Our View: Associations' work remains relevant in tire, rubber sectors

There is strength in numbers—an axiom that's held up through the years.

It's one of the reasons that the range of associations serving different areas of the rubber and tire industries remain relevant in today's business world. And it's a phrase that rings true even during election years like 2024, when it's particularly difficult to accomplish much on any legislative agenda.

Of course, there are a variety of association models, each with specific marching orders on how to best serve the needs of members.

In the tire and rubber sectors, two groups maintain a strong Washington presence, allowing them to keep their fingers on the pulse of legislative issues at the federal level.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association has a specific membership profile, comprising companies that produce tires in the United States. Under President and CEO Anne Forristall Luke and a staff of about a dozen, the USTMA sees its mission "to strengthen the competitiveness, societal impact and reputation of the U.S. tire manufacturing industry."

It works with both legislators and regulators on the federal and state levels on significant issues facing tire makers, playing a very public role in recent years in end-of-life tire programs and the challenges surrounding 6ppd's environmental impact and the search for an alternative for the additive.

The Tire Industry Association, mostly serving a base of tire dealers, is a true testament to the "strength in numbers" model. CEO Dick Gust said when TIA talks to someone on Capitol Hill, they're speaking on behalf of 13,000 companies. One focus is advancing the Right to Repair legislation, a topic of great importance to TIA members.

Other associations active in the industry don't focus as much on lobbying, but look to provide training, networking opportunities and fill other needs that individual companies can't fill on their own.

The Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers sees one of its aims as "fostering a collaborative environment where members can share best practices, insights, and innovations," according to ARPM Executive Director Letha Keslar.

ARPM also is trying to get the word out about its comprehensive training program under lead trainer Joe Walker, who took the position after retiring last year from Freudenberg Sealing Solutions. The training includes both in-person and virtual options, and covers a wide range of topics designed to meet the diverse needs of its members.

A number of organizations—such as NAHAD—are designed to serve distributors, but brings them together with manufacturer suppliers for in-person events. Molly Alton Mullins, NAHAD's executive director, said training and education also are a big part of its ongoing agenda, much of it through its Hose Safety Institute and NAHAD Academy.

All types of associations that are active in the rubber and tire sectors—no matter the model—no doubt agree with Mullins' assertion that they all share one mandate: to help their member companies improve their bottom lines and company values.