BOWIE, Md.—An unexplained power outage struck the Bowie headquarters of the Tire Industry Association Oct. 29, just days before the beginning of TIA's biggest event of the year, the Global Tire Expo-Powered by TIA in Las Vegas.
TIA staff members found the power out when they arrived for work, and power remained off until about 4:45 p.m. despite the efforts of crews from two power-company trucks, according to TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield.
The outage left TIA members and exhibitors unable to contact the headquarters, while staff did their best to stay in touch with the outside via cell phone.
"You can't imagine how frustrating this is," Littlefield said. "Two trucks from the electric company have been outside for hours, and they still can't find the problem."
The Global Tire Expo is part of the SEMA Show, scheduled for Las Vegas the week of Nov. 4.