Retread Instead® is a coalition of retread industry supporters that seeks to inform and educate on the environmental and economic benefits of supporting retreading instead of buying, selling and running low quality Chinese non-retreadable tires. A team of RETREAD INSTEAD® supporters from retreading and related industries from all over the country participated in this year’s TIA Federal Lobby day that was held on June 20th in Washington DC.
The day began at the American Trucking Associations office with a federal agency briefing that included several representatives from the Department of Transportation. The RETREAD INSTEAD® group then proceeded to the Russell, Dirksen and Hart Senate office buildings where TIA had pre-arranged appointments. The group had 30 minute meetings with staff at the following Senator offices; Alexander, Lamar – (R – TN), Corker, Bob – (R – TN), Gillibrand, Kirsten E. – (D – NY), Kaine, Tim – (D – VA), Paul, Rand – (R – KY), Rubio, Marco – (R – FL), and Warner, Mark R. – (D – VA).
The group ran at an incredible pace to meet the tight schedule and although the faces and offices changed, the message to maintain a full complement of commissioners at the USITC at all times stayed the same. The group also took the opportunity at each meeting to emphasize the need for a tariff on commercial truck and bus tires that are imported from China and also stressed the economic and environmental benefits of retreading as opposed to the “one and done” tires that end up in our landfills.
“We were met at each meeting with enthusiasm and a thirst for additional knowledge of what retreading is and how it benefits our economy as well as the environment. Our goal was to garner support and momentum for our cause and that we did! At each office we gained additional contacts and information that will help us concentrate our efforts towards the Senate Finance committee where at this time the nominees are waiting in Que to be approved prior to moving on to the Senate for a full vote” Said, Ron Elliott, Marangoni Tread North America’s marketing and communications manager and Retread Instead spokesperson.
“It was also imperative to point out in every meeting that retreading is recycling and 100% of the waste stream generated by retreading a tire is recycled into value added products. Retreading a tire provides 10-13 lbs. of raw material for children’s playground safety surfaces and with a limited supply available due to the reduction in retreading because of the influx of cheap Chinese non-retreable tires, this translates to a higher cost and lower quality alternative being used. We learned firsthand what it takes to change anything in Washington and was given the right direction to pursue. “Said, Gene Walker, Premier Rubber Company.
The day wrapped up with a reception in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Room at the Rayburn House office building. RETREAD INSTEAD® had a table with product and literature on display that represented retreading and related industries for the Senators, Congressman, and staff that attended to view. The keynote address was given by Democratic Whip Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD-5).
The RETREAD INSTEAD® supporters that attended lobby day were: Jeffrey Parks-California /RTA, Terry Westhafer-Virginia/Central Tire, Bob Majewski-Kentucky/Sumerel Tire, Ron Elliott-Tennessee/Marangoni Tread N.A., Inc., Dexter Matthews-North Carolina/Liberty Tire Recycling, Gail Walker-New York/Premier Rubber Company, Gene Walker-New York/Premier Rubber Company and Lazaro Gonzalez-Florida/Rubber Designs.
For more information, visit www.retreadinstead.net.