January / February 2025 NICA News by NICA Inc.

This Month’s Newest Members

Engui Barrera

Hot Doggin

Sacto, CA

Nick Barrick

5th Gear BBQ Fontana, CA

Shelly Barrick 5th Gear BBQ Fontana, CA

Patricia Brinson Glamberry, LLC Winnie, TX

Juliet Ellis-Behnke Cinder Lane LLC

Myrtle Beach, SC

Carrie Fraley Carries On Flower Fresno, CA

Tom Grace

TCG Food Service LLC

Sunnyvale, TX

David Grindle

International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Springfield, MO

Don Hillman

Hillman Consulting Inc. Salem, OR

Ely Ladd

Ladd Concession Group LLC

Des Moines, IA

Thomas Lally

The Restaurant Store

Lancaster, PA

Christine Mantush

Kolar Specialties Inc. Eastlake, OH

Mark McGinnis

Original Lemon Chill McKinney, TX

Jose Quintero

J.L.Q. Concessions Sanger, CA

Larry Scheidt

Demonstrating Specials Box Springs, GA

Mike Timko

Redfern Enterprises Inc

Las Vegas, NV

Dakota Tom Carney Man Concessions LLC

Zanesville, OH

Maria Zaffuto

Sweet Adventure Concessions

Sykesville, PA

Jeff True Lane County Fair Eugene, OR

This Month’s Member Renewals

Buffy Altman

J&B Family Affair

Petersburg, TN (2024)

Debbie Badami

Cole Concessions

Covington, VA (2022)

Chris Bayle

CW Concessions

Lakewood, OH (2018)

Kurt Bechler

Bechler’s Fun Foods

Bad Axe, MI (2009)

Samantha Bluhm

Solem Concessions, Inc.

Rochester, MN (2016)

Larry Boles µ

Southern Guild

Bushnell, FL (1993)

Joe Cetor

Forever Concession Trailers

Mineral Ridge, OH (2016)

Leslie Chan

Chan’s Eatery, Inc.

Fulshear, TX (2023)

Tonya Dedeaux

Eastern Lighting Inc

Missouri City, TX (2023)

Melissa DeFrain

The Great Allentown Fair

Allentown, PA (2022)

Shane DeVooght

Superiorland Concessions/

Sidewalk Sundae

Sarasota, FL (2011)

Jim Ekbom

Ekbom Enterprises, Inc.

Brooklyn Park, MN (2023)

Teresa Farnum

Giant Ice Cream Cone and Lemonade Riverside, CA (2018)

Tom Frazee

Frazee’s Concessions and Equipment

Comstock Park, MI (2023)

Karen Gary

Leap of Faith Adventures, Inc.

dba JK Dots

Vista, CA (2018)

Richard George, CCE µ

George’s Fun Foods

Gibsonton, FL (1993)

Tom Grace

TCG Food Service LLC

Sunnyvale, TX (2024)

Mark Hill, CCE

M. Hill Enterprises, Inc. dba

Olde Tyme Ice Cream Upland, CA (2012)

Robert Holmes

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

Fred Jackson

Manna Foods Arley, AL (2014)

Borjan Jaksic

Boki Food Service

Sioux Falls, SD (2019)

Alexcia Jordan

North Idaho State Fair Hayden, ID (2016)

Hani Jouni

Ad America LLC

Upland, CA (2022)

John Juliano

Mellowship Entertainment

West Springfield, MA (2021)

Joseph Kastl

J&A Food, LLC

Phoenix, AZ (2018)

Frank Kastl

Kastl Amusements

Wildomar, GA (2018)

Scott Kunz

Galaxy Amusement Sales

Tampa, FL (2017)

Ely Ladd

Ladd Concession Group LLC

Des Moines, IA (2024)

Thomas Lally

The Restaurant Store Lancaster, PA (2024)

Guy Leavitt

Ray Cammack Shows, Inc.

Laveen, AZ (2016)

Alfonso Ledesma

Ledesma Concessions

Sacramento, CA (2019)

Kim Barr, CCE, Outgoing President

PASSING THE GAVEL PASSING THE GAVEL Welcome to 2025

Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! We closed 2024 attending the IAFE Convention in sunny Phoenix, AZ! The weather was absolutely perfect, and all who attended witnessed Marla Calico, CFE at her last convention as President/CEO NICA has been a sister organization with IAFE for many years, always having a booth alongside OABA, as well as Rey O’Day, NICA’s Executive Director, doing what she does best—teaching us how to be better at what we do! Although we all know we will miss Marla, we are excited to get to know David Grindle, IAFE’s President and CEO. We wish Marla a happy retirement doing what she loves to do. We each attended the Zone Meetings while learning at many different sessions together. While in Phoenix, we also had our Annual Advisory Committee Luncheon, sponsored by Ron Smith, Past President. It’s one of my favorite things to do in NICA. It’s a time we get together with a number or Fair Managers across the country, eat lunch together, and have great conversations. “Together We Can!”

As we enter 2025, I would like to congratulate our three new Board Members: Michelle Allen, CCE, H&M Funnel Cake Express of Paradise, CA. Nathan Vandewarker, Maverick Concepts from Escondido, CA, and Trent Wilkes, Wilkes Concessions out of Linton, IN. We also have two new Ex-Officio Directors from our Regional Councils Gigi Horowitz, CCE, Fun Time Foods from Anaheim, CA, on behalf of the West Council (who is assuming Michelle’s former position), and Mickey Venegas, Mickey’s Massive Burritos out of La Salle, IL, representing the Midwest Council. We look forward to the new personalities and viewpoints that ultimately end up benefiting the important discussions that happen each month when we meet!

We are certainly excited to be attending the Annual NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods Food Show, February 10-12, 2025 at the Sheraton

Tampa Brandon Hotel in Tampa, FL. We will be opening again with our Super Bowl Party on Sunday, February 9th! It’s so much fun and always well-attended. Our Business Expo is where NICA has its Annual Board of Directors Meeting, as well as an opportunity for our Foundation Board to get together. We love having our NICA Leadership Luncheon while there, which I am proudly sponsoring as the Outgoing President, along with all the wonderful Educational Sessions and Workshops to attend! Don’t forget the fabulous food that Fare Foods provides during the time we are together! If you haven’t registered, there is still time to join us for FREE at www.nicainc.org/2025! With this being my last month as your NICA President, it seems as if it has come and gone so fast. It has been an honor and it has been very rewarding for me, as I never thought in my lifetime I would be President of anything! I’ve learned so much for myself and from all of you. I started this journey and spread my wings so that I could soar through 2024, and now it’s time to land. I have learned so much over the past months and years, going back to 2012 when Rey asked me to consider being on the West Council. We were just everyday Operators doing what at that time we knew or thought we knew. NICA and Rey, have made me and my family better Operators, as well as better people! For that I am forever grateful. Looking back, I honestly can’t believe how much NICA has done for us! If you are a member reading this magazine every month, you too should consider being on one of our Regional Councils Whether it be West Council, East Council, Midwest Council, or maybe even our Commercial Exhibits Council. It is a great place to start getting to know us and learn more about our Industry!

I want to say “Thank You!” for allowing me to be NICA’s President this past year. As we soar into the sunset in this final month and Pass the Gavel Forward in February at Expo, I am blessed to have had this rewarding position and wish you all a very successful 2025! Let’s go hit it out of the park this year and make it the Best Year yet! ▲

OFFICERS*

2024 President: Kim Barr, CCE

2025 President: Jay Wells, CCE

1st VP: Stacey Pittroff-Barona, CCE

DIRECTORS

Brandy Arredondo, CCE

Jacqueline Bradbury, CCE

Bary Bunts, CCE

Sandy Class, CCE

Bryan Enloe, CCE

Phil Delahoyde

Dan Lusenhop

INCOMING DIRECTORS

Michelle Allen, CCE

Gigi Horowitz, CCE

Nathan Vandewarker

Mickey Venegas

Trent Wilkes

PAST PRESIDENTS’ COUNCIL

Vincent Nelson, CCE

Daryl Whicheloe, CCE

Sandy Class, CCE

Don Delahoyde, CCE

Kathy Ross, CCE

Dan Lusenhop

Dominic Palmieri, CCE

Paulette Keene, CCE

Joe Potillo, Jr.

Greg Miller, CCE

Tom Sattler, CCE

Russ Harrison, CCE

Richard Busse, CCE

Tom Hodson, CCE (Deceased)

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 (Deceased)

Arthur Pokorny, Jr.

Gene O’Brien, CCE (Deceased)

OFFICE STAFF

Executive Director : Rey O’Day

Office & Membership

Manager : Linda Frisco

Office Clerk : Mary Vega

Communications & Marketing

Manager • NICA News Editor :

Jesse Willard

Commercial Exhibits Council

Coordinator : Jeff Thornberry, CCE

East Council & Social Media

Coordinator : Jessica Gottsche

Midwest Council Coordinator : Dennis Larson, CFE

West Council Coordinators : Don Delahoyde, CCE

Julie Dunn

NICA FOUNDATION*

President: Audrey Poole

Vice President : Daryl Whicheloe, CCE

Treasurer : Jennifer Giordano, CCE

Secretary : Rey O’Day

Reilly Berk

Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE

James McConnell

Larry Sivori

Jay Wells, CCE

COMMERCIAL EXHIBITS COUNCIL

Nancy Chapman

Nathalie Harrington

Edward Reeder Sr

Ryan Rickey

James Toler

Denise Warner

David Webster

Diana Wolf

EAST COUNCIL

Bary Bunts, CCE

Ryan Collmer

Whitney Fraleigh

Ryan Hagy

Gino Orlandi

Patty Tessari

Michael Zdebiak, Jr.

MIDWEST COUNCIL

Connie Boesen

Sandy Class, CCE

Bruce Kozelou

James McConnell

Richie O’Neil

Matt Ribar

Mickey Venegas

WEST COUNCIL

Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE

Rodney Fazackerly, CCE

Alan Harrington

Gigi Horowitz, CCE

Miki Martin, CCE

Kevin Peck

Albert Valadez

Nathan Wells, CCE

Gus Whicheloe

Nick White, CCE

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Jay Wells, CCE, Incoming President

I am a First Generation Concessionaire, starting my business in 1982. My routing consists of the Southwest, West, Midwest, and through the Central Plains of the United States. During the years of 2005-2015 we traveled the “A” circuit in Western Canada, too. I joined NICA two times, starting in 1996 or 1997. I continued as a member for one or two years, but like many, I left. There may be some reasons behind that, but at the time I thought it was not for me. Yes, I felt like a lot of our New Members who just lost interest, with nobody to show me the ropes. That changed in 2002 when I rejoined and I have never looked back. After joining the second time I was then playing larger events, made some new friends, and started speaking about things I was interested in for my business. Fairs, both good and bad, gave me the idea to communicate with my partners. Later I was nominated to the NICA West Council where I served for 7.5 years and that is where the learning really began, working in tandem with a small group of people striving for a common goal. It was at this time I joined our Sister Organization WFA and I am now a member of three strong organizations representing different aspects of my business: NICA, IAFE, and WFA. Somewhere along the way I joined a few Showmen’s Clubs and State Organizations. This has allowed me to have a Voice in this Industry I so dearly appreciate, and to care for my Fair Family. I want to take time to tell all our members to take an active part in this association; it doesn’t take a lot of time—it’s whatever you want to offer. We are an educational-based organization and none of us are too old to learn. We can all learn from one another; that is how we will continue to grow this organization and make it the respected organization it has become.

The last six months have been full of disasters from one side of the country to the other. From Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the Wildfires of California to what weather personnel claim to be

the coldest and most snow from the Midwest to upper Midwest and the East (Now I must add deep snow and cold temp from the South extending to the Southeast). These disasters affect us all in some way. In our businesses, weather is a major factor. Remember your family, friends, associates, and those you do not know in your hearts and prayers, and when you do run across them, lend them a helping hand if you can.

Now that the hustle and bustle of the Holidays is over, we can look forward to developing our routes, developing new products, making repairs, and doing the best we can for and with our Associates and Event Partners.

This is the time of year that many of us will be attending State Association Conventions, and by the time you read this article I will have attended the conventions for the Association of Iowa Fairs, Minnesota Federation of County Fairs, and WFA My next stop is the 2025 NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods Food Show, February 10-12, 2025 at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel in Tampa, FL, where we will be “Shining Bright!”

These last three years couldn’t have been possible without the commitment from my family, my beautiful wife Carol of 47 years, daughter Morgan, son-in-law Josh, and a few close friends I’ve made through my years on the Council and as a Director and an Officer. I cannot forget my NICA Staff: Rey, Linda, Jesse, and Mary. They are always ready to answer and assist me when I have questions. This is my immediate team for the upcoming 2025 year. Without you there would be no NICA! Next month I will introduce my Executive Committee and Directors, rounding out the entire team. Call, text, or email me, the staff, or anyone on the team for any questions involving NICA, or just to say hi and discuss what’s on your mind. Be safe, hope to see you in Florida, and remember: “LOOK SHARP, BE SHARP!” and “Together We Can!” ▲

DIRECTOR’S VOICE

Bryan Enloe, CCE, Outgoing Treasurer

Happy New Year everyone!

During both the Fair and Convention Season, it’s incredible to look around and see so many familiar faces—and a lot of new ones too. That’s what makes this community so special after 32 years as an association: the shared passion, the connections, the friendship, and the drive to make this Industry better every day. Personally, the journey of crafting new items for my menu has been one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. It’s a process that pushes me to be bold, to experiment, and to stay connected to what people truly love. This year, with Bubbly Bar and Bistro, I was able to bring those creative efforts to life at the Iowa State Fair. All of the excitement that goes along with building a new venue, especially a destination point, is worth it. It was a leap of faith, and to see it succeed and resonate with people was a reminder of why we’re all here—to innovate, to create, and to bring something unique to the table. We like to custom brand and theme for every Fair we are at so it is a little more special, too. This year our Food and Beverage Operations have been very successful, but we try to blend items for a nice balance with complimentary food at our locations. It keeps people wanting more! In fact, we have already started coming up with some new Food and Beverage ideas for the new year. In our kitchen, we have a giant dry-erase board, so we sit there and

toss ideas around. It ranges from general ideas to detailed recipes and venue aesthetics. Spitballing constantly with our kids leads to some great ideas!

My journey hasn’t just been about running a business, though. Serving on the NICA Board has given me a whole new perspective on the Industry. I am now entering my third year as a Director, having served as NICA’s Treasurer in 2024. It was fun! What do you do when the President calls you to duty? You answer that call. It’s very interesting to see a nonprofit from an inside perspective, and I’m happy to report the organization is doing very well! It is inspiring to see where NICA is now, even when compared to 15 years ago. I am definitely proud to represent the membership. Since being on the Board, life has not changed much in general and it’s been an honor to work alongside others to tackle the bigger picture I have made new connections and new friends at the same time. It’s taught me that leadership isn’t just about making decisions. It’s about listening, learning, and doing everything you can to inspire others. I also received my CCE Designation last year. I like that we have our own professional program that distinguishes those who are performing well in their operation, and I think it elevates their level of performance. Speaking at NICA Marketplace was also a great opportunity to share my knowledge. We have a lot of experience in this field, and I think there are so many people we can inspire with our successes! Remember to go big and don’t be afraid to go try something new. That’s how we grow, and that’s how we can show that we are “Shining Bright!” I’m grateful to be part of this amazing community with you, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish next. Let’s make the most of 2025 together! ▲

Bubbly was awarded Best of Show by the Iowa State Fair

RIFFING WITH REY RIFFING WITH REY

“How do we, as NICA, navigate Change? Through agility, listening, relating, understanding, resilience, and Hope. And oh yes, keep those Shoulders Strong!”

I come to sing a song about hope I’m not inspired much right now, but even so I came out here to sing a song, so here I go Though I can’t guarantee there’s something real behind it

I have to try to show my family and friends I can find it

It must be there

Fear never wins

That’s what I hope See? I said “hope”

The work begins

And so we sing a song about hope

The work of Change begins when we set goals and approach them with Hope. I made some goals for this year and now that we are well into the New Year I have been trying to practice a few of them. As Business Owners or Fair Managers, we recognize we have to act. We “course correct” all the time and that is “Changing with Hope.” There’s no waiting for circumstances to change or the circumstances will change us.

No matter what is changing right now, no doubt it will change again. Burnison observed that “through every challenge and circumstance—the good, the bad, and everything in between—we are building resilience, whether we know it or not. We may not feel it in the moment, but rest assured, it’s happening.”

My 96-year-young Aunt Noelle Peterson wrote me on January 10, 2025:

The Future is fluid and in constant motion. Launched by the Past.

Sustained by the Present. With Hope for the Future. Its Joy casts a shadow we love to see. And it all happens in a flicker of the eye.

How do we, as NICA, navigate Change? Through agility, listening, relating, understanding, resilience, and Hope. And oh yes, keep those Shoulders Strong! Standing Tall Together Shoulder to Shoulder, NICA Can Accomplish Anything!!!

Stay Bright,

Association ANNOUNCEMENTS

In Memory of Our Friend Tom Hodson, CCE

Tom Hodson, CCE, Past President, Council Member, Hall of Fame Recipient, Foundation Trustee, and friend to many, passed away on January 17, 2025. Our condolences to his family who shared the following:

Thomas William Hodson was born in Amboy, IN, to Herbert William Hodson and Beverly Ann Miller on October 26, 1950. Seeking warmer weather and an easier way of life, Tom’s family moved to Hollywood Beach, FL in 1958. It was there that Tom developed his love of the outdoors, and his sense of adventure ignited. This sense of adventure continued when he moved his young family to the Florida Keys in the late 1970s. In his youth, for impromptu fishing expeditions to Bimini, and on many other fun and sometimes perilous boating adventures. In the summers, to work at Fairs and Festivals throughout Indiana and Kentucky. family and learned the ins and outs of the Concession Industry. After high school, father in the Fudge Business until purchasing illustrious career in the Concession Industry spanned more than six decades.

Up until his passing, time board member and led the organization as in the established the an Associate Member to none, and he often coached board members on how to do the same. about

In many respects, loved working with his hands. These qualities allowed him to dabble in a myriad of profitable endeavors, which served him well during difficult times. He was most proud of his design for a self-contained Beverage Stand in the exact shape of a Soda Can, for which he was issued a US patent number in 1988. Tom survived by his children her daughter Jade Elomina numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandkids. He also leaves behind many cherished lifelong friends from Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Indiana, and beyond. There was nothing more important to his family and friends, and we know he wouldn’t want us to mourn, but to honor his life.

On February 22, 2025 at 2 PM, his family will have a Celebration of Life at Tom’s Shop in Homosassa and everyone is welcome. family requests donations be made to the newlyestablished NICA Foundation Brandon, FL 33511

Thomas Hodson Scholarship

Our Deepest Condolences to the Dugan Family

We are saddened to report on the recent passing of longtime NICA Member Chuck Dugan, Chuckwagon. He was an original member of the NICA West Regional Council and served on the committee that eventually developed the NICA Sysco Marketplace program over 15 years ago.

Chuck, along with his wife Irene, faithfully volunteered to work and support

It’s time to think about scholarships! For YOU or those of you with children, grandchildren, or employees planning on entering College or Vocational School, the 2025 NICA Foundation Scholarship Application is now available at www.nicainc.org/scholarship.

With the financial challenges that many of our students and their families are facing right now, the NICA is honored to award life-changing funds to so many deserving students. Because of the passionate support from our donors in 2024, we were able to not only meet our goal of awarding $50,000, but we exceeded it and awarded $52,000 to our 31 commendable recipients. All Scholarship Applications and supporting materials must be received in the NICA Office by June 1st to qualify. ▲

Scholarship Program

2025 Beverage

Price Lists are Now Available

The 2025 NICA National Pricing Discount Price Lists for Coca-Cola and Pepsi have been officially released and are now available to view by logging into your Online Member Account at www.nicainc.org/login and viewing Resources and/or the Coca-Cola and Pepsi benefit pages. You may also contact the NICA Office at nica@nicainc.org or (813) 438-8926 to have them sent to you. Do you sell beverages but haven’t signed up yet for these amazing 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. ▲

NICA Membership Dues Increasing in March 2025

We know our members care about saving money, and we have worked hard to keep the cost of a NICA Membership affordable. As the first Concessionairefounded and led national organization, NICA’s members continue to evolve as a Voice in the Industry for all Independent Concessionaires. NICA is also proud to provide a comprehensive suite of benefits that travel with you across the country, supporting your success. Due to this, we have a membership that pays for itself!

To continue delivering the high-quality membership you have come to expect, we are increasing NICA Dues by $25 starting March 1, 2025 for each level of membership, with the exception of Employee and Retired Members. For over three decades, NICA has successfully maintained the most affordable and valuable annual membership fee in the Industry. We invite you to renew your membership before March 1, 2025 at today’s rate of $150. You may also sign up for a three-year renewal option to keep today’s rate for the next three years. Thank you for your support and your investment in the NICA Mission ▲

2024 Year in Review

In 2024, our theme “Tomorrow Starts Today!” inspired the NICA Leadership to plan ahead “Today” for a more successful “Tomorrow.” Here is an overview of how NICA’s year went.

During the Fair Season, NICA organized more than 40 events at Fairs nationwide, offering meals, raising funds, answering benefit inquiries, giving out prizes, and fostering a sense of community for over 1,000 participants. We also added a new benefit company, Security Check Me, that specializes in background screenings and other services at a discounted rate for NICA Members. In addition, the NICA Foundation awarded $52,000 to 31 Scholarship Recipients to assist them in continuing their education in the field of their choice.

The Fall brought with it Convention Season, and we celebrated at NICA Marketplace “Together!” with strong support from our NICA Leadership, with extra shout outs to the Commercial Exhibits and West Councils for their support of this event. We then headed to Phoenix in December to celebrate with our Fair

Family alongside our Sister Organization, IAFE

We also connected with groups like the Oregon Fairs Association, Rocky Mountain Fairs Association, Western Fairs Association, Arizona Fairs Association, Pennsylvania State Fairs Association, Midwest Fairs Association, IAFE Zone Meetings, and, of course, the Florida Federation of Fairs and Livestock Shows. We would also like to share that we proudly supported and hope for the passage of the CARE/RIDE Act alongside our Sister Organizations. We are kicking off the year with the 2025 NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods Food Show in Tampa, FL, where our NICA Leadership, Staff, Membership, Volunteers, and Sponsors will be “Shining Bright!” ▲

By the Numbers

An Infographic Guide to Awards, Leadership &

Since the creation of the NICA Foundation Scholarship Program in 1996, there have been 260 deserving Scholarship Recipients.

There have been 93 CCE Award Recipients since the program began in 2000.

NICA’s largest membership category is Concession Members, followed by Associate Members and Fair & Festival Members.

In 2025, NICA will have a total of 23 Hall of Fame Recipients after this year’s award presentation at our Annual Gala

Starting in February, NICA will have 55 members in Leadership Positions.

Regional Council Reports

Commercial Exhibits Council

2024 was a pivotal year for NICA’s Commercial Exhibitor and Retail Members. In January, nine of these business leaders coalesced to form the first ever Commercial Exhibits Council, led by Jeff Thornberry, CCE, Council Coordinator. Among their early collaborations was a ground-breaking report identifying areas of NICA activity that best promote Commercial Membership growth. Over the Summer the group hosted its first organized Gathering during the San Diego County Fair. The Council also played a meaningful role in the production of NICA Marketplace, where members served as presenters, panelists, door greeters, sponsors, introduced speakers and produced Fall-themed decorations for the event.

This year the Council will focus on creating greater Commercial Exhibitor participation within the association and pursue Commercial Membership growth. Their strategy includes a concerted effort to get fellow Commercial Business Owners to attend the many Regional NICA Gatherings taking place at Fairs during 2025. These events are a great way to introduce prospective members to NICA and are proven membership generators. This initiative will not only help attract New Members, it helps to support our Regional Councils too!

East Council

The East Council, led by Jessica Gottsche, continues to grow and evolve each year, adding new events while growing our annual events.

We began the year with our longest running event, South Florida Bowling Night in West Palm Beach, FL. Combining our efforts with OABA has helped grow the event to over 150 attendees, becoming one of our largest fundraisers. Guests enjoyed bowling, food, raffles, and fellowship.

Throughout the Summer, Council Members held smaller Membership Rallies to promote the Summer Membership Sale and NICA Marketplace “Together!” Registrations. A visit to the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, NY rounded

out the Summer with a Breakfast Gathering and time with Fair Leadership.

September brought the return of Bingo Night at The Big E, and 2024 was our biggest year yet! More players, more prizes, and more competition led to three hours of cutthroat Bingo—we can’t wait for next year! In September, the East Council also held its first rally at the Bloomsburg Fair in Pennsylvania. We look forward to growing it even more in 2025.

Finally, in October, we tried something new and rented several bays at Drive Shack, an indoor driving range close to the Fairgrounds. A longer jump from West Springfield to Raleigh allowed us to have an early evening event, that quickly sold out. Our attendees enjoyed a buffet dinner, raffles, and SO MUCH GOLF.

The Council Members did a great job coordinating, promoting and hosting events, while bringing in New Members throughout the year. We can’t wait to see what 2025 brings!

Midwest Council

Midwest Council, with Dennis Larson, CFE at the helm, had a busy 2024 Fair Season with well-attended NICA Gatherings at the Ohio, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota State Fairs, along with the Clay County Fair and our first Gathering at the Sandwich Fair. All of the Gatherings were a combination of socializing, business networking, and some great foods and beverages, along with fundraising for the NICA Foundation Scholarship Program. The Council is now seven members strong with our special thanks to Mickey Venegas for taking on the role of Ex-Officio as our representative to the Board

To kick off 2025, the Midwest Council also hosted an information workshop during the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs during their annual meeting on January 18th in Bloomington, MN. The session was very wellattended by County Fairs as our subject was “What a NICA Membership could mean for your Fair.” The Fair attendees expressed interest as we distributed a lot of materials during what became a very successful Q&A session.

West Council

The West Council, coordinated by Don Delahoyde, CCE and Julie Dunn, had a very busy 2024! We produced and participated in 10 NICA Gatherings in California, Arizona, and Oregon, and our Council Members were instrumental in planning and executing these events. Every member of the Council attended NICA Marketplace in Las Vegas. Thanks to all for volunteering your time and efforts to make Marketplace the success it was! From setting up Selfie Stations to managing sessions, introducing speakers, and more, your help was

appreciated and we can’t wait for next time! We welcomed Rodney Fazackerley, CCE, Alan Harrington, Miki Martin, CCE, and Gus Whicheloe to the Council in 2024. Thank you to Ryan Long, CCE, who will be terming out this year, and Michelle Allen, CCE, who was elected to the NICA Board. Congratulations to Gigi Horowitz, CCE, who will be Michelle’s replacement as Ex-Officio. Joining us as the West Council for 2025 will be Carmel DyerPittroff, CCE, Kevin Peck, and Nick White, CCE. We are currently planning our Gatherings for 2025, with our first being at the Riverside County Fair in February. Here’s to a fun 2025! ▲

Members! Do you need our help?

Are you a Concessionaire or Vendor who needs to sell equipment or in need of staff? Alternatively, 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? 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!

Thoughts From a

This month’s Statements of Communications and Management Philosophy are from our West Council Recipients: Rodney Fazackerley, Fazackerley’s Fudge and Candy, and Miki Martin, Funnel Cake Express:

Rodney Fazackerley, CCE

CCE Earned in 2024

For being a smaller Operation, our communication and management philosophy is a lot different than some of the larger Operations. We are a Mom and Pop Business. As for most of our events, we do it by ourselves. Where as we don’t have as many employees, we actually only have four events a year where we need help. When it comes to Communication, we do need it with our helpers. Most of them have become friends that we keep in contact with throughout the year via phone calls, Facebook, and even texting. So for us, the ones that do help us are like family from different parts of the country. When it comes to our Philosophy in serving our product, if you won’t eat it, don’t serve it! We are a company that makes all of our own products from scratch. Our employees, when we need them, maintain that same Philosophy. Since we are a Mom and Pop Operation, I feel we are more personable with our helpers and our customers. Our people are friends and family to me—not numbers. ▲

Miki Martin, CCE

CCE Earned in 2024

My first job was working for my mom and dad in their Concession Business, Funnel Cake Express. I was taught at a young age that kindness goes a long way when working with people, whether it be members of the public, Health Inspectors, Fair Management, and beyond. While working in the Concession Business hasn’t been my only job throughout my life, the notion of being kind to everyone has carried over into every job I have ever had and has made me successful throughout my life.

This notion of being kind is something I teach my employees when working in our Funnel Cake Business. We are on the front lines of the Fairgoers’ experience. It is important to greet each customer with a smile and ask, “How can I help you today?” Giving a compliment or asking how their time at the Fair is going goes a long way to enhancing their Fair experience, too. A positive experience for the Fair Patrons benefits us all in the long run. ▲

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 at their highest ability. Apply at nicainc.org/CCE

2024 CCE Recipient Rodney Fazackerley, Fazackerley’s Fudge and Candy and West Council, with Jay Wells, CCE, 1st Vice President, and Kim Barr, CCE, President

2024 CCE Recipient Miki Martin, Funnel Cake Express and West Council, receiving the award from Jay Wells, CCE, 1st Vice President, and Kim Barr, CCE, President

Welcome to Florida! Welcome to Florida!

We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods Food Show, held February 10–12, 2025, where we will be “Shining Bright!” The NICA Business Expo will be held Monday through Wednesday, providing Educational Sessions, Workshops, Networking, and Discussion Groups which cover the issues and the daily challenges our Industry is faced with each season. We will kick off the week with a Keynote Address by Courtny Hinds, CCE, CFE on “Succession and Transition Planning Essentials” on Monday, February 10, 2025. On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, we also invite you to attend the Annual General Membership Meeting, where we will hold our Year in Review, install the 2025 Board of Directors, hold the

Coca-Cola Membership Contest, and hear from our Benefit Partners. Afterwards, during the “Shining Bright!” Annual Gala Celebration, we will highlight the NICA Foundation, hold a tribute to Tom Hodson, CCE, honor Kathy Ross, CCE as our 2024 Hall of Fame Recipient, present an Excellence in Business Award to John and Bob Uhl, Century Industries, and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner courtesy of Fare Foods.

The Fare Foods Food Show will run Monday and Tuesday evening and will feature over 50 Exhibitors showcasing the latest products, food trends, and technology that will define and kickstart the 2025 Fair Season. The schedule is planned so you can attend all Expo and Food Show events, engage in Industry Roundtables on “Hot” topics, and network with many other NICA Members Register TODAY! It’s EASY! It’s FREE! Visit www.nicainc.org/2025 today!

Monday, February 10, 2025

8:00 AM—8:00 PM: Onsite Registration Lobby

Monday Educational Sessions & Workshops Sponsored by Meester Mike’s of Coral Gables, Poppie’s Concessions, Super Dog, Vinnie’s Fine Foods & Wells Concessions

9:30—10:30 AM: Keynote—Transition & Succession Planning Essentials ...................................... Palm Room

Speaker: Courtny Hinds, CCE, CFE, Wyoming State Fair General Manager

In the dynamic realm of Fairs, Event Companies, Vendors, and Associations, where roles range from full-time professionals to dedicated volunteers, effective succession planning is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity! Join our session on succession planning essentials to navigate the complexities of succession planning for the diverse roles within your organization. She will discuss the role of mentorship programs in facilitating this transfer of knowledge, emphasizing how experienced professionals can guide newcomers, thereby protecting the heritage and ensuring the longevity of the organization. After this session you will be inspired to incorporate planning to leave your organization better than you found it! Be prepared to navigate turnover challenges and lead your organization towards a future defined by smooth transitions, lasting legacies, and enduring success.

10:45—11:45 AM: Commercial Exhibits Enhance the Guest Experience ........................................ Palm Room

Moderator: Dan Lusenhop, Jeanne’s Artichokes and NICA Past President • Panelists: Ryan Rickey, Rickey’s Jerky; James Romer, CFE, Iowa State Fair; and Pam Simon, CFE, Minnesota State Fair

Fairs and Vendors are being forced to rethink how they manage shopping programs. During this session you will hear from professionals within the Industry who have successfully developed new formulas for attracting customers and securing hesitant Retail Vendors. Hear how approaching new and different business partnerships will allow for better Guest Experiences, new marketing opportunities, longer length of stay, and greater customer satisfaction.

11:45 AM—1:00 PM: “What’s On Your Mind?” Roundtable Discussions Over Lunch Included Palm Room

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

8:00 AM—8:00 PM: Onsite Registration Lobby

Tuesday Educational Sessions & Workshops Sponsored by Meatball Factory, Mickey’s Massive Burritos, Vinnie’s Fine Foods & Wells Concessions

8:45—9:45 AM: Fire Extinguisher Training $10 Fee • Limited class size ..................................... Palm Room Lobby

Sponsored by NICA Foundation & Sweet Cheeks

Presenter: George Guida, A to Z Fire

Fire Extinguisher Training is essential because it prepares us with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in an emergency. Vendors are a part of the front lines at an event, and by learning how to properly use a Fire Extinguisher, you can help contain small fires, preventing them from escalating into larger, more dangerous situations. This training will also promote safety awareness and help reduce the risk of injury or property damage. Training will be held outside due to safety reasons.

10:00—11:00 AM: New Food Trends Palm Room

Moderators: Audrey Poole, Fare Foods and NICA Foundation President; and Trampas Porter, Fare Foods • Panelists: Andrew Andrescavage and Charlene Walker, Lakeland Marketing; Mike Petzel, Dawn Foods; and Doug Stacker, Randolph Packing Fairgoers are always excited to learn about the new and trendy Food items for the next Fair, however we have to learn about them first. Join us for an interactive, educational opportunity to learn about new items that may fit in your menu.

11:15 AM—12:15 PM: Back to Basics with New Ideas—Marketing 101 .......................................... Palm Room

Moderator: Jessica Gottsche, NICA Social Media Coordinator • Panelists: Jenny Lang, Dutchess County Fair; Anne-Alise Pietruszka, Mellowship Entertainment and Eastern States Exposition; and Maria Zaffuto, Sweet Adventure Concessions

Our marketing strategies need to look like the communities we’re serving. All members of the Fair Industry have a shared goal of growing attendance and therefore sales. The more sensory input you use to capture Fairgoers’ attention, the more sales you will generate. Compelling signage, lighting, sound, employee interaction, and delicious smells—in the case of many of our Food Stands—are all used to help capture Fairgoers’ attention.

12:15—1:30 PM: Lunch Buffet On Your Own Panfilo’s Grill

1:45—2:45 PM: Is it Time for an Insurance Review? ......................................................................... Palm Room

Presenter: Gigi Horowitz, CCE, Fun Time Foods and NICA West Council • Panelists: Jacqueline Bradbury, CCE, Sweet Cheeks and NICA Director; Annie Shugart, McGowan-Allied; and Phil Teague, Hummel Group

It’s important to review your insurance policies periodically to make sure they still align with both your needs and financial situation. Are you asking, “Is catastrophic all I need?” “What does an umbrella include?” “What’s NOT covered?” We’ll ask these questions and more here. Having adequate insurance coverage is important for financial protection, but it should also be manageable and within your budget. Join the conversation to find the balance you need.

3:00—4:00 PM: Prioritizing Infrastructure Upgrades ........................................................................ Palm Room

Moderator: Jay Wells, CCE, Wells Concessions and Incoming President • Panelists: Shari Black, CFE, Wisconsin State Fair; Dennis Fraleigh, F&W Concessions; and John Juliano, CFE, Mellowship Entertainment

From Bathrooms to Ag Buildings, from Security to Wi-Fi, from Campgrounds to Parking Lots… In the Fair Industry there are always upgrades to do and always some that get pushed aside. This session will identify what needs to be done to improve the Guest Experience and meet the operational needs of the Temporary Vendors that visit your facility.

4:15—5:15 PM: Move-In / Move-Out Choices Matter ...................................................................... Palm Room

Moderator: Kim Barr, CCE, Pacific Crest Concessions and Outgoing President • Panelists: Ryan Hagy, DeAnna’s Steak Sundaes; Cameron Murray, Chester’s Gators and Taters; and Jim Sinclair, CFE, Minnesota State Fair

Before a Vendor leaves a Fair, they are already planning their move-in for the next stop. Choices that Fairs make on available services for move-in, what is scheduled to be onsite and ready for Vendors can alter or affect their plans and make or break

their success. If a Vendor chooses to arrive with a full stock truck, will there be power ready and available to refrigerate it? Preferences and plans need to be shared.

5:00—9:00 PM: Fare Foods Food Show Name Badge required ....................................... Entrance Hall & Ballroom

Food Show Windfall Sponsored by NICA & Fare Foods • $200 Prize Drawings at 6:30, 7:30 & 8:30 PM

9:15—11:00 PM: “Shining Bright!” Hospitality Reception ................................................................. Palm Room

Hosted by Fare Foods • Name Badge required

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

A Day to Remember Tom Hodson, CCE

10:00—11:00 AM: “Together We Can Save!”—NICA Benefits 101 Palm Room

Moderators: Jay Wells, CCE, Incoming President; and Jesse Willard, Communications Manager and Benefits Committee Liaison

Panelists: Bob Phifer, Security Check Me; Phil Teague, Hummel Group; and Steven Wrobel, Fiserv / Clover

Do you need to sign up for NICA Benefits like Goodyear, Eastern Lighting, Entegra, Fiserv, NICA Health Plan, Security Check Me, and so many more? Learn from our specialists, ask questions, and launch your benefits onsite to start saving money on the road.

11:15 AM—12:15 PM: Government Relations – CARE/RIDE Act Update Hosted by OABA ................ Palm Room

Presenters: Gregg Hartley and Rocky Fox, Husch Blackwell Strategies

Join OABA’s lobbying firm, Husch Blackwell Strategies, for an in-depth update on last year’s advocacy efforts and legislative progress surrounding the CARE/RIDE Act. This session will also outline the strategic priorities for 2025, providing key insights into how ongoing government relations efforts will impact the Fair Industry.

12:30—2:00 PM: NICA Leadership Luncheon Invitation Only Brandon 4

Courtny Hinds, CCE, CFE: “Transition & Succession”

Courtny Hinds, CCE, CFE, Executive Director and General Manager of the Wyoming State Fair, will open Monday’s Educational Programming with a Keynote Address on “Transition and Succession Planning Essentials.” Courtny will highlight strategies for documenting and leveraging existing knowledge and processes. She will discuss the role of mentorship programs in facilitating this transfer of knowledge, emphasizing how experienced professionals can guide newcomers, thereby protecting the heritage and ensuring the longevity of any business or organization.

Courtny is a dynamic leader in the world of Fairs, known for her unwavering dedication to

community engagement, youth development, and the celebration of agriculture. Courtny brings a wealth of experience and a passion for creating memorable experiences and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Beyond her role at the Wyoming State Fair, Courtny is a Certified Business Succession Planner, a qualification she pursued in response to the challenges she observed in the sector—notably, high turnover rates and the frequent absence of structured onboarding or knowledge transfer processes.

Courtny’s dedication to preserving the essence and heritage of the Fair Industry is pivotal to her approach. She champions the importance of capturing institutional knowledge as a means to maintain the unique culture and legacy of organizations while safeguarding their future.

David Grindle: “Shining Bright!” at the Annual Gala

David Grindle will bring his vision and expertise as a featured speaker to NICA’s “Shining Bright!” Annual Gala Celebration, closing out the NICA Business Expo on Wednesday, February 12th.

An accomplished association executive, David started off 2025 as the President and CEO of IAFE. Although David is a new face to the Fair Industry, he is an insider to the Association World with experience leading two different trade associations in entertainmentrelated fields. With over a decade of leadership experience at organizations like the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) and the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), David has a proven track

record of driving growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing member engagement.

At USITT, he implemented diversity initiatives that increased representation across the organization and built international partnerships to strengthen business and academic opportunities. With SMPTE, he focused on energizing the global membership and creating stronger local connections.

David holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation and is a Fulbright Specialist with the US Department of State. He has spoken internationally on nonprofit and theatre management and has taught at institutions like Indiana University and the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Australia.

He currently resides in Baldwinsville, NY, with his wife, Julie, where they are active in community and church activities.

The NICA Hall of Fame award honors distinguished achievements and outstanding contributions by any individual to the health and well-being of this organization by some combination of hard work, influence, financial contribution, or by any other positive method. We are proud to honor Kathy Ross, CCE, Past President and Ross Concessions, as this year’s Hall of Fame Recipient. Congratulations!

Kathy has 40 years of experience in Food Concessions and has been with NICA since its inception. She joined the NICA Board originally in 2015, rising through the ranks to become President in 2019. Rounding out her service, she also served as an Associate Director of the Florida Federation of Fairs Board of Directors and a Director-at-Large on the IAFE Board.

She was born and raised on a dairy farm in Northwest Pennsylvania and began working in Food Concessions as a Summer job during nursing school. Kathy met her husband of 35 years Jeff while working at a Fair. Their son AJ and daughter-in-law, Carolyn are planning to take over Ross Concessions in the near future, and Kathy just welcomed her first grandchild Eleanor in 2024. Their route includes PA, FL, NY, OH, and NC. She loves the Industry and feels

making people smile is the best job in the world.

Kathy aligns closely with NICA’s core philosophy, emphasizing the importance of communication between Fairs and Concessionaires, delivering value to members through cost savings, raising quality standards, and maintaining the trust of Fairgoers. Her legacy is one of entrepreneurship, leadership, and community dedication, making her a truly deserving recipient of the NICA Hall of Fame Award. “Together We Can!” ▲

The Food Show Windfall, sponsored by NICA and Fare Foods, is a series of cash prize drawings created to encourage attendees to attend both the NICA Business Expo and the Fare Foods Food Show. To qualify, you must place your tickets in the designated ticket bin at the NICA Booth during your visit to the Food Show, held Monday and Tuesday from 5-9 PM at the NICA Booth. Each night at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 PM, one ticket

will be drawn for a $200 cash prize. Tickets will not be cleared after every drawing, so make sure to attend every drawing to win! If you register online for this event you will receive TWO tickets. If you register onsite you will receive ONE ticket. For each NICA Business Expo Educational Session and Workshop you attend on Monday and Tuesday, you will receive an ADDITIONAL ticket. Must be present to win. Good luck to all of our Food Show attendees!

Hearing from a First-Timer Convention Attendee

The NICA Foundation was created by NICA to oversee and administer an academic and vocational educational scholarship program, foster development opportunities and training services, and provide a travel stipend for first-time convention attendees. Jeff True, Lane County Fair, has written the following about his experience at NICA Marketplace as a First-Timer Convention Scholarship Recipient: Jeff True, Lane County Fair

I had the opportunity to attend NICA Marketplace “Together!” in Las Vegas for the first time as a NICA Foundation Scholarship Recipient. The event was held at the Tuscany Suites and Casino, and is located just a block and a half off the Strip. I had a chance to explore the Las Vegas Strip for some great food, drinks, and sights of some of the preparations for the upcoming Formula 1 races at the time. I walked around to see the setup from an event management perspective, and it was awesome! I got as close as I could for a behindthe-scenes glimpse into the logistics involved.

For me, NICA Marketplace was one of the best Industry events I’ve attended as a Food and Commercial Vendor Manager. This conference is a must-attend for anyone working with County or State Fairs. The value of hearing and sharing experiences—whether from large or small events—is immeasurable. Learning about others’ challenges and strengths, and applying those insights to our own current operations, is truly beneficial for all attendees.

The agenda was packed with valuable topics for every angle of the Fair Industry. The speakers and panelists did a great job engaging with attendees, allowing us to share our own experiences and ask questions. The partnership

was unmatched compared to other Fairs and Event Conferences I’ve attended. NICA does an exceptional job bringing together several aspects of our Industry to create a better, Fair experience for everyone. I’m already looking forward to next year’s NICA Marketplace, November 9-12, 2025, and plan to bring either our Fair Manager or Assistant Fair Manager to expand our team’s network and share their expertise. I was able to connect with several Fairs in my region, and we’ve already scheduled online meetings to collaborate and support each other’s efforts.

Several sessions stood out including “Security: See Something, Say Something,” “Do We Need to Charge That Much?” and “State of the Fairs.” I’ve come away with numerous notes and ideas to share with my team and am working on ways to apply them to our own Fair. To reiterate, this was one of the best Fair Conferences I’ve attended, and I’m looking forward to applying so many valuable strategies for future Fairs. Conversations between the Fair Managers and Food Vendors were particularly impressive and really stood out to me.

The Roundtable Discussions during lunch were another highlight. There were different topics at each table allowing attendees to choose what most interested them. The exchange of ideas between Industry Professionals was incredibly insightful. However, I believe extending the Roundtable time would provide even more opportunity for in-depth discussions.

To summarize, if you’re in the Fair Industry, this conference is an invaluable experience! ▲

Building on Strong Foundations

From December 1–4, 2024, the International Association of Fairs and Expos (IAFE) hosted their Annual Convention for the first time in Phoenix, AZ at the Phoenix Convention Center, with the theme “Building on Strong Foundations.”

The NICA Board of Directors met for their last in-person meeting of the year, where they planned for 2025, participated in a Business Review with Lynn Schepers, Sysco, and celebrated the success of 2024’s NICA Marketplace “Together!” event. They also met with IAFE’s Incoming President and CEO David Grindle, and thanked Outgoing IAFE President and CEO Marla Calico, CFE for her continued support of NICA throughout the years.

NICA was once again the Silver Sponsor of complimentary notebooks for all convention attendees and had a booth where you could meet Staff and Board Members, as well as pick up some exclusive NICA goodies! We proudly participated in

Rey O’Day, Executive Director, speaking during “Understanding the Cost of Doing Business”

The NICA Board and Staff celebrating another successful year participating at the IAFE Convention and Trade Show

IAFE’s Zone Meetings and presented the following educational sessions during the convention:

• “Strengthening the Touchpoints of Your Fair” with Moderator Rey O’Day, Executive Director, and Panelists Kim Barr, CCE, NICA President and Pacific Crest Concessions, and Jon Baker, Pima County Fair

• “Understanding the Cost of Doing Business,” with Moderator Rey O’Day, Executive Director, and Panelists Lisa Immel, Wisconsin State Fair, Vincent Nelson, CCE, NICA Past President and Vinnie’s Fine Foods, and Daryl Whicheloe, CCE, NICA Past President and Southern Oregon Food and Beverage

NICA has been dedicated to strengthening relationships with the Fair Industry since its inception and one of our long time traditions is engaging in a conversation with our Advisory Committee over a meal during the IAFE

NICA 1st Vice President Jay Wells, CCE with Past Presidents Greg Miller, CCE and Daryl Whicheloe, CCE at “Strengthening the Touchpoints of Your Fair”

Kim Barr, CCE, 2024 President, with Linda Frisco, Office and Membership Manager

Congratulations to the Incoming 2025 IAFE Board, including NICA Past President Vincent Nelson, CCE

Convention. This year’s Advisory Committee Luncheon, sponsored by R.E. Smith, took place on Wednesday and discussed concerns and ideas including Communication, Infrastructure, MultiYear Agreements, Rent Structures, and Safety & Security. The Advisory Committee is composed of a group of Fair and/or Vendor Managers from across the country, serving for three-year terms. This year’s guests included the following:

• Justin Aquino, General Manager, San Mateo County Fair (CA)

• Suzy Cason, CFE, Director of Space Sales, Oklahoma State Fair

• Cheryl Flood, Executive Director, Florida State Fair

• Courtny Hinds, CCE, CFE, Executive Director / General Manager, Wyoming State Fair

• Lisa Immel, Director of Vendor Services, Wisconsin State Fair

• Ken Karns, CFE, CEO, OC Fair and 2025 IAFE Chair

• Andy Imperati, President / CEO, Dutchess County Fair (NY)

Sandy Class, CCE, Past President, and Stacey Pittroff-Barona, CCE, 1st Vice President, on the Merry-Go-Round during the IAFE Trade Show

• Helen McPeak, CFE, Executive Director, Wilson County / TN State Fair

• Jo Reynolds, CFE, General Manager, Warren County Fair (IA) and IAFE Chair

• James Romer, CFE, Concessions and Midway Operations Director, Iowa State Fair

• Amanda Schlatre, Senior Manager of Exhibits and Events, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

• Bryan Schulz, CFE, General Manager, Kansas State Fair

• Michael Searle, Deputy Director and Smile Engineer, Arizona State Fair

• Pam Simon, CFE, Sales Director, Colorado State Fair Minnesota State Fair

During the Closing Session, Marla Calico, CFE gave her farewell speech with special guests surprising her at its conclusion. We will miss you! Your support and participation in our workshops and meetings in Phoenix was much appreciated. We look forward to the next IAFE Convention, November 30—December 3, 2025 in Denver, CO, with the theme, “Journey to the Top!” ▲

NICA Leadership and Fair Management gathered while addressing important Industry topics at the annual Advisory Committee Luncheon, sponsored by R.E. Smith

Strengthening

Our Relationships

The NICA Advisory Committee represents a vital cross-section of the Industry, bringing together Fair Managers from across the country to share insights, foster collaboration, and address the challenges that shape the way we do business. This group meets annually with the NICA Board of Directors at the IAFE Convention, offering invaluable perspectives and sparking conversations that drive innovation and strengthen relationships across the Industry. Through their collective expertise, they shed light on key topics such as communication, safety, emerging trends, promotions, and, most importantly, strengthening relationships between Fairs and Concessionaires. We had a chance to speak with a few members of our Advisory Committee to learn more about them and their unique roles in the Fair Industry.

Courtny Hinds, CCE, CFE, Wyoming State Fair General Manager, attended her first Advisory Committee meeting in December. She shared, “It’s been an awesome experience so far! One of my favorite things about NICA is the action-oriented and solutiondriven mindset of its members. Every NICA event leaves me feeling inspired and energized, and my first Advisory Committee meeting was no exception.” Interestingly enough, Courtny began her journey in the Fair World as a Second Generation Concessionaire, growing up with her family’s business Conkle’s Concessions. She said, “I’ve been on the administrative side of the Industry for 12 years, but my journey started much earlier. In fact, I was born during the Santa Cruz County Fair! When I say I was born into the Industry, I mean it quite literally. While I love being a Fair Manager, my foundation in the Industry comes from my roots as a Concessionaire. It’s in my DNA, and it’s why I’m creative, strategic, and

a hard worker. NICA perfectly blends my favorite aspects from both the Fair and the Concession side, and I’m so grateful for an organization that supports the Industry we all love.” This past year, she attributes her Fair’s success to the people: “Success always comes down to the people, their passion, and a shared sense of purpose. From our behind-the-scenes team to our business partners, everyone contributes so much to making the event a success.” When it comes to the future of the Fair Industry, she sees “boundless opportunities.” She explained, “I believe we’re on the verge of a major pop-culture renaissance, where Fairs and Festivals will be recognized in a more positive light than we’ve seen in decades. As we tell our impact story—both qualitatively and quantitatively—I’m incredibly optimistic about our bright future ahead.” For the next time the Advisory Committee meets, she plans on thinking of that future in a productive way: “I’d love to Riding high at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas, WY

dive deeper into longevity planning—whether its Concessionaires planning for ownership transitions or Fairs navigating leadership turnover. NICA has been transformative in fostering professionalism, respect, and collaboration among Concessionaires, Fairs, and Vendors. Over the past few years, it has become one of the most vital organizations in our Industry. As we face challenges like foreign labor shortages, inflation, and high turnover, NICA’s role as a resource is more important than ever.”

Andy Imperati, President and CEO of Dutchess County Fair in Rhineback, NY, has 30 years of experience at the Fair: “You never know where I’m going to end up next! I didn’t start out as the CEO here. I started in 1994 as a carpenter in the maintenance shop and I worked pretty closely with all of the folks as they came through the Fairgrounds. Around 2012, I ended up as the CEO. It has been quite an interesting ride and I have met a lot of interesting people along the way. There are a lot of relationships that build over time, especially between the Fair and its Vendors. While most of them are only here six days a year, our relationships are like family.” Andy joined the NICA Advisory Committee in 2023 and enjoys the opportunity to learn what the Fair can do better: “It’s all about communication! Keeping those lines open is very important. How can we make your life easier? We can’t do it all! My logic is that we provide a venue, but without Concessionaires we can’t do what we do. People want the total experience and Food and Shopping are a huge part of the County Fair. People want to eat and they want to try new things. If you’re going to make it exciting, they’re going to

buy it!” Lately he has thought of the future of the Industry as an “interesting concept.” He explained, “Since COVID, things have not been completely normal, and the economy is playing a role in that too. You have to find what works, and that changes constantly because the patrons’ attitudes change constantly. This means you may have to tweak your program every year! Nothing is ever going to be perfect.” Andy contributed most of last year’s success to weather: “We had six pretty much perfect days. When the sun shines for six days in a row and the temperature is not oppressive, you can’t ask for more than that. The biggest hurdle is what Mother Nature gives us. The rest of it is in our hands.” According to him, “Ultimately, if the weather is right and there is a good program in place, people come. When people come, it pays the bills. Not only for me, but for our Concessionaires too!”

Suzy Cason, CFE is the Director of Space Sales for the Oklahoma State Fair, overseeing both Food and Beverage Concessionaires and Commercial Exhibitors since 2021. She said, “I have been with the Fair for almost 17 years. I started out in the Information Technology department in 2008. I later became the Manager of Concessions in the Space Sales department in 2013 and I worked my way up to where I am today.” She added that “technology and the way we do business” are the biggest changes she has seen in that time. Suzy has spent two years on the Advisory Committee and has had a very positive experience so far. She said, “NICA is important to our Industry, providing education and networking opportunities that bring us together

Oklahoma State Fair brings the fun to Oklahoma City, OK

Dutchess County Fair is an annual tradition in Rhinebeck, NY

and helps to keep communication flowing between the Fairs and Concessionaires / Commercial Exhibitors. After our last meeting, I came back to the office with great ideas and I even implemented a few for the next Fair. Our communication can always improve, but we have always had a good relationship with our Concessionaires. We are clear on our expectations and they respect that. We have some really loyal Vendors that come back every year.” Although challenges like rising prices and the cost of food will have to be solved, she believes the Fair Industry is headed towards a bright future: “The Fair and Festival Industry is strong and we will continue to grow and evolve. We need to stay forward-thinking and start creating more of an inclusive community for neurodivergent people, along with continuing to learn how to cater to the needs of multiple generations that all consume information differently.” Suzy shared that the best thing to hit the Oklahoma State Fair this year were new promotional days and budget-friendly areas. She explained, “This year we had Taste the Fair Tuesday with $4 Gate Admission, $4 Food Items from nearly every Food Stand, $4 Little Book of BIG DEALS, and $4 Sky Eye Wheel Ride Tickets. We also created budget-friendly areas such as Kids Korner, which had engaging activities where kids could play with blocks, a dinosaur area with learning stations and rides, and an interactive bird experience.”

James Romer, CFE is the Concessions and Midway Operations Director at the Iowa State Fair at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The first experience James had of the Fair involved growing and showing dahlias with his family. After many different jobs at the Fair, he eventually served on the Iowa State Fair Board for 14 years. After a stint at the North Carolina State Fair as the Assistant Manager, he returned to Iowa in 2023: “These Fairs are like cousins, but with different accents!” This year, the Iowa State Fair had another record-breaking year. James shared, “We had a fantastic Fair! I think this is the first time that the we closed all of our parking lots because they were full. Twice! We especially saw increases in Concessions revenue, and weather played a huge factor in that, along with attendance. We like to have all of our pieces in place so that we can have a successful Fair. You have to have one

foot in tradition and one foot in the future. People gravitate towards wanting to know what the Best New Foods are going to be and we’ve added a Drink competition this year as well.” He has served for several years on the NICA Advisory Committee and always looks forward to the shared discussion on how to improve the Guest Experience. He said, “I’ve established relationships and friendships with many in the Industry! Communication is very important. The best decisions are made when we have an opportunity to discuss things with partners. I always find something that we can take back here to the office to see if that would work for us. For me, it goes back to the motto of NICA—‘Together We Can!’ ” He believes that improving the relationships between Fairs and Concessionaires are at the top of the list: “They’re on the front lines interacting directly with our Guests and in the end we’ve had a lot of ‘win, win, win’ situations. A win for the Concessionaire, a win for the Fair, and ultimately a win for the Guest.” James stressed that we can only learn from the changing landscape: “In this day and age when so many things can take place on your phone, there’s still that need to gather and to experience things firsthand. I just love going to Fairs! I like being able to do whatever I can do to help the Fair succeed, so that other people have the opportunity to appreciate the Fair as much as I have. The challenge is how to make it better.”

As the Fair Industry continues to evolve yearafter-year, strengthening relationships by way of NICA’s Advisory Committee remains as crucial as ever. The shared insights and experiences of this group of Industry Professionals underscore the importance of working together to ensure the continued success and growth of Fairs and Concessionaires for generations to come. ▲

Iowa State Fair showcasing a nice crowd in Des Moines, IA

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Pre-Skewered 7” (9/1) Hot Dog

Pre-Skewered 6” (10/1) Hot Dog

Pre-Skewered 10” (6/1) Hot Dog

Pre-Skewered 11.25” (4/1) Jumbo Hot Dog

Regular Hot Dog 10” (6/1)

Regular Hot Dog 7” (6/1)

Pre-Skewered 10” (2.5/1) Jumbo Polish

Jumbo Polish 10” (2.5/1)

Polish Sausage (3/1)

ALL BEEF Hot Dogs 10# Box:

Pre-Skewered 6” (10/1) Hot Dog

Pre-Skewered 10” (6/1) Hot Dog

Chicken Hot Dogs 10# Box:

Pre-Skewered 6” (10/1) Hot Dog

Pre-Skewered 10” (6/1) Hot Dog

By "SPECIAL ORDER"

Pre-Skewered Bacon Wrap Hot Dog

Pre-Skewered Jalapeño & Cheddar Hot Dog

BBQ Pulled Pork Tubs (5-lb tubs) 20# Box

Jeff Thornberry, CCE, Commercial Exhibits Council Coordinator, and Justin Aquino, San Mateo County Fair

Sandy Class, CCE, Past President, answering “What Does NICA Mean to You?” with Rey O’Day, Executive Director, during the Closing Session

Larry McConnell, CCE, McConnell Concessions, is the winner!

Michael Bradley, MHB Productions, sharing a presentation on the IAFE Ag on a Grand Scale Survey

The Commercial Exhibits Council’s Jeff Thornberry, CCE, Coordinator, with Council Members Denise Warner, Diana Wolf, and Ed Reeder showing their Fall Decorations

Attendees had lively discussions at the popular Roundtable Discussions

Joe Betras, Whirley-DrinkWorks, and Audrey Poole, Fare Foods

and

You, at the Trade Show

Thank you to the West Council for your extra support and presence during this year’s event!

Lupita Carrasco

Mitchell Politi, Commercial Exhibitors with Mi Amor Just For

John Hanus, Barbara Mulckhuyse, and Todd Patrick, Entegra, exhibiting at the NICA Marketplace Trade Show

Jason Warrenburg, San Diego County Fair, and Kady Porterfield, CFE, Kittitas Valley Event Center, on the Generation Forward Visit to the High Roller

Thank you Lance Pao, our hero at the Tuscany Suites and Casino

Alejandra Salazar, State Fair of Texas, giving her advice on “Successfully Laying Out Space”

Daryl Whicheloe, CCE, Foundation Trustee, and Rey O’Day, Executive Director, with Lynn Schepers, Angela Ginsbach, and Sarah Hartzog, at the Sysco-sponsored Volunteer Dinner

Sysco’s Culinary Team performing a Food Demonstration during the annual Las Vegas—Sysco Facility Tour

Member Classifieds

Successful Concession Business For Sale

Very popular and successful Concession Business for sale. Family owned and operated for 78 years with established residency at the Minnesota and Iowa State Fairs. Two Concession Trailers and one Cargo Trailer. Italian Sausage/Ground Beef sandwiches with Hot Dogs and Drinks. Financials are available with signed NDA. Contact Carla Wood, Carl’s Gizmo Concessions, LLC, at (515) 314-5553 or gizmochef@aol.com. ▲

Ze Li

Chan’s Eatery, Inc.

Fulshear, TX (2023)

Mark Lovell

Universal Fairs

Cordova, TN (2021)

Mark McGinnis

Original Lemon Chill McKinney, TX (2024)

Blake & Jeff McKinney Concessions Unlimited LLC

Hughes Springs, TX (2023)

Phil Miller California Ice Cream Company

Acampo, CA (2019)

Greg Mock GSM Inc.

Homassassa, FL (2023)

Cliff Munson

Siskiyou Golden Fair Yreka, CA (2014)

Ashley Murray

M & M Product Marketing Redondo Beach, CA (2008)

Boyd Newton

One Sweet World Amusements Portland, OR (2021)

Christopher Nielsen Can-U Marketing Riverside, CA (2023)

Tampa, FL (2015)

Hari Paizis

Paizis Concessions, Inc.

Fort Smith, AR (2008)

Connie Palmer MD Association of Agricultural Fairs & Shows Inc.

Frederick, MD (2020)

Brandon Petree

Louis & Claire Concessions Austin, TX (2017)

Jamie Phillips

Frazee’s Concessions and Equipment Comstock Park, MI (2023)

Mark Piche

Piche Concessions Ware, MA (2024)

Anthony Platts

Diamond Concessions of UT West Valley City, UT (2023)

Debra Poeppelman Poeppelman Concessions, Inc. Wapakoneta, OH (1996)

Caitlin Quisenberry

Gallatin County Fairgrounds Bozeman, MT (2023)

Kenneth Ragley

Food Concession Signs / Ragley Concessions Houston, TX (2016)

Matt Ribar

Duke’s LLC Forest Lake, MN (2018)

Dan Royer

Royer’s Concessions Morrisdale, PA (2021)

Elizabeth Schacht

German Specialty Foods Fort Morgan, CO (2023)

Steve Sellick

SDS Sales Inc./Grandpa’s

Mini Donuts Eckerman, MI (2022)

Terri Shell

TnT Concessions, LLC Winterset, IA (2016)

Patrick Sheridan

Sheridan Concessions

Avon, CO (2013)

Jennifer Simpson

Suck It Up Concessions Riverside, CA (2016)

Eric Sinsigalli

McCain Foods Duxbury, MA (2022)

Jeremy Solem

Solem Concessions, Inc.

Rochester, MN (2016)

Richard Valentine

Jac & Do’s Pizza

Tiffin, OH (2003)

Ingo Van Styn

Euroshine USA Inc. Brooksville, FL (2019)

Zelindo Viscusi

Angela’s International Apollo Beach, FL (2023)

Mark Walker

OA Finance, LLC Fairway, KS (2021)

Tim Weiss

Giggles Campfire Grill LLC

St. Paul, MN (2018)

Nona Wessel

Wessel Propane, Inc. Duarte, CA (2016)

Kristen Whicheloe, CCE Southern Oregon Food & Beverage

Cave Junction, OR (2019)

Brenda White Vaughn Chesterfield County Fair

Chesterfield, VA (2022)

Gene Wodzicki

Color Image Designs

Belleview, FL (2024)

Diana Wolf

Texas Therasoles

Waxahachie, TX (2022)

Debbie Badami

Cole Concessions

Covington, VA (2022)

Elizabeth Owens Blue Moon Tavern at the Park, LLC

Renewals continued from page 4 ►►

NATIONAL INDEPENDENT CONCESSIONAIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.

1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511

Phone: (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 803-8460

Email: nica@nicainc.org • Website: www.nicainc.org

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

q Mr. q Mrs. q Ms. First Name: Last Name: Name of Business:

For Off ice Use Only Date: #: q Member Renewal

Physical Address: City : State: Zip:

Mailing Address: City : State: Zip:

Primary Phone Number : 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

REGULAR MEMBERSHIP

q Regular Member

q Additional Member

$150

$100

q Employee Member $75

q Retired Member $50

BUSINESS / GROUP MEMBERSHIP

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.

q Food / Beverage

q Commercial Exhibitors / Retail / Merchants

q Attractions / Entertainment

q Games

q Guest Services

GENERAL ROUTING INFORMATION

List all states / provinces where you conduct your business.

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 :

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

A person or entity who provides services to the Concession Industry.

q Fair / Festival (over 75,000 attendance)

$150

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

q Manufacturer / Distributor / Supplier $150

q Carnival / Circus Operator $150

q Association / Special Services $150

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.

PAYMENT

q Cash q Check q Money Order #: q Visa q Mastercard q American Express q Discover

Credit Card #: Security Code: Expiration Date: TOTAL: 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. Applicant’s signature Date

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc.

1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511

Time Sensitive Mail • January / February 2025 Issue