September 2012 NICA News

NICA News September 2012

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CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2012

FEATURES NICA Benefits Section

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Are you taking full advantage of our NICA Benefits?

Three articles by Rey O’Day, Asset Preservation, & Superfleet

Concessionaire of the Month Chuck & Irene Dugan, Chuckwagon

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Concessionaire/Retailer of the Month Ashley Murray, M&M Marketing

Supplier of the Month James Tea, Beth Barker

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REGULARS President’s Message 4

By Greg Miller, CCE

Executive Director’s Report 5

By Bar bara Hensinger, CFE

Events Calendar & September Fairs 14 NICA News A Message from Tony Trafton 6 NICA Expo & Fare Foods Food Show 13 New NICA Website 22 Brockton Fair 24 Member Fair Photos 25 Views from NICA West 26 Member Updates 29

ADVERTISERS Allied Specialty Insurance 12 Alpha Baking 19 Asset Preservation 9 Berk Paper & Supply 18 Fanestil Meats 19 Fare Foods 18 Firestone Financial 22 First Data 30 Fontanini 10

Haas & Wilkerson 30 Heinkel’s Packing 15 Heritage Insurance 28 Midway Stainless 28 Pepsi 2 Uncle Froggel Show 30

COVER PHOTO

Taken at the Ohio State Fair 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Greg Miller, CCE If you are reading this article, it’s probably late at night or early in the morning. The fair season is in the heat of the year and I am sure everyone is very busy. This will be a short article because I am working multiple events and setting up for other events. As I have said before I love this business and all of its aspects. The setup tear down and travel all combine to make for a great life, well at least in my eyes.

The office has completed the move to our new location. I haven’t seen it yet but understand it’s a nice facility. Barb said she is missing the squirrel that lived in the ceiling of our old building but thinks she can adjust without it. The new office will allow space for Board meetings and planning areas for the Food Show and Spring Workshop.

Another recent change is our website. If you haven’t had a chance to look at it I would advise you to do so. We are going to be able to offer so much more with this website than in the past. As with all new things, we have experienced a few bugs in the system. We forgot some listings and even forgot some of the Board but it’s all getting worked out.

Work has started on the Food Show/Business Expo to be held in February. Tim O’Brien is the Food Show Chairman and promises much excitement. We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary at the show. Twenty years has gone by fast for this organization but when you look at the IAFE or OABA we are just a baby organization.

Well as I said earlier, I would have a short article this month.

Good luck and safe travels.

Greg

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

NICA is a Florida Corporation with Editorial and General Office located at: 1043 E. Brandon Blvd.

Brandon, FL 33511 (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 438-8928 www.nicainc.org The information contained in this Publication is based upon sources believed to be reliable. Readers should not act without professional advice.

Cover to Cover Copyright All Rights Reserved. ©NICA

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OFFICERS

President......Greg Miller, CCE 1st Vice-President......Tom Sattler, CCE 2nd Vice-President......Tim O’Brien, CCE Secretary......Joe Potillo, Jr. Treasurer......David Penn

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Russ Harrison, CCE

Directors:

Rose Marie Ash Paulette Keene Don Kenna Justin Sattler Tony Trafton, CCE

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

NICA OFFICE Executive Director

Barbara Hensinger, CFE - barb@nicainc.org

Membership Coordinator Jill Omel - nica@nicainc.org

Graphics & Marketing Director Kaitlyn Loos - graphics@nicainc.org

NICA WEST Office: Executive Manager

Rey O’Day 951-315-6623 • imreyqoe@gmail.com 2130 Walnut St. La Verne, CA 91750

NICA WEST EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Don Delahoyde, CCE Jennifer Giordano Judy Henbury, CCE Lucky Henner Don Long, CCE Dan Lusenhop Dale Smith Tony Trafton, CCE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT This summer was been a very busy one here in the NICA office. As you all are aware, we have changed the computer program for our membership data base. We hope you find it easy to use when you log on to the web site. Speaking of the web site, we have also moved the site to a new format /server. Of course with this type of change, there were a few snags. We are working as I write this to get them corrected. Our goal is to make sure you have the content you need on the site. Please take a few minutes and check out the member login in option. Through this part of the site you can update your route or other information and you can also pay your dues on line.

The NICA office is in our new location. It is great and everything is up and working. If you are in the Tampa area, please stop in. We are located at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL, behind the Famous Tate Appliance Store.

Eric Justice our graphic artist left us in July. He is a very talented person and was snatched up by another company. The good news is we found an excellent replacement; Kaitlyn Loos. Kaitlyn has recently graduated from Florida State University. She has a lot of energy and has done a wonderful job in putting together this issue of the News. Kaitlyn is a team player and is willing to help on all the projects in the office, I am sure you will be hearing from her as she is very interested in getting your stories and showcasing our membership in the News.

Our ace volunteer, SanDee O’Brien is back in the office. SanDee and her side kick Mary Brown had a grand adventure in Alaska. Please read the article about their travels.

SanDee and Jill are busy processing all the membership renewals. If you have not done so, please be sure to get your renewal into the office as soon as possible. You must renew your membership by October 1, in order to be included in the 2013 Directory.

NICA also sent an on-line survey to our former members. We have contacted folks who have left our membership in the recent past. We hope to learn what we are doing right and wrong, so we can make NICA a stronger organization. If you know of a member, please encourage them to go to our web site and click on the link to the survey. The more feedback we get, the better the results.

I am looking forward to meeting with many of you at the Indiana, Illinois or Iowa State Fairs in the upcoming weeks. I am doing a grand tour of state fairs in mid-August. I have visited Indiana several times, but this will be a first for me to visit Illinois and Iowa. I can’t wait, these are such great events and we have many members’ at all three locations.

This year the 2013 Fare Food Show /NICA Business Expo will kick off NICA’s Twentieth Year. NICA was formed in 1993 when several concerned concessionaires came together with the goal to work together with fair management to improve communications and the industry we all love. To celebrate our twenty years, the Board is planning some great events and workshops to help us “Roar into Twenty. “ Plan to join us, Florida week is always a great place to network with friends, get industry updates and have fun.

This year’s show is scheduled for February 4 - 6 at the Embassy Suites in Tampa.

Enjoy your September! I hope the crowds are large, and the weather good. Safe travels to all.

Barbara Hensinger, CFE 5

A MESSAGE FROM TONY TRAFTON Opening Day…. A fellow concessionaire once told me opening day was like opening a new restaurant each time. Although many things are routine with setup, it never fails, the refrigerator worked perfectly last week, this week it only gets down to 50 degrees, or the hot water is not hot, the soda machine needs calibration, leaks, clogs, different suppliers, training new employees, and who hasn’t had the pleasure of dealing with an inexperienced inspector from the health department?

With all these challenges, there’s no place I’d rather be! Today we’re opening at the Ventura County Fair in Ventura, California. The weather at home is forecast for a high of 97 degrees. Here it’s going to be a high of 69 with light clouds, perfect for selling turkey legs! On the heels of a strong San Diego County Fair, we’re looking for our run here in Ventura to be equally strong.

Each year in Ventura I’m reminded of one of the many benefits of being a NICA member as I use my Check Inn Direct (Corporate Lodging Card) for my hotel lodging. I always save more then enough to cover my annual dues! The Sysco buying program has truly gained some legs this year with much better pricing and more exposure to our members in the west. Recently, we added a tax-free retirement plan for our members which promises to be a much needed program in every concessionaire’s financial plan. I can assure you as member of the Board, we are continually searching for more and betters ways to help our members get through the season with less headaches and more money in our pocket at the end of the season.

Most importantly, it was our initial goal, here in the west to become an organization which would one day be the “Go To” advocate organization for our industry when regulatory issues would arise that affect us all.

This became a very real scenario when we were invited to become part of NICA over five years ago.

For the past year and a half, it has been my honor to serve on the Board of Directors and be an integral part of this as it happens on a national scale. For example: Involvement with the J-1 Visa controversy that included NICA joining forces with IAFE and OABA to visit the State Department this past year. As we continue to grow and make this happen, it has been a pleasure to work with my fellow concessionaires from across the country in building the membership and the exposure of this great organization.

As we near the end of opening day of the Ventura County Fair, I have a familiar sense of relief that we successfully opened our business again and it looks like it’s going to be another great run this year. Also, it’s great to know we have the support of concessionaires across the country when regulatory issues arise along with the ability to participate in the many money saving benefits offered to our members. Now if we could only find a way to add a built in “handy-man” benefit to deal with the hot water heater, and electrical problems! Oh wait, that’s me……..▄

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BREATHING LIFE INTO YOUR RETIREMENT TAX FREE

BY JUSTIN “JUDD” CARLSON

Does it surprise you that most independent business owners have done little or NO retirement planning for themselves? What if there was an investment vehicle that provided provisions for a growing business, but offered the flexibility and safety of a secure retirement?

Did I mention it was Tax-Free in most cases?

I believe that there are specific reasons why it is hard for an independent small business owner to get started putting away for retirement than other professions. #1 Money can be lean in the early years, and the habit of “paying yourself” first doesn’t begin right from the start. #2 Small business owners are pursued by no one. They are left to fend for themselves in the financial jungle.

Once they are successful, IF they survive then they are pursued. Unfortunately by this time it may be too late and procrastination has won. #3 The business is HUNGRY. There is always something calling for more cash. New employees, inventory, expansion, etc. Again the owner is the last one to get PAID, especially their retirement. #4 Most businesses are started with debt.

The debt can eat away at profits for years, until there is enough left over for saving. #5 Lastly many business owners do NOT want to use Tax-Qualified plans, because they are required to provide the same for their employees. Not to mention if you are successful you are capped at the amount of “funds you can place” into your Qualified accounts.

To give your retirement a “breath of fresh air”, consider using Cash-Accumulation life insurance as your option.

Cash accumulation life insurance offers the flexibility for a growing business to fund, as well as access to the funds for future business needs if they arise. There is NO limit to what a business owner can contribute; and you are able to provide for your employees BUT NOT required too. Additionally the death benefit proceeds are essential for family protection and business continuation and succession planning.

Four years ago, presidential candidate John McCain secured initial campaign financing by using his $3 million life insurance policy as collateral. In 1980, Doris Christopher used a life insurance funds to launch her struggling kitchen gadget company. In 2002, she sold that company—the Pampered Chef—to Warren Buffett for a reported $900 million. Even in the midst of the Great Depression, J.C. Penney used a loan against his $3 million life insurance policy to resuscitate his retail

stores and make payroll after the 1929 crash. In 1953 when no banker would lend him the money, Walt Disney borrowed from his life insurance to help fund his first Disneyland theme park.

By this point in our nation’s “recovery”, it is clear that there is no such thing as a perfect investment strategy.

As Wall Street lost more than 45% of the typical investor’s savings TWICE in the last decade. If your goal is to safely grow and protect your hard-earned money for retirement or otherwise; now is an ideal time to learn about the proven benefits, strengths, and versatility of life insurance investing as an Asset Class.

IF IT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR BANKERS... According to government disclosures, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has a majority of his liquid wealth—between $1 million and $2 million—invested in fixed and variable annuities. Fixed annuities are contracts issued exclusively by life insurance companies that promise guaranteed rates of interest. What’s more, the 401(k) Thrift Plan for Employees of the Federal Reserve System, according to a 2011 first quarter Fed report covering 22,000 Fed employees, has 75 percent of its assets—that’s $3.2 billion—invested in its fixed-income fund, which is invested exclusively in annuity contracts underwritten by major U.S. life insurance companies guaranteeing principal and an interest rate of 4.8 percent. And this is not a new trend. A Deloitte audit affirms that in 2008 and 2009, Fed employees overwhelmingly chose fixed income annuity funds over volatile mutual funds, according to the Federal Reserve System thrift plan participants, smart investment report.

The nation’s large banks invest immense sums of their Tier 1 capital reserves—a bank’s most important asset and a key measure of its strength—into permanent life insurance underwritten by major life insurance companies.

Why do banks look to insurance companies for sound investment? Unlike banks, life insurance companies do not use excessive leverage. If a bank has $1 million on (BREATHING LIFE INTO YOUR RETIREMENT TAX-FREE Continued) deposit, it can lend out up to $10 million to the public. This leverage is called “fractional reserve lending,” and it can lead to instability. Indeed, excessive leverage is a major reason why banks are failing today and have throughout history.

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between “saving” and “investing.” When one saves, money is safe and liquid. When one invests, 100 percent of your money is at risk 100 percent of the time. When you save through permanent life insurance backed by the insurance company’s general account, your funds are safe, liquid, and tax-favored.

Valuable tax benefits. Savings and earnings within permanent life insurance grow tax-deferred, and can be strategically accessed, as TAX-FREE from in-force insurance and are not reported as ordinary income.

What’s more, insurance death proceeds are generally received income-tax-free and, in most cases, estate-taxfree.

Asset protection. Although asset protection privileges for lawsuits and bankruptcy vary from state to state, life insurance and annuity assets are a favored asset in all states. States with particularly strong asset protection for life insurance and annuities for today’s business owners include Arizona, Florida, Michigan, New York, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

However, if a life insurance company has $1 million on deposit, that company may loan no more than $920,000, and usually only a fraction of that. As such, life insurers are 100 percent reserve-based lenders, which makes them stable institutions, even down economies.

WHY LIFE INSURANCE? There are two basic types of life insurance: term life, which is essentially a rented policy for a specified period of time; and permanent or “cash-value” life, which is insurance for as long as you live. While a mix of both types of policy proves valuable for most investors, financial rewards are attainable only with permanent “cash value” life policies.

The following are some of the key benefits of investing in permanent life insurance and annuities: Safety. Permanent life insurance and annuities, when backed by the general account of a life insurance company contain financial guarantees and adhere to strict investment portfolio standards. Enormous losses in today’s stock market illuminate the dangers of investing without guarantees. During the Great Depression, when more than 10,000 banks failed, 99.9 percent of consumers’ savings in life insurance and annuities remained safe with legal reserve life insurance companies.

Earnings in addition to guaranteed rates. Although additional earnings above guarantees are not assured, most life companies paid additional earnings even during the Great Depression. Permanent life insurance and annuities are savings systems. A major problem today in financial planning is that 401(k) and mutual fund marketers have successfully blurred the difference

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Income-tax-free death benefit. Life is a gamble. The greatest risk we face is the risk of premature death.

Protecting those people or causes we love with life insurance is a wise allocation of resources. It can also be an integral tool for business continuation and succession planning. When the Reverend Jerry Falwell died in 2007, he left $34 million in life insurance to pay off Liberty University’s debts, strengthen that school’s endowment, and provide funding for a Thomas Road Baptist Church.

Professional money management. Savings within a life insurance company are professionally managed to secure the highest rate of return with the maximum amount of safety. Unlike some retirement plans, you have access to your money in a life insurance policy through loans and other immediate options. Today, money within a qualified retirement plan (e.g., pension, 401(k), 403(b), IRAs) is money in a straitjacket until retirement (generally 59 ½).

Unfortunately your money is still subject to market risk and inflation. Not so with permanent life insurance that is backed by the insurer’s general account.

Life insurance can perform additional economic jobs as well. By attaching riders onto base life insurance and annuities, they can provide additional benefits for disability protection, long-term care, critical illness, and retirement funding. Life insurance is able to accommodate multiple and complex beneficiaries, and can be easily changed without legal costs. At your death, they can also bypass probate—thus avoiding legal bills, appraisal costs, taxes, and other expenses common even to midsized estates. States with particularly onerous probate costs include California, Connecticut, and Georgia.

SORTING THINGS OUTSimply put, there are two types of life insurance—term and permanent—and a combination of both types works well for most investors. Term insurance covers you for

a specified period of time, usually from 5 to 30 years, depending upon your age. This, essentially, is rented insurance. Permanent or cash-value life insurance are essentially one and the same: insurance for as long as you live. You own your life insurance. Permanent life insurance has a savings component and a death benefit. There are three general types of permanent life insurance: whole, universal, and variable life.

Whole life Has guarantees in mortality charges and interest, and additional earnings in dividends.

Universal life Is more flexible: Interest earned is determined by shortterm money rates. Mortality charges increase with age.

Variable life Includes mortality charges that can be either fixed or increasing. The savings component rate of return with variable life is determined by the rate of return in the stock market— thus adding significant risk.

Annuities Are a contract issued by an insurance company that offers a guaranteed rate of interest and guaranteed payout options—including an income for life. Annuities are particularly well-suited for retirement savings and are the cornerstone of all pensions. Unlike a bank or mutual fund, an insurance company must maintain cash reserves equal to the annuity’s value.

GUIDELINES FOR PURCHASING/INVESTING Life insurance and annuity purchases are some of the most important financial decisions you can make. Do not purchase either of them if you plan to do it for only a year; there are costs associated with any investment, and these are long-term planning tools.

It is wise to work with an adviser who has expertise not just in life insurance and annuities, but who has a working knowledge of taxes, risk management, investments, and economics. Insure your life as you would insure the economic replacement value of your business. Your human life is the greatest economic value of them all—the creator of all property values.

When allocating funds to life insurance as an asset, a commitment of 10 to 30 percent of one’s resources is prudent, since these instruments have stable value and are easily convertible into cash. The nation’s large banks consistently invest between 20 to 30 percent of their reserves— hundreds of millions of dollars—into life insurance, according to the FDIC. There’s every reason for you to do the same. We also offer a 25-minute DVD explaining the benefits of the Tax Free Retirement Solution and well as a hardback book. I welcome your questions and comments 1-855-TRY-TAXFree or 1-855879-8293.

Justin (Judd) Carlson Investment Advisor Representative Asset Preservation Tax & Retirement jcarlson@apsitaxes.com

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FUEL FOR YOUR COMPANY VEHICLES

By Ed Cornish The National Independent Concessionaires Association and SuperFleet have teamed up to help lower the cost of fuel for your company vehicles. As a NICA member you are eligible to participate in this program. What is SuperFleet? SuperFleet is commercial fleet card that is accepted at Speedway, Marathon, Pilot Travel Centers and many other fuel brands and offers your company special discounted fuel along with fleet card services.

Here is how the program works; association members sign their company up for a Fleet Account with SuperFleet. Cards are generally assigned to each vehicle with each driver having a unique driver identification number. Each time the card is used to fuel the driver will enter their number along with the vehicle mileage. When the billing statement arrives it will be accompanied by a fleet vehicle activity report that will state what was fueled, who fueled and how much. Cards can restrict purchases to Fuel Only as well. The reporting will help to reduce fraudulent activity and reduce administrative time.

Volume rebates are applied to the account on a monthly basis at a rate based on the aggregated volume of the members in the association. Each member on the program will help other members in achieving a higher rebate level then if the member were purchasing on their own. Volume rebates will be based on volume at Speedway and Marathon fuel brand locations and will be up to 5¢ / gallon for both gasoline and diesel fuel purchases with no rebate cap.

Getting started is easy, simply contact Ed Cornish at (937) 863-6730 or emcornish@superfleet.net to get started.â–

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Using NICA Benefits more than pays for annual NICA membership fee.

By: Rey O’Day NICA West Manager We belong to an organization with great benefits for its members. I decided to find out who was using them and why or why not.

At least 15 people I asked had never used a benefit. As a result, it was a great opportunity to share with them what they were missing.

Most of them had not used them because they weren’t aware of them; yet, they are on our website, in every NICA News and on the application form. That brought me to the conclusion that the best way to encourage member use of benefits is to invite them personally, to share your experience with using them. So, here are some stories of folks who have benefited from using the perks of NICA membership.

and less stressful.” He has also brought a new benefit company to our organization called Asset Protection. Watch for it.

Dan Duggan, Duggan’s Concessions, Fresno, CA saved $1500 on a white Ford Deully using the Ford Fleet discount shortly after he joined NICA. He figures, “I saved 10 years of membership fees with just that purchase.” He is also a fan of the NICA News. He likes that it is monthly rather than quarterly. (Continued on p. 12)

Lucky Henner, Capital Cookery, Inc., Citrus Heights CA joined NICA in 2004. He used to buy auto parts from O’Reilly, but when he became aware of the AutoZone deal he opened an account with them. He also painted his mother’s house using Sherwin-Williams paint and supplies and “saved a ton.” He enthusiastically said he was very happy with both of these companies.

Dale Smith, Pink’s Hot Dogs, Hemet, CA became a member because of benefits. He had been playing the 12-day Ventura County Fair for several years and was talking to Tony Trafton about how expensive it was to house employees. Tony told him about CheckINN Direct. He joined NICA to use CheckINN Direct which saved him $40 a night for each room at a place that even included breakfast. Smith exclaimed, “That alone is worth the membership fee!”

Speaking of NICA Board Member, Tony Trafton, Trafton Company, LLC, Murrieta, CA says he has “saved his membership several times over.” Obviously he is using CheckINN Direct and says “they couldn’t be more accommodating.” He recently purchased $600 worth of paint for $400 from Sherwin-Williams to paint rooms in his house. He said he probably paid what he might have paid at The Home Depot only “for a much higher quality of paint.” By ordering from Sysco through the NICA agreement, his product is delivered before he arrives which saves him trips to off grounds warehouse stores. He commented, “The pricing on turkey legs is very competitive and when you add in Sysco’s service, purchasing from them makes my job a lot easier

Tom Hodson & Dan Duggan

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.

(Continued from p. 11, USING NICA BENEFITS MORE THAN PAYS )

...It thinks it is current, up-to-date and has interesting articles. “There is a comfort in knowing that we all have the same experiences; that when you break down, or have a huge day, or the weather blows in, it happens to everyone. “ Recently he purchased paint from Sherwin-Williams to paint some rental houses. He said, “The $1,258 dollar invoice was only $720 with the NICA discount.” He also uses Sysco and says “you have come a long way with that one.”

Lola Ramirez, J.L.Q. Concessions, Sanger, CA also uses Sysco. They not only helped her find the horchata she serves, she can now travel all over the state knowing she can serve the same product everywhere she plays. When I first spoke to her, she did not know about the Hertz Rental Car discount. When I followed up with her she said she had used it and it was “well worth learning about.”

Ashley Murray, M&M Marketing, Redondo Beach CA joined NICA during the first NICA West reception at the 2007 WFA Convention. He immediately signed on for the Sprint discount which to this day saves him about $40 @ month which comes to $480 annually.

As a homeowner, he has also purchased Sherwin-Williams paint and believes that we “receive a better discount than contractors.” Based on the conversations I have had with members, I think he is right. “I am really happy with the discounts my $125 @ year NICA membership fee gets me.”

Dawn & Ashley Murray of M&M Marketing

Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, The Original Australian Foods, and Fred Pitroff, Giant Ride, Inc., Pasadena, CA are big users of the Ford Fleet Discount. Fred is on his fifth red truck and has never saved less than $2000. Carmel just purchased a new white Lincoln Navigator on which she saved $3000.

They belong to many organizations and believe that “NICA membership and its benefits is a great return on their investment.” They are looking forward to purchasing a new 2013 truck.

I realize that this is a very small slice of our membership in a very small part of our geography; yet, I have to believe that it is much the same all over the country. So if you are reading this and you have used a benefit, please share your experience with a fellow member. If you have used a benefit and had a problem, please call the NICA office at 813-438-8926. And if you have not used a NICA benefit, pick one and try it. Based on the stories of fellow members, I think you will be glad you did!

Submitted by Rey O’Day, NICA West Manager

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into NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods Food Show

FEB. 4 - 6 NICA Business Expo and Fair Foods Show in Tampa at the Embassy Suites Hotel.

Feb 4 - 6 (Monday - Wednesday) Watch for additional details on the website and future editions of the NICA NEWS.

13 Celebrating 20 years of NICA and looking to Roar into the future.

NICA DATES SEPTEMBER 30:

NICA Board of Directors election ballots due

OCTOBER 1:

All membership dues are due

OCTOBER 15: CCE application due

MEMBER FAIRS THE SANDWICH FAIR

NOVEMBER 7-10:

Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs Annual Convention, DoubleTree Riverside, Boise, Idaho

September 4-8 Sandwich, IL.

NOVEMBER 25:

HEBRON HARVEST FAIR

NOVEMBER 26-29:

September 6-9

ALLEGAN COUNTY FAIR September 7-15

KANSAS STATE FAIR September 7-16

THE GREAT FEDERICK FAIR September 13-21

EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION September 14-30

NICA Board of Directors meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada

123rd Annual IAFE Convention and Trade Show - Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada

NOVEMBER 28:

NICA Advisory Board Meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada

JANUARY 20-23:

Western Fairs Association Annual Convention including NICA/SYSCO Food Show, Reno, Nevada

FEBRUARY 4-6:

NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods Food Show, Embassy Suites, Tampa, Florida

FEBRUARY 6:

Annual Membership Meeting, Tampa, Florida

HILLSDALE COUNTY FAIR September 22-28

WYOMING FAIR September 29-October 1

CLEVELAND COUNTY FAIR September 29-October 8

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FEBRUARY 13:

(Tentative) The O’Brien BowlingTournament

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

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

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

2nd Place: $200

Small Fairs / festivals

3rd Place: $100

– (attendance under 100,000)

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

1st Place: $1,000

2nd Place: $500

Sponsored by

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

Refreshments

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Chuck & Irene Dugan OWNERS OF CHUCKWAGON NICA: How long have you been a concessionaire?

Chuck: 38 Years, my wife and I have been married for almost 28 years, so Irene has been involved for almost 30 years.

NICA: How and why did you become a concessionaire?

Chuck: I was working for a meat company that sold meat and frozen food to concessioners at the Del Mar Fair (now known as the San Diego County Fair) and Orange County Fair (now known as the OC Fair).

I met Joe Nevitt who was operating a concession sponsored by Marlboro Cigarette Company. Joe worked the Del Mar and Orange County Fairs for four years as Marlboro and then for the next two years as Chuckwagon. Joe asked if I wanted to buy the Chuckwagon operation. We agreed on a price and I became a concessionaire in 1974.

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

Chuck: We have a gentleman from Texas named Phil Taylor come out every year to smoke briskets, pork butts, pork spare ribs and sausage with hickory wood. We

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cook chicken halves, chicken breasts and turkey legs on wood fired grills. We also sell 1/3 lb. Rangeburgers, ½ lb. Big Doggies and Grilled Corn. We make our own BBQ Sauce (Phil Taylor’s recipe), Cowpoke Beans, Cole Slaw, Corn Bread, Waffle Fries, Texas Red Chile and Son of a Gun Stew. In another stand we sell Blooming Onions, Fresh French Frys (Fries) with various toppings, and Yammys (sweet potato fries) with various toppings.

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

Chuck: We work three large fairs in Southern California during the months of June, July, August & September.

Having a four month work period allows us to do other things during the rest of the year. We build most of the equipment that we use and we spend a lot of the time between fairs working on equipment. We arrange for our H2B Visa workers, a very important part of our business.

NICA: What do you dislike about being a concessionaire?

Chuck: You do not have any security because contracts are only for the duration of each fair. You can only sell your business with the approval of management.

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

Chuck: Rents and expenses continue to rise. Finding good seasonal employees.

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

Chuck: If we had the money that we have invested in our business in cash, we would not be interested in starting a concession business today.

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

Chuck: We only travel about 250 miles to work the three fairs that we participate in and summer is the best time.

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

Chuck: We feel fairs that have percentage rents should have two or three tiers of rent. It is not right for full service units with seating and bus people to pay the same rent as a grab stand.

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

Chuck: We have worked closely with the Sysco Buying Program to help control costs and hope that NICA continues to seek new companies that can help us control costs.

NICA: What do you like to do during the off season or when you’re not working?

Chuck: Get ready for the next season. And the best part, we have 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, Holidays are busy.

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

Chuck: When I purchased the concession it came with the name and I kept it.

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Ashley Murray OF M&M MARKETING NICA: How long have you been a concessionaire?

Ashley: 1983 was our first year at LA County Fair. Pryor to that we were participating in Home Shows and Swap Meets NICA: Why did you become a concessionaire?

Ashley: It was the avenue in our path to make a living.

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

Ashley: Body jewelry, clothing, hats, sunglasses, hookas and various new items that we can introduce to the fair goer.

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Ashley with his Grandsons, Makoa (driving) and Braden

NICA: How did you start in the concession business?

Ashley: Started going to the Koby Swap Meet in San Diego in 1973. Sold hand etched mirrors, graduated to pitch products.

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

Ashley: We are a family operated business and it allows us to be with our children and grandchildren most of the time.

NICA: What do you dislike about being a concessionaire?

Ashley: We don’t feel very secure in the year to year contracts. The business you build cannot be sold, not a lot of stability.

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

Ashley: The economy is a scary thing. We need new direction in America.

The Murray Grandkids (left to right): Skylar, Braden, Bailey, & Makoa

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

Ashley: “Play Well With Others” Something we all should have learned in kindergarten. Enjoy, Love what you do.

NICA: Do you have any interesting stories or memorable moments that you could share with the NICA News?

Ashley: Yes, when the world stopped spinning on 9-112001. I was at the Sheraton Fairplex and I got a call from my wife, to turn on the TV. You know the rest. Never Forget.

Ashley: Most memorable was when my 2 grandchildren were born 2 days apart during the Pomona Fair. We look forward to fair birthday celebrations every year.

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

Ashley: All the great foods. Pasta at Pignoties, BBQ at C & C Concessions, Hamburgers at Grants, and Ice Cream at Old Tyme Ice Cream. “These are a few of my favorite things”

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

Ashley: Between June and November because that’s fair season. It’s wonderful to get back to see fair family.

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

Ashley: Being more secure in business space contracts.

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

Ashley: Look into group health insurance. Love the discounts we get on our Sprint bills. Thanks NICA: What do you like to do during the off season or when you’re not working?

Ashley: Love to be home with family and friends.

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

Ashley: It’s our last name initials.

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CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE

22

SUPPLIER OF THE MONTH: JAMES TEA

By Beth Barker

3. Shelf Life: Unlike freshly brewed tea, James Tea can be left unrefrigerated for 5 days. It will not get cloudy or bitter.

4. Price and Profit Margin: At 5 cents and 10 cents a serving James Tea Unsweetened and James Tea Sweet Tea is very profitable!

The NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods Food Show is the highlight of our year! Just when we think we can’t handle any more snow, we get to leave North East Ohio and head to sunny Tampa, Florida. Every year we attend, we feel less like vendors and more like Norm from Cheers and we are just as happy to see everyone as they are to see us!

Here is what your peers have to say about The James Tea Company:

This fair season has been the most successful one yet for The James Tea Company, boosting sales to record high numbers. We have many of our fellow NICA members to thank for this. It is their patronage that has directly contributed to our growth and continued success in the concessionaire business.

Like our concessionaire clients, James Tea is a family owned and operated business; a business formed based on the entrepreneurial spirit and drive of a true professional.

“James Tea is convenient to use with a delicious fresh brewed taste.” David Penn, Family Foods and Concessions and NICA Director.

“James Tea is a great product for our industry for so many reasons, but what impresses me the most is their customer service. They are so helpful and friendly, orders ship the same day you call and if they are $30.00 or more, James Tea pays the freight.” James Ingram, Deggeller Attractions and NICA Member.

“I was first introduced to James Tea by the friendly and convincing staff at the Ohio Fair Managers Convention.

I was impressed with their follow up. A sample arrived quicker than I did! The shelf life and great taste have sold me. Try it - You’ll like it.” Rose Marie Ash, Bob’s Concessions and NICA Director.

Please check out our website at www.jamestea.com, LIKE us on FACEBOOK and call 800-334-9176 or email us at jim@jamestea.com for samples.

For those you that are unfamiliar with The James Tea Company, it was founded in 1988 by James Kekelis. Back then he sold tea the old fashioned way, door -to- door.

He demonstrated his products in any restaurant that would listen to his pitch. He then extended his product reach to the food service industry through distributors.

But it was not until James Tea found its true client, the concessionaire that it really began to expand and grow.

The union was simpatico, a perfect match. After years of pounding the pavement, James Tea is sold in all 50 states!

So why is James Tea such a great fit for the concessionaire industry?

1. Ease of Use: Simply add water and stir!

2. Quality of Product: James Tea is a premium freshly blended tea concentrate made from the world’s finest black tea.

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CELEBRATING 138 The 138th Brockton Fair was held June 28th-July 8th in Brockton, MA. The fair is owned and operated by George Carney.

Tommy Clifford serves as fair manager and Phil Boyle serves as the fair’s concession manager.

Concessionaires included Bob and Debbie Pugh, Beau and Tara Pugh, Renee and Judy Piche, Art and Barbara Pokorny, Russ and Dede Harrison, Wilber and Sue Cook, Ray Hashem, and Dan Armstrong.

Joe Potillo Jr. provided the sanitation services for the fair.

Rick Reithoffer’s unit of Reithoffer’s shows has provided the midway since 1980 and fielding 50 rides including the debut of the Stinger ride.

Rick Reithoffer & Joey Alberts @ the Brockton Fair

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MEMBER FAIR PHOTOS

Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stampede

Porter County Fair

Porter County Fair

Brockton Fair

Art & Barbara Pokorny @ the Brockton Fair

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Susan and David Holmes @ the Fruit Caboose, Orange County Fair

Terri Crutchfield @ Terri’s berries, Orange County Fair

Dale Smith @ the Orange County Fair

Lori Southerland & Stephen Vartanian @ Lori’s Concessions, Orange County Fair

Guy & Charlene Leavitt with grandkids @ the Orange County Fair

Cathy Pignotti-McKnight @ the Orange County Fair

Dominic & Kim Palmieri @ the Orange County Fair

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NICA West’s Rey O’Day with (left to right) Jon Baker, CEO Pima County Fair, Ryan Long – L&L Concessions, Ken Skurski – Brander Enterprises, Inc., Mike Peterson – Sippers & More, Don Crutchfield, Steve Crutchfield –Crutchfield’s Fish and Chips, Rich Brander – Brander’s Texas Donuts

VIEWS FROM NICA WEST Shelley Long, L&L Concessions at Ventura County Fair wife of Don Long (NW Council Member)

California State Fair

California State Fair

Mike Bliss owner of Sleek Greek won the Kindle Fire raffle at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa.

Nick Nicora & Charlie Neary, Ovations Fanfare, LP @ Ventura County Fair

Jennifer Giordano (NW Council Member) and Coreana Giordano (daughter in law)

Tony Trafton, Trafton Company, LLC and Jennifer Giordano, C&C Concessions @ Ventura County Fair

27

Quote AND Purchase

VENDOR INSURANCE ONLINE!

www.concessionaire insurance.com

Call Bill today for a quote

888-269-6860 GENERAL LIABILITY INLAND MARINE COMMERCIAL AUTO WORKERS’ COMP

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Email: bill@hiainsure.com

Membership Contest 2012 General Membership Art Pokorny ...............................2 Bob Drinkwater ..........................1 Brandon Warner ........................1 Dominic Polmieri .......................1 Dan Lusenhop ...........................1 Don Delahoyde ...........................1 Don Long ...................................1 Gordon Food Supply .................1 IFEA...........................................1 Jim Ward ...................................2 John the Greek ..........................1 Judy Henbury ............................2 Michael Knott .............................1 Mike Curci..................................1 Norman Keene ..........................3 Randy Reichert ..........................1 Ron McKinney ...........................2 Tim Harmon ...............................1 NICA Rep Charles Ivory ..............................1 Dannie Moreland ......................10 David Spann ...............................1 Kevin McGrath II .........................1 Administration Office ........................................30 Rey O’Day ..................................6 Board of Directors Paulette Keene ...........................1 Rose Marie Ash ..........................2 Russ Harrison .............................5 Tom Sattler .................................1 Tony Trafton ................................4 PRIZES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join NICA Now

and get these great Membership Benefits! (see the membership application on page 31) • Access to Affordable Health Insurance • Advanced Testing Solutions, LLC • $10,000 AD&D Insurance Policy (Available only to Independent Concessionaire Membership) • Arrow Distributing, Inc. Discount • AutoZone Discount • Check-Inn Direct Discount • Coca-Cola National Pricing • First Data Credit Card Processing • Ford Fleet Program Discount • GraybaR Discount

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

New Members

Teri Blakney ..............................................................Teri’s Food Concession, CA Shirley Betancourt........................................ Bite Me Southern Fried Catfish, FL Marjorie Beasley........................................... Bite Me Southern Fried Catfish, FL Robin Cannon ............................................................ EleDonna Concessions, IN

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

Login

to view your membership on our new website!

Please refer to your membership renewal invoice for your personal login information. Now, you can update your member information and your social networking with a few clicks!

VOTE!

Concessionaires, don’t forget: Elect your new board members today! Ballots are due to the office by Sept. 30th!

Refer to your July and August NICA News to make an informed decision!

Jeffery Brick....................................................... Univercial Concession Inc., MA Larry Fain .................................... Fain’s Concessions / Taylor’s Doughboys, FL

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$10 per deck To Get Your WIN Cards Now, Contact the NICA office (813) 438-8926

NICA’s Preferred Merchant Services Provider • Cost + 0.2% and $0.02 a transaction • No Long-term Service Contracts • No Statement Fee • We will pay up to $250 • No Monthly Minimums towards cancellation • $9.95 Wireless Fee, if applicable Cost Effective and Affordable!

Tina Walker, First Data Merchant Services C: 239-287-8221 / Tina.Walker@firstdata.com

**copy of cancel fee on your last merchant statement with previous provider** ***Must be a current member to participate*** ****Rate/Savings Comparisons available by faxing recent merchant statement to 402-916-6163****

Refreshments

Fair, Festival and State Association Membership Contest..

Fair Manager

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

Administration

Large Fair/Event Office ........................................1 For a more information about the contest and a complete list of rules, please see page 15.

30

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc.

Date

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

For Office Use Only

#

NICA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

q Mr. q Mrs.

q Ms.

Last

First

Name of business Physical address

City

State

Zip

Mailing address

City

State

Zip

Permanent tel. no. (

)

Fax no.

Cell phone no. (

)

E-mail

Paperless: q Yes q No

Website

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

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

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

Annual Membership Fees INDEPENDENT CONCESSIONAIRE

ASSOCIATE

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

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

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

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

q Commercial exhibits q Food

q Games q Retail

q Attractions/Entertainment

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

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

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

Please provide a detailed description of the services your organization/company provides. _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ I understand that my application is subject to final approval by the NICA Board of Directors. I also understand that if my application is not accepted, the amount paid will be refunded to me. If accepted for membership in NICA, I hereby agree to abide by its by-laws and rules.

Credit card no.

Security Code

Expiration Date

Applicant’s signature

Date

Spousal signature

Date

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

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

Spouse’s first name

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

31

NICA News

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

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511

Time Sensitive Mail ~ September 2012 Issue

And Other Great Prizes! * Carnival Cruise Package –(valued over $1500) a drawing will be held for all the members who refer new/former members in 2012.

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

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

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

DrawingsDrawings will betoheld Florida in February 2013.

Sponsored by 32

Refreshments