January / February 2022 NICA News

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Contents • January / February 2022 Articles & Features 04 This Month’s New and Renewal Members 05 Passing of the Gavel 05 Thriving & Surviving 08 Riffing With Rey 09 Director’s Voice 10 Association Announcements 11 Thoughts From a CCE 13 Member’s Voice 16 Thriving Partnerships: Hummel Group 18 Thriving While Surviving: 2022 Business Expo & Fare Foods Food Show Event Overview 21 Musings From a “Larry” 22 The IAFE San Antonio Stroll 24 Getting to Know the Trustees of the NICA Foundation 27 From the Camera Roll...

28 Attention Members! Are You Taking Advantage of All That NICA Has to Offer?

33 Final 2021 NICA Membership Contest Leaderboard

AdvertiSers 07 Berk Concession Supply 12 Concession Mall 26 Fanestil Meats 31 Fare Foods 15 Fiserv 14 Haas & Wilkerson Insurance 20 Heinkel’s Packing 12 Hummel Group 20 McGowan Allied Insurance

32 Member Classifieds 17 Mr. G’s Quality Cut Meat 26 Rio Syrup 02 Schantz Mfg. 29 Swanel Beverage 31 TasteMaker / Reed Food 29 WNA 34 Whirley DrinkWorks!

NICA is a membership-driven organization dedicated to strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival, and Special Events Industries through effective communication, education, benefits, leadership, and solutions.

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 © 1993-2022 NICA, Inc. All Rights Reserved. “Thriving While Surviving Together in 2022!”

January / February 2022 NICA News

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This Month’s Newest Members Jennie Enloe

Mary Beth Mize

Rick Feingold

Jerry Orzano

GSH Food Services Inc. / Perfect Pie LLC Harlingen, TX Roadshow Promotions Lake Forest, IL

Fanny’s Fabulous Funnel Cakes Ashland, OR Ottimo Distribution, LLC Carson, CA

Kyla Reusch

Donald Vandewerken

Steven Rosen

Phillip White

Candys Sweets K Concession J&D Blueberry Farm Poplarville, MS Madison, WI Steve’s Fun Balloons Las Vegas, NV

Southwest Digital Photos Waddell, AZ

Welcome to our 8 New Members! See page 33 for the final 2021 NICA Membership Contest Leaderboard. “Together We Can!”

This Month’s Member Renewals Rodney Albers

Mark Davis

Lucas Gobeli

Tina Hollis µ

Brad Bennett

Phillip Delahoyde

Becci Griggs

Gigi Horowitz

Kelly Bisbey

Shane DeVooght

Lee Grigsby

Robert Hutchins

Rodney & Lisa ‘’LTD’’ LLC Newcastle, OK (2013) Bennett Concessions Kokomo, IN (1997) Pepsico Foodservice Tampa, FL (1995)

Extreme Food & Beverage Ukiah, CA (2011)

Danny Brown

Superiorland Concessions/ Sidewalk Sundae Sarasota, FL (2011)

Mary Brown, CCE µ

Doolan Amusement Co. Stuart, FL (2002)

Ronald Burback

Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Fairway, KS (1993)

Richard Busse, CCE

Cousins Confections Youngsville, NC (2013)

Marla Calico µ

B & E Novelty Shannon, MS (1993)

John Campbell

Brogdon Concessions Oceanside, CA (2013)

Danny Brown Amusements Mesa, AZ (2015) Mary’s Concessions Marysville, OH (1993) Fun Enterprises, Inc. Portland, OR (1997) Dr. Vegetable, Inc. Valparaiso, IN (2004)

IAFE Springfield, MO (1993) JSCM Concessions / J.S. Campbell Management Dixon, CA (2007)

Sandy Class, CCE

SAN-JON Enterprises Apollo Beach, FL (2013)

Sam Coffman µ

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

4

Log Cabin Concessions Coarsegold, CA (2014)

January / February 2022 NICA News

John Doolan

Bradford Doolittle µ

Jeffrey Dunham

Brian Duryee µ

Gene Edick

Bryan Enloe

Perfect Pie LLC dba Leimon’s Pizzeria / GSH Food Services Inc dba The Hideaway Harlingen, TX (2010)

Larry Feinberg µ

Lawrence Caterers Ocean, NJ (1993)

Pal Fontana

Fontana Foods Cape Coral, FL (2011)

Great Jones County Fair Monticello, IA (2015) Arrow Distributing Elkhart, IN (2000) Grigsby Enterprise LLC Shreveport, LA (2015)

Clayton Hall

Hot Concession Services Inc Waco, TX (2012)

Matthew Hall

Hall Family Foods Inc Hutchinson, KS (2019)

Bob Hallifax, CCE µ

Hallifax Enterprises St. Augustine, FL (1993)

Kim Hallifax µ

Midway Munchies Atlanta, GA (1993)

Russ Harrison, CCE Rudy’s Pizza & Slush Hernando, FL (2004)

Raymond Hawkins µ

United Concessions Baton Rouge, LA (1993)

Thomas Hodson, CCE µ The Thomas Hodson Company Homosassa, FL (1993)

Fiserv (Clover Solutions) Riverview, FL (1993) Fun Time Foods LLC Garden Grove, CA (2015) Rainbow Concessions dba Blue & White Concessions Yucaipa, CA (2007)

Theresa Johnson

All American Restaurant & Grill Loxahatchee, FL (2013)

Wayne Jones µ

Turkey Leg Jones Milwaukee, WI (1993)

Paulette Keene, CCE

Paulette’s Food Service Pinckneyville, IL (1996)

Rebecca Kelley µ Sysco Corporation Cypress, TX (1993)

Lisa Kemmerer µ

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

Bruce Kozelou µ

3 B Concessions Burlington, WI (1993)

Scott Kunz

Galaxy Amusement Sales Tampa, FL (2017)

►► “Renewals” continued on page 30 µ 1993-2002

2003-2007 2008-2012 2013-2021

Passing of the Gavel

Sandy Class, CCE, 2021 President

Dominic Palmieri, CCE, I can’t thank you enough for you just being you and your infectious WOW! I can’t believe my personality. You put NICA on a different map. journey is nearing the end. I will Through your presidency we learned to think outside never be done; I will continue to of the box and that NICA, as a whole, would survive serve the Industry that is very whether you were from the West, East, North, or passionate to my heart. Thank South. We are all one serving our membership! you to the many people that Jennifer Giordano, CCE, you touched my heart in believed in me. so many ways. In my first tenure, I served with you I will always remember the on the Scholarship Committee where we fine-tuned day that Kathy Vanco Ross, the program and took it to the next level. Today CCE, brought me the ten signatures required to run Jennifer currently serves on the NICA Foundation for the Board; my heart was large! Though I knew as Treasurer, for which I am proud to see it come that I needed to do this, I never imaged that this is to fruition. A big thank you to the C3 Trustees and where I would end up. Who would have thought of all you do for our young people seeking a higher me as President? I have so many people to thank education. for influencing my journey.

Dan Lusenhop, I learned many things from you, Paulette Keene, CCE, you were the first woman I am so happy you are back on the Board! You will President; I was a young spring chicken… I listened pick up right where you left off. You are joining a and learned. To Kathy Vanco Ross, CCE, you great group of people that works well together for have so many accolades: NICA President, Florida Federation Board and now the IAFE Board. I knew ►► “Gavel” continued on page 6 I had big shoes to fill.

Thriving & Surviving Daryl Whicheloe, CCE, 2022 President My first job as Incoming President is to personally thank Sandy Class, CCE for doing an outstanding job as President this last year. 2021 for NICA, like 2021 for so many of us, was full of doubt and uncertainty, and she led this organization with grace and dignity throughout this difficult year. THANK YOU Sandy!

My NICA journey started with being on the West Council, then moving on to the Board as a West Council Ex-Officio to then being elected Director and now serving as Incoming President.

Throughout this journey I have learned a lot about myself, my business and our Industry. I truly believe NICA has made me a better person and

business operator, and for that I am truly grateful. I highly recommend to anyone thinking about joining a Council or being on the Board of Directors for NICA, that you do so. You will definitely benefit from the experience.

My goal as President is simple: to increase membership, and most importantly, to increase the benefits for our membership. The different Councils, Board of Directors, the Benefits Committee, and the NICA Office spend countless hours looking in to new ways we can provide you with the tools and benefits you need to make you and your business more successful. If you have an idea for a benefit or have used a benefit that is not working for you, I would ask you to contact me or the NICA Office.

NICA is a membership-based organization working in an Industry struggling to find its way ►► “Thriving” continued on page 7 January / February 2022 NICA News

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Greg Miller, CCE Officers* Tom Sattler, CCE 2021 President: Sandy Class, CCE Russ Harrison, CCE 2022 President: Daryl Whicheloe, CCE st 1 Vice President: Vincent Nelson, CCE Richard Busse, CCE Tom Hodson, CCE Directors Jim Hodson, CCE (Deceased) Tim O’Brien, CCE Jacqueline Bradbury, CCE Ron Smith Phil Delahoyde Adam McKinney, CCE Kelly Grout Mike Pence, CCE Thomas Hodson, CCE Jack Woods, II, CCE Kathy Ross, CCE Bob Hallifax, CCE Jeff Thornberry, CCE Frank Parnell, CCE Outgoing Directors Larry Orme (Deceased) Don Delahoyde, CCE Larry Sivori Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE Rich Wright Bill McKinney, CCE incoming Directors Arthur Pokorny, Jr. Kim Barr, CCE Gene O’Brien, CCE (Deceased) Dan Lusenhop OFFICE STAFF Stacey Pittroff-Barona Executive Director & Jay Wells, CCE West Council Coordinator : Past Presidents’ Rey O’Day

Council

Kathy Ross, CCE Dan Lusenhop Dominic Palmieri, CCE Paulette Keene, CCE Joe Potillo, Jr.

rey@nicainc.org

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

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

East Council Coordinator & Social Media Coordinator: Jessica Gottsche jessica@nicainc.org

Central East Council Coordinator: Dennis Larson, CFE dennis@nicainc.org

Foundation

Central east Council

Connie Boesen Paulette Keene, CCE Bruce Kozelou James McConnell Robbi Miller Matt Ribar Brad Schroder April Smith

east Council

Bary Bunts, CCE Ryan Collmer Thomas Hodson, CCE Gentry Miller

President: Audrey Poole Vice President: Greg Miller, CCE Treasurer: Jennifer Giordano, CCE West Council Secretary: Rey O’Day Brandy Arredondo, CCE Jodi Dirksen Trustees: Irene Dugan Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE Jan Gary, CCE Mark Lancaster Gigi Horowitz Don Kenna Ryan Long Vincent Nelson, CCE Kara Moederndorfer, CCE Larry Sivori Ryann Newman Daryl Whicheloe, CCE Steve Vartanian

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

* The Gavel is passed in February. New Officers will be elected from within the Board and Incoming Directors also begin their terms.

“Gavel” continued from page 5 ►► the betterment of our Industry.

Don Delahoyde, CCE, Immediate Past President, you guided me and gave me many words of encouragement. Don shared with me that the word “UMM,” when speaking, doesn’t need to be part of your vocabulary. Words of wisdom that I took to heart; I grew and never forgot it.

Rey O’Day, Executive Director, I don’t have enough words to express how much you filled my heart on this remarkable journey. Rey, you guided me to becoming a better speaker and a leader and I will forever be grateful to you for that. Thank You! You have touched my heart in more ways than you can ever even imagine.

Daryl Whicheloe, CCE, you are going to make a great President. You have a great Board and Kristen will be a lovely First Lady. She is beautiful inside and out!

Executive Committee, Vincent Nelson, CCE, Kim Barr, CCE, and Jacqueline Bradbury, CCE, I couldn’t have done this without you…. THANK YOU! To the rest of the Board, Tom Hodson, CCE, 6

January / February 2022 NICA News

thank you for bringing wisdom to the Board. I will always remember the Founding Fathers and where this organization began. Kelly Grout, Phillip Delahoyde, Jeff Thornberry, CCE, Carmel DyerPittroff, CCE, and Ex-Officio Kathy Vanco Ross, CCE, may your journey continue. Share and give back to an Industry that has given so much to you.

To the newly elected Board, Stacey PittroffBarona, Kim Barr, CCE, Dan Lusenhop, and Jay Wells, CCE… you are all on a magical carpet ride, write your destiny in the clouds… I did!! I believe in all of you!!

To my daughter Libby Class, you are the sparkle in my eyes! To my sister and brother-in-law, Beth and Ron Owens, and to my nieces, Grace and Olivia Owens, both proud recipients of NICA Foundation Scholarships, my love to you all. Thank you for supporting me. I Love You! Last, but not least, to my friends, you know who you are… THANK YOU! Passing the Gavel. Many profound memories. A journey in the sand, building sandcastles. One wave at a time! Together We Did! “Together We Can!” “A journey is only a road map, not a destiny!”

With gratitude, Sandy Class, CCE. ▲

“Thriving” continued from page 5 ►► back to normal after the last two years. As Concessionaires we are definitely struggling with new protocols, Health Department requirements, Fair reopening/closing procedures, supply chain issues, and lack of labor concerns. The list grows unfortunately. It is my hope and goal that as we start this next year NICA can help you tackle as many of these issues as we can. “Together We Can!” I recently attended the IAFE Convention in San Antonio and was very pleased to see how well NICA and Concessionaires were included in the different workshops, seminars and discussions taking place. The reality of what Food Concessions bring to the Fairs in the form of revenue, entertainment, driving up attendance, and overall increasing the guest experience is definitely being noticed and appreciated.

As I sit here writing this from my home in Oregon with 12 inches of snow outside, I am certainly looking forward to seeing so many of you and being in sunny Florida for the annual NICA

Kristen Whicheloe, Daryl Whicheloe, CCE, Tom Hodson, CCE, Sandy Class, CCE, Rey O’Day, Kim Barr, CCE, and Alan Barr in San Antonio during the 2021 IAFE Convention

Business Expo, February 14—16 in Tampa.

NICA has a great Office Staff with Linda and Jesse doing a fantastic job. Rey, Jessica, and Dennis are really strengthening the Councils.

Jessica is doing a wonderful job with NICA’s social media. Rey, as our Executive Director, is leading this organization with her outstanding wisdom and knowledge. Along with the great group of Directors and Council members, NICA is doing well.

I am looking forward to serving as your President and serving this great organization.

Happy New Year to you and your families! ▲

January / February 2022 NICA News

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Riffing With Rey

Rey O’Day, Executive Director

answer is NO and the goal should not be made.

Once you have made your YES goal list, my It is New Year’s morning favorite advice is to write them out using the and my ritual is a cup of hot SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, chocolate with whipped cream Relevant, and Time Bound. In other words, describe and the Rose Parade. Flower your goal precisely (lose 15 pounds instead of float building is the epitome of losing some weight); know the measurements team work, paying attention to you will use to agree you have accomplished the details, and then hoping for the goal; gather the resources to make it possible; be best. Sort of what we did most sure the goal is important to some purpose that days in 2021 as we returned to truly matters to you; and give yourself a realistic working at our Fairs and Events. beginning and ending date with reassessment Isn’t it hard to think about any new year and not spots along the way. think about new year’s resolutions? I wondered As we say goodbye to 2021 some of NICA’s how the tradition started and learned in The most notable goal achievements were to Old Farmer’s Almanac that in 2000 BC produce a CDC-compliant, successful, the Babylonians resolved to return in-person NICA Business Expo and borrowed farm equipment. In Fare Foods Food Show in February; “In 2022, We 46 BC we moved to the Julian award $30,000 in educational will continue calendar, kept the concept of scholarships and $1500 in travel serving, surviving, resolutions, and made January scholarships; begin the Central thriving, and the start of the new year. The East Council; renew our Sysco feeling the joy of month was named after the twoMaster Distribution Agreement connecting with faced Roman god, Janus, who with no changes to the margin people again!” looks forward for new beginnings schedule for the next three as well as backward for reflection years; add Goodyear to our Benefit and resolution. (Is this where the programs with significant consumer and idea of “eyes in the back of my head” commercial tire savings; update corporate came from?) Incidentally, this god was also the Bylaws; provide a grace-period dues program guardian of gates and doors. for our membership; complete most of our 2021 According to a 1947 Gallop Poll, resolutions Strategic Planning Goals, and remain financially revolved around wanting to develop a stronger and administratively whole as an organization. moral character and work ethic and staying away When we are truly successful with our goals, from the harm of earthly pleasures. Today they change occurs. (Change, now there is a topic revolve around self-improvement like exercise for another Riffing.) My favorite comment about more, eat healthy, and save money. change is “I love change, you go first.” What I know Resolutions are goals and what we know about about change is you can ignore it, go with it, or goals is we will be more effective if we only make create it, and that choice is always a personal one a few. When we make too many, none of them that starts with each of us. As we entered 2021, receive the focus they need to make a significant we hoped that COVID would be in our rear-view change. Here are some questions to help us mirror. Instead, it is now a part of our lives and we choose which resolutions matter to us: Is this goal are figuring out how to live with it. In 2022, as an something I truly want? And is it important enough Industry and organization, we will continue serving, to devote hours of time and effort into its success? surviving, thriving, and feeling the joy of connecting If the goal is not something you are committed to with people again. TOGETHER let’s use our or passionate about and you are unwilling to spend wishbone, backbone, and funny bone in our own the time and energy to accomplish it… then the unique entrepreneurial styles. Happy New Year! ▲ 8

January / February 2022 NICA News

Director’s Director’S Voice

Don Delahoyde, CCE, Past President

purchasing cards for cashless, etc.? Where does the ability to remain Independent Concessionaires end, Welcome 2022! As we and the Fairs totally dictate our mode of operation approach the new year and as well as handle all our money? season, I think we all also These are some of the questions that make reflect on the past. That is my me happy I am no longer having to deal with current situation. This article these problems on a daily basis. I see my son and marks the last of my official daughter-in-law who have taken over my business duties on the NICA Board. stressing through these questions regularly, not to After 48 years in business and mention the many other problems we all face in about 20 years involved in the this Industry. associations connected with my business, I think I I am sure that with the abilities and have completed my obligations. entrepreneurs in our association and Industry the I have seen many difficulties in the Industry, good times will continue to roll. Thank you to all including the defunding of the California Fairs my fellow Concessionaires and associates that the year I was President of the Western Fairs have given me guidance, worked tirelessly in the Association (WFA). The changes in management organizations, and spent their own money to make of Fairs’ Boards, and how we do business has it better for all of us. taken many turns, not to mention the COVID crisis: I encourage you to get involved if you are not a year of Drive-Thru events with Fairs canceled already! It is rewarding, fun and a wonderful place almost everywhere. The ability of Concessionaires to meet and socialize with great people. I will be to pull through these trying times and survive attending Florida Week in Tampa in February and makes me incredibly happy. I am concerned for really look forward to seeing you all there. Your the future; I am wondering when we outprice our NICA Board and Staff has worked hard to keep our customers’ ability to still come to the Fair and organization viable and financially sound through afford to purchase food and beverage. Will we have the last two years of COVID. We continue with our the labor force to be able to serve the guest with the mission of education and scholarships. We have labor force situation? Will we be able to supply food several new benefits including a national deal with for our menus with the supply chain problems? The Goodyear tires, a Dell computer benefit, and more. cashless Fair really bothers me. What about the As I finish my last project as NICA Past people that do not have credit cards or the ability President, I repeat the words, “Together We Can!” to operate within modern technology to figure out See you soon. ▲

Saving Money in the New Year If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to save money here are two tips from an AARP bulletin with significant savings: • When purchasing copy/printer paper, basic 20 lb. paper is fine most of the time. It costs about $7 for 500 sheets. The only reason to pay for heavier, thicker stock is for a special purpose like a presentation or printing color on both sides of the page. Then try 24 lb. paper.

• Some internet service providers are charging $80/month for 1,200 megabits per second (Mbps) and $30 for up to 200 Mbps. According to the FCC, unless you are a hardcore gamer you are probably fine with speeds of just 12–25 Mbps.

To make the most bang for your buck in 2022, we encourage you to take a look at the many Benefits that NICA offers. See page 28 for a selection of our Benefit programs. ▲ January / February 2022 NICA News

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Association

Announcements Do you have any announcements you would like to share? Contact us at (813) 438-8926 or nica@nicainc.org

Our Deepest Sympathies to the Pignotti & McKnight Families One of our generational member families grieves the passing of Elaine Pignotti, who passed away December 6th. Here she is with her late husband, Reno. For generations, Pignotti’s Pasta and Reno’s Fish and Chips have been providing Fairgoers with authentic Italian family recipes to enjoy. Cheers to many end of day salutes that were shared by fellow Concessionaires with Elaine and Reno. Please keep the Pignotti and McKnight families in your thoughts and prayers. ▲

2022 Coca-Cola & Pepsi Pricelists are Now Available The 2022 NICA National Pricing Discounts for Coca-Cola and Pepsi have been officially released and are now available to view on our Peer-to-Peer Resource Center at www.nicainc.org/resources. You may also contact the NICA Office at nica@nicainc.org or (813) 438-8926 to have it sent to you. Do you sell beverages but haven’t signed up yet for either of these programs? You are missing out on some great savings! Their representatives are ready to assist you with ordering and securing the pricing with your local bottlers. ▲

Goodyear’s Online Pricing Tool Available to Members We are proud to announce the NEW Goodyear Online Pricing Tool, the Fleet Tire Finder, that will give you a closer look at how much you can save! How does the Online Pricing Tool work? Visit the link directly from the Benefits List in your NICA Online Member Account and search for your Commercial and Consumer tires by narrowing the results to your specific tire size or vehicle (retreads included for commercial tires). After narrowing down your search, or entering your tire size, the tool will display Base Price, National Account Price with discount, and more. See page 28 to learn how to sign up or visit www.nicainc.org/goodyear. ▲

Our Sincere Condolences to the Moore & Poole Families We are saddened to announce the passing of Thomas W. (Tom) Moore on November 27, 2021 in Marion, IL; he was 83. Tom was born on November 13, 1938 to William and Helen (Beniard) Moore. Tom was a special person, who truly had a passion for others. He would help anyone at any time, which was a product of his Christian faith. Tom is survived by his two daughters, Audrey and her husband Michael Poole, and Amy and her husband Rich Schuhardt, two granddaughters Savanah and Abby Schuhardt, two brothers Charles Moore and Rick and his wife Debbie Randolph, and a sister Marlene Dunn. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Judy Randolph; many nieces and nephews; and special friends: Fred Motsinger, Larry and wife, Rita McDaniel. Services were held on December 5th in Carrier Mills, IL. The suggested form of remembrance are memorials to the Marion Ministerial Alliance, 103 East Calvert Street, Marion, IL 62959. ▲ 10

January / February 2022 NICA News

Thoughts From a This month’s Statement of Communications & Management Philosophy is from Charles “Butch” Ivory, CCE, Famous Gabby’s Inc., who earned his CCE designation in 2007: In the past 30-plus years, professionalism in the Concession Industry has grown to a new level. Just like racing is no longer a sport; it has become a science. There are a few ground rules I like to follow: Knowing an employee’s strengths and weaknesses is imperative to proper placement. If an individual is not placed properly, it will result in inefficiency, which costs time and money and could lower the morale of the entire team. As you know, we work an average of twelve hours a day to make our earnings in three hours.

Good communiation is also extremely important. Even with great planning, poor communication can cause a problem, which leads

to misunderstandings, poor morale, and wasted time.

Take time each day to have meetings and have a daily itinerary. Be open minded to your employees’ suggestions. Remember, they are the pit crew.

I have found that society as a whole does not have the same work ethics that I am accustomed to. Employees are individuals and have a varying degree of capabilities. Therefore, it helps to take a little time and communicate with employees— not only as individuals, but as team members—to make for a successful day or show. This, in turn, will make them feel respected and appreciated. As an owner or manager, you are the most imporant success factor to your organization’s ability to get results. Remember, your employees are your number one resource. ▲

What is the CCE Program?

The Certified Concessionaire Executive Program was developed to recognize the professionalism of Concessionaires, with the title representing a deep understanding and respect for the Fair and Festival business and indicates that the titleholder will perform with the highest level of professionalism.

Before applying, the applicant must have a minimum of seven years as a full-time Chief Operating Manager of an Independent Concession Business and be a current member of NICA, at least one State Association, and of one of the following associations: IAFE, IFEA, OABA and/or WFA. The applicant must then complete an 11page questionnaire, which uses a point system to determine their level of qualifications and Industry involvement. They are also required to submit a 150-200 minimum word personal philosophy

of communication and management as it relates to the Fair Industry. The applicant must send the application, supporting materials, and $90 Kim Barr, CCE, Director, hosted administrative fee to the a CCE training session over Zoom during the holidays in NICA Office. the above screenshot: “My All you have to do West Council filling out CCE to get started is visit Applications! Woohoo!” the CCE website online at www.nicainc.org/CCE to gain access to all versions of the application, whether you would like to print it or complete it online. Note: Although you can use your phone to apply, we recommend you complete your application while on a laptop or desktop computer on a stable internet connection. ▲ January / February 2022 NICA News

11

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January / February 2022 NICA News

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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.

The NICA Office has been continuing their survey of responses from Renewing Members.

This past month we spoke with Bryan Enloe, from Harlingen, TX, who owns and operates Perfect Pie LLC and GSH Foods. He and his family do business as both Leimon’s Pizzeria at many State Fairs throughout the Midwest and The Hideaway at the Minnesota State Fair. He has been a member on and off since the 1990s: “We joined back when NICA was very first starting out.

We’ve been there for a long time. I like that they stand up to represent us in the Industry, and the discounts are always a plus.” He recently added his wife, Jennie, as a member, too. He shared, “She had been wanting to join, and we just keep pushing it off, and we didn’t think about it. I got my renewal reminder saying hey, so I went ahead and got her signed up too.”

Bryan is second generation and has been in the business “pretty much” his whole life. “I’ve been working in Food since 14, but prior to that, we had games in the Carnival.” The Enloes’ businesses specialize in homemade, hand-tossed pizza by the slice, funnel cakes, and beer. He explained,

Bryan and Jennie Enloe with Minnesota State Fair’s own Fairborne and Fairchild mascots at The Hideaway

The Enloe family in front of their Perfect Pie pizzeria stand

“Technically it is two companies. Pizza and funnel cakes is one under Perfect Pie. Under GSH Foods we do beer; we like to say ‘we bring Flair to the Fair,’ because it is a high-end, speakeasy-style beer garden (The Hideaway) at the Minnesota State Fair.”

Although they are keeping their menu relatively the same for the 2022 season, they are “storming up ideas” for Minnesota State Fair’s new food. Sounds like a fun process! According to Bryan, “Sometimes it is, sometimes not so much. Because it is so stressful, trying to meet the deadlines and come up with everything, and then figuring out your order for what you are going to do. You hope to do $100,000 and then you might only do 10. But you gotta gear up for the 100, so it’s stressful in that regard.”

On a normal year, the Enloe family travels Midwest Fairs and does a variety of other events: “We do Iowa State Fair, Minnesota State Fair, Kansas State Fair, Mississippi State Fair. We do a lot of music festivals, and specialty stuff like that. We ►► “Voice” continued on page 14 January / February 2022 NICA News

13

nothing ever happened; like no time has passed.

We travel the rest of the year with a bunch of other families; right now, where we are, we got 100 do a lot of non-Fair events, too.” families that we are with. Not so much a caravan, He described the last two years as affecting but it’s a group called Fulltime Families, which is his business “horribly,” but that 2021 was a “night very similar to being a Concessionaire, minus the and day difference,” as Fairs and events made a business aspect of it. We meet up with different comeback. “The labor deal was a big pain in the families all over the country throughout the year. It’s butt, especially in Minnesota with the labor force; been a lot of fun out here!” we have to hire about 70 people, and we only got Bryan shared that he has used the GrayBar half of what we needed and our labor was double; discount, Arrow “for the RV parts,” and that “Pepsi that was a painful thing to overcome.” has been great because of the rebate every year.”

At this point of the interview, Bryan suddenly He said Rey O’Day, Executive Director, told him said, “Hold on I’ve got to hop out of the truck, I think about the Goodyear program when he saw her last I got stuff falling out of the bed right now. Give me in Des Moines: “I have not registered to use that just a second... I gotta go close it real quick!” After as of yet, but I need to because I have to buy about securing his cargo, which is a fun reminder of life 30 tires this year!” Bryan ended on a brief, but on the road, he explained, “We’ve sold everything practical echo of our theme for this year, Thriving and went full time in the RV three years ago. Our While Surviving: “Stick with it, be strong, and hold it season only runs about three months. I love that together! Make hay while the sun shines.” no matter where you go you’ve got friends. It’s the The NICA Office plans to continue reaching out community. Being on the road like that, some of my to our Renewing Members. If you hear from us, best friends I see two weeks out of the year. It’s like we’d love to know what’s on your mind! ▲ “Voice” continued from page 13 ►►

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January / February 2022 NICA News

January / February 2022 NICA News

15

Thriving Partnerships Phil Teague Jr., CIC, CRM, Principal & Business Risk Advisor, Hummel Group, Inc.

Introduction Happy New Year Clients, Friends and Concessionaires.

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Phil Teague, and I am the developer of the Concessionaire Insurance Program. The program debuted on March 23rd, 2011, when I finalized a customized insurance policy for a friend. Little did I know that the trajectory of my career and life in general would change from that moment forward.

Fun Facts So, you can know me a little better here are some details. I am the oldest of nine children, my wife Mindy and I have been married 21 years and we have nine children from 20 years old to 8 months: six girls and three boys. And for inquiring minds; they all came one at a time, we are pretty sure we know what causes that and no we do not have cable TV! We own a small farm in Ohio where we homeschool our children and grow non-GMO fed, pasture raised pigs and chickens. I was a homebuilder prior to becoming an insurance agent.

focused on

CONCESSIONAIRES 4. Benefits – Health Insurance, Group Life, Phil Teague, CIC Disability, Dental and Vision

We have multiple Industry specializations. Our mission is to focus on being an advisor/consultant that assists our clients to identify and manage risk using insurance and financial strategies.

“One of the cool thing The Concessionaire Program Team has five Phil Teague did was, he c and actually worked in our members focused on Concessionaires. Julie, Gina -Ryan Kuzma, Linn Enterprises and Kari make up your Service Team. Tommy and I Property Fleet Liability Workers’ Compensat are your Risk Advisors.

What the Industry Means to Me Well, as you can tell from my “Fun Facts,” family is extremely important to me. When I started building the program, I had no idea how interconnected and often family-interrelated this Industry was. When I asked one of my first Concessionaire clients to describe the Industry, he said, “Well Phil, I think you’ll find that it’s kinda like one big slightly dysfunctional family.” And another of my early clients said to me one day, “Somehow

The Hummel Group Started by Paul and Mary Hummel in 1957 in Berlin, OH as the Hummel Insurance Agency.

Today we have over 150 employees in 7 offices and work with clients from sea to shining sea. Our teams specialize in one of four disciplines: 1. Commercial Insurance – Business, Municipality, Non-profit 2. Personal Insurance – Home and Auto 3. Financial Services – Individual Retirement Plans, 401K, Life Insurance The Teague family: Mindy and Phil with their nine children 16

January / February 2022 NICA News

you got adopted.” I am certainly glad I did. This Family Industry means a whole lot to me. I spend most of my waking hours actively involved in it, and would not do that if I didn’t love it.

What NICA Means to Me There are two trade organizations that were instrumental in getting the word out that there was an insurance agent “Focused on Concessionaires.” I had just started working with a former NICA Board Member based in Ohio and he said, “Phil, you are thinking too small, there is a national opportunity here.” He connected me with Alta Mosley, who was the Executive Director of NICA at that time.

They had a 9:30 AM seminar time slot at the NICA/ Fare Foods Convention and the rest, as they say, is history. NICA has provided me with an opportunity to meet people, build relationships, learn, share my expertise, and give back to an Industry that has been generous with me.

What’s Next?

Health Insurance. We plan to announce a National Health Insurance Program at the convention this year. This will be available to

Since 1947

NICA Members, and it will be available for small groups with no minimum number to get it off the ground. Andy Yost and his team will be heading up the initiative. Questions should be directed to Andy Yost at ayost@hummelgrp.com and Audrey O’Brien at aobrien@hummelgrp.com.

In Closing I am grateful to all the Concessionaires, Associate Members, Board of Directors, and Rey and her team that make NICA what it is. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me and the Hummel Group. Thank you for your hard work, your resiliency, your friendship, and your business.

If I/we can ever do anything differently or better, please let me know!

Sincerely, Phil. Contact me at (330) 464-3200 or pteague@hummelgrp.com. ▲ Securities offered through The O.N. Equity Sales Company, Member FINRA/SIPC. One Financial Way, Cincinnati, OH 45242, (513) 794-6794. Investment Advisory services offered through Hummel Wealth Management, LLC and O.N. Investment Management Company. Hummel Wealth Management, LLC is not affiliated with The O.N. Equity Sales Company or O.N. Investment Management Company.

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www.mrgsmeats.com January / February 2022 NICA News

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January / February 2022 NICA News

Join us February 14-16, 2022 at the beautiful Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel, located at 10221 Princess Palm Ave. Tampa, FL, for the 2022 NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods Food Show. Check NICA Now, NICA’s website, social media, and the Whova event app for updates regarding convention activities, programming, and more.

Registration Pre-Register TODAY! It’s EASY! It’s FREE! Go to the event website at www.nicainc.org/2022, scroll down until you see Pre-Register, follow the simple directions, and choose your Food Show session time slot. The schedule is planned so you can attend workshop sessions, the Food Show, engage in Industry roundtables on “Hot” topics, and network every day with door prizes at each session. Wristbands will be required for the Food Show, Hospitality Receptions, and at both the Annual Meeting and Gala Dinner.

Onsite Registration is available for $10 and all proceeds will go to the NICA Foundation.

Fare Foods Food Show* Five two hour sessions: two on Monday and three on Tuesday. The schedule will give you and your favorite Exhibitors time to try new items and discuss your buying program. At the end of each session there will be a $200 cash drawing for the attendees of that session. Yep, you could get paid $100 an hour for walking the Food Show. See over 40 Exhibitors inside the Food Show including Berk, Fanestil, Heinkel’s, McGowen Allied Insurance, Mr. G’s, RIO Syrup, Swanel, WNA, and many more. Exhibitors on your way into the Food Show include Century Industries, Fiserv, Forever Concession Trailers, Goodyear, Hummel Group, and JKJ Workforce.

NICA Business Expo Programming* Happy Valentine’s Day! Monday, February 14th: Arrive at Noon and have lunch networking with friends, both old and new, and snack on candy hearts. At 1:00 PM sharp we will kick off our educational sessions that include important insurance updates, including refreshed Health Insurance options, exploring the financial power of beverages, using food to initiate media attention, and roundtables discussing Fair Hours, Wi-Fi, and Credit Card Fees.

Monday’s Fare Foods Food Show sessions are at 5:00 and 7:00 PM. At 9:00 PM, the NICA Foundation Cupid’s Quik Pick winners will be drawn (winners need not be present) at the Food Show, followed by the Hospitality Reception on the patio.

Tuesday, February 15th: At 8:30 AM the educational sessions kick off with one of NICA’s favorite sessions, DOT Tips and Updates, with Francisco Acuna. Sessions include panels and presentations on generational families, what COVID has really changed during these past two years, how “less is more” has improved some bottom lines, and how technology has changed what guests use to make purchases. Roundtable sessions include Multi-Year Agreements, Tipping Practices, Sales Tax, Food Concessions in Five Years, and Vendor Safety.

Tuesday’s Fare Foods Food Show sessions will be scheduled at 3:00, 5:00, and 7:00 PM. At 9:00 PM, join us at the Hospitality Reception.

Wednesday, February 16th: Sessions will begin at 2:00 PM when Kate Turner, IAFE, will offer Industry trends from Kate’s Reader’s Service and James Judkins, JKJ, will highlight H-2B activity.

We invite you to attend the Annual NICA Membership Meeting at 5:00 PM where we proudly review 2021, install the 2022 Board of Directors, award Coca-Cola Membership Contest winners, and attend to the legal business of the organization.

The Thriving While Surviving Gala Dinner and Celebration closes out the evening at 7:00 PM where Fare Foods provides a tasty bill-of-fare, we honor Hall of Fame recipient Tom Hodson, CCE, meet the NICA Foundation Trustees, meet NICA Foundation Scholarship recipients, find the winning key for the Beer Fridge, compete boisterously for Silent and Live Auction items, and more.

In 2021, NICA was the first to discuss supply chain disruption, the mixed bag that customer payment options were going to become and the only one to successfully hold an in-person convention safely. Let’s do it again… only bigger and better at the 2022 NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods Food Show! Together we survived and now “Together We Can Thrive!” in the new year. Welcome to Florida! ▲

*Schedule subject to change; visit www.nicainc.org/2022 or view the Whova app for updates.

January / February 2022 NICA News

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January / February 2022 NICA News

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Musings From a “Larry” Randy Reichert, CCE, Past Board The Fair Industry, more specifically the Concession business, is an amusing unknown to the “outside world” past our imaginary fences. In fact, it is down right humorous listening to others try to understand us. So, why not some enlightenment for those

Editor’s note: A “Larry” in Carnival lingo is something that is “no good”

working, cockroach-infested house...? That in-law?

Well, that in-law.

Oh yes, outside world, this “food truck” sees more health inspectors than a banker sees federal regulators. In fact, Bank Regulators and Health Inspectors are of the same species; newly graduated and can’t find anything but a lowlevel government job. It’s like Barney Fife being beyond our fences? a sheriff. There’s nothing like when the Health First and foremost, if you wish to insult a Inspector comes each day making sure we have Concessionaire, just use the phrase “food truck” hot water!!! “Just doing my job,” they say as they in any part of a conversation about us. We’ll scurry out of the trailer with me knowing they don’t smile as we seethe under our breath, mumble have an ounce of common sense. (My crazy stare profanities in our brain, and animate an eyeroll informs them of that.) But I digress, we do get usually saved for the person asking a stupid “health inspected” everywhere we go, which is way question at a Concessionaire’s meeting. (We’ll save more than your local eating establishment.

Concessionaire’s Meetings for another article.)

These “food trucks” travel up and down the Another beauty is the dumbstruck confusion roadways, which brings us to another fine group of in the mind of a summer high school worker Regulators, the DOT (Department of Transportation returning from their first year in college. More to the outside world). Nothing like being inspected than once, I’ve been asked by these energetic, yet at the weigh station as the DOT Regulator begins a perplexed, youth, “Am I a Carnie now?” Hearing this, tirade about, “You people in the Fair Industry.” What, I know the students they met at college; A) don’t “You people?” How dare that Inspector! Come on, have a hometown Fair; and B) are beyond help and outside-politically-correct “woke” people, why don’t their schooling will never give them an education. you wage a protest against stereotyping Carnies?

I calmly answer, “Why yes, now go get that trailer Oh wait, stop, we have big shoulders and know washed, we have a lot of setting up to do.” how to keep our feelings at home. Plus, there is Nothing better than a new in-law to the family nothing more satisfying than having a smug face asking with complete naivety, “You stay in a driving away from the scale because this “you camper?” 50/50 chance whether the response is people” person had no violations. verbalized: “Riggghhhhttt.” Camper as in our 4-slide The craziest thing is—we chose to be in this out, modernly furnished, fully equipped kitchen business!!! Imagine that, wrap your head around it and bathroom—yada, yada, yada. Oh, what was (No, you won’t be able to). Enlightenment, that’s all that about your paint-job-needing, appliances-half- I’m trying to give the outside world. ▲ January / February 2022 NICA News

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The IAFE San Antonio Stroll Rey O’Day, Executive Director NICA’s first in-person board meeting was held during the November 1993 IAFE Convention in Las Vegas. As Olivia Orme wrote, “When NICA left Las Vegas in 1993 they were finally a true organization ready to speak for its membership.” So, it is with great fondness the NICA Board continues to meet in person during the IAFE Convention. However, the 2021 IAFE Convention in San Antonio, TX was especially meaningful because, due to COVID, we were unable to meet in-person in 2020. We were honored to sponsor the delegate notebooks this year.

The convention always opens with the Chair’s Reception and this year it was Gene Cassidy’s (CEO of The Big E) reception. We had the pleasure of meeting him during the 2020 Business Expo when he participated on a panel for us and spoke at our Annual Meeting. Our Executive Director, Rey O’Day, taught the Food and Beverage course for the Institute of Fair Management to over 150 people.

The evening ended with the Raisin’ for a Reason fundraiser for the IAFE Foundation.

Part of our mission is to be a “Voice in the Industry” through strengthening relationships with the Fair and Special Events Industries through effective communication, education, leadership, and solutions. IAFE provides a perfect place for us to actualize our mission. During “Agriculture on a Grand Scale” we suggested ways to collaboratively participate in telling the “Food Story” with our Fair guests. Jeff Thornberry, CCE shared ways to reimagine and promote Commercial Exhibit programs so they will thrive in today’s business context during “The Ever-Changing Landscape of Commercial Exhibits.” NICA is making plans to provide leadership in this area.

COVID has changed up expectations, 22

January / February 2022 NICA News

Daryl Whicheloe, CCE, 1st Vice President, Linda Frisco, Office Manager, Sandy Class, CCE, President, Kim Barr, CCE, Treasurer, and Tom Hodson, CCE, Director

guidelines, and perceptions. Trampas Porter, Fare Foods General Manager, talked about it from the product supplier view point; Jessica Underberg, CFE, CEO, Erie County Fair, talked about it from the Fair guest safety viewpoint; Daryl Whicheloe, CCE, NICA 1st Vice President, talked about it from the labor viewpoint; and Rey O’Day, NICA Executive Director, moderated this NICA-presented session.

Kathy Ross, CCE, NICA Director and IAFE Director, moderated The Fairs and Vendors Expectations panel where Beth Pomije, CFE, Wisconsin State Fair, offered what Fairs need from Vendors and Kim Barr, CCE, NICA Treasurer, offered what Vendors need from Fairs for all of them to collectively be successful and guest-focused. Rey O’Day shared the IAFE/NICA Best Practices Report that provides guidelines for our expectations. This session was sponsored by Fare Foods.

Kathy Ross, CCE, as IAFE Associate Board Member, organized the presence of a NICA Director greeting at every Zone meeting, assisted the election of Jay Strates to the IAFE Board as the other Associate Board Member, and kept everyone informed about where to be throughout the day.

NICA Leadership and Fair Managers gather at the Advisory Committee Luncheon at the IAFE Convention in San Antonio, sponsored by R.E. Smith

Rey O’Day teaching the Institute of Fair Management course on Food and Beverage at the convention

Sandy Class, CCE, President, and Larry McConnell, CCE, McConnell Concessions

Kathy Ross, CCE, Director, during her IAFE Board installation

NICA Board and Staff during their in-person Board Meeting, held annually each year during the IAFE Convention

Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE, Director, Kathy Ross, CCE, Director, Sandy Class, CCE, President, and Daryl Whicheloe, CCE, 1st Vice President

Tom Hodson, CCE, NICA Board Member, and Linda Frisco, NICA Office Manager, staffed the NICA Trade Show Booth with the able assistance of our NICA team. A knowledge gathering of Concession and Commercial Managers envisioned The Fair in Five Years.

The in-person Board Meeting closed out the 2021 Strategic Plan, participated in Business Reviews with Rebecca Kelley, Vice President of National Accounts, Sysco; Steve Wrobel, Fiserv Regional Sales Director and Tina Hollis, Regional Sales Director; and Melissa Robman, CRPC, Edward Jones. Sandy Class, CCE, President,

Daryl Whicheloe, CCE, 1st Vice President, speaking during “How COVID Procedures Changed the Perception of Value”

Three good friends at the NICA Booth during the IAFE Convention: Larry McConnell, CCE, Rey O’Day, and Don Crutchfield, Don Crutchfield Concessions

confirmed the election count and the Board chose Tom Hodson, CCE, Past President, as the 2021 Hall of Fame recipient.

This year’s R.E. Smith sponsored Advisory Committee Luncheon and Discussion, I think, may have been our favorite session of the convention.

We had almost perfect attendance from our Fair Managers. Together we had a real discussion about labor, Fair hours, limiting menu items due to product challenges, entrance gate procedures, credit card fees, cup shortages, and more where we shared ideas and solutions. It felt like we were working together to “Grow Fair Strong!” ▲ January / February 2022 NICA News

23

Getting to Know the Trustees of the Created by NICA to oversee and administer a formal education scholarship program and foster development opportunities and training services, the NICA Foundation’s Board of Trustees collectively have over 150 years of experience in the Fairs and Events Industry. In this issue we feature a Q&A with one of the NICA Foundation’s Trustees Mark Lancaster, who is from Milwaukee, WI. His responses are below:

What is the name of your business and what do you specialize in?

Vista Mobility, Inc. We specialize in outdoor mobility programs and rentals. Our programs range from handicap shuttles and ADA consulting to renting mobility products. The majority of our business in recent years has focused on handicap mobility scooter rentals for all size events.

What is your annual route?

We are fortunate to provide our services to multiple routes and speciality events across the country. Our main route is the West Coast. Then we have a handful of events in the Midwest and Southeast. During the season we also provide our service to 22 car shows and speciality events.

Mark Lancaster, Foundation Trustee, with his daughters Kristen, Lily, Lauren, and Addy

How and why did you get into the business?

The original business was started by my father Ray Lancaster. Vista Mobility was a stroller manufacturer for theme parks and zoos across the country when it was established in 1989. A few years down the road, outdoor events, such as State Fairs, solicited our business to provide a stroller and wheelchair service. I decided to leave my corporate finance job and pursue the Outdoor Event Industry. I joined the company in 1994, so it’s been 27 years.

What do you like best about it?

At first I enjoyed the travel and working outside vs a tiny office cubicle. Now I enjoy the vendor and management relationships I have developed across the country. Participating in three different regions of the country has exposed me to a lot of great Vendors and Managers. Those people have turned out to be some of my closest friends. When you are grinding through a long day or season it makes all the difference when your friends and peers are there to support you.

Tell us about your family. Are they active in the business?

Rows and rows of mobility scooters available for rent

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January / February 2022 NICA News

I am blessed to be married for 24 years and have four daughters ranging from 22 to 14 years

old. My wife Jennifer is a K-5 teacher and has summers off which is conducive for traveling as a family unit to different events across the country. Since the girls have been young they have worked various jobs for the business. The oldest has graduated from college and now works in Corporate America, but the three younger ones continue to adjust their summer sport schedules to work for the business.

What inspired you to join the NICA Foundation?

As I mentioned above, I have been involved in the Industry since 1994. My experiences, education and relationships have been instrumental to my success. Becoming a Foundation Trustee provides a platform to share those experiences and instill new programs that will assist existing and new members.

What do you hope the NICA Foundation accomplishes during your tenure?

To have financial stability to continue the educational programs and scholarships that were created.

How long have you been a NICA Member and who recruited you?

I have been a member for 16 years. Rey O’Day, Foundation Secretary, has been a close friend and mentor to me since I started in the business. She is probably the one that recruited me.

How has the Concession business changed since you started out? What would you change?

The Concession business has changed dramatically since 1994 for all involved. The expectations are much higher now, along with revenue growth possibilities, which I embrace.

Vista Mobility’s location at the Wisconsin State Fair

People say its too corporate, to long, to expensive to operate. I am very pleased to be still involved and have had the good fortune to evolve my business through the changing times. I don’t really have anything that I would change in particular but it is sad to see 2nd, 3rd generation businesses get sold versus passed down.

What is your most valuable NICA Benefit?

The network of Concessionaires and Fair Management across the country.

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

If I am not coaching girls basketball, then I am spending time in northern Wisconsin at our lake house fishing, hunting, and playing water sports with the girls.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Attend any meeting you can and get involved.

It’s a wonderful network of people.

We appreciate your responses Mark! What is the best way for a NICA Member to reach you?

Email mark@vistamobility.net. ▲

Donate Today to the 2022 Scholarship Program Created by NICA to oversee and administer a formal education scholarship program and foster development opportunities and training services, the NICA Foundation awarded $30,000 to 17 deserving individuals in 2021. We are so proud to say, WE DID IT! Now, we need your help to ensure the future success of this honored program.

Please embrace the challenge to sustain NICA’s scholarship legacy and donate online today at www.nicainc.org/foundation, by mail, or by calling

the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926. A donation from you in any amount will empower and expand someone’s opportunity to commit to their education. Your kindness and foresight will be used to build the foundation for future students to learn, grow, and thrive.

For those who are entering or continuing your education, applications for the 2022 Scholarship Program will be available later this month at www.nicainc.org/scholarships. ▲ January / February 2022 NICA News

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January / February 2022 NICA News

From the Camera Roll...

San Diego County Fair Vendor Team Donna Ruhm, Heidi, Commercial Manager, and Kelly, Concession Manager, saying goodbye with a fun fist bump at Donna Ruhm’s retirement party; she was Vendor Manager for over 30 years at San Diego County Fair.

Donna was a longtime NICA Member and supporter!

West Council Members Steve Vartanian, Vartanian Concessions Management, and Ryan Long, L&S Concessions

Sandy Class, CCE, President, Debbie Powers, OABA Chair, and Incoming Director Stacey Pittroff-Barona at SLA’s Great Gatsby President’s Party

Rey O’Day, Executive Director, as Mistress of Ceremonies at Donna Ruhm’s retirement party

Karen Gary and Jan Gary, CCE, Dippin’ Dots and West Council

Jay Wells, CCE, Incoming Director, with his NICA Foundation Cupid’s Quik Pick ticket

The Ladies: Cie Smith, Family-A-Fair, Julie Vartanian, Vartanian Concession Management, and Teresa Brander, Brander Enterprises

Dane Baldwin, D&D Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls, and Mark Hill, CCE, Olde Tyme Ice Cream

Rey O’Day, Executive Director, and Rebecca Kelley, Vice President of National Accounts, Sysco, sharing a meal in San Antonio January / February 2022 NICA News

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Attention Members!

Are You Taking Advantage of All That NICA Has to Offer?

One of the most important aspects of NICA is the access to benefits that we provide to our membership. No matter where you are in the country, you can have access to our membership benefits booklet in print or online editions. Of course, if there are any questions (or if the benefit requires you to), feel free to call the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926 and we can help. Below is a list of a few of our benefits that can help you save:

NICA Members get Dealer’s Pricing (30-40% off retail) and shipping discounts off of thousands of items sold by Arrow Distributing—from electrical, lighting, and appliances to awnings, hardware, accessories, and more! View Arrow’s huge online catalog at www.arrowdist.com.

2 3

Once sign up is complete you will receive an email from Goodyear in 1-2 days with your approval and account information.

Once approved, visit the NICA/Goodyear page to login, view pricing with our NEW online pricing tool and review details about the program before ordering.

Call the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926 to create an Arrow Distributing Purchase Order (PO) Number and get access to the main contact information for ordering.

1 2

Provide the PO Number when calling the supplied Arrow contact to set up your order.

NICA Members have access to Goodyear’s leading commercial and consumer tires and retreads with 24/7 emergency roadside service (and more) at more than 5,700 locations, all at a competitive national price.

Complete the electronic national account sign up form online on Goodyear’s page at www.goodyeartrucktires.com/nica or contact Tim Koenigsfeld at (636) 234-5904 or tim_koenigsfeld@goodyear.com

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January / February 2022 NICA News

Every NICA Member who is a Food and/or Beverage Vendor is automatically eligible for this discount and rebate program. Once enrolled, you can reach our Pepsi Representative Kelly Bisbey at kelly.bisbey@pepsico.com or (813) 361-9583, National Equipment Repairs and Service at 1-877386-4567, Product/Delivery Ordering at 1-800-963-2424, and Billing/Invoice Inquires at 1-800-789-2626.

Complete an application online at www.nicainc.org/pepsi or fill out a W-9 form and Pepsi National Account setup form and submit them to pepsi@nicainc.org or to NICA via fax/mail to get enrolled.

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Submit your completed rebate submission form along with copies of your receipts to Pepsi before November 30th each year.

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Talk to your FARE FOODS salesman today or call for details 800-651-1601

1994-2019

YEARS Delivering Great Service For 25 Years

January / February 2022 NICA News

29

“Renewals” continued from page 4 ►► Larry Lee, CCE µ

Columbine Concessions Hickory Creek, TX (1993)

Peggy Lee, CCE µ

Columbine Concessions Hickory Creek, TX (1993)

Dan Lusenhop

Jeanne’s Artichokes Camarillo, CA (2007)

Mark Massey

Mark Massey Concessions Germantown, KY (2009)

Greg Miller, CCE

Miller & Company Lewisburg, WV (1998)

Robbi Miller

Miller Concessions, Inc. Foley, MN (2013)

Trey Miller

G3 Concessions Fayetteville, NC (2019)

Brent Morgan µ

Brookes Concessions Indianapolis, IN (1993)

Lorna Massey

Ashley Murray

Frank Mastro µ

Tim O’Brien, CCE µ

Dave Mathewson, CCE µ

Justine O’Brien, CCE µ

Mark Massey Concessions Germantown, KY (2018) Mastro’s Ice Cream St Clair Shores, MI (1993) Mathewson’s Concessions, Inc. Carleton, MI (1993)

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

Kevin McGrath, CCE µ The Best Around Cape Coral, FL (1993)

Gayle McGrath, CCE µ The Best Around Cape Coral, FL (1993)

Adam McKinney, CCE µ

Adam McKinney Food Service Hughes Springs, TX (1993)

Bill McKinney, CCE µ

McKinney Food Services Hughes Springs, TX (1993)

Linda McKinney, CCE µ

McKinney Food Services Hughes Springs, TX (1993)

Charles Miller µ

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

Douglas Miller µ

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

Mary Miller µ

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

M & M Product Marketing Redondo Beach, CA (2008) O’Brien’s Food Service Apollo Beach, FL (1993) O’Brien’s Food Service Apollo Beach, FL (1993)

SanDee O’Brien, CCE µ O’Briens’ Food Services Valrico, FL (1993)

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

Frank Parnell, CCE µ

Parnell Foods New Port Richey, FL (1993)

Ollie Parnell, CCE µ

Parnell Foods New Port Richey, FL (1993)

Etta Pence, CCE µ

Pence’s Concessions Edgerton, OH (1993)

Kevin Pence µ

Pence’s Concessions Bryan, OH (1993)

Mike Pence, CCE µ Pence’s Concessions Bryan, OH (1993)

Russell Phillips

Russell’s Concessions Daingerfield, TX (2014)

Debra Poeppelman

Emily Sivori µ

Joseph Potillo, Jr.

Larry Sivori µ

Kenneth Ragley

Ronald Smith µ

Cheryl Reas µ

Jim Swain

Ellen Ross µ

Stephen Vartanian

Kathy Ross, CCE

Stacey Wade

Christopher Rockwell µ

Jerry Walker

Lori Sue Rockwell µ

George A. Wandrey, Jr. µ

Poeppelman Concessions, Inc. Sivori Catering, Inc. Wapakoneta, OH (1996) Louisville, KY (1993) Potillo’s Sanitation Service Yalaha, FL (2007) Food Concession Signs Houston, TX (2016) Carousel Foods, Inc. Corydon, IN (1993) A’s Mini-Donuts & Concessions Baraboo, WI (1993) Ross Concessions Dunnellon, FL (1999) Charlie’s / Lori’s Sugar Shack Sun Prairie, WI (1993) Charlie’s / Lori’s Sugar Shack Sun Prairie, WI (1993)

Swain’s Pizza On A Stick, Inc. Crystal River, FL (1995) Vartanian Concessions Management Murrieta, CA (2016) Lake County Fair Association Eustis, FL (1995) Walker Concession Myakka City, FL (2014)

Risa Sanders

Thomas Sattler, CCE

Wells Concession Wichita, KS (2002)

Oasis Concessions McLean, VA (2017) Sattler’s Leather & Hats Ft. Myers, FL (2005)

Gary Shepard µ

G & G Concessions Baraboo, WI (1993)

Cheryl Shepard µ G & G Concessions Baraboo, WI (1993)

Patrick Sheridan

Sheridan Concessions Avon, CO (2013)

David Shives µ

Shives Concessions Greenville, OH (1993)

Jill Shives µ

Shives Concessions Greenville, OH (1993)

Annie Shugart µ

McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance St. Petersburg, FL (1993)

Arthur Pokorny, Jr. µ

Grant Simons

Barb Wilson Enterprises, Inc. Ruskin, FL (1993)

R.E. Smith Lebanon, IN (1993)

A’s Mini-Donuts & Concessions Englewood, FL (1993)

California Expo & State Fair Sacramento, CA (1997)

Rick K. Pickering

Sivori Catering, Inc. Louisville, KY (1993)

Jay Wells

Daryl Whicheloe

Southern Oregon Food & Beverage Cave Junction, OR (2019)

Jacqueline Woods, CCE µ Woods Family Concessions DeGraff, OH (1993)

Jack Woods, II, CCE µ

Woods Family Concessions DeGraff, OH (1993)

Kristi Worm-Hunter Indiana Ribeye Carmel, IN (1997)

Rich Wright µ

Sugar Shakers Sarasota, FL (1993)

Randi Yoder µ

Elkhart County Fair Goshen, IN (1993)

Charles Zell, CCE µ Chuck’s Foods Arcanum, OH (1993)

Ann Lee Concessions Lake City, FL (2018)

Thank you to all 42 Renewal Members and 70 Lifetime Members for your continued support! “Together We Can!”

30

January / February 2022 NICA News

We put the

fu n

in funnel cake!

Custom Ingredients From TasteMaker/Reed Food Technology Specializing In: • Funnel Cake Mix • Corn Dog Mix • Batters & Breadings • Sauces

Proudly Distributed Through Fare Foods • Call 800-651-1601 For More Information • www.farefoods.com

January / February 2022 NICA News

31

MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS Do you have any announcements you would like to share? Contact us at (813) 438-8926 or nica@nicainc.org

Summer Opportunity for Food Space at Beachfront Park Rare opportunity for food space is available for the 2022 Summer Season. These locations at our beachfront amusement park do not come available often. Season runs from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day. Qualified Operators with quality equipment considered.

Various options of space are located in downtown Old Orchard Beach, with high volume foot traffic of several hundred thousand visitors. Steps from the sand inside and outside of New England’s only beachfront amusement park, Palace Playland. Main use of space is geared toward Food Vendors, but we also have expanded other locations that have flexible Vendor opportunities.

If interested, please contact Joel Golder via email: joel_golder@yahoo.com. ▲

2022 State Fair of Virginia Now Accepting New Commercial Display & Food Vendors: September 23 - October 2, 2022 For more information and pricing contact Kent Winter, State Fair of Virginia Director of Partnerships, at kwinter@meadoweventpark.com. ▲

Food Vendor Business For Sale Island Noodles is a unique Food Vendor for special events which specializes in “Hawaiian Style Wok-Fired Soba Noodles.” We, Brad and Monica Jensen, natives to Wisconsin, and owner of Island Noodles, present a healthy, entertaining and cost effective alternative for organizers of special events to offer their patrons. Island Noodles has proven to be extremely popular for over 20 years, especially among the health-conscious festival attendees. Currently we operate in over 30 venues annually providing enjoyable results for attendees and organizers alike.

We have been operating and growing our business for over 14 years. We are looking to transfer ownership of our well established business to an entrepreneur who is looking to buy and run a mature, secure business with excellent growth opportunity. We have built up our route of events at many highprofile venues throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and Texas—including some of the largest State Fairs and Music Festivals in the country. There is tremendous growth potential to augment our already impressive revenue streams. This is truly a turn-key opportunity—with an established customer base which only continues to grow—for a serious operator or investment group. There are options of splitting up events in said states, if there is interest for investors to start out on a smaller scale.

Please go to www.islandnoodles.com to check it out. There you will find our booth creations, display of the making of our delicious product, our fan base and also schedule of events. You can also go to our Facebook page “Island Noodles WI & MN Inc.” to see for yourself! Photos and videos of the exhibition-style, interactive cooking process is showcased so you can see how Island Noodles comes to life. Please call with questions and to find out more details of owning this established business. An exciting opportunity awaits you! Aloha and Mahalo! Contact Brad at (715) 220-0173 or Monica at (715) 222-7292. ▲ 32

January / February 2022 NICA News

George Wandrey, Jr.........................................................................1

2021 Membership Contest Leaderboard* Renewal Members ($2000 Gift of Travel) For a complete list of Renewal Members, eligible for the $2000 Gift of Travel, view our page online at www.nicainc.org/contests

Referrals: General Membership Bryan Enloe......................................................................................2 Jeff Beaver......................................................................................1 Libby Class......................................................................................1 Dennis Fraleigh................................................................................1 Russ Harrison, CCE.........................................................................1 Carol Lundgren................................................................................1 Dan Lusenhop.................................................................................1 Cameron Murray.............................................................................1 Stacey Pittroff-Barona....................................................................1 Ron Porter.......................................................................................1 Mike Schantz...................................................................................1 Gary Shepard...................................................................................1

Referrals: Councils Bary Bunts, CCE..............................................................................5 Jay Wells, CCE.................................................................................3 Jan Gary, CCE..................................................................................2 Kara Moederndorfer, CCE...............................................................2 Brandy Arrendondo, CCE................................................................1 Irene Dugan ....................................................................................1 Steve Vartanian...............................................................................1

Referrals: Board of Directors Thomas Hodson, CCE...................................................................10 Sandy Class, CCE............................................................................5 Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE...............................................................5 Daryl Whicheloe, CCE......................................................................4 Kim Barr, CCE..................................................................................3 Jacqueline Bradbury, CCE..............................................................3 Kathy Ross, CCE..............................................................................2 Phil Delahoyde.................................................................................1 Kelly Grout.......................................................................................1 Vincent Nelson, CCE.......................................................................1

Restaurant Building & Business For Sale *Referral Listing as of 10/31/21.

See backOpportunity cover for moretoinformation, rules, and prizes.

RARELY BECOMES AVAILABLE:

acquire a FULLY SUCCESSFUL AND PROFITABLE, Well Established Building and Business, which is surprisingly even more successful during these times. This is a quite rare and a definite opportunity a purchaser cannot pass up on taking advantage of. An investment located in this State Fairgrounds is a rare opportunity and is in high demand. Very low overhead, priced below market value, and much lower than the cost to build new.

Turnkey, Two Story, 2160’, Air Conditioned, Indoor Seating, Take-Out Window, Fully Equipped and Supplied, Including Lots of Inventory. Services the State Fair, Multiple Special Events, and/or Catering, if desired, with Endless Possibilities.

Current owner is retiring. Owner may carry.

Call Theresa at (561) 386-1709 or email theresa@tcjohnsonrealty.com. ▲

Three Concession Stands For Sale Owner retiring from Food Concession business; selling three Concession stands and miscellaneous other support equipment: 1. 2007 Hitchhiker Funnel Cake/Ice Cream stand in good condition, fully equipped with Stoelting Ice Cream Machine: $95,000.

2. 1995 Uniglide Funnel Cake / Fried Dough stand in good condition, fully equipped: $45,000.

3. 1995 Uniglide Potato House in good condition, fully equipped: $45,000.

Contact Loretta at lorettavomberg@gmail.com. ▲ *Referral Listing as of 12/31/21. See back cover for more information, rules, and prizes.

January / February 2022 NICA News

33

ai164219242927_NICA Jan-Feb 2022 Ad.REVISION2.PRINT.pdf 1 1/14/2022 3:33:50 PM

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January / February 2022 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 :

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

q

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

q

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

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

q

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

Business / Group Membership

q

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

q

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).

q

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.

________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

q

Food / Beverage

q

Commercial Exhibitors / Retail / Merchants

payment

q

Attractions / Entertainment

q

Cash q

q

Games

q

Visa

q

Guest Services

Credit Card #:

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

___________________________________________________________

q

Check

q

Mastercard

Security Code:

Money Order q

#:

American Express

q

Discover

Expiration Date:

TOTAL:

___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance The NICA-sponsored $10,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment (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 • January / February 2022 Issue

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