Online Registration Now Open for 2010 Trim Convention

Registration is now open for the 2010 AAIA Trim National Convention, scheduled for March 24-27 in San Antonio, Texas. The convention will take place at the historic Omni La Mansion located in the heart of San Antonio on the famous River Walk.  

Through good times and bad, the Trim Convention has focused on building business for both trim wholesalers and distributors. By permitting customers and suppliers to meet privately, one-on-one, the convention provides a cost-effective venue for attendees to do business. In addition, through social and educational events, the convention offers important networking and learning opportunities geared specifically to help members of the trim industry grow their business. That is why most of the major players in the trim industry will begin their next decade in San Antonio at the 2010 convention.

To register online for the 2010 AAIA Trim National Convention, visit www.aftermarket.org/MeetingsEvents.aspx. For any additional information on the convention, e-mail Aaron Lowe, Trim segment liaison, at aaron.lowe@aftermarket.org.




10/27/09


Long-time Trim Segment Member Fred Robida Passes Away

Fred Robida died on Oct. 23 at the age of 65 at his home in Stuart, Fla. A long-time Trim convention attendee, Robida was co-owner of Redrum Fabrics of Norwood, Mass. until July 2008 when he retired. He also was an Air Force Veteran and is survived by his wife of 19 years, Bernice Robida of Stuart, Fla.

A memorial service will be held in Connecticut at a later date. Donations can be made to Hospice Foundation C/O Treasure Coast, 1201 SE Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997 (772-403-4500) in care of Frederick Robida. A memorial Web site also has been set up at http://frederick-robida.virtual-memorials.com.

07/07/09


Trim Industry Loses Two of its Leaders

The Trim industry lost two of its leaders in the last several weeks. Both Tom T. Kosobayashi, former owner of Pyramid Products in Roseville, Minn.; and Ruby Noah, co-founder of J.R. Veteran Co. of Kansas City, Mo., have passed away. Below are their obituaries.

Tom T. Kosobayashi of Roseville, Minn., passed away on Friday, June 19, 2009. Kosobayashi served as an interpreter with the U.S. Military Intelligence Service during WWII and as a civilian interpreter for the post-war trials in Japan. He is the former owner of Pyramid Trim Products and maintained an active, cheerful presence there until his illness.

Kosobayashi was preceded in death by his parents, Yaokichi and Masuno; brother, Tomoyoshi; sisters, Tatsuko and Yoshiko; and half-brother, Shizuo. The gracious and gentle husband, father, grandfather, friend and businessman is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Marian; children, Thomas (Cathy), Joy (David Denier), Kent (Helen); grandson, Kirk Denier; brother, Shiro; sisters, Mieko and Yaeko; along with nieces, nephews and friends. Burial was on June 26 at 2:15 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to Twin Cities Buddhist Association, Normandale Japanese Garden or Kogen Taiko. www.holcombhenryboom.com.

Ruby Noah, 99, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2009. Noah was a co-founder, along with his brother Joseph, of J.R. Veteran Co., a wholesale automotive trim company. The family business was established in 1946. He retired in 1989. Noah was a member of Beth Shalom Synagogue and its Men’s Club; life member of B’nai B’rith; and was a past president of the B’nai B’rith Beth Horan Bowling League. He was an Army veteran of WWII serving with the 1st Army Headquarters in the European Theatre.

Noah was born in Kansas City, Mo., and was a life-long area resident. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Fannye Noah; his parents, Israel and Sarah Noah; a brother, A. Louis Noah; and sister, Reda L. Noah. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Howard and Sharon Noah, Overland Park, Kan.; brother, Joseph Noah, Kansas City, Mo.; grandchildren, Rachel and Behyar Roozrokh, Elizabeth and Dallas Astle, Heather and Randy Nelson, Sara Cartwright; 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.