winter05 inroads 12-05.qxp 12/14/2005 5:20 PM Page 1 inRoads Firestone North American , LLC O Winter 2005

Executive BFNT Sponsors 2006 Need for Speed page ...... 2 Edge Feature Formula Drift Championship Series Bridgestone Firestone North (Atlanta); Soldier Field (Chicago); Infineon American Tire, LLC feels the need — the Raceway (Sonoma, Calif.); Evergreen Where’s page ...... 2 Mario need for . The company recently Speedway (Seattle); Wall Speedway (Wall, N.J.); announced that the Bridgestone and Irwindale Speedway (Irwindale, Calif.). be a sponsor of the 2006 Need for Speed™ To further showcase Bridgestone tire Formula Drift () Championship technology at these events, BFNT has Canada page ...... 3,5 Series and offer a contingency program to Formula D drivers. "Formula D is the pre-eminent Dealers page ...... 4,6,8 drift series in the United States, and they have achieved this status through tremendous dedication and hard work," said Phil Pacsi, OE page ...... 4 executive director, North American Consumer Tire Brand Marketing, BFNT. "Bridgestone Consumer page ...... 6 brand have been highly acclaimed in events in where the Bridgestone Corporation is a leading tire Ag page ...... 7 company in drifting. We want to build on “Papa” Gushi’s is unveiled at the 2005 SEMA Show. that excitement here by sponsoring Formula D extended a contingency program to and by offering what is the most lucrative Formula D drivers to encourage them to Commercial page ...... 7 contingency program available to its drivers." drive on Bridgestone brand tires. BFNT will exhibit Bridgestone tire At each event, BFNT will award prize money technology at 2006 Formula D events, to Bridgestone-shod vehicles that finish in the including the new Bridgestone® brand top three places overall ($5,000 to first place, Potenza™ RE-01R™ tire for driving $3,000 to second place and $1,000 to third enthusiasts. Entering its third season, the place). The highest finishing vehicle with Need for Speed Formula Drift Championship Bridgestone tires, regardless of overall rank, Series is the first and only officially sanctioned will be awarded $1,000 ($750 to the second (by SCCA Pro Racing) and recognized North highest and $500 to the third highest). American professional drifting championship At the end of the year, BFNT will award series. Drifting is a motorsport that requires $7,000 if a vehicle with Bridgestone tires drivers to intentionally maneuver their wins first place overall in the Formula D vehicles into well-executed, controlled slides Championship Series ($5,000 to second at high speeds through a marked course. place and $3,000 to third place). The Competitors are judged primarily on style, highest finishing vehicle with Bridgestone not necessarily by elapsed time. tires, regardless of overall rank, will be Seven Formula D events are scheduled for awarded $3,000 ($2,000 to the second 2006. Scheduled venues are: Streets of Long highest and $1,000 to the third highest). Beach (Long Beach, Calif.); See related articles, page 6. winter05 inroads 12-05.qxp 12/14/2005 5:21 PM Page 2

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A Note from Mark Emkes Executive Edge This holiday stories of interest, innovative sales season it techniques, industry milestones and simply seems especially fitting to good news about our industry to share showcase the gifts we have throughout our dealer network. Please feel in one another. The last free to share these stories with us as year has challenged our eagerly as you share your time and talents business, our communities in your home communities. and our patience in so many ways, but I continue to be amazed at the somehow we continue to rise above the tremendous work and efforts put forth by adversity and do goodwill our teammates each and be successful in spite "Be true to your work, your word year throughout the of the natural disasters, and your friend." Americas. economic distress and - Henry David Thoreau As we look forward to supply issues. the New Year, I The gifts we have in each other and in challenge each of you to live up to the our desire to continue to do goodwill great words of Henry David Thoreau — "Be efforts in our home communities and true to your work, your word and your beyond — not solely in the spirit of the friend." No doubt that if we all live true to holiday but in the spirit of living all year these powerful and inspiring words we can long — continue to speak volumes about all make a difference together. our strengths. I wish you all a terrific holiday season This edition of InRoads is dedicated not and a prosperous new year, only to spotlight notable efforts by our dealer family members but also to showcase products/innovations and technology. We will continue to search for Mark A. Emkes

Where’s Mario Where’s Mario

In October, Mario Andretti brought racing N.C.; he met fans and signed autographs at excitement to North Carolina with three Pete Smith Tire's Customer Appreciation Day visits to dealers. He was part of the in Rolesville, N.C.; and he cut the ribbon at celebration at Mooresville Tire & the Family Tire & Auto Service grand Automotive's grand opening in Mooresville, opening in New Bern, N.C.

Mooresville: Mario meets some of his youngest fans. New Bern: Mario cuts the ribbon at the Family Rolesville: The employees at Pete Smith Tire and Tire & Auto Service grand opening. some family members pose with Mario. winter05 inroads 12-05.qxp 12/14/2005 5:21 PM Page 3

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Bridgestone Firestone Canada Plays Prominent Role Canada in AJAC Event at Shannonville Selecting the Canadian Car sponsored the Track Management Team, as of the Year is serious business — a well as the Julie Wilkinson Motorsport fact that was evident at the Journalism Award, one of the awards Shannonville Motorsport Park handed out at the annual AJAC Journalism (www.shannonville.com) recently. Awards Banquet. This was the setting for the Mike Filipek, OE sales account manager Automobile Journalists Association of for BFNT in Torrance, Calif., and Michele Canada's TestFest, a week-long event Amirault, marketing and PR specialist for during which 62 eligible were BFCA, were on hand as resident specialists put through their paces by 72 to answer questions for media in attendance. journalists from across Canada. Also in attendance were 82 corporate representatives, who spent the week observing, briefing the reporters and, in some cases, giving presentations. Bridgestone Firestone Canada, a Mike Filipek presented the Julie Wilkinson long time sponsor of AJAC, was highly Motorsport Journalism Award (sponsored visible at the event, given its status as a by Bridgestone Firestone Canada) and the accompanying $500 in prize money to platinum sponsor. Along with being the Montreal-based freelance journalist exclusive tire manufacturer on site during Nadine Filion. TestFest, Bridgestone Firestone Canada also

Tennessee Titans and Bridgestone Firestone News Team Up to Support Red Cross Relief Efforts for Hurricane Katrina Bridgestone Firestone North American total of $138,298 — to the fund that will go Tire, LLC and the Tennessee Titans teamed to the Nashville Area Chapter of the up with the Nashville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. This is above and American Red Cross and Second Harvest beyond the money the two entities have Food Bank to spearhead a massive already donated to Hurricane relief efforts. community blood and food drive as well as The NFL and the Bridgestone Global Group a fundraising campaign to help the victims of Companies each donated more than $1 of Hurricane Katrina. million to the American Red Cross Hurricane The blood and food drive took place Katrina Disaster Relief Fund. Sept. 17 at The Coliseum in downtown "It was a privilege for us to be able to Nashville and featured games, prizes, join with the Titans and the Red Cross to giveaways, special Titans guests and help so many people in need," said John cheerleaders. Gamauf, president, Consumer Replacement The event was part of a weekend-long Tire, BFNT. event, titled "Titans Drive for Relief," in "We have a conjunction with the Titans' home opener very proud against the Baltimore Ravens. On Game Day, tradition of Sept. 18, Bridgestone Americas teammates volunteerism were on hand at The Coliseum gates and giving collecting donations for the Red Cross back to the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund. community. To help jump-start the "Titans Drive for We are Relief" fundraising effort, Bridgestone thrilled that Firestone and the Titans each donated a this blood and food drive and fundraising dollar for every seat in The Coliseum — a campaign was a huge success." winter05 inroads 12-05.qxp 12/14/2005 5:22 PM Page 4

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Chicago Event Nets Donation of 100 Cars for Milla Group News Domestic Violence and Hurricane Victims Dealers Celebrates For many people, a car 50th represents freedom and independence, but for victims of domestic violence, a car can be Anniversary a lifeline. The Bumper to Bumper Charity Cars Hector Milla, owner of Milla Campaign in Chicago donated 100 cars to Group in Argentina, recently domestic violence victims and six families celebrated his 50th anniversary who survived Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. as a Bridgestone Firestone Bridgestone Firestone played a role in the dealer. event by donating 72 tires, 100 air gauges Milla Group was founded on and 250 "Know Your M.A.R.I.O.S." booklets. Sept. 19, 1955, by Julio Milla in The supplies were donated through Duxler donated labor and parts. Charity Cars then Carhué, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tire, a Bridgestone Firestone affiliated dealer contacted domestic violence assistance After years of work, Milla was in Libertyville, Ill. groups in the Chicago area from the Chicago able to acquire his own store in The event, held at the Rosemont Theatre, Abused Women Coalition to Palatine-based October 1965. A year later his was the result of a partnership between WINGS, known as Women in Need Growing son, Hector Milla, joined the Bumper to Bumper, a group of 125 Chicago- Stronger, to find recipients. business bringing new and area auto-service facilities, and the Original To qualify, recipients were required to fill innovative ideas about 1-800 Charity Cars, an Orlando-based non- out a 14-page application, including an essay. management, marketing, values profit organization that donates refurbished Recipients also received a $25 gas card and and future growth. His ideas cars to disadvantaged families. one month of insurance coverage. drove the company's success The idea for the event emerged nine The event was very successful and and will undoubtedly remain a months ago at a Bumper to Bumper meeting, garnered extensive media coverage. Media in core of the family business. where members decided to donate their car attendance included the Chicago Tribune, Currently, Milla Group is repair services. Charity Cars provided the cars, Chicago Daily Herald, Pioneer Press and four made up of 15 retail stores in and Bumper to Bumper auto repair shops local television stations. Argentina, nine retail stores in Chile and four truck retread plants. The company continues Bridgestone Brand Potenza RE92 Tires are Original to grow with plans for two OE more plants, one in Mar del Equipment on 2006 Impreza Models Plata and another one in High-performance tire gains fitment on redesigned, Carhué, and two additional all-wheel drive vehicle stores. Bridgestone Corporation will be supplying president, Original Equipment Consumer Tire Congratulations, Hector! Bridgestone® brand Potenza™ RE92 tires for Division, BFNT. "The all-season, high- original equipment fitment performance capabilities of on the 2006 Subaru the Bridgestone brand Impreza®. Bridgestone is the Potenza RE92 meets the primary tire supplier for needs of the popular Subaru vehicles sold in the Impreza line. We look United States, and will outfit forward to continuing our the newly redesigned successful relationship with Impreza WRX models with Subaru in delivering future all-season Bridgestone original equipment Potenza RE92 215/45ZR17 fitments." Z-speed rated tires. Interlocking triangulated Fitted on the Impreza blocks and circumferential WRX sedan and wagon grooves in the tread design models, the Bridgestone Potenza RE92 in size allow the high-performance Bridgestone Hector Milla proudly displays the award he received from Bridgestone Firestone 215/45ZR17 delivers world-class Potenza RE92 to provide excellent wet, dry in recognition of his “Golden” 50th responsiveness, handling and cornering for and snow traction. The computer-enhanced anniversary. the all-wheel drive vehicles. tread design also minimizes road noise, and "We're excited to be a part of this bold the tire's polyester cord body promotes ride redesign by Subaru," said Michael Martini, comfort. winter05 inroads 12-05.qxp 12/14/2005 5:22 PM Page 5

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BFNT Provides Tires for Emergency Vehicles in News Wake of Hurricane Katrina Bridgestone Firestone North writer who has written for the light truck American Tire, LLC was there with a market, and Warren Spears of Spears helping hand by supplying tires Automotive, his "go-to shop" for installation immediately after Hurricane Katrina and technical advice, an outreach to the when the cities of Waveland, Miss., was organized to and Long Beach, Miss., were in support the rebuilding effort. desperate need. In response, Daimler Chrysler Corporation Hurricane Katrina nearly leveled the supplied the cities with Ram trucks. small coastal community of Waveland, This allowed emergency response groups to rendering nearly every city vehicle be self-sufficient and get their service unresponsive — police cars, fire vehicles back on the road, ready to help Waveland, Miss. trucks, city work vehicles, etc. The only citizens when they needed it most. vehicle left running after the storm Truly representative of the civic-minded was a single backhoe. The rest of the focus of BFNT, the tire manufacturer city’s emergency vehicle fleet in provided several sets of LT265/70R17 Waveland was under nearly 10 feet of Firestone® Destination™ M/T and saltwater. In the nearby city of Long P265/70R17 Firestone Destination A/T brand Beach, the fire department was tires for the vehicles to ensure they could experiencing similar problems. make their way through fallen timber and With the combined efforts of Bruce other debris without delay. Smith, a Long Beach-based automotive Long Beach, Miss. Truck Driver Kevin Harris Receives Bridgestone Canada Firestone Canadian Truck Hero Award Kevin Harris, a Kamloops, the cab and pinning Mills’ arms and legs. British Colombia, trucker who fought off Rushing from his truck, Harris climbed into flames and defied danger so that he could the crushed cab and valiantly attempted to provide comfort to a dying fellow driver he rescue the gravely injured driver. While rescue had met only 10 minutes earlier, efforts were futile, Harris is the recipient of this year’s remained at Mills’ side, putting Bridgestone Firestone Canadian a pillow behind his neck, Truck Hero Award. wiping his face, holding his The award, which Bridgestone hand and trying to make him Firestone Canada has presented as comfortable as possible in since 1956, is given to a the dire circumstances. Canadian trucker demonstrating With fires igniting around courage, quick thinking and Kevin Harris (left), accepting him from dripping diesel fuel integrity in the face of his prize from Jim West, that threatened to engulf the district manager, Commercial emergency. In recognition of his Products Eastern Canada for entire truck at any moment, achievement, Mr. Harris received Bridgestone Firestone. Harris used fire extinguishers a $3,000 check from Bridgestone from the two trucks to quell the Firestone Canada, along with a fires, enabling him to stay with Mills. He was commemorative trophy. The award was able to remain until Mills drew his last breath, presented at the annual meeting of the at which point Harris left the cab, just before Ontario Trucking Association. it was engulfed in flames. Harris, a driver for Valley Roadways Ltd., In addition to presenting Mr. Harris with was traveling along Highway 5A last August, the $3,000 prize money that accompanies the trailing Peter Mills, a trucker with whom he award, Bridgestone Firestone Canada is had shared coffee at a truck stop only donating a matching amount in Kevin Harris’ moments before. Mills’ truck suddenly veered name to a memorial trust fund that has been out of control and rolled into a ditch, crushing set up for Peter Mills’ son in his hometown. winter05 inroads 12-05.qxp 12/14/2005 5:22 PM Page 6

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BFNT Sponsors "Papa" Gushi Morrell Tire Consumer 2006 Formula Drift Competition Dealers Shows BFNT will sponsor Tsukasa Gushi has driven in competitive events for Customer "Papa" Gushi of Gushi Auto Race Program more than 20 years. He began his career in Appreciation with a (Team Gushi Auto) in the 2006 Need for Japan drifting on the country's signature Speed™ Formula Drift (Formula D) mountain roads. Since moving to the United Donation Championship Series. States, Gushi has participated in Solo 2, Club Morrell Tire, a TireStarz dealer Gushi, founder and president of Team 4AG and Drift Association Drift Days events, in Ontario, Canada, celebrated Gushi Auto, will compete for top ranking as well as a variety of time attack and speed Customer Appreciation Day by behind the wheel of the Kingpin/Gushi Auto trial challenges. giving back to its community. Subaru WRX STi drift car shod with new Beyond his driving expertise, Gushi is an For the second year, the dealer Bridgestone® Potenza™ RE-01R™ high accomplished performance vehicle builder. collected toys and gifts under a performance tires with UNI-T™ technology. In 2005, Gushi's son Kenshiro captured third 12-foot birthday tree made of The Kingpin/Gushi Auto Subaru WRX STi place overall in the Formula D Championship tires. Jim and Cindy Hunt, drift car will be branded with "Bridgestone" Series driving a 2005 GT built owners, donated a percentage of and "Potenza RE-01R" when competing in by his father and Ford Racing. the day's sales to the Children's 2006. Bridgestone emblems will also adorn "Ken drives for a competitive team," Aid Society of Brant. The day was Gushi's race suit. noted Gushi. "With me driving for the also filled with lots of food and Gushi will compete on Bridgestone Bridgestone brand, this season promises to fun. Customers feasted on hot Potenza RE-01R tires in seven Formula D be very exciting!" dogs, candy apples and snow events in 2006. See related cover story. cones while enjoying horseback rides, a bouncer tent, raffle prizes and a clown. BFNT Tackles Drifting Scene with Introduction of Consumer New Bridgestone Potenza RE-001R Targeted to the enthusiast temperature conditions. Racing slits driver, the new Bridgestone® brand allocated to the shoulder block make the Potenza™ RE-01R™ tire with UNI-T™ Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R flexible and technology is designed for high enable the tire to distribute uniform performance on the street and track. pressure to the contact patch when "For many years, the sport compact and cornering. performance communities in Japan have "The exceptional handling of the come to rely and depend on the technology Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R allows drivers of the Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R, the to enjoy a sense of unity with their vehicles," successor to the popular Potenza RE-01," added Pacsi. said Phil Pacsi, executive director, North The tread is also engineered with American Consumer Tire Brand Marketing, Bridgestone's Hydro Evacuation Surface™ BFNT. "Based on an overwhelming interest technology that consists of wide lateral by enthusiasts in the Japanese market and groves on either side of the center rib and the tires' success there, we are bringing that F1 Nose™ slots to enhance water evacuation technology to North America. The and achieve outstanding wet performance. Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R is a street tire The Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R carries a for sports driving. Whether on the highway, UTQG rating of 140 for treadwear, 'A' for on a straightaway, in an autocross corner or traction and 'A' for temperature. The V- and sliding through a drift course, we are W-speed rated tires will be available confident this tire will exceed expectations." beginning April 2006 in 13 popular 16- to The Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R features 19-inch, 30- to 55-series sizes, including: a semi-slick shoulder block that provides 205/55R16 91V 225/50R16 92V lateral stiffness for advanced cornering force 225/45R17 91W 245/45R17 95W and grip on dry surfaces as well as a wide 235/40R17 90W 245/40R17 91W center rib for outstanding initial handling 245/45R18 96W 225/40R18 88W response. Cooling slits engineered in the 235/40R18 91W 245/40R18 93W 265/35R18 93W 245/35R19 89W tread help dissipate heat and make the tire 275/30R19 92W more durable under high-speed, high- See related cover story. winter05 inroads 12-05.qxp 12/14/2005 5:22 PM Page 7

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Firestone Ag Safeguard Your Future with a Succession Plan Ag Launches News As you probably already leadership at every level of the organization. Redesigned know, developing and The strength of a company's succession implementing a well-designed succession plans will influence whether a company will Web Site plan is essential to the survival of a family prosper. Firestone Agricultural Tire business from one generation to the next. As you develop a succession plan, here Division of Bridgestone Yet the majority of family-run businesses do are a few questions to ask yourself: Firestone has redesigned its not have a plan. ·When do I want to step aside? company Web site, FACT: More than seven out of 10 family- ·How responsible do I want to be for the www.firestoneag.com. owned businesses fail to survive the company? The upgraded site makes it transition from founder to second ·What are the long-term goals for me, my easier for Firestone dealers and generation. This is typically because of company, my employees? customers to get up-to-date estate taxes or family conflict. ·What are the company's needs? information about each of the Whether it's giving or selling the business Once you've determined how you'd like company's tire lines, including to the next generation, selling the business to see the business survive, it's important to agricultural, construction, to a third party or setting up an Employee sit down and put together the legal and forestry and ATV tires. Stock Ownership Plan, a detailed plan is financial documents to ensure that your The company replaced the needed well ahead of the plan stays intact. In 2005, "Data Book" feature with a actual transaction. And BFNT conducted a series of simpler, quicker "Tire Finder" succession planning is not seminars across the country. feature that gives visitors three an occurrence that Although no seminars are simple ways to find tire involves only the top level currently planned for 2006, information. of an organization. if you are interested in "This Web site redesign will Companies that are truly more information please make our site more useful and effective at succession contact Paul Chizeck at convenient for our customers," concentrate on building 630-259-9352. said Jeff Wilson, the division's marketing manager. "The new Tire Finder is designed to be Firestone Tires Carry Hurricane Aid faster and easier to use than the Commercial old Data Book, and our new site Like so many Americans, Larry advertising, Commercial Tire, BFNT. "With the design will make it even easier Keller wanted to help the global truck tire shortage, we had serious to find information about all of victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, so he concerns about finding the correct tires. our products for the agricultural, decided to donate his mobile kitchen trailers Luckily, two dealers in Bakersfield had the forestry, construction or ATV to the cause. But his tractor and three inventory and handled the mounting. segments." custom-built trailers had been mothballed 13 Everything fell into place to allow us to do Check out the new Web site years earlier, and without serious repair, the the right thing." today! units could never get the job done. Larry Keller custom-built the three trailers So Larry got on the phone and went to himself. The 45-foot kitchen trailer features work. two stoves, two conventional ovens, two Just four days later, Keller's mobile kitchen convection ovens, two deep fat fryers and a trailers — equipped with Firestone FT455 griddle. It uses an onboard 500-gallon trailer radials — left Bakersfield, stainless steel freshwater tank, 270-gallon Calif., to make the 1,700-mile propane tank and two 50-kilowatt generators. journey to feed victims and The second and third trailers are both 28-feet volunteer workers in Texas. long and serve as pantry and Keller's tractor, which needed freezer/refrigerator. additional repairs, headed down From 1980 to 1992, Keller drove wherever to Texas the following week on people needed to be fed, even serving fire new Bridgestone M725 drive fighters deep in the forest. One time he served radials. 2,700 fire fighters fighting the Gorda Rat Fire Bridgestone Firestone North in California's Los Padres National Forest. American Tire, LLC donated the In 1984, Keller's mobile kitchen followed truck tires. the Olympic torchbearers 9,320 miles across Larry Keller's mobile kitchen got new "This is another way we can help," said the United States, feeding participants three Firestone tires to make the trip to Texas Don Darden, manager, marketing & meals a day. and serve hungry hurricane victims. winter05 inroads 12-05.qxp 12/14/2005 5:22 PM Page 8

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Modern Tire Dealer Names Paul Zurcher the Tire Dealers Dealer of the Year A hearty congratulations to 5. I am committed to doing things right. Paul Zurcher for being named Tire Dealer of You can do the right thing wrong or the the Year by Modern Tire Dealer! Zurcher is wrong thing right and it's still going to the founder of Zurcher Tire Inc., one of the be wrong. Midwest's most successful tire stores, and 6. I am committed to being a positive head of Best-One Tire & Service, one of person. Nothing great was ever North America's largest and most profitable accomplished without enthusiasm. tire distribution networks. He is also a 7. Never compromise your integrity. member of the Tire Industry Association's 8. Plan tomorrow today. Tire Industry Hall of Fame. 9. Live life now. Make the most out of life. As reported in Modern Tire Dealer, below is Paul Zurcher's "code of honor." Paul Zurcher is the 13th winner of Modern Tire Dealer's Tire Dealer of the Year 1. I am committed to seeking God's award. He received an etched plaque and a friendship, fellowship and guidance. framed portrait. As part of his recognition, 2. I am committed to developing effective Modern Tire Dealer sent a check to the relationships. charity of his choice: the Adams County 3. I am committed to treating everyone Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Ind. BFNT also with honor, love, dignity and respect. recognized Zurcher's accomplishment with a 4. I am committed to being a disciplined one-of-a-kind table made from a tire mold person. from the La Vergne, Tenn., plant.

Bridgestone Firestone 535 Marriott Drive Nashville, TN 37214

Winter 2005

inRoads is a publication produced by the North American Consumer Tire and North American Commercial Tire Groups of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC for the benefit of our customers.

We welcome and encourage comments about inRoads or Bridgestone Firestone and the industry in general. Comments, suggestions and requests for information should be sent to: Susan Sizemore Public Affairs Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. 535 Marriott Dr. Nashville, TN 37214 [email protected] 615/937-1417

© 2005 Bridgestone Firestone