May 2021 NICA News by NICA Inc.

Get the scoop on the NICA Sysco Get the scoop on the NICA Sysco Get the scoop on the NICA Sysco Get the scoop on the NICA Sysco Marketplace this upcoming year Get the scoop on the NICA Sysco Marketplace this upcoming year Get the scoop on the NICA Sysco Marketplace this upcoming year Marketplace this upcoming year Get the scoop on the NICA Sysco Marketplace year Get the scoopthis on upcoming the NICA Sysco Marketplace this upcoming year Marketplace this upcoming Marketplace this upcoming year year The NICA Sysco Marketplace program is designed for you to save on the items you use and trust The NICA Sysco Marketplace program is designed forprogram you to save on the items and trust in your current operation (no change necessary). This offers more thanyou 350use manufacturer The NICA Sysco Marketplace program isdesigned designed forprogram youto tosave save onthe theitems items you use andtrust trust in your current operation (no change necessary). This offers more than 350 manufacturer The NICA Sysco Marketplace program is for you on you use and contracts, and the exclusive Sysco Foods. inyour your current operation (nodistribution change necessary). This program offers more thanyou 350 manufacturer The NICA Sysco Marketplace program isof forprogram you to save on more the items use and trust contracts, and operation the exclusive distribution ofdesigned SyscoThis Foods. in current (no change necessary). offers than 350 manufacturer The NICA Sysco Marketplace program isof designed forprogram you to save on the items and trust contracts, andthe the exclusive distribution of SyscoThis Foods. in your current operation (nodistribution change necessary). offers more thanyou 350use manufacturer contracts, and exclusive Sysco Foods. NICA.Source1Purchasing.com in your current operation (no change necessary). This program offers more than 350 manufacturer The NICA Sysco Marketplace program is designed for you to save on the items you use and trust contracts, and the exclusive distribution of Sysco Foods. NICA.Source1Purchasing.com contracts, and the exclusive distribution of Sysco Foods. The NICA Sysco Marketplace program is designed for you to save on the items you use and trust NICA.Source1Purchasing.com in your current operation (no change necessary). This program offers more than 350 manufacturer NICA.Source1Purchasing.com inNICA.Source1Purchasing.com your current (no change necessary). program offers more than 350 manufacturer contracts, andoperation the exclusive distribution of SyscoThis Foods. NICA.Source1Purchasing.com contracts, and the exclusive distribution of Sysco Foods. you with: The NICA Sysco Marketplace provides The NICA Sysco Marketplace provides you with: NICA.Source1Purchasing.com TheNICA NICASysco SyscoMarketplace Marketplaceprovides providesyou youwith: with: The NICA.Source1Purchasing.com

165,000+ Rebated lineMarketplace items The NICA Sysco provides you with: 165,000+ Rebated lineMarketplace items The NICA Sysco provides you with: 45,000 Deviated price items 165,000+ Rebated line items 165,000+ Rebated lineitems items 45,000 Deviated price The NICA Sysco Marketplace provides you with: Access to national suppliers 45,000Deviated Deviated price items for operating supplies and equipment 165,000+ line price items Access toRebated national suppliers for operatingprovides supplies and equipment The45,000 NICA Sysco Marketplace you with: 165,000+ Rebated line items Access to quarterly report F&B savingssupplies and additional opportunities AccessDeviated toanational suppliers operating and equipment 45,000 price items offor • • ••• •••• •••• •• • •• •• • ••• • ••• • • •• •• • • •• ••• •••• • • ••

Access to Rebated national suppliers forF&B operating supplies and equipment a quarterly report of savings and additional opportunities 165,000+ line items 45,000 Deviated price items Exclusive food distribution from Sysco with no delivery fast onboarding, credit card Access to a quarterly report of F&B savings and additional opportunities Access to national suppliers for operating supplies and minimums, equipment Access to a quarterly report of F&B savings and additional opportunities Exclusive food distribution from Sysco with no delivery minimums, 165,000+ Rebated line items for operating supplies and equipment fast onboarding, credit card 45,000 Deviated price Access to national suppliers payment options and more. Exclusive food distribution from Sysco with no delivery minimums, fastonboarding, onboarding,credit creditcard card Access to a quarterly report of F&B savings and additional opportunities Exclusive food distribution from Sysco withsupplies no fast payment and more. Access tooptions national suppliers forF&B operating andminimums, equipment 45,000 Deviated price items a quarterly report of savings anddelivery additional opportunities Quarterly rebates payment options and more. Exclusive food distribution from Sysco with no delivery minimums, fast onboarding, credit card payment and more. Quarterly rebates Access a quarterly report for of F&B savings anddelivery additional opportunities Exclusive food distribution Sysco withsupplies no fast onboarding, credit card Access totooptions national suppliers operating andminimums, equipment Quarterly rebates payment options and more.from Quarterly rebates Exclusive food distribution Sysco with and no delivery minimums, fast onboarding, credit card payment andreport more.from Access to options arebates quarterly of F&B savings additional opportunities Quarterly payment options and more.from Sysco with no delivery minimums, fast onboarding, credit card Quarterlyfood rebates Exclusive distribution Quarterlyoptions rebatesand more. payment Industry rebates insights and trends Quarterly Industry insights and trends Supplier information Industry insightsand andtrends trends Industry Supplier insights information Supplier information Industry insights and trends Supplier information Industry and trends Supplier insights information Industry and trends Supplier insights information Supplierinsights information Industry and trends

Coming Soon! Access to member-exclusive portal Coming Soon! Access to member-exclusive portal ComingSoon! Soon!Access Accessto tomember-exclusive member-exclusiveportal portal Coming Coming Soon! Access to member-exclusive portal Coming Soon! Access to member-exclusive portal Coming Soon! Access to member-exclusive portal Coming Soon! Access to member-exclusive portal How to get started How to get started How to get started How to get started • How information to get started 1Supplier Contact your NICA Sysco Marketplace representative to sign the non-contractual participation forms. 1 Contact Contact your NICA Marketplace representative to sign the non-contractual participation forms. How to get started Veiga,Sysco your NICA Sysco Marketplace representative, to sign the 1 ContactAnais yourNICA NICA Sysco Marketplace representative tosign signthe thenon-contractual non-contractual participationforms. forms. 1 Contact your Sysco Marketplace representative to participation How to get started 2 non-contractural complete list ofMarketplace all locations will be in. participation forms. participation forms. your concession 1 Contact a NICA Sysco to sign theparticipating non-contractual 2 Provide Provide ayour complete list of all locations representative your concession will be participating in. 12 Provide Contact NICA Sysco to sign theparticipating non-contractual Provide acomplete complete listof ofMarketplace alllocations locationsrepresentative yourconcession concession willbe be participating in. participation forms. 2 How to getayour started list all your will in. 3 Complete a secure online credit application provided by our exclusive distributor, Sysco 1 2 3 323 14 2 3 4 434 24 3 4 34

Contact NICA Sysco representative theparticipating non-contractual forms. Provide ayour complete list ofMarketplace all locations your concession will in. participation Complete a secure online credit application provided to by sign our be exclusive distributor, Sysco .Provide a complete list of all locations your concession will be participating in. Complete a secure online credit application provided by our exclusive distributor, Sysco . Complete a secure online credit application provided by our exclusive distributor, Sysco YOU DONE! A Sysco representative of therepresentative NICAconcession Sysco Marketplace program willin. contact you to forms. Contact your NICA to will sign the non-contractual participation . ARE Provide complete list ofMarketplace all locations participating a secure online credit application by our be exclusive distributor, Sysco YOU AREaDONE! A representative of the your NICAprovided Sysco Marketplace program will contact you to .Complete confirm your enrollment. Complete a secure online credit application provided by our exclusive distributor, Sysco YOU ARE DONE! A representative of the NICA Sysco Marketplace program will contact youto to . confirm enrollment. YOU AREyour DONE! A representative of the NICA Sysco Marketplace program will contact you Provide a complete list of all locations your concession will be participating in. . confirm your enrollment. Complete a secure online credit application provided by our exclusive distributor, Sysco YOU ARE DONE! A representative of the NICA Sysco Marketplace program will contact you to confirm your enrollment. YOU AREyour DONE! A representative of the NICA Sysco Marketplace program will contact you to . confirm enrollment. Complete a secure online credit application by our exclusive distributor, Sysco confirm enrollment. YOU AREyour DONE! A representative of the NICAprovided Sysco Marketplace program will contact you to .confirm your enrollment. 4 YOU ARE DONE! A representative of the NICA Sysco Marketplace program will contact you to confirm your enrollment.

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Contents • May 2021 Articles & Features AdvertiSers 04 This Month’s New & Renewal Members 04 Member Benefits Spotlight 05 President’s Message 05 Director’s Voice 07 Riffing With Rey 10 Thoughts From a CCE 12 Association Announcements 15 On Your Marks... Get Set... Go! 16 Together We Are a Community 18 Together We Can Travel! 20 Service: It’s an Honor! 21 Uniting Communities with Read & Win 23 Food Trends & Thoughts 26 Travel Safety Tips 28 NICA Foundation: Donate Today to Ensure Tomorrow’s Success 30 From the Camera Roll... 33 NICA Membership Contest Leaderboard

09 A to Z Meats 17 Berk Concession Supply 17 Fanestil Meats 11 Fare Foods 29 Firestone Financial 15 Fiserv 34 Heinkel’s Packing 13 Hummel Group Insurance 34 JKJ Workforce 09 K&K Insurance 34 McGowan Allied Insurance

32 Member Classifieds 33 Mr. G’s Quality Cut Meats 02 NICA Sysco Marketplace 09 Perfect Stix 22 Rio Syrup 17 RJ Schinner 14 Schantz Mfg. 11 Soda Parts Express 10 Valley Meats 25 WhirleyDrinkWorks!

NICA is a membership-driven organization dedicated to strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival, and Special Events Industries through effective communication, education, benefits, leadership, and solutions. National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. is a Florida Corporation with an Editorial and General Office located at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 • Off ice: (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 803-8460 • Online: www.nicainc.org The information contained in this Publication is based upon sources believed to be reliable. Readers should not act without professional advice. Cover to Cover © 1993-2021 NICA, Inc. All Rights Reserved. “Serving Communities Together!” May 2021 NICA News

This Month’s Newest Members Troy Beaver

TDB Concessions Salisbury, NC

Michelle Palko

Tom Plouffe

Funhouse FX Denison, TX

Retired Member West Haven, CT

Jo Reynolds, CFE

Warren County Fair Indianola, IA

Welcome to our four New Members! Check the back cover to learn about the NICA Membership Contest. “Together We Can!”

This Month’s Member Renewals Jose Barron

Matthew Hall

Faith McGee

Morgan Stremmel

Andrew Bryan

Colleen Helm

Brian McKay

R. Joshua Stremmel

Daniel Bullen

Trey Higdon

Dan Mourning

Joe Villari

Joe Cetor

Margaret Hillman

Rick K. Pickering, CEO

Aaron Vincent

Mr. G’s Quality Cut Meats Chillicothe, MO (2004) Bryan Holdings LLC Hutchinson, KS (2019) Bullen’s Food & Games Xenia, OH (2019) Forever Concession Trailers LLC Mineral Ridge, OH (2016)

Hall Family Foods Inc Hutchinson, KS (2019)

Molnar’s Concessions Austintown, OH (2000)

Helm Concessions Riverside, CA (2020)

Inland Empire Concessions Spokane, WA (2013)

Perfect Stix, LLC Vero Beach, FL (2006)

New Mexico State Fair Albuquerque, NM (2015)

Top Notch Concessions Wichita, KS (2012) Villari Food Group Warsaw, NC (2014)

Jim Holt

California Exposition & State Fair Sacramento, CA (1997)

Log Cabin Concessions Coarsegold, CA (2014)

Memphis in May International Barbara Quaid, CEO Festivals, Inc. Ventura County Fair Ventura, CA (1993) Memphis, TN (2019)

Susan Fraleigh

Jeremy Kirchner

Brandi Rathbun

John Wandrey

Lexie Gentleman

Katie Linville

Alan Schwarte

Larry Wynn

Rich Gockelman

Brian Linville

Mark Davis

Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts Hobe Sound, FL (2020) Coca-Cola Refreshments Tampa, FL (1999) Firestone Financial Needham, MA (2012)

Crow Wing County Fair Brainerd, MN (2020)

Top Notch Concessions Witchita, KS (2013)

F.B. Purnell Sausage Co. INC. Simpsonville, KY (1998) Linville Food Service Zanesville, OH (2018) Linville Food Service Zanesville, OH (2018)

Tiki Pete’s Alaskan Grill Wasilla, AK (2018) Red Barn Concessions Rochester, IN (2003)

Metro Beverage, LLC New Boston, MI (2015)

Dean Vlazakis

Diversified Agriculture & Ag Mechanics Tulare, CA (2020) Wandrey Concessions Baraboo, WI (2019) East Coast Concessions Summerville, SC (2015)

Year: µ 1993-2001 2002-2006 2007-2011 2012-2020

Thank you to all 30 Renewal Members for your continued support. In 2021 all of the Renewal Members’ names will be placed in the drawing for the $2,000 Gift of Travel. See page 33 or the back cover for more details. “Together We Can!”

Did You Know...? National Hamburger Month is observed each year in May. Although there are many claims to fame, who is the true inventor? German immigrants headed to the United States during the 18th century brought 4

May 2021 NICA News

a snack called the “Hamburgh sausage,” pairing a meatball with a slice of bread. It eventually evolved to the form we know today with its presence at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. With the addition of extra toppings such as cheese, bacon, lettuce, and even donuts (sweet and savory) over the next century, its never-ending customizability grew its tasty reputation inside and outside of the Fair. NICA is proud to have over 50 members who serve this delicious Fair staple in all its varieties! ▲

President’s Message

Sandy Class, CCE, President

do to move forward. The COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the landscape of our world. Face All eyes on Florida. We had Masks, “uggh,” love them or hate them—will it be Fairs and we opened! I GOT ON the new normal? Hand sanitizer and hand washing, the merry-go-round (mentally) I believe we all were doing this Pre-Pandemic. and said “we as an Industry Social distancing and the six feet apart rule—will it can do this,” and then I got on be the new normal? Before COVID we were always the Ferris Wheel (mentally), focused on keeping the Patrons safe, providing a looked up to the stars and positive Guest experience, and a fun atmosphere. said “we are going to open and The sandbox is messy, lets refocus and build the make this happen.” THE FAIRS sandcastle on what the Summer 2021 Season will DID, AND WE ALL SHOWED UP!! look like. Thank you to all of the Florida Fairs! Job well The Florida Federation Convention and IAFE done! My GREATEST wish is for a 2021 Summer Zone 2 Meeting will take place in sunny Naples, FL, Season! May 13-15, 2021. NICA will give a greeting during I know Florida has been a utopia, and I am the Zone 2 Meeting on Saturday morning and host remorseful of the many states that continue to two roundtable topics on Friday: “The Changing face the hurdles of opening back up. As I continue Landscape of Commercial Exhibits,” presented to write each month, I am saddened for many of by Jeff Thornberry, CCE, Director, and “What our members facing the hardships of another Can NICA Do For You?” moderated by Rey O’Day, possible Summer without Fairs. 2020 was a history book lesson. As a resilient ►► “Message” continued on page 6 Industry, we will continue to realize what we can

Director’s Director’S Voice

Don Delahoyde, CCE, Immediate Past President

organization, we would love to see you or someone you know participate in the election process. There is not a lot involved to run; the information is on Happy Spring to all our the NICA website at or available from any existing members, I hope that you are Director. I am serving my last year on the Board working, receiving contracts as Immediate Past President. It has been a good and looking forward to making education and has made me much more aware some money. Unfortunately, of things in our Industry, as well as providing the here in California, things are opportunity to make many new friends. moving terribly slow. There The other thing that happens in NICA this time are a few Fairs that have said of year is the start of our Scholarship Program they are attempting to open process. NICA will again award many scholarships for 2021. Most are announcing another year of no including two Vocational Scholarships, for a Fairs or are still waiting to see what happens in the total of $30,500. The way the process works is next month or so. the student fills out an application and answers This is the time when we need to think about a group of questions. All submissions are sent who would like to serve as a NICA Director. If you to three different Industry Readers from around are not aware, every Director serves a three-year the country without any information regarding term; those terms are staggered so that each year we have an election for new Directors. If ►► “Voice” continued on page 8 you are interested in being a bigger part of this May 2021 NICA News

Dominic Palmieri, CCE Paulette Keene, CCE Joe Potillo, Jr. Greg Miller, CCE Tom Sattler, CCE Russ Harrison, CCE Richard Busse, CCE Tom Hodson, CCE Officers Jim Hodson, CCE (Deceased) President: Sandy Class, CCE 1st Vice President: Daryl Whicheloe, CCE Tim O’Brien, CCE 2nd Vice President: Vincent Nelson, CCE Ron Smith Adam McKinney, CCE Treasurer: Kim Barr, CCE Mike Pence, CCE Secretary: Jacqueline Bradbury, CCE Jack Woods, II, CCE Directors Bob Hallifax, CCE Phil Delahoyde Frank Parnell, CCE Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE Larry Orme (Deceased) Kelly Grout Larry Sivori Rich Wright Thomas Hodson, CCE Bill McKinney, CCE Kathy Ross, CCE Arthur Pokorny, Jr. Jeff Thornberry, CCE Gene O’Brien, CCE (Deceased)

Immediate Past President

Don Delahoyde, CCE

Past Presidents’ Council

Kathy Ross, CCE Dan Lusenhop

OFFICE STAFF

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

east Council

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

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

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

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

Foundation

Bary Bunts, CCE Ryan Collmer Thomas Hodson, CCE Bethany McDonald Gentry Miller Henry Mitchell Kelley Myers

West Council

Brandy Arredondo, CCE Kim Barr, CCE Irene Dugan Jan Gary, CCE Ryan Long Kara Moederndorfer Ryann Newman Steve Vartanian Jay Wells

President: Audrey Poole Vice President: Greg Miller, CCE Treasurer: Jennifer Giordano, CCE Secretary: Rey O’Day Trustees: Mark Lancaster Don Kenna Vincent Nelson, CCE Daryl Whicheloe, CCE

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

“Message” continued from page 5 ►► Executive Director. I encourage all those that can to attend! After our successful Movin’ Forward Member Social at the Strawberry Festival in March, we held one at the Florida State Fair in late April. Thank you to all who came, including Marc Dobson, One Man Band, who provided musical entertainment, and guests Shari Black, Wisconsin State Fair Chief Programs Officer, Gene Cassidy, CFE, President and CEO of The Big E and IAFE Chair, and Cheryl Flood, Florida State Fair CEO! Also, thank you to our Sponsors: Florida State Fair, who donated a Camping Spot; Kelley Myers, East Council, who provided seating and refreshments; and The Best Around, who donated a Survival Kit. Extra special thanks to Bary Bunts, CCE, East Council, who helped to fundraise and plan the event, along with many others. See page 30 for more pictures. The NICA Foundation Scholarship Application Season is in full swing, and I encourage all to apply. Applications need to be in the office no later than June 1, 2021. Please note this is not a postmark date! The NICA Foundation is 6

May 2021 NICA News

Sandy Class, CCE, President, speaking to attendees at the Movin’ Forward Member Social at the Florida State Fair

working hard to award as many applicants with scholarships as possible. Please make a donation on the NICA Foundation website if you are able. NICA Spring Workshop takes place in Las Vegas in early May and the agenda is full... Your NICA Board of Directors continues to work hard; it is our journey of a continued great organization! I would also like to note that Election Nominations for the 2022 Board are approaching! As NICA Members, you can nominate any member for a Board seat. Keep in mind the member must have three full years of consecutive membership and be in good standing. Visit www.nicainc.org or contact the NICA Office for the packet. Let’s get back on the Ferris Wheel; our journey is our destiny! ▲

Riffing With Rey

Rey O’Day, Executive Director

Moving from Cabin Fever to Spring Fever

The long confinement of the Pandemic has resulted dates and he had a real in an extended “Cabin Fever” signed contract to be there. for me. What is Cabin Fever? He also added that he had I think it is feeling listless, to cancel another event isolated and/or disconnected because he did not have from the outside world that enough labor to do both usually happens during the Winter. And for many, this time, and that he was relieved he had found the supplies he it has been on purpose out of safety concerns so needed for his menu. He there is fear and concern involved as well. closed our conversation Suddenly “Spring Fever” is upon me. Maybe Daryl Whicheloe, CCE, with, “it was fun to watch more pronounced this year because I missed it 1st Vice President, last year. I am feeling the ennui of my Cabin Fever the Ferris Wheel go round.” happy in his stand Made me smile. lift and be replaced by the energy of my Spring Early in the Pandemic, like many of you, he was Fever. I am restless to get out and be with others one of those who put his stands out on the I have avoided; feel increased energy, highway in front of his shop and jumped cheerfulness, and exuberance about into the Fair Food Drive-Thru trend. It traveling and finding places that are “I am feeling is probably worth noting that what open. I was feeling more “thoughtwe thought might become a trend ful” and now I want to be more the ennui of my looks like it is probably more of a “do-ful.” It is both psychological Cabin Fever lift fad now that our customers want renewal and physical energy. I and be replaced OUT of their cars and a place to hope you are feeling this too. by the energy eat that may not be at home. I spoke to Daryl Whicheloe, of my Spring As we noted last month Florida CCE, 1st Vice President, this Fever.” fairs were opening. This month week who told me with great joy Linda, Jesse and I had the joy of in his voice that he was “opening visiting the Florida State Fair where we that day at the Tehama District Fair in could purchase our Fair Food fixes and sit Red Bluff, CA, the first Fair he had worked and eat them while chatting with many of you that in a year and a half.” It was playing its scheduled we had not seen for a while. You told me there is a pent-up energy in the Fairgoer to get out, ride rides, buy souvenirs, and eat a lot of food. You are relieved to be working and the Guests are relieved to be outside at a live event. I have chosen to be vaccinated and notice I feel safety and freedom having done so. I still wear a mask on the airplane, at the grocery store, and in crowds of people. I prefer to be served food by people wearing masks. I am comfortable enjoying conversations with others who are vaccinated A clever approach to spreading the message of sanitizing your hands: a driving car with sanitizer named “Tiny the Tanker” that circled around the Florida State Fair

►► “Riffing” continued on page 8 May 2021 NICA News

“Riffing” continued from page 7 ►► without masks. (Glad to realize I was not losing my hearing, but rather the masks were muffling sounds.) I also attended my first tap dance class in a year at which we did not have to wear a mask because we were dancing outside and socially distanced. Priceless!! Opening, while strongly needed, is providing challenges for our Industry that are going to take lots of transparent communicating between all the stake holders. One-stop shopping is tough when supply chain disruption is so elevated. Ordering needs more lead time because our delivery windows have longer runways. It is hard to order in advance when the Fairs we play have not announced when or to what degree they are going to open. Price gouging is happening at every level of commerce at a time when spending must be monitored. This huge and quick rise in prices is happening all around us, so when possible, use your NICA Benefit companies to shield you from even higher pricing. As Fairgoer advocates remember to provide the fairest pricing possible.

Rey O’Day, Executive Director, and Greg Miller, CCE, NICA Foundation Vice President, who was happy to reopen too

A prominent “Masks Required” sign adorned a Ferris Wheel at the Florida State Fair, encouraging safety compliance

Net matters more than Gross. Some of you are cutting back on the number of events or stands, others are moving to new industries, and all are figuring out how to manage with less labor. The elephant in the room is Rents and Deposits. Many Fairs have capacity limitations on their attendance mandated by the Health Departments, yet they want to charge the same rents or more. When capacity is a requirement, rents need to be lowered and so does the number of stands at the event or no one makes enough money. I have been saying for months… Be at the table where those decisions are being made so we can all survive and thrive together. NICA has materials and people who can provide leadership in these conversations. As an organization let’s stay dedicated to effective communication and finding solutions. “Cabin Fever” provided by the Pandemic has made me take longer walks, organize my space, read more books, miss people I could not visit, watch more television, and learn how to use Zoom calls. While grateful for those blessings, I am ready to embrace the flow of “Spring Fever,” keep it moving forward, and be creative and productive in the middle of it. TOGETHER LET’S ENJOY SPRING FEVER! ▲

“Voice” continued from page 5 ►► the applicant’s identity. Then the three Readers use a scorecard to read and evaluate all the submissions in order to meet NICA’s goal to award scholarships to the best qualified students in a fair and transparent way. If you are a member or someone in your family or company is thinking of attending a college or vocational school, please encourage them to apply. NICA also awards three 8

May 2021 NICA News

$500 scholarships to three members that wish to attend a convention they have not participated at; the NICA Business Expo, IAFE, and WFA all qualify. I urge you to get involved. I know we are all busy, but the Board is pretty much one two-hour meeting a month, including two face-to-face meetings a year. Remember, “Together We Can!” I wish you all a successful 2021 and beyond! ▲

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www.atozmeats.com May 2021 NICA News

Thoughts From a This month’s Statement of Communications & Management Philosophy is from lifetime regular member Jack McBurney, CCE, Jacks Corn Dogs / Giant Pretzels, who is based out of Breckenridge, CO:

Jack McBurney, CCE Jacks Corn Dogs / Giant Pretzels CCE Earned in 1999

An open and honest, casual relationship with Fair management is an essential element to the success of Jack’s Corn Dogs and Confections. I believe that I must keep a truly open communication and understanding of the Fair’s needs in order to expect the Fair to understand my needs. It is very important to keep those lines open throughout the Fair, and throughout the rest of the year, between the two entities. Honest communication is vital to work successfully with employees. As an Employer, I must be able to speak freely and honestly with my Employees in order to keep the anxiety levels on an even keel. I encourage my Employees to do the same. My business is successful because of the help I have always had from other Concessionaires. I make every effort to help other Concessionaires to do, and be, the best they can be. I always appreciate positive criticism from my fellow Concessionaires. As manager of my business, I always have considered my key Employees as my “family.” I treat them with respect and expect the same in return. We live in a “community” within the Fair Industry. It is inevitable that I get involved in their personal lives (deaths and illnesses). I am sensitive to their needs, as they are to mine. This sense of “community” makes the Concession Industry unique and special. Open lines of communication with Employees, other Concessionaires, and Fair Management allows us all to learn each others’ weaknesses and strengths. I have had to face my weaknesses, and have learned to rely on my strengths. This “human 10

May 2021 NICA News

factor” can manifest itself to the good of me personally, my business, my Employees, and the events which I am honored to work. In my years as a Concessionaire, and meeting many, many diversified people, the diversity has taught me many lessons in life. The Fair Industry, although it is very difficult, has given me the freedom to explore other areas in life. ▲ 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. Visit the CCE website for more details and the application: www.nicainc.org/CCE

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Our J-Burger is lightly seasoned, then tender-formed to bite like a handmade burger. This unique process creates a tender, fluffy patty that cooks quickly and evenly. Item No.

Patty Shape

Pack/Portion

Net Wt.

11372TF 11373TF 11374TF

5.5” Natural 5” Natural 4.75” Natural

20/8 oz. 30/5.33 oz. 40/4 oz.

10 LB 10 LB 10 LB

Distributed Through Fare Foods 800-651-1601 • www.farefoods.com

May 2021 NICA News

Association

Announcements

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

NICA Foundation Scholarship Deadline is June 1st It’s time to think about college scholarships! For YOU or those of you with young people heading off to or planning on entering college, the 2021 NICA Foundation Scholarship Application is online at www.nicainc.org/scholarship. We invite you to apply as soon as possible, as the deadline is June 1st, 2021. We have strengthened the scholarship program with the addition of the Regional Councils Scholarship in the amount of $3,000 and a Past Presidents and Directors Scholarship in the amount of $2,500, for a total of $30,500 this year. The Scholarship Program will continue to award two Gene O’Brien, CCE Vocational School Scholarships and one scholarship with a donation from Coca-Cola in honor of CCE-designated members. The remaining scholarships will be provided using donations from the NICA Membership. The next chapter of your life could start today… Apply now! ▲

NICA Policy: All Forms of Payment Should Be Accepted NICA does not endorse any point of sale devices. It is NICA’s policy that Fairs and Vendors should accept all forms of payment from the customer. Fairgoer experiences vary from Fair to Fair as well as from Coast to Coast. Limiting payment options to the Fairgoer will not encourage length-of-stay nor elevate the customer experience. Therefore, NICA is resolved and unwavering in this stance (October 2018).

Contactless Vs. Cashless Payments During this time of COVID-19, there is much being written about “Contactless Payment” for goods and services. Sometimes the word Cashless is exchanged as an equivalent for Contactless. They are not the same concepts. Cashless is about power—who receives the first count. Cashless systems are designed so that the event organizer makes the Guest buy a method of payment that is the only method of payment accepted so that the money comes directly to them rather than to the Vendor with whom they are doing business. It takes the choice of payment out of the hands of the Guest. NICA policy is that all points of sale should accept all forms of payment from the customer; therefore, NICA does not endorse exclusive Cashless systems. On the other hand, Contactless is about the relationship between the buyer and seller only. It is about accepting payment in the form the buyer wishes to purchase it, not in the manner that the event organizer requires that it be collected. Cashless is only one of many forms of Contactless forms of payment, which includes but are not limited to debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, and/or on-counter swipe machines to name a few. ▲

Coming Soon: Goodyear Fleet Tire Benefit! We are proud to announce a new benefit from Goodyear is coming soon, enabling NICA Members to receive competitive national Consumer and Commercial new tire, retread, and service pricing nationwide, 24/7 road service, online ordering, a national account manager, and more. Stay tuned to NICA Now! and our website for more details. ▲ 12

May 2021 NICA News

NICA Together Marketplace Will Move to 2022 Thank you to all who supported and pre-registered for our upcoming NICA Together event, from our first announcements until now. When NICA decided to produce NICA Together: A Marketplace of Ideas, Networking, Products, and Services in Las Vegas, May was looking pretty quiet. However, to our delight and surprise, with the rolling out of a largescale vaccination program and the unexpected announcements of state reopenings, events are emerging faster than we anticipated. We cannot ask you, our members, to give up the opportunity to work, and we will not. The blessing is our NICA Membership is slowly but surely rebuilding routes and going back to work. Therefore, out of respect for all of our Industry stakeholders’ needs to reopen and/or return to work, we have decided to postpone NICA Together to a week in 2022 when we can celebrate our survival and successful return to a Post-Pandemic world. Stay tuned for registration opportunities throughout the year for NICA Together 2022. ▲

Director Nominations are Due No Later Than May 25th Joining NICA’s Board offers many opportunities to have your voice heard, connect with other professionals in the Fair Industry, and to further the cause of NICA. This is your chance to be a part of the governing body of this great organization, so don’t delay! To qualify, all that is required is a signed “Statement of Commitment,” an “Election Nomination Form” with 10 signatures supporting the nomination, a biography, a photograph suitable for publication, and the answers to four questions listed on the “Statement of Commitment.” All forms can be found at www.nicainc.org/director-nominations. Materials must be emailed to nominations@nicainc.org, faxed to (813) 803-8460, or mailed to 1043 E. Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511 no later than May 25, 2021. Call us at (813) 438-8926 for more details. ▲

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May 2021 NICA News

On Your Marks... Get Set... Go! The 2021 NICA Membership Contest, Sponsored by Coca-Cola, is Movin’ Forward! National Independent Concessionaires Association is a membership-driven organization founded to serve its members by strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival and Special Events Industries through effective communication, education, benefits, leadership, and solutions. Growing our membership is what vitalizes “Together We Can!” Inviting New Members and renewing Current Members is something we, as members, should be doing whenever possible. Coca-Cola generously sponsors our NICA Membership Contest with three different prizes, with NICA sponsoring one prize. Like 2020’s contest, this year all of the Renewing Members’ names will be placed in the Coca-Cola grand prize drawing for the $2,000 Gift of Travel Voucher. Any

NICA Member who successfully refers a new or former member receives one chance for each one to win $500, and a member of NICA Leadership also gets a chance for a separate $500 drawing. The NICA Member who refers the most members automatically gets a free NICA Membership, $100, and their name engraved on a championship belt! Get your name in the game! Applications (both downloadable and digital) can be found online at www.nicainc.org, on the inside back cover of each issue of NICA News, or by request from the NICA Office. See page 33 in this issue for a list of all Renewal Members that are currently entered into the drawing (as of our publication date). Contact us at nica@nicainc.org or (813) 428-8926 for more details. Good luck! ▲

Take contactless payments, anytime, anywhere Take contactless payments, any Take contactless payments, anytime, anywhere

During these changing times, contactless payments are more critical than ever. With the Clover Flex point-of-sale (POS) solution, During these changing times, contactless payments are more safely pay pay how how they want to customers can safely to, including contactless critical than ever. With the Clover Flex point-of-sale (POS) solution, phone or card payments. And with a First Data payment processing customers can safely pay how they want to, including contactless account, youorget: phone card payments. And with a First Data payment processing • Special NICAyou member account, get: processing rates and hardware pricing •

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© 2020 Fiserv, Inc. or its affiliates. Fiserv is a registered trademark. Other products referenced in this material may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. 695269 2020-10

May 2021 NICA News

Together We are a Community! Dan Lusenhop, Past President Most of us are trying to figure out which of our events are going to open up and if or when they don’t postpone their dates on top of each other. A lot of us have had to think outside the box to bring income to survive until our next gig confirms; most Fairs financial reserves are depleted as well. Some have gone to Drive-Thru Fair Food events, drive-up concerts and movies, and many COVID testing and vaccination sites. Others have chosen good old fashioned fundraising; this story is where a group of Concessionaires have donated their equipment, time and volume cooking skills in support of the 4H and FFA programs. The Sacramento County Ag Foundation put the call out to have it’s first annual Rollin’ Smoke Rib Cookout Family Meal Pack! After weeks of planning with coordinating volunteers and ordering food supplies, equipment needs to pull off the goal of 500 Family Four Packs which included 5lb. Rack of smoked pork spareribs, side of BBQ sauce, ranch-style beans, homestyle mac and cheese, garden salad, dinner rolls and chocolate chunk cookies to finish it off. So the day before the cookout our food delivery arrived from Sysco Foodservice of Sacramento, and many thanks to Rob Webb who was able to pull some strings to get us a refer trailer for the weekend. It was a real lifesaver!

Thanks to Sysco for getting our product out so quickly!

May 2021 NICA News

Pit Master Darin Lusenhop, Jeanne’s Artichokes, getting the fire started early in the morning

So by the dawn’s early light, my brother Darin (aka: Pit Master) and I started our day at 4:30 AM to get the home fires burning; most of the other crew came in about 7 AM and we where off to the races. We set up an assembly line to portion, wrap and package all the food items and boxed up each dinner pack. Pam Fyock of Sacramento County Fair gave the marching orders and promoted the process of meal preparations and delivery schedules by the FFA and 4H leaders through Facebook. These leaders transported to each end of the county for local pickup by mid-afternoon and many families enjoyed a meal together that night. What a lot of work to pull off a successful fundraiser, but it was very rewarding to mentor the upcoming youth in agricultural education and all show our support to the regions that we serve! Grateful thanks to my friends Milo and George, Travis and Selina of Milo’s Corn Dogs, Darin Lusenhop of Jeanne’s Artichokes, Eddie Barrera of Hot Doggin and the kids and leaders of all the 4H and FFA clubs. I hope this inspires all of us in continued support of Fairs that provide us a place to be productive, and the foundations that invest in the future of our Industry! “Together We Can Make it Happen!” ▲

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•TOWELS TISSUES •JANITORIAL SUPPLIES •CHEMICALS •SOAPS LOTIONS Proudly Distributed Through Fare Foods Call 800-651-1601 For More Information • www.farefoods.com May 2021 NICA News

“Together We Can Travel!” Don’t forget to take advantage of NICA’s many auto, travel and related benefits from our Benefit Partners. For more information, be sure to visit our Member Benefits page at www.nicainc.org/benefits, call the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926, or view your Membership Benefits Guide. Stay safe this season and save some money!

Save on auto Parts! Save on DOT/FMCSA testing! Advanced Testing Solutions (ATS) offers DOT/ FMCSA-specific drug and alcohol testing, nonDOT drug testing, and background screening services. All of their services are available online by simply logging onto their system. This allows for your candidate results to be viewed anytime, anywhere! ATS offers competitive pricing for all NICA Members, including a $100 discount.

To receive your custom quote and special pricing, call 1-866-413-6872 and let them know you that are a NICA Member when signing up to receive your discount.

AutoZone is a leading retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the US, with over 5,000 company-owned locations and over $9.1 billion in sales. For more than 30 years, AutoZone has been committed to providing the best parts, prices and customer service in the automotive aftermarket industry. NICA Members are able to get special discounted pricing on products and services offered by AutoZone at its many locations. To find your local store, visit www.autozone.com and select your location on top next to the search bar.

Provide your AutoZone Commercial Account Number when purchasing your items; it can be found on the back of your Membership Card.

Save on RV Parts & More! NICA Members get Dealer’s Pricing (30-40% off retail) and shipping discounts off of thousands of items sold by Arrow Distributing—from electrical, lighting, and appliances to awnings, hardware, accessories, and more! View Arrow’s huge online 2019 catalog at www.arrowdist.com.

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

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

May 2021 NICA News

Save on Rentals! Budget is one of the world’s best-known car rental brands and offers quality vehicles and a rewarding rental experience at more than 3,000 locations in more than 120 countries. NICA Members have access to great savings off of Budget’s already discounted rental vehicles and rates.

Call 1-800-214-6094 or visit www.budget.com to register an account with your BCD Number, available on the back of your Membership Card.

Save on hotel rooms! Save 20% to 40% on hotel rooms at more than 10,000 locations! The only cost is a $4.95 per night transaction fee, which is usually a small fraction of what you can save!

Call toll-free at 1-866-857-9747, Option 2 or visit CLC Lodging online and selecting the “Join Now” button at www.clclodging.com to sign up.

Provide the Key Code that is on the back of your Membership Card when joining to waive the $9.95 membership fee and any inactivity fees.

Log onto your CLC Lodging account to manage your lodging arrangements and expenses, locate hotels, and find their rates.

Save on vEHICLES! Crystal Automotive is located in Homosassa, Florida and offers a selection of vehicles including Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Nissan, and Chevrolet. All NICA Members receive Crystal Family and Friends Discount Pricing (below dealer’s invoice) as well as free shipping anywhere in the continental US. View their inventory at www.crystalautos.com

Call Frank Hale at (352) 563-2277 ext. 1410 or visit them in person at 1035 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34448 to utilize your discount.

Save on Rental Rates! Save on Your Fleet Needs! NICA Members can go further with Ford Fleet’s discount pricing. Find your local Fleet dealer, available at most dealerships, today at www.fleet.ford.com/dealerships

At your local dealer, give the salesperson your Fleet ID number and the account name, available on the back of your Membership Card.

NICA Members can save up to 20% on Hertz Business Travel Rates at airport and off-airport locations. Active accounts receive quarterly statements and additional value-added offers and savings.

For easy sign up, go to bapgold.hertz.com or call 1-888-777-3807. Check the back of your Membership Card for the required CDP number and the PIN code.

“But That’s Not All!” As a NICA Member, your travel-related discounts aren’t the only ones that “travel” with you; in fact, all Benefit Programs that NICA offers are nationally based, ensuring that your food, beverage, supply, and other programs follow you wherever you go. Just remember to bring your NICA Membership Card or view your resource section of your Online Member Account at www.nicainc.org for all related codes and other information. ▲

May 2021 NICA News

SERVICE. It’s an Honor! Dominic Palmieri, CCE, Past President

chosen. From helping to coordinate fundraisers to being involved in some of the most important Industry discussions that were to positively affect As we move into the Summer season, we also move our members, I felt it was my duty to help wherever possible. Overall, I feel very good about the work into a very important time of that I accomplished and the people with whom I year for NICA: Elections! collaborated to make positive change for NICA. While I have been a We really got poker and bingo events off the member for many years I have ground as a new style of fundraising (and wrote only been actively participating for about 14 years. I served on the SOP for that fundraiser), Transfer of Ownership happened during my tenure on the Board, touring the Board for approximately Fairs across the country was valuable to NICA five years and now, whenever needed, I serve on Members and potential New Members who felt out the Past Presidents Council. Kind of like that old of the loop, scholarship growth almost doubled, hat that still fits. Elections are about filling those NICA’s By-laws and Policy and Procedures were new shoes that are ready for the years of walking and planning and touting on every Fairground: the updated (with the help of many amazing people, NICA Members, and Past Presidents, as well as our NICA message of “Together We Can!” Executive Director), a surge in membership, and I From the inception over 12 years ago and was the Gala live auctioneer at three past the ratification just over 11 years ago NICA Business Expos. So to answer of the NICA Regional Councils, I the question first asked, my answer have been a huge proponent of is clear: “It was a great time to be in those Councils’ participation “it was a NICA and it was AN HONOR!” and their development of new great time 13 years ago, as a Sysco leadership in different areas of to be in nica liaison, I quickly realized the the country. It all boils down to importance of bringing highthe importance of serving your and it was quality products to all our Industry. By serving in some an honor!” members while ensuring that value capacity on a Council or on the pricing could remain stable to the Board and continuing to serve as a Fair customer. Serving as a Director Past President is how new ideas come on the Board and finally President proved to light and continue to help support to bring big picture items to evolve to fruition. others in their efforts to grow NICA. Being a Now serving as a Past President affords to help part of serving the Industry is valuable to insuring guide new leadership when asked to blend new longevity of all organizations. The vision may and innovative ideas and energy while maintaining change slightly, or it may change drastically, but consistency and tradition of an organization that some form of change is good. has fared very well over the past 28 years. The I was asked the question, “What was it like groundwork laid over the past two and a half to serve in many capacities during your tenure at (plus) decades was critically important work to the NICA?” Well, I hope I am viewed as a conduit that organization and will continue to be the DNA of supported our Industry by helping to start and grow the NICA Sysco Marketplace, helped develop whom we are and how we will evolve. OABA calls it Trustee, NICA calls it Past new Regional Councils, served honorably as a Director-at-Large and President, and finally, landed President, IAFE calls it Past Chair and WFA calls it on the Past Presidents Council. It has almost been Past President. Frankly, I don’t care what you call a rite of passage for me. I felt that supporting our organization and staying involved in our Industry ►► “Service” continued on page 22 through sister organizations was a path well 20

May 2021 NICA News

Uniting COMMUNITIES with Read & Win! for ribbons, sponsored by NICA. The Fair then will provide their designated school/library with those ribbons and the Fair and Vendors The iconic Read and Win ribbon program, a can decide on what the ribbon will cooperative effort of the International Association enable the child at the Fair. The of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) and the National program works to attract the child Independent Concessionaires Association (NICA) to the Fair and encourages the Fair is designed to UNITE Fairs with local schools, and its Vendors to provide an extra libraries, Concessionaires, Exhibitors, and Mobile special day for the child. Amusement providers. Through the support of NICA, How does it work? The Fair works with the the first 1,000 ribbons are provided local school or library system to set up a reading to IAFE members at no cost. IAFE challenge, where local elementary students in members may place orders online grades one through eight are encouraged to on the IAFE website. Each Fair that read books, with the reward being the Read and participates in this educational Win Ribbon and a Voucher for use at the Fair. program receives a survey to The final details are determined by these two provide us with their valued parties; depending on the Fair and Vendor(s) feedback. Here are two comments invovled, these Vouchers can be redeemed we have received in the past few years: for complimentary Fair admission, Carnival “This is truly a great program that encourages rides in the Midway, a soft drink or food item youth to engage in reading, encourage fun, and from their favorite Concessionaire, discounts also enhance learning through hands-on, face-toon commercial products, a special prize, or face interaction with the Fair!” something completely different like teaching a kid “I feel several children increased reading how to make a product, such as putting powdered hours because they wanted to receive the ribbon. sugar on a funnel cake, twirling cotton candy, or It was fun watching the children celebrate their frying dough. The possibilities are endless! “This program continues to serve as a valuable achievements with their ribbons. What a great program!” benefit for our members,” said Lori Hart, CFE,

Lori Hart, CFE, IAFE Director of Education & Member Services & Kathy Ross, CCE, Director

IAFE Director of Education and Member Services. “Our relationship with NICA allows our Industry to IGNITE, EXCEL and UNITE together to serve our local communities and provide an unforgettable experience for young Fairgoers” So if your Fair does not know about the program, how can a Vendor get this program started? Encourage your Fair to reach out to IAFE

There are no two Read and Win programs alike, except that those children create great memories! This partnership between IAFE and NICA encourages reading and attending the Fair to youngsters all over the country. IAFE members may order their Read and Win ribbons online at www.fairsandexpos.com or by contacting receptionist@fairsandexpos.com. ▲ May 2021 NICA News

new energy in NICA and the sister organizations attracting new leaders to keep our Industry moving forward. The leadership comes from it; I just care that there was someone to actually be different regions of the country and a lot of great work executed by the Councils has proven to called “IT.” I love to say, “Better to be a HAS BEEN, than a NEVER WAS!” Be that person that has been continue the interest for others to serve. In the past few elections, we have had more potential there to help at fundraisers, has been there to serve on a Council, has been there to serve on the NEW Directors running for the Board than I can remember in many years gone by. This year’s Board, has been there to serve as President and has been there to continue to support. Be the “HAS nomination deadline is May 25th, so don’t delay! Leadership is important. Leadership makes BEEN” that helped to make a difference. As election season comes upon us, it reminds a difference and GOOD leadership breeds more GOOD leaders. Be a leader; it makes a difference. me that I have seen a great transformation. 15 Supporting NICA helps your business and it helps years ago, it seemed that the Industry struggled your Industry. “Together We Can Lead!” “Together to find NEW leadership that wanted to lead and We Can Support!” “Together We Can!” ▲ actually do the work to serve. Now, I see a vibrant

“Service” continued from page 20 ►►

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Member ads start at $25. Contact us at communications@nicainc.org or (813) 530-4750 to learn more! 22

May 2021 NICA News

Food Trends & Thoughts

Dennis Larson, CFE, Central East Coordinator products to replicate steaks, chops, chicken and Should professional Food and Beverage Concessionaires be concerned about what the next classic Fair, Festival, and Carnival Food is going to be? What could be the next corn dog, funnel cake, mini donut or nachos for our industry? I’ve put together a brief glossary of new foods trending and some thoughts regarding their emerging new markets. Every season, as we are all aware, the media race begins and we hope to capture the ear, eyes and pallets of the Fair going public. This typically is a flurry of food items skewered then dipped, coated or rolled in a substance of some sort and tossed into a fryer; some may have never been introduced into a fryer before. Often these novelty items become a flash in the fryer (pardon the pun). Our challenge is to realize that annual fads are passing fancies, to recognize and build on strong trends, and to get ahead of where the market is moving for a new generation of Fair Foodies.

Plant Based Proteins A quick internet search will show on the top of most every food site listing the future is that plant-based protein is the single hottest trend in foods for 2021 and beyond. Although still in its infancy, with only modest market share, it has no place to go but up. Currently dominated by ground beef and sold as hamburgers, there is way more in the pipeline including poultry, fish and seafood products. Along with those, two recent startup companies are working on non-ground slab meat

bacon made from mycelium (basically a fancy mushroom) so stay tuned as new creative plant based proteins are forthcoming. One reason, of the many, for the growth of non-meat protein is that it is currently reported that there was a 600% growth, just over the last three years, of people declaring themselves as vegan or vegetarian. This is besides those choosing plantbased because of environmental, philosophical and other personal beliefs; the growth potential for this segment is in its infancy. Is there a market for this fledgling genre of new food products in the Fair, Festival and Carnival Food Industry? I think there is, perhaps a small market share initially, but believe the growth potential is there especially with the creativity and marketing appeal of our Industry. I’m sure we are up for the challenge with what these new proteins will bring to the table for the appetites of the Fair going public.

International Spices & Flavors Ever heard of Mexican Power Herbs, Japanese Scichimi, North African Mediterranean Marjoram or Southwest Chinese Star Anise? Here is a sampling of just a few of what are claimed to be the hottest trends in international spices and flavors: The Mexican Power Herb Pipicha is emerging as a herbaceous flavoring for savory and sweet dishes its flavor is a cross between cilantro, mint,

►► “Food Trends” continued on page 24 May 2021 NICA News

“Food Trends” continued from page 23 ►► with a touch of lemon and anise. Another Mexican Herb is Hoja Santa (O-hah SAN-tah). It is a leafy herb, often Hoja Santa paired with pepper, anise, eucalyptus and nutmeg, that is used in savory dishes and some drinks. Japanese Scichimi (schee-CHEE-mee) is a more mainstream Japanese Herb and creamy compliment of chili pepper, roasted orange peel, sesame seed, hemp seed and ginger that offers a zesty fruit flavor with a bit of heat. North African Mediterranean Marjoram adds a slightly sharp and a little bitter North African woodsy, citrusy, and floral flavoring to dishes. Chinese Star Anise, named for its star-shaped florets, is an up-and-coming spice indigenous to Southwest China offering a hint of clove and cinnamon with a hint of Star Anise licorice.

Unique Textures are Another Rage Whipped, fluffy and foamy may sound more like a trio of Circus clowns than a food style but are now trending towards customer choices atypical of such textures are showing up in entrees, sandwiches, desserts and high end alternative beverages. How about a slice of whipped coffee pie? A whipped mixture of cocoa cookie crust, milk, custard and coffee ganache into a moose style pie filling served in your favorite graham style crust. One example of a fluffy texture is a Japanese Fruit Sando, a fresh fruit, whipped cream cheese filled, cloud bread wrap style sandwich. Fruit Sando Ever enjoyed a foamy sweet potato? It makes an interesting base for marinated shrimp called a “Truffle Bomb” 24

May 2021 NICA News

featured at the ABSteak restaurant in Los Angeles. Textures are another trending opportunity for the creativity of Concessionaires looking for unique ways to differentiate themselves and give them that market attention and edge.

Beverages & All Liquid Refreshments Variety is the spice of life and even more so as the seemingly insurmountable challenge for those in the beverage business and its fickle consumers. It doesn’t seem that long ago that if your beverage inventory included a carbonated brown pop (soda), a diet, a clear lemon lime and a fruity option or root beer you were set. Now with offerings of everything liquid from kombucha, energy drinks, power drinks, vitamin waters, flavored waters, classic and retro sodas, not to mention, according to current Kombucha counts, literally 20,000 varieties of tea—how do we get ahead of what the desires are of the new markets? Who’s driving this train and where should we be focusing our attention for the beverages of the future?

Food for Thought Below are two clips from an article titled “Gen Z and Millennials: Thirsty for More” by S&D Coffee & Tea: “With Gen Z (ages 18-23) and Millennials (ages 23-38) now the top consumers of specialty Food and Beverage, it pays to focus on the trends attracting these demographics.” “When it comes to Food and Beverages, Gen Z and Millennials are more health-focused than their parents and grandparents, abandoning artificial products for more quality crafted options that offer function along with great flavor. From fresh botanicals and alternative milks to natural sugar substitutes, there are plenty of ways to cater to today’s customers who are looking for a healthy beverage with benefits.” So in conclusion, well I’m not sure there are many conclusions, perhaps more like a series of starting points. Hopefully these new trending foods, food ingredient concepts and philosophies will give us some “Food for Thought” talking and discussion points for up and coming options in our corner of the food world. ▲

May 2021 NICA News

Travel Safety Tips Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Even the most well-trained, safety-conscious commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver is at risk of engaging in driving behaviors that could lead to a crash on today’s crowded highways. Weather conditions or road conditions change and suddenly “driving too fast for conditions” becomes a risk factor. Failing to look or looking and not seeing, impaired performance because of fatigue, inattention or daydreaming or an unexpected external distraction can all lead to a truck crash. These preventive measures can prepare not only CMV drivers, but all drivers, to help avoid crashes.

1 Defense! Defense! Commercial drivers have to be constantly vigilant to detect unexpected road conditions, distracted drivers, and motorists who don’t understand how commercial vehicles operate. Scan ahead about 15 seconds (a quarter mile on interstates, or one to two blocks in cities) for traffic issues, work zones, and other dangers. Check mirrors every 8-10 seconds to be aware of vehicles entering your blind spots!

2 Signal for Safety Signal and brake to give other drivers plenty of time to notice your intent. By signaling your intentions well in advance, you will be in a safer 26

May 2021 NICA News

position to communicate with the surrounding drivers and you will be able to safely execute the desired driving maneuver. If you must pull off the road, use flashers, reflective triangles, and road flares to alert approaching drivers.

3 Know When to Slow Driving too fast for weather or road conditions or failing to slow down for curves or ramps, as well as visibility and traffic, create risks for spills and rollovers, as well as crashes. Speed limits posted on curve warning signs are intended for passenger vehicles, not large trucks. Large trucks should reduce their speed even further. In addition, be more cautious with a loaded

trailer. Loaded trailers have a higher center of gravity and sudden speed adjustment may cause the load to shift, leading to skidding or a rollover.

4 Maintain Your Vehicle

commercial vehicle restrictions. Did You Know? From 2004 to 2007 almost 50,000 moving violations were classified as an improper turn or an improper lane change. A recent study reported that there are approximately 630,000 lane-change crashes annually (including both large trucks and passenger vehicles).

Make sure that pre-trip safety inspections are completed particularly for tires and brakes. Your life depends on them. Make sure your load is well balanced and secure, as a shifting load can cause Work zones present many hazards, like lane a rollover or loss of control. Loose materials create shifts, sudden stops, uneven road surfaces, road hazards. moving workers and equipment, and confused passenger vehicle drivers. In 2016, 27% of fatal work zone crashes involved at least one large truck compared to only 11% of all fatal crashes—so it’s vital to take work zone safety seriously. Slow down, maintain extra following space, Use your safety belt every time. Safety belts are and to be prepared to stop. Obey all work zone not just for light-vehicle drivers and occupants, but signs and signals. Scan ahead for changing traffic must also be worn by CMV drivers. Safety belts save lives, reduce injuries, and allow drivers to stay patterns, and be alert to vehicles entering your blind spots. Keep a sharp eye out for road workers inside and in control of their vehicles in case of and flag crews. a crash. In 2014, 30% of truck drivers involved in fatal crashes were partially or totally ejected from their vehicles.

8 Work Zone Safety

5 Buckle Up

9 Never Drive Distracted

6 Stay Sharp

Texting is among the worst driving distractions. The odds of being involved in a crash, near-crash, or unintentional lane deviation are 23.2 times Get enough rest; don’t drive when you’re greater for truck and bus drivers who are texting fatigued, too ill to focus, or on medications while driving. (including over-the-counter medicine) that make Research shows that drivers texting while you drowsy or dizzy. Maintain a healthy diet and driving took their eyes off the forward road for do not rely on “alertness tricks” like turning up the 4.6 seconds on average. At 55 mph, this equates radio, drinking coffee to keep you awake. Did you to traveling 371 feet (more than the length of a know? Short naps are more effective at restoring football field) without looking at the road. energy levels than coffee. It is illegal for a commercial driver to text while driving, and there are restrictions on using mobile phones (devices must be hands free and dialed using no more than one button). Eating, drinking, interacting with a navigational Stay up to date on weather and road conditions, device, map reading, controlling a pet, or any other activity that takes focus off the road can also be a detours, and mountainous routes in order to plan deadly distraction. driving time. If you must attend to an activity other than Be aware that non-commercial navigation driving, get off at the next exit or pullover—it’s not systems and apps may not provide warning worth the risk. ▲ of height and weight limitations and other

7 Get the Right Trip Info

May 2021 NICA News

Donate Today to Ensure Tomorrow’s Success Created by NICA to oversee and administer a formal education scholarship program and foster development opportunities and training services, the NICA Foundation will be awarding $30,500 to many deserving Scholarship Recipients in 2021. We need your help to ensure the future success of this honored program. Our annual scholarships are funded through donations from purveyors, the NICA Boards, and members seeking to protect and sustain their Industry by supporting educational growth. Here is a letter from a Past Scholarship Recipient who is currently achieving her dreams: “Hello, my name is Sally Young and my family owns Withers Concessions. I am former recipient of the NICA Scholarship. I was fortunate enough to get the scholarship a couple different times through my very long educational journey. I went to x-ray school, then nursing school, and I recently graduated from nurse practitioner (NP) school in August 2020. It’s been such a difficult year for the Concession business and I was reminded how grateful I am to have had your help in earning my NP certification. I have received very few other scholarships along the way and you were one of very few that believed in me. Let me tell you, it has taken a whole lot of selling elephant ears to pay for my tuition. I just wanted to let you know that I made it to the finish line. Your investment in me paid off. I now work part-time in neurology and parttime in the elephant ear stand. Thank you again for giving me the chance to succeed. As you can see, 28

May 2021 NICA News

Past Scholarship Recipient Sally Young, Withers Concessions, with her two sons

I am bringing up the next generation of workers for the Concession business. See you at the Fair!”

How Do I Make a Donation? It’s easy! To donate online, please use the donate button located on the NICA Foundation website at www.nicainc.org/foundation. For all check or money orders, please submit them to the following address: NICA Foundation, 1043 E. Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511 A donation from you in any amount can make the difference for someone’s opportunity to commit to their education and future. Your foresight and generosity will be used to build the foundation for future students to learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you once again for your generous support and dedication to the mission of the NICA Foundation. ▲

STANDING WITH YOU WHEN YOU NEED US MOST.

Since 1965, Firestone Financial has been committed to strengthening and supporting the industries that make us who we are.

To see how we can help, contact Rich Gockelman: 617-641-9214 | rgockelman@firestonefinancial.com

YEARS

ESTABLISHED 1965

firestonefinancial.com Firestone Financial is an affiliate of Berkshire Bank (Member FDIC)

May 2021 NICA News

From the Camera Roll...

Shari Black, Wisconsin State Fair, Sandy Class, CCE, President, Cheryl Flood, Florida State Fair, and Gene Cassidy, CFE, IAFE and The Big E, at the Movin’ Forward event at the Florida State Fair

Rey O’Day, Executive Director, Fred Brown, Florida State Fair Concessions Manager, and Paulette Keene, CCE, Past President

Greg Miller, CCE, NICA Foundation Vice President, and Sandy Class, CCE scratched off the tip board to reveal the 2022 Florida State Fair Camping Spot winner: Josh Seivers, Three Rivers Concessions, LLC

May 2021 NICA News

The East Council’s Bary Bunts, CCE and Kelley Myers with Rey O’Day, Executive Director, doing some location planning for the event

Audrey Poole, Fare Foods, Dean O’Brien, Dean-O Foods, and Laura and Ron Porter, Fare Foods

Cameron Murray, Chester’s Gators and Taters, offering us a glimpse of a tasty meal

Sandy and Libby Class with Jimmy Garner, who has worked for Carousel Foods since he was eight years old: “He started his journey with Olivia and Larry Orme and is still around today making his favorite spots and Fairs. We refer to him as our little brother and he always calls me mom.”

As a recent CCE Recipient, Bary Bunts, CCE, East Council, explained the in’s and out’s of the CCE Program and encouraged others to join

Sandy Class, CCE, President, with Richie George, Past Director, who won a NICA Membership—Congratulations!

NICA Foundation Vice President Greg Miller, CCE gave a Foundation update during the event

Congratulations Tony and Patty Tessari, Layton’s Concessions, who were the winners of the Survival Kit, donated by The Best Around

Randy Reichert, CCE, Past Director, showing off his fried cheese

Sandy Class, CCE, President, with Marc Dobson, One Man Band: “Thanks to NICA for a donation to #theonemanbandwalk and Entertainers Foundation, Inc and letting me sing songs at their Movin’ Forward! event that I’ll never perform on a Fairground for Fairgoers!”

John, Libby, and Sandy Class, CCE in front of their cinnamon roll stand

Wiliam Davis, Imperial Foods, with a NICA Benefits Guide

Phil Teague, Hummel Group, and Kelley Myers, East Council

Kathy Ross, CCE, Director, with Kris Ryan, K&R Concessions, who won a camping space at the St. Lucie County Fair! Congratulations and thanks to all who supported our fundraiser May 2021 NICA News

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

Outside Sales Representative Fare Foods is currently seeking an OUTSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE. The ideal candidate will process orders and solicit new qualifying business. You will also be required to assist drivers with customer deliveries and customer needs. • • • •

Full time position Computer skills required Excellent customer service skills a must Candidate will be required to travel (company vehicle provided) • Previous Amusement/Carnival or food service experience preferred • Generous benefit package

Apply today! If you want to become a part of a fast growing family owned food service company, this job is for you! Please send a resume to sharsy@farefoods.com. Visit us online at www.farefoods.com or call 1-800-651-1601. ▲

Northwest Washington Fair Seeks Commercial & Food Vendors Newly expanded dates: August 12-21, 2021. Commercial space starting at $550, Food Concessions at 20%. Premium spaces available. Contact Frances Negranza at frances@nwwafair.com. ▲

Restaurant Building & Business For Sale MARKET DEVELOPMENT: With this current asset remaining relatively inexpensive, in this 1st quarter, NOW is the time to take advantage of this great investment. With Markets rebounding with a strong rapid recovery, Investors are moving onward and upward and looking right through the current wall of worry and focusing on where the economy can go, versus the current state of the economy. They are seeing a future of desirable profitable results. Snatch it up, don’t get left behind! Turnkey, Well Established, Profitable, Yearly Blue-Ribbon Winning State Fair located Business, includes 2160’ Air-Conditioned Permanent Building, Equipment, Supplies, Inventory, Indoor

Advertise Your Business in

May 2021 NICA News

Seating, Take-Out Window, servicing Fair and Special Events, including continuous “Drive-Thru Fair Food” called “Taste of the Fair.” Call Theresa at (561) 386-1709 or email theresa@tcjohnsonrealty.com. ▲ We have a variety of sizes to suit your ad—contact us at (813) 438-8926, communications@nicainc.org, or www.nicainc.org/advertising for additional information on sizes, prices, bulk rates, and options for ad opportunities on our website and NICA Now!

2021 Membership Contest Leaderboard* Renewal Members ($2000 Gift of Travel) Marco Arredondo Brandy Arredondo, CCE Deborah Aschmann Patricia Bair Trent Bair Sharon Barlow Robby Barona Jose Barron Chris Bayle Lois Bender David Belcher Wesley Boyd Bierwirth Samantha Bluhm Andrew Bryan Daniel Bullen Bary Bunts, CCE Thomas Burns Tony Cassata Joe Cetor Raymond (Geoff) Clark Evan Colglazier Ryan Collmer Janice Coroneos

Since 1947

Teresa Cox-Hickey Mark Davis Randy Dewitz Teresa Farnum Charmayne Fazackerley Rodney Fazackerley Susan Fraleigh James Fraser Jennifer Fraser Karen Gary Lexie Gentleman John Giordano Rich Gockelman Robert Gottsche Debbie Green Matthew Hall Jack Hammer Kevin Hauser Colleen Helm Jeffrey JJ Hickey Trey Higdon Margaret Hillman Mark Hohenwald

Jim Holt Robert Jackson Borjan Jaksic Belinda Jaycox John Jaycox Scottie Jeter Jeremy Kirchner Aldora (Dodie) KJaer Guy Leavitt Brian Linville Katie Linville Timothy Lisko Bethany McDonald Faith McGee Brian McKay Wayne McMurtry Doreen Miller Phil Miller Trey Miller Dan Mourning Lorie Oberst Leah O’Neil Richie O’Neil

Kathleen O’Leary, CFE Jeremy Parsons Bill Perlman Rick K. Pickering, CEO Laura Porter Trampas Porter Robert Pugh Barbara Quaid, CEO Brandi Rathbun Dena Rizzardo Rebecca Santorelli Robert Santorelli Alan Schwarte Patrick Sheridan Brandon Smith Morgan Stremmel R. Joshua Stremmel Dominic Vivona Jr Joe Villari Aaron Vincent Dean Vlazakis John Wandrey Larry Wynn

Referrals: General Membership Ron Porter..................................................................................... 1

Referrals: Board of Directors Sandy Class, CCE.......................................................................... 1 Thomas Hodson, CCE................................................................... 1

Email us at customerservice@mrgsmeats.com or call 660-646-3600 to order samples. For over 70 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 *Listing as of 3/31/21. See back cover for rules and prizes.

www.mrgsmeats.com May 2021 NICA News

MCGOWANSpecialty ALLIED Insurance Masters in the art of insuring

amusement & entertainment risks ABOUT US McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance brings together an unmatched team of risk management professionals with over 35 years of expertise. We continue, as we have since 1983, to be solely dedicated to the Amusement and Entertainment Industries. The strength of our new partnership delivers in-depth knowledge of the industry and advanced technology that brings to you a solid partner for your business needs. We craft solutions for a wide range of coverages that other companies

May 2021 NICA News

simply do not know how to write. We ensure that you are not stuck with cut-rate programs. 727.547.3023 tellmemore@mcgowanallied.com mcgowanallied.com

Let us show you how we can help. Scan for more information!

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc.

For Off ice Use Only

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

Date: #: q Member Renewal

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION q Mr. q Mrs. q Ms.

First Name:

Last Name:

Name of Business: Physical Address: Mailing Address:

City :

Primary Phone Number :

State:

Zip:

State:

Zip:

Cell / Secondary Phone Number :

Email:

Website:

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

NICA News Preference: q Mail q Email

Referred by :

Annual Membership Fees Associate Membership

Regular Membership q

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business / Group Membership

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

Food / Beverage

Commercial Exhibitors / Retail / Merchants

payment

Attractions / Entertainment

Cash q

Games

Visa

Guest Services

Credit Card #:

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

___________________________________________________________

Check

Mastercard

Security Code:

Money Order q

American Express

Discover

Expiration Date:

TOTAL:

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

Beneficiary : _________________________ Phone : _____________

Applicant’s signature

Date

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

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

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 Time Sensitive Mail • May 2021 Issue

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