Thoughts from a This month’s Statement of Communications & Management Philosophy is from NICA’s Immediate Past President, Greg Miller, CCE, Miller & Company: “My philosophy of life—walk a mile in another man’s shoes—has served me very well in life and especially in managing my concessions and communicating with the Fair Industry. NICA has been a wonderful tool of communication for me. It has opened doors and allowed acceptance. For the first five of our ten years in business I found it difficult to find my place within the ‘good ole boys club.’ Because of this experience I’ve made it my policy to make myself open to all Concessionaires, new and old. I’ve achieved this by being active in NICA meetings held at the local, state, and national levels. In the past, it was common for Concessionaires to withhold valuable information from each other in hopes of increasing one’s own business. Now, open communication has helped make our entire industry sronger. NICA has also offered me a valuable link to Greg Miller, CCE Fairs and Festivals. I feel that open lines of communication between Miller & Co. myself and Fair Management has been a win-win situation because CCE Earned in 2002 we have learned our goals are the same. In management, practice makes perfect! Each year I gain from the experiences behind me. Because of this experience, my management responsibilities have become simpler and more enjoyable. Managing a concession business encompasses many diverse responsibilities—from handling a DOT inspection at the side of the road to meeting with the CEO of some of the largest Fairs of the country. Not to mention making the best decision for my family’s future. I always make quality a priority! Quality in what I give to a Fair, a Fairgoer, an Employee, a fellow vendor, to my family, and to myself is the most rewarding aspect of management.” ▲ The CCE Program was developed to recognize the professionalism of Concessionaires. The title of CCE represents a deep understanding and respect for the fair and festival business and indicates that the titleholder will perform with the highest level of professionalism. Visit the CCE website for more details: goo.gl/H3VKUf
“Member’s Voice” continued from page 13 ►► every one needs and uses them. He commented that he uses First Data for his credit card processing and is looking forward to the newer system that can be processed on cell phones— especially when he has multiple locations. He works mainly in California and Arizona. Michael Lary, Utter Delights, Inc. of Fort Edward, NY, joined NICA because of Art Pokorny’s suggestion. He feels he is a relatively “new member” having joined in August of 2013. However, he did attend the Florida Week and took
advantage of getting his ServSafe Certification that NICA offers to its members during this time. Sometimes it seems to him that the “bigger operators” get more attention than the smaller operators. He feels that NICA has made some head way in opening the doors of communication with their suggestion of having Communications Committees between Fairs and Concessionaires in the past five years. The NICA Office plans to continue these calls to our renewing members throughout 2015 and beyond. If you hear from us, we’d love to know what’s on your mind! If you haven’t been contacted yet, call us with your story. ▲ December 2015 NICA News
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