"It was a weekend of networking and camaraderie, with a little training thrown in as the cherry on top," said Ron Reiling, MTIA's executive director.

The evening awards banquet on Aug. 9 featured MTIA President Dennis Flynn of Purcell Tire, who passed the gavel to new President Jack Williams of Dobbs Tire and Auto Centers.  Max Waddington, Jr. of Shore Tire was inducted into the MTIA Hall of Fame for his many years of service to the association and his involvement in the tire industry.

A benefit golf tournament was held the morning of Aug. 8 to raise funds for the MTIA scholarship program, Reiling said.  This year's scholarships were in the amount of $750 and were awarded to the children of MTIA members. 

The recipients were: Lisa Wallace, daughter of Bob Wallace, sales manager for Auto Tire; April Noel, daughter of Brad Noel, assistant store manager of Raben Tire; and Drew LaLonde, son of Tim LaLonde, store supervisor for Dobbs Tire and Auto.
Saturday featured three guest speakers, who discussed a variety of topics important to MTIA members.

Peggy Fischer, president of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), spoke about the important benefits of working together in the industry. Grey Smith, publisher of Modern Tire Dealer, spoke about trends he has seen in the industry and what direction it may be taking.

Tom Lang, sales manager for Hunter Engineering, discussed the industry's increased demands for new equipment to keep up with the ever-advancing new technologies.

The 2009 MTIA convention will be on Aug. 7 and 8.  Start making plans to attend, Reiling urged MTIA members.  For more information, contact him at 636-949-5929 or e-mail MTIA1@aol.com.