Tennessee and Kentucky dealers shoot for Nashville Aug. 7-8

The Tennessee/Kentucky Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association (TKTDRA) will hold its annual Convention Aug. 7-8, 2009, at the Nashville Hilton Downtown in Nashville, Tenn.

The convention will focus on honoring the association’s past with an eye on the future of the tire industries in Tennessee and Kentucky.

TKTDRA will induct the "founding fathers" of the association into the Hall of Fame at a banquet held Saturday, Aug. 8, at the StockYard Restaurant in Nashville. They are Harold Coker, Jim Barber, Doc Holliday, Marvin Steele, H.B. Willis, Shaw Jared, Milton Jones and R.W. Bob Ritter.

"This is a once a year opportunity for tire dealer and suppliers from Tennessee and Kentucky to network and share their experiences, and for them to gain exposure to new ideas, techniques and information to help in these tough economic times," according to convention organizers.

Planned speakers include:

* Joyce Dunlap, Tennessee Division of Solid Waste;

* Richard Porter, director of marketing, Tire Industry Association;

* Joel Cullum, SESCO Management Consultants;

* Pete Weber, voice of the Nashville Predators hockey team.

There also will be a panel discussion with speakers addressing the top issues concerning tire dealers.

Other activities include a golf tournament at Vanderbilt Legends Club; Casino Night with Exhibitors;  a trade show; and a spouse/guest tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Visit www.tktdra.com for registration details and a full program agenda as well as sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, or call Christy Marino of The Tatman Group LLCat (888) 858-3721.