April 2014 NICA News by NICA Inc.

Contents • April 2014 FEATURES

10 NICA’s 21: Coming of Age 18 Concessionaire of the Month Russell Goetz, Ice Kreme Mill, Ltd.

20 NICA Visits the Pasco County Fair 21 New Benefit for NICA Members 22 Convention & Fair Updates 24 A Few Words from Allied Specialty Insurance 26 A Life Well Lived 29 New Members & Membership Contest

Activities 07 Hidden Object Contest 28 Can You Guess Who is in this Picture?

AdvertiSers

News & Articles

04 2014 Calendar of Events 05 The President’s Message

09 Alpha Baking Co. 28 Berk Paper & Supply 02 Coca-Cola 25 Fanestil Meats 14 Fare Foods 23 Fontanini Meats 09 Heinkel’s Packing Co.

21 K & K Insurance 30 Mr. G’s Quality Meats 22 Rio Syrup 24 Sippers by Design 25 TasteMaker 30 WNA Specialty

By Greg Miller, CCE

05 The Executive Director’s Report By Alta Mosley

07 Benefits of Being a Director By Russ Harrison

08 Carnivals & Fairs Changing the Way They Do Business By Bob Johnson, OABA

16 Fun at the Florida State Fair Dedicated to strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival, and Special Events Industries through effective communication, benefits, leadership, and solutions The National Association of Concessionaires, Inc. is a Florida Corporation with an Editorial and General Office located at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 • Office: (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 438-8928 • Web: www.nicainc.org The information contained in this Publication is based upon sources believed to be reliable. Readers should not act without professional advice. Cover to Cover © 1993-2014 NICA, Inc. All Rights Reserved. April 2014 NICA News

2014 Calendar of Events

Representing NICA & Its Industry Partners April

September

1: NICA Scholarship Applications are due in office

15: 8th Annual NICA West /Fairplex CDC Golf Tournament • Pomona, CA

10-12: IAFE Zone 1 Meeting • Topsfield, MA

30: Board of Directors election ballots due in office

22-25: IAFE Management Conference • Tucson, AZ

May 15-17: IAFE Zone 2 Meeting & Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows, Inc. Annual Convention • Naples, FL

June 1: NICA Board of Directors Nominations due in the office 23: 8th Annual NICA West Golf Tournament • Del Mar, CA

July 15: NICA Board of Directors election ballots go out to voting members

August 15: NICA Member Directory updates due in office

October 1: All Certified Concessionaire Executive (CCE) Applications due in office 23-25: Washington State Fairs Association Meeting • Pasco, WA

November 12-15: Wyoming & Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs Combination Meeting • Great Falls, MT

December 7-11: IAFE Annual Convention • Las Vegas, NV 7-11: NICA Board of Directors Winter Board Meeting, WIN Wine & Cheese, Membership Appreciation, Regional Meeting & More at the IAFE Convention • Las Vegas, NV 12-14: Association of Iowa Fairs Annual Convention • Des Moines, IA

Although the preceding dates are based on sources believed to be reliable and true, they are subject to change due to cancellation, rescheduling, or other reasons. Additional dates that may be announced throughout the month will be on our website: www.nicainc.org

April 2014 NICA News

President’s Message I would like to address a situation that keeps popping up at different events: the use of a Cashless Midway. Recently the Colorado State Fair dropped its plans to use this system at their 2014 Fair. Hats off to the Fair and their Board for making this decision. Part of the reason for dropping this system was the expense. It was reported in the Prowers Journal on February 26 that the cost to operate this system will be at least $180,000. Yes, that’s a six digit figure. I had read comments from patrons after leaving the 2013 Fair, and none of them were favorable to this system. One comment was positive, but it was issued by the operator of the system. My question is, why are we, the Fair industry, trying to pioneer the cashless system? Look what happened to Target and the negative press they have received about their credit card breech. Fairs have worked decades building a relationship with the community and to allow Greg Miller, CCE for something like a “smartcard” to come between them and their guest isn’t a President very positive business idea. Why do this when consumers’ confidence is as low as it is concerning cards of any type? Are we giving the fairgoer what we want or what they want? I am also curious to know the value of the cashless system. What is the underlying reason for you, the Fair, to go with a system like this? Quoting from Ronald Reagan, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall!” I would like to say, “Mr. or Ms. Fair, please do not build that wall!” The winter of 2014 is slowly winding down and I’m sure many of you are happy about that. Folks have been pinned up in the house all winter and are itching to get out and enjoy some fresh air. Hopefully they will spend some of that time at our order windows. I have been working in Florida since January and found that when the weather was good, folks spent time and money at those events. That’s all for this month and I would be glad to discuss anything that’s on your mind. You can reach me through the NICA office. ▲

Executive Director's Report

Alta Mosley Executive Director

It’s the Florida Spring Fair season: we go from beautiful sunshine and 80 plus temperatures one day to cold, windy, and rainy the next day. It is “that time of the year” and we are all excited to be a part of this great Fair industry. As many of you know, my “Soapbox” is always close at hand. Today, I’m on it for the people we all know as “The Customer”; the person we like to call “our guest.” As Concessionaires, we all make friends everywhere we work. The Guests, the Fair Board members, the Staff, and the Volunteers who work at the Fairs; they all become our friends. Social media gives us the opportunity to stay in touch throughout the year. Recently, the Iowa State Fair Officials announced that the Fair would operate on a “Cashless System” for all food sales. There was a major public outcry regarding what that would mean to them, as the guests who visit the Fair. My hat is off to the Iowa State Fair Board and the Fair management team for listening to the people. Within just a couple of days, another announcement was made: THERE WOULD NOT BE A CASHLESS SYSTEM AT THE IOWA STATE FAIR.

►► Report continued on Page 6 April 2014 NICA News

Report continued from Page 5 ►► What does that mean to the industry as a whole? What does it say to the Concessionaire, or to the Fair Management? A line from one of Clint Black’s hits, “Put yourself in my shoes, walk a mile for me, I’ll put myself in your shoes and maybe then we’d see” leaves me with the thought, “Do you care about your customer?” We all understand the importance of the bottom line (net profit). That bottom line determines the way you operate in the future. We all have good and not so good years. A Concessionaire coming off of a tough year has to rethink the plans that were made for the next year, the upgrades to the trailer, routine maintenance on the equipment, maybe replacing a vehicle, or even improvements to their home. Sacrifices are made. Fairs are faced with the same problems after a tough year. New buildings, maintenance on existing structures, equipment, and new programs for the Fair. Sacrifices are made. As Mr. Black’s song says, “We have our differences, we’re still the same.” We are all in the same industry; just different areas. Together our responsibility is to create a memorable experience for our Guests. As a Guest at many Fairs, I love the ones that give me the opportunity to make choices. Choices about which area I want to visit first, what I want to eat, and what kind of beverage I want to drink. Do I want to sit in the sun or the shade? Most importantly, just let me enjoy the event you worked so hard to create. I’ve been lucky enough to have worn each one of the hats and walked in the shoes, and I believe to the very core of my being that “the Fair is for and about the people.” Fair management and Concessionaires, if you want to have more income, give the guest a better product. Don’t you expect good value for the money you spend? As you have heard me say many times, I have been very blessed to have had the opportunity to visit the Fairs and attend the various meetings. I see and hear good and bad things everywhere I go. Just last week, I watched Concessionaires interact with the Guests in a way that bring the repeat business we all hope for. At another event recently, I saw a Concessionaire introduce himself to a Fair Manager. Very positive, I thought, until I heard the rest of the story. Mr. Concessionaire said that he does that every year at the Fair and the State Convention, and has been doing it for at least 10 years and the Manager still doesn’t know his name. My friends, we must all get in the game if we are to make a difference. Our industry is unique in so many ways, and each position on the field has a major responsibility. Together We Can! Travel Safe My Friends! ▲

April 2014 NICA News

Graphic Design & Marketing Jesse Willard graphics@nicainc.org

Bookkeeper Charisse Smith csmith@nicainc.org

Officers

NICA WEST OFFICE

President: Greg Miller, CCE

Executive Manager

1st Vice-President: Joe Potillo, Jr. 2nd Vice-President: Randy Reichert, CCE Secretary: Paulette Keene

Rey O’Day WingsofFameProductions @gmail.com

2130 Walnut St. La Verne, CA 91750

Treasurer: Stacia Markowitz

NICA West Council

Immediate Past President

Kim Barr Don Delahoyde, CCE

Tom Sattler, CCE

Dan Lusenhop

Jennifer Giordano

Directors

Ashley Murray

Don Kenna

David Wellmon

Dan Lusenhop Stacia Markowitz Tim O’Brien, CCE Dominic Palmieri

Past President’s Council Russ Harrison, CCE Richard Busse, CCE Tom Hodson, CCE Jim Hodson, CCE (Deceased) Tim O’Brien, CCE Ron Smith Adam McKinney, CCE Mike Pence, CCE Jack Woods II, CCE Bob Hallifax, CCE Frank Parnell, CCE Larry Orme (Deceased) Larry Sivori Rich Wright Bill McKinney, CCE Arthur Pokorny, Jr. Gene O’Brien, CCE (Deceased)

NICA OFFICE Executive Director Alta Mosley alta@nicainc.org

Office Manager Jill Omel nica@nicainc.org

Dale Smith Daryl Whicheloe, CCE

NICA National Representatives Duane Fischer John Harkey David Higginbottom Charles Ivory, CCE Tom Kiermaier David Koepp Mike Markowitz Mike McGrath Kevin McGrath II Dannie Moreland Etta Pence, CCE David Spann R. Josh Stremmel George Wandrey, Jr. Ted Wentz Ed White

NICF Board Chuck Dugan Russ Harrison, CCE Lisa Hinton Donald Kenna SanDee O’Brien, CCE Olivia Orme Bill Wrabiutza

Benefits of being a Director Russ Harrison, CCE, Past President At NICA’s Annual Past Directors Meeting held during Florida Week the current Board of Directors’ and Past Directors’ had a discussion on the advantages of serving on the NICA Board. I had the privilege to serve NICA for several years, first as a State Rep and then as a member of the Board of Directors. I became a State Rep because I believed in NICA and felt we needed a voice to represent us as a group. After serving as a State Rep, Tim O’Brien, who has become one of my closest friends, recommended me to fill a vacant seat on the Board. The Board accepted the recommendation. I am still grateful for their decision. Through my experience with NICA I was able to meet many people from our industry I would have possibly never met. As a NICA Director you are given the opportunity to meet and communicate with Fair Management, Association Leaders, Lobbyist, and Show people from around the country. The exposure you will receive as a NICA Director remains long

after your term expires. I personally learned and sharpened my technology, time management, personal, and finance skills that I have applied to my own business. Open communication with Fair management has given me a much broader understanding of our industry and has improved the way we operate. Every year we are being forced to comply with new rules and regulations. Each new regulation seems to cost us more time and money and we must learn to operate within compliance or pay a fine. NICA, IAFE, OABA, and State Associations give us a voice and respect as a group to resolve issues, save money, and lobby on issues including labor and DOT to name a few. Without these trade associations we don’t have a voice or a chance. NICA elects new Directors each year to replace Directors who have served their terms. I have met many of you who would be an asset to represent NICA. Serving NICA takes time and is an expense, but the benefits you gain far outweigh the expense. Besides, it’s a tax write off. In closing, I hope you will consider the benefits of becoming a NICA Director and consider where we would be today without the many who have served for us. Together We Can! ▲

HIDDEN OBJECT

Locate the Egg Basket in the pages of this magazine and you just might win the prize: a Gift Card worth $25!

Find the Egg Basket

BUt What if you Find it?

Contest!

Well, lucky reader, tell us where you think it is by entering at www.nicainc.org/pages/hiddenobject You may also mail your entry with the the page number, general location, your name, address, and phone number to Hidden Object, NICA, 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511. Member entries must be in the office by April 30, 2014. You can also check online for the reveal of all previous objects. March’s Pot of Gold was found on page 26 in the Venues Today Ad.

Happy searching this April! The next winner could even be you! April 2014 NICA News

Carnivals & Fairs Changing

the Way They Do Business Bob Johnson, President & CEO, Outdoor Amusement Business Association, Inc. In the Best Practices document developed between the IAFE (fairs) and the OABA (carnivals) in 2006, leaders in the industry wanted to establish better communications as well as good business practices and relationships in key areas of mutual interest between fairs and carnivals. They way we have done business together in the past must change as the regulatory climate, litigation, and the cost of midway operations has dramatically changed over the years since our Best Practices between Fairs and Carnivals was developed and communicated. Carnivals, especially those recognized by our Quality Assessment audit program’s Circle of Excellence, strive to present a midway product that continues to improve positive guest perception and a midway product fairs can be proud of while striving to enhance guest experience. With increasing labor costs, providing adequate mobile living conditions, challenges to recruit and retain a qualified seasonal workforce and staying in compliance with state and federal labor costs, this industry is reaching out for help with our fair partners. Fairs can help carnivals improve the way we do business by having a frank and transparent discussion with your carnival provider, discussing key operating strategies such as: • •

•

Eliminate unproductive revenue hours from the midway operations. Discuss the number and mix of rides and attractions that will optimally handle the capacity of guests on the midway, rather than shear numbers of rides. Work with your carnival midway provider to help them improve amenities for seasonal workers such as water and power requirements, sanitary restrooms and shower facilities, laundry and commissary to provide for basic human needs. Consider having different hours of the midway experience from other events and attractions going on at your fair. Perhaps discuss shutting down a day in the operating schedule without significant loss of revenue. April 2014 NICA News

The OABA Board believes that both fairs and carnivals can be resourceful, become more efficient and strive to improve the way we have done business in the past to improve the future, for fairs, with the goal of improving employee working conditions while striving for better human resources practices. In doing so, we believe this will lessen the focus of the mobile amusement industry with employee activist groups, labor unions and both state and federal regulatory agencies. For well over 125 years, fairs and carnivals have been a wonderful, seasonal amusement and entertainment industry with lots of great food and games to choose. When you stop to think about some 300 million patrons experiencing amusement rides, safely and without incident and the billions of dollars of economic impact that fairs provide to their states, county and communities, we are only as good as our seasonal workforce. Carnivals, independent concessionaires and entertainment at fairs provide American families with the best low cost value and amusement they cannot get any where else for the time they spend at the fair. Midway providers must continue to reduce hours of operation to remain compliant with state and federal labor laws and treat their seasonal workforce with the dignity and respect they deserve. Lobbyist John Meredith and I spoke to NICA members in February concerning the challenges and issues this industry was having with DOL and the USCIS processing center in Vermont. Most of these last minute delays have been cleared, as well as the last minute delays occurring at the Consulates in Mexico and South Africa. The DOL continue to challenge industry “wage surveys” but not union collective bargaining agreements. DOL will be issuing new wage and program rules in March, which we anticipate will not be favorable towards this H-2B visa program for seasonal, guest workers. Those choosing to accept the OES wage from DOL had fewer issues. There is no question that DOL is endorsing the Administrations agenda for a $10.10, federal minimum wage. And, lastly the OABA along with other industry trade associations will be taking our litigation in the Third Circuit Appellate Court to the full Court of judges in April. Thank you, NICA, for the opportunity to submit this article for your membership. ▲

April 2014 NICA News

NICA’s 21: Coming of Age & Turning the Page The NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 2014 Food Show Wow, what a successful Business Expo & Food Show this year! There was a record attendance for the Food Show, and the meetings and workshops were well attended. Overall, “Fun in the Sun” was a very appropriate theme for this event. The NICA Business Expo opened on Monday, February 3, with a DOT Workshop presented by T.L. McQuilken, DOT Compliance Officers, LLC, and Fred Simcic, Truckers Accounting and Permitting Service (T.A.P.S.). This was a very informative learning experience directed towards anyone who does interstate and intrastate traveling on a normal basis, and what new DOT law changes will affect them during this new Fair season. The Food Show began with the ceremonial ribbon cutting and champagne toast, followed by the excited attendees that made their way into the Food Show. Fare Foods donated a very nice laptop computer bag to each company who attended (as seen below). The NICA Board of Directors were onsite along with Audrey Poole, Laura and Ron Porter, and the rest of the Fare Foods staff to greet all of the attendees on their way inside. Stacia Markowitz and SanDee O’Brien, CCE continued to greet all attendees throughout the evening. Everyone soon made their way into the Food Show, as members and non-members alike were greeted by the aromas of great Fair foods and new products from tradeshow exhibitors. After a very well attended opening night, the day’s activities encouraged very informative discussions, the sampling of delicious food, new product awareness, the reunion of old friends, and the establishment of new acquaintances. Fare Foods hosted a Hospitality Night following the Food Show, and everyone had a great time!

Stacia Markowitz presenting the first Food Show bag to Bill McKinney, CCE

April 2014 NICA News

The Ribbon Cutting formally opened the Food Show

The Champagne Toast to the Food Show’s Success

Dominic & Paulette even coordinated their outfits!

Audrey Poole, Russ Harrison, CCE & Laura Porter smiling for the camera!

The next night’s Golf Cart Raffle, sponsored by Allied Specialty Insurance, and featuring Frank Parnell as the announcer, yielded three winners for the lower tier cash prizes: Randy Howland, Sarah’s Sweet Shoppe, John Leamer, Erie County Fair, Gentry Miller, The Ringmaster, and Larry Snyder, Synder’s Concessions. The golf cart grand prize went to Melvin Melton, of Mel’s Foods.

►► Continued on page 12

The Food Show started to fill up quickly!

Jill Omel & Frank Parnell

National Prize & Toy

Alta Mosley & Phil Teague

RIO Syrup, Corfu Foods, Fanestil Meats & more on display

James Tea Company

A large crowd gathered to see the Golf Cart Raffle!

Sara Murphy, Fare Foods, and Dan Carrol, WNA

Melvin Melton, Mel’s Foods, posing with Ron Porter after he won the Golf Cart grand prize! April 2014 NICA News

Continued from page 11 ►► Tuesday, February 4, focused on a variety of workshops with topics on Labor Issues, Insurance, Investment, Credit Cards, and more! “Latest News on Labor Issues,” was presented by Bob Johnson, OABA, and John Merideth, Lobbyist. They discussed a number of issues ranging from the new regulations regarding work visas, particularly the H-2B classification, wages, and other topics that are important to the industry. “Insurance from the Ground Up” was presented by Phil Teague, Taylor Agency. He went into great detail on why insurance matters today. He stressed the importance of keeping your business safe from harm by taking the initial steps to get coverage, thereby protecting yourself, your staff, your equipment, and more from the many dangers in the world. “Investing for Your Future,” was presented by Tori Boswell, Raymond James, who stressed the importance of protecting your business in another way - through investment of your finances. “Latest Trends in Credit Cards” started off the afternoon and was presented by Tina Walker, First Data. This workshop discussed new ways that you can process payments in your business and how that will affect the overall productivity of your business. The last workshop of the day was entitled, “It’s Not What You Make, It’s What You Spend,” and was moderated by Russ Harrison, CCE, Past President. It was a panel discussion featuring Rick Frenette, CFE, Wisconsin State Fair, Deborah Aschmann, Dutchess County Fair, Dennis Fraleigh, F & W Concessions, and Mike Lis, Wild Bill’s Curly Fries. This discussion covered a wide variety of experiences that each speaker had encountered over the years that has worked for their business with a strong focus on controlling their budget responsibly to make the most out of their year. On Wednesday, February 5, the ServSafe Management Class and Certification opened the day, followed by the General Membership Meeting, which opened to a packed house of NICA members!

Phil Teague, Taylor Agency, “Insurance from the Ground Up”

Tori Boswell, Raymond James, “Investing for Your Future”

Russ Harrison, CCE, Past President, introducing the discussion, “It’s Not What You Spend, It’s What You Make”

April 2014 NICA News

John Merideth, OABA’s Lobbyist, “Latest News on Labor Issues”

Bob Johnson, OABA, during “Latest News on Labor Issues”

Tina Walker, First Data, answering Tom Hodson, CCE, Past President, during “Latest Trends in Credit Cards”

Rick Frenette, CFE & Mike Lis

Dennis Fraleigh & Deborah Aschmann

The General Membership Meeting opened with the Call to Order and Welcoming remarks by Tom Sattler, CCE, President, who introduced James La Fratta who led the meeting in an Invocation. Dan Lusenhop led the Pledge of Allegience, Paulette Keene, Treasurer, discussed NICA’s financial report, and Alta Mosley, Executive Director, followed with her Executive Director’s Report. Tom Sattler, CCE spoke about his year and focused on the year’s rewards and challenges. Joe Potillo, Jr. presented the Convention overview and acknowledgements, which recognized Fare Foods’ Audrey Poole for her efforts in organizing the Food Show. Next, speakers Rick Vymlatil, CFE, IAFE Zone II Director and President / CEO of the South Florida Fair and Jim Tucker, President / CEO, IAFE spoke about the importance of a strong industry and how they appreciated the unification of businesses that the Business Expo and Food Show encouraged. Yaremi Tapanes, Coca-Cola, Justin Sattler, and Tom Sattler, CCE awarded the prizes for the 2013 Membership Contest, sponsored by Coca-Cola Refeshments. Art Pokorny, B. Wilson Enterprises, and Dannie Moreland, Moreland’s Family Concession, were awarded prizes. Dannie Moreland was also awarded the 5-Star Initiative, for the third time. Josh Seivers, Three Rivers Concessions, LLC, was awarded the Carnival Cruise grand prize. Randy Reichert, CCE, spoke briefly of his graditude for being chosen again to work with the Board and introduced the next speaker, Lonnie Steele, Retired Manager, Porter County Fair, who delivered the Keynote Address.

►► Continued on page 14

Audrey Poole & Joe Potillo, Jr. during his Acknowledgements

The General Membership Meeting had every seat filled

James La Fratta Leading the Invocation Prayer

Paulette Keene presenting the Financial Report

Alta Mosley during her Executive Director’s Report

Rick Vymlatil, CFE, IAFE Zone II Director / President & President / CEO of the South Florida Fair

Jim Tucker, President / CEO, IAFE April 2014 NICA News

Lonnie Steele, Retired Manager, Porter County Fair

Kevin McGrath Introducing the Hall of Fame Inductee Tom Sattler, CCE passing the gavel to Greg Miller, CCE

Justin Sattler, Yaremi Tapanes, Coca-Cola & Tom Sattler, CCE, choosing the Membership Contest Winners

April 2014 NICA News

Larry Sivori receiving the Hall of Fame Award

Kevin McGrath, CCE, 2012 NICA Hall of Fame, spoke of his friendship with this year’s award recipient and his continued dedication and support of NICA. He then introduced Larry Sivori, Past President, as the 2013 inductee to the NICA Hall of Fame. Tom Sattler, CCE, and Greg Miller, CCE, ended the meeting by passing the gavel, officially transferring the NICA Presidency for 2014. Greg gave an overview of his goals for this year in his speech, “A Look into the Future.” The meeting’s adjournment transitioned the evening into Casino Night! ▲

CASINO NIGHT

The last night of the NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 2014 Food Show closed with the very well-attended Casino Night annual fundraiser. There was a very heated competition to pool the most “funny money” to bid on a variety of prizes available at the end of the night. The most popular prize, and the one to raise the most “funny money,” was a 2 night resort stay. Everyone had a blast!

NICA Members scoring big at the Craps Table!

Poker was the most popular game of the night, with many winners!

One of our members winning the jackpot on one of the slot machines!

The Roulette Table was spinning all night long!

Some of the choices available for the auction at the end of the night: Stemless Wine & Decanter Set, Arts & Crafts by 5centrides, Men’s & Women’s Pulsar Watches by Martin’s Jewelers, Automatic Bottle Opener, Two Flavors of Ole Smoky Tennesse Moonshine, 2 Nights at a resort in Naples, FL, Bose Soundlink Mini & Accessories, 4 Tickets to the Daytona 500 by Coca-Cola, Grey Goose Vodka, Crown Royal, and $100 Outback Steakhouse Giftcard! April 2014 NICA News

Fun at the Flor Fiske’s Lemonade & Fries

Crutchee’s, Inc. Pinson’s Novelties

Chester’s Gators & Taters Sivori Catering, Inc. Spivey’s Food Concessions

Erran Melton, Sarah’s Sweet Shoppe

Don Rowlett, D & A Silver Dollar Bakery 16

April 2014 NICA News

Super Dog on a Stick

Paulette Keene & Melany Cale, Paulette’s Food Service

orida State Fair Netterfield’s Pizzeria The Best Around

Dean O’Brien, Dean O Foods

Alta Mosley visiting Art Pokorny, B. Wilson Enterprises

James & Sissy La Fratta, Perfection Confections, Inc.

Wicked Wanda’s T-Shirts

Netterfield’s Cotton Candy

The Fare Foods Team

Randy Howland, Sarah’s Sweet Shoppe

Randy Reichert, CCE, Hot Wisconsin Cheese

Rosemary Scirrotto, Scirrotto’s Cinnamon City April 2014 NICA News

of the month Russell Goetz Ice Kreme Mill, Ltd. Hanover, PA - Russell Goetz and his brothers have been serving up soft ice cream cones, sundaes, shakes, floats, frozen bananas, and more since the 1960s. The brothers, along with their wives and other family members, continue their father’s legacy. NICA had a chance to ask Mr. Goetz a few questions and we learned about his food and his life.

How long have you been a concessionaire and a NICA member? russell goetz: All of my life. My Father started our business in the 1960s before giving it to my brothers and me. We like to think we took what he offered and brought it to a whole new level. My Dad died in 1999, but I know he would be proud of what my brothers and I have done with the business. I have been a NICA member from the start. I attended the very first meeting in Tampa and remember what happened at West Palm Beach that initiated the thought that we needed to have a voice we could bring to fair management. That was really why NICA was formed.

How and why did you get in to the concession business?

RG: The business gets into your blood. Working as a child growing up in the concession business, it was hard to imagine doing anything else. The business can be trying at times, but it has been good to my brothers and me.

Russell Goetz at the 2013 Minnesota State Fair What do you like most about being a concessionaire?

RG: That’s a question I enjoy answering. To me, there is nothing better than being able to visit different Fairs. Reuniting with Fair staff, seeing returning customers, and traveling throughout the year are the aspects of concessions I enjoy most.

What’s your best selling food item?

RG: Tough question. I would have to say it depends on what event I am at and which stand I am in. If I had to choose, it would be our Italian sausage sub or our classic Vanilla Kone.

Russell’s father Leonard & brother Ken in 1968 18

April 2014 NICA News

Do you have any new items coming to your menu this year? RG: No, our Dad taught us to do one thing, and make sure we “do it right!”

Russell’s brother Ken, his mother Virginia & 14 year old Russell in 1976 What’s something people don’t know about you or your business?

RG: Many of our friends in NICA don’t realize that we have sausage trailers and a permanent food operation in MD. They just associate us with ice cream. How has the concession business changed since you first started out? What’s something you wish would change? RG: The stands have gotten bigger, the trucks have gotten bigger, and the living quarters have gotten bigger. I certainly wish the grosses would get bigger.

The sun sets on Goertzes Dairy Kone at the Virginia State Fair What’s the funniest thing that has happened in your concession career or through your concessionaire travels?

RG: I’m able to find the humor in any situation – so much so that it’s hard to pick out a single story.

What’s something you like to do in your free time?

What’s been the highlight of your career?

RG: Spending time with my family, playing my pinball machines, trying new restaurants, and travel, travel, travel... isn’t that right Kris?

What’s been most influential to your personal or business success within the past five years?

What do you like best about NICA?

RG: Serving quality products and knowing I have the respect of my peers.

RG: Not putting a timeline on things, I would say taking the lessons and virtues our Dad taught us and always contemplating how he would do things have been vital to our success.

RG: The fact that it gives us, as concessionaires, a forum to bounce new ideas around and see how people feel about/react to them.

What’s something you’re looking forward to this year?

RG: That’s easy! Seeing friends all year long. Whether it’s Fair committees, fellow concessionaires, or people on the other side of the counter; they are all what makes our business special.

Anything else you’d like to share with NICA members?

Russell’s brother Len, his cousin Paul & himself at the Minnesota State Fair

RG: I would like to thank everyone at NICA for putting their time and effort into trying to make this a better industry for all of us. Sometimes we lose sight of the fact certain people make personal sacrifices to better the organization. I’d like to dedicate the honor of being Concessionaire of the Month to my mother, Virginia, who passed away July 13th, 2013. She would have been extremely proud. ▲ April 2014 NICA News

NICA Visits the pasco county fair This month, NICA attended the Pasco County Fair, also known as the Heart of Florida Fair, in Dade City, Florida. Their theme this year was “Let the Good Times Grow,” and this was echoed throughout the Fair’s exhibits, outdoor sculptures, and community involvement. Fair director Jim Ward led us on a tour of the fairgrounds, arranged on 7 different levels due to the hilly landscape. He showed us their various exhibition halls, auction areas, rides, and food court locations. As for a little history, according to pascocountyfairs.com, “On April 7, 1947, the Pasco County Fair Association Inc. was chartered with the purpose of hosting an annual fair to promote youth and other county resources. The first documented county fair was January 20 through 24, 1948.” We look forward to attending next year and learning even more! ▲

Frazier Fair Foods

Kathy & Jeff Ross, Ross Concessions

Let the Good Times Grow!

Sattler Concessions & many other NICA Members line the main concession area

Eddie Porcelli, III, Spaghetti Eddie, & Jim Ward, Pasco County Fair

Vinny Valentino, Valentino’s London Broil

Super Dog on a Stick hard at work!

Sattler’s Leather & Hats on display for the fairgoers

Moon Monkey’s airbrushed t-shirts & more!

April 2014 NICA News

New Member Benefit NICA is proud to announce a new benefit for our members through Crystal Automotive, located in Inverness, Florida. In addition to Dodge vehicles, they offer Chrysler, Jeep, Nissan, and Chevrolet. All NICA Members will receive “Crystal Family and Friends Discount Pricing (Below dealer’s invoice) as well as free shipping anywhere in the continental United States.” To receive your discount, please contact Gary Darden, Commercial Sales Manager, at (352) 726-1238 (ext. 4021), or Ron Quinn,

Russ Harrison, CCE, Past President & Bob Kleiner, Crystal Automotive

General Sales Manager, at (352) 726-1238 (ext. 4012), or by visiting Crystal Automotive at 2077 Highway 44 West, Inverness, Florida 34453. Additionally, you may visit their website at www.crystalautos.com for more information. ▲

April 2014 NICA News

Convention & Fair Updates NICA at the South Florida Fair & Shrivel Bowl The South Florida Fair ran from January 17 to February 2, 2014, and had many NICA members on tap to attend the annual Shrivel Bowl after the Fair closed on January 28. Prize Sponsors for the night included the Butcher Boys, Parnell Foods, K & R Concessions, Wild Bill Curly Fries, Miller Concessions, Hot Wisconsin Cheese, Pinson Novelties, Sivori Catering, and Rose’s Grill. Food Donors for the night included Broad Concessions, Gabby’s Famous Kitchens, Porky’s, Griff’s Pizza, and Silver Dollar Bakery. The Shrivel Bowl is hosted annually by Randy Reichert, CCE, and everyone in attendance had lots of fun; we look forward to seeing you next year!

The Millers, Porky’s

Getting ready to bowl!

Preparing to hit a strike!

Ruth & Larry Sivori, Sivori Catering

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April 2014 NICA News

Alta Mosley Visits the 2014 OAFF Convention The Oklahoma Association of Fairs & Festivals Annual Convention took place in Claremore, Oklahoma, January 31 to February 1, 2014. Our Executive Director Alta Mosley was invited to attend and speak during a section of the program. There were many exhibits and workshops including “The Disaster Experience,” a mock disaster exercise in tabletop format designed to give event staff the opportunity to enhance their crisis communication and decision-making skills applicable to their own scenarios, “Event Insurance: Do You Need It?” that tied into the disaster experience, and “Exhibitor / Vendor and Entertainment Contracts,” presented by Alta Mosley, Executive Director. Other very informative workshops included “Volunteer Recruitment and Retention for Your Event,” “Getting and Keeping Sponsorships,” “Livestock and Public Health Issues,” and “How To Make the Best of Your Facility Yearround.” The keynote speaker was Beth Thompson, Miss Oklahoma 2011 and first runner-up for Miss America 2012. As their website, www.oklahomaaff.com, says, “If you weren’t there, you missed great learning sessions and a really fun time!”

Alta Mosley, Larry Kleemp, OAFF President and Hall of Fame Inductee, and Sheri Baumgardner at the OAFF Convention

April 2014 NICA News

A Few Words From

Allied Specialty insurance With the departure of some employees at Allied Specialty Insurance, many people in our beloved industry may be wondering, “How are things at Allied?” In one word - GREAT! As many of you know, Allied was founded 30 years ago by Duke Smith, my father-in-law, and managed by my late husband David prior to his passing 10 years ago in 2004. My family and David’s have been a part of our community for many generations. We know, love and are committed to this Industry. This is what makes us unique, and it will never change. If you look up the definition of “allied” you will find words such as joined, united, common cause, connected, and agree to work together. These words all support Allied’s uniqueness in our special community. We are “united” with our clients and their continued success in this amazing industry that so few truly understand and appreciate. Allied evolved from the roots of this industry and that has been woven into its fabric. Our name “suits” us in our dedication and commitment to this special community that we consider family. We want to assure you that Allied is in as strong a position as ever to serve our clients. At this time, we are staying focused on doing just that, serving our clients. This extends to our insurance company, T.H.E. Insurance, with their unparalleled specialized claims management and underwriting capabilities that have been cultivated and perfected over the 30 plus years of serving this specialized Industry. This cultivated skill set truly sets our service capabilities apart from other providers. As they say, “it takes one to know one,” and we can proudly say we are “one” of you! Genuinely understanding and appreciating the

April 2014 NICA News

operations of this industry comes best from having lived it. This is not an industry you learn best any other way. Allied was created and continues to be operated by “children of the carnival industry.” We can say we have “lived it” and are proud of that unique factor that truly sets us apart. This too will never change. And so, we are delighted to report that it is business as usual at Allied! Both myself personally and the entire Allied Family appreciate all the kind words of support and encouragement so many have given us, and we look forward to many more years of serving and supporting this unique industry we truly know and love. Sincerely, Mary Chris Smith President / Chairman of the Board Allied Specialty Insurance

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April 2014 NICA News

A Life Well Lived By Frank Parnell, Past President

Corndogs and Lemonade. These are common words we all have heard. Many of us have heard the name McKinney, but in this article McKinney, Corndogs, and Lemonade come together with the word LOVE. We all know what a corndog is and we’ve all enjoyed lemonade, but on this sad occasion we need to meet the McKinneys - Tim McKinney in particular. Tim McKinney was a man who could talk to the President or the janitor and make each one of them feel equally important. Tim McKinney passed away on February 19, 2014, just eight days shy of his 48th birthday. If love could have kept him alive, he would have lived forever. Today is February 23rd, and we have just laid Tim to rest. I can’t remember witnessing such an outpouring of grief and love. Due to the many calls, the family realized Tim’s church could not seat the large number of people who wanted to pay their respects to him. The service was held in the Hughes Springs High School Auditorium. While that was a vast improvement, even in the 800 seat auditorium, there were many people still standing against the walls. According to the retired Funeral Home President, this service was one of the largest attended funerals that he could recall during his long tenured career in the funeral business in Hughes Springs. It has been my privilege to watch this young man grow up from a child, and marry his high school sweetheart, a union which produced three beautiful daughters. Tim was successful his entire life, in academics, business, and as a husband and a father. His greatest success is evidenced by the lives he touched and the respect he commanded. Tim was the son of Billy Wayne and Linda McKinney of McKinney Food Services, a family operation that has included all the family since 1927. Bill McKinney is one of the earliest Presidents of NICA and still remains as one of its strongest supporters. As I mentioned earlier, this is a family that loved and supported each other faithfully. Peyton McKinney, Tim’s sister-in-law, penned a poem in tribute to Tim. Peyton, unable to sleep, and unable to cope with the overwhelming grief, in the wee hours of the night, put her thoughts and her heart on paper. On the following page is the result of that late night effort. This poem was read at his eulogy by his nephew Alan, and now I would like to share it with you. We will probably never understand the different twists and turns that life sends our way, but we must do our best to cope with them. For all of us who knew and loved Tim and many of those who have never met him, our lives have been diminished by this great and tragic loss, but move on we must. Our sincere condolences go out to the McKinney Family and to everyone who feels this sense of loss. Godspeed Tim. Rest in peace, my brother. 26

April 2014 NICA News

Corndog Prayer When my Master says, “It’s Time.” And my final teardown is done. With Angels I will celebrate, because the “Best of Show” I will have won. I am prepared and gracious, And with Angels I will fly. Because everyone needs a Corndog, at the festivals in the sky. More colorful than I can imagine, No electric or water I would need. At the fairs in heaven, God’s touch will always be. My lines will be miles of Angels. My Corndogs, perfect golden brown. My lemonade will be the sweetest, like it always was in town. My heart will be filled with joy, because for my services there will be no fees. And maybe I can give back to our Lord, a smidgen of what he gave to me. The Journey to Heaven will be flawless, unlike the path I will leave. But that special location in Heaven awaits, For a “Corndog Man” like me.

“Timothy Alan McKinney, beloved husband, father, and friend passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2014; he was 47 years old. Mr. McKinney was born February 27, 1966. He graduated from Hughes Springs High School in 1984 and graduated Cum Laude from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1989. He married his high school sweetheart Mechelle Collins, December 8, 1990. They were blessed with three beautiful girls and moved back to Hughes Springs, TX July 2006 from Argyle, TX. He was a Methodist, a Mason, past Master of Hughes Springs Lodge # 671, member of Hella Temple Shrine, and 3rd generation of McKinney Food Service, continuing to serve the industry since 1927. He is survived by his wife, Mechelle and three daughters, Abbye, Emma, and Bella; parents, Billy Wayne and Linda McKinney; four brothers and three sisters-in-law, Adam and Teresa McKinney, Ron and Peyton McKinney, Shawn McKinney, and Billy and Shellie Fickling; grandmother, Jamae Humphrey; father and mother-inlaw, Ray and Nancy Collins, all of Hughes Springs; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Tim McKinney Memorial Fund at Hughes Springs First National Bank, by calling (903) 639-2521. Funeral services [were at] 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 23, 2014 at the Hughes Springs High School Auditorium. Burial [followed] at Harris Chapel Cemetery, under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. There [was] a time of visitation from 5 until 8 Saturday evening at First United Methodist Church.” - Obituary, Reeder-Davis Funeral Homes April 2014 NICA News

Your #1 Source for Concession Supplies!

Can YoU Guess Who is in this Picture? ►►

Recently, NICA’s office staff has gone on a Spring Cleaning spree, turning up lost artifacts from the history of this organization. The first significant piece of nostalgia we found is the caricature portrait to the right featuring NICA members. There are a few faces that stand out, but we encourage anyone with knowledge of this drawing to contact us by phone at (813) 438-8926 or by e-mail at graphics@nicainc.org in order to let us know who is in the picture or any other details such as artist, time period drawn, or other history! 28

April 2014 NICA News

Welcomes our New Members! Katy Saevang Katy’s Lucky 7 Foods, CA Amy Smith Sysco Corporation, TX Anthony Verdone Cardinali Concessions, CA Todd Lee Feld Entertainment, Inc., FL Pam Fyock Tulare County Fair, CA Cliff Munson Siskiyou Golden Fair, CA Jeremy Parsons Clay County Fair, IA James Malmquist Key’s Koncessions, FL Craig Fletcher Sysco Corporation, TX

March Crossword Answers B O

M I A P R M I

G G I O L D

I N Y S A A R D I S H A M R O N P I L A R I L N N A T G K E N N C C R D A N O R M I N N E

A F

S A F E Y S C K U C L I N O I S T I O N A L S V A N A H E I M T S S E M E N U E S O T A

If You Are Interested in Advertising in the next issue of

Please Call (813) 438-8926 or E-Mail graphics@nicainc.org for Ad Rates, Sizes & Availability

2014 Membership Referral Contest General Membership Audrey Poole........................................................................1 Barry Floyd . .........................................................................1 Brenda Premont...................................................................1 Brian Myers..........................................................................1 Daryl Whicheloe, CCE...........................................................1 David Spann.........................................................................1 Doug Dills.............................................................................1 Earl Strickland......................................................................1 James Staub, Sr...................................................................1 Jennifer Giordano.................................................................2 Lola Ramirez.........................................................................1 Louis Harvell.........................................................................1 Melvin Melton.......................................................................1 Roger Westmoreland...........................................................1 Russ Harrison, CCE..............................................................1 SanDee O’Brien, CCE............................................................1 Thomas “Tom Tom” Sattler.................................................1

Board of Directors Dan Lusenhop......................................................................2 Don Kenna............................................................................2 Paulette Keene.....................................................................2 Randy Reichert, CCE.............................................................1

Administration Office...................................................................................13 Rey O’Day.............................................................................1

Prizes •

Carnival Cruise Package - A drawing will be held for all the members who refer new or former members in 2014. For every new or former member referred, the recruiting member will receive one chance to win the Carnival Cruise (valued over $1500!).

•

$500 Cash - For every new or former member referred, the recruiting member will receive one chance to win the $500.

•

NICA National Representative Contest - Winner will receive $500 cash and is eligible to win any of the aforementioned prizes. Drawings to be held in Tampa, FL in February 2015

www.facebook.com/NICAinc

Or Text “Like NICAinc” to 32665 April 2014 NICA News

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April 2014 NICA News

For Office Use Only

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc.

Date

1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 Office: 813-438-8926 • Fax: (813)438-8928 E-mail: nica@nicainc.org • Website: www.nicainc.org

NICA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION q Mr. q Mrs.

q Ms.

First

Last

Name of business Physical address

Mailing address Permanent tel. no. (

City

State

Zip

City

State

Zip

Cell phone no. (

)

E-mail

)

Website

Would you like to connect your business with NICA on social media?

q Facebook q Twitter

Referred by

Fill out the below information as accurately and detailed as possible. Information and Keywords provided below will be used for your entry in the NICA Annual Membership Directory as well used as keywords to search for your business on the NICA website.

Annual Membership Fees Independent Concessionaire

Associate

A person or entity who provides services to the concession industry.

Voting:

q Independent Concessionaire............................................$125 q Spousal member...................................................................$75

Fair / Festival over 75,000 attendance............................$125

Fair / Festival under 75,000 attendance...........................$75

Non-Voting:

q Employee................................................................................$50

Manufacturer / Distributor / Industry Supplier..............$125

Carnival / Circus Operator..............................................................$125

Check a category below and provide a detailed description of your company’s services:

Special Services..................................................................$125

Stationary Concession......................................................$125

q Commercial Exhibitors q Attractions / Entertainment q Retail

q Food q Games q Services

Description:

_________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

Provide a detailed description of your organization / company’s services below: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Mail Check or Money Order to NICA’s office at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511

Concessionaire General Routing Information

List all states where you conduct your concession business

List three Fairs or Festivals worked in the past year:

1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________

Visit our website for NICA Membership Benefits: www.nicainc.org I understand that my application is subject to final approval by the NICA Board of Directors. I also understand that if my application is not accepted, the amount paid will be refunded to me. If accepted for membership in NICA, I hereby agree to abide by its by-laws and rules.

Applicant’s signature

Date

Visa

Mastercard

American Express

Credit card no. Security Code

Expiration Date

TOTAL

Signature of credit card holder

I authorize NICA to charge the agreed amount listed above to my credit card provided herein. I agree I will pay for this purchase in accordance with the issuing bank cardholder agreement. The NICA sponsored $10,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Policy is automatically provided to all Independent Concessionaire Members.

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 Time Sensitive Mail â&#x20AC;˘ April 2014 Issue

PRSRT STD U. S. POSTAGE PAID STEVENS POINT WI PERMIT NO. 272