Contents • November 2014 FEATURES
08 NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 2015 Food Show Information Packet 12 Thoughts from a CCE Etta Pence, CCE & Michael Pence, CCE
13 The Member’s Voice 14 Concessionaire of the Month
Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, The Original Australian Battered Potatoes, LLC
16 A Visit to the DuQuoin State Fair 18 Volunteer Power Reaps Rewards 20 The Newest Good Neighbor Award 21 Association Announcements 22 NICA in the Northwest 24 Things to Consider When Building a New Food Trailer 26 A Roundup of Western Fairs 34 2014-15 Calendar of Events
Activities 07 Hidden Object Contest
AdvertiSers
News & Articles
25 Allied Specialty Insurance 21 Dawn Food Products 31 Fanestil 28 Fare Foods 32 Haas & Wilkerson 33 Joe’s Fountain Service
28 K & K Insurance 02 Pepsi 31 R3 07 Sippers By Design 32 United Trailers / Air Safe Hitches 17 WNA
04 Say Hello to Our New Members! 05 President’s Message By Greg Miller, CCE
05 Alta’s Soapbox By Alta Mosley
07 The Director’s Voice By Tim O’Brien, CCE
Dedicated to strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival, and Special Events Industries through effective communication, benefits, leadership, and solutions The National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. is a Florida Corporation with an Editorial and General Office located at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 • Office: (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 438-8928 • Web: www.nicainc.org The information contained in this Publication is based upon sources believed to be reliable. Readers should not act without professional advice. Cover to Cover © 1993-2014 NICA, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Happy Thanksgiving! November 2014 NICA News
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Say Hello to Our New Members! Judy Carrico
Todd Lavigne Fair Pair Concessions, CT
Tony Fiori All N, AZ
Kelly Grout Jack’s Fries, MA
Peace Frogs, VA
Georgina Kroll
Joseph Rocheleau
Joe’s Fountain Service, FL
Paula Pavlick-Swika
Pies N Cakes, PA
Rick Pachell, CCE
Holly Wells
Stephen Swika III
Alameda County Fair, CA
Chinese Gourmet, FL Deluca Family Foods, OH
Pacific Crest Concessions, ID
Matthew Wells
Pacific Crest Concessions, ID
Catesby Jones
Michelle Siggins Sunshine Concessions of Hernando, Inc., FL Daniel Armstrong
Sweet Dreams Concessions, FL
Mike Coffee Timbo’s II, AZ
Pies N Cakes, PA
Member Renewals (Year Joined) Steve Allison
Gary Crutchfield
J. Keith Hoover
William Prowant
William Baldwin, Sr.
Michael Davis
Phillip Hull
Robert Pugh
Kevin Bechler
Linda Davis
Robert Hutchins
Carey Risinger
Kurt Bechler
Concessions Department
Missouri State Fair (1993) D B Food Concessions LLC (1994) Bechler Family Concessions (1998) Bechler’s Fun Foods (2009)
Jack Benoit
Benoit Distributing Co. Inc. (2002)
Ralph Berkeypile
Taco Garden, Inc. (2006)
Jack Bidwell
Bidwell’s Concessions (1995)
Phyllis Bidwell
Bidwell’s Concessions (2004)
Patricia Blomsness JPB (2011)
Rich Brander
Brander Enterprises Inc. (2007)
Thomas Burns
Grand Rapids Popcorn Co. (2007)
Jacqueline Cammarano Erie County Fair (2013)
Michael Chemotti
MSK Corp. Heroes & Legends Cafe (2011)
Jennifer Chivers
Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation (2012)
John Christopher
Wild Goose Concessions (2002)
Kevin Coe
Patty Wagon (2011)
Charlie Conarro
Whirley Drink Works (2012)
Costas Constantinou Grecian Delights (2011)
Maria Costis
Olympic Kitchen (2001)
Fran Crone
SW Florida & Lee County Fair (1997)
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November 2014 NICA News
Crutchee-s, Inc. (2012) Toucan Enterprises (2012) Toucan Enterprises (2012) The Great Allentown Fair (2011)
Billy Fickling Sr.
McKinney Food Services (1993)
Mark Frazier
Frazier Fair Foods (2003)
Matt Gallapoo
American Family Concessions (2013)
Mary Gambill
Staci’s Sales, LLC (2011)
Jan Gary
Leap of Faith Adventures, Inc. dba JK Dots (2005)
Dale Gittinger
Gittingers Concessions (1997)
Mark Goodman
66 Drive-In Theatre (2013)
John Gray
Focus Photography (2008)
John Harkey
Harkey Concessions (2001)
John Harrington
Harringtons Greenhouse, Inc. (2012)
Lucky Henner
Capital Cookery, Inc. (2004)
Susan Hewing
JMS Concessions (2004)
David Higginbottom
Pork Chop Express (2013) Hull Concessions, LLC (2007) Rainbow Concessions dba Blue & White Concessions (2007)
Irene Ledakis
Bavarian Almond Shoppe (2000)
Dan Lusenhop
Jeanne’s Artichokes (2007)
Darleyne Magel
Darleyne D. Magel Concessions (2001)
John Magel, Sr.
Darleyne D. Magel Concessions (1996)
Tom Robinson
Ludwig Fish & Produce Co. (2005)
Jerry Rooksberry
Huron Food Sevice (1999)
Daniel Rowlett
Silver Dollar Concessions (2007)
Kenny Ryals
Lemonade and More (2008)
Justin Sattler
Sattler Concessions (2010)
Duane McCune
Christa Scheler
Mike McGrath
Robert Schmidt
Lyle McLaren
Tim Seivers
Gentry Miller
Robert Shortt
Greg Miller, CCE
Margo Shortt
Janie Moore
George Siggins
Marchant Concessions (2012) McCune’s Super Steak & Super Tenderloin (2005) The Best Around (1999) Old Fashioned Fudge (2007) Miller & Co. (2010) Miller & Company (1998) Janie’s Concessions (2010)
Ashley Murray
M & M Marketing (2008)
Richard Natale
New York Style Pizza (1996)
Thomas Hodson, CCE
Gillian Palmer
Hoopingarner Concession (2013)
State Fair of Texas (1995)
Dawn Sattler
Rick Oxford
Lance Hoopingarner
Gulf Stream (2009)
Tod Marchant
Chesapeake Food Concessions (1993) The Thomas Hodson Company (1993)
Durant Enterprises, Inc. (1996)
Televac Products (2005) Eastern States Exposition, Home of The Big E (2006)
Sattler’s Concessions (2010) Aunt Martha’s Famous Food / C&E Concession, Inc. (1997) Schmidt Provisions, LLC (2009) Seivers Concessions (2013) BoMar Enterprises (2008) BoMar Enterprises (2008) Sunshine Concessions of Hernando, Inc. (2007)
Terrence Slaggert
Mid States Exposition Services, Inc. (2008)
Wayne Smith
Tom’s Tasty Taters (2004)
Zean Spivey
Spivey’s Food Concessions (2004)
Ed Stergar
C & E Concessions, LLC (1997)
►► “Member Renewals” continued on page 6
President’s Message Greg Miller, CCE, President
Modern technology has its advantages and disadvantages. This month’s message from me was about a totally different subject. I wrote the article late one night after a busy day of setup, and I emailed it to the office and sent a copy to Alta. A couple days later, I received a call from the office inquiring about when my article would be there. I told them that I had already composed it and emailed it to them but would do it again. I went back to my iPad after work and I couldn’t find any trace of the article. I sent Alta a text message and she hadn’t seen it either, so I guess I composed and erased it at the same time. My
point is, technology worked against me instead of for me. Many events we work are now sending out applications and contracts by email. I worry about the possibility of not getting the email or getting it and not saving it. Thankfully, most events will still give a courtesy call if the paperwork isn’t there. NICA and Alta have been on the move this Fall, spending a lot of time in the Northeast. I’m sure many of you have been visited by Alta and her Southern charm. I have had some feedback on her travels and it’s all been positive. This was a commitment the Board made at the Spring Workshop and I feel that it’s paying off. Hopefully it’s something we can continue to do for future years. Thanks Alta for the time you spent flying and driving around. Well, that’s about it for this month, and hopefully you’re getting ready to enjoy the short time off before heading back out again. ▲
Alta’s Soapbox Alta Mosley, Executive Director
An Independent Concessionaire is smart, hardworking, and dedicated. They can set up their business in a different town every two November brings many weeks and know exactly what the guests of that thoughts to mind. The end Fair have been waiting a year to enjoy. They can of a long season on the fabricate materials into a one-of-a-kind item road, a time to be at the that someone from the Health Department said home you only get to enjoy was a requirement in order to operate in their a few short months out of the year, as well as a time of county. They can repair equipment, create new giving Thanks for the many menu items, continually work on improving the efficiency of their operation, and market blessings of our lives. their business to new Fairs and Festivals. The I’ve been on the road list is endless. In addition to all those things, a lot the past few months, seen a lot of the country, and visited with a lot of Independent Concessionaires are family members NICA members and prospective members. I am who coach or attend their kids sports events, concerned that in many locations, NICA members even when it means they drive all night, and they are not receiving the contracted discounts. It is support all the fundraising events. Regardless of equally important that, as members, we know the cause, they always give. They ride Harleys, what to expect from those benefits. Please do not go fishing and hunting, and they love all types hesitate to contact the office if you we can be of of sports. They are Chefs, Marketing Specialists, assistance to you. Fabricators, Painters, Mechanics, Financial Along the way, I was asked to describe an Analysts, and Counselors. They are well educated. Independent Concessionaire. These are my ►► “Alta’s Soapbox” continued on page 6 thoughts: November 2014 NICA News
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“Member Renewals” continued from page 4 ►► Earl Strickland
Tammy Wetherell
Tom Stroud
Ron Whiting
Jim Swain
Brooke Wray
Eagle Concessions, Inc. (2003) Stroud Ent. (2007) Swain’s Fine Foods (1995)
Jimmy Swain
Swain’s Concessions (2008)
Jeff Swartz
Hitch-Hiker Mfg. (2011)
Hugh Tyler
The Butcher Shop Inc. (1995)
Wetherell Concessions (2011) Whiting’s Foods (2007) Billbrooke Concessions, Ltd. (2007)
Tim Yoder
Elkhart County Fair (1993)
Michael Yoder
Rapsure Concession Trailers, Inc. (1993)
Richard Valentine
Jac & Do’s Pizza (2003)
Thank you to all of our New and Renewing Members for your continued support of NICA. Is your NICA membership renewal due soon? To find out, you can call the Office at (813) 438-8926, e-mail nica@nicainc.org, or check your account online at www.nicainc.org.
“Alta’s Soapbox” continued from page 5 ►►
They are parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. In short, they are common people who accomplish uncommon tasks. They are Independent Concessionaires. As you work those last few events and head home for some much deserved time off, I ask you to reflect on this year. We’ve lost some dear friends, celebrated some who have survived horrible diseases, and we’ve welcomed beautiful babies and newlyweds. We have so very much to be thankful for every day. Whatever your Faith may be, however you may celebrate it, take time each day to Give Thanks. Safe Travels my Friends. ▲
NICA’s Hall of Fame Nominations One of the best events that takes place every February is the induction of a deserving NICA member into the NICA Hall of Fame. It is a way for NICA to honor the careers of some of the finest Concessionaires in the business. We encourage each of you to think about the mentors and members who have helped you and consider nominating them.
Nominate online at www.nicainc.org/pages/halloffame or e-mail us at nica@nicainc.org with the following nomination details by November 30, 2014: Nominee’s name and company, your name, your phone number, and an essay of 100 words or less on why you think your nominee should receive the award. ▲
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November 2014 NICA News
Officers
NICA OFFICE
President: Greg Miller, CCE 1st Vice President: Joe Potillo, Jr. 2nd Vice President: Randy Reichert, CCE Secretary: Paulette Keene Treasurer: Stacia Markowitz Immediate Past President: Tom Sattler, CCE
Design & Marketing: Jesse Willard
Directors
Executive Manager : Rey O’Day
Don Kenna Dan Lusenhop Tim O’Brien, CCE Dominic Palmieri Justin Sattler
Past President’s Council
Russ Harrison, CCE Richard Busse, CCE Tom Hodson, CCE Jim Hodson, CCE (Deceased) Tim O’Brien, CCE Ron Smith Adam McKinney, CCE Mike Pence, CCE Jack Woods, II, CCE Bob Hallifax, CCE Frank Parnell, CCE Larry Orme (Deceased) Larry Sivori Rich Wright Bill McKinney, CCE Arthur Pokorny, Jr. Gene O’Brien, CCE (Deceased)
Executive Director: Alta Mosley alta@nicainc.org
Office Manager: Jill Omel nica@nicainc.org graphics@nicainc.org
Bookkeeper: Charisse Smith csmith@nicainc.org
NICA WEST OFFICE
WingsofFameProductions@gmail.com
2130 Walnut St. La Verne, CA 91750
NICA West Council Kim Barr Don Delahoyde, CCE Jennifer Giordano Dan Lusenhop Ashley Murray Dale Smith David Wellmon Daryl Whicheloe, CCE
NICA National Representatives Duane Fischer John Harkey David Higginbottom Charles Ivory, CCE Tom Kiermaier David Koepp Mike Markowitz Mike McGrath Kevin McGrath, II Dannie Moreland Etta Pence, CCE David Spann R. Josh Stremmel George Wandrey, Jr. Ted Wentz Ed White
The Director’s Voice
Help Make NICA Be the Best It Can Be! Tim O’Brien, CCE, Director
This is my last article. As I write it, I reflect back to the beginning, when some very smart men and women were thinking about getting together and starting an Association for Independent Concessionaires! No one thought that would fly! Concessionaires are far too independent from each other and would never agree on anything! They thought that all of us had at least a few things in common and all of us had a few concerns for the future of this business! They wanted the business to be better for their children and the future. Back then, very few had the connections and buying power and could do things the masses could not even think about doing! In their wisdom, they wanted everyone big or small to have the same connections and buying power and to be able to talk to and educate the
Fair management about our common issues! Crazy idea, don’t you think? Thank you to all who started this great Organization and to anyone who has helped it along the way! Thank you to all of our members for making it possible to do what has been done! There’s a lot more that could be done!
I challenge you, young and old, “ like me, to make NICA even better! ”
Do you realize that if each member would get one new member, we would double our membership overnight! That’s how we will increase our buying power and the deep discounts on all goods! I challenge you, young and old, like me, to make NICA even better! The Executive Director, the office staff, twelve Directors, and a handful of past Directors, and their families, cannot do it all. Please help make NICA be the best it can be! Thanks for voting for me. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you. ▲
HIDDEN OBJECT
Locate the Pumpkin Pie Slice in the pages of this magazine and you just might win the prize: a Gift Card worth $25!
Find the Pumpkin Pie Slice!
BUt What if you Find it?
Contest!
Well, lucky reader, tell us where you think it is by entering online at www.nicainc.org/pages/hiddenobject You may also mail your entry with the page number, general location, your name, address, and phone number to Hidden Object, NICA, 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511. Member entries must be in the office by November 30, 2014. October’s Falling Oak Leaf can be found on page 20 in the center-left photo. The locator of September’s Caramel Apple was Brian Keller, South Florida Fair. Congratulations!
Happy searching this November! The next winner could even be you! November 2014 NICA News
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NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 2015 Food Show February 2nd - 4th, 2015 Join us for a week of fun filled excitement at the beautiful Sheraton Tampa East Hotel (Formerly Crowne Plaza).
Sheraton Tampa East Hotel 10221 Princess Palm Avenue • Tampa, FL 33610 • (813) 623-6363
The NICA Business Expo will provide Workshops and Discussion Groups which will cover the issues and the daily challenges our industry is faced with today. The Workshops will be facilitated by experts in their fields. Visit nicainc.org for a list of workshops to be provided. Check back often as we will continue to update the listings.
February 2nd & 3rd, 2015
Fare Foods Food Show 5pm to 9pm *(Vendor setup Feb. 2nd 3rd – noon to 4pm)
February 2nd - 4th, 2015
NICA Workshops & Discussion Groups
February 4th, 2015
NICA Membershi p Meeting / Hors d’oeuvre buffet & Casino Night
We look forward to seeing you in Tampa!
Complete supply of all concession products! • Meats • Produce • Frozen Items • Dry Goods • Canned Goods • Paper Products • Fun Foods • Custom Printed Cups
NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 2015 Food Show PRE-REGISTRATION FORMS To pre-register please fill out the forms below and return them to the NICA Office or register online at www.nicainc.org
Complete supply of all concession products! • Meats • Produce • Frozen Items • Dry Goods • Canned Goods • Paper Products • Fun Foods • Custom Printed Cups
ServSafe Food Management Class: $135 .00 per person *Lunch and drink are included in fee. You must bring a state issued driver’s license or other photo ID with signature to the class. Upon receipt of your registration, a Manager Review Guide will be sent to you. Anyone who registers after January 16, 2015 may pick up their review guide the day of the class.
Name: _________________________________ Company: ______________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ( ) __________________________ Cell: ( ) ___________________________________ E-Mail ___________________________________________________________________________________ For Payment by Credit Card: Master Card Visa Discover American Express Name on Card: ____________________________________________________________________________ Billing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card No: _____________________________ Exp. Date: __________ Security Code: _________ Register online at www.nicainc.org, mail with payment to NICA, 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon FL 33511 or call NICA to register over the phone at (813) 438-8926. Checks, Money Orders and Credit Cards Accepted. Make checks payable to NICA. No refunds.
Attendee Pre-Registration Form Name: ________________________________________________________ Member Non-Member Name of Business: ________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________ State: ______________ Zi p: __________________ Phone: ( ) _______________________________ Cell: ( ) _______________________________ E-Mail: __________________________________________________________________________________
DEADLINE FOR PRE-REGISTRATION IS JANUARY 23, 2015 You can also fax your form to the NICA office at (813) 438-8928, via email to nica@nicainc.org or call (813) 438-8926. If you pre-register you will get an extra entry into the golf cart raffle! If you pre-register online at www.nicainc.org, in addition to the golf cart raffle you will be entered in the $100 gift card raffle!
NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 2015 Food Show EXHIBIT SPACE APPLICATION FORM
Complete supply of all concession products! • Meats • Produce • Frozen Items • Dry Goods • Canned Goods • Paper Products • Fun Foods • Custom Printed Cups
Please Select a Sponsorship Level
Platinum ...... $7,500.00 Gold............... $5,000.00 Silver ............. $3,000.00 Bronze ......... $2,000.00 Company Name _________________________________________________________________________ Contact Person __________________________________________________________________________ Phone No. __________________ Cell No. _______________ Fax No. __________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________ City _________________________State____________________ Zi p ______________________________ E-mail:_________________________________________________________________________________ List products/services to be exhibited: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ Name Badges: (Please print first and last name of individuals working your booth) __________________________________________ ___________________________________________ __________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Return completed form by Dec. 1, 2014 to: Fare Foods, P.O. Box 407, DuQuoin, IL 62832 All payments must be made in full by Jan. 15 or booth space will be forfeited. Phone: (618) 542-2155 • Fax: (618) 542-4798 • E-mail: apoole@farefoods.com Credit card payments accepted, Check One. *3% Processing Fee Applies
Master Card
Visa
Credit Card No. ________________________________
Expiration Date: ________
Signature ______________________________________
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NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 2015 Food Show
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HOTEL RESERVATION FORM Sheraton Tampa East Hotel
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‹‹ SPECIAL REDUCED RATES ›› To reserve hotel accommodations for the NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 2014 Food Show, please complete the following information and fax to Audrey Poole at Fare Foods (618) 542-4798 or e-mail apoole@farefoods.com If you have any questions, please call (618) 542-2155.
Name: First ________________________________ Last _____________________________________ Name of Business _____________________________________________________________________ Permanent Address ____________________________________________________________________ City ______________________________________ State ________________ Zip _________________ Phone _____________________________________ Fax ______________________________________ E-Mail ______________________________________________________________________________ Arrival Date _______________________________ Departure Date ____________________________ Please check room type and indicate the number of rooms needed.
Rooms: King Bed ____________
2 Double Beds ____________
Single or Double Bed Rooms $122.00 per night (plus applicable taxes) *Complimentary daily breakfast buffet included with your stay. (limited 2 per room)
Return completed form and payment to: Fare Foods, P.O. Box 407, DuQuoin, IL 62832 Ph: (618) 542-2155 • Fax: (618) 542-4798 • E-mail: apoole@farefoods.com Credit Card Number to guarantee reservation: Master Card Visa American Express Discover Credit Card No. _____________________________ Exp. Date:____________ Signature: _______________________________________________________
Complete supply of all concession products! • Meats • Produce • Frozen Items • Dry Goods • Canned Goods • Paper Products • Fun Foods • Custom Printed Cups
*Limited number of rooms available! RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE THROUGH FARE FOODS BY JANUARY 2, 2015 to receive this special reduced rate. Visit www.sheratontampaeast.com for additional hotel information.
Thoughts
From a
This month, NICA News is showcasing the management philosophies of two NICA Members who have earned their Certified Concessionaire Executive designations: Etta Pence, CCE & Michael Pence, CCE
Etta Pence, CCE Pence’s Concessions CCE Earned in 2003
“I started in this business in 1971 after I said ‘I do!’ I worked beside my husband and mother-in-law and visually learned their management philosophy: ‘Sell the best products at the best price using the best ingredients you could possibly buy and prepared in the cleanest environment possible.’ This meant lots of cleaning! Many things have changed over the years with newer equipment and adding products but the one thing that hasn’t changed is our philosophy. Pence’s have been around for a number of years with a reputation for quality products with repeat customers year-to-year. Communication is a very vital part of our industry. We need to communicate with the Fair Boards, suppliers, Concessionaires, employees, and, most importantly, our customers. We stress to our employees that the ‘customer is always right’ even when you may think they are wrong. Manners such as ‘May I help you,’ ‘Please’, and ‘Thank You’s’ are standard pleasantries (hopefully). We work alongside of our employees and would never ask our employees to do anything we aren’t or wouldn’t do ourselves. Everyone says that ‘Location! Location! Location!’ is most important at the Fair. Maybe it should be ‘Service! Service! Service!’ Without customers there would not be a need to have Fairs or Concessionaires. Slogan: ‘If you have time to lean, you have time to clean.’ I learned this from my mother-in-law, who was always the shining example; she passed away July 28, 2013, but was still working in May right along with me.” 12
November 2014 NICA News
Etta Pence, CCE and Michael Pence, CCE in front of their Pence’s Carmel Corn Shoppe sign
Michael Pence, CCE Pence’s Concessions CCE Earned in 2003
“Growing up in the Fair business and being involved in a family business has helped me better understand the working relationship between Fairs and other Concessionaires. Just as in a family business, there is a level of trust that is expected and accepted. There must also be that same trust and acceptance among Fair/Festival Management and other Concessionaires. That is a difficult proposition at best, considering family can be your most serious critic, but this can also be a great help in evaluating how you manage other situations with the people you come in contact with. The basics of our philosophy are to give the customer the best product at the best, affordable price by using the best products you can find. We have built our reputation on our products and our service which accounts for our repeat customers and many years in business.”
►► “Thoughts” continued on page 31
The Member’s Voice Continuing where they left off last month, the NICA Office has been conducting their survey of renewing members. Here are some of the responses we were able to get this month. Chris Giordano, CFE, of the State Fair of Louisiana, has enjoyed his experiences with his NICA membership. From the Fair perspective, he thinks NICA is doing well. They are able to share ideas, do some networking, help increase more professionalism within the industry. He enjoys the NICA News as he probably would not read it online. He said he had nothing negative to say and they support NICA. He blamed himself for not making better use of the benefits that would pertain to him. When asked what NICA could do to improve, he responded, “Give every member a hundred dollar bill.” Ralph Pressy, of the Eatery Huts, says that his experiences with NICA have been very good. He felt we needed an association to help us with developing avenues for buying, insurance, general regulations, and the simple camaraderie of “similar business people.” He likes the AutoZone and Sherwin Williams benefits, especially for the money it saved him. As for changes, he would like for NICA to be able to express dislikes of Concessionaires with a more forceful voice. John Ford, of Ford Foods, expressed that his experiences with NICA has been very good, he has no complaints. He makes use of most of the benefits at various times of the year especially Pepsi, AutoZone, and Sysco. He feels NICA does a decent job with such a diverse group of people who are all independent. He feels that NICA needs to pay more attention to the ‘’Old Timers’’, as they know a lot and certain things just don’t change. Unfortunately, there are not many young people coming into this business. John complained there seems to be a “Fairground Disease”which he described as a “lack of accommodating the paying guest”. There needs to be places to sit down in a clean environment to eat and relax before taking in more of the activities to do. Doug Hansen of Hansen Amusements Foods, is proud to be a member of an organization who believes in the concept set forth by the founding members of NICA. He believes in their philosophy
of working with event management. He joined for philosophical reasons more than the practical. Being in the business 39 years and traveling just in his home state, he has his own suppliers who give him good discounts. He did use Coke and Sherwin Williams. He is now working on his “Exit Plan” and he values the issues being addressed by NICA to event management about selling one’s business. He is proud to put NICA on his letterhead for it represents honesty and respect. Fred Bouniconti, of Dee and Fred’s Concessions, feels his relationship with NICA has been good and he joined it the first year he started in his concessions business. He and his wife both work in the units, hiring extra help when needed. He feels that NICA is doing a good job for him, as he has limited time to find out what is happening outside of his business and the NICA News helps to keep him informed. Fred suggested that a possible way to increase membership would be to have an actual booth at a variety of events to do more advertising about NICA. Chris Huston, of Huston Enterprises / Huston Family Foods, said that he wished he had joined NICA earlier, but he only had games in the beginning and felt if was only for Food Concessionaires. He is glad that NICA is involved with Sysco and he really enjoys “Florida Week.”
►► “Member’s Voice” continued on page 30 November 2014 NICA News
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Concessionaire of the Month Carmel Dyer-Pittroff The Original Australian Battered Potatoes, LLC PASADENA, CA - Carmel Dyer-Pittroff has been in the Concession Industry for over 30 years, proudly operating the Original Australian Battered Potatoes stands. Carmel had a chance to answer a few of our questions and share some photos. We hope that you enjoy her story! NICA: How long have you been a Concessionaire and a NICA member? Carmel Dyer-Pittroff : I have been a Concessionaire for 30 years but I have worked in the industry for 37 years. I joined NICA but stopped for a few years before rejoining the association as a part of NICA West. NICA: How and why did you get into the concession business? CDP : My college training in Australia had been in child care, but at the time, jobs were unavailable, so I applied at the Sydney Royal Easter Show
Carmel Dyer-Pittroff and Fred Pittroff, Giant Slide, at the San Diego County Fair
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November 2014 NICA News
The Original Australian Battered Potatoes Team with Carmel Dyer-Pittroff on the second to right
(Fair in Australia) for casual work. A job was available, but when I went to pick up my uniform the next day, my application had not been registered and, once again, I was unemployed. With one day to opening, I was taken on by Fred and Beverly Pittroff, Food Concessionaires from California, who also owned the Giant Slide. They had plenty of help but hired me anyway. My job was to stick frozen bananas. I hate fruit, especially bananas; my hands turned black and no one could believe what I was doing. At the end of the show, the Pittroffs invited me to come to the USA to work.The rest is my history. I worked for them at Fairs and also managed a resort Fred owned on the Lake of the Ozarks for ten years. I also worked for myself as a Concessionaire in Minnesota and in Australia during the season there. For the past 28 years I have been totally self-employed. NICA: What do you like most about being a Concessionaire? CDP : The freedom of being my own boss, traveling, training teenagers to be employable, the flexibility to change when needed, my Concessionaire friends, and the great relationships and friendships I’ve made with Fair Management and their Staff.
Carmel’s Cheese On a Stick team hiding from the sun at the 2014 Sydney Royal Easter Show
NICA: What’s your most popular or best-selling food item? CDP : In Australia, Cheese on a Stick and Fresh Lemonade. In the USA, Battered Potatoes with ranch, cheese, and bacon pieces. NICA: Do you have any new items coming to your menu this year? CDP : Yes I do, but in the process of testing, I don’t want it to be a one-year fad (even though this definitely does get media attention). I like to keep my products simple, using the best ingredients possible. NICA: What’s something people don’t know about you or your business? CDP : Every year, I supply local school children with Christmas cards on which they write messages for hospital and nursing home patients. Last year we distributed 5,000 cards and, with them, 1,000 potted poinsettias. My goal this year is 10,000 cards. NICA: What’s something you like to do in your free time? CDP : Go on whatever pilgrimage fits into my schedule with Immaculee, a Rwandan genocide survivor (you are all welcome to visit Immaculee. com). Also I enjoy visiting the elderly parents of my friends who are an important part of my life. NICA: What’s been the highlight of your career? CDP : Looking back and seeing what I have achieved from being unemployed to having 10 locations at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and having a location at three major fairs in the USA: the San Diego County Fair, the Orange County Fair, and the Minnesota State Fair. This
A very busy day at the Minnesota State Fair
opportunity has allowed me to financially help my family, friends, and certain charities I would never have dreamed possible from starting out unemployed. NICA: What’s been most influential to your success within the past five years? CDP : My success has been a team effort. My sister, Anne, diligently takes care of my bookwork, as well as working at the stand. My great employees (I hire over 150 teenagers a year) and my mentor and, now, husband Fred Pittroff who, from his own success in the Fair industry, has taught me to always buy the best for greater efficiency, hire plenty of help, always spend money on your new equipment every year and NEVER GIVE UP! NICA: How has the concession business changed since you first started out? CDP : In California, it has become a lot more corporate and the quality of the stands and the standard expected from us is a lot higher, which is good, but we have gotten away from Concessionaires specializing in their food items. The Minnesota State Fair, which has the highest food gross in the country and probably attendance, is well noted for the huge success of specialized food items. It’s a win-win for all. Happily I do well at all my fairs and I feel that is because I specialize. ►► “Concessionaire” continued on page 30 Are you a NICA member and interested in being selected as the Concessionaire of the Month? Please e-mail graphics@nicainc.org with your name, phone number, e-mail address, and why you think you’d be a great choice for this honor. November 2014 NICA News
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A Visit to the DuQuoin State Fair Submitted by Paulette Keene The first DuQuoin State Fair began over 90 years ago and continues to grow each year. I was able to document my experiences during this year’s Fair, held August 22 to September 1, 2014. The 2014 Fair started as usual by opening with a successful parade, starting downtown and ending up inside the Fair gate. Due to the heat and humidity, people did not stay around long. On Saturday evening, people came out for the grandstand show featuring the band Foreigner and a good crowd visited the Fair for awhile. On Sunday, the heat could be described as “like walking around in an oven.” Most people stayed inside the cool temperatures of their homes or other places, but the Fair did have many refreshment areas with sprinklers to help everyone cool down. The heat was really bad for the remainder of the week until Thursday evening, when it began to cool down and the people were ready to come to the Fair. This trend continued during the weekend and through Labor Day. The Fair is largely Agricultural and features many Home Show Exhibits. Family Fun Contests included a ponytail contest, a pedal tractor pull, and many others. Additionally, there was harness racing, concerts, and car races with lots of special days for families to bring their children out to enjoy the rides. Also, there was a free entertainment tent along with other free shows. Thursday, August 28, was Vendor Appreciation Day. The new Fair Manager, Shannon Woodworth, and his staff planned an Appreciation Breakfast
Sherry and David Spann, Erma’s Sweet Rolls, getting ready for the day
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November 2014 NICA News
1st: Joanie Foster, Joanie’s Cinnamon Rolls, Shannon Woodworth, Fair Manager, and David Spann, Erma’s Sweet Rolls; 2nd: Mike Layne, Layne’s Concessions, Mary and Rick Motsinger, Norman Keene, and Norman Hill, Assistant Fair Manager
for all vendors. Many vendors, employees of the fair, and the Illinois State Police attended. Before we ate, Michael Layne, of Layne’s Concessions, asked if he could say a prayer that God gave him in the early hours of the day. It was so good and I have thought these same thoughts so many different times, but not in his exact words, that I have to share part of it with you: “Father, we thank you for bringing us together today and for the staff that supports us while we’re here. Father, we thank you for our family and friends we leave behind. Father, we thank you for watching over us as we travel down the highways at all times of the day and night. Father, we thank you for the night and the pleasant morning light, for the rest, the food, your loving care, and for all that makes the days of our lives so wonderful. Father, help us to do the things we should, to be kind and good in all we do and say, and to grow more loving every day.” We were welcomed by Shannon, who also presented ribbons to all vendors and special ribbons for certain catergories. The Illinois State Police were recognized and thanked for all their years of service. One officer said that he had been a part of the Fair since 1984 and was glad to see the Fair bringing back the family atmosphere he remembered from years before, especially due to the Fair’s 2014 theme: “Love a Fair.” All vendors present introduced themselves and their businesses. Shannon recognized his staff
and all employees for helping to put on the Fair, and then announced that “Paulette Keene, local business owner who also sits on the NICA Board of Directors, would like to say a few words.” I thanked the Fair and Staff for the breakfast and the time to come together and communicate. I thanked the Fair for filling vacant locations with rest areas, complete with shade and seating, instead of more food vendors. I also commented on the fact that they moved campers from behind stands on Grandstand Avenue, making the area more neat and inviting. Just as your front porch is neat, clean, and inviting, you want to welcome everyone into the carnival, food concessions, and entertainment the same way. We, as vendors, realize sometimes we have to make sacrifices to make the Fair a more enjoyable experience for Fairgoers. Additionally, I recognized the Fair Manager and Staff for bringing the trams back inside the Fairgrounds. I mentioned this because there are so many elderly and handicapped Fairgoers who also “Love a Fair” and the availability of trams makes it easier for them to come and enjoy Fair activities and eat their favorite food, whether if it’s
Michael Layne, Layne’s Concessions, and his stand
giant cinnamon rolls, fried pickles, freshly made taffy, corn dogs, lemonade shake-ups, funnel cakes, or anything else! Shannon also looked over our communication brochure earlier in the week and was very interested in communicating with vendors in the future by starting a Communication Commitee. All in all, it was a great week at a great Fair with a great amount of appreciation! “Together We Can!” ▲
Fa re Foods
November 2014 NICA News
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Volunteer Power Reaps Rewards
for NICA and its Members Submitted by Rey O’Day Each month we read on the front of our monthly NICA News, “your level of involvement will determine the level of your rewards.” The NICA West annual golf tournaments embody the truth of that statement. NICA West held its 8th annual NICA/Fairplex CDC on September 15, 2014 at the Mountain Meadows Country Club in Pomona on day when it was 110 degrees in the shade! The volunteer spirit of NICA members, their friends and colleagues continues to power this event. They say “yes” willingly and make things happen. Let’s start with the “involvement” of cochairs of this event: Scott Shacklett, Cornucopia Foods Manager, Dale Smith, Family A Fair Inc. Owner, and Ashley Murray, M & M Marketing Owner.
David Wellmon, Wellmon’s Concessions, and Mark Lancaster, Vista Strollers, ready to play!
The Giordano family, C & C Concessions, brought three players and sponsored a hole. Don Long invited two players while waiting for surgery to help put his shoulder back together, which, by the way, did not stop him from helping us count money. Tournament after tournament, Rich Brander, Brander Enterprises, faithfully brings a foursome and also sponsors a hole. In fact, most of the 20 plus tee-hole sponsors do not play golf; yet, they gladly support the event with sign sponsorships year after year. And speaking of holes, Gary Barham, Hot Dog on a Stick Owner, has provided the hole-in-one insurance for 16 golf tournaments! When I send him an email asking him about it, I receive one back that says “Done.”
Co-chairs Dale Smith, Scott Shacklett, and Ashley Murray making plans for the golf tournament
Scott invited 16 players to golf and collected over a hundred opportunity drawing prizes from the companies of many of those players. Ashley invited five players to golf, donated numerous items to the goodie bags including Lottery tickets, donated over a hundred drawing items, and sold numerous hole sponsorships. Moreover, his wife, Dawn, went shopping for a few unique drawing items. Dale invited eight players to golf, collected hole sponsorships, and served hot dogs to everyone before they started to play. His wife, Cie, processed all the credit card registrations, donated the service fee, and played in the tournament... and we are only getting started! 18
November 2014 NICA News
Terri Crutchfield and Ashley Murray putting their heads together before the game begins
Then there are the moments of serendipity: when Terri Crutchfield shows up at my house with boxes and boxes of treats for the “goodie bags.” Drew Ammerman tells me at a dinner that
Jordan Benoit, Putting Contest and Longest Drive Winner, and Ali Ayobi, Closest to the Pin winner
Sysco will send chips and cookies for the “goodie bags” and oh by the way, make a $250 donation. Mike Coffee tells me at the Utah State Fair that he cannot play this year, but he will send a box of pepperoni sticks for the “goodie bags.” Dann Ades, Cold Star Ice, says he knows it will be really hot and delivers ten bags of ice so we can ice down the water donated by Chuck Dugan, Chuckwagon Owner, and Coca Cola. Speaking of Chuck, he always brings me a bank of $5 and $20’s, runs the putting contest, unloads prizes, watches holes, buys lunch, and helps set out prizes. Over the years, Tommie Fomby has sold thousands of dollars in opportunity tickets to folks who say, “Sure I will buy some!” And then out of the blue, Norma Crutchfield shows up with a huge bag, heaped full of a variety of SEE’s Candy boxes, which became the most coveted opportunity drawing prize of the event, eventually being won by Kimberly Ehmke. And what about the Rewards? Obviously successfully providing funds for the work of NICA and the Fairplex Child Development Center are the practical rewards. Socializing, relaxing and competing with old friends and new friends are the human-fun rewards. Taking one’s mind off the many pressures of working the fair is the welcome-relief reward. And then there is the satisfaction of simply having completed it in 110 degree weather! Oh yes, and of course, there are the bragging rights rewards. Jordan Benoit won the Putting Contest split of $75 and the Longest Drive golf ball set. Ali Ayobe won Closest to the Pin golf ball set. Gary Huber, Don Kazarian, Dale Smith, and Charlie Watson each won $50 for playing on the Third Place team. Jonah Brede, Tony Digaviana, John Giordano, and Justin Murray each won $75 for playing on the Second Place team. Jordan Benoit, Josh Gassel, Chuck Giordano, and Ashley
First Place Team: Chuck Giordano, Josh Gassel, Ashley Murray and Jordan Benoit
Second Place Team: Justin Murray, Jonah Brede, John Giordano and Tony Digiavana
Third Place Team: Dale Smith, Gary Huber and Don Kazarain (Charlie Watson not pictured)
Murray each won $100 for playing on the First Place team. So how do NICA events happen? We ask each other for what we need and sure enough, there is a Concessionaire, Retail Exhibitor, or Supplier member who either has it, knows where to find it, or knows how to make it happen. They believe and understand that the level of involvement truly does determine the level of personal and professional rewards. ▲ November 2014 NICA News
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The Newest Good Neighbor Award Recipient Takes Great Care of a Longtime Fair Guest Submitted by Rey O’Day Often the deeds of good neighbors are Company to Company, but here is a nomination that is Company to Fair Guest. I, Rey O’Day, have been asked to write this nomination on behalf of Happi Moore. Keep reading because this a great story about the twists and turns of life. It is 1922, and Scottie MacPherson opens MacPherson’s Ice Cream at the first Los Angeles County Fair. Scottie had a son named Bob, and Bob had a son named Ray, who married Margaret and together they had a son named Schuyler. Today Schuyler, the great grandson of Scottie, operates MacPherson’s Ice Cream, which is the ONLY continuously operating concession stand from the first Los Angeles County Fair. It is 1922 and four-year-old Happi Moore rides on the float that her Daddy, an electrician shop owner in Pomona, built for the parade at the first Los Angeles County Fair. Happi had her first part-time job at the Fair, dipping ice cream, and retired from her last part-time job at the Fair, supervising the Badge Center. Along the way she was a banker, delivered Meals on Wheels, raised two children, led thousands of sing-a-longs for numerous organizations, professionally analyzed handwriting, served as pianist for the Pomona Baptist Church, and played on Christmas Eve at Rey O’Day’s home for 23 years. In 2013, she was honored as the only known living person who had visited every single production of the Los Angeles County Fair. She never missed a Fair until Happi Being Honored in 2013 last year. At 95 years young she moved to the Claremont Manor Care Center because she could no longer hear, see, write or walk easily; however, she is always ready for a conversation and a sweet snack. Enter Schuyler : It seems that Happi closed most fairs by eating a hot fudge sundae at MacPherson’s Ice Cream with Margaret (may she rest in peace) and then with Schuyler! So, when 20
November 2014 NICA News
Schuyler MacPherson with his Good Neighbor Award and a Similarly Shaped Cup of Ice Cream
Schuyler learned that Happi would not be able to visit the fair, he packed up his ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and nuts and went to her bedside, where he Schuyler and Happi made and served her a hot fudge sundae in bed! She was surprised, grateful, and thrilled! When I went to visit her, there was a photo of Schuyler and her on her wall. I asked what the occasion was. She told me the story. She also knows I work for NICA, so, when I told her about our Good Neighbor program, she asked if she could nominate Schuyler. I said, “of course” and then called Schuyler and learned that he plans to bring her ice cream for the rest of her life. I asked if I could be present this time to take photos. Because all of our paths have crossed many times it was a joyful occasion for all three of us. I am also grateful to Schuyler for being a NICA member who faithfully supports our golf fundraisers and obviously takes good care of our fair guests. In this case, it was my dear friend Happi Moore. ▲
Association Announcements If you would like to submit announcements, contact the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926 or nica@nicainc.org
President of DuPage County Fair Named “Fair Person of the Year” As reported by IAAF Tent Talk, Jim McGuire, DuPage County Fair, received a standing ovation when he was announced as the “2014 Outstanding County Fair Person of the Year” at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. McGuire has served on the DuPage County Fair Board for 11 years and as President the past four. DuPage officials credit McGuire with helping the fair increase attendance while reducing expenses. They also cite his character and work ethic as reasons for honoring him with the award. ▲
Condolences to the Malmquist Family Our thoughts and prayers are with James Malmquist, Key’s Koncessions, and his family. James’s mother, Jenann Bohnen Patz of Cedar Lake, Indiana, was lost in a fatal car accident on September 27, 2014. Please visit http://goo.gl/pFtxHb for more information. ▲
Steele County Fair Loses a Loyal Supporter Condolences to the family of Bill Kottke, who passed September 13, 2014. He was a close friend and long-time supporter of Steele County Fair in Owatonna, MN. ▲
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Success. Delivered. November 2014 NICA News
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NICA in the Northwest Submitted by Rey O’Day
When the Northwest emerges from hibernation it is fair season. I have always wanted to see an Idaho fair so I flew to Salt Lake City and headed north to Blackfoot Idaho for the Eastern Idaho State Fair. Its theme was “Feed your Need for Fun,” which sounded perfect to me: FOOD and FUN. Who could ask for anything more? CEO Brandon Bird and his staff encouraged me to make myself at home; they gave me a map and said follow the circle. This flower-filled, charming fair had the bluest candy apples I have ever seen. The food Very BLUE candy apples was clustered into three areas and offered a wide variety of choices: usual to interesting. For usual we tried a hamburger, piece of pie, and elephant ear. For interesting we tried chicken rice bowl, Mexican corn in a cup, and fresh baked bread. The “comfort food award” went to “premium bacon hand A heaping bowl of breaded and served teriyaki chicken and rice with country gravy.” My favorite food tribute was the cake decorating contest which had a large number of creative and
Eastern Idaho State Fair CEO Brandon Bird (top center) and his Fair staff
The glory of summer flowers
stunningly gorgeous entries. That being said, my favorites were in the fast food category! It was back to Salt Lake City to visit the Utah State Fair located in the heart of the city. This NICA member fair is helmed by Judy Duncombe. She sent us Utah State Fair CEO straight to the “official Judy Duncombe and food of the 2014 Utah Commissioner State Fair.” It was a LuAnn Adams Fast Food Cake Decorating: pizza, Chick-Fil-A, sushi, $6.00 chicken waffle on a stick that Richard Larsen and Michael Lew hot dog, fish taco and a hamburger. Just as in life, the hamburger was the “Spectator’s choice” and won created. They skewered and deep fried a piece of the blue ribbon! chicken, dipped it in a sweet batter and cooked it 22
November 2014 NICA News
in a waffle iron. It came with maple syrup, jalapeno maple syrup or country gravy dips. The perfect item for America’s favorite fair food trends: deep fried and food-on-a-stick!
Saturday Waffle was the place to eat the “Chicken Waffle on a Stick”
While there we visited several NICA members including Kim Barr, NICA West Council, at her Funnel Cake stand and Gary Morse at his ice cream and beverage stand. New NICA Kim Barr, Pacific Coast member Mike Coffee Concessions greeting of Timbo’s beef jerky guests with a smile and was also there. Here my a funnel cake favorite food tribute was a photo opportunity: a Utah State Fair Bunch of Carrots!
Tommie Fomby and Gary Morse, Gary Morse Concessions enjoying the latest NICA News
Perfect for the family photo album
New Member Mike Coffee, Timbo’s II
NICA member Dan Sharp, Vendor Services Manager of the Washington State Fair
After a few days home to see the LA County Fair and coordinate the 8th Annual NICA/Fairplex CDC Golf Tournament (story on page 18), I flew to Seattle to attend two great Washington fairs: Central Washington and Washington State Fairs. My first stop was the Washington State Fair in Puyallup, where I visited with our longtime NICA Member Dan Sharp, Vendor Services Manager. His big news was that they had successfully moved from an exclusive commissary to an open supplier system and it was working and in some cases provided lower prices for the Fair guest. One of the reasons I was there was to hear
►► “Northwest” continued on page 29
The Opportunity Drawing winners with Judy Buerman, Central Washington State Fair Concessions Manager November 2014 NICA News
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Things to consider When Building a New Food Trailer Submitted by Holly Swartz, Hitch-Hiker Mfg.
The knowledgeable concession owner knows the rigors that a food trailer must endure and be able to support the demanding clientele of Fairgoers with the quality products that they serve. Here are a few things to consider when building a new food trailer. These types of trailers are not purchased at a mass produced facility or a local “trailer mart”. They are custom to the needs of the very individual that is making this their business. The process begins with the choosing of a manufacturer. Researching websites, seeing units at different venues, preferences on trailer look and amenities, talking to other food trailer owners, and going to industry tradeshows can be a great place to start.
Budget Investing in your business with a new customer concession trailer is a big understaking financially. The best practice in starting to build a new concession trailer is to have correspondence with the manufacturer in advance and have a deposit in approximately 6 to 12 months before the trailer is needed. A booking deposit will normally be refundable and this locks in a production on the unit. Most manufacturers work on a first come, first serve basis. This helps to eliminate the frustration of time constraints or equipment ordering lead-time problems. The manufacturer and the customer will work together to address all their equipment needs and review all options to help create an efficient trailer.
Equipment Some information you will need when consulting a custom manufacturer of food trailers would include the food and drink products that are on your particular menu. This helps in the equipment decision-making. When discussing equipment, the manufacturers should be able to give some great references on various equipment brands. But, ultimately, the end user should know if the equipment they will be purchasing could 24
November 2014 NICA News
produce for the spots they will be playing.
Options Options for a new concession trailer are sometimes unique and specific to individual manufacturers. These amenities should be looked at when considering your manufacturer of choice.
size The size of a unit can be judged by a few important points: the venue size you will be serving, attendance of the venue, equipment placing in layout, workability, and personal preference on the grandness of the unit.
Layout The workability of the trailer is very personal and individualized for many in this industry. The bottom-line is that there should always be a flow in the layout of a trailer. That being said, the units have restricted space by the fact that it is a compact mobile “kitchen” on wheels. The manufacturer is mainly the expert in the floor planning of these units (meaning what can and cannot be done structurally) along with the input from the customer to design the most efficient flow for that particular food trailer. This would also include the Concessionaire’s need for additional point-of-sale counters for outside sales or other “out-of-the-box” considerations.
food safety The food safety requirements are mainly the responsibility of the end user and how they operate. Due to different regulations in various
plus when power is limited and may be helpful in states, the concession owner will discuss the getting your unit booked into a venue. needs they have for the states that they will be playing in so that proper equipment is ordered and signage requirements are met. When discussing signage, it is typically artwork about trailer marquees and flip-up awnings. The Every Concession Business Owner is marquee can range from simple to elaborate. interested in the look of their unit. The graphics The options for height are something the user are an important part of getting the Fair patron to must discuss with the manufacturer. The flip-up buy food from the Concessionaire. These graphics awnings are where menu items will be featured. should be impacting and enticing. Depending on The combination of the marquee with graphics, the owner’s preference, a trailer can be simple and along with the awnings that feature food items, clean with only food items and verbiage, or it may will help sell product. The body graphics tend to have a theme relating to their food precuts. The follow the general style that is in the marquee to complete the entire package. manufacturer will get input from the client and then present the artwork creation and signage setup and teardown package for concept approval. Food trailers are designed to have the lighting functionality of being hitched for road travel, to be Along with the artwork, in levels of importance, put on location, and have an ease of set up to sell is the lighting of the unit. Typically, the use of food. Most manufacturers will give an overview LED lighting is now a standard practice. The look of the set up and tear down process when the is phenomenal with the brightness and vibrancy customer takes delivery of their new unit. ▲ of color. The low-voltage lighting is an efficient
November 2014 NICA News
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A Roundup of Western Fairs Photos & Captions by Rey O’Day, NICA West Executive Manager
Longtime NICA Member, Jan Gary, Leap of Faith Adventures and his Dippin’ Dots employees at the Ventura County Fair
Debbie Smith, Antelope Valley Fair Assistant Manager, and Barbara Sterk, Farm & Garden Supervisor, getting ready to head to “Good Nighter” duty
Dale Smith, Family A Fair, and Tommie Fomby, OC County Fair (retired), enjoying some tasty french fries from Pink’s
Rey O’Day, NICA West Executive Manager and Lucia Perez, Dandy Souvenirs modeling the latest in “shade chapeaus”
Jennifer Giordano, C&C Concessions and NICA West Council working the Frontier BBQ at the Ventura County Fair 26
November 2014 NICA News
Chuck Dugan, ChuckWagon, reading (or perhaps only looking at the photos) in the NICA News
Don and Candy Crutchfield, Don Crutchfield Concessions smiling after a long, busy day at the OC Fair
Chad Dugan is the much needed Ice Man at the Antelope Valley Fair and Alfalfa Festival where it is NEVER under 100 degrees
Vicky Carlyle, Sysco-Ventura Director of Program Sales and Alise Churchill, Sysco-Ventura VP of Sales looking over copies of NICA News. Their OPCO services the Mid State Fair in Paso Robles, the Ventura County Fair in Ventura, the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster and the Kern County Fair in Bakersfield
Nathan Marcos, Steve’s Concessions, with his Dad, Steve Marcos, at the Antelope Valley Fair and Alfalfa Festival
Don Crutchfield preparing and serving up good corn dogs to customers
Nate Janousek, Fun Biz Concessions, and his Stand Supervisor Walter Rojas on the day they both became NICA Members at the Ventura County Fair
Vivian Leavitt, Viv’s Café provides the cook house at the Antelope Valley Fair where everyone meets for good food. She has definitely found her niche.
Tina Kaminsky, Ventura County Fair Concessions Manager managing her desk after opening day!
Do you have any photos from a recent Fair that are featuring you, the Fair, NICA Members, or their Stands? Contribute your story or photos by visiting us online at www.nicainc.org/pages/submityourcontent, emailing us at graphics@nicainc.org, or calling us at (813) 438-8926. We look forward to hearing from you! November 2014 NICA News
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November 2014 NICA News
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“Northwest” continued from page 23 ►► how the Sysco team felt it went. Phil Trout, Sysco District Sales Manager, and Brian Carle, Sysco MA, said they had picked up 15 Concessionaries, were on the grounds seven days a week and felt that it went quite smoothly. Don Delahoyce, CCE and NICA West Council Member, concurred. We are writing a Standard Operating Procedure for the NICA Sysco Marketplace so I asked them to contribute their experience to it. The Washington State Fair has an excellent mix of big, niche, usual and unique food. My first grazing stop was the famous scone with butter and raspberry jam, and then onto the Earthquake fries. I love The Earthquake fries Don’s shrimp and deep fried artichoke hearts and he showed me where to find a deviled egg for 50 cents. I had to rest after all that, so I enjoyed listening to some California friends, The Doo Wah Riders. My favorite food tribute was a Budweiser/Coca Cola partnership sign that reminded our guests to take good care of themselves: “Take the Budweiser Designated Driver Pledge & enjoy a complimentary Coca Cola at any alcohol service area.” Now it was time to drive over the Cascade Mountains and into Yakima to see the Central Washington State Fair. CEO Greg Stewart, NICA Advisory Board Member and his Concessions Manager, Judy Buerman, were there to greet me and have dinner. Then it was off to find NICA West Council Members Kim Barr and Daryl Whicheloe, CCE to finalize plans for the NICA Reception the next day. The Fair would donate four bottles of wine and an RV space for the 2015 fair as Opportunity Drawing Prizes. Daryl and Kim would provide the food and beverage and I would speak about NICA and answer questions. NICA gained two members that day: Matthew and Holly Wells. This Fair has very strong agricultural roots that are showcased in the Agriculture Building, filled with colorful fruit and vegetable art displays and exhibits. I was also honored to attend the Youth Awards Dinner with Greg and his wife, Karen (who won an award for her knowledge and expertise in the show ring). My favorite food tribute was a Zumba class where we could all work off the calories we had been happily consuming!
Phil Trout, Sysco District Sales Manager, Don Delahoyde, CCE, NICA West Council, and Brian Carle, Sysco MA at Sharky’s
Daryl Whicheloe, CCE, NICA West Council, Rey O’Day, NICA West Executive Manager, and Kim Barr, NICA West Council, ready for the NICA reception to start
Fair CEO Greg Stewart, NICA Advisory Board and his wife, Karen
Matthew and Holly Wells
As many of you know I am a “weather wuss” so I am proud to report that though all of these fairs experienced rain and wind and heat, I saw all four of these Fairs on perfect Fairweather days! I close with a quote from my favorite sign at any Fair, which was on the fence at the Central Washington State Fair: “Smile Welcome! We are Glad You’re a Part Of the Team. Have a Great Day!” Now it is time to go back to hibernating. ▲ November 2014 NICA News
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“Concessionaire” continued from page 15 ►► NICA: What do you like best about NICA? CDP : The NICA News is always full of great information and the benefits are probably the best in the Industry. I saved $3,000 when I bought my Lincoln Navigator through the fleet purchasing program. NICA: What’s something you’re looking forward to this year? CDP : Rewrapping my stands and fence panels and taking advantage of social media with the encouragement of my younger employees.
Fred Pittroff’s great-grandson Kingston was Carmel’s youngest employee at the OC Fair
“Member’s Voice” continued from page 13 ►►
NICA: What’s the funniest thing that has happened in your concession career or Concessionaire travels? CDP : My then 83-year-old father (now deceased), who was working with me at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, won the XFACTOR competition at the show, singing My Way, wearing his red shorts and yellow t-shirt! Also, in 2014, the British Royal Couple (the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) visited the same event. During their walkabout, Katherine, the wife of William, the future King of England, pointed out to him the sign I had specially made that said: “Fresh Lemonade - Fit For a King” ! NICA: Anything else you’d like to share with NICA members? CDP : Always strive to be better than the best, enjoy the journey, inspire and teach your help good work ethics, and continue to listen and learn from others. Thank you NICA for selecting me to share my Fair life; one I wouldn’t change. Thank you also to my 88 year old mother who proofed this article five days after having a mini stroke. ▲
Duane Hickman, CCE, of Quality Concessions, said that his experiences with NICA has not been It is also great that NICA members can get in free bad. He said he does not get much of a chance at the “Gibtown Trade Show” for one day with their to talk with a lot of NICA people as he is usually membership card. He hopes we succeed getting a working the stand. He makes use of the rebates tire benefit. He hates that Goodyear quit carrying from Pepsi and uses AutoZone and GraybaR. the tire sizes he needs the most. He mentioned Duane enjoys working with NICA by helping with that the DOT is trying to make it necessary for all a bowling tournament and donating the cheese trucks over ten thousand pounds to be equipped at the Las Vegas Wine and Cheese event. He with electronic log books. felt there were two things most beneficial about David Daggett, of K’s Koncessions, expressed NICA: the discounts and NICA’s attendance at that he had joined NICA again because he saw conventions, where they bring up issues in front of “progress being made.” He stated that the NICA others, “keeping communication open.” Attending Sysco Marketplace really helped him with some conventions is very educational. Showing up at of the issues he had had with Sysco requiring a conventions can also cause a Fair Board to take minimum order. notice. To Duane, NICA is a lot like insurance; it’s Ellen Sietmann, of DuPage County Fair, stated in the background. You have it, but it definitely that they are long time members of NICA (actually comes to the forefront when you need it. since 1997). She said that as an associate The NICA Office plans to continue these calls member she probably does not make as much use to our renewing members. We hope that hearing of the benefits as the food Concessionaires. This their personal stories will help you, the member, Fair does have a communication meeting with make better use of the available NICA benefits or their Concessionaires every year. She also really think of ways you could contribute. If you hear enjoys reading the monthly magazine that comes. from us, let us know what’s on your mind! ▲
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November 2014 NICA News
“Thoughts” continued from page 12 ►► “Communication is the most important thing to have in any business. It doesn’t take much effort to keep all parties informed of the new developments happening throughout the day or week. This goes, as well, for the relationship between the Concessionaires and the Fair/ Festival Management. When both parties come together to address the problems or concerns they have, it is much easier to find a solution that works for everyone. With open communication with our Fair Boards, and the Fair Industry as a whole, we can strive to give the Fair Patron the best entertainment for his dollar.“▲
This Just in! Do you have any photos that you would like to contribute to a NICA slideshow? It will be displayed during the 2015 Business Expo and Food Show in February. If interested, please send any photos to graphics@nicainc.org by December 1, 2014. We appreciate your help!
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A legacy of expertise in Redistribution unified into one forward-thinking organization Working with Fare Foods to service NICA customers • 800-651-1601
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Proudly Distributed by Fare Foods • 800-651-1601 November 2014 NICA News
31
32
November 2014 NICA News
RetractionS
On page 19 of the October NICA News, the centerright photo was accidently mislabeled as “Joseph Colglazier’s Butcher Boys Team”. The Butcher Boys is actually operated by Dennis Fraleigh’s F & W Concessions, while Joseph Colglazier’s Colglazier Enterprises operates Pickle Barrel among others. We apologize for the mix-up! The photo is below:
Are you Interested in advertising your business with us? Please contact the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926 or e-mail us at graphics@nicainc.org for ad rates, sizes, and specifications for upcoming issues of
www.facebook.com/NICAinc
Coming next issue 2015 Expo & Food Show Schedule, Member’s Voice, Good Neighbor Award, Election Results, WFA schedule & More!
2014 Membership Referral Contest General Membership
Audrey Poole........................................................................5 Barry Floyd . .........................................................................1 Bill Wrabiutza.......................................................................1 Brenda Premont...................................................................1 Brian Myers..........................................................................1 Chuck Giordano....................................................................1 Dave Shives..........................................................................1 Denny Lang...........................................................................1 Doug Dills.............................................................................1 Earl Strickland......................................................................1 Frank Parnell, CCE................................................................2 George Siggins.....................................................................1 IAFE.......................................................................................1 Irene Dugan..........................................................................1 James Staub, Sr...................................................................1 Jay Wells...............................................................................1 Jeff McKinney.......................................................................1 Kathy Ross...........................................................................1 Kevin McGrath, CCE.............................................................1 Lola Ramirez.........................................................................1 Louis Harvell.........................................................................1 Mel Melton............................................................................1 Mike Davis ...........................................................................1 Norman Keene......................................................................1 Olivia Orme...........................................................................1 Richard Wright......................................................................2 Roger Westmoreland...........................................................1 Russ Harrison, CCE..............................................................4 Ryan Fasel............................................................................1 SanDee O’Brien, CCE............................................................1 Scott Jarman........................................................................1 Stephanie VanderVorste-Janousek....................................2 Sysco....................................................................................1 Thomas “Tom Tom” Sattler.................................................1 Vincent Nelson.....................................................................2
NICA Reps
David Spann.........................................................................1 Etta Pence, CCE....................................................................1
NICA West Council
Ashley Murray......................................................................1 Chuck Dugan........................................................................1 Dale Smith............................................................................4 Daryl Whicheloe, CCE...........................................................1 Don Delahoyde, CCE.............................................................2 Jennifer Giordano.................................................................4 Kim Barr................................................................................3
Board of Directors
Dan Lusenhop......................................................................4 Dominic Palmieri..................................................................1 Don Kenna............................................................................2 Joe Potillo, Jr........................................................................1 Paulette Keene.....................................................................3 Randy Reichert, CCE.............................................................1 Stacia Markowitz.................................................................1
Administration
Alta Mosley...........................................................................4 Rey O’Day.............................................................................1 Office...................................................................................34 Prizes listed on back cover November 2014 NICA News
33
2014-15 Events Calendar
Representing NICA & Its Industry Partners November 2014 7-9: Maryland Association of Agricultural Fairs & Shows Convention • Ocean City, MD 12-15: Wyoming & Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs Combination Meeting • Great Falls, MT
15-17: Arkansas Fair Managers Association • Hot Springs, AK 16-18: Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs • Springfield, IL
December 2014
16-19: New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs • Rochester, NY
7-11: IAFE Annual Convention • Las Vegas, NV
21-24: Pennsylvania State Assoication of County Fairs & Pennsylvania State Showmans Association • Hershey, PA
7-11: NICA Board of Directors Winter Board Meeting, WIN Wine & Cheese, Membership Appreciation, Regional Meeting & more at the IAFE Convention • Las Vegas, NV 12-14: Association of Iowa Fairs Annual Convention • Des Moines, IA
January 2015 2-4: Indiana Association of Fairs • Indianapolis, IN 4-7: Wisconsin Association of Fairs • Wisconsin Dells, WI 7-9: North Carolina Association of Agricultural Fairs • Durham, NC 8-9: Ohio Fair Managers Association • Columbus, OH 8-11: Virginia Association of Fairs • Hot Springs, VA 8-10: Michigan Association of Fairs & Exhibitions • Grand Rapids, MI 9-11: Oregon Fairs Association • Salem, OR 11-14: WFA Convention & Trade Show • Reno, NV
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12-13: The NICA-Sysco Marketplace as part of the WFA Convention & Trade Show • Reno, NV
November 2014 NICA News
22-25: Georgia Association of Agricultural Fairs & Expositions & South Carolina Association of Fairs Combined Annual Convention • Atlanta, GA 22-24: Tennessee Association of Fairs Annual Convention • Nashville, TN 22-25: Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs • Portland, ME 23-25: Nebraska Association of Fair Managers Annual Convention • TBD 24: Utah Association of Fairs & Events Annual Convention • Salt Lake City, UT
1/28-2/1: Missouri Association of Fairs & Festivals • Columbia, MO
February 2015 2-4: NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods Food Show • Tampa, FL 4: ServSafe Class, Annual General Membership Meeting & Casino Night • Tampa, FL 3-7: IISF Gibtown Trade Show Extravaganza • Gibsonton, FL 4-8: Louisiana Association of Fairs & Festivals • Baton Rouge, LA 19-21: Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies Annual Convention • Toronto, ON 27-28: Mid-West Fairs Association Annual Convention • San Diego, CA
March 2015 6-8: IAFE Zone 5 Annual Meeting • Altoona, IA 23-25: IAFE Zone 4 Annual Meeting • Rapid City, SD 27-29: IAFE Zones 3 & 6 Combined Annual Meetings • Novi, MI
Although the preceding dates are based on sources believed to be reliable and true, they are subject to changes due to cancellation, rescheduling, or other reasons. Additional dates may be announced throughout the year and will be available to view at www.nicainc.org under our calendar section. You may also find out more information by calling (813) 438-8926 or e-mailing nica@nicainc.org. We hope you have a great month of November and we will see you again next month!
For Office Use Only
National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc.
Date
1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 Office: 813-438-8926 • Fax: (813)438-8928 E-mail: nica@nicainc.org • Website: www.nicainc.org
#
NICA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION q Mr. q Mrs.
q Ms.
First
Last
Name of business Physical address Mailing address
City
Permanent tel. no. (
City Cell phone no. (
)
State
Zip
State
Zip
)
Website
Would you like to connect your business with NICA on social media? q Facebook q Twitter
Referred by
Fill out the below information as accurately and detailed as possible. Information and Keywords provided below will be used for your entry in the NICA Annual Membership Directory as well used as keywords to search for your business on the NICA website.
Annual Membership Fees Independent Concessionaire
Associate
A person or entity who provides services to the concession industry.
Voting:
q Independent Concessionaire............................................$125 q Additional Member...............................................................$75
q
Fair / Festival over 75,000 attendance............................$125
q
Fair / Festival under 75,000 attendance...........................$75
Non-Voting:
q
q Employee................................................................................$50
Manufacturer / Distributor / Industry Supplier..............$125
q
Carnival / Circus Operator..............................................................$125
Check a category below and provide a detailed description of your company’s services:
q
Special Services..................................................................$125
q
Stationary Concession......................................................$125
q Commercial Exhibitors q Attractions / Entertainment q Retail
q Food q Games q Services
Description:
_________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________
Provide a detailed description of your organization / company’s services below: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Mail Check or Money Order to NICA’s office at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511
Concessionaire General Routing Information
List all states where you conduct your concession business
_________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Fairs and Festivals - Required
List three Fairs or Festivals worked in the past year:
1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________
Visit our website for NICA Membership Benefits: www.nicainc.org I understand that my application is subject to final approval by the NICA Board of Directors. I also understand that if my application is not accepted, the amount paid will be refunded to me. If accepted for membership in NICA, I hereby agree to abide by its by-laws and rules.
Applicant’s signature
Date
q Visa
q
Mastercard
q
American Express
Credit card no. Security Code
Expiration Date
TOTAL
Signature of credit card holder
I authorize NICA to charge the agreed amount listed above to my credit card provided herein. I agree I will pay for this purchase in accordance with the issuing bank cardholder agreement. The NICA sponsored $10,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Policy is automatically provided to all Independent Concessionaire Members.
National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 Time Sensitive Mail • November 2014 Issue
PRSRT STD U. S. POSTAGE PAID STEVENS POINT WI PERMIT NO. 272