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Contents • DECember 2019 Articles & Features

Events & Contests

04 This Month’s New & Renewal Members 05 President’s Message 05 Director’s Voice 07 Riffing With Rey 08 Thoughts from a CCE 09 Association Announcements 15 Member’s Voice 17 Life is Short, Eat Dessert First! Hyrum Allen & His Pennsylvania Funnel Cakes 20 Rallying in Raleigh 23 From the Camera Roll 24 NICA 2019-2020 Strategic Plan 35 Outside the Fair

12 NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 2020 Food Show Information, Hotel Reservations & Sponsorship 30 WFA Convention Preview 33 Don’t Miss Your Chance! 37 Coca-Cola Membership Contest 38 2019-2020 Events Calendar

AdvertiSers 19 Allied Specialty 22 Schantz Insurance Manufacturing 34 Berk Concession 16 Swanel Beverage Supply 32 Sysco 02 Coca-Cola 31 The Best Around 16 Fanestil Meats Trailer Shells 28 Fare Foods 38 WNA Specialty 34 Heinkel’s Cups Packing Co. 22 Hummel Group 06 JKJ Workforce 29 K&K Insurance 36 Member Classifieds 28 Mr. G’s Quality Cut Meats

Dedicated to strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival, and Special Events Industries through effective communication, education, benefits, leadership, and solutions The National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. is a Florida Corporation with an Editorial and General Office located at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 • Off ice: (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 803-8460 • Online: 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 © 1993-2019 NICA, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! December 2019 NICA News

This Month’s Newest Members! George Atsidakos

The Original Minneapple Pie St. Michael, MN

Douglas Bobick

Bobick Concessions Delano, MN

Dennis Forel

Michael Rafflo

Brandon Wood

Paul Hohenwald

Henry Towner

Carla Wood

Jim Holt

Ali Winschel

Balloonacy Torrance, CA Coasters St Paul, MN

Cranston Concessions River Falls, WI

Memphis in May International Festivals, Inc. Memphis, TN

Matt Cranston

Alieta Hopp

Joe Cranston

A & M Concessions River Falls, WI

RAM Attractions, LLC Hudson, FL

Mikey’s Food Service Riverview, FL Henry’s Kettle Korn Jacksonville, FL

Carl’s Concessions, LLC Johnston, IA Carl’s Concessions, LLC Johnston, IA

Ross Concessions Edinboro, PA Welcome to our 13 New Members! See page 37 for the 2019 Coca-Cola Membership Contest Leaderboard. “Together We Can!”

This Month’s Member Renewals John Campbell

Brian Duryee

Michael Barr

David Cavallaro

Larry Feinberg

Heart O’Texas Concessions, Inc. Waco, TX (2012)

Barbara Gaylin

Hallifax Enterprises St. Augustine, FL (1993)

Dan’s Fried Dough Somerville, MA (2018) Celebration Services, Inc. Ridgefield, WA (2014)

Greg Beling

Sherwin-Willams Company Orlando, FL (1999)

Joe Betras

Whirley-DrinkWorks! Warren, PA (2012)

Kelly Bisbey

Pepsico Foodservice Tampa, FL (1995)

Scott Borowsky

Tourist Attractions and Parks Magazine Ardmore, PA (2004)

Mary Brown, CCE

Mary’s Concessions Marysville, OH (1993)

Richard Busse, CCE

Dr. Vegetable, Inc. Valparaiso, IN (2004)

Marla Calico

International Association of Fairs and Expos (IAFE) Springfield, MO (2006)

Dick Campbell

Erie County Fair Clarence, NY (2007)

Clayton Hall

Michele Anderson

December 2019 NICA News

JSCM Concessions Dixon, CA (2007) Cavallaro Concessions Mendota Heights, MN (2018)

Greg Chiecko

Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) West Springfield, MA (1999)

Sandy Class, CCE

SAN-JON Enterprises Apollo Beach, FL (2013)

Sam Coffman

Coffman Concessions / Red Barn Elephant Ears Wabash, IN (1993)

Linda Comer

Cape Coral, FL (2006)

Al DeRusha

OABA Burnsville, MN (2003)

Herbert Decker

Televac Products Versailles, MO (2017)

Jodi Dirksen

E & G Catering White City, OR (2018)

Amy Dudley

Wind River Concessions South Jordan, UT (2018)

B & E Novelty Shannon, MS (1993) Lawrence Caterers Oakhurst, NJ (1993)

Bob Hallifax, CCE

Rosedale Attractions & Shows Baltimore, MD (2000)

Cindy Hallifax

Richard George, CCE

Kim Hallifax

Charles Glover

Russ Harrison, CCE

Gib Gosser

Katie Hart

John Gray

Raymond Hawkins

Becci Griggs

Joseph Hendricks

George’s Fun Foods Gibsonton, FL (1993) World’s Finest Food Jackson, MS (1995)

Kentucky Association of Fairs & Horse Shows Somerset, KY (2013) Focus Photography Cornville, AZ (2008) Arrow Distributing Elkhart, IN (2000)

Doug Guinsler

Carousel Concessions Zanesville, OH (1996)

Hallifax Enterprises Galesburg, MI (1993) Midway Munchies Atlanta, GA (1993) Rudy’s Pizza & Slush Hernando, FL (2004) Macon, G’s International Cherry Blossom Festival Macon, GA (2018) United Concessions Baton Rouge, LA (1993) Hendricks Concessions, LLC Torrington, CT (2016)

Cindy Henning

Showmen’s League of America (SLA) Chicago, IL (2008)

►► “Renewals” continued on page 10

President’s Message Kathy Ross, CCE, President

“Vision without execution is just hallucination.” — Henry Ford 20/20 Vision: Focus on the Future is the theme for the 2020 NICA Business Expo. As we prepare for 2020, I would like to introduce my successor, Don Delahoyde, CCE. I will pass the gavel to him on Feb 2, 2020 in Tampa, FL. He is NICA’s future. Don began as a restauranteur in Ukiah, CA, who first participated in the Redwood Empire Fair in 1983. Over the years, he has participated in Fairs in five western states, operated food, beverage, alcohol, and novelty stands for the Western Baseball League, and provided food service and catering as the Master Concessionaire for the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, CA.

His son Phillip and daughter-in-law Ania have taken over the day to day operations of his Mobile Food Concessions business. Don is taking on a new role of Grandpa soon, as Phil and Ania are expecting a daughter in 2020. Don served on the Western Fair Association (WFA) Board of Directors for many years including leadership as the Service Member Representative. His service on the WFA Board culminated in his being the first elected Service Member President of the Board of Directors in 2012.

►► “Message” continued on page 6

Director’s Voice

Mike Pence, CCE, Director

that need paid to our Federal Government for this process and not knowing whether those employees ‘Tis that time of year! will be allowed to fulfill those jobs. The end of season means Some years ago, we were able to use the J-1 Thanksgiving and Christmas visa program which, in my opinion, was the perfect are upon us. The IAFE solution. The costs were minimal and the benefits Convention has come and gone outstanding to each operator that participated and hopefully the issues that in this program. It is my understanding that this Concessionaires are concerned program is still in existence but only in the cruise about have been amply line industry and theme parks. It seems like we discussed. The same issues should be influencing the powers that be to help always seem to be of concern to Concessionaires bring this program back to Concessionaires. It will whether it be the cost of rent (footage vs. take work but maybe the right influences could percentage vs. flat rate), plastic bottles vs. make this possible. I was recently visited by a fountain drinks, and on and on. But one thing that gentleman that worked for us thru the J-1 visa seems to be prevalent in our Industry at this time program about 10 years ago. He came back to the is the shortage of labor. The H-2B program has United States on a work visa after leaving the J-1 been very beneficial to many Concessionaires by program and is now employed by Spectrum. He is supplying good quality employees. The fact that currently working on his US citizenship and we are we can get good people through this program encouraged and privileged that we were able to is a plus. But a few things make this program have a small hand in this process. As you can see, unworkable for many operators, such as the fees there are many issues to be worked on. ▲ December 2019 NICA News

Officers

President: Kathy Ross, CCE 1st Vice President: Don Delahoyde, CCE 2nd Vice President: Sandy Class, CCE Treasurer: Jay “Rocko” Russell Secretary: Vincent Nelson, CCE

Directors

Kim Barr, CCE Andrew “Bruno” Broomfield Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE Kevin McGrath, CCE Mike Pence, CCE Daryl Whicheloe, CCE

incoming Directors Jacqueline Bradbury Lee Stevens

Immediate Past President Dan Lusenhop

Past Presidents’ Council Dominic Palmieri, CCE Paulette Keene, CCE Joe Potillo, Jr. Greg Miller, CCE

Tom Sattler, CCE 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)

OFFICE STAFF

Executive Director & West Council Coordinator : Rey O’Day rey@nicainc.org

Communications & Marketing Manager : Jesse Willard communications@nicainc.org

“Message” continued from page 5 ►► During his WFA Presidency, he encouraged the development of two $2,500 Scholarships (one Service Member young adult and one Fair Member young adult). Today it is administered by the BlueRibbon Foundation. He also collaborated with NICA to design and distribute a refill cup program where 2% of the manufacturing price is donated to the Blue-Ribbon Foundation. Both are still successful today. His experience with the WFA offers him the ability to focus on details while being able to see the larger picture. Two of his favorite charity events have been supporting 4-H and FFA programs by purchasing show animals and collecting wine for the annual WFA Wine and Cheese Fundraiser. Don is truly dedicated to supporting the Fairs and Events Industry. In recognition of his service, Don will be inducted into the 2020 WFA Hall Of Fame. For more events during the 2020 WFA Convention, see page 30 in this issue. Don’s many career accomplishments provides him the ability to see the future and focus on the needs to get there. “Together We Can!” ▲ 6

December 2019 NICA News

West Council

Office & Membership Manager : Linda Frisco nica@nicainc.org

Northeast Council, Southeast Council & Social Media Coordinator : Jessica Gottsche jessica@nicainc.org

Northeast Council

Lindsey Constantine Kelly Grout Henry Mitchell Cameron Murray Vincent Nelson, CCE Joshua Nicholson

SOUtheast Council

Samantha Fairlie Thomas Hodson, CCE Mike Kramer Gentry Miller Kelley Myers

Kim Barr, CCE Jacqueline Bradbury Jan Gary Ryan Long Ryann Newman Erica Quintero Steve Vartanian Jay Wells

National Reps Duane Fischer John Harkey David Higginbottom Charles Ivory, CCE Mike McGrath Kevin McGrath, II Etta Pence, CCE David Spann R. Josh Stremmel George Wandrey, Jr. Ted Wentz Nick White

Do you have any questions or would like to get involved with NICA? Contact us at (813) 438-8926 or nica@nicainc.org today!

Introducing...

Riffing With Rey Find Gratitude First

Rey O’Day, Executive Director

Some of the definitions of “Riffing” are playing, improvising, performing, jamming, or noodling. That is what I do all day long and I enjoy it. I hope you do too. Welcome to “Riffing with Rey!” When I wake up in the morning, I pay attention to what I am thinking about because it often informs my day. In the week we celebrated Thanksgiving this year, I woke up thinking about gratitude. On Saturday, November 23, 2019, many of us were at the memorial service for our brother Vince Agnifili. I found myself asking “What are the lessons from his life and passing away so unexpectedly?” (Cancer took him very quickly and way too young.) The first thing I thought was “to live every day as though it was my last.” What does that really mean to me? I think it means to commit to whatever I am doing fully in the time in which I am actually doing it... commit and be present! Whether it is watching a football game, fixing a tire, listening to music, hugging a friend, giving a speech, observing a chipmunk, attending to a child, reading a book… and the list goes on.

May Vince Agnifili rest in peace

That was how Vince lived his life. I also felt sad that I would miss him and he would miss us. And then I remembered what my Grandmother would say to me when a show would close or a friend would move: “Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.” For me, that smile comes from gratitude… gratitude for the time we did have together. We all have down days—days when we feel overwhelmed, lonely, hung out to dry, or puzzled by our unhappiness. During one of those periods in my life, a friend said to me, “Take out a notebook, and at the end of each day, write three things down for which you are grateful.” Some days, my list was very basic: the sun came up, the grass grew a little today, and I did not have a flat tire. But as I continued to do this, my focus changed and my list became longer and stronger. I still do this when I feel a slump. Somewhere along the way, it became clear for me that happiness is tied to gratitude; and when I cannot feel grateful, it is almost impossible to feel happiness. My riff is “If you want to find happiness, find gratitude first.” Thanksgiving encourages us to thankfully think about being grateful on one day. Let’s try doing it every day. ▲

Mamadou Diop, Mamadu’s, Randy Ashcraft, Randy’s Pet Supply, Rey O’Day, NICA Executive Director, John Little and Teresa Farnum, Wax Hands, Dan Lusenhop, NICA Past President

Advertise Your Business in

Chuck Giordano, C&C Concessions, and Vince’s wife Sara Agnifili

WHEN PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS WITH US, YOU... • • •

Reach your targeted audience through national exposure to key decision makers including Concessionaires, Fairs, and more! Gain name recognition via our publications, website, and sponsorships available at Industry events; ask for more details. Receive a superb value through quality marketing opportunities.

We have a variety of sizes to suit your ad—contact us at (813) 438-8926, communications@nicainc.org, or www.nicainc.org/advertising for additional information on sizes, prices, bulk rates, and more! December 2019 NICA News

Thoughts from a This month’s Statement of Communications & Management Philosophy is from our newest CCE Recipients Sandy Class, CCE, NICA 2nd Vice President & Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE, NICA Director:

Sandy Class, CCE

CCE Earned in 2019 “My management philosophy has always filtered around not asking something of someone that wouldn’t do yourself. Whether it may be something as simple as mopping the floor or taking out the trash to more engaging tasks such as changing a tire or rolling up lead line, no job is never too good for me or my employees. I would like to think of it this way: ‘team work creates dream work.’ To create such an atmosphere there has to be good communication. That begins with ‘to do lists’ or sheets of daily expectations. In my years of owning my own business, I have learned that what may be common sense to you or I is not always common sense to someone else. And I don’t believe you can teach common sense but you can, however, communicate your expectations. As a business owner, whether I am communicating with my employees or Fair Management, carefully articulating words and actions can be the key to a successful business and business relationships. Healthy effective management comes from within, realizing that we are all equal, and a manager role is to oversee, guide, and communicate with the employee, working side-by-side, hand-and-hand to achieve a common goal.” ▲

Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE CCE Earned in 2019

“Having businesses in two countries is a challenge: Australian Battered Potatoes in the US (known as the Potato Lady) and Carmel Dyer Concessions in Australia (known as the Lemon Lady). At 8

December 2019 NICA News

the end of the day, my business and my business philosophy remain the same. I tell my employees that in our Industry we all need to work together as a team. The Fairgoer perceives us as one business. What we do in our business affects the whole Industry, whether it is positive or negative. I emphasize to my employees that our customers have a choice; they have chosen to come to the Fair and we must help them achieve a positive experience by selling the best product possible, with the best staff possible, from the cleanest stand. This high standard, of not just my staff, but of my own high expectations, has helped achieve business success; this success can’t be done alone—only as a team. I hire over 300 teenagers a year and I love their feedback. This is very important because they love being involved. It’s a huge deal for all when we receive an award or a good evaluation; we always post it and make sure everyone is thanked for this team effort. I am involved in every detail of my business; my staff knows what’s expected from them (I am a checklist nut and I have clipboards everywhere), and I try to lead by example. Nothing is impossible. We all know the partnership we have with our Fairs. Not only Management, but their Maintenance Departments all play a huge role in the success of a Fair and our business. Knowledge, latest trends, and upgrades are very important. Being a NICA Member and belonging to affiliated associations and attending conventions is a must. I never come back without learning something. Supporting 4-H, Blue Ribbon Auctions, and Fair Foundations also plays an important role in my business. It’s very important to give back when you can and if you can. Working as a team, striving to be better, attending conventions, having gratitude for what I have, and giving back is my philosophy of business success.” ▲

Association

Announcements Do you have any announcements that you would like to share with the membership? The deadline is the first day of each preceding month for your target issue. Contact us at (813) 438-8926 or nica@nicainc.org today!

In Remembrance of Vince Agnifili, CCE, CFE It is with great sadness that NICA announces the sudden passing on November 8, 2019 of recently elected NICA Board Member Vince Agnifili, CCE, CFE. Last year NICA awarded Vince with his CCE, making him the first person to receive both a CCE (Certified Concessionaire Executive) and CFE (Certified Fair Executive) recognition. His experience as a bank manager (11 years), Fair Manager (6 years), and an indoor Commercial Exhibitor (15 years) provided him with unique perspectives about the decisions we are able to make that will improve our Fairs, businesses, and the guest experience. Vince and his wife, Sara, owned and operated Oasis Aqua Massage on a route that included Texas, Iowa, and Minnesota Fairs. His article “The Forgotten Feature—Commercial Exhibits” was recently published in NICA News and Fairs and Expos. His practical and philosophical insights have been instrumental in planning the 2019 IAFE/ NICA Commercial Exhibits Symposium. One of my favorite quotes from him is “I firmly believe we should examine how we can increase attendance at events, while controlling the costs for the event’s customer, which includes both the attendee and the Concessionaire.” Vince was proud of NICA’s mission statement and believed that “looking for solutions from a collaborative perspective has the potential to yield valuable action steps for stakeholders to improve Industry practices.” His style was listening and collaborating. His person was wise, engaged, and honest. I will miss him, his family and friends will miss him, and our Industry will miss him. He was about articulating the possible and encouraging all of us to make it happen. In his memory, and with his energy, let’s do that together. The family is requesting no flowers, but if anyone who would like to make a donation in Vince’s name, the family would like it to be to Cancer Center for Healing, 6 Hughes Suite 130, Irvine, CA 92618. If you were unable to attend Vince’s funeral on November 23, but would like to send condolences, Sara’s address is Sara Agnifili, 29162 Obsidian Court, Nuevo, CA 92567. Sara Agnifili writes: “Thank you all for the prayers and beautiful tributes to Vince; it means so much to me. Please spread the word if you can.” ▲

Do You Have Any Changes for the 2020 Directory? Do you have any changes for your online and directory listing for the 2020 Membership Directory? We sent out reminder emails to all members, and physical mail to all members who do not currently have an email to remind you this month. If you have changes, please login to your account at www.nicainc.org, email communications@nicainc.org, or call us at (813) 438-8926. If you have any address changes, we will also update your NICA News mailing address for future issues. ▲

►► “Announcements” continued on page 11 December 2019 NICA News

“Renewals” continued from page 4 ►► David Herman

Smith Barney Citigroup St. Petersburg, FL (2005)

Thomas Hodson, CCE The Thomas Hodson Company Gray, GA (1993)

Robert Hohenstein

Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition Miami, FL (1993)

Tina Hollis

First Data Merchant Service (Clover Solutions) Riverview, FL (2009)

Robert Holmes

Spectrum Weather and Specialty Insurance, Inc. Liberty, MO (2018)

Fred Jackson

Manna Foods Arley, AL (2014)

Joe James

Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Fairway, KS (1993)

Ellany Johnson

Florida Strawberry Festival Plant City, FL (2012)

Wayne Jones

Turkey Leg Jones Milwaukee, WI (1993)

Paulette Keene, CCE

Paulette’s Food Service Pinckneyville, IL (1996)

Rebecca Kelley

Sysco Corporation Houston, TX (2015)

Lisa Kemmerer

Waterloo Tent & Tarp Co., Inc. Waterloo, IA (1993)

David Koretsky

Virginia Ludy

Columbine Concessions Hickory Creek, TX (1993)

Peggy Lee, CCE

Columbine Concessions Hickory Creek, TX (1993)

December 2019 NICA News

Charlie’s Food Concessions Sun Prairie, WI (1993)

Canadian National Exhibition Douglas Miller Association Charlie’s Food Concessions Toronto, ON (2010) Sun Prairie, WI (1993)

Dan Lusenhop

Jeanne’s Artichokes Camarillo, CA (2007)

Timothy Lisko

Triple L Concessions Lowellville, OH (2017)

Tod Marchant

Marchant Concessions Summerland, BC (2012)

Lorna Massey

Massey Concessions Germantown, KY (2018)

Mark Massey

Massey Concessions Germantown, KY (2009)

Frank Mastro

Mastro’s Ice Cream St Clair Shores, MI (1993)

Dave Mathewson, CCE

Mathewson’s Concessions Carleton, MI (1993)

Jack McBurney, CCE

Jack’s Corndogs / Giant Pretzels Breckenridge, CO (1993)

Gayle McGrath, CCE

The Best Around Cape Coral, FL (1993)

Kevin McGrath, CCE

The Best Around Cape Coral, FL (1993)

Adam McKinney, CCE

Adam McKinney Food Service Hughes Springs, TX (1993)

Bill McKinney, CCE

McKinney Food Services Hughes Springs, TX (1993)

Source1 Purchasing Connie McKinney, CCE Lake Worth Beach, FL (2014) Connie’s Concessions Bruce Kozelou Van Buren, AR (1993) 3 B Concessions Linda McKinney, CCE Waterloo, IA (1993) McKinney Food Services

Larry Lee, CCE

Charles Miller

Hughes Springs, TX (1993)

Tracey McQuilken

Ion Drug & Alcohol Testing & DOT Compliance Tampa, FL (2005)

Frank Parnell, CCE

Parnell Foods New Port Richey, FL (1993)

Ollie Parnell, CCE

Parnell Foods New Port Richey, FL (1993)

Mary Miller

Etta Pence, CCE

Greg Miller, CCE

Kevin Pence

Molly Mogge

Mike Pence, CCE

Brent Morgan

Russell Phillips

Joe Muldoon

Arthur Pokorny, Jr.

Charlie’s Food Concessions Sun Prairie, WI (1993) Miller & Company Lewisburg, WV (1998) Mr. M’s Foods Walton, KY (2000) Brookes Concessions Indianapolis, IN (1993) Low N Slow Catering LLC Torrington, CT (2018)

Dan Murphy

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Tallahassee, FL (2002)

Susan Nichols

5centride.com Dickson, TN (2003)

Maata Niupalau

MAE INC Nampa, Idaho (2018)

Scott Norton

OCC Signs Anaheim, CA (2017)

Justine O’Brien, CCE

Pence’s Concessions Edgerton, OH (1993) Pence’s Concessions Bryan, OH (1993) Pence’s Concessions Bryan, OH (1993) Russell’s Concessions Daingerfield, TX (2014) Barb Wilson Enterprises, Inc. Ruskin, FL (1993)

Joseph Potillo, Jr.

Potillo’s Sanitation Service Yalaha, FL (2007)

Harry Price

Coca-Cola Company of North America Orlando, FL (1999)

James Radke

Calgary Stampede Calgary, AB (2004)

Cheryl Reas

Carousel Foods, Inc. Corydon, IN (1993)

Brad Ribar, CCE

O’Brien’s Food Service Apollo Beach, FL (1993)

Loret Foods White Bear Township, MN (1994)

SanDee O’Brien, CCE

Christopher Rockwell

O’Briens’ Food Services Valrico, FL (1993)

Tim O’Brien, CCE

O’Brien’s Food Service Apollo Beach, FL (1993)

Elizabeth Owens

Blue Moon Tavern at the Park, LLC. Tampa, FL (2015)

Dominic Palmieri, CCE Odyssey Foods, LLC Phoenix, AZ (2000)

Tracey Parker

Parker Family Concessions Lordstown, OH (2011)

Charlie’s / Lori’s Sugar Shack Sun Prairie, WI (1993)

Lori Rockwell

Charlie’s / Lori’s Sugar Shack Sun Prairie, WI (1993)

Andrew Ross

Ross Concessions Sarasota, FL (2017)

Ellen Ross

A’s Mini-Donuts & Concessions Baraboo, WI (2002)

Jeff Ross, CCE

David Shives

Ronald Smith

Jay Wells

Kathy Ross, CCE

Jill Shives

Wayne Smith

Nick White

Kenny Ryals

Fred Simcic

Morgan Stremmel

Kay Wolf, CFEE

Gerald Sapp

Jim Sinclair

R. Joshua Stremmel

Laurie Woodruff Jackson

Justin Sattler

Emily Sivori

Steve Vandervorste

Jack Woods, II, CCE

Thomas Sattler, CCE

Larry Sivori

Mary Wagner, CCE

Jacqueline Woods, CCE

Cheryl Shepard

Amy Smith

George A. Wandrey, Jr.

Rich Wright

Gary Shepard

Mary Chris Smith

Ross Concessions Sarasota, FL (1997) Ross Concessions Sarasota, FL (1999) Lemonade and More Riverview, FL (2008) Triple T Concessions Bloomsburg, PA (2016) Sattler Concessions Bonita Springs, FL (2010) Sattler’s Leather & Hats Ft. Myers, FL (2005) G & G Concessions Baraboo, WI (1993) G & G Concessions Baraboo, WI (1993)

Shives Concessions Greenville, OH (1993) Shives Concessions Greenville, OH (1993) Trip Sheets Online Oldsmar, FL (2003) Minnesota State Fair St.Paul, MN (1993) Sivori Catering, Inc. Louisville, KY (1993) Sivori Catering, Inc. Louisville, KY (1993) Sysco Corporation Calera, AL (2014)

R.E. Smith Lebanon, IN (1993) Tom’s Tasty Taters Plymouth, IN (2004) Top Notch Concessions Witchita, KS (2013) Top Notch Concessions Wichita, KS (2012) Pat’s Concessions New Braunfels, TX (2015) Treat Truck, Inc. Hampton, MN (1993) A’s Mini-Donuts & Concessions Baraboo, WI (1997)

Allied Specialty Insurance Treasure Island, FL (1993)

Wells Concession Wichita, KS (2002) White’s Concessions Spokane Valley, WA (2015) TX Festivals & Events Assoc. Waco, TX (1998) WOODY’Z Drinkware Santa Ana, CA (2013)

Woods Family Concessions Russells Point, OH (1998) Woods Family Concessions Russells Point, OH (1998) Sugar Shakers Sarasota, FL (1993)

Charles Zell, CCE

Chuck’s Foods Arcanum, OH (1996)

Thank you to our 134 Renewal Members for your continued support! “Together We Can!”

“Announcements” continued from page 9 ►►

Apply for the First Timer’s Convention Scholarship Today! Congratulations to First Timer’s Scholarship Recipients Rachael Wolfe, Highlands County Fair, for being selected to attend the IAFE Convention and Jan Gary, Leap of Faith Adventures, Inc. DBA JK Dots, for being seleted to attend the NICA Business Expo. George White from the Highlands County Fair nominated Rachael Wolfe with the statement: “As a member of a small Fair we are very excited to have the opportunity to attend the IAFE Convention! Rachael has worked directly with all of our Independent Concessionaires for the last five years and she is looking forward to attending the many sessions to learn all she can in order to help improve the Highlands County Fair for both Vendors and Patrons alike.” Jan Gary, Leap of Faith Adventures, Inc. DBA JK Dots, wrote: “Going has been on my bucket list for several years, and I am looking forward to meeting the staff in person. It is a pleasure to belong to an organization that understands that benefits drive membership and members drive change as needed.” There are still three spots left! Visit www.nicainc.org/first-timers or see page 33 in this issue for scholarship amounts, deadlines, and an application. ▲

Calling All Contributers—Submit Your Content! We love to hear from our NICA Members from you! Send your announcements, stories, photos, videos, and anything else that you would like to share to communications@nicainc.org for consideration. You can also utlitize our submission tool at www.nicainc.org/submit-your-content. ▲ December 2019 NICA News

NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 2020 Food Show February 3rd, 4th & 5th 2020 Join us at the beautiful

Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel 10221 Princess Palm Ave. Tampa, FL The NICA Business Expo provides Workshops and Discussion Groups which cover the issues and the daily challenges our industry is faced with today. The Workshops are facilitated by experts in their fields. Workshops and Discussion Groups:

February 3rd, 4th& 5th

The Fare Foods 2020 Food Show features exhibitors showcasing the latest food trends and technology that define the 2020 Fair Season. Fare Foods Food Show:

February 3rd & 4th, 5 - 9 pm

(Vendor Setup: Feb. 3rd, Noon - 4 pm)

NICA Membership Meeting & Evening Entertainment:

February 5th

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN TAMPA! 12

December 2019 NICA News

NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 2020 Food Show February 3rd, 4th & 5th 2020

SPECIAL REDUCED RATES FOR 2020

SheRaton tampa BRanDon hotel To reserve your hotel accommodations you must book your room through the online reservation site. Visit either site below for more information.

www.FArEFoodS.Com/EvENtS www.NICAINC.org/2020 King Single / Double Bed Room.................$144.00 (plus tax) Breakfast vouchers available for $14.50 per person, per day (inclusive of tax & gratuity) for each guest in room. You will only be charged when voucher is redeemed. Vouchers provided at check-in. (Redeemable at Panfilo’s Restaurant)

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NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 2020 Food Show February 3rd, 4th & 5th 2020

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES q Annual Gala Entertainment ..................................................................$1,500 q Opening Ceremony Champagne Toast ................................................$1,500 q Annual Gala Open Bar / Cocktail Hour ................................................$1,000 q Food Show Refreshments ....................................................................$1,000 q Food Show Ribbon Cutting ..................................................................$1,000 q Board Luncheon .......................................................................................$800 q Past Presidents Luncheon ......................................................................$650 q New Member Goodie Bag ........................................................................$500 q Welcome / Registration Refreshments ..................................................$500 q Annual Gala Decorations .........................................................................$250 q Educational Workshops (No Limit) .........................................................$250 First Name: ____________________ Last Name: __________________________ Company: ___________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________ Email: _________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Payment Type: q Cash q Check q Credit Card CC #:________________________ Exp: ___ /___ Code: ______ Signature: ________________________________________ All Sponsors will receive their company name and/or logo on the NICA Website, in the Convention Schedule booklet and General Membership Meeting program, and on the signage at the Registration Desk, Food Show Lobby, General Membership Meeting, and Hospitality Night. Submit your sponsorship application by email to expo@nicainc.org, by fax to (813) 803-8460, or by mail to NICA, 1043 E. Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511.

December 2019 NICA News

Member’s Voice The greatest part of NICA is the Membership! The Member’s Voice influences where the organization is headed and what it can improve, especially when it comes to which benefits are being used and which events people are interested in attending. The NICA Office has recently renewed their survey of responses from Renewing Members. Schuyler Macpherson, Ten Pound Buns / SDM Concessions, LLC from Long Beach, CA, describes his relationship with NICA as one of mutual benefit: “You support us through representation and bargaining, while we support you with volunteerism and donation of time and money.” Ten Pound Buns specializes in freshly made sourdough garlic cheese bread with or without toppings, and once a year, they also operate MacPherson’s Ice Cream at the Los Angeles County Fair, where they have been in business since 1922, the first year of the Fair. He states, “My mother, Margaret, was able to be a part of the ice cream business for over 50 years herself before she passed. Now, I am the fourth generation who has been working the ice cream stand!” As a company, they only do three Fairs in Southern California, but they are big ones: San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles County Fairs. Schulyer elaborates, “My wife has a job in the retail sector and we like someone to be home with our 14 year old son during most of the year, so I only work during the summer.” The benefits he uses most are the NICA Sysco Marketplace and occasionally the Sherwin Williams discount: “One can never go through enough paint in this line of work it seems.” He also shares, “I love the fact we can save money on our Sysco orders just by being a member. Some years every dollar counts!” Schuyler enjoys reading NICA News when it is delivered: “There is something about sitting down with a cup of coffee and hearing about new items, new regulations, pictures and maybe a little piece on one of your Concession partners. Every time I pick it up, I begin thinking of next year’s Fairs and

Schuyler Macpherson’s Ten Pound Buns stand in action

what I will do to improve... really keeps my mind in the game even in the off season.” The thing he loves most about the Fair Industry is that it affords him “an opportunity to work like crazy in the summer” and be home with his family for the rest of the year. “It is such a tradition for me that if I were not doing this, I truly would not know what to do with myself in September! My friends and family already know not to ask me to do much during those months.” If he could change one thing about the Fair Industry, it would be to “get the public to understand the cost involved in operating one of our businesses.” He states that when they have concerns over the prices they charge and are vocal about it, he tries to politely educate them on just a few of the expenses they may never think of, such as minimum wage increases, payroll taxes, rising worker’s compensation rates, hotels for workers, and the need to have bigger and better marquees and signage. “Sometimes they understand, sometimes they don’t!” He finishes his response with “I have been blessed with being able to continue a tradition started by my family 97 years ago and hope to be able to keep right on doing it until the day I die.” That’s certainly a great outlook; thank you for your responses Schuyler! The NICA Office plans to continue these surveys throughout the new year and beyond. If you hear from us, let us know what’s on your mind! ▲ November 2018 NICA News

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December 2019 NICA News

LIFE IS SHORT, EAT DESSERT FIRST! Hyrum Allen & His Pennsylvania Funnel Cakes Ken McKnight, Reno’s Fish & Chips, for NICA News When it comes to Fun, Food, Family and Fairs, no one personifies those great “F’s” more than the Hyrum and Michelle Allen clan and Michelle’s parents, Pat and Lorrie Sutton. They are the owners, chief cooks, and bottle washers of Pennsylvania Funnel Cake. This is a Fair family group that seems to have done it correctly right from the start. But we best let Hyrum tell us why, so we posed a few questions…

Tell us a little about Funnel Cake Express and how you are a part of it: Funnel Cake Express, Inc. was started by my wife’s grandparents, Mike and Barbara Sutton in 1988 and that became Pennsylvania Funnel Cakes. On a trip back East, they saw a new food item at a Fair that wasn’t known on the West Coast called a funnel cake. They came home from that trip and built a combination mini donut / funnel cake stand and started putting applications to enter Fairs. It took a while for it to take off, but eventually it did, and they brought my in-laws, Pat and Lorrie Sutton, to join them with their little children Miki Sutton (now married to Michael Martin) and Vance Sutton (married to Kelly). In

Hyrum Allen, Funnel Cake Express, with his “always on” apron, and his daughters McKinzee and Darrian

2012, my in-laws called my wife and I and asked if we wanted to join the family business as well. We decided as a family that it was a move we wanted to make.

Can you tell us a little about the Allen Family? The Allen family consists of me, my wife Michelle, and our three daughters Darrian, McKinzee, and Tatum. I usually do most of the Fairs without my wife and daughters since my two youngest are still in school. My father-in-law (Pat) and I usually are the ones fixing and painting the trailers while my mother-in-law (Lorrie) and my wife are the ones taking care of the paperwork.

What Fairs do you all attend? What is your yearly circuit like? We have the privilege to attend lots of different Fairs. We do our hometown, Glenn County Fair, all the way to one of our favorites, the San Diego County Fair. We usually start our season in April Original owners Mike and Barbara Sutton

►► “Dessert” continued on page 18 November 2018 NICA News

“Dessert” continued from page 17 ►► and continue through mid-October. The whole company combined, goes all the way into Oregon and Nevada. Our group also works Sonoma Fairs as well as the coastal counties. We do shows in the Northern California Mountains, and back down thru the California’s Central Valley, to San Diego County.

Your stands always look fun! How many to you have? We have eight trailers and up to six are out on the road throughout our season. We keep all our trailers the same. That way when people see those blue funnel cake trailers, they know it’s ours no matter what fair they go to. We all came up with the balloons, flags, and artwork of the funnel cakes so we could possibly stand out from other Vendors and competitors. My in-laws and their parents designed the stands’ front as open customer viewing. We believe that it should be a show as well as a treat. A funnel cake should be fun for all employees, customers, and Fairgoers even if they don’t purchase one to eat.

For years you seem to be one of the busiest Concessionaires on the Fairgrounds. What’s that all about? I believe there are three reasons why our stands are so busy. Our customer service, the employees we hire, and the fun we have while we are working.

What makes you different as a Concessionaire? Something for everyone! I think the thing that makes us different as Concessionaires is the variety of funnel cake toppings we can offer, as well as the quality of the product and the speed in

Hyrum’s in-laws Pat and Lorrie Sutton (on the right) with their children Michael and Miki Martin and their grandchildren Brenna and Lee

December 2019 NICA News

Hyrum’s funnel cake trailer in Del Mar

which we can serve our customers.

What do you think you’re known for? Your number one product! Our Strawberry Funnel Cake! If you love ice cream, you can get the best of both worlds with a hot and cold desert in the same bite.

What innovated products have you come up with in the last three years? We try to come up with a new and exciting product every year. This year we came up with a Pepperoni Pizza Funnel Cake that received great reviews. A couple other that seem to be crowd favorites are the Red Velvet and S’mores Funnel Cakes.

Do you get much feedback from Fairgoers? Our customers’ feedback is that they love our cakes and they look specifically for our trailers to purchase their funnel cakes from. We want Fairgoers to have a smile on their face after that first bite, that’s enough for us.

Any funny stories to relate? The lives of the Fair families and the stories you hear from family members from all Concessionaires is one of the best parts of the Fair Industry. If you talk to other Concessionaires and Fair Management throughout the Industry, we are all family out here! When we were first starting out at the San Diego County Fair, I would look in the back of the trailer (the back yard) where my two youngest daughters had climbed up to see into the trailer. You could over hear them telling all the employees how to make the perfect funnel cake

and what the orders were. The employees would be talking back to them and telling them that they heard the order, laughing the whole time. Now, the girls are both in their teens and working in the trailers, so we get to mess with them the way they messed with employees. We still have employees that worked for us then and remember it all!

Is there a vision for the future? Our vision for the future, we believe, is that we need to continue to promote Fairs and Festivals alike, where families can continue to come for generations in order to create memories that will last for a lifetime and beyond.

What challenges do you see in the future as an Independent Concessionaire? One of the biggest challenges that we see in the future as Concessionaires is the increasing wages for employees, while trying to keep our products affordable for everyone that comes to the Fairs to enjoy!

What can be done to better our Fair world? We believe that there should be more

advertisements across the board for all Fairs, along with entertainment for all the different diversity that we have in our country. We believe if there are more days of the Fairs when there are coupons or savings that will better our Fair attendances. We are privileged and thankful for all of our partners and friends that we continue to work with every year. Without all involved in the Fair Industry across the board, we would not be able to continue to make funnel cakes and let people EAT DESSERT FIRST because we all know LIFE IS SHORT!

What would you like to see NICA do for you? We would like NICA to see if they could get a group insurance policy in place for everyone involved in the Fair Industry nationwide, like health and workers’ compensation.

And finally, what’s next product wise? What do you have up your sleeve? Any secret sweets you can let us in on? If we told you our secret it would no longer be a secret now would it? You will just have to wait and see! ▲

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December 2019 NICA News

A well attended Rally capped off the season for the Southeast Council

Rallying in Raleigh Rey O’Day, Executive Director I made my first visit to the North Carolina State Fair this year. It was cold, which shocked me, because just two weeks earlier I had been in Virginia and thought I was being visited by heat stroke. My purpose for being there was to visit with members and spend time with James Romer, North Carolina Assistant Fair Manager. He is the Chair of the IAFE Commercial Exhibits and Concessions Committee. Together, with NICA’s Merchant Task Force, we have been preparing for a three hour symposium regarding Commercial Exhibit programs that was held on Sunday, December 1 during the IAFE Convention in San Antonio, TX. I enjoy experiencing the uniqueness of Fairs. This Fair has a drop-dead gorgeous flower and garden section, a huge carillon that when played makes beautiful music, Gorgeous arrangements a wonderful building of at the North Carolina handmade/old fashioned State Fair retail items, a man with a sense of humor who carves fruits and vegetables, Smokey the Bear, lots of tasty food, and FREE parking for guests. The evening closes there with a firework show in their lagoon which gives it a big, yet intimate way to end a memorable day. Even Smokey the Bear While handing out was in attendance! flyers for the upcoming NICA Rally, I asked our members what they were thinking about. Greg Miller, CCE, NICA Past President and owner of Miller and Company LLC, 20

December 2019 NICA News

NICA’s Southeast Council in attendance: Mike Kramer, Fun Time Foods, Jessica Gottsche, Council Coordinator, Samantha Fairlie, The Pretzel Lady, Tom Hodson, CCE, The Thomas Hodson Co., and Jody Conklin, Moose Joose

told me he was looking forward to supporting the annual Concessionaire’s community fundraiser.

Greg Miller, CCE, Past President In honor of Veterans Day 2019, several Food Concessionaires joined together at the North Carolina State Fair to collect donations for vets. Some Concessionaires had tip jars at the point of sale and encouraged customers to donate while others donated 100% of all water sales. At the end of the day, $3,000 was collected. This idea was started several years ago when McBride Concessions saw the need to help farmers that had been devastated by the hurricanes that hit eastern North Carolina. McBride has been raising Bess Brinkley, McBride funds ever since then Concessions, and Greg and donating them to Miller, CCE, Past President the Veterans. This year, Bess Brinkley, owner of McBride, came up with the idea of seeing if other Concessionaires would want to take part. The tip jars were put out only on

Veteran donation participants Jeff Beaver, Old Style Foods, and Smitty Smith

Veteran donation participants Duffy Iorio, Barry Bunts, and Rich Olson, TBA Concessions

Veteran donation participants Earl Taylor and Mike Kramer, Fun Time Foods

hold this event, and we hope it continues for many years.” Jessica Gottsche, Southeast Council Coordinator, shared many updates from the NICA Office, including the appointment of Rey O’Day as Executive Director and the creation of a new Scholarship, funded by the Regional Councils, supporting a student pursuing a vocational/ technical education. Thank you to those who donated prizes for our raffle, which raised money to support the Veteran donation participant Veteran donation participant Council’s activities. Those donors included: Robin Smith, The Gobblin Gourmet

Danny Royer, Royer’s Concessions

Veterans Day. This year’s money was earmarked for Habitat for Humanity, who is building homes for Veterans that have been wounded in war. The drive was considered a success and next year we hope to have even more Concessionaires involved with all proceeds going to the Vets. Thanks for all the help!

Jessica Gottsche, Southeast Council Coordinator For the second year in a row, NICA’s Southeast Council hosted a Breakfast Rally at the North Carolina State Fair. Over 50 members of NICA came together in the Hall of Fame room, in the Graham building, for a morning of networking, NICA updates, and comradery. The theme of the 2019 North Carolina State Fair was “Nothing Could be Finer,” and so was the hospitality and welcome that NICA received from the Concessions Office staff: James Romer, Assistant Fair Manager, and Letrice Midgett, Commercial Space Administrator. During the event, Romer addressed the crowd, saying, “We are so honored that NICA has chosen our Fair to

• • • • • • • •

Victor Products Galaxy Amusement Sales Gold Medal, Greensboro NICA The NICA Southeast Council Tom Hodson, CCE, The Thomas Hodson Co. Michael Kramer, Fun Time Foods Kelley Myers, Barb Wilson Ent. II LLC

For many months of the year, Fairs are where we connect with our “Fair family,” serve our faithful Fair guests, and support the communities we visit. North Carolina State Fair is a living testament to our annual commitment to leave each other better off than when we first found each other. ▲

NICA Members, Fair Staff, and other attendees at the Southeast Council Rally December 2019 NICA News

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December 2019 NICA News

From the Camera Roll... Rey O’Day, Executive Director & Greg Miller, CCE, Past President

Don Long, CCE, L&L Concessions, Fred Pittroff, Giant Ride, Ryan Long, L&L Concessions, and Jeff Thornberry, CCE, Gadgets and Neat Stuff

Greg G. Stewart, CFE, Central Washington State Fair CEO, John Sykes, CFE, East Texas State Fair CEO, and Rey O’Day, NICA Executive Director at Greg’s retirement party

Jean Bartosik, Steve Edwards, and Nick Nicora

Mike Kramer, Southeast Council and owner of Fun Time Foods

Ken Lee Benson, Doo-Wah Riders, and his wife Marilyn at Vince Agnifili’s service

Russ Harrison, CCE, NICA Past President, with Susan and Dennis Fraleigh, F&W Concesssions / Butcher Boys

Jerry Ross, Harmony Artists, Donna Ruhm, San Diego Vendor Manager, and Michael Searle, Arizona Assistant Fair Manager

John Ford, Ford Foods, and Rey O’Day, NICA Executive Director

Past IAFE Chairs at Greg’s retirement party: Steve Edwards, John Sykes, Barbara Renner, Kent Hojem, Marla Calico, Pat Kress, Greg Stewart, and Norb Bartosik

James Romer, North Carolina Assistant Fair Manager, Ben Merrill, Rockin’ Comet Diner, and Russ Harrison, CCE, NICA Past President

Greg Miller, CCE, NICA Past President

Nick Strates, Demetri’s Greek Food, serving customers at the North Carolina State Fair December 2019 NICA News

2019-2020 Strategic Plan Rey O’Day, Executive Director In 2012, the NICA Board of Directors and Staff realized that as each President began their term, they brought their own list of goals, and as each new Executive Director came on board, they too brought their own list of goals. Each time this happened, the last list of goals was discarded and the new one was placed on the table. The result was that NICA lacked a focus for the future and the ability to work on anything long enough to finish it. In April 2012, the NICA Board of Directors created NICA’s first Strategic Plan.

What is Strategic Planning? Strategic planning is an organizational management activity that is used to:

• • • •

set priorities focus energy and resources strengthen operations ensure that employees and other stakeholders are working toward common goals • establish agreement around intended outcomes/results • assess and adjust the organization’s direction in response to a changing environment NICA is growing as an organization because this process delivers continuity by consistently setting direction and priorities, puts everyone on the same page, drives alignment of resources, provides flexibility within a context, and offers a simple way to measure results. NICA’s Strategic Plan revolves around four categories: Increasing and Strengthening Membership, Being a Voice in the Industry, Benefits and Financial Stability. Each year the plan is reviewed and approved at the April Board Meeting, evaluated at the November Board Meeting and closed at the 24

December 2019 NICA News

February Board Meeting. Completed goals are removed, in process goals remain and new ones are added. All of the Goal Committees report at the February, April, and November Board of Directors Meetings.

Increasing and Strengthening Membership Chair: Vincent Nelson, CCE, Secretary Members: Mike Pence, CCE, Director, Kathy Ross, CCE, President, Linda Frisco, Recording Secretary Specific Agenda Reports are due at March and September BOD meetings NICA is a member-driven organization that will become a stronger organization throughout the US and Canada by increasing membership and member participation in organizational activities by:

Long-Term Goals • Fully activating the updated NICA Regional Councils Action Plan (February 2019) • Increasing membership by 100 annually through retention of current members and recruiting new members (two members must be recruited to replace one lost member) • Using targeted Membership Drives and current data charts and maps to confirm category and geographic membership growth • Researching new member categories from which to recruit membership, especially where there is limited representation • Requiring ALL NICA leadership: Board, Council, and National Reps to bring in ONE new member annually • Providing excellent member services

Short-Term Goals • Begin a Board study program in 2019 on “Keeping Members” with the goal of writing

•

• • • • •

• • •

• •

•

a Membership Retention Plan in 2020 and implementing a Membership Retention Plan in 2021 Create a Merchant’s Task Force to prepare a symposium during the 2019 IAFE Convention in collaboration with the IAFE Commercial Exhibits and Concessions Committee Develop a Commercial Vendors Plan that will add 10 new Commercial Vendors in 2019 Direct Communications Manager to develop a collateral piece focused on selling membership to Commercial/Retail Exhibitors Organize Generation Forward as a NICA group of under 45 year old professional owners and/ or managers in 2019 Direct Communications Manager to develop a collateral piece focused on selling membership to Generation Forward Direct Membership Manager to send or email NICA applications to the top 50 Fairs in the country with a request to place the applications in their Vendor packets on March 1 and October 1 Send membership applications to nonmembers who attend NICA Business Expo Upgrade Member Renewal package Membership Committee agrees to bring in two new members instead of the required one new member in 2019 Board of Directors agrees to bring in five new members instead of the required one new member in 2019 BOD and Council members each agree to host one social/fundraising/informational event each season to sell memberships and promote the benefits of membership The BOD agenda will include reviewing a list of past due membership renewals with followup calls being assigned to appropriate Board member The BOD and Council agendas will include the question “who is the unknown Vendor (person and company name) to whom you spoke about NICA this month?” Direct Office Manager to provide a PDF of Application, Benefit Guides, Communication Committee flyer, and NICA News advertising rates to all BOD and Council members for their use in recruiting and/or informing members about NICA Use the Accidental Death and Dismemberment

• • • •

Insurance benefit to upsell 10 memberships by suggesting the regular member add an additional member to cross insure Target membership growth in three states that have 15 or less members for a net increase of nine new members Direct Staff to provide updated membership maps and charts for Board Meetings that require a Board Book Direct Executive Manager to write a protocol for NICA leadership to follow when visiting any function on behalf of NICA Specifically promote the Coca-Cola Membership Contest to our members

Being a Voice in the Industry Chair: Don Delahoyde, CCE, 1st Vice President Members: Kevin McGrath, CCE, Director, Dan Lusenhop, Immedate Past President, Jessica Gottsche, Council Coordinator Specific Agenda Reports are due at May and October BOD meetings Because NICA is recognized as a professional leader in the Event Industry NICA will:

Long-Term Goals • Present balanced/well thought out procedures and solutions for long-time Industry issues and regulatory concerns that are within NICA’s sphere of influence at convention workshops and work for their adoption by Fair Associations • Partner with Fair Management to create Communication Committees that work in a spirit of cooperation to make decisions for the good of all involved • Commit to using technology, social media, and publishing outlets to communicate with members and colleagues in the Industry • Engage in active alliances with Sister Organizations regarding mutual Industry solutions • Oversee Advisory Committee selection, agenda and activities • Oversee the Certified Concessionaire Executive (CCE) Program

►► “Goals” continued on page 26 December 2019 NICA News

“Goals” continued from page 25 ►► Short-Term Goals • Board agrees that each one of them will participate in at least one National Organization, State Association, or Zone panel and/or workshop annually • Direct Social Media Supervisor to increase communicating through Social Media outlets and provide a monthly report on progress. • Direct Social Media Supervisor to write a SOP for Social Media postings and distribute it before end of 2019 • Re-evaluate 2012 NICA Talking Points: Transfer of Ownership, Exclusive Sponsorships, Rising Rents and Deposits, Point of Sale Options, and Contract Management (Overbooking and Menu Selection) and submit updated list at February 2020 BOD meeting (Multi-year Agreements) • Direct Staff to develop sessions and materials to use for speaking on these talking points • Direct Communications Manager to identify all Zone and State Fair Association meetings; direct President to assign members to attend with the goal of adding three new state level conventions in 2019, and direct Office Manager to make arrangements for these events • Review IAFE schedule and P/L to propose the 2019 NICA schedule of events including Happy Hour, workshops and round table topics by May 2019. • Purposely invite at least three new speakers and panelists to 2019/20 sessions hosted by NICA • Develop NICA member speakers to participate in Industry educational events • Direct Social Media Supervisor, Communications Manager, and Executive Manager of Councils to rebrand, update, and publish NICA Communication Committee flyer • In order to bolster content in NICA News, NICA Now, and Facebook the Board will each write, contact someone to write, or solicit an already published article and submit it to the Communications Manager and/or Social Media Supervisor in addition to their Director’s Voice article. A monthly schedule will be created for this goal. • Direct Office Manager to create a list of 10 26

December 2019 NICA News

• •

•

• • • •

Fairs with more than 50 concessionaires so committee can establish a new Communication Committee in each one Committee solicit a group of photo-takers under the guidance of the Social Media Supervisor Direct Communications Manager to write and publish an article about two members who have participated in the Read and Win Program in 2019 Direct Social Media Supervisor to place one article/photos in NICA News and on Social Media every month that promotes the accomplishments of NICA BOD, Regional Councils, and/or Staff Stay focused on 2019 labor concerns including coordinating the work of the Ad Hoc H-2B Committee Form committee to explore changing the language of the J-1 Visa program Request Fairs participate in providing funds for H-2B worker issues With Communications Manager develop a website/NICA News feature where Concessionaire hints are shared with fellow members three times a year

Benefits Strategic Planning Goals Chair: Sandy Class, CCE, 2nd Vice President Members: Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE, Director, Daryl Whicheloe, CCE, Director Specific Agenda Reports are due at June and December BOD meetings Recognizing that member benefits create value and are important to NICA for membership savings and organizational revenue, NICA will:

Long-Term • Provide members with numerous channels to learn how to use member benefits • Use the buying power of membership to annually obtain at least one new national and/ or regional benefit that meets the Benefit Company Protocol (Apr-2016) • Manage the annual educational Scholarship program according to the Scholarship SOP • Increase rebates by 10% annually • Measure benefit usage by gathering data from annual membership surveys • Oversee the annual NICA Business Expo/Fare Foods Food Show

Short-Term • Award $26,000 in Scholarships: $4,000 25th Anniversary, $3,000 Coca-Cola, 2- $2000 Gene O’Brien Vocational, 5-$2,000, and 5-$1000. The Regional Councils have agreed to create a • Direct each Council to hold two events in 2019 that include highlighting the benefits and value of NICA Membership • Direct Office Manager to send Board and Councils the tools they need (Including website instructions and Benefits Guides) to explain NICA Benefits. • Direct Board and Councils to refer new benefits that provide discounts to members and/or rebates to the organization using the standards of the Benefit Company Protocol to the Office Manager to qualify. Goal is two new benefits. • Direct Executive Director to pursue health insurance benefits plan and bring an update to the January 2020 Board Meeting for planned rollout at 2020 Annual Meeting • Establish a successful process for obtaining and reporting regular benefit testimonials from members by June 2019 • Direct Communications Manager to develop “Member Benefits Spotlight” or restart “Member Voice” in 2019 • Direct Communications Manager to provide fairs a free “products/concessionaires wanted” section in NICA News to assist their search for new Vendors • Direct Communications Manager to survey NICA Membership annually on their utilization of NICA benefits, send a summary to the committee chair, and then the committee will make report based on survey • Direct Executive Director to update the NICA Sysco Marketplace Playbook with company partners and present at the 2019 Business Review • Direct Office Manager to keep benefit company agreements and files current and up to date and provide a summary at the February 2020 Board Meeting • Direct Staff to develop a plan that offers a First Timer’s Scholarship of $500 to five members who would like to attend 2019 IAFE, 2020 WFA Conventions and/or 2020 NICA Business Expo • Direct Staff to develop a communication system from Board to members and members

back to Board for planning that is summarized at February 2019 meeting

Financial Stability Strategic Planning Goals Chair: Jay “Rocko” Russell, Treasurer Members: Kim Barr, CCE, Director, Andrew “Bruno” Broomfield, Director Specific Agenda Reports are due at July and January BOD meetings When NICA membership is growing, NICA’s voice is respected in the Industry and NICA’s buying power is increasing the net profits of members, NICA will achieve annual financial and administrative stability by:

Long-Term • Managing by objectives and values so goals are met in accordance with core values • Balancing revenue chart while increasing revenue 5% a year by retaining and increasing membership, optimizing selling opportunities, soliciting benefit rebates, and holding fundraising events. • Moving Scholarship funding from current 4% of annual revenue to 8% in 3 years • Monitoring financial controls and appropriate insurances • Managing expenses within the following formula: • 60% day to day operating expenses • 30% member / regional / educational events • 10% reserves

Short-Term • Direct Executive Director to update the “managing expenses formula” in the above long term goal for the February 2020 Board Meeting • Direct Executive Director to manage the timely rollout of the 2019 Membership fee increase approved in February 2019 • Direct the Executive Director to manage the budget and process of creating the NICA Foundation for planned roll out at the 2020 NICA Annual Meeting • In order to build a balanced and comprehensive investment plan, invite investment spokesperson to attend February 2020 Board

►► “Goals” concluded on page 29 December 2019 NICA News

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December 2019 NICA News

www.mrgsmeats.com

“Goals” continued from page 27 ►►

•

• • • • •

Meeting to review current long-term financial investments Direct Communications Manager to write SOP for members to access and use team-up calendar to schedule fundraisers by January 2020 Direct Council Coordinators to write Fundraising SOP and create Fundraising Form by June 2019 Direct Office Manager to prepare for the annual audit to be held on Friday before NICA Business Expo in the Brandon office Direct Office Manager to update the annual individual cost of each member and present it at February 2020 meeting Direct Council Coordinators to assign fundraising budgets to the Regional Councils based on actual from year before Direct Executive Committee to develop Sponsorship Protocol including category levels, items to be sponsored, and benefits of sponsorship for the NICA Business Expo

• Direct Office Manager to provide monthly rebate report as part of monthly financial package follow-up on current rebate programs and explore other rebate possibilities • Direct Executive Director to present draft of 2020 budget at November 2019 Board Meeting • Direct Office Manager to prepare convention P&L’s for review at the second board meeting after the close of the event so as to enable planning for next year • Direct Executive Director to write SOP regarding Board Stipends • Direct Communications Manager to add a classified section to 2019 publications: member rate $25, non-member rate $100 • Direct Communications Manager to create credit card annual auto bill pay as a renewal option by June 2019 • Direct Office Manager to report new AD&D beneficiaries to Hummel Insurance Company within one week of receiving the information. • Direct Office Manager to provide a summary of Membership Category fees for review at February 2020 meeting ▲

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INSURANCE

K&K Insurance Group, Inc. is a licensed insurance producer in all states (TX license #13924); operating in CA, NY and MI as K&K Insurance Agency (CA license #0334819)

December 2019 NICA News

WFA Convention Preview Introduction by Rey O’Day, Executive Director

Out West we kick off the year at the Western Fairs Convention, January 19 – 22, 2020 at the Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, NV. On Sunday evening, the occasion starts off with the WFA Service Member Bowling Tournament. As a Sponsor, NICA draws winning gift cards throughout the evening and provides the prize money for the winning teams. As part of the WFA Trade Show, NICA, Sysco, and Source1 Purchasing present the NICA Sysco Marketplace Food Show. Vendors include Ventura Oil, Smithfield, Whirley Drinkworks, Heritage Bag, Idahoan, and First Data. The NICA booth is a hub of activity: selling opportunity tickets, signing up members, answering questions, shaking hands, and hugging. Educational Workshops are the back bone Trophy presentations and door-prize drawings of Conventions and NICA is involved in several: will take place after all participants have Promotions That Have a Positive Impact, Tip completed their second game; must be present Jar Roundtable, The Changing Landscape of to win. Enjoy meeting new friends, seeing old Commercial Exhibits, What is the Right Mix of friends, a no-host bar, and lots of laughter and Food at Your Fair, and Speak with Confidence and fun at this must-attend event at the Grand Style. We also host the NICA Membership Meeting Sierra Bowling Lanes. with demonstrations and benefit information. This year’s WFA Convention will be capped off Monday, january 20 with our own Incoming President, Don Delahoyde, • 9:00 – 11:30 AM: Opening General Assembly CCE, being inducted into the WFA Hall of Fame. and Keynote “Lighten Up and Lead”: A happy Congratulations! workplace is imperative to success, but how do you remain positive AND professional? Sunday, january 19 Laugh and learn key characteristics to create • 5:15 – 6:15 PM: Service Members Welcome: levity in the worker, workforce and workplace, Come together for the first meeting of with tools that help you reach your personal 2020. Hear from each of the Division and professional potential through the power Representatives, discuss the 2019 Fair season, of fun. Presented by Author and Engagement and plan for the year ahead. Special Service Expert Tami Evans. Member convention programming will be • 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM: Trade Show including covered, along with a walkthrough of the can’tthe NICA Sysco Marketplace Food Show miss convention experiences! • 3:45 – 5:00 PM: Promotions That Have a • 6:30 – 7:30 PM: First Time Attendee Welcome Positive Impact: We all have slow days at • 8:00 – 11:00 PM: WFA Bowling Tournament, our Fairs… let’s talk about promotions that hosted by the WFA Service Members with door make a positive impact, increase attendance, prizes and cash awards provided by NICA. increase revenue, increase quality of life in This tournament is often referred to as the the community AND are proven to work. This “unofficial kick-off” of the WFA Convention, positive promotion workshop has a summary and you’ll definitely want to be part of the fun! handout of ideas to share! Moderated by NICA. 30

December 2019 NICA News

• 5:15 – 6:15 PM: NICA Membership Meeting: The National Independent Concessionaires Association will offer information on membership and address current topics affecting Concessionaires throughout the Industry. • 6:30 – 10:00 PM: President’s Reception

Tuesday, January 21 • 8:30 – 9:30 AM: Service Members Division Breakouts: Commercial, Food & Beverage, Entertainment

“A-ha!” moments. • 2:30 – 3:45 PM: Speak with Confidence and Style: Does public speaking make your heart race? Do you break out in a cold sweat? Don’t sweat it… be yourself and learn to breathe easy. It’s okay to come nervous. When you finish this workshop you will be able to ask for a raise or be the “toast of the town!” Presented by Rey O’Day, NICA Executive Director. • 4:00 – 5:15 PM: Service Member Gathering: WFA Service Members will come together one last time to recap their experiences and plan for the year ahead.

• 9:45 – 11:00 AM: Insurance 101: Designed for businesses of all types. Insurance can be an • 6:00 – 8:00 PM: Industry Awards Dinner: ambiguous topic, so our goal is to clarify the The culmination of WFA’s week in Reno, purpose of insurance as it relates to business featuring presentations of the Barham Award exposures. In this presentation, we cover the for outstanding entrepreneurship, the Merrill standard lines of business including general Award for innovation and vision in Fair liability, property, business auto, inland marine, Management, and the WFA Hall of Fame Award employment practices liability, workers’ honoring individual commitment and service compensation, umbrella coverage, etc. This to the Fair Industry. The event will conclude is our most comprehensive presentation and with the installation of WFA Board Officers is tailored to the Industry. Presented by Phil and a message from WFA President-Elect Cliff Teague and Tom Brenner, Hummel Group Munson. ▲ • 12:30 – 3:30 PM: Trade Show including the NICA Sysco Marketplace Food Show • 3:45 – 5:00 PM: The Changing Landscape of Commercial Exhibits: Generational shifts in buying habits coupled with direct competition from the internet are altering the way patrons interact with Fair Commercial Exhibit’s programs. These and other influences have prompted at least two Industry groups to take a deep look into this segment of our business with the explicit goal of improving it. This session will explore Commercial Exhibits from a fresh perspective as it delves into the findings and recommendations emerging from these discussions. You won’t want to miss this provocative examination of this Industry mainstay! Presented by Jeff Thornberry, Pristine Systems, Inc.

Wednesday, January 22 • 1:00 – 2:15 PM: Round Tables: Join WFA’s Industry partners, including NICA, for interactive sessions designed to answer the questions you have about your fair or business. Ranging from finance to technology, these small group discussions always lead to December 2019 NICA News

Sysco and NICA have partnered

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Don’t Miss Your Chance!

Apply for the 2019 First Timer’s Convention Scholarship Today! Have you always wanted to attend the WFA and/or NICA Conventions but just haven’t committed to it? Whether it be because of expense, timing or any other reason, NICA is here to help get you there! It is with much excitement that we share a new Scholarship Opportunity for NICA Members! Up to five current NICA Members will receive $500 towards travel expenses (transportation and hotel) and basic attendee registration covered by the Organization hosting the Convention selected. Below are the criteria and obligations required for each Convention:

NICA Business Expo Criteria • • • • • • •

Must be a first-time attendee to the Convention. Must be a current NICA Member (annual dues must be satisfied if due). Winner of Scholarship must submit proof of registration for desired Convention. Must be available to assist NICA and/or Convention host during the Convention. Must submit an article of Convention experience to NICA News. Must be currently active in the Outdoor Amusement Industry. Must be referred by current NICA Member.

WFA Convention Criteria • Volunteer for WFA at the WFA Convention. • Participate in post-Convention interview.

When is the Submission Deadline? Deadlines have been extended! The deadline is January 3rd for the WFA Convention and January 17th for the NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods 2020 Food Show Go to www.nicainc.org/first-timers or cut out and complete the form below to apply! Mail your completed form to NICA at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511 or scan and email it to nica@nicainc.org before the deadline to qualify. ▲ &

2019 First Timer’s Convention Scholarship Application Fill out the following application to the best of your ability; incomplete applications may be disqualified. Name: _______________________________________ Company : Address: Phone: ______________________________________ Email: Current Membership: q NICA q WFA

Convention Choice: q WFA Convention q NICA Business Expo

Have You Attended the WFA Convention previously? q Yes q No Have You Attended the NICA Business Expo previously? q Yes q No NICA Member Who Recommended You Apply for this Scholarship: December 2019 NICA News

SEE WHATâ€™S NEW FOR 2019! CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR FOR MORE INFORMATION!

December 2019 NICA News

Outside the Fair

If you have a topic that you’d like to be covered in a future issue that doesn’t seem to be getting much attention, contact us at (813) 530-4750 or communications@nicainc.org for consideration.

FMCSA Opens Registration for Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

FMCSA’s clearinghouse website contains important resources, including user brochures and instructional aids with step-by-step registration instructions for all users. Users can visit clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov to access these The US Department of Transportation’s resources and to start the registration process. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration The clearinghouse will be a secure online (FMCSA) announced that registration is now open database that will allow FMCSA, CMV employers, for the Congressionally-mandated Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. State Driver Licensing Agencies, and law enforcement officials to identify—in real-time— Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, employers, medical review officers, and substance CDL drivers who have violated federal drug and alcohol testing program requirements, and abuse professionals can now visit thereby improve safety on our nation’s roads. ▲ clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov and register to create a secure online user account. USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for First Half “As this Congressional mandate is enacted, of FY 2020 FMCSA’s goal is to ensure drivers, employers, and everyone who will be using the clearinghouse US Citizenship and Immigration Services are registered as efficiently and effectively as (USCIS) has reached the congressionally mandated possible. FMCSA is here to be helpful during cap on H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural this implementation, and we strongly encourage workers for the first half of fiscal year 2020. all CMV stakeholders to get registered in the November 15, 2019 was the final receipt date for clearinghouse now,” said FMCSA Administrator new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting Raymond P. Martinez. an employment start date before April 1, 2020. Registration is required to be able to access USCIS will reject new cap-subject H-2B petitions the clearinghouse once it is fully implemented on received after November 15, 2019 that request an January 6, 2020. To access the clearinghouse, employment start date before April 1, 2020. authorized users must register. These users USCIS continues to accept H-2B petitions that include: are exempt from the congressionally mandated cap. This includes current H-2B workers in the USA petitioning to extend their stay and, if applicable, change the terms of their employment or change their employers. US businesses use the H-2B program to employ foreign workers for temporary nonagricultural jobs. Currently, Congress has set the H-2B cap at 66,000 per fiscal year, with 33,000 for workers who begin employment in the first half of the fiscal year There is no cost for registration. Commercial (October 1, 2019 - March 31, 2020) and 33,000 drivers are not required to immediately register (plus any unused numbers from the first half of for the clearinghouse, but will need to register to respond to an employer’s request for consent prior the fiscal year) for workers who begin employment in the second half of the fiscal year (April 1 to a pre-employment query or other full query September 30, 2020). ▲ being conducted. • Drivers who hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP). • Employers of CDL drivers. This includes those who employ themselves as CDL drivers (owner-operators), typically a single-driver operation. • Consortia/Third-Party Administrators (C/TPAs).

December 2019 NICA News

MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS Would you like to place a classified ad with us? Contact us at (813) 530-4750 or communications@nicainc.org

2005 United Concession Trailer For Sale Shell purchased in 2005; completed and put into service in 2010. Features: • Wide body 8’6”, with extra tall ceilings; was built with the idea to be very suitable to change • 7500 lb. axles with bearing buddies, spare tire, electric brakes • 2 corner signs, other hanging signs if needed, 3 lock down awnings with gas suspension, with extra rod supports for super stability • Rear door with screen and back diamond plated porch, high capacity double-sided regulator, with easy switch over • Commercial three compartment sinks, hand washing sink • Super-duty hood fan and extra deep hood; great exhausting • 3 top of the line, energy efficient Pitco 185 btu 85 lb. capacity fryers, which maintain temperature even with frozen products and use less fuel than any other on the market • 35 lb. capacity Pitco fryer for crunch time availability • 20 gallon water heater

• Fountain drink dispenser and extra 2 head server for added flavors • Designed with lots of storage capacity and counter space • Commercial upright freezer • Full vinyl skirting Maintained and kept clean impeccably from top to bottom. Great money-making opportunity at a fair price—$35,000 complete. Sale reason: only used a few times a year and I also have two others, so it is becoming a challenge for us to operate. Only serious inquiries PLEASE. Call Denis at (616) 690-0876. ▲

Restaurant Building & Business For Sale Turnkey, well established, profitable yearly blue-ribbon winning state fair located business. Includes 2160’ air conditioned permanent building, equipment, supplies, inventory, indoor seating, and take-out window, servicing Fair and Special Events. All American Restaurant & Grill—call Theresa at (561) 386-1709 or email theresa@tcjohnsonrealty.com. ▲

Advertise Your Business in the

NICA Directory

WHEN PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS WITH US, YOU...

• Reach your targeted audience through national exposure to key decision makers including Concessionaires, Fairs, and more! • Gain name recognition via our publications, website, and sponsorships available at Industry events; ask for more details. • Receive a superb value through quality marketing opportunities.

December 2019 NICA News

Councils

2019 Membership Contest Leaderboard* General Membership Dennis Larson...............................................................................8 Fare Foods.....................................................................................4 Nate Janousek..............................................................................3 Robert Poole..................................................................................2 Ralph Berkeypile............................................................................1 Wayne Decker................................................................................1 Jeff Horbowicz..............................................................................1 Ken McKnight................................................................................1 Kim Netterfield...............................................................................1 Vincent Navarra.............................................................................1 Dominic Palmieri, CCE..................................................................1 Pasco County Fair.........................................................................1 Randy Reichert, CCE......................................................................1 Julie Schmidt.................................................................................1

Henry Mitchell...............................................................................2 Jacqueline Bradbury.....................................................................1 Samantha Fairlie...........................................................................1 Jan Gary ��1 Kelly Grout.....................................................................................1 Ryan Long ��1 Jay Wells........................................................................................1

Board of Directors Kathy Ross, CCE..........................................................................11 Don Delahoyde, CCE......................................................................9 Vincent Nelson, CCE......................................................................7 Dan Lusenhop...............................................................................6 Kim Barr, CCE.................................................................................1 Andrew “Bruno” Broomfield..........................................................1 Sandy Class...................................................................................1 Kevin McGrath, CCE......................................................................1 Jay “Rocko” Russell......................................................................1 Daryl Whicheloe, CCE....................................................................1

Administration Office............................................................................................40

*Referral listing as of 10/31/19. Contact us if you see any inaccuracies. See back cover for rules and prizes.

Attention Members! Do you need our help?

Is your Fair in search of the next big thing, a unique item, or even some all-around help for your Fair in Concessions or Straight Sales? Alternatively, are you a Concessionaire or Vendor who needs to sell equipment or in need of staff? We can help!

Ads start at $25 per month and are also viewable online at www.nicainc.org/classifieds Contact us by email at communications@nicainc.org or phone at (813) 530-4750 to learn more!

Premier Frozen Drink Business Opportunity Coco Bongos is a unique frozen drink business vending in a variety of venues. We serve a selection of very high quality frozen beverages in an assortment of collectible cups. Coco Bongos LLC Daytona Beach, Florida started in 1994. We, Alyson and Chris Englert, have had an operating license with Coco Bongos for the State of New York since 2006. Our licensing agreement is unique in the fact that Coco Bongos LLC does not typically issue licensing agreements for entire states. We have been operating and still growing our business for the last 13 years in upstate New York (Syracuse and West). We have created a unique opportunity for someone interested in operating their own business in the densely populated area of Eastern New York. You can check us out at www.cocobongos.com. Several of our four vending units are featured on our Coco Bongos corporate home website. We would love to talk with anyone interested in building a profitable future owning their own business. You can start the conversation by emailing us at chris@cocobongos.com. ▲ December 2019 NICA News

2019-20 Events Calendar

Representing NICA & Its Industry Partners

December 1-4: 129th IAFE Convention & Trade Show • San Antonio, TX 3: NICA’s Happy Hour at the IAFE Convention • San Antonio, TX 13-16: Association of IA Fairs Convention • Des Moines, IA 25: Christmas Day (Office Closed)

January 1: New Year’s Day (Office Closed) 2-4: NC Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention • Cary, NC

2-4: VA Association of Fairs Convention • Hot Springs, VA 3-5: IN Association of Fairs Convention • Indianapolis, IN 5-8: WI Association of Fairs Convention • Wisconsin Dells, WI 8-11: Kentucky Association of Fairs Convention • Louisville, KY 9-11: MI Association of Fairs & Exhibitions Convention • Grand Rapids, MI

17-20: NY Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention • Rochester, NY 19-22: WFA Convention & Trade Show • Reno, NV 20-21: NICA Sysco Marketplace at the WFA Convention • Reno, NV

February

9-12: TX Association of Fairs & Events Convention • Galveston, TX

Florida Week 2019

17-20: IL Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention • Springfield, IL

3-5: NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 2020 Food Show* • Tampa FL

*See Page 12 for more information

Visit our calendar at www.nicainc.org or view upcoming NICA News for updates, changes, additional dates, and more!

1994-2019

YEARS Delivering Great Service For 25 Years

December 2019 NICA News

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc.

For Off ice Use Only

1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 Phone: (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 803-8460 Email: nica@nicainc.org • Website: www.nicainc.org

Date: #: q Member Renewal

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION q Mr. q Mrs. q Ms.

First Name:

Last Name:

Name of Business: Physical Address: Mailing Address:

City :

Primary Phone Number :

State:

Zip:

State:

Zip:

Cell / Secondary Phone Number :

Email:

Website:

Age Range: q 20-35 q 35-50 q 51-70 q 70+ q Other :

NICA News Preference: q Mail q Email

Referred by :

Annual Membership Fees Associate Membership

Regular Membership q

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

Regular Member..............................................................$150

Fair / Festival (over 75,000 attendance)......................$150

Fair / Festival (under 75,000 attendance)...................$100

q Retired Member.................................................................$50

Manufacturer / Distributor / Supplier..........................$150

Business / Group Membership

Carnival / Circus Operator..............................................$150

Association / Special Services......................................$150

q Additional Member..........................................................$100 q Employee Member.............................................................$75

Includes five memberships in one: one Regular Member, one Additional Member, and three Employee Members ($475 value).

Business / Group............................................................ $400

Additional Member : _______________________________________ Employee Member 1: ______________________________________ Employee Member 2: ______________________________________ Employee Member 3: ______________________________________ Regular membership categories Check a category below and provide a detailed description of your company’s services in the next column under Business Description.

Business Description Provide a detailed description of your business, products, and/or services below. This information will be used for your entry in the annual NICA Membership Directory and as keywords to search for your business on the NICA website.

________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

Food / Beverage

________________________________________________________________

Commercial Exhibitors / Retail / Merchants

payment

Attractions / Entertainment

Cash

Games

Visa

Guest Services

Credit Card #:

General Routing Information List all states / provinces where you conduct your business.

___________________________________________________________

q q

Check

Mastercard

Security Code:

Money Order q

American Express

Discover

Expiration Date:

TOTAL:

___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ AD&D Insurance Policy The NICA-sponsored $10,000 AD&D Insurance Policy is provided to Regular Members. List a beneficiary and a phone number below.

Beneficiary : _________________________ Phone : _____________

Applicant’s signature

Date

Signature of Credit Card Holder q I authorize NICA to charge the agreed amount listed above to my credit card information provided above. I agree I will pay for this purchase in accordance with the issuing bank cardholder agreement.

Automatic Renewal Option q I authorize NICA to make automatic renewal payments for my membership using the credit card information above. I shall update NICA with all changes to payment information or my intent to cancel automatic renewal payments prior to my next renewal month.

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 Time Sensitive Mail â€¢ December 2019 Issue

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