CONTENTS • OCTOBER 2023 ARTICLES & FEATURES 04 This Month’s New & Renewal Members 05 President’s Message 07 Director’s Voice 08 Riffing With Rey 11 Association Announcements 13 Thoughts From a CCE 15 Introducing Eastern Lighting as a New Benefit 16 Meet the Candidates 18 Event Information & Program Schedule For NICA Marketplace, “Together!” 22 A Piece of the Pie 26 End of Summer Gatherings 28 Save the Date For the 2024 Expo & Food Show: “Tomorrow Starts Today!” 30 From the Camera Roll 33 2023 Membership Contest
22
26 Learn more about our Midwest and East Regional Council Events in “End of Summer Gatherings” on page 26
ADVERTISERS 14 Alpha Baking Co. 31 McGowan Allied 25 Brakebush Bros. 10 Mr. G’s 02 Coca-Cola 33 OA Finance 21 Cusumano & Sons 14 Ole Mexican 21 Fanestil 21 Perfect Stix 12 Fare Foods 06 RIO Syrup 33 Gold Medal 25 Schantz 10 Hummel Group 12 Swanel Beverage 34 JKJ Workforce 25 Teti Bakery 14 Lamb Weston October is National Pizza Month! Learn from our Pizza Professionals by reading “A Piece of the Pie” on page 22
NICA is a membership-driven organization dedicated to strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival, and Special Events Industries through effective communication, education, benefits, leadership, and solutions. National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. is a Florida Corporation with an Editorial and General Office located at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 • Off ice: (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 803-8460 • Online: www.nicainc.org The information contained in this Publication is based upon sources believed to be reliable. Readers should not act without professional advice. Cover to Cover © 1993-2023 NICA, Inc. All Rights Reserved. “All In For Gathering!” October 2023 NICA News 3
This Month’s Newest Members Brad Billington
Mirage Entertainment Design, Inc. City Of Industry, CA
Frank Cuff
Jim Heron
Triple J Concessions Woodbury, MN
Jessica Jerky
Christa Ooten
Caitlyn Sullivan
Steven Tran
Red River Valley Fair Association West Fargo, ND
Frankie’s French Fries Ulster Park, NY
All Things Jerky / Exotic Meat Grill Appleton, WI
Kip Redfern
Peter Dubois
Jaylyn Napier
Leanne Ryan
Jeannette’s Concessions Hudson, NH
Eventeny Alpharetta, GA
Redfern Enterprises Las Vegas, NV Redfern Enterprises Las Vegas, NV
All The Good Names Were Taken Enterprise Hamburg, NY Tran Toys LLC San Antonio, TX Welcome to our 11 New Members! “Together We Can!”
This Month’s Member Renewals Rodney Albers
Shari Black, CFE
Steve Cable
Danny Alfonso
Lee Blanchette
Leon Carachilo
Dills Concessions / Peace River Venice, FL (2004)
Andrew Cashman
Chuckwagon Alta Loma, CA (2007)
Richard Castillo
Chuckwagon Alta Loma, CA (2007)
Jan Cates
The Eatery Lenox, MI (2001)
Rodney & Lisa ‘’LTD’’ LLC Newcastle, OK (2013) Manatee River Fair Association Palmetto, FL (1994)
Michelle Allen
Wisconsin State Fair West Allis, WI (2010) Lab Concessions and Catering North Grosvenor Dale, CT (2015)
H&M Funnel Cake Express Inc. Paradise, CA (2019)
Michael Bliss
Constance Barham
Todd Brauch
Hot Dog on a Stick San Marcos, CA (2007)
Gary Barham
Hot Dog on a Stick San Marcos, CA (2007)
The Sleek Greek Glendale, AZ (2016) Happy D. Klown, LLC Lincoln, NE (2008)
Rebecca Breese
Bob Batista
Washington County Fair, Inc. Greenwich, NY (2009)
Diane Baumann
Broetsky Foods, Inc. Fountain Hills, AZ (1995)
Sherry Bechler
Fun Enterprises, Inc. Portland, OR (1997)
Western Idaho Fair Boise, ID (2016) DLB Consulting Murphys, CA (2021)
Julie Broetsky
Ronald Burback
Bechler Family Concessions Dundee, MI (1998)
John Burgoon
Jay Beck
Donna Burgoon
Beck’s Taffy & Concessions Melvin, IL (2015)
Tracy Becker, IOM, PaCCE, CFEE
The Allegheny Toyota Autumn Leaf Festival Clarion, PA (2003)
4 October 2023 NICA News
Mrs. J’s Ice Cream Chico, CA (2015) Mrs. J’s Ice Cream Chico, CA (2015)
Jamie Burns
Utah State Fair Salt Lake City, UT (2008)
Sue Butcher
Allen County Fair Lima, OH (2000)
Bavarian Almond Shoppe Baltimore, OH (2000) Carachilo, Inc. Hawley, PA (2009) Maryland State Fair Timonium, MD (2018) Castillo’s Inc. La Mirada, CA (2022) The Cates Company Perrysville, OH (2009)
Galen Cox µ
Concessions by Cox of Ohio, Inc. Columbus, OH (1993)
Michael Davis
Toucan Enterprises Apple Valley, CA (2012)
Brad Denton
Denton Fun Foods LLC. Knoxville, TN (2019)
Michael Demarco µ
Houston Livestock Show Houston, TX (1993)
Jackie DeRamus
Lakeside Concession Webbers Falls, OK (2006)
Doug Dills
Chuck Dugan
Irene Dugan, CCE
Leonard Dunford
Brandi Ebner
Deschutes County Expo Center Redmond, OR (2022)
Larry Fain
Fain’s Concessions / Taylor’s Doughboys Mayo, FL (2012)
Chris Forbing
Forbing Concessions Ft. Wayne, IN (1996)
John Ford µ
Ford Foods English, IN (1993)
Dennis Fraleigh µ
F & W Concessions, Inc. Hobe Sound, FL (1993)
►► “Renewals” continued on page 32 µ 1993-2003
2004-2008 2009-2013 2014-2022
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Vincent Nelson, CCE, President What have I been up to since Labor Day? Fairs! I am in Maine right now and I am backed up and pretty busy right at this second. In fact, I stay pretty busy until the end of the month, which is the end of my Fair Season. Last month I had the privilege to attend the East Council’s Bingo event. I think it was a great teambuilding exercise, and I think it’s awesome how much it has grown over the past few years. Our Regional Council Gatherings all over the country emphasize the idea behind “Together We Can!” When the Fair Season ends and most jump into Convention Season, I jump back into the full-time fuel business, so I never really stop at this time of year. No one has a crystal ball, but when fuel and oil is high in certain areas, just like other supplies, you eventually feel it throughout the country. In this business, something that I think about during this time of year is “What can I do to make next season better?” That’s the most important thing to me. What signage worked? What signage didn’t work? Should I rebrand this? I spend a lot of time on that, and I try to find out how to get the extra out of the customer. At my Roast Beef Stand, we added Mac and Cheese because everyone added Mac and Cheese. How do you put the proper signage on that without hurting your other item? It’s all a game of balance. I am also thinking about my
Vincent Nelson, CCE, President, with Past President Art Pokorny Jr. and 2nd Vice President Kelly Grout at the East Council’s successful Brown Bag Bingo event
Keeping Balance labor for April next year. Who’s coming back? Who’s not? What do you do to make sure your Employees return for next season? That’s big on my mind right now, since I can’t see what I would do without them. Our general operations and the labor to run the Fair is more expensive, too, so we have to squeeze even more money out of the same areas. To get Employees that are good, you must pay them better. Something I have noticed is that people are more cautious about their money, and when they see our pricing, they get sticker shock. Pricing is an Industry-wide challenge and everything is slowly getting to the point of being too expensive. I don’t think we are tackling pricing right, and it’s something that could take the family out of the Fair. We are doing these knee-jerk reactions when we raise the price, and I believe we will end up hurting ourselves if we continue to do that. I joke all the time that I’m going to need a loan to buy my next order of French Fries, but it’s a real issue, and I am just as guilty as everyone else with raising the price to offset costs. If the Fairgoers have sticker shock this year, then what about next year? Will they continue to come when they have sticker shock? I would also like to talk about another important subject in this Industry: safety on the Fairgrounds. This season, there has been an increase in thefts and fights at events all around the country. I believe this is not a Concessionaire problem, and it is not a problem in the Industry either. It is the current climate of the world we live in, and we have to do our best to stay safe. Please be mindful of your surroundings and situations on and off the Fairgrounds. There’s merit to the old phrase, “See something? Say something.” I can’t believe that we are only two months away from NICA Marketplace, “Together!” in Las Vegas. In this issue we are presenting a variety of important programming topics that affect everyone in this Industry, our exciting activities, and Trade Show Exhibitors. I urge you to take advantage of our Early Bird Member Registration and low $79 Room Rate. See you in Vegas! ▲ October 2023 NICA News 5
OFFICERS
President: Vincent Nelson, CCE 1st Vice President: Kim Barr, CCE 2nd Vice President: Kelly Grout Treasurer: Dan Lusenhop Secretary: Stacey Pittroff-Barona, CCE
DIRECTORS
Brandy Arredondo, CCE Jacqueline Bradbury, CCE Bary Bunts, CCE Phil Delahoyde Bryan Enloe Jeff Thornberry, CCE Jay Wells, CCE
PAST PRESIDENTS’ COUNCIL
Daryl Whicheloe, CCE Sandy Class, CCE Don Delahoyde, CCE Kathy Ross, CCE Dan Lusenhop Dominic Palmieri, CCE Paulette Keene, CCE
Joe Potillo, Jr. Greg Miller, CCE Tom Sattler, CCE Russ Harrison, CCE Richard Busse, CCE Tom Hodson, CCE 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)
OFFICE STAFF Executive Director: Rey O’Day rey@nicainc.org
Office & Membership Manager: Linda Frisco nica@nicainc.org
Communications & Marketing Manager • NICA News Editor: Jesse Willard communications@nicainc.org
Office Clerk: Christine Farrell clerk@nicainc.org
East Council & Social Media Coordinator: Jessica Gottsche jessica@nicainc.org
Midwest Council Coordinator: Dennis Larson, CFE dennis@nicainc.org
FOUNDATION
President: Audrey Poole Vice President: Greg Miller, CCE Treasurer: Jennifer Giordano, CCE Secretary: Rey O’Day Trustees: Kim Barr, CCE Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE Kelly Grout Tom Hodson, CCE Mark Lancaster Don Kenna Larry Sivori
EAST COUNCIL
Bary Bunts, CCE Ryan Collmer Whitney Fraleigh Ryan Hagy Patty Tessari Michael Zdebiak, Jr.
MIDWEST COUNCIL
Connie Boesen Sandy Class, CCE James McConnell Richie O’Neil Matt Ribar
WEST COUNCIL
Michelle Allen Brandy Arredondo, CCE Irene Dugan, CCE Gigi Horowitz Ryan Long, CCE Kara Moederndorfer, CCE Albert Valadez Steve Vartanian Nate Wells
Do you have any questions or would like to get involved with NICA? Contact us at (813) 438-8926 or nica@nicainc.org today!
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DIRECTOR’S VOICE Phil Delahoyde, Director-at-Large
Hi Friends, another year is just about complete on the West Coast. Some Fairs have been up, and some down in sales. We have had mega hot days and rainy days as well. The one big thing I have noticed over and over is the prices of our food and how expensive we have become. We all know the cost of goods is up, along with labor increases and fuel increases, etc. Where do our prices top out? We sell everything from Burgers, Funnel Cakes, Fish and Chips, Lobster, Lemonade, Ice Cream, Corn Dogs Cotton Candy, and Alcohol. The situation I see is that high-protein foods are declining. Guests at our Fish Stand end up with one order and share, where in the past each Guest would have their own order. Guests don’t seem to be spending money on the new or more expensive items just to try them. The Fair Guest is always going to have a Corn Dog or Hot Dog, but we know we can’t all sell the same items. The Fair needs variety to make it much more pleasurable for the Guests. What I see is that everyone is downsizing portions. It could get to the point where the Vendor can’t afford to come to the event any longer. As I travel around the West, as a consumer, I look at prices everywhere I go—restaurants, gas stations, fast foods, grocery stores—and what I see is smaller portions. The Big Mac is much smaller
What’s the Price?
than in the past, and a five pound bag of sugar is now four pounds, but looks the same. You can no longer buy a half gallon of Ice Cream; it is now in a smaller container. Some things, like a Turkey Leg, you can’t really shrink, but maybe it becomes a meal package offering an inexpensive side dish or drink. What I believe is there was a time when all were pushing the big portions, and the Guest was buying it. I think it is time to make portions smaller, as in smaller boats, plates, paper, or something to make it better for the Guest. I am concerned if we don’t do this on our own and police ourselves, the Fair is going to do it and make decisions about our businesses that they don’t understand. I realize different areas of the country have different situations. Today in California we are paying $6.75 a gallon for diesel. Our Governor signed into law last week that all fast food workers in California would receive a $20 hour minimum wage effective April 1, 2024. There will be at least a 3.5 percent increase annually. Currently, minimum wage is $16.21 and we are not sure how that will affect our Industry workers yet. If they are getting $20 at a fast food shop, we will probably need to be competitive to have any town workers. I encourage you to grab your Fair Friends and head to Las Vegas for the 2023 NICA Marketplace, “Together!” December 3-6, where we will be able to network, discuss ideas for change, and figure out how to navigate the future. ▲ October 2023 NICA News 7
RIFFING WITH REY Rey O’Day, Executive Director
Greetings, it is Fall… Time to scatter back to our homes, time to scatter our joy, time to pick up scattered leaves, and time to move towards the end of another season with our Fair Families. I think we are all still trying to make sense of the relationship between today and yesterday; therefore, I wanted our 2024 theme to be “Tomorrow Starts Today.” In 2019 and 2020 we experienced seasons of lock down, loss, and uncertainty. Next, we had two seasons where our Guests arrived euphoric to be out and ready to spend money and time. This 2023 Fair Season has been more of a mixed bag. Though we are still grateful to be out and about, inflation has made us more aware of how we spend our money, and our lives have returned to busyness and less free time. Product chains have improved, who knows how to describe labor, and everything costs a lot more… (except, I might add, your NICA Membership fee). I always hope my Fair visits will NOT coincide with hot, humid days. (Yes, I am very weather spoiled). My August trip to Iowa, Tennessee, and Minnesota did not grant my wish. While in Iowa I had a spell of heat exhaustion that required me to leave a concert quickly to find AC, ice down my pulse points, drink water, and sit quietly while my Rey O’Day, Executive Director, with Dennis Larson, CFE, Midwest Council, Isabella Barona, Barona Enterprises, Stacey Pittroff-Barona, CCE, Secretary, and Lynn Schepers, Sysco, at the Minnesota State Fair with Lemonade Sorbet
8 October 2023 NICA News
Ending the Season
internal body temperature lowered. In Tennessee I was just dripping wet. And in Minnesota I iced down a lot, drank more liquids, and came back inside more often. Speaking of “Tomorrow Starts Today,” at least a third of the US population was under an extreme heat advisory at some point this Summer. While the past eight years have been the hottest in history, they are likely to be the coolest of the next century. If we believe that weather is the great disrupter of events, stay tuned because it is predicted that heat 21 days a year will jump to 39 days a year by 2050. This information made me start thinking about all the people (like each one of you reading this) that we have working outside in the often-extreme heat at our events. WE all know about misters helping, telling each other to stay hydrated, wearing good sunscreen, shading our heads with hats and visors, and Guests hanging out in buildings with AC and then coming back out in the evening. What do we need to do to protect our Guests, ourselves, and our Employees? Protecting outdoor workers from extreme heat is easy and, in most cases, inexpensive. It requires providing cool water, hats, and periodic shaded rest breaks. Heat protections are not onerous burdens to business; instead, they increase productivity, lower workers’ comp filings, and provide a more stable workforce. Minnesota State Fair has been blessed yet again with smart, committed, knowledgeable, and fun leadership. For several decades we have learned well from Jerry Hammer, CFE and Jim Sinclair, CFE. Now I look forward to what we will learn from Renee Alexander, CFE and Pam Simon, CFE. This Fair is a force to be reckoned with: where else do you open at 7:00 AM to a full house? It is worth the visit to experience the answer! We are very grateful to the Midwest NICA Council, under the leadership of Dennis Larson, CFE, for producing a Gathering for 80 Fair Folks who were generously hosted to a Prime Rib dinner by Nate and Stephanie Janousek at The Hangar. It is one of the many ways to enjoy good fellowship at the “Great Minnesota Get-Together.”
Ryan Collmer, East Council, Russ Harrison, CCE, Past President, Rey O’Day, Executive Director, and Vincent Nelson, CCE, President, at East Council’s Bingo event
Rey O’Day and Rob Gottsche, The Big E’s Director of Sales
In September it was my pleasure to visit the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) and the Oklahoma State Fair. I packed for Summer and found myself in cold, rainy weather where fortunately we missed most of the impact of Hurricane Lee. (Of course, I came with sandals only.) It has been on my bucket list to participate in the NICA East Council’s Brown Bag Bingo tradition. It was great fun. After many years of placing corn kernels on paper, they were very proud to have new Bingo Cards with window closures sponsored by Dennis and Susan Fraleigh. Cheers to the East Council’s hospitality. Vincent Nelson, CCE, current NICA President, and Past Presidents Art Pokorny, Jr. and Russ Harrison, CCE all came to play and provided a surprise for a lucky recipient. Kelly Grout, 2nd Vice President, was the official Bingo Caller. While I was there, I visited with each member of their Communication Committee, ate a Crème Puff with Phil Teague, spent a day with our East Coast Council Coordinator and Social Media Administrator Jessica Gottsche, categorizing our Marketplace programming, and enjoyed a treasured half hour with CEO Gene Cassidy, CFE imagining many possibilities for our Industry. If you want a big parade, a colonial village, a peek at the state houses of five Northeastern states, a circus spectacular, and a lawn full of continuous entertainment—along with all the expected activities found at any fabulous Fair—add this Fair to your must-attend list. Next, I was off to Oklahoma City, the home of the Oklahoma State Fair. This was my first visit there and what a treat! There is a healthy Commercial Program, excellent family activities, lots of horses, laser show, Tracy Byrd, and Disney on Ice, to name a few of the activities. Director of Space Sales Suzy Cason and I bonded over our
Rey O’Day with Suzy Cason, Oklahoma State Fair’s Director of Space Sales; a “huge fan of NICA!”
mutual love for doing layouts and Joe Guthrie, VP of Catering, introduced me to a Hot Dog smothered in Macaroni and Cheese with Barbeque Sauce and Crispy Onions. My favorite surprise was finding out NICA Members I see regularly in California, Texas, Florida, or Iowa were all in Oklahoma, too. It was a family reunion meeting ground for members from all parts of the country. I happily introduced many Fair Family members to their unknown cousins. It made me smile. This Fair is more than OK! Each Fair I visited had tasty, creative, and traditional food, fine carnivals, buildings with architectural flavors, barns full of animals, products to take home, sensible layouts, and friendly service for their Fair Guests. This year, wrestling with high prices at every touch point has been challenging for everyone. We also know this has been a season of flash mobs of young people running through Fairgrounds, a spike in RV robberies, and criminal acts of violence including random shootings. Again, what do we need to do to protect our Fairgoers, Fairs, and Vendors? I urge you to come to NICA Marketplace, “Together!” where—for very reasonable pricing, great networking, and lots of fun—we will work on solutions to 2023 concerns with our Trade Show Exhibitors, Fair Leaders, and each other. Remember our mission statement states clearly that we are “dedicated to strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival, and Special Events Industries through effective communication, education, benefits, leadership, and solutions”…And we mean to do just that! Though we lost Queen Elizabeth II this year I want to share some of her words of wisdom: “Talk we will, Listen we have to, Disagree from time to time we may, but United we must always remain!” ▲ October 2023 NICA News 9
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Association
ANNOUNCEMENTS Do you have any announcements you would like to share? Contact us at (813) 438-8926 or nica@nicainc.org
New West Council Coordinators Announced After a thorough evaluation process by the West Council Coordinator Search Committee, led by Brandy Arredondo, CCE, West Council Chair, NICA is proud to announce that Don Delahoyde, CCE and Julie Dunn have been selected to lead the West Council. Rey O’Day, Executive Director, passed the torch to these deserving individuals after 17 years at the helm. Don and Julie are no strangers to NICA, with Don serving as a Founding West Council Member, NICA Director, and NICA President, while Julie has volunteered at many NICA Council Events and Conventions nationwide. Don has had a long and storied career as a Concessionaire and Business Owner, served as a Past President of WFA, and was awarded Hall of Fame Awards for both NICA and WFA. Julie has over 30 years of experience as both a Marketing Director and Event Coordinator, as well as being the Past Owner of an Advertising Company. Their combined experience will prove beneficial for assisting in NICA West Council Leadership and activities. Don and Julie said, “We are a self-motivated and progress-driven team with an extensive background in the Fair and Concession Industry. We have developed and executed strategies that we believe will bring value to NICA.” We look forward to working with the new West Council Leadership Team. ▲
Congratulations to Jesse Willard for 10 Years of Service to NICA Last month, Jesse Willard, NICA Communications Manager, celebrated his 10th Anniversary as a full-time NICA Employee. The NICA Staff of Christine, Linda, Jessica, and Rey surprised him with a beautiful balloon arrangement and banner. NICA Leadership and Staff also sent him a multitude of congratulation messages by phone, email, and video. On NICA Live, Kim Barr, CCE, 1st Vice President, shared, “We are above proud to have you as a 10 year vet! Our organization would be lost without you! And know you are so appreciated!” Vinnie Nelson, CCE, Jesse Willard, Communications President, by video, said, “As NICA President I greatly appreciate all Manager, with Christine Farrell, you have done for me and this organization.” Dan Lusenhop, Treasurer Office Clerk, and Linda Frisco, and Past President also remarked, “Wow, 10 years already. I wanted Office Manager to recognize you for all of your great contributions to NICA. Over the years we’ve seen you hone your skills and help NICA be the success it is today. Congratulations! I’m looking forward to the next 10!” By letter, West Council Chair Brandy Arredondo, CCE wrote, “Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the organization throughout the years. We appreciate all that you do!” Jesse reflected, “I am very grateful for your support! While working at NICA, my communication and design skills have grown immensely. I love learning more about the Fair Industry, and I am proud to work for an organization that gives back so much to its community and the future.” ▲ October 2023 NICA News 11
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Thoughts From a This month’s Statements of Communications & Management Philosophy are from Generational CCE Recipients Chris Conkle, CCE, Conkle’s Concessions, and Courtny Conkle, CCE, Wyoming State Fair:
Christopher Conkle, CCE CCE Earned in 2020
My Statement of Communications and Management Philosophy is very simple. My front line Employees represent my company and are also the face of the Fair. They can make or break a Fairgoer’s experience. I only hire the happiest, most enthusiastic Employees with the biggest smiles. These people are happy to be alive, and are excited every minute that they are working at the Fair. I work with them 99% of the time, and they are trained well on how to make the product, customer service, and every other aspect concerning the rest of the Fair. Our Employees know where the Sheep Barn is, know the times and location of the “Sea Lion Show,” and know what event is going on in the Grandstand each night. They are an integral part of the Fair as a whole. They know Fair Management, Office Workers, Janitorial, Maintenance, and all the other Vendors. All of the Employees and I have an open communication policy about everything. If there is any kind of question or problem, they can come to me at any time. This same open policy is practiced with the Fair Staff and all the other Vendors. My Employees make our business special! ▲
Courtny Conkle, CCE CCE Earned in 2020
My Communications and Management Philosophy, much like the empowering “Together We Can!” that NICA lives by, is simple, yet powerful. I believe that so long as all sectors of the Fair and Event Industry are working in a collaborative manner, that our joint efforts can keep our Industry relevant and vibrant. We are so lucky to be able to serve community members from every background and all walks of life at our events. In a time of natural disasters like what we have seen in the past few years, the traditions that Fairgoers look forward to are becoming more and more important. I always strive for growth, whether it is growing the attendance of my Fair, seeing an increase in Concession gross, or earning my Certified Concessionaire Executive designation, I work tirelessly to improve myself and lead by doing. Competition drives innovation; while some sectors of our Industry lead the way on what is latest and greatest, it takes all of our sectors working in unity to make us the very best that we can be as an Industry. ▲
What is the CCE Program? The Certified Concessionaire Executive Program was developed over 20 years ago to recognize the professionalism of Concessionaires, with the title representing a deep understanding and respect for the Fair and Festival business and indicates that the titleholder will perform with the highest level of professionalism. This prestigious
designation is awarded only after a detailed application process has been successfully met. Once certified, the official presentation ceremony takes place at an annual Industry event. To get started, visit the CCE website online at www.nicainc.org/CCE for both the online and print versions of the application. ▲ October 2023 NICA News 13
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Introducing Eastern Lighting as a New Benefit Since 1994, Eastern Lighting has been serving the lighting needs of interior locations such as trade shows, commercial spaces, and more nationwide. Lighting is one of the most important, yet frequently overlooked, factors affecting commercial sales both in and out of the Fair Industry. NICA and Eastern Lighting have teamed up to offer NICA Members a 22% discount on their popular Totalite light fixture, which has proved to be very useful to indoor Commercial Exhibitors and Food and Beverage Concessionaires. The extra light can attract more attention, offering a level of attractiveness to your product and excitement to your booth or stand. Jeff Thornberry, CCE, Director, has decades of experience as a Commercial Exhibitor, and has been a fan of Eastern Lighting for quite some time. He shared, “My experience with Eastern Lighting has been fantastic. They even drop-shipped directly to where I needed the lights. In my experience, my total gross goes up by 20% when I turn my lights on, versus no lights. You get to choose the temperature of the light, which means the color of the light, and you can match it to the product offering you are
The Totalite system in action, lighting up an Exhibit Booth
selling. You aren’t just buying an incredibly bright fixture; it’s low power consumption too.” Jeff also demonstrated the Totalite product at last year’s NICA Marketplace event: “We carried that out to the Trade Show floor and turned the lighting onto one of our Commercial Exhibitors, and showed the audience the difference. When the light turned on, you could hear the verbal gasp of the people standing in the room.” Brent Neal, Eastern Lighting, added, “One thing that sets us apart is that you can call and talk to me directly. You can even send pictures of your booth. I’ll explain how to use our products the best to improve your business. I look forward to helping you with your lighting needs!”
How Does the Benefit Work?
Jeff Thornberry, CCE, Director, showcased the Totalite product from Eastern Lighting at last year’s Marketplace
Contact Brent Neal at (832) 875-3783 and brent.neal@easternlighting.com or Tonya Dedeaux at tonyad@easternlighting.com to put Eastern Lighting’s experienced team to work for you! Let them know you are a NICA Member when ordering to receive your discount. To learn more about Totalite, visit nicainc.org/easternlighting. ▲ October 2023 NICA News 15
Meet the Candidates Meet the Candidates seeking election to the 2024 NICA Board of Directors. All of them have a long history of NICA Membership and Service. We appreciate their commitment to serve NICA Members with their time, resources, and leadership. Their biography and nomination statements are below:
Brandy Arredondo, CCE Noel’s Foods • Bakersfield, CA
Being Fifth Generation in the Fair Industry, I grew up out on the road. At age 18, I knew I wasn’t just born into our Industry and here temporarily; it’s where I was meant to be and I went “All In!” Together, my husband and I own and operate Noel’s Foods, Inc. while raising our two children—the Next Generation. Our route includes small, medium, and large Fairs and events throughout California. I have been on the NICA West Council since January of 2020 and became the West Council Ex-Officio in January of 2022. In 2020, I received my CCE, Certified Concessionaire Executive, title. I regularly attend convention and workshops hosted by NICA, OABA, IAFE, and WFA along with participating in fundraising events for the different organizations. The past few years have been hard, but that never stopped us from pushing and moving forward. I believe the Next Generation should have a voice because our youths have been by our sides the entire time and have different perspectives. Communication is a significant factor in our Industry and I know this due to the struggle and complete chaos without it. Whether it’s about supplies, register issues, or customer service, you need to be able to talk to and understand your Peers, Co-workers, Employees, and Business Partners. When it comes to the Fair Industry, it is important to support and help all the hardworking people around us when they need it. Concessionaires, Commercial Vendors, Carnival Operators, and Fair Staff work long hours and often come across some unpredictable situations and events; yet, they still manage to pull off perfect customer service and food quality or outstanding entertainment. It would be an honor to be elected as a NICA Board Member and serve my Fair Family in more leadership capacities when dealing with issues facing our members and the Fair Industry. I am committed to helping improve our Industry for the better and “Together We Can!”
Sandy Class, CCE Tavern at the Park • Apollo Beach, FL If elected, I will bring honesty and integrity to an organization that I am fond of and to an Industry that I have a passion for. I would like to see the Industry continue to become a better place for all of us that will continue to succeed in our ever-changing world and Industry. We are “Show” people with a business that contains viable interests, and whether it’s a storefront, a franchise, or contracts with a mobile unit on wheels, we all possess a business with assets. This business provides an income for improvements, and a source for living. One would like to think it also provides a retirement for those of us who, at some point in our lives, would like to sell their business and retire. In corporate America, a successful business has a price tag attached to it—why shouldn’t our 16 October 2023 NICA News
businesses be looked at in the same way? My agenda is this: no agenda! However, my passion would be to continue to work with the Board and Fair Management to gain knowledge on both sides for a better understanding of how they think and the way we think. Quality Operators share the fruits of success with Fairs. It’s a partnership on a two-way street with goals for all of us to someday be able to retire. As a Business Owner, where do we turn when we know we hold a contract that is not transferable? Does the career path we worked so hard to build and maintain now suddenly have no cash value for a Future Business Owner? I ask you, “Who works an entire career to realize there are no benefits for a retirement?” As entrepreneurs, we have the opportunities to invest in 401K’s, IRA’s, and stocks, but what about our equipment that we continue to maintain, upgrade, and/or replace to stay on the forefront? Shouldn’t this too have market value? If you ask any NICA Member, hands down, all of us would say, “Yes!” We are “Show” people doing what we do best—putting smiles on millions of faces when the Fair rolls in to town. At the end of our rainbow, we just want to be able to pass our legacy on to the next generation of great entertainers. As Owners, we want to be able to share and teach the fruits of our success to future generations. This is what I will campaign for if elected.
Phillip Delahoyde
Extreme Food & Beverage • Ukiah, CA I am the Owner of Extreme Food and Beverage and I live in Ukiah, a small town in Northern California. I was born and raised there, and I grew up working in my father’s Concession and Catering company, Five Star Catering. It is what I have done my entire life. I have been married for thirteen years to my wife Ania and I have two children, Zoe and Cruz. I started Extreme Food and Beverage in 2005 and purchased Five Star Catering in 2018. My wife and I currently have 14 trailers and serve a variety of menus. We play about 28 events in California and Oregon as well as a having the Onsite Contract for the Marin Center for the Performing Arts near San Francisco and the Onsite Food at the Chris Beck Arena at the Sonoma County Fair. This year I started a new company with Rock Star Graphics and Wraps, catering to all graphic design and embroidery needs. The COVID years have taught us we could make money separately. Food and Beverage Vendors participated in Fair Food Drive-Thru events all over the states; Carnivals ran in parking lots and at church events; and Fairs found new ways and reasons to rent out their facilities. I want to stress how notable it is that our businesses all survived the Pandemic without coming together for a real Fair; yet, when we all came together to present a full Fair in the years since, the synergy has increased. Fairs are not just a Food Court, or a Carnival, or a Livestock Show, or a Competition, or an Entertainment Stage; we are a production, put on by many entities. When we all come together to produce a true Fair, we all benefit. What we have to offer our communities is more than just a great show; it’s an opportunity to create memorable moments. If re-elected, I will continue to work hard with the Board and Councils to meet the needs of the NICA Membership.
Attention Voting Members The NICA Office sent out Election Ballots last month to Voting Members. If you have not yet received your Ballot, or have received an online Ballot, but would prefer it by mail, contact (813) 438-8926. All votes must be in by November 15th to be counted. Thank you for your continued support! October 2023 NICA News 17
Dear Business Owners/Managers, Fair Industry Leaders, Trade Show Exhibitors, and YOU: We are proud to announce this year’s NICA Marketplace, “Together!” taking place December 3-6, 2023 at the Tuscany Suites and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. In 48 hours you will network with colleagues, discuss practical solutions, enjoy storytelling, and return enriched. This year’s event will once again feature a non-exclusive Trade Show, Educational Sessions led by hands-on Event 18 October 2023 NICA News
Industry Thought Leaders, and Networking Opportunities that are welcome and comfortable—a place where we all understand we are Customers of each other and “Together” we share a Fair Guest to serve. Book your room at the beautiful Tuscany Suites and Casino in Las Vegas, NV at the low $79 Room Rate, Sunday, December 3rd through Thursday, December 7th with no resort fee ($44 waived), suite sized rooms with included kitchenettes, Free Wi-Fi, and Free Parking! Learn more and register at nicainc.org/marketplace.
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The Beverage Boom Sticker Shock Staying Out of Harm’s Way Improving Performance Working With Open Space Nuts and Bolts of Successful Selling 2.0 What’s Included in the Rent? Propane 101 Have the Rules Changed at the Point of Sale? Making Social Media and Marketing Work For You Accessibility Why Do We Do What We Do? Communicating Changes
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How to Use NICA Benefits Writing Standard Operating Procedures What 250 Years in the Fair Business Can Teach Us Exit and Entrance Strategies Tips to Stay Organized While on the Road Good Things Happen When Vendors and Fairs Work Together Purchasing Tires on the Goodyear Program Is it Time For Multi-Year Agreements? Hear From Our Scholarship Recipients Why the Choices You Make During Move-In Matter Charting a Prosperous Future For Commercial Exhibits
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Sysco-Las Vegas Warehouse Tour, Product Showcase, and Light Lunch (Wednesday, 9 AM) Roundtable Discussions Over Lunch (Monday) Opening General Session Keynote “All In!” delivered by Jeremy Parsons, CFE, Iowa State Fair CEO and Past IAFE Chair (Monday) Marketplace Trade Show and Happy Hour (Monday) and Lunch (Tuesday) Generation Forward Meeting (Monday) Hall of Fame Reception for Don Delahoyde, CCE, Past NICA President (Tuesday)
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Action Lighting Aspire/Otis Spunkmeyer Beach Cities Berk Boxed Water ChemxWorks Entegra
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Eventeny Fare Foods Fiserv / Clover Florida’s Best Good Source Heinz Holten Meats
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Hummel Group JKJ Workforce The Langlois Company Luxe Retail McCain Foods McGowan Allied
Subject to change; visit www.nicainc.org/marketplace and check NICA Now! for updates.
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NICA OA Finance OCC Signs Pactiv Smithfield Sysco Uncommon USA October 2023 NICA News 19
Sunday, December 3, 2023 2:00 – 6:00 PM: Registration 3:30 – 6:30 PM: NICA Marketplace Hospitality Evening on your own
Monday, December 4, 2023 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Registration 9:30 – 10:45 AM: Marketplace General Session featuring Keynote Speaker Jeremy Parsons, CFE and NICA Leadership 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM: Educational Workshops 12:30 – 2:00 PM: Box Lunches (Included) and Roundtables 2:15 – 4:45 PM: Educational Workshops and “How To” Sessions
5:00 – 8:00 PM: Marketplace Trade Show and Happy Hour Reception (Included) Evening on your own
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 9:00 – 11:00 AM: Registration 9:30 – 10:45 AM: Educational Workshops 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM: Marketplace Trade Show and Lunch (Included) 1:45 – 5:15 PM: Educational Workshops 5:30 – 7:00 PM: Closing Marketplace Celebration and Hall of Fame Reception (Included) Evening on your own
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Sysco Facility Tour
Schedule is subject to change; visit www.nicainc.org/marketplace and check NICA Now! for updates.
$119 Early Bird Rate Ends October 30th
Book Your $79 Hotel Room Online
Register yourself and additional attendees for NICA Marketplace by selecting the link at nicainc.org/marketplace and logging into your Membership Account. You may choose a Member ($119) or Non-Member ($149) rate.
Book your hotel reservation at $79 with no resort fee ($44) at nicainc.org/marketplace by selecting your check-in and check-out dates, along with your occupancy needs. Don’t delay!
Marketplace Registration includes Monday Box Lunch, Tuesday Trade Show Lunch, Trade Show Reception, and Closing Celebration Reception.
Onsite Registration Will Increase by $100
Become a NICA Marketplace Exhibitor Reserve your Marketplace Trade Show Booth for $1,095 (two attendee registrations, draped space and Exhibitor ID sign, 8’ x 10’ location, and more included) at nicainc.org/marketplace.
Marketplace Membership Promotion: When registering, add or become a new NICA Member for $100 and you will also receive the $119 Early Bird rate ($80 savings)
20 October 2023 NICA News
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October 2023 NICA News 21
Dominic Palmieri’s Flamin’ Hot Cheeto and Pickle Pizza
A PIECE OF THE PIE Who doesn’t love Pizza? According to a recent poll, not many; Pizza is officially America’s favorite food! Easily customized and perfect for sharing, Pizza’s strengths are plain to see. According to The Washington Post, 350 Slices of Pizza are eaten every second in the US—but where did it all start? Way back in ancient Greece, they covered their bread with oils, herbs, and cheese. Centuries later, the Romans also developed a version using bay leaves for flavoring, and topped the dough with cheese and honey. When it comes to the modern Pizza, we turn to Italy. Their Mozzarella-topped Neapolitan Flatbread created the beginnings of the Pizza we know and love today. However, it doesn’t stop there. The true innovation of Concessionaires has taken this popular food to a new height, incorporating new toppings alongside the tried and true. We had a chance to speak with some of NICA’s Pizza Professionals and find out what it means to have a “Piece of the Pie.” Dominic Palmieri, CCE, Odyssey Foods and Past NICA President, has been serving and selling Pizza for 37 years. His Enzo’s Pizzeria Stand sells New York Style Pizza Slices and other Italian favorites. He shared that there are so many components on a Pizza that are critical to a perfect Pizza: “First is the crust. The crust should 22 October 2023 NICA News
be crispy on bottom and have a good chew to the teeth. The sauce should be rich and the Pizza should have enough sauce to not be dry when baked. A Slice of Pie should hold and not droop down when holding the crust end in a bent position. It should have the perfect balance of cheese and toppings. It should be baked well enough to NOT have any soft, doughy, or undercooked parts in the crust.” Most importantly, he said, “It should make you smile and know you just took the perfect bite when it’s in your mouth.” Dominic believes that Pizza has changed dramatically over the past 20 years due to the influence of Chain Pizza Companies. He said, “In the past 15 years, the Pizza Industry has moved to a very high sugar content and has defined what the past two generations know and or understand about Pizza. This is unfortunate as great gourmet Pizza is quite different.” Dominic has tried to push the limit with new textures on his Pizza. He said, “Our customers at our Fairs expect new foods and can’t wait to try them. I am fortunate to have a great team that continually pushes the limits of flavors and ideas. Two years ago we debuted the Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Pizza. Not only was this a fan favorite for its spice and flavor, but it was also very different due to the added texture. This season we showcased the Flamin’ Hot Cheeto and Pickle Pizza.
This is very unique as it does not have a normal Red Pizza Sauce. It starts with a Ranch Dill Sauce, topped with a lot of extra thick lightly brined Pickle Chips. It is baked, then topped with the crunchy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, and topped again with a Ranch Dill Sauce drizzle. It changes everything you ever thought about Pizza. We are also doing a Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Slice. We know that hot is, well ‘HOT,’ but adding some sweet to that makes it unique.” Dominic has some words of advice for newcomers: “Find a great supplier that can get you the EXACT SAME products at all the locations in all the cities you work your Pizza Stand. Without consistency, your Pizza will never be the best it can be. Not all sauces, flour products, and cheese are created the same. Quality makes a difference. Don’t get caught up in the weeds of buying cheap products when it comes to Pizza or any Fair Food item for that matter.” Jim Swain has been serving Pizza for 25 years and is known for his signature, award-winning Pizza and Pizza on a Stick varieties: “We make everything fresh!” According to Jim, the perfect Pizza has “lots of cheese.” He is no stranger to unusual toppings, though, including Scorpion, Meal Worm, and Cricket! He shared, “It’s for the crazy people and for the daring people. I’ve had it for 15 years, and the bugs have actually gone up a lot. It’s crazy how much they cost! It’s not for everybody, and some people say, ‘I hope my Pizza wasn’t next to those bugs!’ Don’t worry, we make them up individually.” This year Jim introduced Mexican Street Corn Pizza: “It’s been doing really well, but don’t forget Pickle Pizza! That’s number one right now for many Vendors out there.” Jim keeps his menu diverse as he plays Fairs and Events
throughout the Midwest and Southern States. His advice for others was to “Keep reaching out there and try something different.” Daniel Bianco, Bianco’s Foods, is a Third Generation Concessionaire who entered the Pizza Business “straight out of the womb.” He recently has taken over operations from his father Raymond, who started his own business in 1981, and is active at events all the way from Florida to Minnesota. Daniel shared, “My Dad built it up to where it’s at, but his Dad started even earlier in the 1960s. In the Pizza World, the quality of your stand and your ingredients is what sets you apart.” The Biancos keep a consistent menu of “just your typical Pizza” and some gourmet offerings: “Everyone knows that the Pickle is hot right now! We jumped on that bandwagon about seven years ago, and you can’t keep it in stock.” According to Daniel, no other trend has risen to the heights of Pickle Pizza, and he feels it is in part due to the influence of social media. “Even eight years ago, you didn’t have social media the way it is now. It’s hard to even judge that because you will never know what will take off first. Back then, you could sell Cheeseburger or Supreme Pizzas easily, but now you need something new to stand out.” Daniel gets his products delivered every day from Fare Foods and Sysco, depending on his location, and he tries his best to keep costs down: “It’s all about sourcing. A Baked Pepperoni is actually harder to do now than the Pickle because Pickle prices are sound, but Pork prices are up! What can we do?” For the newbies out there, he shared, “Follow your heart and do what you love. It’s a job at the end of the day, but you have to have passion and really care about this Industry. Every spot is a new adventure.”
Jim Swain’s Pizza on a Stick and Scorpion, Meal Worm, and Cricket Pizza
Daniel Bianco’s Specialty Pickle Pizza
October 2023 NICA News 23
Vincent Nelson, CCE, Vinnie’s Fine Foods and NICA President, offers Hand-Tossed Pizza primarily in the Northeast, and has carried on his family’s business since 1987 as the Third Generation. He said, “Pizza’s my favorite food group. I do a New York Style Pizza, and quite honestly, I am actually very basic. I do Cheese, Pepperoni, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Garlic Pickle, and Mushroom.” Vincent actually prefers it plain: “There’s nothing better than a Cheese Pizza.” In regards to new trends and toppings, he remarked “I have seen everything and I find it’s all weird. Sometimes I think I miss out for not thinking of the new stuff. It is good for the bottom-line because it creates excitement on the Fairgrounds. I like it steady and consistent myself, and I usually try new items in my Strombolis and Calzones first. If they sell well I usually turn it into a Pizza.” He and his wife Linda make all of their dough fresh: “We put our hearts and souls into it.” Vincent gets all of his ingredients delivered weekly at each event from local distributors: “They get to me wherever I go and I only use Italian distributors. I am OCD when it comes to my ingredients on a Pizza.” Portion control cups are the biggest way he keeps his costs down, but he finds that everything has gone up in price. He said, “You make all of your money when you buy your product, so I take my time to talk with my purveyors in the off-season.” He added, “Start off slow and make adjustments. Pizza is a lot of work and you have to keep your customers happy. It always has to be hot and fresh. You can’t let it sit around. Pizza takes love to make it right.” Midwest Concessionaires Dan and Rebecca Leimon have been serving Pizza for the last 29 years under Leimon’s Pizzeria. Rebecca shared, “Next year, 2024 will be our 30th, which is a Vincent Nelson’s Pepperoni, Sausage, and Bacon Stromboli
24 October 2023 NICA News
Leimon’s Pizzeria’s Specialty Jalapeño Popper Pizza
milestone for us. We started out in 1994 with a small cook house trailer and added two small Pizza ovens.” Today, they play five State Fairs, Car Shows, Horse Shows, County Fairs, and other events for up to six months a year. The Leimons pride themselves on a Pizza that is made fresh and ingredients that are bought locally. Rebecca said, “Typically, we do the basic Sausage, Pepperoni, and Cheese Pizza. When we are busy, the fewer the choices, the faster the service. We do offer Specialty Pizzas, as well, such as a Meat Lovers, Hawaiian, Breakfast, and our popular Jalapeño Popper Pizza.” They feel that one of the biggest changes have been the product costs and the availability of products in recent years: “The cost is passed on to the customer, but our Pizza is still one of the best Food Bargains at an Event or on a Midway.” They taught their son, Bryan Enloe, NICA Director, everything they knew when he was a teenager, and he now has Pizza Stands of his own. Bryan said, “My Dad sent me to work in a Pizza Joint, and said, ‘You’re going to learn how to make Pizza, and we are going into the Pizza Business.’” What makes the perfect Pizza for Bryan? “Quality ingredients—it makes all the difference in the world.” For the new Pizza People out there, Bryan’s wife Jennie suggested they become familiar with the word “until.” They explained, “Not to be too cheesy, but our family motto is that everything is ‘until.’ Things will go wrong, and you just have to keep working ‘until’ you succeed. Try it!” We hope you enjoyed our foray into the world of Pizza preparation and innovation at Fairs and Events across the country. We are very proud of our 60-plus NICA Members who share a “Piece of the Pie,” so to speak, when it comes to their influence on the Fairgrounds. It is thanks to you we can say to Fairgoers, “It’s not delivery, it’s Fair Food!” ▲
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End of Summer Gatherings Dennis Larson, CFE, Midwest Council Coordinator, Matt Ribar, Midwest Council & Jessica Gottsche, East Council Coordinator Throughout the Fair Season NICA hosted 15 Member Gatherings during Fairs across the country that fed, fundraised, answered benefit questions, gave prizes, and provided great fellowship for over 1,000 attendees. As we entered the end of the Summer Season, the Gatherings kept coming on the heels of our successful Midwest Gatherings in August, with events held at the Minnesota State Fair, Clay County Fair, and The Big E. We appreciate everyone who was able to attend and support these events, and we look forward to the next opportunity to gather together!
NICA’s Midwest Council at the Minnesota State Fair and the Clay County Fair At the end of August, there was a very successful Third Annual Gathering of NICA Membership at the Minnesota State Fair. A very social group of 80 some had a very pleasant evening socializing and enjoying a wonderful Prime Rib dinner generously sponsored by Nate and Stephanie Janousek at their 1920’s airplanethemed eatery, The Hangar. The first year, newly appointed Minnesota State Fair General Manager Renee Alexander welcomed the crowd and thanked them all for their stellar work in producing and offering some of the best Fair Foods in the country. Mary Chung, Director of the State Fair Foundation, also welcomed and thanked the group as many of them are foundation supporters.
Renee Alexander, Minnesota State Fair General Manager
26 October 2023 NICA News
NICA Members gathered at the Minnesota State Fair for the Midwest Council’s Third Annual Gathering
Michael Wood spoke on behalf of the OABA and their current working status, particularly on the H-2B Visa Program. NICA Board Member Jay Wells, CCE welcomed all to the Gathering and thanked them for their membership and the success of the NICA Foundation with offering 26 scholarships this year to the youth of the Industry. We gave away two Free NICA Memberships to Ron Netterfield, Netterfields Popcorn and Lemonade, and Connor Nickelson, Giant Slide, along with other door prizes. We thank Richie George, CCE, George’s Fun Foods, who made a generous donation back to NICA. All in all, it was a very enjoyable and successful Gathering! In September, the last Midwest Gathering of the season was held at Iowa’s Clay County Fair with Midwest Council Member Matt Ribar and Clay County’s Fair Staff being instrumental in planning the event. Over 30 NICA Members, Fair Staff, and members of the Clay County Fair Board gathered at the Coca-Cola Hospitality Tent to meet the
Jay Wells, CCE, Director, with Free Membership winner Connor Nickelson, Barona Enterprises
Matt Ribar, Midwest Council, with winners Brad Price, Godfather’s Pizza, and Rene Lerma, Ormic Concessions, at the Clay County Fair Gathering
Kelly Grout, 2nd Vice President and Bingo Caller, in front of the many available prizes!
Rey O’Day, Executive Director, and Nicole Collmer playing Bingo
Players Barbara and Art Porkorny, Past President, with Dede Harrison, Rudy’s
new CEO Jerome Hertel, who was previously at the Alaska State Fair. Jerome was originally from the Sioux Falls area, so it was a sort of homecoming for him. The Fair Staff addressed the crowd and expressed their gratitude for our attendance as well as their pride in supporting NICA and other organizations in the Industry. They also understood how crucial it is for us to arrive prepared when we get together, and they were very happy to help. Rene Lerma won the Opportunity Prize but donated it back, and the Free NICA Membership went to Brad Price, Godfather’s Pizza. Thank you to Jerome Hertel and the Fair Board, who donated race tickets for events during the week. It was kind of funny because people won, but they couldn’t attend on the certain nights. Rene Lerma was one of the
Susan Fraleigh, Fluffy’s Donuts, Kay Fairlie, Dennis Fraleigh, F&W Concessions, and Rob Rogan, Butcher Boys
Thank you to Brad Schroder, Schroder Concessions, who brought two tables full of his staff to the Bingo event
Rey O’Day with one of the winners Susan Fraleigh, Fluffy’s Donuts
winners, along with Chad Smith who gave his to Nick Taulelle, Taulelle Concessions. Thank you to Godfather’s Pizza for donating the food and everyone who was able to come during a busy Fair.
East Council Introduces “Game Changer” A couple of days before The Big E opens in West Springfield, MA, the East Council calls together NICA Members and Guests for a night of cutthroat competition, great food, and fun prizes. This year, thanks to our generous sponsor, Fluffy’s Donuts, we introduced reusable Bingo Cards, eliminating the need for popcorn seeds, Bingo markers, scraps of paper, and anything else we could find to mark boards. The new Bingo Cards also solidified Brown Bag Bingo as a healthy and ongoing fundraiser for the East Council, sure to be around for many years to come! There were over 30 mystery prizes, over 50 people, more Bingo Cards than we could count, and some great food. As the night rolled on, the competition grew as prizes included car/trailer wash supplies, gift certificates, kitchen gadgets, tools, and many, many more! Feedback from attendees was that the Bingo Cards were “Game-Changing” and it was also one of the best Council events they had attended. Several sponsors supported the event including Lattitude Restaurant; Eastern States Exposition; Somerset Syrup and Concessions, Performance Food Group, Fluffy’s Donuts and Vinnie’s Fine Foods. This enjoyable evening would not have been possible without these generous sponsors, and we can’t thank them enough. We are looking forward to next season for more opportunities where NICA Members can gather together and maybe even win something too! ▲ October 2023 NICA News 27
28 October 2023 NICA News
Join us February 5-7, 2024 at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel, located at 10221 Princess Palm Ave. Tampa, FL, for the 2024 NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods Food Show. This year’s theme is “Tomorrow Starts Today!” The NICA Business Expo will provide Workshops and Discussion Groups that cover the issues and the daily challenges our Industry is faced with “Today” in order to prepare you for what will come “Tomorrow.” The Fare Foods Food Show will feature exhibitors showcasing the latest food trends and technology that will define and kickstart the 2024 Fair Season. We also invite you to attend the Annual General Membership Meeting, where we will hold our Year in Review, install the 2024 Board of Directors, hold the Coca-Cola
Membership Contest, and hear from Benefit Partners. Afterwards, during the event’s Legacy Celebration we will highlight the NICA Foundation, honor a new Hall of Fame Recipient, and enjoy delicious buffet courtesy of Fare Foods. Stay tuned to NICA and Fare Foods communications via email and text for important registration announcements and programming information, coming soon!
Reservation block has been extended thru Gibtown • Book your whole stay with us! To reserve your hotel accommodations you must book your room through the online reservation site. Visit either site below:
Sheraton Tampa Brandon
WWW.NICAINC.ORG/2024 WWW.FAREFOODS.COM/EVENTS
King Single / Double Bed Room...............$152.00* (plus tax) Breakfast vouchers available for $15.00 per person, per day (inclusive of tax & gratuity) for each guest in room. Vouchers provided at check-in for Panfilo’s Restaurant. You are only charged when voucher is redeemed.
If you have questions or would like to upgrade your room please contact Audrey: (618) 542-2155 • apoole@farefoods.com *Rooms are based on availability - Limited number of rooms available. RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE NO LATER THAN JAN. 5, 2024 to receive these special reduced rates. Room rates revert to FULL PRICE after JANUARY 5, 2024. Credit card required to reserve room.
October 2023 NICA News 29
From the Camera Roll...
Past President Russ Harrison, CCE with Past Director Dennis Fraleigh, speaking about NICA’s Communication Committees and the world in general while at The Big E
Pam Simon, CFE, Minnesota State Fair, Rey O’Day, Executive Director, and Fred Pittroff, Giant Slide
Whitney Fraleigh is the newest member of the East Council and introduced her Dill Pickle Donut at The Big E
Jessica Gottsche, East Council Coordinator, with her children Robert and Aubrey on the Fairgrounds
Ryan Collmer, East Council, with Phil Teague, Hummel Group, and Mindy Teague
Kelly Grout, 2nd Vice President, Cathy Grout, KC Concessions, and Savannah Grout, 2023 Scholarship Recipient
Welcome back to Rick Pachell, CCE, Deluca Family Foods, who recently renewed his NICA Membership
Richie O’Neil, Midwest Council, and his wife Teri at the Minnesota State Fair
Steve Vartanian, West Council, Dennis Larson, CFE, Midwest Council, Rey O’Day, and Nate Janousek, Fun Biz Concessions, at The Hangar
Have you attended a NICA-related event? Send your photos or coverage to communications@nicainc.org 30 October 2023 NICA News
Washington County Fair’s Rebecca Breese, Fair Manager, and Harry Booth, President
Rey O’Day met up with Carla and Brandon Wood, Carl’s Concessions, in Iowa and posed with them and their Member’s Voice story in the August NICA News
Dennis Larson, CFE, Midwest Coordinator, Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, CCE, Foundation Trustee, and Bruce Kozelou, 3B Concessions
Rey O’Day, Executive Director, with Larry McConnell, CCE, McConnell Concessions
Pam Simon, CFE, Minnesota State Fair Sales Director
Brad Ribar, CCE, Loret Foods
The Family of Experts Insuring Concessionaires Like You. We offer 24-hour claim service and coverage unique to your business: • • • •
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McGowanAllied.com October 2023 NICA News 31
“Renewals” continued from page 4 ►► Robert Fulton
Fun Rides and Events Sanford, NC (2015)
Charles Giordano
C & C Concessions, Inc. La Verne, CA (2007)
Jennifer Giordano, CCE C & C Concessions, Inc. La Verne, CA (2007)
John Giordano
C & C Concessions, Inc. La Verne, CA (2015)
Andy Glushakow
Phat Boyz Catering Hebron, MD (2018)
Jeff Langlois
The Langlois Company Mira Loma, CA (2014)
Todd Lavigne
Awesome Apple Crisp, LLC Glastonbury, CT (2019)
Dan Leimon
Leimon’s Pizzeria, Inc. Harlingen, TX (2021)
Rebecca Leimon
Leimon’s Pizzeria, Inc. Harlingen, TX (2021)
Sean Lepley
Cathy Grout
Cumberland Valley Concessions Bedford, PA (2015)
Phillip Hull
State Fair of Texas Dallas, TX (1995)
Charles Ivory, CCE µ
L & S Concessions, Inc. San Dimes, CA (2007)
Bill Johnson
Maile & Son, Inc. Mesa, AZ (2004)
Melanie Linnear
KC Concessions Ware, MA (2019) Hull Concessions, LLC Waco, TX (2007) Famous Gabby’s, Inc. Brooksville, FL (1993)
Ryan Long, CCE
Dottie Maile
Fantasy Amusement Company / Arlington’s Best Concessions Prospect Heights, IL (2010)
Carole Marcus
James Judkins
Funnel Cake Express Willows, CA (2022)
JKJ Workforce Agency, Inc. Harlingen, TX (2017)
Kenneth Kasinak
Golden West Concessions San Diego, CA (2007)
Rick Kasinak
Vic Marcus Concessions Hemet, CA (2002)
Michael Martin
James Kropp
Kropp Enterprises, Inc. Green Bay, WI (2000)
Susan Kuzma
Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation Saskatoon, SK (2009)
James O’Brien
Virgil Strickler
Rick Oxford
Lorie Stinson
Topsfield Fair Topsfield, MA (1995) Televac Products Versailles, MO (2005)
Jeremy Parsons, CFE µ Iowa State Fair Des Moines, IA (1993)
Deborah Powers
Debbie’s Concessions, LLC Lumberton, NC (1994)
Brad Price - ROC Mgm’t Godfather’s Pizza Spirit Lake, IA (2005)
Jennifer Ramsey
Ramsey Food Service Huntsville, OH (2020)
Nancy Lou Rex µ
The Sandwich Fair Association, Inc. Sandwich, IL (1993)
Michele Richards
OC Fair & Event Center Costa Mesa, CA (2017)
Brienna Schuette
Moxie & Drive Marketing White Bear Township, MN (2018)
Michelle Siggins
Sunshine Concessions of Hernando, Inc. Homosassa, FL (2014)
Donnie Massie
Nancy Smith, CFE µ
Pacific Coast Concession Cardiff By The Sea, CA (2021) Allen May Norman Keene Beach Cities Wholesalers Paulette’s Food Service Anaheim, CA (2022) Pinckneyville, IL (2003) Shawn Miller North Dakota State Fair Minot, ND (1993)
John Stewart
E.M. Enterprises Lake Wales, FL (1999)
Funnel Cake Express Willows, CA (2022)
Miki Martin
Alpine Amusement Co., Inc. Naperville, IL (2010)
Renae Korslien µ
Emilie Morrison
Miller Foods Mauckport, IN (2018)
Kara Moederndorfer, CCE The Sleek Greek Glendale, AZ (2016)
Robert Monroe
South Carolina State Fair Columbia, SC (1993)
Jay Spicer
Martin County Fair Association Stuart, FL (2003) St. Joseph County 4-H Fair, Inc. South Bend, IN (1995)
Seth Steele µ
Schantz Mfg. Inc. Highland, IL (1993)
J and J Concessions Inc. Indianapolis, IN (2019) Ohio State Fair Columbus, OH (1995) South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc. West Palm Beach, FL (2008)
Stephen Swika III
Pies N Cakes Scott Township, PA (2014)
Steve Taft
Taft’s Mr. Ribeye Rochester, IL (2003)
Jon Tartaglia
Washington State Fair Puyallup, WA (2000)
Tracy Thomas
Sweet and Salty Concessions, LLC Wilmington, NC (2000)
John Uhl µ
Century Industries, LLC Sellersburg, IN (1993)
Monica Urick
Urick Concessions, LLC Carmel, IN (2001)
Mary Wagner, CCE µ Treat Truck, Inc. Hampton, MN (1993)
Matt Wallsmith
South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc. West Palm Beach, FL (2012)
Roger Westmoreland
Roger Westmoreland Concessions Hughes Springs, TX (1996)
Fred Wiemer
Uncle Fred’s Foods Racine, WI (2008)
Trent Wilkes
Wilkes Concessions Linton, IN (2022)
L.T. Concessions, Inc. Marion, IN (2007)
µ 1993-2003
2004-2008 2009-2013 2014-2022
Thank you to our 101 Renewal Members for your continued support! “Together We Can!”
32 October 2023 NICA News
PEOPLE EAT WITH THEIR EYES. Since 2000, OA Finance has financed concession trailers that attract sales. Make your plans, then call us. Mark Walker mark@oafinance.net
Financing Your Outdoor Amusement Dreams Since 2000.
4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 200 Fairway, Kansas 66205
816-581-0033 www.oafinance.net
2023 Membership Contest Leaderboard* Referrals—General Membership Horst Schacht....................................................................... 2 Michael Barr.......................................................................... 1 Chris Bayle............................................................................. 1 Wesley Boyd Bierworth......................................................... 1 Jay Bohannon....................................................................... 1 Andrew Cashman.................................................................. 1 Michael Chambers................................................................ 1 Tommy Davis......................................................................... 1 Joan Ehlers............................................................................ 1 Jim Fraser.............................................................................. 1 Alexandra Graf...................................................................... 1 Charles Miller........................................................................ 1 Dominic Palmieri, CCE.......................................................... 1 Phil Poorman......................................................................... 1 Jeff Ross, CCE....................................................................... 1 Kathy Ross, CCE.................................................................... 1 Kyla Reusch........................................................................... 1 Craig Sawyers........................................................................ 1 Gary Shepard......................................................................... 1 Clint Yoder............................................................................. 1
Referrals—Board of Directors Vincent Nelson, CCE............................................................. 6 Jeff Thornberry, CCE............................................................. 5 Jacqueline Bradbury, CCE.................................................... 2 Bary Bunts, CCE.................................................................... 2 Bryan Enloe............................................................................ 2 Stacey Pittroff-Barona, CCE.................................................. 2 Daryl Whicheloe, CCE............................................................ 2 Kim Barr, CCE........................................................................ 1
Referrals—Foundation Tom Hodson, CCE................................................................. 6
Referrals—Regional Councils
Let Gold Medal’s Experience Take Your Business to the Next Level
Gigi Horowitz......................................................................... 3 Albert Valadez....................................................................... 3 Irene Dugan, CCE.................................................................. 2 Ryan Hagy.............................................................................. 2 Amy Ashby............................................................................. 1 Sandy Class, CCE.................................................................. 1
The year was 1931. With just $2,000 and the strong work ethic of founder, David C. Evans, Gold Medal was born. The first product sold with the Gold Medal name was a simple drink concentrate. In the years that followed, the business evolved into a full line of concession equipment and supplies including popcorn, cotton candy, Sno-Kones®, and much more. A lot has happened throughout our history. The third generation of the Evans family now leads the company and the fourth generation is working here as well. From our humble beginnings, we’ve grown to over 500 employees supporting efforts from engineering to manufacturing, marketing to customer service. We’ve been at the forefront of industry innovations, creating new products, continually improving processes and above all, serving the needs of our customers. Put our experience to work for you. Whether you’re new to Gold Medal or a decades-long, loyal customer, we will help you get the most out of your concession business. We’re proud Gold Medal is trusted as the industry’s leading concession equipment manufacturer and supplier, and we are committed to continuing to earn your trust by providing top quality products, service, and support. Together, we will keep making history, now and in the future. You can count on us to deliver snacks, smiles & success!
Gold Medal Products are proudly distributed by Fare Foods • 1-800-651-1601
Visit www.nicainc.org or search NICA on social media for the latest announcements.
NICA Now!
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*Referral Listing as of 8/31/23. See back cover for more information, rules, and prizes.
October 2023 NICA News 33
34 October 2023 NICA News
NATIONAL INDEPENDENT CONCESSIONAIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
For Off ice Use Only
1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 Phone: (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 803-8460 Email: nica@nicainc.org • Website: www.nicainc.org
Date: #: q Member Renewal
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION q Mr. q Mrs. q Ms.
First Name:
Last Name:
Name of Business: Physical Address:
City :
State:
Zip:
Mailing Address:
City :
State:
Zip:
Primary Phone Number :
Cell / Secondary Phone Number :
Email:
Website:
Age Range: q 20-35 q 35-50 q 51-70 q 70+
q Other:
NICA News Preference: q Mail q Email
Referred by :
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEES REGULAR MEMBERSHIP q
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP A person or entity who provides services to the Concession Industry.
Regular Member..............................................................$150
q
Fair / Festival (over 75,000 attendance)....................... $150
q
Fair / Festival (under 75,000 attendance).................... $100
q Retired Member................................................................. $50
q
Manufacturer / Distributor / Supplier............................ $150
BUSINESS / GROUP MEMBERSHIP
q
Carnival / Circus Operator............................................... $150
q
Association / Special Services....................................... $150
q Additional Member..........................................................$100 q Employee Member............................................................. $75
Includes five Memberships in one: one Regular Member, one Additional Member, and three Employee Members ($475 value).
q
Business / Group.............................................................$400
Additional Member : _______________________________________ Employee Member 1: ______________________________________ Employee Member 2: ______________________________________ Employee Member 3: ______________________________________ REGULAR MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES Check a category below and provide a detailed description of your company’s services in the next column under Business Description.
BUSINESS DESCRIPTION Provide a detailed description of your business, products, and/or services below. This information will be used for your entry in the annual NICA Membership Directory and as keywords to search for your business on the NICA website.
________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
q
Food / Beverage
q
Commercial Exhibitors / Retail / Merchants
PAYMENT
q
Attractions / Entertainment
q
Cash q
Check q
Money Order
q
Games
q
Visa q
Mastercard
q
q
Guest Services
Credit Card #:
GENERAL ROUTING INFORMATION List all states / provinces where you conduct your business.
___________________________________________________________
Security Code:
#:
American Express q
Discover
Expiration Date:
TOTAL:
___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE The NICA-sponsored $10,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance Policy is provided to Regular Members. List a beneficiary and a phone number below.
Beneficiary : _________________________ Phone : _____________
Applicant’s signature
Date
Signature of Credit Card Holder q I authorize NICA to charge the agreed amount listed above to my credit card information provided above. I agree I will pay for this purchase in accordance with the issuing bank cardholder agreement.
AUTOMATIC RENEWAL OPTION q I authorize NICA to make automatic renewal payments for my Membership using the credit card information above. I shall update NICA with all changes to payment information or my intent to cancel automatic renewal payments prior to my next renewal month.
National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 Time Sensitive Mail • October 2023 Issue