June 2015 NICA News

Contents • June 2015 18 We Are All Winners!

27 The 2015 NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods Food Show Hits Record Attendance!

Activities & Events FEATURES 09 Thoughts from a CCE

Charles Ivory, CCE, Famous Gabby’s, Inc.

10 This Year’s Scholarship Winners 17 Living Legends Tom Powell

20 Concessionaires of the Month

Brian & Griffin Gillette, Gillete’s Catering, Inc. & Polar Bear Homemade Ice Cream Parlor

News & Articles 04 New & Renewing Members 05 President’s Message Joe Potillo, Jr.

05 Director’s Voice Stacia Markowitz

15 Association Announcements 16 Visiting the 2015 IAFE Management Conference

07 Hidden Object Contest 08 Join the 2015 Super Raffle Spectacular 30 NICA West 9th Annual Golf Tournament 33 Coca-Cola Membership Contest Board 33 June’s Crossword Puzzle 34 2015 Calendar of Events

AdvertiSers 34 Allied Specialty 09 K & K Insurance Insurance 23 Mr. G’s Quality 31 Alpha Baking Cut Meats Company 02 PepsiCo, Inc. 15 Berk Concession 23 Rio Syrup Supply Company, Inc. 08 Chestnut Identity 32 Sal’s T-Shirt Apparel, Inc. Company 19 Fanestil Meats 32 Sugardale Food 28 Fare Foods Service 06 Firestone Financial04 Swanel Beverage, 31 Heritage Insurance Inc. 08 Lasco Foods, Inc. 19 TasteMaker Foods

Dedicated to strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival, and Special Events Industries through effective communication, benefits, leadership, and solutions The National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. is a Florida Corporation with an Editorial and General Office located at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 • Office: (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 438-8928 • Web: 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 © 1993-2015 NICA, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Make sure to stay hydrated and have fun!

June 2015 NICA News

3

Welcoming Our New Members!

June Arner R and J Concessions, PA

Steve Aucoin Aucoin Concessions, ME

Matthew Hall Family Foods Inc., KS

Ronald Arner R and J Concessions, PA

Michael Dill Dill’s Deli, CA

James Houghton J and C Entertainment, LLC, PA

Connie Walts InnoSeal Systems, NC

This Month’s Member Renewals David Belcher The Eatery Huts and Footsie Wootsie (2009)

John Owens Volusia County Fair Association, Inc. (1999)

Mark Nichols Uncle Buck’s Concessions (2004)

Marvin Perzee Iroquois County AG & 4H Fair (2001)

Kris Ryan K & R Concessions (2014)

Phil Teague Hummel Group (2013)

Nick Strates Demetri’s Greek Foods (2009)

Jessica Underberg Erie County Fair (2014) Dave Westrum Westrums Quality Foods (2014)

Thank you to all of our New and Renewing Members for your continued support of NICA. Is your NICA membership renewal due soon? To find out, you can call the Office at (813) 438-8926, e-mail us at nica@nicainc.org, or check your account balance online at www.nicainc.org.

Whatever we do for you...Service is at the core of all we do since 1941!

Premium Fountain Syrups • Real Fruit Juices • Simple Syrup

Tasting Is Believing!

You can beat the high cost of brand name syrups & make your beverage program more profitable!

Fountain Syrup Dispensers and Ice Machines available for purchase.

Talk to your FARE FOODS salesman today or call for details 800-651-1601 4

June 2015 NICA News

President’s Message Joe Potillo, Jr., President

I hope everyone has been having a great and prosperous season thus far.

Temperatures are starting to warm up and summer events are starting all over the country.

We are happy to welcome our new Accountant/Bookkeeper Aris Rogers to the NICA Office staff. He has years of financial experience and will be working behind the scenes to make sure the office and NICA, as a whole, runs efficiently, as it pertains to his duties.

“

Thank you for ‘Getting Involved’ with NICA and continuing to work together to strengthen the association.

”

We are currently still on the search for an Executive Representative. In the meantime,

Rey O’Day has stepped up to the task in the interim, working with the office and ensuring that there is proper communication between the Board, the Office, and other outlets.

Yachika Smith’s first month as Office Manager has been a great success. The Board of Directors look forward to her new ideas, strategies, and their implementations, as well as her role in facilitating memberships.

Thank you for “Getting Involved” with NICA and continuing to work together to strengthen the association. The sheer amount of new memberships and renewals this year are proof positive that NICA is not only maintaining, but growing, and we can only do it with your help!

If you know anyone who may benefit from our member benefits, our fellowship of members, or could even help the association grow, tell them about us. Every member is important!

This month’s message is a short one due to an uptick in travel time for different events, but I wish you all safe travels to your next destination and a great month of June!

“Together We Can!” See you down the road! ▲

The Director’s Voice Stacia Markowitz, Treasurer

know that you are taking advantage of them and are happy with what is available. We also want to Hello everyone. It is know if you have any suggestions as to what type difficult to believe that it is of benefit you would like to see that we do not already June. This year is already have in place for you. just flying by!

Our NICA News magazine publishes the The Board had a very benefits periodically, and if you have any productive workshop questions on how to take advantage of them, in April. We met in please, call our office. They are there to help you.

Jacksonville, Florida and We will try to feature a benefit every month, so did our Strategic Planning look for it in this magazine. I personally love the session. We are moving Corporate Lodging Consultants (CLC) Card we forward and are very excited have. I have saved thousands on hotel bills since about the progress we made. We also hired a new we first started using it. It is free to NICA Members Office Manager who is there to help any member and if you travel even a small amount, it will save with their benefits, membership, or to provide you money on hotels. I found it so easy to use, I information about these things. even put the app on my phone.

One of the questions that came out of the workshop was whether or not our members are ►► “Director’s Voice” continued on page 7 using the benefits that NICA provides. We want to June 2015 NICA News

5

Past Presidents’ Council

Officers

President: Joe Potillo, Jr. 1st Vice President: Randy Reichert, CCE 2nd Vice President: Paulette Keene Secretary: Justin Sattler Treasurer: Stacia Markowitz

Directors Dennis Fraleigh Jennifer Giordano Dan Lusenhop Dominic Palmieri Kathy Ross

Immediate Past President Greg Miller, CCE

Tom Sattler, CCE Russ Harrison, CCE Richard Busse, CCE Tom Hodson, CCE Jim Hodson, CCE (Deceased) Tim O’Brien, CCE Ron Smith Adam McKinney, CCE Mike Pence, CCE Jack Woods, II, CCE Bob Hallifax, CCE Frank Parnell, CCE Larry Orme (Deceased) Larry Sivori Rich Wright Bill McKinney, CCE Arthur Pokorny, Jr. Gene O’Brien, CCE (Deceased)

NICA OFFICE

NICA WEST OFFICE

Executive Manager : Rey O’Day

National Representatives

WingsofFameProductions@gmail.com Duane Fischer

2130 Walnut St, La Verne, CA 91750 John Harkey David Higginbottom NICA West Council Charles Ivory, CCE Mike Markowitz Kim Barr Mike McGrath Milo Franks Kevin McGrath, II Nate Janousek Dannie Moreland Dan Lusenhop Etta Pence, CCE Ashley Murray David Spann Dale Smith R. Josh Stremmel Daryl Whicheloe, CCE George Wandrey, Jr. April Wood Ted Wentz Ed White

nica Northeast Council Tom Ferguson Kelly Grout Russ Harrison, CCE Vinnie Nelson Jim Staub, Jr.

Office Manager: Yachika Smith • nica@nicainc.org Communications Coordinator : Jesse Willard • communications@nicainc.org Accountant: Aris Rogers • accountant@nicainc.org

Are you Interested in becoming a National Representative, starting a Communications Committee, or learning more about NICA? Please give us a call at (813) 438-8926 or by emailing the NICA Office at nica@nicainc.org

FIRESTONE FINANCES THE CONCESSION INDUSTRY Contact us to learn how we can help grow your business! ⋄ ⋄ ⋄ ⋄

Seasonal payment options Secured working capital loans Financing for new and used rides Finance your concession trailers, bunkhouse, trucks, rides, generators and more!

1-800-851-1001 ext. 42 | www.firestonefinancial.com

6

June 2015 NICA News

“Director’s Voice” continued from page 5 ►►

I also want to mention that we are holding a membership drive this year. Please read the NICA News for details between now and December.

When you get to a Fair, do you have a Communications Committee there? Does NICA have a meeting or social there? If you sell food and drink are you using our Sysco/Source1 program? Have you purchased a new vehicle through our available programs?

And let’s not forget our Pepsi and Coke discount. These are there for you! Is there another vendor there that you think could benefit from being a NICA Member? Invite them in! If you don’t have an application or news magazine with you, call the NICA Office and they can provide it.

In closing, I would like to thank our membership for their efforts, support, and faith in NICA. All of you are truly why “Together We Can!”▲

Office Update !!

Æ

We are happy to introduce the newest member of our NICA Family, Aris Rogers! He joined our staff as our Accountant in mid-April.

He has many years of experience and education under his belt, and we Aris Rogers look forward to working with him as NICA grows! If you would like to contact him, you may call him at (813) 438-8926

Are You Signed up for Source1 Purchasing?

Participating in the NICA Sysco Marketplace is free to NICA Members and has no long term obligations. As a NICA Member, you are part of this nationwide buying group that translates to over 6,000 items at lower prices at any Sysco Operating House in the country. This program also pays quarterly rebates for purchases directly to your company!

To participate in the agreement savings, enroll by visiting nica.source1purchasing.com (clicking on “Let’s enroll”) or by calling (855) 888-6422.

Because many Concessionaires use a variety of products and specialty products, please contact your Sysco Sales Representative 1 – 2 months before you need the product delivered.

If you have any questions or need help through the process, please contact David Koretsky at (901) 881-1107 or toll free at (877) 717-5566, ext. 818. Also, you may e-mail him at david.koretsky@source1purchasing.com. ▲ or email him at accountant@nicainc.org.

Otherwise, the NICA Office has been hard at work this month processing new members, membership renewals, getting the next NICA News issue ready, compiling information for the NICA Now! email newsletter, contacting the Scholarship Entrants regarding their applications, updating office procedures, talking to members, redecorating the office, and more. Yachika Smith has definitely risen to the task as Office Manager!

If you have any questions or concerns, we are more than happy to help. ▲

HIDDEN OBJECT

Locate the Lost Sunscreen in the pages of this magazine & you can compete to win a prize: a Gift Card worth $25!

Find the Lost Sunscreen

BUt What if you Find it?

Contest!

Well, lucky reader, tell us where you think it is by entering online at www.nicainc.org/pages/hiddenobject You may also call the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926, mail your entry with the page number, general location, your name, address, and phone number to Hidden Object, NICA, 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511.

Member entries must be in the office by June 30, 2015. May’s Traffic Sign can be found on page 12 in the top-right image. The locator of April’s Lost Little Chick was Craig Ford, Ford Concessions. Congratulations!

Happy searching this June! The next winner could even be you!

June 2015 NICA News

7

Join the 2015 Super Raffle Spectacular!

Only 500 Tickets Available ! $25,000 in Prizes Awarded ! $20,000 Grand Prize $100 Donation 22 Winners !

A reverse drawing will be held February 2016 following the annual NICA General Membership Meeting at the NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 2016 Food Show

All tickets will be drawn!

1st.........$500 25 th......$100 50 th......$100 75 th......$100 100 th....$500 125 th....$100 150 th....$100

175 th....$100 350 th....$100 200 th....$500 375 th....$100 225 th....$100 400 th....$500 250 th....$100 425 th....$100 275 th....$100 450 th....$100 300 th....$500 475 th....$100 325 th....$100 499 th....$1,000 500 th....$20,000

WINNERS NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN!

The 2015 Super Raffle Spectacular is now open to both NICA Members and non-members. If interested in selling or purchasing tickets, contact us at the NICA Office by calling (813) 438-8926, emailing nica@nicainc.org, or stopping by our physical address at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511. There are a limited amount of tickets so get your order in today! And, as always, good luck! â–˛

8 June 2015 NICA News

Thoughts from a “In the past 27 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 weakness is imperative to proper placement. If an individual is not placed properly it will result in inefficiency, which cost time and money, also could lower the moral of the entire team.

As you know we work an average of twelve hours a day to make our earnings in three hours.

Good communication is 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 employee’s suggestions. Remember, they are the pit crew.

I have found that society as a whole does not have the same work Charles Ivory, CCE ethics that I am accustomed to. Employees are individuals and have Famous Gabby’s, Inc. a varying degree of capabilities. Therefore, it helps to take a little time CCE Earned in 2007 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 important success factor to your organization’s ability to get results. Remember, your employees are your number one resource.” ▲

As a trusted provider of concessionaires and vendor insurance, K&K is committed to helping you succeed by offering quality coverage and services designed for your organization. K&K’s expertise is respected throughout the industry; we are your solution for affordable insurance coverage. It’s easy to work with K&K—visit our website now for more information.

• Apply and buy online • Competitive rates and coverage • Over 60 years of insurance and claims experience

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

June 2015 NICA News

9

This Year’s Scho $3,000 Coca Cola CCE Scholarship Winner Dustin Kenna Attending the University of Indiana

Dustin Kenna is the son of Donald and Cecelia Kenna of Dickerson & Kenna Concessions. He graduated from Lebanon High School in May. He has been accepted and will be attending Indiana University.

Ever since Dustin was old enough to work, he has been heavily involved in the Fair business. He started off sweeping floors and picking up trash. Then, at 13 years old, he began working on the inside. Dustin has primarily worked at the Indiana State Fair with his family but has also traveled and worked for the Ohio, Oklahoma, and Kentucky State Fairs. During these travels he has learned to prioritize, multitask, and most importantly, how to provide customer service.

Dustin plans to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Once this is complete, he plans to take the information that he has learned in the marketing sector and apply it to the State Fair marketing division and the concession industry. In the near future he also plans on obtaining his Master’s degree in Marketing.

Kendall Gillette

Attending SUNY at Brockport

Kendall Gillette is the daughter of Brian and Sue Gillette of Gillette’s Catering.

She will be graduating from Oneonta High School in June. She has been accepted and will be attending State University of New York (SUNY) at Brockport.

Kendall was born into the concession world. She started traveling with her family at the age of ten days old! She experienced her first words, first friends, and first school on the road. When Kendall was old enough to see over the counter, she was waiting on customers and making change. Even still, when possible, she is working with her family on the road and making change!

Kendall plans to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science, specializing in the medical field. Her goal is to become a pediatrician to help children and their families. She says, “The concession business has taught me that if you love what you do, it isn’t work.”

Mariah Hansen

Attending Bemidji State University

Mariah Hansen is the daughter of Paul and Shellee Hansen of Hansen’s Festival Concessions. She graduated from Brandon Evansville High School in May. She has been accepted and will be attending Bemidji State University in the Fall of 2015.

Mariah experienced her first fair at the age of eight years old. She started off pouring pop for her mother and being the best helper she could be for her father.

Through working in the concession stands, Mariah has learned that she greatly enjoys people. She loves talking to, helping, and being around them!

10 June 2015 NICA News

olarship Winners Mariah plans on graduating with a four year degree in Social Work. Being that she has been raised in the concession industry and is a people’s person, she has chosen a career path that will allow her to help people and make a difference in their lives.

Micah Hansen

Attending North Dakota State University

Micah Hansen is also the daughter of Paul and Shellee Hansen of Hansen’s Festival Concessions. She is currently attending North Dakota State University, pursuing a Master’s degree in Education with a major in Counseling.

Micah has been brought up in the food concession business. Her abilities extend from serving, cooking, setting up/tearing down to handling money, managing employees, and overcoming obstacles that inevitably arise. Micah states, “Concessions is no longer a job for me, it’s a way of life.”

Micah will leave with her Master’s degree in Education, majoring in Counseling. Once this is complete, she plans on becoming a licensed clinical mental health counselor, working with victims of sexual abuse and trauma. Micah attributes any professional success she has is due to her upbringing in the concession world.

Brooke Kozelou

Attending Iowa State University

Brooke Kozelou is the daughter of Bruce and Cindy Kozelou of 3 B Concessions. She will be graduating from Burlington High School in June. She has been accepted and will be attending Iowa State University in the Fall of 2015.

Brooke was born into the concession business in 1997. She began with taking a small gumball machine to every Fair. Her responsibility was to keep it clean and stocked. From that time until now, she has grown into working in her parents’ trailer, as well as her own! She manages food stands, designs uniforms, creates signage, and assists in filling positions.

Brooke plans on graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree, specializing in Apparel, Merchandise and Design. Her goal is to fufill a dream of fashion merchandising and one day her own creations. Her experience of working with her family’s concession business has taught her responsibility, management skills, and a drive for entrepreneurship.

Holland Miller

Attending Marshall University

Holland Miller is the son of Greg and Janey Miller of Miller & Company. He is currently attending Marshall University, pursuing a Masters of Science Degree in Accounting.

Holland has grown up in the Fair industry, starting out at nine years old working lunch break and operating the cash register. As he grew older, he started to help cook and manage larger parts of the operation. At age 17, he began managing individual units by himself and taking responsibility for all operations

►► “Scholarship Winners” continued on page 12 June 2015 NICA News

11

“Scholarship Winners” continued from page 11 ►► and employees. By the age of 19, he had advanced to an advisory position.

Holland plans on graduating with his Master’s degree in Accountancy, and his CPA certification in the Spring of 2016. His career plan is to learn as much as he can in public accounting and then apply that knowledge to the concession business. He wants to be the 3rd generation owner of Miller & Company to continue to grow in an industry that has afforded him so many opportunities.

Peyton Miller

Attending Marshall University

Peyton Miller is also the son of Greg and Janey Miller of Miller & Company.

He is currently attending Marshall University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting.

Peyton was born into the concession business and began working on the fairground around the age of nine. He began by running stock and making drinks.

He has been traveling with his family’s business during the summer for the past ten years. When he’s not attending school and working on the fairgrounds, he does almost all possible tasks, including managing his father’s units.

Peyton plans on graduating with his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. After he graduates, he plans on pursuing a career in the accounting field. He states, “I chose to pursue an accounting degree so I could apply my education to the fair industry and possibly consult with vendors in the business to make the industry stronger as a whole.”

Mary-Katherine Ousey

Attending Austin Community College

Mary-Katherine Ousey is the daughter of Michael and Kirsten Ousey of Mad Hatter Concessions. She will be graduating from San Marcos High School in June. She has been accepted and will be attending Austin Community College in the Fall of 2015.

Mary was born into the Fair industry and has been raised in the business her entire life. She has always worked and been involved with wiping down tables, picking up trash, folding towels, and running the cash register. She is currently being trained to become a manager alongside her siblings.

Mary plans to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science, specializing in Diagnostic Sonography. Her goal is to become a medical diagnostic sonographer and work with expecting mothers. She will continue to work for her family’s business during holiday breaks until she finds a job in her field.

Emily Porcelli

Attending the University of Florida

Emily Porcelli is the daughter of Edward and Sandra Porcelli of Spaghetti Eddie. She graduated from New Smyrna Beach High School in May. She has been accepted and will be attending the University of Florida in the Fall of 2015.

Emily has been working for her family’s business ever since she can remember. She started serving customers when she was only a toddler, and since then, she’s branched out by working for other concessionaires too. Emily attributes being responsible, outgoing, and determined to her life on the road.

Emily plans on obtaining her Dental degree while majoring in Biochemistry.

She is currently dual-enrolled at Daytona State College. She will then transfer into the University of Florida with her Associates degree and will continue to earn her professional Dental degree.

►► “Scholarship Winners” concluded on page 14 12

June 2015 NICA News

Member’s Voice We love to hear from our Members! Their Voice is what helps our organization move forward. The NICA Office has been recording the responses from their continuing survey of Renewing Members.

Lee Amos, Big Onion Concessions, started his business in 1999. He joined NICA in 2002 because of the advice of many of his friends in the business. His relationship with NICA has been very good because he feels that NICA works very hard for its Members and the Association itself.

Lee believes in professionalism and belongs to several other related associations. It is his belief that one should “do the best you can and be courteous while doing it.” Lee said that several people call him for his advice, and to quote his wife Debra, “He always has an answer, whether right or wrong.” Seriously though, he tries to always be correct or tries to find the right answer.

“If we work together, things just work better. I always try to be better than my competitor.” He feels that the best benefits for him are the NICA News and the annual NICA Membership Directory.

The former helps him to stay up with what’s going on and the latter has valuable information on who sells what, who does what, and how to connect with whomever. He hopes that NICA and the other organizations continue to work on the labor issues that are still unresolved.

Mic Cox, Red Barn Elephant Ears, started in 1975 and he commented that he was glad to see NICA come into existence. He stated that he is getting ready to retire and will be turning the business over to his children and grandchildren.

He can definitely see a difference since NICA’s inception, especially in the ability for NICA to communicate with others. He has made use of the many NICA Benefits and he even mentioned that one of his Fairs, the Genesee County Fair in Michigan, actually gives a $100 discount per location if you are a NICA Member. This alone more than covers his dues! Mic especially enjoys

reading the NICA News, as he can catch up on Fairs and find out what’s generally happening in the industry. He especially likes to read about events that he does not play to see the differences across the country. “Please continue doing the NICA News!”

Larry Smith, Gold Concessions, joined NICA in the beginning stages because he was good friends and shared the beliefs of NICA founders Gene O’Brien and Larry Orme. He said that he is semi-retired and does not make as much use of the NICA Benefits as he should. Larry makes a lot of special events, but not so much at Fairs. He did have a problem with one of the NICA Benefits that the staff hopes will be resolving soon. Reading the NICA News is something that he enjoys, as he likes to see who is in it and what is happening in other places.

Arnold Blewer, Arnold’s Concessions, expressed his relationship with NICA as being very good. He has enjoyed having such an organization and wanted to say thanks to the pioneers for forming it and to those who have kept it going all this time. He likes the camaraderie with other

►► “Member’s Voice” continued on page 14 June 2015 NICA News

13

“Scholarship Winners” continued from page 12 ►►

Spencer Ruda

Attending Loyola Marymount University

Spencer Ruda is the son of Gregory and Tammy Ruda of Ruda Concessions, Inc. He will be graduating from Gorham High School in June. He has been accepted and will be attending Loyola Marymount University in the Fall of 2015.

Spencer has always worked in the concession business since his childhood.

He’s helped to set up and tear down tents, operate souvenir stands, load and unload trucks and trailers, as well as pack stock in the storage units. He works some weekends in the spring and works all events during his summer vacations.

Spencer’s career goals are to attend Loyola Marymount University as an undergraduate and receive a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics. He would then go on to pursue a graduate program to get a Master’s degree in Economics. After he graduates from college he plans to work local events, fairs, and festivals in his home area with his own stands. He states, “This industry has served my parents well, and I look forward to having the same success.”

Sally Young

Attending Owens Community College

Sally Young is the daughter of Ron and Dixie Withers of Withers Concessions.

She is currently attending Owens Community College, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Sally has literally grown up in the concession business. She has spent every summer of her entire life making it work. Her experience in the concession business has shown her what it is to be a good employee, a good leader, and how to manage her time and finances. She currently works as the manager and would like to eventually take over the business once her parents retire.

Sally is currently pursuing her degree in Nursing. She plans to be both an entrepreneur and a health care professional. She would like to be a school nurse so that she can be near the kids and have a role in their education, yet running her family’s concession business at the same time. ▲

“Member’s Voice” continued from page 11 ►►

“Concessionaire” on the weekends, traveling only in Ohio and across the river in Kentucky to their events. As Tara put it, she is not “a full blown members. For most part it is a joy and a privilege Concessionaire,” working on the weekends only. to have an organization like NICA. The benefits are great, especially Pepsi, Fare Foods and Sysco. She also said that she really appreciates what other Concessionaires have to do, as she knows He admitted that he needs to use some of the other benefits and take advantage of them as well, they work ten times longer than most other jobs.

Admitting that she only glances at the NICA News, such as the CheckInn Direct Card and Sherwin she feels that using the Pepsi benefit probably Williams. When asked if he read the NICA News helps her break even with her dues. They originally online he replied he did not use computers for anything; he was strictly “old fashioned.” He also started out selling their ice cream at local events and people eventually asked them to sell their wants NICA to continue to discuss issues such food items. They soon bought another trailer and as the plastic bottle vs bag-in-box issue and set it up for a food operation. They now work both more DOT regulations. “NICA is a very, very good trailers at their events. organization, no two ways about that!”

The NICA Office plans to continue these calls Tara Davis, Rockin Robin Shoppe, is not a to our renewing members throughout 2015. If you typical Food Concessionaire, in that she and hear from us, let us know what’s on your mind! ▲ her husband both have full time jobs and only 14

June 2015 NICA News

Association

Announcements Do you have any news that you would you like to contribute to our announcements section?

Contact the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926 or e-mail nica@nicainc.org to share your information and/or photos.

Join NICA West’s Golf Tournaments!

The 9th Annual NICA West Golf Tournament takes place on June 22, 2015, during the San Diego County Fair, at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club in Solana Beach, CA. See page 21 or visit www.nicainc.org for your chance to sign up.

In addition, the 9th Annual NICA West/Fairplex CDC Golf Tournament takes place on September 14, 2015, during the LA County Fair, at Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona, CA. More details on this event will be announced soon.

Directory Update Forms Mailing Out to Members!

It is that time of year again! On June 12, 2015 the NICA Office will be sending out Directory Updates in the mail to you. The information that you will provide will be our guideline for creating your entry in the 2016 NICA Membership Directory. No changes?

No problem! If so, you will have until August 15, 2015 to send your updates. If you would like to buy an ad in the directory, see page 29 for our updated ad insertion order.

Your #1 Source for Concession Supplies!

June 2015 NICA News

15

“Have all the Fun You Want, We’ll Make More!”

Visiting the 2015 IAFE Management Conference Russ Harrison, CCE, Past-President & Northeast Council Member, IAFE Director-at-Large The 2015 IAFE Management Conference was held in Buffalo, New York, from April 30th to May 3rd, 2015. As described on the IAFE’s website, this conference is “designed for upper level management staff” and “only open to fair members. Program highlights include presentation of new CFEs, workshops, and keynote speakers, committee meetings, a facility tour, and ample time for networking.” It was hosted by the Erie County Fair’s Denny Lang and Jessica Underberg, who

Denny Lang, CFE, Erie County Fair, Jessica Underberg, Erie County Fair & Zone 1 Director, Rick Vymlatil, Zone 2 Director, Florida Federation of Fairs & South Florida Fair, John Sykes, CFE, East Texas State Fair

Rick Frenette, CFE, Wisconsin State Fair, Roxie Mayberry, Alaska State Fair, Debbie Dreyfus-Schronk, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Jim Sinclair, Minnesota State Fair, Adam Heffron, Wisconsin State Fair

16

June 2015 NICA News

Fun-tastic Fair Facts!

This year, Erie County Fair is going to be open from August 12-23, 2015. This Fair has almost 200 years of history, having originally been held in 1820 and will be currently celebrating its 176th year. Last year, they set a new record with a paid attendance of 1,220,101. also serves as an IAFE Zone 1 Director.

The Conference kicked off Thursday with a Board of Directors’ meeting, at which it was decided that the 2018 IAFE Annual Convention will be held in San Antonio, Texas.

The Conference Program included educational workshops, guest speakers Tom Moses, Mayor of the Village of Hamburg, motivational speaker Dan Quiggle, Certified Fair Executive (CFE) presentation, a bus trip to Niagara Falls, and a tour of the Erie County Fairgrounds.

A fun horse auction and race benefiting the IAFE Education Foundation raised over $10,000!

The convention ended with a bang on Sunday with guest speaker Brian Whitman. ▲

IAFE Certified Fair Executive Class of 2015

►► “Have all the Fun” continued on page 22

Introducing...

Living Legends National Independent Concessionaires Association proudly presents a new peek into the history of our industry. First, we’ll examine the life and career of Tom Powell, currently the “Goodwill Ambassador” at OABA, and previously as a writer and reporter for many publications including Amusement Business.

We were happy to get his take on his career, the industry, and NICA in the following interview. Enjoy!

Thank you for your time, Mr. Powell, and congratulations on being selected as NICA’s first Living Legend! How did your legend begin?

I was born in 1933 in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

My dad was an Anthracite coal miner, and he vowed I would never work in the mines. I went to West Scranton High School, graduated in 1951, and at the urging of my parents, Thomas and Alice, I enrolled at the Jesuit-operated University of Scranton. I worked 40 hours a week at the Scranton Tribune, having started off as a copy boy there while in high school, working 10 PM to midnight for 75 cents an hour. I was thrilled to get my foot in the door! I received a degree in accounting in 1955, having usually gone to school from 9 AM to 3 PM and working nightly from 4 PM to 1 AM. I then worked for the General Accounting office in Washington, D.C. for a year, until I was drafted into the U. S. Army from July 3, 1956 to July 2, 1958. I then worked as a sports writer for the Nashville Tennessean from 1958 to1972, covering NASCAR, Indy 500s, World Series, the Ali-Frazier boxing match at Madison Square Garden on March 8, 1971, college bowl games, and many other events.

My first wife, Rosamond, died of cancer at 48. She is the mother of our four children. Julia Mulherin is 56; Alice Stanley, 54; Tom Powell, Jr., 49, and Kevin, 48. My wife of 23 years, Christine, was a Food Concessionaire with Deggeller, Gooding’s Million Dollar Midways, Myers, Drew, Rod Link Shows, etc. I interviewed Roy Rogers at the Oklahoma City State Fair and then went back to help her serve hot dogs and count change.

That was kind of funny, but the grab joint was the hardest work I ever did!

I went back to the Scranton paper for a while in 1972 until Publisher Walter Heeney hired me as a reporter at Amusement Business in Nashville. I was editor there for 34 years until, after 106 years,

Tom Powell (on the right) with his wife Christine & OABA 2015 Pioneer Award Winner Jerry Barber

it shut down in 2006. I have written five columns a month since for the Outdoor Amusement Business Association, four online, and one for the monthly Showtime Magazine, plus an article for the annual Marquis Directory. At AB, we covered arenas, stadiums, amusement parks, fairs, carnivals, food operations, the music industry, sports, and all forms of outdoor entertainment. Amusement Business was The Outdoor Billboard and originally Billboard, the two having split in 1970. I took the job once held by Jimmy Buffett, who was trying to get his foot into the business.

What is your current opinion on the direction of the Fair and Festival industry?

The direction is good! With good marketing and promotion, Fairs flourish. The public always wants to be entertained and Fairs offer this at an affordable price. Weather is the key for Fairs and Carnivals. As they say, when they get the weather, the money is there. However, they must keep up with current trends and technology. I believe the successful ones are doing that. ►► “Living Legends” continued on page 22 June 2015 NICA News

17

We Are All Winners!

Celebrating NICA with a Poker Fundraiser at the Pima County Fair Rey O’Day, NICA West Executive Manager

I flew to Phoenix and drove through the desert to the Pima County Fair in Tucson on a drop dead gorgeous day. While driving, Jim Tucker, IAFE CEO, reminded me that the Pima Air and Space Museum (which brags to have 150 planes outdoors) calls Tucson home and sure enough, I saw those planes off in the distance. The hills were covered with cactus toy soldiers and flowers were blooming everywhere. I realized that one of the gifts of being a Concessionaire is to be able to see and enjoy the geographic uniqueness of this great country.

My first stop was to find Dominic Palmieri, NICA Board Member, because he had arranged a visit with our Sysco Marketing Associates, Barry Antle and Thomas Bannan. This Sysco group followed the pattern of most of our Sysco houses. When I mentioned the NICA Sysco Arizona Marketing Sysco Marketplace Associates Barry Antle & program to the Sales Thomas Brannan Representatives during my visit two years ago, they greeted me with skepticism and little knowledge of the program.

Last year, Concessionaires and Sales began to find their way to the program.

Now in year three, it has taken off! Here is what Barry had to say at the end of the fair: “Well we

Sysco loves delivering full truckloads at the Pima County Fair

wrapped up this weekend with another positive Fair experience. Sysco Sales were up 25%. A great strategic partnership is being developed between NICA and Sysco. I want to thank Dominic for his continued effort to help me grow my Sysco accounts within NICA; this is a win-win for all of us. As we grow numbers we gain greater Op-Co support.” His colleague, Tom, added, “It was my pleasure to spend time with you and Dominic. I appreciate both of you taking time out your busy day to meet with Barry and me. I look forward to more adventures in the future!”

Fun-tastic Fair Facts!

The Pima County Fair is located in Tucson, Arizona and ran this year from April 16-26, 2015, celebrating its 105th year. This year’s attendance reached 308,000, breaking last year’s attendance record of 292,000 visitors.

18

June 2015 NICA News

Darin Lusenhop, Jeanne’s Artichokes, and nephew at their commercial memorabilia stand at the Pima County Fair

►► “We Are All Winners” continued on page 24

fanestils.com Fare Foods Product Description All Meat Hot Dogs: Pre-Skewered 7” (9/1) Hot Dog 10# Box Pre-Skewered 6” (10/1) Hot Dog 10# Box Pre-Skewered 10” (6/1) Hot Dog 10# Box Regular Hot Dog 10” (6/1) 10# Box Regular Hot Dog 7” (6/1) 10# Box Polish Sausage (3/1) 10# Box Italian Sausage (3/1) 10# Box BBQ Pulled Pork Tubs (5-lb tubs) 20# Box Chicken Hot Dogs: Pre-Skewered 6” (10/1) Pre-Skewered 10” (6/1)

Custom Sizes Available with Volume Requirements

Proudly Distributed by Fare Foods • 800-651-1601

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 June 2015 NICA News

19

Concessionaires of the Month Brian & Griffin Gillette Gillette’s Catering, Inc. & Polar Bear Homemade Ice Cream Parlor Oneonta & Otego, NY - Brian and Griffin “Griff” Gillette are brothers. They grew up working as Concessionaires and today these brothers specialize in ice cream and pizza, with Brian running Gillette Catering, Inc., which includes his Gillette’s Pizza stand, and Griffin “Griff” Gillette running Polar Bear Homemade Ice Cream Parlor.

NICA News: Thank you for being able to speak to us! How long have you been Concessionaires and members of NICA? Brian Gillette: I’ve been a NICA Member for as long as I can remember. I recall the very first NICA meeting at the Southwest Florida Fair in West Palm. As a matter of fact, it was our very first event as Gillette Catering, too. I guess you can say we have the same anniversary: 1993.

Griffin Gillette: I have been a Concessionaire and a NICA Member since day one as well.

NN: What made you join NICA? BG: At first I joined to belong to a group that represented the “little guy.” It was to represent the small businessperson, giving us a voice.

GG: I was at the first meeting when NICA was being created and I wanted to be a part of it.

NN: How did you get in to the concession business?

BG: My career in the fair business started when I was just eight or nine years old. My Grandparents owned a barbeque restaurant and each Summer they would attend several local County Fairs, serving their goods.

Griff, our sister, and our cousins would take turns going to help. Upon their retirement, my Aunt Brian & Griff’s first pizza! & Uncle took over 20

June 2015 NICA News

Brian & Griff Gillette in their younger days

the restaurant and we continued to work at the restaurant and those local fairs throughout our high school years. Gillette Catering, better known as Gillette’s Pizza and Slush Works was formed after drumming up the courage to ask my Uncle John & Aunt Joan for a $25,000 loan during my senior year of college. I purchased a repossessed bratwurst trailer from Uni-Glide (one person’s failure was my window into the business) and the rest is history! Ironically, Gillette’s Pizza and Slush Works operate at these very same events almost 40 years later.

GG: I think Brian covered it. My Associate and Bachelor degrees are in Restaurant and Hotel Management, and my family has been in the business since the 1950’s, so I took the challenge!

The Gillette’s Bar-B-Que stand, where it all started!

NN: What do you like most about being a Concessionaire?

BG: Taking pride in what we do! We love it when a customer tells us they come every year just to buy our pizza, calzone, or stromboli.

GG: The ability to travel and go to work in different locations.

NN: What are your most popular or best selling products?

BG: With the Pizza concession, we only sell three food products: pizza, calzone, and stromboli; that’s it! Granted, we sell many different varieties of each. Chicken, bacon, and ranch pizza has been steadily growing each year along with calzone and stromboli sales. Our Slush Works concession now offers Jolly Rancher brand slush along with ICEE brand Frozen Coke, Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, and Pepsi Freeze depending on the event sponsor.

Blue Raspberry is always the most popular flavor.

GG: Our homemade hard ice cream, of which we have over 360 delicious flavors!

NN: Do you have any new items coming to your menu this year?

BG: We’ve expanded our beverage offering adding the previously named flavors to our Pizza and

Brian & Sue getting first award at Georgia National Fair

Griff’s Polar Bear Homemade Ice Cream Parlor

Slush concessions. The industry trend is to add menu items, our philosophy is to be GREAT at just a few items.

GG: We are always creating new items such as the “Sticky Pig on a Stick” which was debuted at this year’s Miami-Dade Youth Fair.

NN: What’s something people don’t know about you or your business?

BG: Well, people should know I may be the face of Gillette’s Pizza and Slush Works but my wife, Sue, is the backbone; behind every good man is a great woman! Our business wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our family and friends.

I can’t tell you how grateful we are to be blessed with friends who have dropped everything to come help for a weekend, drive a truck, help with Brian’s Slush Works stand our kids, take care

►► “Concessionaires” continued on page 26 June 2015 NICA News

21

How Has Your Experience Been with NICA? Over the next year, the NICA Office will be continuing calling a portion of our membership in order to ask them a few questions about their experience with NICA. This may include questions about your usage of member benefits, what you would like NICA to do differently, and how NICA has affected your way of life. You can see some of the responses we have received on page 13.

If you have your own story to tell or photos of your experience, please call the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926 or complete an online content submission by visiting our website at www.nicainc.org, hovering over “NICA News” on the toolbar, and selecting “Submit Your Content” - alternatively, you may e-mail your story to communications@nicainc.org. We look forward to seeing what is on your mind and how you would like to get involved. “Together We Can!” ▲ “Living Legends” continued from page 17 ►►

people in the Gibtown, Tampa, and Miami Clubs, Showmen’s League, OABA, IAFE, and NICA are basically the same, with common interests, and What are some funny stories that you should find ways to work together. Ron Porter has experienced in your career? been a vital force in helping NICA grow as well I asked a guy named Paul Vilcho to spell his name and he began with P—A—U—L and I said, ”I as some other leaders, including the late Johnny know how to spell Paul.” Jim Strates, who smoked Holmes, Gene O’Brien, Larry Sivori, etc. cigars profusely, quit for a while, gave me a lecture How do you feel that the industry has changed? on their evils while at the fair in Gaithersburg, and Mostly for the better, although many say the by the time of Las Vegas, he was smoking again. camaraderie is not what it once was. Everything is There are so many that I just can’t think of now. I so much more professional and businesslike, but gave a lecture to a Flattie about how he and others hiring help has always been a problem. were hurting people with honest games, and later What do you like to do in your spare time? learned that he was one of the biggest Flat Store If there is a baseball game on TV I have Agents of them all! something to do. I love baseball, basketball, and football the most, though I covered every Daytona Any notable public figures that you have 500, Firecracker 400, and Indy 500 for 15 years. interviewed or written about?

I love being around the people in the business Many including Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, and that’s what I write about mostly: the people.

Jack Dempsey, Stan Musial, Lyndon Johnson, Christine and I have a lot of fun attending Fairs, Augie Busch’s daughter Suzi Tranquil Busch, visiting Carnivals, and being around nice people.

Richard Petty, Cassius Clay, Willie Nelson, Bill France, Tony Hulman, Pete Maravich, Irving Azoff, How does it feel to be considered a “Living Buddy Lee, Denzil Skinner, Duke Smith, George Legend” in your field?

Zambelli, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Tom Heinsohn, Thrilled, honored, and truly appreciative. I love Tip O’Neil, Marty Robbins, and Monsignor Robert going back to the old neighborhood in Scranton.

J. McCarthy, who I wrote a book about. He will be Any other experiences you would like to share 96 on July 1st and was a Carnival Priest. our readers?

What are your plans for the future?

I’ll be glad to answer any questions. I have Keep doing the same thing and always try to never regretted going to work and for that, I am do it better. one of the lucky ones. I have never had a resume, How do you feel about NICA’s role in the Fair/ never been out of work, and have always loved Festival industry? what I do!

NICA fills a big role. It got people active who I have lots of opinions if you have questions, were never involved in other organizations; kind and I’ll be as truthful with you as possible. Thanks of like finding a home. It’s my theory that the for this honor! ▲ 22

June 2015 NICA News

RIO SYRUP CO.

St. Louis, MO 63103 | 800-325-7666 | www.riosyrup.com Distributed through Fare Foods 1-800-651-1601

Since 1947

Email us at customerservice@mrgsmeats.com or call 800-444-6747 to order samples.

For 60 years we have offered only the highest quality meat products.

Our products are available from Fare Foods 800-651-1601

 Beef, Pork & Chicken Kabobs  Specialty Kabobs  Beef Philly Steak  Marinated Ribeyes & More!

725 Industrial Rd., Chillicothe, MO 64601

www.mrgsmeats.com June 2015 NICA News

23

“We Are All Winners” continued from page 18 ►► Now it was time to prepare for the evening Poker and Pizza Tournament, which of course meant finding nourishment and sustenance in the way of Fair Food! In my John Needham, Polynesian wanderings I visited Shave Ice, just became a with many of our current new NICA Member with the and prospective NICA encouragement of longtime member, Gary Morse, Gary Members.I also found Morse Concessions Pima County Fair CEO, Jon Baker, who so graciously provided the Cantina for our event. Folks are starting to gather at the bar and around the pizzas (donated by Odyssey Foods) as the appointed hour approaches.

And at that very bar, we gather a new member John Needham, Polynesian Shave Ice, who was hanging out with NICA Member Gary Morse, Gary Morse Concessions.

Nate Janousek arrives in his “gambler” duds and Steve Marcus, Steve’s Concessions, also becomes a new NICA Member. The camaraderie then starts to build in the room!

Committee Chairs Jay Nate Janousek, Fun Biz Wells, Wells Concessions, Concessions & NICA Dan Lusenhop, Jeanne’s West Council, comes Artichokes, and Dominic dressed to gamble!

Palmieri, Odyssey Foods, had everything in place, and Food Concession Manager Phyllis Armbruster made all of the logistics go “smooth as butter.” My job was to greet and collect the donated buy-in money. The tables were sponsored by Nate and Stephanie Janousek, Fun Biz Concessions, Steve Marcus, Steve’s Concessions, and Josh Pima County Poker and Morgan Stremmel, Tournament Greeter Rey Top Notch Concessions. O’Day, NICA West Executive Manager The cacophony of laughing, groaning, clicking poker chips, clanking glasses and joyful shouting punctuated the 24

June 2015 NICA News

Feel the frenzy of poker-fuelded action in the air!

The beginning of the end... the Final Round!

evening until we were down to the Final Round!

Stacy Doane, Pony Espresso, was the Third Place $100 Winner, Jeremy Radek, RCS, was the Second Place $200 Winner, and Mamadou Diop, Mamadu’s Village, was the First Place $300 Winner of the First Annual Pima County Fair/NICA Poker & Pizza Tournament! Mamadou’s response: “I love this game!” If you know him, you know he has that kind of energy about everything in his life.

Third Place Winner Stacy Doane, First Place Winner Mamadou Diop & Second Place Winner Jeremy Radek

Everyone was given raffle tickets throughout the evening, so following the tournament all had a chance to win again. The raffle prizes were provided by donations from Pima County Fair (RV space for next year’s fair), the Wells Family, Wells Concessions, Mike and Sandi Bliss, Sleek Greek, Dominic and Kim Palmieri, Odyssey Foods, LLC, Gary Morse, Gary Morse Concessions,

Dan Lusenhop, Jeanne’s Artichokes, Rey O’Day, Wings of Fame Productions, Papa Gino and Maria Garofalo, Papa Gino’s Pizza, Jose De La Cruz, Backyard BBQ Village, Mark and Vivian Leavitt, Viv’s Café, Rob and Mel Blomsness, Passport Concessions, and Pat McGorty, RCS, winning the “big” raffle Guy and Charlene Leavitt, prize!

Ray Cammack Shows. Pat McGorty, the tournament’s Fourth Runner-up, won the last raffle prize of the evening, a large grill, which he received with a big smile!

At 2:00 AM, that smile was inside everyone as they left to catch some Z’s. The next morning, as a thank you, Stacy Doane, Pony Espresso, provided free coffee to all NICA Members. It is a new day and we are all WINNERS! “Together We Can!” ▲

The famous “Loser’s Table” where you could play the night away for free!

Poker Tournament Co-chairs: Jay Wells, Dan Lusenhop & Dominic Palmieri

A glimpse at the lot of raffle prizes!

Dominic Palmieri, Odyssey Foods & NICA Board Member, Willie Madaus, Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls & Thomas Sanders, B & J Concessions, took this photo together so Willie could have his first photo in the NICA News ever!

“Have all the Fun” continued from page 18 ►►

Becky Brashear, IAFE 2nd Vice Chair & Maryland State Fair, Marlene PiersonJolliffe, IAFE Past Chair, State Fair of Virginia & Marla Calico, IAFE COO

Jennifer Giesike, Washington Town & County Fair, Gary Slater, Iowa State Fair & Virginia Ludy, Canadian National Exhibition

Jerry Richard, CFO & Gene Cassidy, CEO, Eastern States Exposition

We had so many great pictures that we had to leave some out of this issue, but make sure to visit our online photo gallery at www.nicainc.org/pages/photogallery to see more of this month’s photos!

June 2015 NICA News

25

“Concessionaires” continued from page 21 ►► of the house and on and on. It’s taken a village to make us what we are today.

GG: Something that people might not know is that I am also a pilot and flew for American Airlines for a period of time; I was also the 2005 Small Business Man of the Year for New York State, for which I was honored at the White House by ThenPresident Bush. I also run a large excavation, landscape, and development business on the side.

All grown up: Susan, Peyton (15), Kendall (18) & Brian Otherwise, every batch of our ice cream is made from scratch, right in the concession stand!

GG: There is definitely a lot more regulation and paperwork since I first started out. I wish that the application process would be uniform thoughout the industry.

Dawn & Griff Gillette between Gary & Joan Tweedie & Dick & Joan Rowland in front of Polar Bear Ice Cream

NN: How has the concession business changed since you first started out?

BG: Changed? Yes, you can say it has changed.

In the past couple years, I’d say DOT has had a large impact on our industry. If you’re not willing to comply, you might better close up shop. The concession business has given me so many opportunities that it would be selfish to wish for change.

The present day look of Brian’s Gillette’s Pizza stand

26

June 2015 NICA News

NN: What’s been the highlight of your career?

BG: That’s easy, Wild Bill told me I’m the best in the business. We’ve received our share of Concessionaire awards over the years, and don’t get me wrong, nothing makes you feel better than having a Fair Board headed your way with a ribbon or plaque. It’s just not the same; when Wild Bill tells you “YOU’RE GOOD!” you’ve won. Thanks Mike Lis! GG: Winning over 40 First Place Concessionaire awards and being very fortunate to meet many great people through the concession business.

NN: What’s been most influential to your business success within the past five years?

BG: Experience! I was just a kid when I started out. Over the past five years I’ve learned to draw from my experience of dealing with customers, Fair Boards, local government, my kids’ teachers, health departments, and so on. With age comes experience...

GG: Working with David Gilbert and David Easterwood of Waymatic Trailer Manufacturing.

The entire experience from planning to pickup of our new trailer was an amazing experience and the quality was outstanding.

NN: What’s the funniest thing that has happened in your Concessionaire career or travels?

BG: It’s funny now, but at the time, my father-inlaw didn’t think it was so funny! While Sue and I were “dating” in college, she had to go to her father and take $7000 out of the bank to buy her boyfriend a mixer to make pizza dough. To this day, I’ve never paid her back, and she still tells me

The 2015 NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods Food Show

Hits Record Attendance!

Audrey Poole, Fare Foods, Vice President of Business Development

The 2015 NICA Business Expo/Fare Foods Food Show was a huge success! Over 1000 people attended the event. Concessionaires had the opportunity to see what the new food trends were as well as earning additional allowances for attending the Food Show. Fare Foods works with the vendors who exhibit at the Food Show to arrange these additional allowances. At the end of the year, Fare Foods compiles all purchases with these additional allowances and pays the Concessionaires. Last year, Fare Foods paid over $120,000 in allowances to Food Show attendees who participated! You too could earn these allowances by attending the Food Show this upcoming year. Mark your calendar to attend the

2016 Food Show: February 8 - 10, 2016.

Several new vendors exhibited in the Food Show this year, as well as existing vendors exhibiting many new items. The most popular new item was Nathan’s Hot Dogs. Please contact Fare Foods for more information on the Nathan’s program and how you can receive the Point of Sale package. Mark your calendars to attend the 2016 Food Show and you too could earn additional monies. Fare Foods continues to solicit new vendors and additional monies for the Concessionaires. If you need an additional copy of the Food Show exhibitors, please contact Fare Foods and we will be happy to send you a copy.

Call Fare Foods today for your next event. ▲

she’s leaving and taking her mixer with her! All I can say is, “Thank God that Hobart makes such a heavy mixer” or I’d have lost them both on a few stressful Saturdays!

GG: When customers walk up to our ice cream trailer and ask for sausage, fried dough, and french fries!

throughout the industry.

NN: What do you like to do in your free time?

BG: Spending time with family and friends.

At home we spend a good bit of time with the Oneonta Youth Soccer Association. As an organization, we are trying to save the former Soccer Hall of Fame Soccer campus for our area youth. I’m utilizing the 20 plus years of running my concession business to do my part in giving back to our hometown community. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching both my daughters’ soccer teams, creating fond memories.

GG: I enjoy flying planes, hunting, and spending time with my family in my off time.

NN: What do you like best about NICA? BG: The communication between Concessionaires and between Concessionaires and Fairs.

GG: That NICA is trying to improve the quality of our business and strengthen relationships

NN: What are you looking forward to this year?

BG: I’m looking forward to watching our oldest daughter Kendall take on college and becoming an even more independent young lady. Otherwise, we are enjoying our youngest daughter’s last two years of high school, watching her grow into a wonderful young woman.

GG: I’m looking forward to hearing from my daughter while she is on foreign exchange in Belgium and seeing all of the people I have became friends with on my Fair route again.

NN: Thank you both for talking with us! Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

BG: Take pride in what you do and you will have success!

GG: I would like to thank NICA for selecting us as the Concessionaires of the Month. I’m looking forward to another 25 years of serving great ice cream products to Fairgoers! ▲ Is there a NICA Member who you’d like to nominate to be considered for the Concessionaire of the Month? Call the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926 or send an email to communications@nicainc.org with your nominee and the reason behind your choice.

June 2015 NICA News

27

The Fry Basket

By Jesse Willard

▲

A year’s worth of advertising...

At one low price!

Your ad in the 2016 NICA Membership Directory will put you and your business in front of Concessionaires, Fair Management, and more throughout 2016. See the Insertion Order to the right for details or contact us at (813) 438-8926!

WE DELIVER! We deliver to events on site in 44 different states and Canada. Customers value our friendly customer service and with our warehouses centrally located in Tampa, Florida and Southern Illinois they

Complete supply of all concession products!

• Meats • Produce • Frozen Items • Dry Goods • Canned Goods • Paper Products • Fun Foods • Custom Printed Cups

appreciate consistent delivery of product

Call and Speak with a Customer Service Representative Today!

to their events throughout the year.

1-800-651-1601

COMPLETE SUPPLY OF ALL CONCESSION PRODUCTS! Meat

28

Produce

June 2015 NICA News

Frozen Items

Dry Goods

Canned Goods

Paper Products

Fun Food

Custom Printed Cups

NICA Membership Directory 2016 Annual Ad Insertion Order

Company Name: Contact Name: Bill to: Address: City:

State:

Phone:

E-Mail:

Zip:

Special Instructions:

When promoting your business with NICA, you...

•

REACH YOUR Targeted AudiencE through national exposure to key decision makers.

•

GAIN Name recognitioN via our publications, website, and sponsorships available at industry events.

•

RECEIVE A superb Value through quality marketing opportunities,

Ad Rates per insertion

q Back Cover.............................$2,000* q Inside Front / Back Cover ����� $1,500* q Full page: Color Tab............... $1,000* q Half page: Color Tab................. $600* q Full Page: B/W.............................$550 q Half Page: B/W............................$325 q Quarter Page: B/W......................$250 q Eighth Page: B/W........................$150 Rates valid through December 31, 2015

Color Cover, Tab & Ad Sizes

q Full Page Cover (Bleed)..... 6”w x 9”h* q Full Page Tab (Bleed)....5.25”w x 9”h* q Full Page Tab..............4.75”w x 8.5”h* q Half Page Tab ..........4.75”w x 4.25”h* Black & White Ad Sizes

q Full Page...................... 4.25”w x 7.5”h q Half Page (H)............. 4.25”w x 3.75”h q Half Page (V)............. 2.125”w x 7.5”h q Quarter Page (H)............ 4.25”w x 2”h q Quarter Page (V)..... 2.125”w x 3.75”h q Eighth Page (H).............. 4.25”w x 1”h q Eighth Page (V)........... 2.125” w x 2”h Please contact the NICA Office for more size information.

Premium Positions

* Subject to availability. If interested, contact us at (813) 438-8926 or graphics@nicainc.org

Ad Artwork Specifications • 300 DPI, CMYK Color, Flattened • Full page ads that fit the whole page must contain a 0.25” bleed.

• Formats accepted: .pdf, .png, .jpg, • .jpeg, .tif, .tiff, .psd, .ai, .svg, .eps • Digital Ad Artwork may be emailed directly to graphics@nicainc.org or uploaded to our DropBox account.

Insertion Order & Ad Artwork Deadline September 1, 2015 For more information, please contact the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926 or email us at graphics@nicainc.org

Signature

Date

NICA, Inc. • 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 • Phone: (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 438-8928 • www.nicainc.org

NICa WEst

9th ANNual

SaN DiEgo Golf TourNamENt

Monday, June 22, 2015 at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club 11:30am: Registration • 12:00pm: Putting Contest • 1:00pm: Shotgun Start

REGISTRATION FORM

(One Form per Foursome)

Name:__________________________________________________ Phone:________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________________________________________

□

Sponsorship of Hole, Company Name:__________________________________________________________ $100 (Sign Included) Foursome Player Names:

□ □

_________________________________________ $125 _________________________________________ $125

□ □

_________________________________________ $125 _________________________________________ $125

DRESS: COLLARED SHIRT & NO JEANS • SEE YOU THERE!

Total Enclosed:______________

Please contact Gary Barham at (619) 987-3049 or Dale Smith at (951) 830-3279

$125 PLAYER FEE Includes Green Fees, Golf Cart, Amenities, and Awards Dinner following Tournament

PRIZES 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Winning Teams, Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and the $10,000 Hole in One!

Lomas Santa Fe Country Club 1505 Lomas Santa Fe Drive Solana Beach, CA 92075 (858) 755-6768

Drop Applications off at CHUCKWAGON during the San Diego County Fair, register online at www.nicainc.org OR send via mail to NICA West Golf Tournament, 2130 Walnut St., La Verne, CA 91752 no later than June 15, 2015.

June 2015 NICA News

31

Sugardale Food Service is a leading provider of quality foods and customized product solutions since 1920.

Concession Generations

800-860-3053

www.sugardalefoodservice.com Hailey Polk, 3rd generation employee of LT Concessions, granddaughter of NICA Members Bob and Joanie Monroe, learning the “lemolade� business at a local fair!

Sugardale Food Service wieners, franks and coneys are available in many varieties, all delivering the same quality taste and nutrition you expect.

When you want extraordinary flavor and performance, serve Sugardale Food Service wieners.

32

June 2015 NICA News

Advertise Your Business in 2015 Membership Contest Leaderboard

by calling the NICA Office today at (813) 438-8926, by emailing communications@nicainc.org, or by downloading the online Insertion Order at www.nicainc.org/pages/advertising.

Contact us today to reserve your spot!

General Membership

SanDee O’Brien, CCE......................................................................2 Don Delahoyde, CCE.......................................................................1 Genesee County Fair......................................................................1 Russ Harrison, CCE........................................................................1 IISA..................................................................................................1 Mike Knott......................................................................................1 Tim O’Brien, CCE............................................................................1 Gary Pinkerton................................................................................1 Deborah L. Powers.........................................................................1

National Representatives

Dannie Moreland............................................................................4 Mike McGrath.................................................................................1

Northeast & West Councils

Daryl Whicheloe, CCE.....................................................................2 Kim Barr..........................................................................................1 Vinnie Nelson.................................................................................1 Dale Smith......................................................................................1

Facebook.com/NICAInc • Twitter.com/NICAInc Friend, follow, like, message, and share with us!

Next Month in the

:

Thoughts from a CCE, July’s Member Voice, 2015 Director Election Nominations, and more!

Have a story that you’d like to submit? Call us or send your news, information and photos to communications@nicainc.org.

1. The poker fundraiser was held at Pima County ___.

2. These brothers grew up in the Concession business.

6. The University that the Millers are attending.

7. The student who won the $3,000 scholarship.

8. On June 12, 2015, the NICA Office is mailing out update forms for this publication.

12. “___ to strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival, and Special Event Industries...”

15. Barry Antle and Thomas Bannan are Marketing Associates for this company.

18. The accountant who has just joined the NICA Family.

2

3

4

5 6

7

8

9

10

Across 11

12

13 14

16

Administration

Office.............................................................................................26

Down

June’s Crossword Puzzle 1

Board of Directors

Kathy Ross.....................................................................................8 Paulette Keene...............................................................................3 Dan Lusenhop................................................................................2 Dennis Fraleigh..............................................................................1 Dominic Palmieri............................................................................1 Randy Reichert, CCE.......................................................................1 Justin Sattler..................................................................................1

15

17

18

3. “These brothers specialize in ice cream and ___.”

4. “Thank you for ‘Getting ___’ with NICA and continuing to work together to strengthen the association.”

5. Joe Potillo, Jr: “I wish you all safe ___...”

6. “We love to hear from our ___!”

9. Join the 2015 Super ___ Spectacular!

10. Rey O’Day: “I realized that one of the gifts of being a Concessionaire is to be able to see and enjoy the geographic ___ of this great country.”

11. The 2015 IAFE Management Conference was held here.

13. Tom Powell’s honorary title in this issue: Living ___.

14. Stacia Markowitz: “The board had a very productive ___.”

16. Mr. ___ shared his philosophy in “Thoughts from a CCE” 17. She provided coffee the morning after the poker tournament to all NICA Members.

June 2015 NICA News

33

2015 Events Calendar

Representing NICA & Its Industry Partners June

September

1: NICA Board of Directors (BOD) nominations due in the office

1: Directory Insertion Orders due in the office***

22: 9th Annual NICA West Golf Tournament • Solana Beach, CA*

15: 9th Annual NICA West / Fairplex CDC Golf Tournament • Pomona, CA

July 15: NICA BOD election ballots go to voting members

August 15: Directory Update Forms due in the office** *See Page 30 **See Page 10 ***See Page 29

34

June 2015 NICA News

21-23: IFEA Annual Convention & Expo • Tucson, AZ 23-25: T3: Trade, Treats & Traditions - IAFE Seminar • West Springfield, MA 30: Ballots due in the office

October 1: CCE Applications due in the office

21-23: Kentucky Association of Fairs & Horse Shows Annual Fall Meeting • Louisville, KY 22-24: Washington State Fairs Association Meeting • Pasco, WA

November 11-14: Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs • Layton, UT 11/29-12/3: IAFE Convention • Las Vegas, NV 11/29-12/3: NICA Board of Directors Meeting, WIN Wine & Cheese, NICA Membership Appreciation and Regional Meeting at the IAFE Convention • Las Vegas, NV

For Office Use Only

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc.

Date

1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 Office: 813-438-8926 • Fax: (813)438-8928 E-mail: nica@nicainc.org • Website: www.nicainc.org

#

NICA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

q Mr. q Mrs.

q Ms.

First

Last

Name of business Physical address Mailing address

City

Permanent tel. no. (

City Cell phone no. (

)

E-mail

State

Zip

State

Zip

)

Website

Would you like to connect your business with NICA on social media? q Facebook q Twitter

Referred by

Fill out the information below as accurately and as detailed as possible. Information and Keywords provided below will be used for your entry in the NICA Annual Membership Directory and as keywords to search for your business on the NICA website.

Annual Membership Fees Independent Concessionaire

Associate

q Independent Concessionaire............................................$125 q Additional Member...............................................................$75

q

Fair / Festival over 75,000 attendance............................$125

q

Fair / Festival under 75,000 attendance...........................$75

q Employee................................................................................$50 q Retired....................................................................................$50

q

Manufacturer / Distributor / Industry Supplier..............$125

q

Carnival / Circus Operator..............................................................$125

Check a category below and provide a detailed description of your company’s services:

q

Special Services..................................................................$125

q

Stationary Concession......................................................$125

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

Voting:

Non-Voting:

q Commercial Exhibitors q Attractions / Entertainment q Retail

q Food q Games q Services

Description:

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

Provide a detailed description of your organization / company’s services below: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Mail Check or Money Order to NICA’s office at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511

Concessionaire General Routing Information

List all states where you conduct your concession business:

_________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Fairs and Festivals - Required

List three Fairs or Festivals worked in the past year :

1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________

Visit our website for NICA Membership Benefits: www.nicainc.org I understand that my application is subject to final approval by the NICA Board of Directors. I also understand that if my application is not accepted, the amount paid will be refunded to me. If accepted for membership in NICA, I hereby agree to abide by its by-laws and rules.

Applicant’s signature

Date

q

Visa

q

Mastercard

q

American Express

Credit card no.

Security Code

Expiration Date

TOTAL

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

The NICA sponsored $10,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Policy is automatically provided to all Independent Concessionaire Members.

Beneficiary ________________________________________ Phone ___________________

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 Time Sensitive Mail • June 2015 Issue

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