ACTN’s contribution will help the Tire Industry Association and its scholarship program continue investing in the next generation of tire industry professionals
Bowie, Md.—The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has announced a $10,000 contribution from the American Commercial Tire Network (ACTN) in support of TIA’s Tire Industry Scholarship program.
The contribution was presented following a presentation by TIA CEO Dick Gust at ACTN’s annual meeting in Dallas, where he shared an overview of the scholarship program and its accomplishments during the past year.
ACTN’s contribution will help TIA and its scholarship program continue investing in the next generation of tire industry professionals, with a particular emphasis on individuals pursuing careers in the commercial tire industry.
“The future of the tire industry depends on our ability to attract, educate and develop the next generation of talent,” said Richard “Dick” Gust, CEO of TIA. “The support of organizations like ACTN helps create meaningful opportunities for students pursuing careers in our industry, particularly in the commercial tire segment, where skilled professionals are vital to our continued success.”
The Tire Industry Scholarship program, launched in partnership with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF), supports students pursuing education and training for careers throughout the tire and automotive industries.
In 2026, the program awarded 17 scholarships totaling $42,500 to students pursuing a range of educational pathways, including automotive technology, diesel and heavy-duty programs, engineering and other fields relevant to the industry.
“ACTN is proud to support initiatives that help develop the next generation of professionals in the commercial tire industry,” said Bob Berlin, ACTN president. “Scholarships can help open doors for individuals pursuing technical education and careers in our industry.
“By investing in these students, we are helping build a stronger workforce and supporting the future of commercial tire service.”
TIA also recognizes the support of Bob Sumerel Tire Co., which contributed an additional $2,500 to the scholarship program. We thank Todd Sumerel, President of Bob Sumerel Tire Co., and Gary Schroeder, TIA Board Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of Bob Sumerel Tire Co., for their support of the foundation scholarship initiative and their financial contribution.
TIA thanks ACTN, Bob Sumerel Tire Co. and the many industry partners whose generous contributions help make the Tire Industry Scholarship program possible. Continued support from across the industry helps TIA expand educational opportunities.
Organizations and individuals interested in contributing to the program are encouraged to contact Maggie Blevins, TIA’s Marketing & Communications Manager, at mblevins@tireindustry.org to learn more about supporting the scholarship initiative.
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