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Contents The Official Publication of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association
Features Pioneer and Hall of Fame Class of 2015 Highlights From OABA’s 50th Anniversary Meeting & Chair’s Reception
March 2015
government Features 20 minimum Wage increases
association 4 from the oaba chair
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Michael Wood
23 h-2b Workers are critical to u.s. economy
6 association buZZ Bring On The Next 50 Years!
By Congressman Ander Crenshaw
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8 on the earie Tom Powell reports on the industry’s shows, fairs, colorful show folks and amusing events.
circus members 26 from the center ring
12 photo gallery The OABA catches members in action.
28 capitol update
18 services, benefits & programs
Joan Galvin, Government Relations Consultant
Final 2014 Contribution Fund and Concessionaries Win Big Money!
facebook www.facebook.com/oabainfo
Rodney Huey follows circuses around the country.
twitter @oabainfo
read with smartphone bar code scanner
Our Mission: To promote the preservation and growth of the outdoor amusement industry through leadership, advocacy and education. All advertisements appearing in this ShowTime publication are paid by the advertiser and the OABA reserves the right to refuse any advertising. The ads are provided on an “as is” basis and do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the OABA. In addition, the OABA does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse the information, products, or services of any corporation, organization, or person contributing to this publication.
ShowTime publisher|managing editor Robert Johnson 407.681.9444 H bobj@oaba.org editor Dee Dee Alford 407.681.9444 H deedeea@oaba.org graphic design Avic-Versi Creative Jen Burge H 817.602.7254 H avicversi@att.net advertising sales 407.681.9444 H oaba@oaba.org association office Outdoor Amusement Business Assn., Inc. 1035 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite 1045A Winter Park, FL 32792 407.681.9444 H fax 407.681.9445 © Outdoor Amusement Business Assn. 2015
oaba officers
oaba trustees
chair Michael Wood 1st vice chair Thomas J. Gaylin, III 2nd vice chair E. J. Dean 3rd vice chair Jay Strates trustee 2014 Chris Lopez trustee 2013 Mike Featherston trustee 2012 Jeanne McDonagh treasurer Larry Yaffe president Bob Johnson
oaba directors Michael Brajevich Doug Burtch Joe Burum Tony Cassata Brad Dallman Andy Deggeller Michael Doolan Blake Huston
Stacey Jamieson Mitchell Kaliff Melissa Kibby Michael Lauther Charlene Leavitt Ron Morris Ben Pickett Debbie Powers
Rick Reithoffer Lorelei Schoendienst Joseph Skerbeck Mary Chris Smith Greg Stewart Holly Swartz Amber Swedgan Rob Vivona
Bill Johnson-2011 Dominic Vivona, Jr.-2010 Wayne McCary-2009 Andy Schoendienst-2008 John Hanschen-2007 Guy Leavitt-2006 Ron Burback-2005 Don Deggeller-2004 James E. Strates-2003 * Jackie Swika-2002 Danny Huston-2001 Jeff Blomsness-2000 Sam Johnston-1999 Buddy Merten-1998 * Richard Janas-1997 Jean Clair-1996 James Murphy-1995 Dominic Vivona-1994 * Bill Dillard, Sr.-1993 Tom Atkins-1992 * Red Wood-1991 Billy Burr-1990
Bob Coleman, Sr.-1989 * Milt F. Kaufman-1988 * Andy Andersen-1987 * John Vivona-1986 * Mike Farino-1985 James H. Drew, III-1984 Gerald L. Murphy-1983 * John A. Campi-1982 * Buster L. Brown-1981 * Hub Luehrs-1980 * Lloyd J. Hilligoss-1979 * Hal F. Eifort-1978 * Alfred H. Kunz-1977 * P.E. Reithoffer, Jr.-1976 * Bernard P. Thomas-1975 E. James Strates-1974 * Rod Link-1973 * C.J. Sedlmayr-1972 * John Portemont-1971 * William T. Collins-1966-70 * W.G. Wade-1965
* Deceased
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ASSOCIATION H message from the oaBa Chair
Message From Your New OABA Chair Michael Wood
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he year 2015 not only marks the 50th anniversary Brotherhood…. of our great trade association, but the beginning “The brotherhood of men does not imply their equality. of my chairmanship – something I view not only Families have their fools and their men of genius, their black as an honor, but a privilege that carries a heavy responsibilsheep and their saints, their worldly successes and failures. A ity to you, the membership. I cannot thank each of you and man should treat his brothers lovingly and with justice, accordour board enough for the support, faith and trust bestowed ing to the deserts of each. But the deserts of every brother are upon myself to lead your organization for the coming year. not the same.” As we tackle the many issues that confront our daily lives, In essence we all have a role to play, but perhaps on difremember, nothing is possible without you! ferent levels. Any contribution, large or small, monetary or of Fifty years ago our founding fathers banded together personal effort, is vital to our success overcoming the strugforming the OABA to accomplish gles we face. Fortunately for us all, what could not be done individualwe live in the greatest constitutional ly – take on and fight big labor and republic known to man – the United Help your trade association big government. If you believe in States of America. Where our things coming full circle, then this founding fathers ensured we have a help you with your issues by is the year as we again are embatvoice, but a voice only heard if you joining, continuing to support, and tled with big labor and big governpresent it to those who represent most importantly, communicating ment once again for the preservayou. tion our vital source of labor, the As a young man growing up, my with us at the OABA. H-2B visa program. father instilled in all those surServing on the OABA board for rounding him this message, “That the last ten years, first as a director, a vice chair and offiif you’re unwilling to stand up and do something about your cer, and now your chairman, I have learned if nothing else situation, then you also give up your right to complain about that individually we can be noticed, but together we can be it as well.” Help your trade association help you with your iseffective. For those of you who attended our 50th Annual sues by joining, continuing to support, and most importantly, Member Meeting, I read to you a quote from British author communicating with us at the OABA. Looking back at our Aldous Huxley. For the ladies present I want you to know history, we were once over 4,000 strong, and now just over “Sisterhood” is a vital part of “Brotherhood” and your invalu3,000 strong. able contributions have not gone unnoticed. For those who As your 2015 chairman I challenge you to help restore our were unable to attend, I would like for you to read this same membership to the levels of our past in order to help secure message. our future! H
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ASSOCIATION H association buzz
Bring On The Next 50 Years! Bob Johnson, OABA President
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hose of you who attended our 50th Annual Membership Meeting followed by our Gala Reception honoring in-coming Chair Michael Wood, I hope you will agree with me that it was a spectacular meeting and event in Tampa! This issue of ShowTime features our Sponsors and Golden Jubilee Elite Members, who made sure this event highlighting our first 50 years as the mobile amusement industry’s largest trade association was outstanding! Starting with the election of our directors, as reported by Wood, with Chris Lopez handling the vote by some 400 people in attendance, then on to the Hall of Fame and Pioneer recipients, it was truly a night to remember for years to come. Honored as industry Pioneers were Jerry Barber and Dan Dudley, followed by John Hanschen, OABA Trustee and owner of Thomas Carnival, along with OABA Trustee and first lady Chair of the OABA, Jean Clair, with Luehrs’ Ideal Rides and Clair’s Classic Food, both inducted into the OABA Hall of Fame. These individuals were previously honored by those attending the OABA’s ribbon cutting ceremony at the International Independent Showmen’s Museum on Wednesday, prior to this Golden Jubilee event Friday evening. OABA First Vice Chair Tom Gaylin, Chair of the Hall of Fame and Historical Committee,
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welcomed nearly 100 guests to the OABA’s new section on the second floor of the mu museum. Tom worked hard with our staff and the museum board to make sure this was a showcase for this industry. Congratulations to OABA Trustee Bill Johnson, who was honored by 2014 Chair Chris Lopez, on his fifteen years of service to the OABA and the board. Pioneer Dan Dudley presented the OABA with NAARSO’s “Red Wood Safety Award” and NAARSO recognized the OABA for the loyal sup support with scholarships for our members to their 28th Annual Safety Forum. A big congratulations to OABA Sr. Vice President Al DeRusha and OABA Vice President Dee Dee Alford who were recognized at Thursday’s board meeting for their twenty-five years and fifteen years, respec respectively, of loyal and outstanding service to the OABA, the board, and members. A very special thanks to Mary Chris Smith and Annie Shugart with Allied Specialty Insurance, as well as Ron Porter and Audrey Poole with Fare Foods for their generous contributions and hard work to make this 50th Anniversary Gala really, really special. Lastly, congrats to Jay Strates who was elected by the board to move from director to third vice chair, and who will become the OABA’s Chair in 2018. Seems like a long way off, but having served 21 years myself, time flies when you’re having fun and doing what you enjoy. H
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ASSOCIATION H on the earie
On The Earie Tom Powell, OABA News Ambassador
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or all the naysayers who don’t come to the IISA trade show in Gibsonton, FL anymore, I say they don’t know what they’re missing. It’s not only a wonderful time, but the best time to catch up with old friends and associates, meet new ones, and conduct business in a relaxed atmosphere where the sun always seems to be shining. My wife, Christine, who was feted by the ladies from the Gibtown and Greater Tampa Showmen’s Association’s Worldwide Past Presidents Club, with a surprise fry, and I departed from Nashville after she had successful cataract surgery. It appears the entire world is going through the same thing and I hope theirs wind up as successfully as Christine’s has. Candy Anderson was the emcee and roasters included Cathy Razzano, Dee Dee Starkey, Janice Lane, Debbie Case and me. Debbie Pugh, last year’s recipient, presented Christine with a beautiful gift. She thought she was going to an event in honor of Kim Netterfield. The first clue that it was in her honor came when Christine saw Sky Vodka and her signature butterflies. When traveling in a past life as a food concessionaire, her handle was Madam Butterfly. The Sky is obvious for those who know her well. Christine and I made it to Macon the first night and were so tired by the time we stopped we failed to make any whoopee. (Sorry about that, but I couldn’t resist.) Upon arriving at the Sheraton Hotel in Tampa, we were treated royally by Ron and Laura Porter, their son, Trampas, and Audrey Poole of Fare Foods, who were hosting the NICA Expo and Food Show. They had a hospitality room which we’d attend each night after spending most of the day at the Gibtown show. A special treat came Super Bowl Sunday when Fare Foods set up a room with a big screen and free food and drinks. It turned out to be a fantastic way to watch the New England Patriots beat the Seattle
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Sea hawks 28-24. The unbelievable finish was exhilarating for myself and Peter Kasin, one of the most active Showmen’s League of American members ever, and a concessionaire for the most part with Doug and Pat Skinner. His twin brother, Paul, is current SLA president. It seemed as though Peter and I were the only ones in the crowd who were cheering for New England. We had planned to watch the game at the club and there was plenty of activity there with lots of screens, food and booze. I even called Harold Case to wonder where he was and he said he was at another bar with Billy Tucker of Dixieland Carnival, but would hop on his motorcycle and come over. By the time he arrived, I had decided it was too chaotic since I really wanted to watch the game. NICA has some great guys that I got to know a lot better, especially Joe Potillo, who succeeded Greg Miller as president, Russ Harrison and Dennis Fraleigh. My old friend Alta Mosley, NICA’s executive director who used to manage the Lee County Arena and Southwest Florida Fair in Fort Myers, told me she is getting set to retire. I was shocked when I saw Canadian carnival owner Randy Homeniuk at the club to find out that his dad, John, had passed away last June at 82. Homeniuk was with a fellow Canadian show owner, Robert Gable. I can’t tell you how many pictures I’ve taken over the years of Homeniuk and Don and Scooper Campbell of Campbell Amusements. I’d always kid them that you had to be a little short in stature guy to own a carnival in Canada. They both always stood tall in the industry. After 24 years with Deggeller Attractions, James Ingram said he was leaving to join Tony Diaz’s International Unit of North American Midway Entertainment. I was also surprised to run into Jeff Deggeller who came into the club with Bobby Myers, Jimmy Otterbacher and Doug Haworth. Jeff, a master builder just
like Myers, has spent the last two seasons with Harold Fera’s Rockwell Amusements. He said he moves one unit and books four pieces. Jim Elliott of Elliott Amusements, owned by his son, Tracy, and his wife, Debbie, said he had his best season ever in 2014. “And that includes my days with Glenn Wade and Red Wood and when I owned my own show.” Kenny Smith of Rockin Graphics said he bought On Site Canvas from Suzanne Bell and moved his entire operation to Gibsonton. He’s doing digital printing for tent tops and just completed a job for Harry Mason’s Brass Ring Amusements. “I also did the Big Easy Trailer for George and Alieta Mitchell; wrapped a funnel cake trailer for The James Gang, and wrapped a Funhouse for Gary and Jody Montgomery of Sam’s Amusements, along with a Thunderbolt for Strates Shows.” There was so much going on that I think it will take us a week to recover. We sat on the dais at the Gibtown Banquet and Ball in honor of President Wilbur Cooke where Lee Stevens did an outstanding job as emcee. Next to the incomparable Ward Hall, Lee is Mr. Showman of Gibtown. Hall of Fame inductees were Carl Mathis of Archway Amusements, games concessionaire Max Oren, and circus legend Stu Miller. Mathis was one of the most humble man I ever met. He once invited Ray Pilszak and me to dinner, qualifying it with if somebody more important invited us he’d understand. We both let him know we were honored to be in his company — and eat the free meal. I met Max when Thaxter Trafton was manager of the Arizona State Fair. He was one of the best at what he did and, like John Hanschen, was always looking for a pickup basketball game. The OABA 50th anniversary party in honor of 2015 Chairman Michael Wood may have been the best ever. It was an overflow crowd with many people
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Joe and Annette Culver have been working fairs and boat shows with a Stingray Exhibit. Joe is also a NAARSO inspector. The Culvers visited while in Florida with Tom and Christine Powell.
Kim Palmieri, Mrs. Dom, left, and Jody Lopez, Mrs. Chris, are both daughters of Guy and Charlene Leavitt, Ray Cammack Shows.
Bill and Dorothy Truax have been with Butler Amusements for the last 11 years. Before that they were with Mike Williams’ Farrow Shows and NAME.
John Frantzis, left, owner of Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT, visits with Danny Huston of North American Midway Entertainment.
Ron Burback, Jr., left, and Ron Burback, Sr., Funtastic Shows, Portland, OR, made the rounds of the IAAPA show in Orlando, FL.
Liz Wenzel, co-owner with her sisters Corina and Alison, of Wenzel Amusements, Allenton, WI, is flanked at the IAAPA show by Chicago-area concessionaires Dave Jaros, left, and Peter Kasin.
Fred Pittroff, who has Giant Slides, and his wife, Carmel Dyer Pittroff, who books Australian Batterred Potatoes, get together with independent ride operator Steve Vander Vorste, right.
Joyce Hutchins, Fowlerville, MI, who books her Wisdom Storm independently, discusses business with Jim Zaija, Amtech International Worldwide Service & Supply, Cleburne, TX.
From left are OABA Director Mike Lauther, Reithoffer Shows; OABA First Vice Chair Tom Gaylin, Rosedale Attractions, Donna Smith, E. K. Fernandez Shows, and Thomas Lauther.
All with Butler Amusements, from left, are OABA Director Mick Brajevich, Gena Tuttle, Kelly Butler and Kris Brajevich.
standing. John Hanschen and Jean Clair were beyond worthy recipients of Hall of Fame honors and Jerry Barber and ride inspector Dan Dudley were recognized as Pioneers in this industry. I’ve known Barber forever, but I was shocked when Jeff Blomsness said he was once a high school principal. When Jerry came by for a selfie, I cracked that I always knew he was good, but some of his accomplishments are amazing. I loved what Wood said as he mentioned that his dad, Red, was OABA chairman in 1991 and his other mentor, W. G. Wade, was the first chairman in 1965. “Dad always said we never have time to do it right, but we always have time to do it over.” Let’s do the whole Gibtown thing again next year. In my opinion, everybody did it right this year. Please send news to tomp@oaba.org, or call 615-319-1258. Have all great days, and God Bless! H
MARCH 2015 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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H FEATURES
Class of 2015 OABA
Adds
tO hAll Of fAme
And piOneer leAders
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ecently, four additional industry leaders, including a second female leader, were added to the legacy of the mobile amusement industry’s Hall of Fame and Pioneer recipients in Tampa at the OABA’s 50th Annual Meeting and Golden Jubilee Gala. Since 2001, a total of 43 men and women have been honored by their peers as amusement industry leaders. With an audience of over 400, the OABA recognized Pioneers Dan Dudley and Jerry Barber, with short videos highlighting their lifetime achievements in amusement ride safety and for being an entrepreneur in this industry,
respectively. Both men and their friends and families looked on as they gave credit to their mentors and families who have helped them along the way. The OABA’s Hall of Fame recipients included Jean Clair, with Luehrs’ Ideal Rides and Clair’s Classic Foods, an OABA Trustee in 1996, who broke into the then-male dominated board to chair the OABA that year, after serving as a director. Her father, Hub Luehrs, was an OABA founder and served on the board and became a trustee in 1980, who was also
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inducted in the OABA’s Hall of Fame in 2001, its inaugural year. Jean has led the way for other industry female leaders, such as the late Jackie Swika, an OABA Trustee in 2002 and Hall of Fame inductee in 2007. The Luehrs family and current leadership continues to believe in the mission of the OABA, as does the next generation of family ownership. John Hanschen, owner of Thomas Carnival, following in his father-in-law’s footsteps, the late Bernie Thomas, another OABA founder, trustee and Hall of Famer, whose daughter Carolyn is married to John, with three siblings, all in the carnival business today. His brother-in-law, Tom Atkins, also an Pup Flyer 14_Layout 1 11/25/14 4:28 PM PupPage Flyer114_Layout 1 11/25/14 4:28 PM Page 1
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MARCH 2015 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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ASSOCIATION H PHOTO GALLERY
Photo Gallery Thank You, Golden Jubilee Elite Sponsors!
Thank You, 50th Anniversary Sponsors!
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Photo Gallery Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at IIS Museum
OABA Members in Tampa
Tom Gaylin and Museum Curator Doc Rivera
Zach Panacek is presented with Circle of Excellence award for Belle City Amusements by Chris Lopez.
Kathy Swyear visits with Bob Johnson at the OABA booth in Gibtown.
Top Contribution Fund contributors, from left, Rick Reithoffer, Reithoffer Shows; Debbie Powers, Powers Great American Midways; and Ben Pickett, Ray Cammack Shows.
Ron and Beverly Burback, Funtastic Shows, are presented with OABA check for sponsorship of the NW Showmens Safety Seminar by Chris Lopez. MARCH 2015 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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ASSOCIATION H PHOTO GALLERY
Photo Gallery Texas Association of Fairs Convention The Texas Association of Fairs and Events convention and trade show was held in January.
From left, Hall of Fame inductees Buddy and Jenny Siltman, Guadalupe County Fair Virginia Bugai, Mike Harrera and Doug Barton.
Todd Armstrong and Pat Crabtree. Hall of Fame awards were sponsored by NAME; Tony Diaz, left, and TAFE President Virgil Bartlett.
Johnny Maple and his son Charlie visit with Marge and Harry Murphy.
Attending the carnival and midways workshop, from left, Fiona Meyer, Rusty Fitzgerald, Mary Talley and Pat Crabtree.
Joe Vera III, John Sykes and Tony Diaz.
Albert and Denise Wagner with their OABA Jamboree thank you gift.
Chris Barton and Ed Burlingame. The Haas & Wilkerson guys, from left, Ryan Wilkerson, Andrew Vandepopulier, Tim O’Donnell and Dave Garrett.
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The RCS guys, from left, Chris Lopez, Guy Leavitt and Ben Pickett.
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Photo Gallery Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs 105th Annual Convention
Rick Haney, Paul Johnson and Doug Skinner.
Mary Chris Smith, Allied Specialty Insurance, far right, stopped by to congratulate Mary and Bill Johnson, A Fantasy Amusement Co., on the carnival’s 30th anniversary.
Kay and Bill Fugate were honored for their 15 years of excellent service to the IAAF. Pictured from left, Doug and Pat Skinner, Al DeRusha, Bob Scherer, Renate and Doug Skinner, Jr.
Andy Schoendienst, Luehrs’ Ideal Rides, sponsored the guest speaker, Juli Burney.
Blomsness’ All Star Amusements celebrated its 40th anniversary. At the booth was the Thebault family – Rebecca, Kyra, Camron and Tom. Archway Amusements, standing, Teresa Noerper, Keith Roesch, Jr., Marian Roesch; seated, Roberta Mathis and Millard Goffstein.
In the Skinner suite, from left, Karen and Paul Kasin, Matthew Robertson, Duane Hickman and Peter Kasin.
Swyear Amusements was presented the “Friends of Illinois County Fairs” award. Pictured from left, Kathy and Terry Swyear, and Teresa and Roger Swyear. Kathy is 2015 president of the SLA St. Louis Chapter, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Carousel rocking horse donated by NAME for the live auction with Ron Meyer and George Fewkes. march 2015 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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ASSOCIATION H services, benefits & programs
Contribution Fund PROGRAM
• Get Your Contribution Fund Tickets Now • This is deductible as a business expense
Final 2014 OABA Contribution Fund Ray Cammack Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75,000 Powers Great American Midways . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22,420 Reithoffer Shows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19,465 North American Midway Enertainment . . . . . . . . .15,690 Deggeller Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12,375 Frazier Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,270 Luehrs’ Ideal Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,120 Rainbow Valley Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,900 Skerbeck Bros. Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,150 A Fantasy Amusement Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,900 S&S Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,790
WHY SHOuLD I PARTICIPATE? You will be given the opportunity to receive cash prizes for your contributions to this program and help the OABA protect the carnival industry.
WHAT IS IT? Fund-raising for the OABA has always been based on the generosity of its members and depends on members to pay their fair share, the theory being that the organization belongs to the members who raise relevant issues and in the belief that they will also underwrite activities. Support and participation of enough members will provide the revenue necessary to continue and improve on membership services.
HOW IS IT HAnDLED? This OABA program advises member carnivals to collect funds from all office-owned and independent concessions and rides, side shows and arcades. When the show owner collects the money, they need to give or complete a receipt. The show or concessionaires then send the receipts to the OABA office, which will be eligible for monthly and annual incentive prizes. Please note that it is important to include your phone number on your receipt, as we want to be able to contact you when you win!
WHAT IS THE MOnEY uSED FOR? The funds collected for this program are earmarked for legal, legislative and lobbying issues. Also, funds are used to continually upgrade member services. CAn’T I JuST COnTRIBuTE? Sure, but then you lose out on the opportunity to participate in winning cash incentives.
SEnD IT ALL In! Funds are solicited and contributed in the name of the OABA. Once money is collected, please send it monthly to the OABA office in form of a check or money order. You may check ShowTime magazine where the contributions and monthly winners in each plan will be published monthly. H
Bronze Plan
Strates Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,665
Contribution from Concessions & Rides $5.00 per event Monthly drawings April-October Final drawing in February First Prize $300 First Prize $3,000 Second Prize $200 Second Prize $2,000 Third Prize $100 Third Prize $1,000
Poor Jack Amusements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,500
Silver Plan
Thomas Carnival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,030 Rosedale Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,764
Crabtree Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,425 Calkins Midways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,200 GoldStar Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,200
Contribution from Concessions & Rides $10.00 per week Monthly drawings April-October Final drawing in February First Prize $400 First Prize $4,000 Second Prize $300 Second Prize $2,000 Third Prize $200 Third Prize $1,000
Doolan Amusement Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,125
Bronze and Silver Plans: If the carnival contributions exceed $5,000, 2015 OABA dues are waived for carnival.
Elliott’s Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,090
Gold Plan
Showmen’s League of America-St. Louis. . . . . . . . . .1,000 Bates Bros. Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 990 Blue Sky Amusements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 545 TOTAL
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OABA Contribution Fund Program
THE OABA’S COnTRIBuTIOn FunD offers three different plans to meet your show’s contribution to the OABA and in turn rewards the show and concessionaires for these donations.
$185,614
Contribution from Concessions & Rides $5.00 per day Monthly drawings April-October Final drawing in February First Prize $500 First Prize $5,000 Second Prize $400 Second Prize $2,000 Third Prize $300 Third Prize $1,000 Gold Plan: If the carnival contributions exceed $10,000, 2015 OABA dues are waived for carnival.
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Concessionaires win big money!
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t the OABA’s Annual Meeting, the participating carnivals were thanked for their contributions to the OABA Contribution Fund. This past year $185,614 was raised. The funds are used for legislative, legal and lobbying efforts for the carnival industry. In addition to the $2,700 paid out each month in drawings held April through October, for a total of $18,900 in cash awards, the big drawings were held at the Chairman’s Reception in Tampa where cash prizes totaling $21,000 were given to those lucky carnivals and concessionaires who have been participating in this program. The winners in the drawings from the three programs at the Chairman’s Reception were:
Bronze Program
Silver Program FIRST PRIZE $4,000 Tracy Thomas, Powers Great American Midways SECOnD PRIZE $2,000 Jeremy Thomas, Powers Great American Midways THIRD PRIZE $1,000 Katie DeSwardt, A Fantasy Amusement Co.
Gold Program
FIRST PRIZE $3,000 Deggeller Attractions
FIRST PRIZE $5,000 Bill Morton, Ray Cammack Shows
SECOnD PRIZE $2,000 Gary Cording, NAME International
SECOnD PRIZE $2,000 Nancy Bishop, Ray Cammack Shows
THIRD PRIZE $1,000 Frazier Shows
THIRD PRIZE $1,000 Nancy Bishop, Ray Cammack Shows
MARCH 2015 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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to $8.10 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $3.98 to $4.05 an hour. Oregon – General minimum wage increases from $9.10 to $9.25 an hour. (Oregon law does not allow employers to take a tip credit against minimum wage for tipped employees.) Rhode Island – General minimum wage increases from $8.00 to $9.00 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees remains $2.89 an hour. South Dakota – General minimum wage increases from $7.25 to $8.50 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $2.13 to $4.25 an hour. Vermont – General minimum wage increases from $8.73 to $9.15 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $4.23 to $4.58 an hour. Washington – General minimum wage increases from $9.32 to $9.47 an hour. (Washington law does not allow employers to take a tip credit against minimum wage for tipped employees.) West Virginia – General minimum wage increases from $7.25 to $8.00 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $2.13 to $2.40 an
Certain localities also have implemented minimum wage legislation. For example, in San Francisco, California, the minimum wage increased on January 1 from $10.74 to $11.05 an hour. San Jose, California, increased its minimum wage from $10.15 to $10.30 an hour. (Note that California law does not allow employers to take a tip credit against minimum wage for tipped employees.) Jackson Lewis attorneys are available to discuss these legislative changes and any other wage and hour issues applicable to your organization on a federal, state, or local level. H
© 2015 Jackson Lewis P.C. This Update is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice nor does it create an attorney/client relationship between Jackson Lewis and any readers or recipients. Readers should consult counsel of their own choosing to discuss how these matters relate to their individual circumstances. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the express written consent of Jackson Lewis. This Update may be considered attorney advertising in some states. Furthermore, prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
hour. MARCH 2015 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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GOvERNMENT REGuLATIONS H FEATuRE
H-2B Workers are Critical to U.S. Economy By Congressman Ander Crenshaw
W
ith over 90 million annual visitors to my State of Florida and well over 1 million people directly employed by the tourism industry in our state, the tourism and hospitality industries are tremendously important to Florida’s economy. Despite declines during the 2008 and 2009 recession, Florida has experienced a strong resurgence in visitors and in the industry overall. This has put new demands on ensuring a strong and reliable workforce in this and other areas of the economy — in the Sunshine State and across the nation.
Many employers in the tourism and hospitality industry in Florida and around the country rely heavily on maintaining a strong and reliable workforce through the H-2B visa program. Other sectors of the economy also depend on the program, including the fishing, agricultural and forestry sector in all 50 states, and employers all over the country who need workers for seasonal jobs. Nothing hinders economic growth more than employer uncertainty, including doubt about whether or not there will be enough workers available to meet business needs. The H-2B
program’s very purpose was to limit this uncertainty. When the H-2B program came into existence, it was designed to assure an adequate labor force on the one hand and to protect the jobs of citizens on the other. The program can best achieve this goal by enabling employers to hire foreign workers when U.S. workers are unavailable, not by imposing unrealistically low visa caps or prohibitive paperwork. Just a few days ago, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the congressionally mandated H-2B cap for the first half of fiscal year 2015 was already reached on February 2, 2015.
The truth is that H-2B visa holders play a small role in the U.S. economy. The number of visas is capped at 66,000 per year, and H-2B workers account for less than one-tenth of one percent of total U.S. employment. Nevertheless, their role is integral to employers who rely on these workers and would have to downsize or close their businesses if H-2B employees were not available. In Florida, home to many regional seasonal industries that sustain the economy of our state, the inability to hire a stable, legal workforce would hurt the state’s continued economic growth.
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GOvERNMENT REGuLATIONS H FEATuRE
H-2B Workers are Critical to U.S. Economy Whether it’s in Gibsonton (home of the International Independent Showmen’s Association and the new OABA museum exhibit) or elsewhere in Florida, many carnivals, circuses and other members of the mobile amusement industry make their base or winter here. We understand how the availability of dependable and hardworking temporary workers under the H-2B program have ensured the continued viability for the American workers who compromise two-thirds of this industry’s workforce.
continued
As Congress looks to fix the broken immigration system, we must look for ways to improve temporary worker programs to ensure they meet the needs of job creators across the nation. Denying U.S. employers the ability to hire individuals who freely wish to be employed and can do the work on H-2B visas will not help American workers. The H-2B program clearly needs improvement – and making it more efficient would serve the country’s economic interests. H
Congressman Ander Crenshaw
Ander Crenshaw represents Florida’s Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently in his eighth term representing a district that includes Baker, Nassau, and Duval Counties, Crenshaw is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Prior to coming to Congress, Crenshaw worked both in the private sector, as an investment banker, and served as an elected official in the State Legislature. His life in public service ultimately led to the Florida State Senate where he served as the state’s first Republican President of the Senate. Representative Crenshaw was first elected to Congress in 2000. In that time, Crenshaw has established himself as a respected voice on defense issues and a champion for our men and women in uniform. He has fought for key priorities for Northeast Florida and led the way to bring the National Veterans Cemetery to Jacksonville. He continues the fight to make Naval Station Mayport a nuclear aircraft carrier homeport. In 2013, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus recognized Crenshaw’s dedication to the nation’s Sailors and Marines and awarded him the Navy’s highest civilian honor - The Navy Distinguished Public Service Award. Originally a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Crenshaw is now a member of the Appropriations Committee where he chairs the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee and sits on the prestigious Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and also serves on the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. A third generation resident of Northeast Florida, Congressman Crenshaw attended Robert E. Lee High School, the University of Georgia on a basketball scholarship and later received his law degree from the University of Florida. Crenshaw and his wife, Kitty, have been married 44 years and live in Jacksonville. They have two grown daughters and two granddaughters.
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309 N.E. 1st Street P.O. Box 128 Alta, IA 51002 Toll Free: 800-838-1482 Fax: 712-200-1936
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AMusement today
NEW DIGITAL EDITION exclusively for print subscribers INSIDE:
Garner Holt’s career began in backyard - PAGES 52 & 53
TM & Š2014 Amusement Today, Inc.
www.amusementtoday.com
October 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 7
WWA anticipating great things for Annual Symposium and Trade Show
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few years ago.� Ezra said this year saw openings that represent some of the best and most innovative new facilities located in North America, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. And 2015 is shaping up to launch more amazing properties in Europe, Asia and the United States. Highlights of this year’s event are anticipated to be experienced in the show’s extensive education program. There will be a vast offering of water leisure education and training programs, which will, in turn, feature some of the industry’s most experienced operators, developers and suppliers. Even though the event
officially kicks off on Oct. 27, programming actually begins on Oct. 25 with certification courses and lifeguard programs. “Providing the strongest education program possible for waterpark operators is what we promise to our members and this year’s program is one of the best ever,� Root said. “Our illustrious speaker round-up features the biggest brands in the business including: Great Wolf Resorts, Splash Kingdom water park, Six Flags, Disney’s water parks, Zoombezi Bay, Hurricane Alley, Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, Water World, Grand Lodge Resort Waterpark, just to name a few.�
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NEWS PAPER
New programs and education sessions as well as new products on the trade show floor will greet attendees at the 2014 WWA Symposium and Trade Show, set for Oct. 27-30, at the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas. Coordinators of the show are very excited about the show this year, saying they expect attendance to be high and those attendees will be able to not only participate in the sessions and workshops but also browse the 100,000 plus square feet of trade show space.
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“The new water parks and attractions that opened in 2014 offer outstanding examples for success,� he continued. “We are pumped to be headquartered back in the heart of ‘the entertainment capital of the world’ – Las Vegas!� Root said the association is particularly excited about being in town with two new water parks to explore, Cowabunga Bay and Wet’ n’ Wild Las Vegas. Both parks have seen strong responses to their leisure offerings. “Nothing makes operators and suppliers happier than seeing water park attractions live and in-person and hearing answers to operational questions during behind-thescenes tours of new facilities,� Root said. Aleatha Ezra, WWA director of park member development, said they are expecting attendance figures to increase over the last time the association was in Las Vegas in 2012. “This is due in large part to the fact that the industry continues to expand on a global scale,� Ezra said. “In fact, we are seeing parks being built around the world that people only dreamed about a
Specific education program highlights include: •Water Slide Dispatch Operator Training: New this year, this half-day course will highlight key concepts and basic principles for loading and dispatching guests onto water slide attractions. Presented jointly by aquatic safety and risk management experts, Jeff Ellis & Associates, and ride operator training professionals, International Ride Training (IRT), attendees will leave with hands-on techniques and concepts. •Reclaim Those Sponsorship Dollars: Land Mutually Beneficial Sponsorships & Partnerships That Yield Additional Revenue & Build Good Will: In this workshop attendees will find new ways to sell, package and promote what they have to potential national and locallevel sponsors and business partners. •WWA University: Waterpark Maintenance School: Back by popular demand, this fullday water park maintenance workshop features top industry experts presenting topics designed to help water park operators improve their periodic, routine and preventative maintenance programs. There is an abundance of other topics that will be addressed during the sessions including design, development, expansion, maintenance, food and beverage, social media, training and merchandise. Root said in addition to
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LAS VEGAS, Nev. — World Waterpark Association (WWA) coordinators of the 2014 WWA Annual Symposium and Trade Show are anticipating big things this year when members and suppliers get together later this month for the event. The 2014 symposium is set for the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, Nev., Oct. 27-30. The trade show will run Oct. 28 and 29. The WWA last hosted its show in Las Vegas in 2012 and the turnout for that event was the association’s strongest since 2006. “Early indications show we are going to have a strong turnout this year, both on the park operator and supplier side,� said Rick Root, WWA president. “In fact, our exhibit hall is essentially sold out. We are employing all of our creative floor planning skills to add more booths to the hallway areas of the Paris Conference Center to meet the demand for booth space.� This year, attendees can expect to browse 100,000 plus square feet of exhibit hall space. The hall is expected to be full of innovative water park related goods and services. “Every WWA convention showcases the newest developments in the industry, from inspiring ideas and best practices to exciting product and attraction innovations,� Root said.
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ASSOCIATION H circus members
From The Center Ring Connecting & Protecting the Circus Industry! Rodney Huey, RAH PR Strategies OABA Circus Media Consultant
A
fter a snowy/icy/rainy February, folks across the country are ready for a hint of spring. For many circusgoers, an annual trek to the circus will provide that warm “pick me up,” and there will be plenty of circus to go around in March. In New Jersey, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Circus XTREME entertains fans in East Rutherford and Newark this month, and the Big Apple Circus fills in any circus gaps in nearby Bridgewater. Ringling’s Legends hits Cincinnati, Richmond, Washington, DC and Baltimore while its singleringed Built to Amaze burns up the interstates from Maryland to Kentucky and Pennsylvania to Tennessee. The Hugo, OK-based Carson and Barnes and Kelly Miller circuses crisscross Texas this month, while universoul plays Raleigh through March 15 before finishing out the month in The Bronx. California-based Circus Vargas will appear in National City, Temecula and Hesperia during March. In an earlier San Bernardino engagement, kids from the Great Y Circus program were invited to meet performers and watch Circus Vargas rehearsals. According to Y Circus director Tanner Greenhalgh, the visit was particularly inspiring because “some of these kids have never seen a big top, under-the-tent show.” Circus Sarasota enjoyed another successful February run with an all-star revue featuring nik Wallenda and friends performing a seven-person-high pyramid on the highwire, MonteCarlo Gold Clown-winning hand-to-hand artists Duo Shcherbak from Ukraine and aerialist extraordinaire Dolly Jacobs and her partner Rafael Palacios. This month also in Sarasota, Cirque des Voix, featuring circus acts accompanied by a live orchestra and the 100+ member Key Chorale, offers two performances only on March 13–14 under canvas at the Nathan Benderson Park. Sailor Circus opens its spring performance schedule on March 27 and runs through April 4. And, in nearby Lakeland, the España Family’s Cirquesa Dreamquest presents a special performance on March 11, complete with a pre-show dinner, in the Exhibition Hall of the Lakeland Civic Center. The Bangor (MA) Daily news reported that the Circus Conservatory of America “is a year ahead of schedule in getting established” in Portland, Maine. With plans to become the first circus training facility in the country to offer a B.A. degree in circus arts, CCA opened circus skills classes to the public in January. According to CCA president Peter nielsen, the classes are designed for “people like stay-at-home parents with toddlers, as well as a variety of recreational circus courses for different ages and skill levels.” The American Youth Circus Organization announced a joint project with Cirque du Soleil to develop a social circus
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branch of the AYCO. The intent of the new operation would be to bring together “stakeholders in academia, youth circus... social work, and other related fields” while building “a social circus network to support existing and emerging programs.” A new circus directory has been launched online. Entitled CircusTalk, the portal basically provides a database for finding circus acts, companies, touring shows, organizations, etc. The site also includes listings for circus schools, festivals, agents, organizations, publications, events, circus news and circus-related job openings. Best of all, it’s free! Check it out at www.circustalk.com. In other Internet happenings, Circopedia, the online encyclopedia funded by the Big Apple Circus and created by circus historian Dominique Jando, had recently been hacked, but is back in full operation at www.circopedia.org. Circus World Museum recently completed a decade-long, $1.2 million renovation project on the historic Ringling Bros. train shed, and experienced its first year in several of operating “in the black.” CWM is expected to end its fiscal year with $1.7 million on hand against anticipated expenses of $1.65 million. Among its new fund-raising projects is the Adopt-a-Wagon program that allows donors to help fund the restoration of a specific circus wagon of choice. The 2015 Circus World Reunion will be held at the International Palms Resort in Orlando on March 7. The one-day reunion for former Circus World employees will feature speakers, home movies, fun get-together activities and a “Circus Angels” tribute to “those who are no longer with us.” The reunion is being coordinated by and Dan Stapleton and Lynn Fitzgerald. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, along with Indaba Music, is holding a contest for a new advertising jingle that could become a “youthful, modern and [a] memorable anthem” to promote The Greatest Show On Earth. The Grand Prize Winner will earn $5,000 for his or her efforts, plus tickets, travel and accommodations for four in Hershey, PA to catch Circus XTREME. Better hurry, because the contest ends March 9. For contest rules and to submit your jingles, visit www.indabamusic.com/ringling. This year’s slate of European circus festivals seems to have offered a particularly strong lineup of circus artists. At the 39th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo, four acts were awarded Gold Clowns: national Troupe of Pyongyang (North Korea); national Acrobatic Troupe of China (People’s Republic of China); Anastasia FedotovaStykan and her horses (Russia); and clowns Fumagalli and Daris (Italy). There were also four winners in the Silver Clown
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2015 Circus Fund category. In the 4th new Generation Festival competition for young circus artists in Monte-Carlo, Junior Golds were awarded to the Yunnan Acrobatic Troupe (China) and the Young Riders of the Ekk Troupe (Russia). At the 36th Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in Paris, teeterboard artists Sons Compagnie (Sweden) and juggler Jimmy Gonzalez (Spain) took top honors. The judges of the 2015 Festival International du Cirque de Massy awarded the coveted President of the Republic Award to the Sokolov Teeterboard Troupe (Russia). Three Gold Medals winners included the Duss Family sea lions act (Germany), juggler Picasso Jr. (Spain) and Zhang Fan (China) on the slack wire. A Bronze Medal went to Jordan Mcnight (United States) for his contortion act while All-American clown Bello nock took the Jury Special Award. Congrats to all winners! Elephant trainer Patricia Zerbini recently gained accreditation by the Zoological Association of America for her Two Tails Ranch near Williston, Florida. Congratulations, Patty, on your outstanding work with Asian elephants. H
Circus Producers Association, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathleen Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zoppe Family Circus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alliance of Professional Animal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baril & John E. Hart, Jr. – in memory of Jake Conover. . . . . . National Showmens Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OABA Circus Committee Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Niles F. Calhoun – in honor of David & Sharon Orr . . . . . . . . CFA Adler/Binder Tent Officers Maxine House, Henry Pearce & Jack Belles – in memory of Frank Robie . Connie Thomas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Felix Adler-Paul Binder Tent No. 12, CFA . . . . . . . . . . . . Wayne Scheiner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Liddicoat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TOTAL
. . . . . . . .
3,000 1,000 1,000 . . 500 . . 250 . . 250 . . 170 . . 100
. . . . .
. . . . .
. 100 . 100 . 100 . . 87 . . 60
$6,717
To contribute to the Circus Fund, make your check payable and send to: OABA Circus Fund, 1035 S. Semoran Blvd., Ste. 1045A, Winter Park, FL 32792 It is important that we maintain this fund so we are able to hire professionals to assist with challenges such as legislation that threaten our members’ businesses. Please consider and make your contributions to this very important resource pool. Feel free to be creative such as matching dollars, innovative fundraisers, endowments and memorials, to name a few. Another option is to designate a percentage or daily amount of your ride operation to be set aside for this important fund.
This year’s special “Camel Awards” went to the Circus Producers Association, Feld Entertainment, David Orr with the Forepaugh-Lubin Tent, and The Big “E” for their fundraising in 2014 to help protect performing exotic animals in the circus industry.
Bob Johnson and David Orr.
Bob Johnson and OABA Trustee Wayne McCary. Bob Johnson, John Cuneo and OABA Director Ron Morris.
Bob Johnson and Melinda Hartline, Feld Entertainment. MARCH 2015 | OABA ShowTime Magazine H
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ASSOCIATION H circus members
Capitol Update By Joan Galvin, OABA Government Relations Consultant
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hat a whirlwind the winter has been! So many activities in January and February and now March is upon us already. I had the pleasure of attending the World Circus Federation annual meeting in Monaco in January, which takes place concurrent with the annual Monte Carlo Circus Festival. As always, OABA’s Wayne McCary presided over the board meeting with professionalism and finesse and was on hand to present the award to this year’s photo contest winner. Also in January, the Circus Ring of Fame inducted several new honorees to the walkway at St. Armand’s circle in Sarasota. OABA members and supporters were both honored (in the case of inductee Jacqueline Zerbini) and present (ROF board member Ron Morris among others). In the lead up to this year’s World Circus Day in April, the Federation has launched a campaign to collect circus ‘selfies’ from around the world. It’s easy to join the fun — just snap a selfie at a circus performance and post it at www. facebook/Circusselfieday.com. Don’t forget to tag it, and the circus with the most selfies by WCD will be recognized as this year’s winner! With all the fun and celebrations that this time of year brings to our industry, there is still much hard work ongoing to address issues vital to the health and future of our business. Efforts continue in Washington, DC to advance and address the H-2B cause. We have some new Members of Congress who are friends to the carnival and mobile amusement community and we look forward to bringing them on board to join our efforts.
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And, as usual, this time of year brings a surge of animal activist activity as state legislatures convene for the new legislative sessions. OABA remains actively involved in battles in the state and local levels to protect the rights of animal exhibitors to engage in their livelihoods. At the annual OABA circus meeting in Tampa in February, we were fortunate to host representatives from the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) captive wildlife office to discuss the ongoing review of the state’s captive wildlife rules. Major Ron Cave answered questions and provided sound advice on how to engage in the process. More on that later. In addition, we are continuing our focus on working more closely with the
congressional agriculture community on the H-2B issues – including attending and speaking at various agriculture meetings (such as the recent Republican Agriculture Commissioners fall meeting in Charleston). These relationships are paying off, as we were able to enlist their assistance in weighing in on the DHS appropriations effort via their Congressional delegations. We are also working with Judiciary Committee staff to ensure that our H-2B issues are front and center as they tackle not only agriculture workers, but also seasonal labor reforms. The AG community understands and appreciates the support that the fair and carnival industry provide. Fostering these important relationships and reminding them that we are all “in it together” is a priority – and a message that resonates with the AG community and those who represent them. Even as we continue to work hard to gain temporary relief through the appropriations process, we need to keep our eye on the long-term need to reform and strengthen the H-2B program to ensure a reliable source of seasonable labor for our industry. Last but certainly not least, congratulations to OABA as it commemorates its Golden Jubilee Anniversary – 50 years! It was great fun for me to be at the Annual Meeting and Gala, and to witness the recognition of your industry’s amazing Pioneers and Hall of Fame inductees, as well as the history of OABA and the celebration of its community spirit and hard work. A big shout out to Michael Wood in his new role as your chairman and many thanks to now Trustee Chris Lopez for his leadership. It’s a pleasure to work with you all! H
H OABA ShowTime Magazine | MARCH 2015
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Outdoor Amusement Business Assn. 1035 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite 1045A Winter Park, FL 32792
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