August 2012 NICA Newsletter 2012

NICA News August 2012

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc.

Dedicated to strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival and Special Event Industries through effective communication, benefits, leadership and solutions.

What’s

August 2012

This is the final part of a two part series for this years NICA Board of Elections.

Last month our candidates shared their bios with you. This month they each answer 4 important questions.

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CONCESSIONAIRE O F T H E M O N T H This month we are showcasing Brad Schroder of Schroder Concessions.

They have been serving fair patrons some fantastic food since 1962. Enjoy this inspiring and intriguing interview.

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THANK YOU LETTERS FROM FFA AND SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

ADVERTISERS

Read two letters from these winners.

REGULAR ARTICLES

FEATURE ARTICLES

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2012 BOARD OF ELECTION

Inside

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE............... 4 Greg Miller, CCE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT................................................. 5 Barbara Hensinger, CFE

NICA NEWS Recognizing the 2012/13 NICA Advisory Committee..........................6 NICA Office Move Reminder......................6 WFA Open House at the Del Mar County Fair...................................7 The 6th Annual San Diego Golf Tournament.........................................8 The NICA / SYSCO Meeing.......................9 J-1 Visa Update....................................... 14 New Members..........................................22

EVENTS CALENDAR AND AUGUST FAIRS..................................21 THE COVER NICA© Delaware State Fair, Harrington, DE

A to Z Meats................................. 9 Allied Insurance...........................11 Berk Paper & Supply..................20 Brakebush Brothers......................6 Coca Cola.....................................2 Fantesil Meats............................15 Fare Foods................................... 5 Firestone Financial.....................10 First Data......................................9 Fontanini.....................................21

Heinkel’s Package........................18 LASCO......................................... 19 Midway Stainless Fabricators...... 22 Mr. G’s Quality Meats...................10 Perfect Stix.....................................8 R3 (Bunzl).......................................7 RioSyup........................................18 Swanell.........................................15 Uncle Froggel Show....................... 8 WNA Specialty Cups.....................14

President’s Message

National Independent Independent National Concessionaires Association, Inc.

Concessionaires Association, Inc. Dedicated to strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival and Special Events Industries through effective communication, benefits, leadership and solutions.

OFFICERS President.....................Greg Miller, CCE 1st Vice-President.......Tom Sattler, CCE 2nd Vice-President.....Tim O’Brien, CCE Secretary..........................Joe Potillo, Jr. Treasurer.............................David Penn IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Russ Harrison, CCE DIRECTORS: Rose Marie Ash Paulette Keene Don Kenna Justin Sattler Tony Trafton, CCE PAST PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL 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 Executive Director Barbara Hensinger, CFE - barb@nicainc.org Membership Coordinator Jill Omel - nica@nicainc.org Graphics and Marketing Director Eric Justice - graphics@nicainc.org NICA WEST OFFICE: Executive Manager Rey O’Day 951-315-6623 • imreyqoe@gmail.com 2130 Walnut St. La Verne, CA 91750 NICA WEST EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Don Delahoyde, CCE Jennifer Giordano Judy Henbury, CCE Lucky Henner Don Long, CCE Dan Lusenhop Dale Smith Tony Trafton, CCE NICA is a Florida Corporation with Editorial and General Office located at: 1043 E. Brandon Blvd.

Brandon, FL 33511 (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 438-8928 www.nicainc.org

Greg Miller, CCE I had talked to Barb at the NICA office last week about content for my President’s message in this month’s NICA News. I told her I had rambled on about things in the past and was looking for new material. We discussed several ideas but that is not what resulted in this month’s report.

My new content came to me in the form of a storm that hit my state on June 29th. We were working a couple different events in West Virginia when the storm hit us. None of our equipment received much damage but I can’t say much for the tents that were around us. Many of them just blew away. After the storm was over you could tell the operators who knew how to tie down tents, they were the few left standing. Pinson Novelties tents never moved, they were under the watchful eyes of Bobby Pinson. The next couple days we spent cleaning up and we were able to open on the 4th of July for a few hours in the morning.

Lewisburg, the city I live in had no power or water. They needed a 300 kilowatt generator to run the water plant. They turned to the carnival industry for help. I called upon Bobby and Bess Brinkley from Brinkley’s Entertainment out of Walnut Cove, North Carolina. Bobby made a few calls to make sure he could find a backup generator for themselves because they were preparing to work a 4th of July spot. He called me back shortly thereafter and said they would bring it to us. It ended up FEMA had called back in about the same time and sent us one that night. Allen and Drema Myers with Myers Amusements located out of Summersville, West Virginia were also playing a spot in Rainelle, West Virginia. The Myers hooked their generators up to the water supply and supplied the power needed to run the system. It says a lot about our proud industry and it’s people.

That’s all I have for this month. Remember it’s thunderstorm season so be careful as you travel the roads.

The information contained in this Publication is based upon sources believed to be reliable. Readers should not act without professional advice. Cover to Cover Copyright All Rights Reserved. ©NICA

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August 2012

Executive Director’s Report

Summer On The Move

I

can’t believe I am writing a column for August already. It feels like summer just started, time sure does fly by when you are having fun. And I am having fun here at the NICA Office. The staff is a great bunch to work with and very dedicated to NICA and the membership.

I have to admit that working with the Board sometimes reminds me what it is like to herd cats. They are all sucBarbara Hensinger, CFE cessful independent business people, and not always use to being on the team instead of leading it. With that said, each of the Board members comes to the board with the goal to make NICA a better and stronger organization that works to serve its membership. They are a group that all of the members can be proud to have represent them.

This month you will be voting for new board members.

There are four candidates and three seats open. I urge you all to take the time to read this month’s article about their

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thoughts for the future of NICA and if you did not catch their bios in the July NICA News, please review them. Please remember to get your ballot into the NICA Office.

When I was on the road in June, I was able to attend the Del Mar County Fair and meet several of our West Coast members. What a great event and we have some awesome concessionaires. The food and hospitality was great. Our SYSCO Corporate Representative, Amy Davis-Smith was able to attend as well. She was truly impressed by our folks and the great job they do.

During the month of July we are busy with the move. If you are in the Tampa Area, please stop by and check out our new “digs.” The office is beautiful and the rent remains about the same. We even have a conference room big enough for the board!

Safe travels. I hit the road later this month for mid-west state fair visits – hope to see you at one of them!

August 2012

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NICA News

The 2012 /13 NICA Advisory Committee and NICA Office Move Reminder The NICA Board of Directors would like to thank our partner fair managers who have agreed to serve on the NICA Advisory Committee. This committee is very important to NICA. It helps us to understand current events from the perspective of fair management. In

turn it gives the NICA Board an opportunity to share our concerns and work toward win /win solutions.

In the past this committee has been very helpful to open up communications with fair management. Last year, members of the Advisory Committee

were very helpful in connecting NICA with lobbyists and other organizations in New York State to address many of the new labor issues that are impacting our members.

The 2012 / 2013 Committee includes the following fair managers: Rick Frenette, CFE - Wisconsin State Fair Gary Goodman, CFE - South Carolina State Fair Bob Irwin, CFE - Georgia National Fair and Agricenter Ellany Johnson - Florida Strawberry Festival Denny Lang, CFE - Erie County Fair, New York Saree Miller, CFE - Allegan County Fair, Michigan Barbara Quaid, CFE - Ventura County Fair, California Mark St. Jacques, CFE - Washington County Fair, New York John Sykes, CFE - East Texas State Fair Don West - Arizona State Fair

Proudly hrough t d e t u b i r t s di Fare Foods 601 800-651-1

Reminder: NICA Office Move NICA is moving its office to new location as of August 2012. We will be staying in Brandon, Florida. The office is wonderful with more space and a conference room for our Board of Directors.

You can start using the new address immediately! So please

1043 E. Brandon Blvd.

Brandon, FL 33511 update our new address in your database to ensure your mail is received promptly from the post office. Our phone numbers will stay the same, only the physical address is changing.

Stop by if you are in the area, we would love to see you!

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NICA News

WFA Open House at the Del Mar County Fair

W

Food from Australian Battered Potatoes, Carmel Dyer owner and NICA member

FA hosted an open house on Thursday, June 21st at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar. The reception was held in the Grandstand Turf Club following the WFA Service Member meeting. Many NICA member as well as NICA Executive Director, Barb Hensinger and NICA West Manager, Rey O’Day were in attendance. NICA held a successful raffle for two Kindle Fires. Stephen Chambers, WFA Executive Director pulled one of the winning tickets for Tracy Stutsky , LA Coun County Fair Commercial Manager, and Tim Fennell, San Diego County Fair CEO/General Manager, pulled the other winning ticket for NICA member Bob Jackson.

“It was a great opportunity for me to match some names and faces and I loved being able to visit the San Diego County Fair. I have always heard that it was a great event and the rumors are true,” said Hensinger.

Liz Waxstein, WFA Meetings Mgr., Jennifer Giordano, C&C Concessions and NICA West Council Member, Teresa Brander, owner Brander Enterprises

Stephen Chambers, WFA Executive Director and Rey O’Day, NICA West Manager

An overview of Del Mar paddock

Vince Agnifili, Dale Smith, Pink’s Hot Dogs and NICA West Council Member, Rey O’Day

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August 2012

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NICA News

The 6th Annual San Diego Golf Tournament On June 18, 2012 NICA West held the very successful 6th Annual San Diego Golf Tournament at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club in Solana Beach, CA. Chandler Crutchfield was the best putter, Ryan McGowan was only 4’6” from Hole #8 and Courtney Barham made the longest drive to Hole #11. The 3rd place team from Trafton Company was comprised of Tony Trafton Juan Rivera, Norm Hill and Jaime Barker. Chuck Wagon team members Mike Patten, Cody Patten, Ryan McGowan and Spencer Treadwell placed 2nd. Our winning team of Ryan Nichols, Mark Nichols, Spencer Thurn and Patrick Duncan was from Fair Food Service.

We also want to give a big shout out to: - Tommie Fomby, Irene Dugan, and Chuck Dugan for greeting and registering our players - Gary Barham for leading us to a well-manicured, beautiful course - Celia and Dale Smith for soliciting hole-sponsors and upgrading the look of our signage - Connie Barham, Ashley Murray, Justin Murray, Dominic Palmieri, Ron Naslund, and Mark Neagles for gathering great prizes and goodie bag items - The dedicated members who brought us great foursomes!

In 2011 we had 44 players and in 2012 we had 56 players. In 2011 we had 19-hole sponsors and in 2012 we had 29-hole sponsors. In NICA we know that “Together We Can” really is the key to our success!

From left to right: Bill Oltman with Palapa Taco, Art Franklin, Rip Petree, and Andrew Twisselman with Brander Enterprises, Inc.

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Putting Contest

Registration with Rey O’Day, Tommie Fomby, Irene Dugan and Chuck Dugan

Nicco Ysiano, SYSCO Sales Representative and Gary Barham, Owner Hot Dog on A Stick and golf tournament Chair.

August 2012

NICA News

NICA / SYSCO Meeting

N

ICA Executive Director Barb Hensinger, NICA West Manager Rey O’Day and several members of the NICA West Council met with SYSCO Corporate Representative Amy Davis-Smith and West Coast Opco’s Mark Neagles and Drew Ammerman at the Del Mar County Fair on June 21. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the current SYSCO Agreement and evaluate how things are working regionally and at the Corporate Office.

Amy Davis-Smith was extremely pleased to have the opportunity to meet with several NICA members at the fair and to learn how our operations work.

She stated she was amazed at the size and quality of the stands. “It is like a restaurant that has to been torn down and moved every few weeks. I know a

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lot of restaurant’s that can’t manage a permanent NICA’s Preferred Merchant Services Provider location and this • Cost + 0.2% and $0.02 a transaction • No Long-term Service Contracts stand is great.”

• No Statement Fee • We will pay up to $250 Commented Ms. • No Monthly Minimums towards cancellation Davis-Smith when • $9.95 Wireless Fee, if applicable Cost Effective and Affordable! visiting Chuck and Tina Walker, First Data Merchant Services Irene Dugan’s C: 239-287-8221 / Tina.Walker@firstdata.com Chuckwagon. Ms. **copy of cancel fee on your last merchant statement with previous provider** ***Must be a current member to participate*** Davis-Smith is the ****Rate/Savings Comparisons available by faxing recent merchant statement to 402-916-6163**** corporate liaison assigned to work held in January at the WFA Convention with NICA. It was extremely helpful and how the reports will be sent to the to have her involved in the meeting NICA office in Florida. Other logistics to address issues from the corporate such as fuel surcharges and credit apperspective and to help streamline the plication process were also discussed.

SYSCO program between the many Barb and Rey will be working with Ms. SYSCO regional houses.

Davis-Smith on these issues to make Some of the topics discussed included sure we are making participation easy the SYSCO / NICA Food Show to be for our members.

August 2012

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Growing Partnerships Fair, Festival and State Association Member Contest The NICA membership is excited to offer our new campaign to reach out to our Fair, Festival partners and bring them into the NICA family. The mission of our organization is to partner with all those who do business in our industry and work together, to grow, preserve and strengthen family friendly events held across the country.

Fair / Festival Management Contest: NICA and our member partner Cola-Cola Refreshments, will reward our top three fair / festival managers from large and three from small fairs with a cash reward. This competition is based strictly on who recruits the most new members.

Large Fairs / festivals – (attendance over 100,000) 1st Place: $500

2nd Place: $200

Small Fairs / festivals

3rd Place: $100

– (attendance under 100,000)

State and Provincial Competition: NICA and the Coca Cola Refreshments will award cash for educational programming at the state convention to the top two associations who recruit the most members.

1st Place: $1,000

2nd Place: $500

Sponsored by

1st Place: $500 2nd Place: $200 3rd Place: $100

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2012

NICA Bo a

For Part 2 of our series announcing the candidates for our upcoming Board of Director election, we asked the candidates the following questions: 1.) What ideas or suggestions do you have to make NICA a stronger organization?

2.) As a Board member, how would you get more concessionaires actively involved with NICA?

Stacia Markowitz 1. I would reach for stability in the office, on the board and on the policy sheet. I feel that NICA will be a stronger organization with people that are our “leaders” and are experienced and goal focused. I would also look to increase our membership and member participation.

2. Speaking one on one with people is the best way to get a feel for what they will or will not do.I feel that if we ask for help and participation on a one to one basis , we are more likely to get concessionaires who will participate. We may never reach all of the members, but if we all work at that goal we will have more participation and a stronger organization.

3. I hope that my ability to think things through and weigh all the answers will be an asset to the board. I also feel that my experience with working cooperatively with other groups and boards will help in working with this board. I have learned to compromise and strive for the best outcome possible.

4. Since NICA Board Members attend IAFE meetings and State Association meetings, it is a perfect opportunity to see and hear other national speakers. There is a very big pool of people available, we just need to find them and get them to participate in NICA.

Continued on Page 19 12 www.nicainc.org 10

DoMinic PalMieri 1. The key to any successful organization is vision, planning and execution. Developing events like the Spring workshop, and including professionals, specializing in focus groups, team leadership and setting goals would help to lead NICA into a stronger and more efficient organization. If we can show the industry we are a stronger and effective association, we will get more members. The bottom line to any organization is to drive the membership.

2. I have always believed that member benefits are important to a large majority in any organization. I would try to strengthen and improve on the current benefits and then identify and follow through to add more. There are so many intelligent, hard working and innovative people in our industry.

I would encourage members that have found a smarter, more efficient way, to share their knowledge. Together, we can make it better, faster, stronger, cheaper and more importantly, we can make it smarter. I like working with smart people, taking the best everyone has to offer and making something better from what appears to be the best. It’s like giving 110%.

Success attracts people. I want to showcase the success of our membership. If we focus on this we will get more participation. Everyone wants to be on a winning team!

Continued on Page 19 August July 2012 2012

PART 2 OF A 2 PART SERIES

oard Electio n 3.) What are some of your personal strengths that will be an asset to the NICA Board of Directors?

4.) The Board has established four long-term goals, what ideas do you have to help NICA achieve these goals?

DaviD Penn

JuStin Sattler

1. We need to continue to look for ways to stand out in our industry, taking on current issues like the J1 Visa program and letting the rest of our industry partners know where we stand on those issues gives us a strong presence.

1. I would like to see the expansion of our national rep program. This would mean more exposure for our organization from a select group of professional individuals to get our voice out to more concessionaires, fairs and festivals.

2. We need to develop some more regional based programs where more members can be involved.

Either more food shows and/or educational opportunities like we have in Tampa every year.

2. As a current board member, I have been working with the national reps to enhance this program and actively recruit more reps in an attempt to get more of our members more involved in our organization.

3. For one thing, I have a slightly different look at our business; I have been on the road doing fairs and festivals, but also operate some fixed locations in permanent locations. I also like to speak to groups of people about NICA. I have been to several State and IAFE Zone meetings and talked with many of our industry partners about what NICA and our members can do for them.

3. My personal strengths that I bring to the board are; I am a second generation concessionaire and I am very active in our industry on a day to day basis. This being said the current issues faced by our members are also my own personal issues that can be brought to our board for discussion.

4. The current board has set in place some very strong goals to make NICA stronger. For my part, I am working very closely with our executive director, and the bookkeeper to closely monitor our expenses and the record-keeping to ensure our financial strength.

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4. The long term goals of our board that have been established. Now we simply need to be follow through with implementation which means more participation from our members and organizations to help make these goals possible.

August 2012

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NICA News NICA Changes MEMBER Cycle The NICA Board of Directors voted to change NICA’s annual membership to renew on October 1st annually. This is a change from the current practice of renewal occurring on a member’s original month they joined. This action is being taken to streamline office processing and to ensure that all active members are included in the annual membership directory.

To make the switch on everyone’s renewal date, the NICA office will prorate everyone’s dues and have all members pay through October 2013. Then in September 2013, all members will be billed for their annual dues which will cover October 1, 2013 – September 30, 2014. This means the following fees will be charged: Original Renewal Date June, 2012 July, 2012 August, 2012 September, 2012 October, 2012 November, 2012

Dues to Oct 2013 $165.00 $155.00 $145.00 $135.00 $125.00 $115.00

Original Renewal Date December, 2012 January, 2013 February, 2013 March, 2013 April, 2013 May, 2013

Dues to October 2013 $105.00 $95.00 $85.00 $75.00 $65.00 $55.00

J-1 Visa Update

T

he comment period for the proposed changes in regulations for the J-1 Student Visa program closed on July 10. At the time of printing this issue, we do not have any word from the US Department on the final rules.

During the comment period, several NICA members and other members of the mobile industry, our partner fairs, and many former students supplied written comments to the US Department of State. We hope with the all the facts, the concern over negative impacts to small family owned businesses and the positive experiences shared by hosts as well as student participants will have a positive impact and the government will modify the rules and allow students to be placed with concessionaires in the future.

The NICA Board would like to thank all the members who took the time to write and to those members who shared their stories with us. Your personal experiences were very important when we developed the statement written on behalf of NICA and the OABA. Our official response is a multi-page document which can be found on our website, www.NICAINC.org.

This group effort to get the word out has been a very positive experience for our role in the industry. We have demonstrated that “together we can” come together to work on a common issue and reach out to our legislators and others to share our story. This effort resulted with numerous conversations with many US Senators and Representatives. Many of them came to have a greater understanding and respect for the job we do. A job well done, regardless of the final rules.

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August 2012

z

Concessionaire of the Month Brad & family members gather for a photo

BRAD SCHRODER,

Brad & grandson having some fun at the fair

SCHRODER CONCESSIONS NICA: How long have you been a concessionaire?

Brad: My father purchased our business in 1962. By choice I have remained in it since then.

NICA: Why did you become a concessionaire?

Brad: My decision to remain in the business was due to the fact that it was something I had learned to do well and, of course, my love for the road.

NICA: What are some of the products/services that you sell?

Brad: Mainly standard fair foods including cotton candy, sno cones, apples, etc. Along with corn dogs, hot dogs, brats, cheese curds & blooming onions.

NICA: How did you start in the concession business?

Brad: As mentioned previously, my father purchased an already established business and I, by choice, have remained in it.

NICA: What do you like most about being a concessionaire?

Brad: The camaraderie developed within our crew and the friendships established with other brothers and sisters of the road.

NICA: What do you dislike about being a concessionaire?

Brad: Time away from my family.

NICA: What are your concerns about being in the business today?

Brad: Increasing governmental interference that is harmful to our livelihoods.

NICA: Do you have any advice you would like to share with new concessionaires or people who are thinking of joining the business?

Brad: Do your homework and practice great ethics. Also, have a “can do� attitude.

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August July 2012 2012

Concessionaire of the Month NICA: Do you have any interesting stories or memorable moments that you could share with the NICA news?

Brad: My first year that I played the Big E in West Springfield, MA, my road trip from Minnesota was the trip from hell! With 3 sets of truck and trailer combinations on the road only 1 made it without being broke down and left for repairs and that was not the same truck - trailer combination that started. I had equipment scattered half way across the country but by fair time we were all in and fully operational.

NICA: Do you have a favorite concession item or service (besides your own, of course)?

Brad: A good gyro, burrito and corn on the cob.

NICA: Do you have a favorite region or time of year to travel with your concession and why?

Brad: The spring route in Minnesota and Iowa because you are so itching to get back out and the fall in Massachusetts because of the nice weather and the beauty of the region.

NICA: If you could change one thing in the industry, what would it be?

Brad: I believe that we need to find a way to expand the memberships of not only NICA but the OABA and IAFE and join together on issues that affect us all. As you may know, the three organizations are now united in battling the swat J-1 Visa issue at this time.

NICA: Is there anything NICA could do for you to make your life easier?

Brad: To expand upon our original mission of communication to include activation and become a watch dog for its members NICA: What do you like to do during the off season or when you’re not working?

Brad: The usual, spending more time with family and trips with my bride of 40 years this year.

NICA: How did you come up with the name of your concession?

Brad: I was born with it and it has served me well.

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August 2012

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NICA News Stacia Markowitz Board Of Election Questions Continued I hope to help NICA continue to increase and retain our membership. I feel that if I speak to someone who is a lapsed member or potential member , and I point out the positives of being a NICA member, that it will benefit NICA with continued memberships and new members. I also feel that NICA must let everyone know about all the benefits available to its members on a continuing basis. I personally use many of the benefits and think that if we let the general membership know how we used the benefits,it will make them more comfortable to use them and benefit from that use.

I also think that the Board of Directors must continue to keep a sharp eye on all expenses and revenues, throughout the year, not just at the annual review. It is my hope that with continued dilligence, NICA will achieve financial growth.

Dominic Palmieri Board Of Election Questions Continued 3. Mentoring and communicating are two of my strengths that will be an asset on the Board and using effective communication has contributed to my success. My background in concessions, marketing, sales, insurance, real estate, and farming have allowed me to make close contacts in these different industries and learn many different perspectives. I’m not afraid to ask and certainly not afraid to learn. If elected to the Board, I would bring 25 yrs. of solid experience and would in turn share as much of that as possible.

members for the discounts it gives. This would also create more revenue streams for NICA. NICA’s Goal #4 - Membership: While serving on the Board of WFA, we were instrumental in the implementation of service member meetings at fairgrounds. These planned meetings had helped to solidify relationships with fair businesses and fair management. It gave a voice for those members who could not attend the conventions. This would be a perfect example of how to include more potential NICA members and give them a voice. If they feel they had more participation in the organization, they would be more likely to join and participate in fundraisers, educational sessions, and eventually serve on the Board. Membership of any organization is grown one member at a time. Include everyone and eventually, you’ll get someone!

One last comment, this is probably one of the most important elections in the past 20 years of NICA. No Matter whom you vote for, your candidate should be as passionate for this industry as you are. You should share, connect and communicate your ideas to your Board Members. They are there to serve for the good of the entire membership. But they can’t do it without your input. NICA is only as good as the people who serve it. No matter what your ability, time you have or voice you share, you are an important part of this association.

Do something extraordinary, give 110% (even if it is for one cause or one event), be passionate about our industry and help to make NICA better for you.

4. NICA’s Goal #1- Professional Voice in Industry: Having served on the Professional Development Committee for the Western Fair Association, I have always understood the value of pertinent, educational and informative content for members. The value of participation through someone who is engaged in conversation, round table or speaker session is priceless. I would strive to nurture a professional development committee for NICA that would interact with other associations like OABA and IAFE. Most of our members attend those conventions and or, are members of those associations. Communication with those affiliate associations will help to solidify NICA and our members as valued partners.

NICA’s Goal #2 - Revenue Stability: NICA Goals 2 and 3 actually go hand in hand for me. I have said I am an advocate of member benefits. One of the most successful NICA benefits we have is the SYSCO buying group contract. This helps NICA in two very important ways.

1. It creates new revenue for NICA through the purchases of products from SYSCO, and saves money for concessionaires both large and small.

2. It has become an important member benefit that will be useful in growing the membership.

At the same time, this contract has the potential to grow into a national program attracting new www.nicainc.org

August 2012

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NICA News

Letters of Thanks from FFA and Scholarship Winners

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August 2012

NICA News Fairs in August Canfield Fair, Canfield, OH August 29 - September 3 Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, VT August 25 - September 3

2012/2013 Event Calendar August 15: NICA Auction - Indiana State Fair August 15: Directory update due September 1: All membership dues are due

Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis, IN August 3 - 19

September 30: NICA Board of Directors election ballots due

Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, IA August 9 - 19

November 7-10: Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs Annual Convention, DoubleTree Riverside, Boise, Idaho

Kentucky State Fair Board, Louisville, KY August 16 - 26

November 25: NICA Board of Directors meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada

Marshall County Blueberry Festival, Plymouth, IN August 31 - September 3 Nebraska State Fair, Grand Island, NE August 24 - September 3 State Fair of West Virginia, Lewisburg, WV August 10 - 18 Steele County Free Fair, Owatonna, MN August 14 - 19 Walworth County Fair, Elkhorn, WI August 29 - September 3

October 15: CCE application due

November 26-29: 123rd Annual IAFE Convention and Trade Show Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada December 4: NICA Annual Board of Directors Meeting December 7-9: Association of Iowa Fairs Annual Convention, Airport Holiday Inn, Des Moines, Iowa January 20-23: Western Fairs Association Annual Convention including NICA/SYSCO Food Show, Reno, Nevada February 4-6: NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods Food Show, Embassy Suites, Tampa, Florida

Washington County Fair, Inc. , Greenwich, NY August 20 - 26

www.nicainc.org

August 2012

21

NICA News

Join NICA Now

and get these great Membership Benefits! (see the membership application on page 23)

Membership Contest 2012 General Membership Bob Drinkwater ..........................1 Brandon Warner ........................1 Dan Lusenhop ...........................1 Don Delahoyde ..........................1 Don Long ...................................1 IFEA...........................................1 John the Greek ..........................1 Judy Henbury ............................2 Michael Knott .............................1 Mike Curci..................................1 Norman Keene ..........................3 Randy Reichert ..........................1 Ron McKinney ...........................2 Tim Harmon ...............................1 NICA Rep Charles Ivory ..............................1 Dannie Moreland ........................9 David Spann ...............................1 Kevin McGrath II .........................1 Administration Office ........................................35 Rey O’Day ..................................2 Board of Directors Paulette Keene ...........................1 Rose Marie Ash ..........................2 Russ Harrison .............................5 Tom Sattler .................................1 Tony Trafton ................................4

• Access to Affordable Health Insurance • Advanced Testing Solutions, LLC • $10,000 AD&D Insurance Policy (Available only to Independent Concessionaire Membership) • Arrow Distributing, Inc. Discount • AutoZone Discount • Check-Inn Direct Discount • Coca-Cola National Pricing • First Data Credit Card Processing • Ford Fleet Program Discount • GraybaR Discount

• • • • • • • • • • •

Hertz HD Supply Discount NICA Annual Membership Directory NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods Annual Food Show NICA News Monthly Magazine NICA West/WFA Food Show Pepsi-Cola National Pricing w/Rebate Scholarship Program Sherwin-Williams Discount Stanz Foodservice Sysco

New Members Bonnie Bribiesca Bribiesca Concessions, KS

Kallie Lolkema

Rick Kasinak

Meggers Road Concessions DBA Hot Wisconsin Cheese, IN

Pacific Coast Concession, CA

Kelly Violini

Terri Crutchfield

Charlie Conarro

Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation, CA

Whirley Drink Works, PA

Terri’s Berries Inc, CA

Clint Mullen

Mark Hill

Walter Pohlman

Clints Lemonade, WA

Goldmark Concessions, CA

Gran ma’s Ice Tea, IN

Refreshments

Fair, Festival and State Association Membership Contest...

Fair Manager

Administration

Large Fair/Event Denny Lang .............................. 1

Large Fair/Event Office ........................................ 1

For a more information about the contest and a complete list of rules, please see page 11.

PRIZES

* Carnival Cruise Package - (valued over $1500) a drawing will be held for all the members who refer new/former members in 2012. For every new/former member referred, the recruiting member will receive 1 chance to win the Carnival Cruise. * $500 Cash - For every new/former member referred, the recruiting member will receive 1 chance to win the $500. * NICA National Rep Contest - Winner will receive $500 cash and is eligible to win any of the above-mentioned prizes.

Drawings to be held in Tampa, Florida in February 2013.

22 www.nicainc.org

August 2012

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc.

Date

1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 (O) 813-438-8926 • (F) 813-438-8928 email: nica@nicainc.org • www.nicainc.org

For Office Use Only

#

NICA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

q Mr. q Mrs.

q Ms.

Last

First

Name of business Physical address

City

State

Zip

Mailing address

City

State

Zip

Permanent tel. no. (

)

Fax no.

Cell phone no. (

)

E-mail

Paperless: q Yes q No

Website

I agree to get my renewal invoices sent by email. Please provide email address. Referred by

Please fill out the below information as ACCURATELY and DETAILED as possible. INFORMATION and KEY WORDS provided below will be used for your entry in the NICA Annual Membership Directory as well used as key words to search for your business on the NICA website.

Visit our website for NICA Membership Benefits www.nicainc.org

Annual Membership Fees INDEPENDENT CONCESSIONAIRE

ASSOCIATE

New NICA Member q (Enrollment from June 1 - Sept 30)..........................$125 q (Enrollment from Jan 1 - May 31)................................$65 q Spousal member...................................................................$75 q Employee (non-voting)..........................................................$50

Fair/Festival over 75,000 attendance q (Enrollment from June 1 - Sept 30)..........................$125 q (Enrollment from Jan 1 - May 31)............................... $65 Fair/Festival under 75,000 attendance q (Enrollment from June 1 - Sept 30)............................$75 q (Enrollment from Jan 1 - May 31)...............................$40 Manufacturer/Distributor/Industry Supplier q (Enrollment from June 1 - Sept 30)............................$75 q (Enrollment from Jan 1 - May 31)...............................$40 Carnival Operator q (Enrollment from June 1 - Sept 30)............................$75 q (Enrollment from Jan 1 - May 31)...............................$40

Voting membership available to any person who is an independent concessionaire.

Please check a category below and provide a detailed description of the services your company provides.

q Commercial exhibits q Food

q Games q Retail

q Attractions/Entertainment

_________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Concessionaire General Routing Information Please list all states where you conduct your concession business.

_________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Mail Check or Money Order to NICA at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 q Visa q Mastercard q American Express

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

Please provide a detailed description of the services your organization/company provides. _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ 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.

Credit card no.

Security Code

Expiration Date

Applicant’s signature

Date

Spousal signature

Date

TOTAL:__________________ (spousal signature required when both are joining)

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

Spouse’s first name

Spouse’s last name (please print) Rev. 6/12

NICA News

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

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 Time Sensitive Mail ~ July 2012 Issue

And Other Great Prizes! * Carnival Cruise Package – (valued over $1500) will be awarded to the individual who refers the most new/former members. For every new/former member referred, the recruiting member will receive 1 chance to win the Carnival Cruise. * $500 Cash – For every new/former member referred, the recruiting member will receive 1 chance to win the $500. * Carnival Cruise Package - (valued over $1500) a drawing will be held for all the members who refer new/former members in 2012. * $500 NICA National Rep –member Winner of the National Rep contest will receive $500 cash and is eligible to win any of the For every new/former referred, the NICA recruiting member will receive 1 chance to win the Carnival Cruise. above-mentioned prizes. * $500 Cash - For every new/former member referred, the recruiting member will receive 1 chance to win the $500. * NICA National Rep Contest - Winner will receive $500 cash and is eligible to win any of the above-mentioned prizes.

All new and former members’ applications must be submitted to the NICA office within 30 days of receipt in order to be eligible for the contest.

All new and former members’ applications must be submitted to the NICA office within 30 days of receipt in order to be eligible for the contest. be heldinin Tampa, Tampa, Florida in February 2013.

DrawingsDrawings will betoheld Florida in February 2013.

Sponsored by

Refreshments