880 W. Long Lake Road • Suite 225 •
Troy, Michigan 48098
• P: 248.269.1122 •
E: bianchipr@bianchipr.com
880 W. Long Lake Road • Suite 225 •
Troy, Michigan 48098
• P: 248.269.1122 •
E: bianchipr@bianchipr.com
Erin Pustay Beaven is the managing editor at Rubber & Plastics News.
What’s the top story you’re working on right now?
The biggest story this week was the announcement that Goodyear is poised to purchase Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. It’s a big story for the industry I cover because it brings together the two biggest U.S.-based tiremakers, both of which are headquartered in Ohio. The move also has big implications globally for Goodyear, the world’s third-largest tiremaker, which will significantly expand its China presence with the move.
On a personal level, I’m a native Ohioan and Akron resident, so the pending deal also has potential to impact the economics of my state and my city.
Tell us about your dream assignment.
I am routinely inspired by the women I meet through my reporting, especially those who are pushing the industry to new heights with their leadership and successes in their STEM careers. I have not yet had the chance to meet or spend time with Cara Adams, Director, Race Tire Engineering & Manufacturing and Chief Engineer at Bridgestone Americas Motorsports, but I would jump at the chance to do so.
Describe the craziest or most fun story you’ve written.
Ohio was a key swing state in 2008, so both candidates—Barack Obama and John McCain—spent time stumping here. Because of that, I had the opportunity to cover campaign events for both candidates, which I’m proud to have done. I still have my press passes.
What is your top pet peeve with PR people?
I’d have to say lack of quality, easily available photos. Having dynamic images is important, especially when more readers are getting news on their mobile devices, and I need help getting those. Knowing I can easily find a library of images or quickly/immediately get access to images is incredibly helpful.
What is the top trend you’re covering or interested in right now?
Hands down, it’s new mobility. I nerd out learning about trends and technology surrounding electric, autonomous and connected vehicles. This is an incredibly exciting time for the auto industry overall, and I’m excited I get to document it.
Tell us a little about yourself (family, interests, favorites, background, etc.)
I love reading and too often stay up past my bedtime, promising myself I’ll read just one more chapter. I’m a sucker for cheesy romance novels, but I will read any story that is beautifully told and well-written.
I cannot stand heat and humidity and likely never would choose a tropical vacation. I much prefer cooler, colder temperatures and would love to spend a winter week at a cabin in the mountains, where I can settle in with a cup of coffee, a blanket and a good book.
Ohio is my home, but part of my heart always will be in Wisconsin. That’s where my family vacationed every summer while I was growing up. Wisconsin also is where I fell in love with the Green Bay Packers.
My husband is one of the funniest people I know and he never fails to make me laugh, something I’ve needed often during the last year. My 7-year-old son also never fails to bring sunshine—and a little extra stress—to every day. I don’t know what I would do without them.
Finish this sentence: People would be surprised to know that … I am licensed to operate a boat in Florida. (The fact that I have a Florida boater’s license sounds far more exciting than the story behind how and why I do.)
You can follow Erin on Twitter at: @EBeavenCrain
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880 W. Long Lake Road • Suite 225 •
Troy, Michigan 48098
• P: 248.269.1122 •
E: bianchipr@bianchipr.com
