AKRON, Ohio -- Goodyear's expanding minority program was recognized and acknowledged at the 11th Annual Black Business Expo and Trade Show held in Los Angeles, California.

The Los Angeles Black Business Expo and Trade Show is heralded as one of the most successful minority consumer marketing events in the city of Los Angeles. It is an event that is attended and supported predominately by the African American community.

"This is the first time that Goodyear has participated in this show," said Cathy Smith, human resource manager for Goodyear's West region. "It was really exciting to see some of our past customers and potential customers stop at our booth and acknowledge our presence."

"This was a great opportunity to reach out to consumers and business owners in the Los Angeles African American community and to strengthen current businesses and form new business alliances," said Don Harper, vice president, human resources planning and development. "Part of Goodyear's commitment to diversity is supporting our minority communities and sharing with them some of the benefits of being part of the Goodyear family. Our diversity commitment is linked to our ability to recognize and value the differences in our customers. Our ability to service these various markets will impact our ability to grow as a company. Goodyear has been a part of the Los Angeles community for several decades, and we have a very strong network of company-owned outlets and dealer locations there to serve our customers."

Goodyear's presence was not only noticed at its exhibit booth but it was also visible in the skies overhead where the Airship Eagle, Goodyear's aerial ambassador, stationed in California, displayed messages in support of the Expo. In addition, two lucky visitors to the booth were surprised to learn that one had won a set of Goodyear tires and the other, a ride on the Airship Eagle.