Trim Committee Announces Convention Hotel Rebates for Wholesalers

It’s December and time to start seriously planning for the 2009 AAIA Trim National Convention scheduled for March 25-29 at the newly-renovated Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. 

The finishing touches are being completed for the convention program and it is expected that the brochure and registration material will be in the mail right after the first of the year. In addition, the Trim Segment Committee this week announced significant actions that have been undertaken in light of the tough economic times that are facing many in the trim industry.

Taken together, these two actions should significantly reduce the cost of attending the 2009 convention. 

Attendees are also urged to check airfares to Las Vegas as soon as possible to ensure attendees can obtain the best deal. Many airlines offer significantly lower airfares with advanced purchases. Companies should contact Options Travel at 800-544-8785, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, to check airfares and to make travel arrangements. 

Should you have any questions regarding the convention, e-mail Aaron Lowe, AAIA Trim segment liaison, at aaron.lowe@aftermarket.org. 



April 2008


2008 Trim National Convention a Great Success

With 30 wholesalers, 39 exhibitors and 12 manufacturers’ representatives, the 2008 Trim National Convention, held April 2-6 at Amelia Island Plantation in Amelia Island, Fla., went into the books as a major success. In addition to the one-on-one meetings that took place all day on Thursday and Friday, some of the highlights of the convention included:

• The Trim golf tournament on Wednesday morning took place at the picturesque Oak Marsh course on the Amelia Island Plantation. The wining foursome in this always popular event was Johnnie Burke, Adam Faust, Pete Mancuso and Carole Harpe. The closest to the hole contest was won by Bryan Macon, and the longest drive was awarded to Don Phipps for the men and Gina Lowe for the women.  
• Attendees enjoyed a rock and roll party during Wednesday’s Chairman’s Opening Reception. Since the convention was in Florida, one of the highlights of the evening was the ugly Parrothead/Hawaiian shirt contest. While there were some pretty interesting shirts, the two winners were first-time attendees Amy Hayes, LaBaron Boney and Rusty Copeland, Shuford Mills. 
• During Thursday’s lunch, attendees heard from Tom Shay, Profit Plus, who discussed the 10 fatal mistakes that small businesses make and what businesses can do to avoid them. Shay also reviewed 10 things that small businesses can do to make their business stronger. Attendees can obtain additional information that might help make their business more profitable by visiting the Profit Plus Web site at www.profitplus.org.
• On Thursday night, the Trim segment inducted Gaither Spradling into the Trim Hall of Fame. Presentations regarding Spradling’s life and contributions to the industry were made by Mark Goldstone, Spradling International and Johnny Burke, Spradling Original. In addition, Pete Zimpelman, who was unable to attend due to a family illness, sent a letter that was read regarding Spradling’s business achievements. The award was accepted by his wife Barbara Spradling, who was in attendance along with his daughter, Pam McDowell.  
• The convention’s final event was the tennis tournament. While every year is fun, this year was particularly special since the Bausch and Lomb Championships, a women’s pro- tennis tournament, was taking place simultaneously with the Trim tournament. Following the Trim tennis event, participants had the opportunity to watch some of the practice sessions and qualifying matches that were taking place at the beautiful Amelia Island tennis facility.