28 Minnesota Tires Plus Locations Named Green Star BusinessesState environmental certification program recognizes Tires Plus store locations as environmentally sensitive automotive service providers

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. (Sept. 29, 2009) – According to the state of Minnesota’s Environmental Audit Program, customers of Minnesota’s Tires Plus™ store locations can be confident they are receiving environmentally sensitive automotive service. The store locations were certified as “Green Star” automotive service providers through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s voluntary Environmental Audit Program.

Businesses are given a Green Star Award if they meet the requirements of the State of Minnesota’s Environmental Audit Program, which encourages industries, businesses and governments to examine how well a facility’s operations are complying with local, state and federal environmental regulations. The environmental audits cover areas such as water, air, solid waste and tanks.

“The store locations that earned the Green Star Award deserve recognition for this achievement,” said Larry Magee, Chairman, CEO and President of Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC, (BSRO), the parent company of Tires Plus. “The commitment to improving the environment that they demonstrate each day is important not only to their customers, but to each person in the community.”

In the case of automotive service providers, the evaluation categories include proper handling of waste, antifreeze, wastewater discharge, used oil, batteries, towels and solvents. Addressing these areas is also a focus of “One Team, One Planet,” a global environmental initiative of Bridgestone Corporation, Bridgestone Americas and each of its subsidiaries, including BSRO.

“BSRO has a long tradition of working to enhance the environment and supporting conservation initiatives, and we are looking to the future to find new ways of making even greater improvements,” Magee added. “Not only do we want to protect the environment, we want to help and encourage our customers and communities to do so, too.”

Under the “One Team, One Planet” initiative, BSRO’s programs include tire pressure checks to help consumers conserve fuel and reduce emissions, participating in community cleanups, accepting “do-it-yourself” used oil and automotive batteries for recycling at stores, and careful stewardship of land and water resources.

The government entities and organizations that have recognized BSRO and Bridgestone Americas’ environmental achievements include: the Environmental Protection Agency, the Environmental Federation of Oklahoma, the Iowa Governor’s Office, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the Conservation Fund, the Automotive Service Association of Arizona, the National Geographic Society and Eastman Kodak Company.

BSRO store locations are also recognized as environmentally responsible businesses by state and local environmental agency green business programs in Seattle, Wash., and Tucson, Ariz.