Page 8 - RB-85-18-2

NORTH AMERICA NEWS
TIA OTR Conference Sets
a New Standard
By Kevin Rohlwing, TIA Senior Vice President of Training
wife Donna. The Association decided that the OTR Conference would be the perfect venue for his official farewell, and he was scheduled to address the group and the industry one last time as a member of the staff.
Family obligations made it impossible for him to physically attend the OTR Conference, so it was decided that he would record his remarks. By all accounts, the video was a moving tribute to the man, the industry, and OTR retreading. In hindsight, a live presentation would have only benefitted those in attendance. As it stands today, Marvin’s thoughts on the future of the OTR tire industry and the tire industry in general will live forever. The full video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v =xbBEP_b-BK0
The OTR Conference is a combination of education and networking. It started on Wednesday afternoon with the first General Session. On Wednesday
from Chris Rhoades, the Senior Product Manager, Technology, with BKT. Chris touched on several topics related to how OTR retreaders and service providers can learn from the past to prepare for future technology. Mining innovation in the 4th industrial revolution is going to affect
ever yone in the industr y, so the life and performance of OTR tyres will be measured and determined by an increasing number of factors. It was an insightful and thought-provoking presentation that made an impact on all of the attendees.
The Friday General Session concluded with the motivational speaker, Vince Papale. His story of going from a high school teacher in the stands to a professional American football player with the Philadelphia Eagles was so compelling that Walt Disney Pictures made a movie about it. Vince entertained the audience with his stories of shooting the movie and spending time with international motion picture star
For 63 years, the off-the-road (OTR) tyre industry has gathered in North America to discuss the latest developments and trends in OTR tyre retreading, repairing and service. The latest installment was held at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, from Februar y 21- 24, 2018. A total of 516 attendees from 35 states in the U.S. and 13 different countries participated in the various educational sessions, leisure activities and networking functions. TIA’s OTR Conference is the premier event for the earthmover tyre industry and this year’s edition received rave reviews from those who attended.
The strength of the OTR Conference has always been the educational sessions. Highlights from the 2018 event included the always popular economic forecast that focuses on the North American construction, aggregate and mining industries, the
tyre manufacturer panel, a manufacturer keynote address from BKT, and Vince Papale, the motivational speaker who followed his dream of playing professional American football and became the inspiration for the motion picture Invincible starring Mark Wahlberg. While each of these presentations were incredibly valuable, it was an industry veteran and icon who stole the show.
Marvin Bozarth is internationally recognised as an expert in the field of retreading. His 60+ years of experience have earned him numerous honours and accolades including induction in the Tire Industry Hall of Fame in 2003. Marvin has served as TIA’s Senior Technical Consultant since he retired from full time employment with the Association in 2001. Last year, he decided that he would completely retire from TIA so he could spend more time with his
evening, the Kickoff Gathering featured tabletop displays from the 60 sponsors where attendees networked with manufacturers, retreaders and suppliers while enjoying some light food and drinks. Thursday morning began with another General Session that included the industry forecast and concluded with remarks from several OTR tyre manufacturers on their thoughts regarding the rest of 2018. On Thursday afternoon, 144 attendees braved the TPC Sawgrass Champions Course, home of the famed 17th island green. Other attendees when deep sea fishing or enjoyed a tour of historic St. Augustine. The day ended with a networking reception on the patio of the Sawgrass Marriot.
Friday’s General Session featured presentations on business development, infrastructure, and a Manufacturer’s Keynote address
Mark Wahlberg and inspired the audience with his journey in pursuit of a dream that became reality.
TIA’s OTR Conference has set an unmatched standard for the earthmover tyre industr y. The quality of the educational sessions gets better ever y year while the networking and social functions provide more casual settings for industr y professionals to do business and share ideas. Ever yone in the OTR tyre or retread business will benefit from the information that is available. For more information on the 64th OTR Conference at the Saddlebrook Resort and Conference Center in Tampa, Florida, Februar y 20-23, 2019, contact LaKisha Pindell at lpindell@tireindustr y.org or check out the promotional video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v =CP9xsRIVVaY.
Marvin Bozarth addresses the TIA OTR Conference
8 Retreading Business