions to the FFA organization spanning 70 years of support for agricultural education and leadership development.”
Tom Rodgers, director of sales and marketing for Firestone Farm Tires, called it a “tremendous honor” to accept the recognition on behalf of Firestone.
“Harvey Firestone, founder of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., had a passion for agriculture and the FFA organization. In 1944, Mr. Firestone chaired the first FFA Foundation board and set in motion a structure of corporate support that has made it possible for FFA to develop generations of young leaders.
“Bridgestone and the Firestone Farm Tire organization continue to be committed to the agricultural industry and to help cultivate future generations of farmers.”
Nashville-based BATO said the company’s support of career development events and scholarships “has touched many lives over the years.” Recently the company increased vocational training efforts in agricultural technology and mechanical systems, and also funds the national FFA’s agricultural power technical systems Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education course and supports its agricultural proficiency awards. A dealer scholarship program also is in development.
The National FFA provides “leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education” to more than 579,000 student members in grades seven through 12 who belong to a local FFA chapter in the U.S., according to BATO.
More information about Firestone Farm Tires is available on its website.