National Independent Concessionaires Association
August 2013
About Your NICA Benefits... NICA Member Benefits Issue 2013, Part 1
August 2013 NICA News
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August 2013 NICA News
CONTENTS AUGUST 2013
FEATURES About Your NICA Benefits - Section, Part 1 11 2014 Board of Directors Nominees, Part 2 Concessionaire of the Month Jeff & Kathy Ross, Ross Concessions
Retailer of the Month
Waymatic, Inc.
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Golfing the Turf at the Del Mar Surf By Rey O’Day
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NEWS 2013 Calendar 4 President's Message 5
By Tom Sattler, CCE
Executive Director's Report 5 By Alta Mosley
Director’s Voice 7
By Tony Trafton, CCE
Celebrating 20 Years of NICA: Some History on NICA Members 8 By SanDee O'Brien, CCE & Mary Miller
Minimum Wage Update 15 DOT Update 20 A Message from Allied Specialty 23 2014 Calendar 26 Congratulations to Alta! 28
ADVERTISERS Berk Paper & Supply 21 Chestnut 26 Fanestil’s Quality Meats 28 Fare Foods 21 Fontanini 10 Heinkel's 15 K & K Insurance 9
Midway Stainless 30 Mr. G’s Custom Meats 12 Pepsi 2 Rio Syrup 19 Sterling Payment 23 United Trailers 20 WNA 30
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NICA 2013 Calendar
OFFICERS President......Tom Sattler, CCE 1st Vice-President......David Penn 2nd Vice-President.....Joe Potillo, Jr. Secretary.....Justin Sattler
AUG 15: Directory Updates due in office
SEP 1: Directory Advertising Deadline 16-20: IFEA Convention & Expo, Pittsburgh, PA 30: Board of Directors election ballots due in office
OCT
NOV 1-2: Colorado Association of Fairs & Shows Annual Convention , Colorado Springs, CO 1-3: Maryland Association of Agriculture Fairs & Shows Annual Convention, Ocean City, MD 13: Wyoming Association of Fairs Annual Meeting, Casper, WY 13-16: Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs Annual Convention, Casper, WY
1: All CCE Applications due in the office
20-23: Canadian Association of Fairs & Exhibitions Annual Convention Ottawa, Ontario
17-19: Washington State Fairs Association Annual Convention, Pasco, WA
21-23: North and South Dakota Associations of Fairs Combined Annual Convention, Aberdeen SD
18-19: Kentucky Association of Agriculture Society Annual Convention, Louisville, KY 25-26: Manitoba Association of Agriculture Societies Annual Convention, Brandon, Manitoba
Treasurer......Paulette Keene
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Greg Miller, CCE
Directors: Don Kenna Stacia Markowitz Tim O’Brien, CCE Dominic Palmieri Tony Trafton, CCE
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
DEC 8-12: 123rd Annual IAFE Convention and Trade Show, Las Vegas, NV 8-12: At the IAFE Convention NICA Board Meeting, WIN Wine & Cheese, NICA Members Appreciation Reception and Regional Meeting 13-15: Association of Iowa Fairs Annual Convention, Des Moines, IA
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
Graphics & Marketing Director Kaitlyn Loos - graphics@nicainc.org
NICA WEST Office: Executive Manager
For the 2014 calendar dates, please continue reading on p.26
Rey O’Day imreyqoe@gmail.com 2130 Walnut St. La Verne, CA 91750
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President’s Message
Tom Sattler, CCE
I would like to remind everyone before the chaos of the season hits full swing to remember to make plans for all of the conventions after the season. One of the first is the IAFE Convention in Las Vegas. The dates have changed from the end of November to December 8th-12th. This convention is always one of the best places to interact with all types of people from every walk of this industry; from fairs to carnivals to other concessionaires and even to entertainers. There are round tables and seminars that discuss the hot topics and major issues that are affecting our industry. There is also great motivational speakers that can help you see things in a different way. One of the most important aspects of this week is the ability to socialize with others in our industry, to have meaningful discussions and form lasting bonds. When this event closes, it signals the start of the State and IAFE Zone Meetings. If you can’t make the Las Vegas Convention, then I encourage you to make it to you local state meeting. These meetings are a great way to get involved and make a difference. If you need the times and dates of these meetings please call either the NICA office or myself and we will get you the proper dates. Get involved and you can help be part of the solution to the problems of today for a prosperous tomorrow. “Together We Can”
Executive Director's Report The Summer Season has truly arrived in Southwest Florida and along with it came the constant companions, humidity and liquid sunshine. I do hope the sun is shining and bringing you warm temperatures for your summer routes. As for me, I took advantage of a rainy weekend to take a trip down memory lane. Twenty years of the NICA News, from the first one page (front only) to the June 2013 issue. Looking back at 20 years of the NICA News has been interesting. There are pictures of old friends that bring back great memories, some pictures of friends that are no longer with us. This also gave me the opportunity to learn more about the previous Executive Directors and how they served this Association.
Alta Mosley
Jerry Kuhn was the first one. He came on board in April, 1993. Jerry was responsible for getting all the corporate papers, IRS status and the usual paper work that goes with starting a new Association. He also established the Newsletter. Jerry Kuhn retired in December 1993 to enjoy his many hobbies. The Board was very grateful for his hard work. Continued on Next Page>>
National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. Dedicated to strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival and Special Events Industries through effective communication, benefits, leadership and solutions.
NICA is a Florida Corporation with Editorial and General Office located at: 1043 E. Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511 (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 438-8928 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 Copyright All Rights Reserved. ©NICA August 2013 NICA News
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NICA Executive Regional Councils
(Continued Executive Director’s Report) Johnnie Holmes, CFE accepted the position of Executive Director in January 1995. He retired from the Arkansas State Fair in July 1994 after 20 years of service in all areas of Fair management. Johnnie was a strong believer in the concept that building partnerships with fairs, carnivals and concessionaires would make a good fair that folks would want to attend. The more I read, the more I came to admire Johnnie Holmes, the man known far and wide as “Mr. NICA”. I admire him for many reasons, one being he was devoted to his wife, Patte. She traveled with him throughout his career in Fair management and NICA. I admire his honest, down to earth approach to life and business. It is apparent that many people shared that admiration, he was named to the Arkansas Fair Managers Hall of Fame and appointed to their Board of Directors as an Associate Director. He received many other honors during his career. Mr. Holmes believed the strongest tool a member has for recruiting is themselves. He also said, when you are on location, find out if your neighbor is a NICA member. If they aren’t, sign him up! A quote from the January 1995 NICA News read like this, “Our motto is ‘Together We Can’. I believe that together we can do anything we have the desire and energy to achieve”. This is the message he shared as he traveled to the various Conventions and Fairs. He also encouraged the Fairs, the carnivals and the concessionaries to share information, facts and ideas by creating Communication Committees. At the end of 1995 Mr. Holmes said he had driven his Dodge Dakota 10,010 miles, bummed rides for another 2,000 miles and flown over 3,000 miles. And that was just the first year. Another thing I found in the pictures of Mr. Holmes over the years he served as Executive Director was his constant smile. Even in the pictures, you can feel the warmth of a genuine, from the heart smile. I saw a man that people could depend on, a man that cared about for others and about building a strong association. Johnnie Holmes retired in December 1998 leaving NICA in the very capable hands of Linda Comer who had been the Assistant Executive Director. Mr. Johnnie Holmes, to you I say Thank You for your wisdom and your dedication. Learning more about you restores my faith about how we should conduct business and live our lives as well as it energizes me to get in my Dodge Durango and hit the road to the next Fair where I can shake hands and ask “Are you a member of NICA?”
NICA WEST COUNCIL Kim Barr Don Delahoyde, CCE Jennifer Giordano Judy Henbury, CCE Lucky Henner Dan Lusenhop Dale Smith Tony Trafton, CCE Daryl Whicheloe
NICA National Representatives Duane Fischer Judi Gruver John Harkey David Higginbottom Charles Ivory, CCE Tom Kiermaier David Koepp Mike Markowitz Mike McGrath Kevin McGrath II Vision Money Dannie Moreland Etta Pence, CCE David Spann R. Josh Stremmel George Wandrey, Jr. Ed White
NICF Board Chuck Dugan Russ Harrison, CCE Lisa Hinton Donald Kenna SanDee O’Brien, CCE Olivia Orme Bill Wrabiutza
Travel Safe my Friends,
Alta Mosley, Executive Director
HIDDEN OBJECT
ACTIVITY!
Find the icecream cone!
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Locate the icecream cone in the pages of this magazine and you just might win the August NICA News Prize!
Find it? Tell us where by going to: www.nicainc.org/pages/hiddenobject. Or mail a postcard with the the page number and your name, address and phone number to: Hide & Seek, NICA, 1043 E. Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511. All member entries must be in the office by September 1, 2013! You can also check online for the reveal of July's watermelon slice. June’s graduation cap was hidden on p. 29 at the bottom of the Berk Supply Ad. Congratulations to Elizabeth Burbach for finding the object and being selected to win the June prize! Happy searching this August! August 2013 NICA News
A MESSAGE FROM TONY TRAFTON Director’s Voice Article
Seven years ago Chuck Dugan, Rey O’Day and I sat at Chuck’s concession stand (Chuck Wagon) at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar and brainstormed about the possibility of forming an association for concessionaires that could be an advocate for our industry. We talked about offering benefits such as a group buying program, develop industry standards and creating the go to voice for concessionaires in the West. From this conversation we formed the Associated Business Owners Guild. A few short months later we were invited to join NICA as NICA West. I sensed from you yesterday that it is hard to be encouraging: to yourself, to each other, and to others; yet that is our task. I remind myself every day to be impeccable with my word, not take anything personally, don’t make assumptions (ask questions instead), and do the best I can. So I say to you: take each day one at a time, know that you are the very best at what you do, and believe ‘Together We Can’ make a difference for each other.”
While searching for a topic to share in this month’s Director’s Voice it came to me that the most influential individual in our growth as NICA West has never truly been recognized to the entire NICA family for all her efforts, passion, and dedication. Without Rey O’Day as our NICA West Executive Manager, we would not be the solid, successful NICA regional affiliate that we are today. Our entire association has benefited from her organizational strengths, her knowledge, her experience, her passion, and her guidance and I, for one, would like to acknowledge and thank her for all she has done for us. It has often been said that getting a bunch of concessionaires to get together and work toward a common goal is akin to herding cats! Well, Rey, you are the best “Cat Herder” I’ve ever known!! As an example of her leadership I want to share with all our members a portion of a recent email she sent to the NICA West Council members after a particularly (technologically) challenging council meeting: “Being tired, frustrated and busy cannot prevent us, as NICA West Council members, from connecting to our current members and speaking with potential new members. While what we do is hard work, it is also rewarding work in an industry that provides us with the opportunity to make good memories for our customers while making money.
With wisdom, guidance, and compassion such as this it’s no accident we have accomplished the great things we have over the last several years. There are countless other examples I could cite to validate my belief that Rey is the single most influential individual in the success of NICA West. As I near the end of my term as a NICA West council member and the ex-officio NICA Board member I want to personally thank Rey for all she has done to make this great organization better, while continually striving for those goals we discussed all those years ago at Chuck’s concession stand in Del Mar. As for my tenure as a NICA West council member and a NICA Board member I have had an incredibly rewarding experience getting to meet new friends, grow as a concessionaire, and learn more about this great business we are in. As entrepreneurs we are all leaders as such. As the old Chinese proverb goes, “If you give, you will receive”. Every organization needs leaders to aid in the growth and well being and I urge all of you to become more involved in your association. I’m confident you will find it beneficial to your business and your personal life. With great people like Rey to work with it’s a no-lose proposition!■ Tony Trafton August 2013 NICA News
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Celebrating 20 Years of NICA Some History on NICA Members By SanDee O’Brien, CCE
I thought it might be interesting to contact some concessionaires to help celebrate NICA’s 20th year whose families have been in this business for 2 or more generations. Mary Miller of Charlie’s Food Concessions was able to send NICA some photos as well as a newspaper article from 1948 that gives the history of her grandfather, William E. Ashard. This means her great grandfather was in the concession business by 1874!! He reportedly died on the Dane County Fairgrounds in Madison after being struck by a horse and buggy while he was watching the hot air balloons. The picture of the Candy Stand is from around the 1930’s. The people are William Ashard, her Grandpa, William J., her Dad, Esther, her Aunt and Maude, her Grandma. If you look closely at the right leg of the stand you can see the hook where they pulled the taffy right on the midway!! Her Dad never did get a machine, he always pulled it by hand and her Mom and Grandma, and later Mary and her sisters, stretched it, cut it into bars and wrapped it.
Blast from the Past:
Can you guess the members in this picture?
Continued on Next Page>>
Captions LEFT: 1948 Newspaper Clipping about Mary Miller's grandfather, William E. Ashard NEXT PAGE: Photo from the 1930s. Left to right: Her grandfather: William E. Ashard; her father: William J. Ashard; her father's sister: Esther Ashard; her grandmother: Maude Ashard
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Mary’s Dad had concession privileges at the University of Wisconsin through the 50’s and was the in-house concessionaire at the Cane County Fairgrounds in the 50’s - 60’s. He went on the road building his own trailers as well as cotton candy machines. Mary and her sisters spent their summers working the fairs. This is where Mary met Charlie Miller. His family had the show cookhouse on Farrow Amusements when Mary’s family was on the independent with a popper. Mary’s sister and niece, Nancy and Jennifer Dolsey, have carried on Ashard Concessions. Mary and Charlie’s children Lori, Amie, and Doug also spent their summers on the road. Now they along with their spouses and children are Charlie’s Food Concessions. This year Lori and Chris (Rockwell) are taking over the Ashard route for Jennifer. They will have the help of their six daughters - THE SIXTH GENERATION in “the Business”.■
If you have any stories you’d like to share in the remaining issues of the 2013 year, please contact SanDee O’Brien, CCE at 813-438-8926. Thank you for celebrating NICA’s History with us!
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2014 NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods Food Show Join us for a week of Fun Filled Excitement at the
Sheraton Tampa East Hotel (Formerly Crowne Plaza Hotel)
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August 2013 NICA News
Insurance Programs That Appeal to NICA Members
“Just What the Doctor Ordered!” As a member of NICA, Pro Insurance Managers, a national independent broker, can offer to help you with Health, Dental, and Vision, and Life Insurance Programs. Since 1951, PRO Insurance has developed extensive experience with association based programs virtually ensuring offerings of only the highest quality and service standards. PRO works with 100+ national associations comprised of over 16,000,000 members. Tens of thousands of members at all levels have taken advantage of the broad and affordable coverage’s that PRO offers and many report that it’s just what the doctor ordered. One of the biggest roadblocks heard at meetings is that someone feels they need to stay in a job for insurance. PRO offers customized health coverage through nearly every major insurance company at rates well below an employer plan. This allows a member to consider leaving that position to work their business fulltime. The programs are open to anyone and their family.
Individuals and families will find multiple top national insurance companies represented who offer immediate online quotes for the latest in innovative, quality plan design (non-HMO). Choices and rates which are not generally available locally, or through a single company “group” type plan or approach. While the majority of applicants are approved for coverage, now those with the most severe health conditions will also find plans with guaranteed acceptance. The Affordable Care Act will soon be ready to start offering coverage on a guaranteed basis to individuals and PRO Insurance already has many tools to navigate this much talked about and massive change. From a subsidy calculator that can let you know how much the Federal Government will pay of your monthly insurance premium to timelines on when the changes will start, all on PRO’s website. Find full information, immediate rate quotes and much more on all of the programs offered through PRO Insurance logon to www.pro4.us or you can call 800-821-7383. You have a single contact point for immediate rates, plan details and where insurance companies are encouraged to compete for your business.
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The Benefits of Coca Cola Refreshments Coca-Cola has been a proud partner of NICA and its members for 20 years. We support the association and its members by… •
Offering NICA members national account BIB (bag-in-box) pricing. Every food vendor is issued a Coca-Cola TCPC (traveling customer purchasing card). These accounts are set up by Coca-Cola for national account pricing and the cards are issued from the NICA office. Please note that accepting the national account pricing is at the bottler’s discretion. If you have any questions please call Yaremi Tapanes at 305-807-4668.
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Partnering with NICA on recruitment and retention initiatives.The NICA Membership Contest. When you participate in the contest, by referring new/former members, you will receive a chance to win a cruise package and cash prizes.
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Fair, Festival and State Association Membership The top three Fairs or Festivals that refer the largest number (minimum of three) of Regular or Associate members will receive cash rewards. In order to qualify for all awards, you must be a NICA member in good standing.
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Co-sponsoring the Coca-Cola Refreshments and CCE’s Scholarship.The purpose of this scholarship is to assist the recipient with educational expenses in college.
The Benefits of Fare Foods Fare Foods has been a partner of NICA since 1995. Our goal has always been to service the mobile concessionaires across the United States with all their concession supplies to bring them the best deals possible for additional savings. Fare Foods has expanded our Marketing Programs through the NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods Food Show to better serve the concessionaire offering additional savings and promotions, what’s new in the market, and market trend information. The Food Show gives you the opportunity to be the first to try new offerings for your customers, meet the vendors in the marketplace, and develop long-term business relationships. We start planning the Fare Foods Food Show a year in advance with plans well underway for the 2014 Food Show. Through our partnership with NICA, we have been able to continue to expand the Food Show each year. The event is extremely well attended by the concessionaires resulting in the attendees obtaining additional allowances. We set a goal when we started doing the Food Show to be able to give back to the Food Show attendees’ allowances at the end of the year. In 2012, Fare Foods paid out over $100,000.00 in allowances to those customers that attended the Food Show. Allowances are available at the Food Show on various items that our vendors showcase, and without our vendor’s support this would not be possible. We have developed long-term relationships with our vendors and these allowances continue to grow. We look forward to the 2013 Food Show allowance payout to be even greater! Fare Foods has continued to be a partner of NICA’s and also provides support of the Business Expo in conjunction with the Food Show. Fare Foods supplies all the meeting space at no charge to NICA for their seminars, business meetings, and general membership meeting.
In addition, Fare Foods sponsors the Gala Event Buffet after the general membership meeting. This gives all the concessionaires an opportunity to visit with each other. In addition, Fare Foods continues to support NICA through generating memberships and advertising income. As a result, Fare Foods has produced over $280,000 since 2007 to support the organization and its members. Mark your calendars and make sure to attend the 2014 Fare Foods Food Show/NICA Business Expo on February 3rd - 5th, 2014 in Tampa, Florida. This year’s event will be held at our new location, The Sheraton Tampa East (formerly the Crowne Plaza). This will be an event that you will not want to miss. Fare Foods and NICA continue to offer these member benefits to the concessionaires by attending the event. Safe travels this year and see you in Tampa, Florida.
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2014
NICA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nominees
The July Issue contained Part 1 of our candidates remarks. Part 2 is the question and answer portion, below. If you have any additional questions, please contact the NICA Office and we will forward those questions to the candidate and share their replies.
Dominic Palmieri 1) What is the single most important challenge facing concessionaires today? Controlling costs without having to compromise quality both with respect to our food cost and especially our labor costs. 2) As a Board Member, how would you help overcome this challenge? I think it is critically important to evaluate and improve member benefits such as the NICA/ Sysco buying program and keep NICA involved in a collaboration of efforts with other trade associations in trying to fix the work visa challenges. I think that a show of strength that multiple associations can share the same vision in helping its members can only help NICA become stronger as well. 3) Where do you see NICA in five years? I see NICA having a greater roll in bridging the gap between fairs, and fair partners and instrumental in helping its members with governmental affairs. For instance; labor issues, transportation issues, regulations etc. all of these will have impact on our bottom line and will continue to chip away at what we are all working so hard for. Showing that, as an asscociation, the strength comes from our membership base and getting greater participation from our members. 4) What would you plan to help NICA get there? I believe our member base has to continue to grow and most important our members have to become more involved in the core values that NICA stands for as our core values as an association develops, evolves and changes.
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Joseph, “Joe� Potillo, Jr. 1) What is the single most important challenge facing concessionaires today? I don't know that the answer to this question can be summed up in a single item response. There are many significant challenges we as concessionaires face at the moment. Some of these are Labor, Transportation Issues, Rising Costs, Regulatory changes that are not conducive to our unique business model just to name a few. 2) As a Board Member, how would you help overcome this challenge? As a Director headed towards my second term in office I think that my answer to this question has become more practical than idealistic. We must adhere to our fundamental purpose of communication. We have come a long way with the vision of the men and women who founded this organization, but we have much more to do. 3) Where do you see NICA in five years? I see NICA in five years Strong, Fortified, and Vibrant! I see this organization truly becoming the leading voice in the industry both of and to the Independent Concessionaire. 4) What would you plan to help NICA get there? Commitment, Dedication and Teamwork, after all Together we Can!
Minimum Wage Update ATTENTION: NICA wanted to let everyone know that the minimum wage has changed in many states. Please visit the web site below for information concerning the states that affect your business. It is a user friendly site, just click on the state and it will reveal their laws.
http://www.dol.gov/whd/ minwage/america.htm
You can also get there by scanning here with your smart phone with a QR Reader app.
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JEFF & KATHY ROSS of Ross Concessions HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A CONCESSIONAIRE AND A NICA MEMBER? 29 years…..we aren’t sure how long we have been members, but we were at the first meeting at Tampa fairgrounds….and we listened closely to the plans. WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU REMEMBER ABOUT NICA? That finally someone else was thinking the way we were and that we might have a voice as a group. HOW AND WHY DID YOU GET IN TO THE CONCESSION BUSINESS? Jeff started as a summer job and always knew it was what he wanted to do….I started as a summer job during nursing school and fell in love with Jeff…and the business. IF YOU WEREN'T A CONCESSIONAIRE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? I would be a working RN and Jeff can’t imagine not doing this business but being a pro hunter/ fisherman would be OK… WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEING A CONCESSIONAIRE? The ability to have a family business and to set our own schedule. WHAT'S YOUR BEST SELLING FOOD ITEM? Depends on who you are asking and which trailer we are working in at the time….we make all of our products from scratch…no mixes for us… so our funnel cakes, elephant ears, sugar waffles, fresh dough pizza and homemade pretzels are our best selling food items… DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW ITEMS COMING TO YOUR MENU THIS YEAR? Chocolate dipped sugar waffles with sprinkles….our friend sells fudge puppies…a baked treat on a stick dipped in a coating chocolate…one rainy day we were experimenting with dipping various fair foods in the chocolate and we decided the waffles were the best…
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AJ, Kathy , and Jeff Ross
WHAT'S SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU OR ROSS CONCESSIONS? I am an RN and we both grew up on farms…AJ is a very good trap shooter. HOW HAS THE CONCESSION BUSINESS CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED OUT? WHAT'S SOMETHING YOU WISH WOULD CHANGE? When we first started concession trailers, we could get by selling one or two items….now we are all 7-11’s...selling anything we can to make the rent. I wish the public knew what a great group of people we are….Christians, caring, giving and generous people that just want to give the public a great memory.. WHAT'S BEEN MOST INFLUENTIAL TO YOUR PERSONAL OR BUSINESS SUCCESS WITHIN THE PAST FIVE YEARS? Our son, AJ, at the age of 17 he has really stepped up to be an integral part of our business…he takes on any task presented to him and loves the business as much as we do. WHAT'S THE FUNNIEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED IN YOUR CONCESSION CAREER OR THROUGH YOUR CONCESSIONAIRE TRAVELS? Maybe not funny but strange…while playing the Delaware State Fair the concession manager called and asked if we had a dog, we said yes, Libby…..thinking we were in trouble and had “walked” her in the wrong place we couldn’t figure out why he wanted to know….he soon showed up in front of the concession trailer and asked if he could “borrow” our dog to fulfill a contract stipulation for the group, Big Time Rush. Their contract stated that they were to have a dog provided to play with before they went on stage….so AJ and Libby went back stage…the group met Libby and AJ, and played for a short time….so we have a Rock Star Dog…lol
WHAT'S SOMETHING YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME? Jeff and AJ love to hunt and fish…I like to just “ BE” at home….
WHAT'S SOMETHING YOU'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR? Having a successful and prosperous year.
WHAT'S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER? Being able to work as a family….my mom says being a concessionaire is a lot like being a farmer….you have to do it whether you want to or not, it stinks when it rains, there is always something to fix or paint and you can never find any good help…lol
ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH NICA MEMBERS? We would like to thank the Board Members present and past for their service to us and the rest of the membership….and Alta has done many wonderful things for this organization.■
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT NICA? The camaraderie ….to have people that “know” what we talking about…that have the same problems and conflicts as we do….and maybe share solutions…if not just share stories. August 2013 NICA News
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RETAILER OF THE MONTH: Waymatic, Inc. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A NICA MEMBER & HOW HAS IT INFLUENCED YOUR BUSINESS? Waymatic has been in the business for almost 60 years now. We have seen a lot of changes in the Concession business both good and bad. We were excited to see an organization come along with the best interests of the independent operator in mind and we have been a NICA supporter from the very start, since 1993. WHAT’S YOUR MOST POPULAR PRODUCT? Every trailer we build is custom made to meet the needs of the operators of that particular trailer so we don’t have a specific type of trailer that we could pin down as “most popular”. However, overall we seem to do more Fried Food trailers than any other. The past few years have been particularly busy for our Draft Beer Trailers as well. Waymatic Draft Trailers are a very popular item right now! WHAT’S YOUR BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR? Generally, late Fall through early Summer are our busiest times. This is usually when the operators are getting serious about the upcoming fair season and start making decisions on what needs to be fixed or updated...or maybe even decide they need a brand new trailer. WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT YOUR JOB? Meeting & getting to know our customers from all around the country is certainly a great aspect of our jobs here at Waymatic.
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The Fair and Carnival circuit is full of interesting people with interesting stories. Being a part of Fairs and Festivals all around North America and getting to watch and interact with the diverse crowds at these events definitely makes for some great conversation. WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE LOOKING MOST FORWARD TO THIS YEAR? We always look forward to Fair season when we get a chance to go out and see our customers and our products in action. Not only do we have a great time seeing the fair and sampling our customer’s excellent treats, we learn a lot from the feedback we get about our trailers. Once we get back home we find ways to apply what we have learned to our future designs. HOW HAS THE BUSINESS CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED? Probably the biggest and most noticeable change for our trailers are the significant improvements in the signage and overall appearance of the graphics applied to each one. Our award-winning Graphics Department can turn out just about any design imaginable to help capture the attention of more customers than ever before. What used to be done with paint and stencils is now done with digital art programs and High Definition printers.
WHAT’S SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT WAYMATIC? Waymatic is best known for our high-quality concession and draft trailers. However, a larger portion of our work comes from custom metal fabrication work for various other industries. We didn’t even start out as a trailer manufacturer...it all started with a machine the founder of our company, TJ Easterwood, invented that was a combination filler and automatic weight regulator for the bagging of dry materials such as grain, seed or feed. It could be used with any platform scale, transforming it into an automatic weighing scale. This is where the name “Waymatic” originated. A few years later we built a trailer for a local Pepsi bottling company and have been perfecting them ever since. WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT NICA? It is often easy to overlook all the work that goes into the concession business. Most people at a fair simply go to their favorite vendor and order their food or win their prize without realizing the amount of work that goes into providing them such entertainment. Fairs don’t succeed because they are run by large corporations or government funds. They succeed because of the hard work that individual independent concessionaires put into them every day. Hard-working independent businesses are often seen as easy targets to take advantage of and it’s great to have an organization like NICA to provide awareness and assistance.■
ONLY A FEW LEFT!
$40
Order your custom collector basket today to celebrate NICA’s 20th Anniversary! Call the NICA Office 813-438-8926 or visit nicainc.org
RIO SYRUP CO.
St. Louis, MO 63103 | 800-325-7666 | www.riosyrup.com Distributed through Fare Foods 1-800-651-1601
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DOT Update Note: The FMCSA has not postponed implementation of the changes in the driver hours of service rules. They will go into effect as scheduled on July 1, 2013. The FMCSA’s (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) new hours of service rules, has gone into effect as of, July 1st 2013. So what are the new rules? First, you may not drive if 8 hours of duty time has passed since a driver’s last off-duty or sleeper break of at least 30 minutes. Said another way, a driver must take an off-duty or sleeper break at least 30 minutes once every 8 hours of on duty time. This break must be shown on the logs. This 30 minute break must be off-duty or sleeper time. It cannot be on-duty time. For example, if a drivers stops to fuel the truck, and it takes him 30 minutes to fuel the truck, he cannot count this as his 30 minute off-duty break. He would have to take an additional 30 minutes off-duty inside the truckstop eating lunch, playing video games, or doing other non-work activities to count as his off-duty break. He is allowed to be in the truck while taking this off-duty break. This is specified in the new rules. This 30 minute break, like all off-duty and sleeper breaks of less than 8 hours, does not extend the 14 hour duty window. In essence, a driver now only has 13.5 hours to work and drive, whereas previously he had 14. The other major change in these rules pertains to the 70 hour rule. A driver cannot drive after being on-duty for 70 hours in any consecutive 8 day period. A driver used to be able to reset his 70 hour clock to zero with any 34 hour offduty period. In order to get the reset, the 34 hour off-duty period must encompass two periods of 1am to 5am. If it does not, the off-duty period does not reset the running 70 hour clock back to zero.
Furthermore, the new rules state that a reset may now only be used once every 168 hours, which means once a week. If you have a driver who ends his week early Saturday morning at 2am, he would have to wait until Monday morning at 5am to start driving again with a fresh clock, whereas under the old rules, he could have done so at noon on Sunday. Normally, when the FMCSA comes out with a major hours of service rulemaking, as it has periodically over the past 10-12 years, it allows a few months of soft enforcement while the industry and the police learn the new rules. I would not count on that this time. I expect these rules will be enforced strictly on July 1, 2013. For more information, go to http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregulations/topics/hos/index.htm ■■
Purchase Your Fundraising Deck of Cards Today! 20
August 2013 NICA News
$10 per deck! To get your WIN Cards now, contact the NICA office (813) 438 438-8926
August 2013 NICA News
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Summer Photo Contest Kids & Food Photos of adorable kids eating, holding, or wearing their yummy fair food.
Fair Scenes
Photos of busy fairs, concession stands, night time scenes, overall fair views, etc.
Fall Season
Photos from Fall Festivals (past or present), concession stands decorated for Fall, special Fall food items, etc.
This contest is open to NICA Members only.
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Photo Requirements: Must be color, original copies must be e-mailed as an attachment to graphics@nicainc.org
August 2013 NICA News
Contest entries for current categories must be in the NICA office by August 30, 2013.
A Message from Allied Specialty June 12, 2013 Contact: Mary Chris Smith Phone: 727-547-3068 Email:MCSmith@AlliedSpecialty.Com
TROPIC CAPITAL CORP. SELLS LOAN PORTFOLIO TO BOULEVARD BANK Allied International Holdings, Inc. (“Allied”) is delighted to announce that Tropic Capital Corp. (“Tropic”) recently sold the majority of its loan portfolio to Boulevard Bank. Prairie Financial (“Prairie”), a division of Boulevard Bank will service the loans on behalf of the bank. We think very highly of Prairie’s management team and are confident that the Prairie staff will service these accounts with the same courtesy and care that the Tropic staff has offered over the years. While Tropic succeeded for many years in servicing the Outdoor Amusement Industry, the recent costly financing and regulatory environment made it non-economic for Tropic to meet the increased demand for lending. As such, Allied decided to discontinue extending financing for rides and equipment and to focus all efforts on what Allied does best for the industry we know and love. As an essential part of our industry’s fabric for over 30 years, Allied shares an expertise in understanding the risks and needs associated with the operations of these specialized entertainment businesses. This in-depth and comprehensive knowledge gives Allied a very special and unique ability to meet insurance needs which other providers simply do not possess. The exceptional combined team of Allied Specialty Insurance and T.H.E. Insurance look forward to many more years of utilizing our operational and risk management expertise to benefit customers and the industry we consider family with the services that have defined Allied. We are excited about your past business success and look forward to helping you to continue to grow. Many well wishes for a healthy and prosperous season!■
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August 2013 NICA News
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▲ Sysco delivering early in the morning at Del Mar
▲Gino and Dominic Palmieri, Celia and Dale Smith, and Vince Agnifili swapping stories
▲ Mike Gaulin, Mark Neagles and Mark Hill discussing the Sysco team’s strategy
▲ First place team: Johnny Giordano, Ashley Murray, Chuck Giordano, Wes Pearce
▲ The Brander Enterprises team relaxing
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August 2013 NICA News
▲ Second place team: Jaime Barker, Juan Rivera, Tony Trafton, Norm Hull
▲ Justin Murray commiserating “so many raffle tickets and none a winner.”
▲ Carmel Dyer, Australian Battered Potatoes and Fred Pittrof, Giant Rides receiving a Sysco delivery
Golfing the Turf at the Del Mar Surf Recap from the NICA West 7th Annual San Diego Golf Tournament, By Rey O'Day
Del Mar Kiddieland. Ray Cammack Shows Carnival. ▲
By day 10 the San Diego County Fair was running strong so it was time to heed some advice: “When you have lots of things to do, get your Golf Game out of the way first.” On Monday, June 17, forty one Commercial and Concession friends and colleagues enjoyed a “daycation” by participating in the 7th Annual NICA Golf Tournament. It was held at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club on a perfect Southern California day. Co-chairs Connie and Gary Barham, Hot Dog on a Stick, sponsored the Hole in One contest and Co-chairs Dale Smith, Pink’s Hot Dogs, and Ashley Murray, M&M Marketing, sold 25 tee sponsorships. Tommie Fomby, Celia Smith and Rey O’Day collected money for mulligans, raffle tickets, putting contest tickets, and registrations. Goodie bags (assembled by Don Long and Dominic Palmieri) had golf balls, tees, trinkets and trash, and snacks donated by Ron Naslund. The Noon putting contest was won by Tony Trafton. Then it was off to the course where Jennifer Giordano watched for the lucky Hole in One winner (NOT)!
Longest Drive Winners: Ashley Murray and Courtney Barham ▲
After a great day of golf a buffet dinner was served and raffle tickets were drawn for prizes that were donated by Sysco, Premier Foods, Fairplex, Connie Barham, Kit and Kim White, Ashley Murray or purchased by NICA. Of course the purpose of all this frivolity was to announce the winners. Ashley Murray was the Longest Drive winner - Male and Courtney Barham was the Longest Drive winner- Female. Jaime Barker was the golfer who hit Closest to the Pin. Sysco (Mark Neagles, Talbot Leeke, Mark Hill and Mike Gaulin) had the Third Place winning team, Trafton Company (Tony Trafton, Jaime Barker, Juan Rivera and Norm Hull) had the Second Place winning team and C&C Concessions (Chuck Giordano, Johnny Giordano, Wes Pearce, and Ashley Murray) had the First Place winning team. I think all would agree “GOLF: sure there are other important things in Life…But I can’t think of any today.” ■
Third place team: Talbot Leeke, Mike Gaulin, Mark Neagles ▲ (Mark Hill, not in photo)
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2014 NICA Calendar JAN 2-4: North Carolina Association of Agricultural Fairs Annual Convention, Durham, NC 3-6: Ohio Fair Managers Association Annual Convention, Columbus, OH 3-6: Virginia Association of Fairs Annual Convention, Hot Springs, VA 4-6: Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events Annual Convention, Indianapolis, IN 5-8: Western Fairs Association Annual Convention at the Anaheim Marriott, Anaheim, CA 6-7: The WFA Convention Trade show featuring the NICA Sysco Marketplace, Anaheim, CA 6-9: Wisconsin Association of Fairs Annual Convention, Wisconsin Dells, WI
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August 2013 NICA News
10-12: Kentucky Association of Fairs Annual Convention, Louisville, KY 10-12: Michigan Association of Fairs & Exhibitions Annual Convention, Grand Rapids, MI 10-13: Oregon Fairs Association Annual Convention, Salem, OR
17-20: Texas Association of Fairs and Events Annual Convention, San Antonio, TX 18-20: Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Annual Convention, Springfield, IL 18-20: Nebraska Association of Fair Managers Annual Convention, Kearney, NB 18-21: New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs Inc. Annual Convention, Rochester, NY 20-23: Western Fairs Association Annual Convention, Reno, NV
11-12: West Virginia Association of Fairs & Festivals Annual Convention, Charleston, WV
23-26: Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs/Pennsylvania State Showmen’s Association Annual Convention, Hershey, PA
17-19: Georgia Association of Agricultural Fairs & Expositions Annual Convention, Atlanta, GA
24-26: Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs Annual Convention, Portland, ME
17-19: Tennessee Association of Fairs Annual Convention Nashville, TN
26: Utah Association of Fairs & Events Annual Convention, Salt Lake City, UT
17-20: Minnesota Federation of County Fairs Annual Convention, Bloomington, MN
JAN 31-FEB 3: Missouri Association of Fairs and Festivals Annual Convention, Columbia, MS
FEB 1: Vermont Agricultural Fairs Association & New Hampshire Association of Fairs & Expositions Combined Annual Convention, Fairlee, VT 1-3: Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies Annual Convention, Edmonton, Alberta 1-3: Oklahoma Association of Fairs & Festivals Annual Convention Oklahoma City, OK 4-6: NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods Food Show, The Sheraton - Tampa East, Tampa, FL 5-9: IISF Trade Show & Extravaganza, Gibsonton, FL 6: NICA Annual General Membership Meeting & Gala. TBA: NICA’s O’Brien Bowling Tournament, Tampa, FL 14-16: Ontario Association of Agriculture Societies Annual Convention, Toronto, Ontario 21-24: Louisiana Association of Fairs & Festivals Annual Convention Baton Rouge, LA 22-24: IAFE Zone 5 Annual Meeting, Overland Park, KS
“Together We Can!” “Together We Can!”
National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc.
National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc.
NICA/Fairplex CDC Golf Tournament Monday September 16th, 2013 at Mountain Meadows Country Club 11:30am Check In 12:00pm Putting Contest 1:00pm Tee Off
Fee: $125 per player
PRIZES!
Includes Awards and Reception Dinner After Tournament
Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Hole in One!
REGISTRATION FORM
Chance to win:
$10,000!
(One form per Foursome)
Name:__________________________________________________ Phone:__________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________________
□
Sponsorship of Hole, Company Name:__________________________________________________________ $100
Foursome Player Names:
□ □
_________________________________________ $125 _________________________________________ $125
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
□ □
_________________________________________ $125 _________________________________________ $125 Total Enclosed:______________
@ Mountain Meadows Country Club, 1875 Fairplex Drive, Pomona, CA 91768
PLEASE CONTACT:
Ashley Murray (310) 872-8337 or Scott Shacklett (909) 630-6654 or Dale Smith (951) 830-3279 Register online at www.nicainc.org OR Drop Applications off at ChuckWagon or Pink’s Hot DogsAugust during the LANews County 2013 NICA 27 Fair, OR Return to: NICA West Golf Tournament: 2130 Walnut St., La Verne, CA 91752
Congratulations to Alta! Her involvement in the in February Federation goes back almost as long, working her way from Trade Show to President in 2007-08. Alta has served as President of her Rotary Club and was presented with the Outstanding Hospitality Service award. She also serves on the IAFE Speakers Bureau usually using “Providing Guest Services” as her topic. With her heart still in the Fair Industry, she became NICA”s Executive Director in February. Though a very busy woman, she always finds time for her family and friends. Congratulations!■ By SanDee O'Brien
“To be recognized by your peers is one of the greatest honors a person could ever receive.” is a quote of Alta’s after being inducted into the Florida Federation of Fairs Hall of Fame. She also said that she was humbled by being inducted. Alta has a long history of Fair involvement starting in 1985 as a member of various committees on the St. Lucie County Fair to manager of The Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair in l997 where she was manager until 2011 and is now Manager Emeritus.
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August 2013 NICA News
Thought for the Day:
“A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work unless you open it.” -Reprint from NICA News 1993
Membership Contest 2013 General Membership
Reminder! All 2014 Membership Directory Updates are due in the office by August 15, 2013. Directory Advertisements are due with an insertion order by September 1, 2013. Tabs and inside covers are limited, so please contact Kaitlyn at the NICA Office as soon as possible to secure your spot! 813-438-8926
A U G UC S R TO S S W O R D ACROSS 1 2 3 4 5 8
DOWN 6 7 9 10 11
Jeff & Kathy Leading NICA Rep in the Coca Cola Membership Contest 2014 NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods Food Show Hotel Minimum _____ Due September 30th Fore letter word Only a few left! NICA Executive Director Road ticket givers William Ashard, _______ King Mr. NICA
Audrey Poole .................................................................... 1 Bartlebaugh Amusements ................................................ 1 Brett Rubert ...................................................................... 1 Country Jam USA ............................................................. 1 Dan Lusenhop .................................................................. 3 David Koretsky ................................................................. 1 Doug Guinsler................................................................... 1 Dutchess County Fair ....................................................... 1 Fare Foods ....................................................................... 1 Heather Sattler ................................................................. 3 Janet Hill ........................................................................... 1 Jennifer Giordano ............................................................. 4 Judi Gruver ....................................................................... 1 Judy Henbury ................................................................... 2 Lisa Thompson ................................................................. 1 Lucky Henner ................................................................... 2 Mark Neagles ................................................................... 2 Mike Beaver...................................................................... 1 Nancy Miller ..................................................................... 1 Randy Riechert ................................................................. 1 WFA .................................................................................. 1 Rick Pachell ...................................................................... 1 Russ DiPasquale .............................................................. 1 Russ Harrison ................................................................... 1 Sharon McBrian ................................................................ 1 Sharonne Laws................................................................. 1 Sherrie Martin ................................................................... 1 Sue Stoecklein.................................................................. 1 Sysco ................................................................................ 1 Ted Wentz......................................................................... 1 Wendy Schafer ................................................................. 1
NICA Reps Dannie Moreland .............................................................. 8 R. Josh Stremmel ............................................................. 2
Board of Directors Dominic Palmieri............................................................... 1 David Penn ....................................................................... 1 Greg Miller ........................................................................ 1 Tim O'Brien ....................................................................... 1 Tony Trafton ...................................................................... 2
Administration Alta Mosley ....................................................................... 2 Rey O'Day ........................................................................ 1 Office .............................................................................. 13
Prizes * Carnival Cruise Package - (valued over $1500) a drawing will be held for all the members who refer new/former members in 2013. For every new/former member referred, the recruiting member will receive 1 chance to win the Carnival Cruise. * $500 Cash - For every new/former member referred, the recruiting member will receive 1 chance to win the $500. * NICA National Rep Contest - Winner will receive $500 cash and is eligible to win any of the above-mentioned prizes.
Drawings to be held in Tampa, Florida in February 2014. August 2013 NICA News
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New Members Jeremy Carlson
Carlson Concessions, IL
Judy Arthur Antelope Valley Fair, CA
William Kennedy, III Delia's Ribs & Catering, TX
Suzanne Rajczi Ginsberg's Foods Inc., NY
Roy Hassett Lobster Shack, CA
Pat Marsillo Pat Marsillo Concessions, NY
Wanell Costello Arizona Exposition & State Fair, AZ
Want to advertise in the NICA News? Contact Kaitlyn at the NICA Office: 813-438-8926 email: graphics@nicainc.org
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August 2013 NICA News
National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc.
Date
1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 (O) 813-438-8926 • (F) 813-438-8928 email: nica@nicainc.org • www.nicainc.org
For Office Use Only
#
NICA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION q Mr. q Mrs.
q Ms.
Last
First
Name of business Physical address
City
State
Zip
Mailing address
City
State
Zip
Permanent tel. no. (
)
Fax no.
Cell phone no. (
)
Paperless: q Yes q No
Website
I agree to get my renewal invoices sent by email. Please provide email address. Referred by
Please fill out the below information as ACCURATELY and DETAILED as possible. INFORMATION and KEY WORDS provided below will be used for your entry in the NICA Annual Membership Directory as well used as key words to search for your business on the NICA website.
Annual Membership Fees INDEPENDENT CONCESSIONAIRE
ASSOCIATE
q New NICA Members.......................... ..........................$125 q Spousal member.........................................................$75 q Employee (non-voting).................................................$50
q Fair/Festival over 75,000 attendance........................$125
Voting membership available to any person who is an independent concessionaire.
Please check a category below and provide a detailed description of the services your company provides. q Commercial exhibits q Food q Games q Retail q Attractions/Entertainment _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Concessionaire General Routing Information
Please list all states where you conduct your concession business.
_________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Mail Check or Money Order to NICA at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 q Visa q Mastercard q American Express
A person or entity who provides services to the concession industry.
q Fair/Festival under 75,000 attendance......................$75 q Manufacturer/Distributor/Industry Supplier..............$125 q Carnival Operator..........................................................$125 Please provide a detailed description of the services your organization/company provides. _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________
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.
Credit card no. Security Code
Expiration Date
Applicant’s signature
Date
Spousal signature
Date
TOTAL:__________________ (spousal signature required when both are joining)
Signature of credit card holder The NICA sponsored $10,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Policy is automatically provided to all Independent Concessionaire Members.
Spouse’s first name
Spouse’s last name (please print)
August 2013 NICA News
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NICA News
National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 Time Sensitive Mail ~ August 2013 Issue
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August 2013 NICA News
PRSRT STD U. S. POSTAGE PAID STEVENS POINT WI PERMIT NO. 272