Nine “tyre manufacturing ambassadors”, chosen by each participating member of the US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), met with and engaged congressional offices in Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. to highlight the economic contributions of the US tyre manufacturing industry.
Each USTMA member chose its respective Tyre Manufacturing Ambassador because she or he takes initiative and motivates others to excel; demonstrates significant organisational commitment; leads by example to contribute to productivity and outcomes, and demonstrates professional and ethical excellence.
“This is an important new programme 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 US tyre manufacturing industry supports 737,000 jobs, contributes nearly US$150 billion in economic output and pays US$21 billion in state, federal and local taxes.
The Tyre 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 tyre manufacturer facilities bring to local communities.
They also urged Congress to work with USTMA members to exempt steel used in tyre manufacturing from a US Commerce Department investigation to determine the effects of steel imports on national security.
USTMA’s Tyre Manufacturing Ambassadors are:
- Todd Heath – Machine Operator, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (Aiken, South Carolina)
- Mark Sterner – Lead Supervisor, Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (Mt. Vernon, Illinois)
- Nichole Williams – Master Black Belt, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (Tupelo, Mississippi)
- Gary Sloan – Sr. Technology Engineering Specialist, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (Lawton, Oklahoma)
- Scott Doss – Shift Superintendent, Yokohama Tire Corporation (Salem, Virginia)
- Alison Kubiak – Technology Manager, Michelin North America, Inc. (Greenville, South Carolina)
- James Lee – Maintenance and Facilities Manager, Pirelli Tire North America (Rome, Georgia)
- Tom Calpin – HR Manager, Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Buffalo, New York)
- Steven Altomare – Replacement Product Tire Engineering Group Leader, Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. (White, Georgia)