Rinksider Magazine MarApr 2018

RINKSIDER

March / April 2018

A publication of the Roller Skating Association International

The Official Roller Skating Business Magazine

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Is Your Rink Ready for Summer?

Keeping Customers Safe in Your Rink Taxing Concerns for Rink Owners Use Plants to Repel Pests Dealing with Social Media Drawbacks The Importance of Weekly Meetings

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NEWS & COMMENTARY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lynette Rowland, Lori Lovely, Jeff Couey, Keith Loria, Sara Hodon, Brandon Willey, Dan Wortman, Connie Evener, Susan Geary

COVER PROVIDED BY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jim McMahon

PUBLISHER Lynette Rowland

EDITOR Susan Geary

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Matt Weinland

PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Brian Molony, Kalamazoo, MI, Chairman Cort Wahlig, Newark, DE Jeanne Housholder, Savoy, IL Jeanne Sincavage, Reading, PA

RSA PRESIDENT Jeff Couey, Atlanta, GA

RSA VICE PRESIDENT Cort Wahlig, Newark, DE

RSA TREASURER Brian Molony, Kalamazoo, MI

Chanel Bellotto. Businesses are welcome to submit photos for consideration for editorial use to editor@rollerskating. com. Must be 350 DPI or greater.

COPYRIGHT Rinksider is published throughout the year by Roller Skating Association International. Copyright 2018 by Roller Skating Association International. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden.

DISCLAIMER Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the directors, officers or members of RSA. RSA does not endorse, represent or warrant the accuracy or reliability of any of the information, content, advertisements or other materials contained herein.

SUBMISSIONS Rinksider welcomes stories, art and photo contributions. All such material must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope in order to be returned.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

RSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Please contact Lynette Rowland at 317-347-2626 Ext. 107

Dianne Braun, San Antonio, TX Mark Christianson, La Crosse, WI Rob Gould, Wilbraham, MA Jeanne Sincavage, Reading, PA Chris Finley, Panama City, FL Chanel Bellotto, Sumter, SC Ed Hughes, Liberty, MO Shane Locklear, Richmond, VA Brian Molony, Kalamazoo, MI Gary Englund, Burlington, WA Joe Smith, Hermitage, PA Jeanne Housholder, Savoy, IL Jeff Warrenburg, Antioch, CA

or email editor@rollerskating.com to request a media kit and rate card. Advertising discounts available for all RSM Affiliate members.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: 6905 Corporate Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278, Phone: 317-347-2626 or Fax: 317-3472636. Presorted standard at Indianapolis, IN. Subscription is part of membership in Roller Skating Association International. Subscription rate for non-members is $45.

Canada: $55. International: $75 MEMBER / SUPPORTER / PARTNER

RSA STAFF Jim McMahon, Executive Director Tonya Crenshaw, Accountant Lynette Rowland, Director of Communications Stacy Thomas, Director of Convention & Retail Sharon McMahon, Director of Membership Services / Achievement Program / Pepsi Programming

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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

IN THIS ISSUE

MARCH / APRIL 2018

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

20 Keeping Customers Safe in Your Rink

News & Commentary President’s Update..............................................................6 Editor’s Note.......................................................................8 In Memoriam......................................................................9 Important Dates............................................................... 10 Products ........................................................................... 10 Museum Notes................................................................. 12 Roller Skating Buzz......................................................... 13 Association Outreach...................................................... 14 Backspin............................................................................ 16

27 2018 RSA Convention & Trade Show Preview

32 Get Ahead of Problems Before They Escalate with a Weekly Meeting

42 Is Your Rink Ready for Summer?

www.rollerskating.org

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Membership Pins............................................................. 38 Museum Membership..................................................... 52 Memorial Opportunities................................................. 53 Elections............................................................................ 56 Super Skater Contest...................................................... 57 Publisher’s Note............................................................... 61

Rink Life Skatin Place Gets a Makeover........................................ 40 Use Plants to Repel Pests................................................ 60

Technology Data Security................................................................... 24

Dealing with Social Media Drawbacks

Connections Affliliate Members........................................................... 62 Classifieds......................................................................... 66

46 Join us online today.

Taxing Concerns For Rink Owners

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 5

NEWS & COMMENTARY

President’s Update with one month of free payroll processing.

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Jeff Couey RSA President

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Developed partnership with Protect Youth Sports to offer RSA members significant discounts on background checks on employees, coaches and other volunteers.

Developed a five year strategic plan (available on the RSA website).

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Create buyers program directly from manufacturers

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Create a national health care program for members 65 and older

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Presidential priority summary

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Allowing president/vice president to run for a second term of office

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New constitutional changes that allow for mail and electronic voting making it easier As the president of the RSA, I assure you for members to select the candidate of that we are working diligently to ensure that we When I became president two years ago, I their choosing. are working for you, the members. We know knew that I wanted to bring positive growth to • Created a New Skate Maintenance members speak regularly on the RSA Facebook the Association. In that time, we have been able Software for RSA members to ensure Group, but calling the office or emailing is the to develop several new partnerships, create new that they are accurately inspecting all quickest way to get your answers addressed programs, introduce new ideas and methods of skates and covering their bases as it in a timely fashion. If you have questions or reaching and protecting our customers, and saving applies to liability responsibilities. concerns about your membership, about business our members a considerable amount of money in the process. In just two short years your RSA • Developed a partnership with Schwan’s to interactions that you might have, or about ideas for improvement, we encourage you to pick up Board of Directors, staff and volunteers have: save customers considerable amounts on the phone and call the office at 317-347-2626 concessions foods.

• Developed a partnership with ICEE to Ext. 104 and ask to speak with Jim McMahon, bring your skating centers a national As part of the Strategic Plan, the following Executive Director or email jmcmahon@ contract that offers significant discounts items were outlined, many of which have already rollerskating.com. and a new machine for every new been accomplished or are currently in the works: customer.

• Start a competitive roller skating program I look forward to continuing to serve you • Developed a partnership with FetchRev hopefully into 2020. See you in Las Vegas at the to bring discounts to programs that fetch • Absentee voting for president and vice 2018 RSA Convention and Trade Show May your customer data to then bring your president 13-17, 2018. skating center new revenue.

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Purchased Rinksider Magazine to reach every skating center in the United States making this publication the only roller skating industry magazine on the market.

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Section director elections held in March

Created a new administrative fee that helps to cover the cost of the Kids Skate Free program, that more than tripled its reach in just a few short years; bring your customers the security of the MedPay insurance option; and put money back into your skating center’s pockets $20,600 since inception!

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Increasing social media presence

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Create subcommittee of membership committee representing rinks under $300K

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Maintaining national partnerships

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Improving our annual convention/skate expo

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Partnering with national charity organization

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Training chapter officers

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Review national bylaws and policies

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Review reserve policy

Developed a partnership with PartyWirks that reduces license fees and training/ setup fees.

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Contest to increase RSA membership

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Snack bar and ticket window kiosks

Developed a partnership with ADP that provides a 30% discount on payroll processing, waived set-up and license fees

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RSA national office staffing needs

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Broker deal with ASCAP

Developed a partnership with TrustWorkz that provides discounts and personalized service to member skating centers that both creates and improves their website, manages online review sites, and incorporates your third party booking systems.

Developed a partnership with CSA Business Solutions that drops your credit card processing fees significantly.

Voting for RSA president and vice president in March

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018

Sincerely, Jeff Couey RSA President

www.rollerskating.org

NEWS & COMMENTARY

TM

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$4 administrative fee for each child per year to help administer program. $.50 from each child registered will be returned to the skating center. The remainder of the admin fee will go back into program which now provides $5000 in medpay insurance to each child registered.

brand new low price!

one time $49.95 fee to become a ksf rink! register at tinyurl.com/RegisterKSF

www.rollerskating.org

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

Editor’s Note Welcome to the new Rinksider. You’ve probably noticed the smaller size, than the traditional tabloid style you’re more used to seeing. In case you missed the news, after 30+ years, our esteemed publisher, Linda Katz sold Rinksider to the Roller Skating Association and retired. RSA’s flagship publication, Roller Skating Business has merged with Rinksider and we’ll still be publishing every other month. This will free up marketing dollars for many of the advertisers who supported both publications through the years and also ensure the Rinksider’s 65 year history will continue.

Linda hired and mentored me when I had no idea how the publishing industry worked.

While I have experience in communications, my previous experience was in broadcasting.

I’m thankful for Linda’s patience and guidance over the past four years while I was learning the ropes of editor and I’m looking forward to what the future brings with the new Rinksider.

You know that spring is underway when you’ve already seen the seed catalogs arrive and the home and garden stores are gearing up with seed displays, early arrivals of plants, and everything necessary to get your gardens planted and growing.

FEATURE AUTHORS LORI LOVELY Lori is an award-winning syndicated writer, editor and photographer whose byline has appeared in a wide range of local, national international publications. A recipient of the 1999 AIDServe Superstar Award, Lovely is a long-standing PETA member and was a 25-year member of CARA Charities. In addition, she runs Montrose Farms where she raises alpacas and chickens. Lori can be reached at lori@montrosefarms.com

KEITH LORIA Keith is a freelance writer with more than 15 years experience writing for everything from the Bowling Center Management Magazine to Billiards Association of America. He’s met and interviewed celebrities from William Shatner and Kristen Chenowith to heart surgeon pioneer Marc Dedomenico and Pez Candy CEO Joe Vittoria. He can be reached at freelancekeith@gmail.com.

SARA HODON Sara Hodon is a freelance writer based in northeast Pennsylvania, where she lives with her family, including two very spoiled Labrador retrievers. Her work has appeared in G.I. Jobs, Pet Business, History, Souvenirs, Gifts, and Novelties, and Tourist Attractions & Parks, among others. She received her English degree from Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pennsylvania. Besides writing, she is an avid reader, music lover/concert goer, and traveler. Growing up, she spent many Saturday afternoons at the roller rink.

As I’m sure you’re aware, keeping your facility looking top notch will attract and retain more customers, and that includes your parking lot and landscaping. In this issue, I wanted to find out which plants repel mosquitoes, stave off burglars, and can mask the smell of a dumpster.

Whether you own a mini-golf course, bumper cars, or a skating rink, defensive landscaping will improve the experience for your customers, and raise the value of your property. Check out our tips on page 60.

We’re less than two months away from our annual convention in Las Vegas.

If you’re on the fence about joining us at the South Point Hotel and Casino this May, make it a priority to attend. Year after year I see successful rink operators attending, learning, and sharing information with other FEC owners. Before you say, “it’s not in the budget,” talk to your tax preparer.

These events are considered a business expense that is deductible! And you’ll learn how to protect your best investment and bring in more revenue.

On a final note, I am excited to be part of the merger with RSB Magazine.

For several years, I’ve been receiving both magazines in the mail, and I’m not sure why, but RSB always appeared in my mailbox, already opened, as if it had already been read by someone else. The adhesive seal had been broken before I got to open it myself. Every. Single. Time. I’d like to believe that roller skating is so popular, my skating magazines are getting opened and read in transit to my house. Our next goal: let’s get these people into the rink!

Thanks for being a loyal reader. I look forward to hearing more of your stories and writing about them. Drop me a line at rinksider@SusanGeary. com and tell me how you’re doing and what stories you’d like to see.

BRANDON WILLEY Brandon Willey is the CEO of FetchRev and has broad knowledge of the local digital marketing ecosystem with extensive experience in email and search marketing, social media, retargeting, geotargeting, segmentation, automation, machine learning and more. He can be reached at brandon@fetchrev.com or by calling 855979-7833.

CONNIE EVENER Connie Evener has written for newspapers, magazines and radio on everything from volunteerism and ostrich ranching to granite tombstones, and since 2006, the wonderful world of roller skating for the Rinksider.

DAN WORTMAN Dan Wortman has more than 40 years of rink management experience and advises other Rink Operators on how to boost revenues. Contact him at DTWortman@gmail.com.

Susan Geary Rinksider Editor

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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

IN MEMORIAM In every weekly issue of Roller Skating Today newsletter, we publish up-to-date information from members of those we have lost in the roller skating community. If you have information you would like to share here or in the newsletter, please email to editor@ rollerskating.com for inclusion.

John M. Durnye John M. Durnye passed away on Monday, January 8, 2018 at the age of 92. He was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and lived most of his life in nearby South Amboy. Along with his late father-in-law William Fisler, John started the South Amboy Arena in 1958. Through the years, the family business grew with seven additional rinks under the trade name Rollermagic Roller Rinks. John was also a proud Veteran who fought bravely during WWII, earning a Purple Heart.

John was preceded in death by his wife Mary and is survived by his children Veronica (Ronnie) Johnson-Rezem (Louis E.), Jean M. and Michael J. (Sarah), three grandchildren, and 3 great grand children.

He is greatly missed by all his patrons and friends.

Johnny Joe Allen Johnny Joe Allen was born on September 10, 1940 in Camden, New Jersey to Daniel Allen and Mary Buckner Allen. He died on December 21, 2017. He was 77.

After relocating with his family to Texas, John attended Lamar High School and graduated from Sam Houston State University. In 1971, he

ABEC 5 Bearings Urethane Wheels

purchased Rainbow Roller Rink in Houston with partners Dick Phillips and Tom Olybrych. They soon grew the enterprise to five rinks throughout the Southwest, including Huntsville and Conroe, Texas, which are still family owned and operated.

As a member of the Roller Skating Association for 43 years, John was both a mentor and friend to other rink owners. He was never one to shun a late night request from a fellow operator who ran out of supplies, or a young businessman who needed someone to “tell it like it is.”

He was a father figure to the many skaters who passed through the rink in their youth, helping kids to forge their own paths, as he had done for himself and his family for so many years.

John never seemed to slow down, but was always “going in circles,” as he put it. His forward momentum was unparalleled, and in his final days commented that it had been a “wild ride,” and that he wouldn’t change it for anything.”

John leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Elaine Hyman Allen; their two daughters, Marci ( Jon) Henderson and Mary ( Jason) Keating; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Daniel K. Allen. (cont’d on page 10)

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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 9

NEWS & COMMENTARY

Edna Cicero Edna Cicero of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on January 2, 2018 at the age of 102. She was the former owner and operator of Ciceros Skating Rink in Ebensburg until 1989, where she was a popular fixture to the youth of the borough during her many years at the rink.

Though managing the business was achievement enough for a woman during this

time, Edna always considered herself a teacher.

She was a professional skater and skating instructor, and attended schools all over the United States, including Denver, Los Angeles and New York. Widowed at a young age, Edna managed the rink for 20 years after her husband’s ( James Joseph Cicero) passing. She developed learn-to-skate programs for area youth and skating productions for her young students – choreographing, costuming, and acting as organist

for pageants.

Edna was a founding member of the Roller Skating Rink Operators Association, now the Roller Skating Association International, and enjoyed traveling the world.

She is survived by her niece Linda Seliga, of Ebensburg, and numerous grand nieces and grand nephews.

IMPORTANT DATES

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RSA SECTION MEETINGS & ASSOCIATION EVENTS Event

Date

Description

Event Location

Section 11

April 9

ISC of Mt. Laurel, 1 Hovtech Blvd., Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 Contact Jeanne Sincavage at jeanne. sincavage@fantasysk8ing.com, Phone: 610-929-3147, Cell: 484-638-4690. No trade show.

ISC of Mt. Laurel 1 Hovtech Blvd.

Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054

April 9-10

Host hotel: Courtyard Marriott at 11425 E. Independence Blvd, Matthews, NC 28106.

Reservations: 704-846-4466. Free continental breakfast and lunch served on day two. Mention RSA section 12 for group rate of $129/night. Deadline for hotel group rate is March 23, 2018.

Contact Shane Locklear at shanelocklear@rollerdomeskating.com or call 804-439-9611.

Kate’s Skating Rink 14500 East Independence Blvd.

Indian Trail, NC 28079.

Section 12

All event data, registration links, hotel links and more can be found at www.rollerskating.com/sectionmeetings then click on specific section meeting.

TRADE SHOWS & NATIONAL EVENTS Event

Date

Contact or Registration Information

Event Location

RSA Convention and Trade Show

May 13 - 17, 2018

Visit the RSA Website for details on the RSA Convention to be held in Las Vegas, NV at the Southpoint Hotel and Casino the week of May 13, 2018.

Southpoint Hotel, Casino and Spa 9777 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89183

Sk8Expo

August 28-29, 2018

Margaritaville Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. Registration information will be available at www.sk8expo.org soon.

1111 N Ocean Dr Hollywood, FL 33019

*All information provided here, along with flyers and forms for download are available at www.rollerskating.com under EVENTS for each section meeting or trade show.

NEW PRODUCTS

Products from the RSA Neon Pencils for Your School

Kooky and Friends Folders Roller Skating Folders (#Folders) We’re bringing Kooky and Friends licensed characters back with these fun and colorful folders complete with roller skating facts. Includes business card slot on the right hand side. Pack of 25 folders.

Fluorescent “Everything Fun Rolled Into One” Pencils (#PENC13) These pencils each say “Everything Fun Rolled Into One” and come in fluorescent colors. Each box contains 142 pencils and are great for school trips, trade shows, or just getting the word out about roller skating.

Cost: $20

Cost: $21

Just the Facts!

Fill ‘er up!

Roller Skating Fitness Facts Brochure (#B117)

12 ounce Styrofoam Roller Skating Cups

Infographics are visual diagrams of information, statistics and facts that are wildly popular. These brochures offer a variety of facts about health, fitness, safety and history of roller skating.

Save time and money with these disposable roller skating Styrofoam cups. Each cup is 12 ounces and includes a fun roller skating image for kids to enjoy. 1000 cups per case.

Cost: $74 for 1000 cups per case

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*Full design

Cost: $18 for 100 brochures per package.

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org

NEWS & COMMENTARY

MUSEUM NOTES

Museum Membership Slowly Rolling

D

id you know the National Museum of Roller Skating is reliant on donations to keep running?

Museum membership makes it easy to keep the doors open and keep roller skating history alive. At the end of 2017, it was estimated that the Museum had around 100 sustaining members. With more than 1,500 rinks throughout the nation, that number seems like an error, but we double checked with museum officials who confirmed it. It’s been without a curator for two years and relies on help from volunteers and donors. Please consider a gift to the National Museum of Roller Skating. And if you want to stretch your donation dollars a little further donate on Give to Lincoln Day, where donations are matched by the local community. It usually happens in late May.

skate.

Excerpted from the Winter Newsletter, here is an example of what the Museum has done in the past few months:

the following individuals for their significant contribution and love for the Sport of Roller Skating.” Historical high donations to the museum were received in memory of these three individuals.

60 hearing impaired children visited the museum on December 1st before going on to Beatrice to

George Pickard, Kurt Anselmi, and Jim Pollard’s names were added to a plaque in the museum.

It states, “This plaque is dedicated in honor of

Fernando made some suggestions to improve the Roller Derby Exhibit Display at the museum.

David and Debbie Adamy donated a copy of the USARSA/RSROA merger and the patch and photos at the recent USARS board meeting.

Nellie Lillie, museum Vice President, had breakfast with a few of the LA Roller Girls in New York City recently, before they competed at the Apollo Theater for Showtime. The producer told Nellie they were the first roller skating act he can recall competing on the show. The show was scheduled to air in January.

The museum made the list of the oddest museums along with the International Banana Museum in California and the Barbed Wire Museum in Kansas. As Nellie Lillie pointed out, “odd is usually the most interesting.” The list was created by TravelPulse, a company that provides destination information to travel agents and consumers. The complete list is online at: TravelPulse.com/news/entertainment/ America-s-oddest-museums.

Fernando Regueiro donated a USA Derby shirt at the recent USARS board meeting. Also,

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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org

NEWS & COMMENTARY

Roller Skating news, videos, celebrities & more

buzz

Pink Shares Video of Roller Skating Daughter Touring with kids can’t be easy, so Pink let her daughter, Willow Sage, strap on a pair of roller skates during tour rehearsals and skate around the arena. “Just another day at rehearsals in an empty arena with a 6 year old and some roller skates,” she wrote.

Fabolous and Jadakiss Release New Roller Skating Music Video Fabolous and Jadakiss have been collaborating for a while and are back with a new roller skating rink video called Theme Music. Rapping over a Marvin Gaye sample, the two join Swizz Beatz for an old school party. The song is featured on Friday on Elm Street which was released in November.

Erin Jackson, First African American Female Long Track Speedskater in Winter Olympics Like most ice skaters, Jackson got her start in inline speed skating, “I’ve always had it in the back of my mind that, hey, if I want to go to the Olympics I have to become and ice skater like all the other inliners before me.” But the transition is difficult for everyone, “When I first went over to ice, I wasn’t very good at all,” Jackson said. But with enough practice, she made it, along with Maame Biney, a Washington D.C. teen who became the first black female U.S. short track Olympian. Both are being called the future of speed skating.

Massena Recreation to Offer Rock-N-Skate Sessions in Arena After Ice Season The Massena Recreation Department in Massena, New York, is considering adding sessions for roller skating and inline skates during the summer. They’re also considering adding roller hockey. The success of the events on ice have inspired new ideas for summer use. The arena recently received ¼ million dollars in aid needed for maintenance and improvements making these changes possible.

Roller Skating Tradition Continues at Sk8 Factory in Bucyrus Ohio is known for having a lot of roller skating rinks, and Bucyrus is no exception. A town of just 12,362 people, the skating center has served thousands over the years. Tenia Thoroughman has owned the skating center for three years and isn’t slowing down. She and her husband drove through town in 2015 and noticed that there was a for sale sign up. The couple quickly made an offer to keep the business alive. Their goal hasn’t been to get rich, but rather to keep roller skating alive and well in the small town. Full article published in Bucyrus Telegraph Forum. www.rollerskating.org

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 13

NEWS & COMMENTARY

ASSOCIATION OUTREACH

Rinksider Purchased by RSA, USARS Hires New E.D. RSA Buys Rinksider Magazine In case you haven’t heard the news, The Rinksider has a new owner! In December, Linda Katz, Publisher for more than 30 years, graciously sold the publication to the Roller Skating Association International and decided to retire.

120 carded members and the list continues to grow. The new governing body was born out of the RSA strategic planning meeting last September. The first USRSS American Championship will take place June 14-18th at the Xfinity Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The website, USRollerSpeedSkating.com offers more information about the organization and club charters.

Rinksider will merge with RSA’s signature publication, Roller Skating Business Magazine, and be known as Rinksider – USA Roller Sports The Official Roller hires new Skating Magazine.

Executive The former tabloid has also Director been re-sized and has more After an pages. All extensive national RSA Member search, USA rinks will Roller Sports receive it as and its Board of an included Directors selected member benefit, Eric Steele as its new with nonExecutive Director. members also able Steele is originally to subscribe. That from Punxsutawney, will bring circulation Pennsylvania and numbers to more than brings more than 20 1,700 rink operators years of around the globe. non-profit RSA Executive Director, Jim McMahon and Linda Katz, (former) Rinksider Publisher sign documents leadership A new media transferring ownership of Rinksider Magazine. kit, advertising rate changes and editorial calendar are management to available. Rinksider the position, along with two degrees from Editor, Susan Geary remains on board, as well Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, a as Graphic Artist Matt Weinland under the Master of Arts in Professional Studies & direction of Lynette Rowland, Publisher, to Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech & provide the incredible content you’ve become Communications. accustomed to receiving from both publications.

The Rinksider is now in its 65th year and was originally published by Irwin Rosee.

US Roller Speed Skating is Up and Running US Roller Speed Skating sanctioned competitions are already underway with dates announced along the Front Range of Colorado, Hagerstown, Maryland and Aurora, Illinois. In its inaugural year, the USRSS already claims 14 /

stage, I’m beyond thankful and excited for the opportunity presented to me by the USARS Board of Directors. Growing up as a youth in my small hometown, I had the most awesome experience to be on wheels and in motion at the local rink multiple nights each week, for many years. I specifically remember the feeling of freedom that came with that time in my life both physically and emotionally. As such, I know the vast majority of the USARS membership got their start with the sport in a similar way.

I can’t wait to learn those stories, and to most importantly serve the organization’s mission and membership, while honoring their rich history and vision for the future.”

“While there were many great candidates to choose from it was unanimously decided he was the best fit to take USARS into the future,” said Kay Gallatin, President of USA Roller Sports.

“We all look forward to great things coming from the organization with Eric at the helm.” She also thanked the search committee (Michael Jacques, Chair, Ricci Porter-Kmetz, Renee Hildebrand, Trace Hansen, Bill Spooner, Peggy Young), the staff and others for their time and commitment to this critical search.

His resume includes experience with the Boy Scouts of America, several institutions of higher education, and most recently, the developmental disabilities community.

His resume shows skills in operations, marketing, membership/volunteer relations, fiscal responsibility, fundraising, events, risk management, compliance and program development.

When accepting the position, Steele stated “With USARS, Eric Steele, New Executive Director of USARS representing multiple sport disciplines on the national and world

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org

NEWS & COMMENTARY

www.rollerskating.org

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

Rinksider Managing Editor Susan Geary shares insider news and notes from personalities, rinks and companies in the roller skating industry.

Rollero Will Rebuild While their website still says “Temporarily Closed Until Further Notice,” Rollero’s owners went on Facebook on January 20 to announce their West Phoenix rink will rebuild! Using the hashtag #RolleroStrong, the 75 second video thanked the public for their outpouring of love, generosity, prayers and kindness from everyone who reached out with encouragement. It showcased photos of the rink before the roof collapsed without warning last June. The video then segued to aerial footage of the damage after that fateful night. “Like the Phoenix, we shall rise from the ashes. ROLLERO WILL BE REBUILT!!!” the graphic stated.

While there is no set date for the rink to reopen, demolition has been completed. I reached out to owners Mike and Abby Jiles who told me the floor plan will remain the same, but air conditioning will be added. Since its humble beginnings, Rollero’s refrigeration system was 10 swamp coolers.

The wood floor, the only one in Arizona, was not salvageable due to the walls buckling. The plan is to replace the floor with wood again. According to the online video, when Rollero re-opens it will be the oldest and newest roller skating center in the Grand Canyon State.

New Learn To Skate Books An answer to the age old question, “how do you remove the fear of skating and introduce young kids to skating?” may finally be answered by Jenny Jen Goldstein. She’s the author of five children’s books (illustrated by Linda Moore) about roller skating that helps new skaters quickly adapt to wheels on their feet and learn to love the sport. Goldstein, aka “The Skate Woman” runs Skate101.com and launched “My First Skate Book Super Series.” Unique and fun for the whole family, these new comic books teach the different styles of skates and skating, what it’s like to visit a skating rink,

and how to skate. There’s even a birthday party celebration. Skatewoman’s rhyming phrases and songs to help skaters remember techniques, and also concentrate on something other than their fear.

Perfect for children of all ages, the colorful comic book style art paired with creative and clever rhymes reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, make learning about skating easy and fun for everyone. Available in different formats and price points, the e-book on Amazon is $2.99 or free from Kindle Unlimited.

Or you can purchase the print books for $10.95.

Great Skate on TV! Meanwhile, another Phoenix area rink, Great Skate Glendale, was featured on the morning news this past December when TV3’s Jaime Cerreta stopped by the rink for live shots during Good Morning Arizona. KTVK-TV is the Valley’s top-rated morning news program that repeats throughout the morning on its digital side channel.

While school was out over the winter break, Great Skate was entertaining the local kids with their Winter Carnival, which included a host of costumed characters, face painting, games, and of course roller skating and fun for kids of all ages. TV3’s news producers were researching “things to do” over the holiday break, and Great Skate’s Winter Carnival fit the profile. (Plus roller skating is visually interesting.)

During the TV interview, Art Coach and National Champion Nancy Manning encouraged viewers to come on out and skate. She also promoted the classes offered at the rink. cont’d on next page

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

Book Author Follow up When Tom Russo unveiled his new book on roller skating, he visited the Orbit Skate Center in Palatine, Illinois for a book signing. He told Alan Bacon at the National Museum of Roller Skating, “ I had a blast.”

Also noted in the Museum’s newsletter, Russo has been commissioned to help produce a 12-panel display at the Elmhurst Museum, to feature roller skating’s heyday and on exhibit from July to November 2018.

Bob Labriola, The Rest of the Story

Nancy admitted the reporter’s skating skills were a little rusty and offered up a quick lesson in scissors 30 minutes prior to the live shot. It helped immensely. By the time the camera was rolling, Jaime, the TV reporter was skating confidently and recalling the many birthday parties she attended at Great Skate as a kid.

The segment not only aired on live morning television. Additional portions of the interview that didn’t originally air, were broadcast repeatedly throughout the weekend on their digital news channel.

Why does Great Skate get love from their local TV team? They quickly responded to the producer’s request to broadcast from their facility, even though there was little time to prepare.

Nancy told me she got a days notice and was only able to contact her advanced skaters to join her. The rinks you often see on TV keep a list of names and phone numbers of their best skaters. When the news comes calling, they can quickly assemble a crowd skating in the background, even at 6 in the morning!

The best part of all: after the segment aired, Nancy noticed new faces in her lessons program for children as well as her Monday night adult class.

www.rollerskating.org

When I was interviewing Bob about his 60 years in roller skating (see page 38) he told me it was his father who pretty much ordered him and his sister to skate competitively and beat the opposing team, which shellacked his dad’s team. He grew up in Brooklyn and a skating rink had opened in the neighborhood, giving the family something to do. Bob went to school for accounting and law but realized skating and coaching was his first love. He moved to Southern California and never looked back.

The Horse Hotel This year’s RSA Convention will take place at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the scene of the 2015 convention. The location was suggested by the late Bill Carlson. His Las Vegas neighbor worked there, and suggested the RSA consider the South Point for the annual trade show and convention.

Unfortunately, Bill passed away prior to the event.

When you’re in the South Point Hotel you’ll notice a western theme, with a large bronze horse and rider not far from the convention area. That’s because the hotel caters to horse and livestock events. The complex includes two arenas and 1,200 climate-controlled horse stalls. But you won’t see or smell them. The horses are housed underground and are provided with food and round the clock care. Also note, you can’t bring your horse to the Convention. It’s only available for participant’s livestock during equestrian center events, such as rodeos and horse shows.

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

Promo Only Top 20 for February, 2018

1 Dua Lipa

New Rules

11 Post Malone

Rockstar

2 Ed Sheeran

Perfect

12 Macklemore

Good Old Days

3 Charlie Puth

How Long

13 Bebe Rexha

Meant To Be

4 NF

Let You Down

14 Camila Cabello

Never Be The Same

5 G-Eazy

Him & I

15 Hailee Steinfeld

Let Me Go

6 Selena Gomez

Marshmello Wolves 16 Zedd

The Middle

7 Halsey

Bad At Love

17 The Weeknd

Pray For Me

8 Bruno Mars

Finesse

18 Khalid

Dumb & Broke

9 Camila Cabello

Havana

19 Kendrick Lamar LOVE.

10 Max

Lights Down Low 20 Maroon 5

Wait

Chart compiled from national airplay charts and Promo Only feedback Promo Only

257 S. Lake Destiny Drive

Orlando, FL 32810

www.promoonly.com

The Industry's #1 Source for Music and Music Videos

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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org

www.rollerskating.org

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 19

s r e m o t s u c g n i ep

Ke

Safe in Your Rink

By Sara Hodon

R

ink owners have a job description that seems to change daily. On any given day you could serve as maintenance person, marketing person, skate shop sales associate, server, or any other role that needs to be filled. But as the owner, you also assume the role of emergency preparedness coordinator—perhaps not the most glamorous position, but certainly the most important should an incident occur.

with all parties will ensure that the situation is handled quickly, smoothly and safely. Draw up a written plan and review it regularly with your staff, management and outside organizations, whether it’s local law enforcement, a private security agency whom you contract with for events or local organizations who use your venue frequently. “The emergency plan doesn’t have to be complex, but it does have to be discussed with everyone who will be trained on it,” says Paul T. Kennedy, Deputy Chief, Lehigh (PA) Law Enforcement and safety and training consultant. “It’s a fluid, living document—it does no good sitting on a shelf. It must be covered by The key to effective emergency preparedness is to not only expect the staff and any other interested parties.” He adds, “At the end of the day, a unexpected, but have a response for every step of the unexpected when it business being proactive to keep guests and staff safe does help the first arrives. First, identify possible threats to your venue, anything from a child responders if there’s an incident. Don’t let an incident be the first time the separated from their parent to a customer bringing a gun into your facility. first responders see your plan—involve them in the process. It can be as Then, go a step further and devise plans for other scenarios, even if they’re simple as inviting the local police officers to your venue for a cup of coffee or unlikely to happen (such as certain weather events depending on your giving law enforcement a heads-up about large events ahead of time.” One geographic location). Never stop asking “What if?” “You have to have a plan way to bring the first responders and other necessary parties together is to for every type of situation—from a tornado, fire, lost child, customer assault, provide a detailed pre-incident report to everyone prior to a large event. or shooter,” says Bobby Bentley, owner of Skaters’ Choice rinks located “This is something that we do when we’re contracted by a venue for event throughout the southeast U.S. “That plan changes all the time, so you must services,” Kennedy explains. “The report explains all of the logistics for that run it by the manager always. What would happen if an employee leaves event, such as anticipated attendance, duration of event, layout of the venue, and shares your plan with the public? You must always rethink it.” Bentley ticket prices, which staff members are on-site, and more. We give this to the adds that his background in law enforcement drives his preparedness as a local hospitals, law enforcement, and other stakeholders. Again, it’s all about rink owner. “I’m probably more prepared than most, but be prepared because establishing that relationship ahead of time.” [threats] are real,” he stresses. As the owner, be ready to give direction to your staff and work with first responders in an emergency.

Share the Plan

Plan Ahead Planning ahead, staying organized, and maintaining communication

Distribute copies of the plan to all staff members and allow time for them to review and understand what will be expected. “Have staff read, then have a cont’d on next page

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class on the plan,” says Arthur D. Kaplan, CEM, PCP, Principal, The Kaplan Group, a safety training and consulting firm. “Assign areas of responsibility.

Review periodically and when inexperienced staff is hired. Make sure they can carry out their assigned responsibilities. Run drills and exercises to validate the plan and the personnel.”

Hire Help if Needed There are several resources available if you’ve never developed an emergency plan. You can hire a consulting firm who specializes in emergency preparedness, but Kennedy cautions it’s important to check their credentials.

“When you’re hiring someone, make sure the person has the right background,” he says. “Many firms will write them for you, but not all of their consultants have the background.” If your budget doesn’t have room for a consultant, go online or contact your local law enforcement or emergency management agency for DIY templates and other information. Kennedy also notes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a good resource. You can tailor your plan to fit your needs, Kennedy adds. “It really depends on the type of venue, venue manager and specific threats that you might experience.”

See Something, Say Something A trained and cooperative staff is essential for not only identifying potential threats, but responding appropriately. “It could be as simple as ‘See something, say something’, where if a staff member sees something suspicious, they notify local authorities, or more sophisticated, like special training for a Youth Skate Night or larger event,” Kennedy says. “The appropriate response is very venue-specific;

at minimum, staff should understand the see something, say something principle and what constitutes an emergency in their plan.” When speaking with staff, make sure they understand that they must be on alert for next steps, but ultimately, first responders, along with management, will handle the situation. “The staff needs to know that they have to follow your direction in an emergency,” Bentley says. “They need a code or word so they know what to do, and they have to know what to expect from you.

They have to be ready to listen for instructions—rather than referring to the written plan, tell them ‘Once we get to a certain point, listen for instructions.’”

Handling Media Depending on the situation, expect to get some calls from the media.

There are a few options for handling interview requests. You could field questions yourself, or designate a spokesperson, whether it’s your rink’s marketing person or an outside professional, such as your rink’s legal counsel or an appointed public information officer from the public safety response team handling the issue. “When we have an incident in the public safety world, we all kick into unified command. It’s important that all parties speak in a unified voice,” Kennedy says. The best way to handle media inquiries and maintain a positive reputation for your rink is to simply and honestly state the facts of what happened and how the situation was and is being handled.

“You don’t want to elaborate or place blame,” Bentley says. “All you want to do is state facts—the media can’t argue or question it. Less is more in this type of situation.” You never want to ignore media requests completely— remember, your business’ reputation it at stake, and maintaining a good relationship with the press is critical to that reputation. “A communications failure can be a disaster in itself,” Kaplan says. “You can use the media to your benefit or they can become your worst nightmare. Communications are needed to report emergencies, warn personnel of the

cont’d on next page www.rollerskating.org

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 21

danger, and keep families and off-duty employees informed about what’s happening. The media could also be used to coordinate response actions and to keep in contact with customers, suppliers, and the public. Do not ignore them or it will create a problem, looking as though you might be hiding something.”

Cooperate with Law Enforcement Just like the press, you want to cooperate with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation. This is when it’s helpful to have a good working relationship with officers already in place.

“They want to resolve the incident as quickly as you do.

The best outcome is when all parties work together,” Kennedy says. “This is where pre-incident face-to-face time really comes together. If you have that relationship it makes dealing with an incident much easier.” Bentley hires deputies from his local sheriff ’s office to handle security in his rink; he hires more for larger events. “We work very closely with law enforcement and I recommend everyone does,” he says. “If you work with them regularly you’re always going to get that lead person who will help you all the time. Let that person get the right people there. When you have a situation the sergeants and lieutenants will determine if they need more people.”

Review the Experience Every situation is a learning experience and should be assessed afterward.

“Review the information, assist in writing an after-action review by interviewing those involved and developing an improvement plan,” Kaplan says. “It could consist of the investigation as to what happened and why to recreating the incident and getting to a root cause that will help in determining what needs to change to prevent problems in the future.” The follow-up assessment will also highlight any weak points in your emergency

planning. Should you take better security measures? Do you need to revamp your entire plan for that type of situation? Sit down with your staff and interested parties and review how you can make things safer for everyone.

Besides his regular security team, Bentley has installed metal detectors and uses wands to check every guest’s bag. “Big events are also totally pre-sale events with only a limited number of tickets available,” he explains.

Unfortunately, with an alarming number of dangerous incidents happening at the most benign locations—music festivals, nightclubs, schools, and churches— no venue can afford the risk of being unprepared. The frequency and complexity of these situations have put more pressure on first responders to develop and execute more sophisticated response plans.

“We’ve talked for a number of years about how incidents are changing,” Kennedy says. “It’s almost hard anymore to predict one type of incident. We have to multi-hazard plan and approach all incidents and events with multihazard planning.”

Proper emergency preparedness comes down to a few key factors— preparing for every “what if ” scenario adequately, and quite simply, knowing who is in the building and what they’re doing. “I think accountability is a major problem in many public places,” Kaplan points out. “No one is really keeping track of who is in the facility at any one time—there could be team practice, open skating, and a hockey game all at once. Where do we go to find out if everyone is out, or if some are inside for when law enforcement shows up? Are we able to describe the layout of the building?” Ultimately, you have to find a method that works best for your venue and communicate with those who are responsible for keeping everyone safe. Kennedy says, “Some of the best advice I can give is to consult with your local police department and law enforcement agencies or reach out to a qualified local consultant who can do a threat analysis of your venue. Every single venue is different—there’s no cookie cutter approach to each venue.”

Free for Every RSA Member HR360 (www.hr360.com) is the one attorney-reviewed website you need to guide your company through hiring, managing and terminating employees with easy-to-use tools and forms. From supervising employees and staying current with Health Care Reform, to complying with federal and state labor laws - HR360 stays with you every step of the way.

To sign up for your free $395 value member login, email membership@rollerskating.com with your member ID number.

You will then have access to 500+ documents and unlimited information for your business.

22 / Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org

JBL Trinity has been the longest lasting insurance provider of skating rinks over the past 75 years. We hinge your support on our ability to provide the strongest and broadest coverage you need.

General Liability Policy

OUR COMMITTMENT TO THE ROLLER SKATING ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL INCLUDES: ► Serving as the RSA Endorsed Insurance Provider Sponsor ► Diamond sponsor at each and every Roller Skating Industry Convention and Trade Show ► Kids Skate Free Sponsor ► Roller Skating Manufacturer Associate Member ► Sponsor of local RSA Chapter Meetings ► Roller Skating Museum Sponsor DEDICATED TO THE ROLLER SKATING INDUSTRY: JBL Trinity has a division of underwriting and claims managers dedicated to the roller skating and FEC industry. Thanks to the dedication of these skilled professionals, JBL is at the forefront of the industry. We provide a full menu of insurance coverages to meet your specific needs, including but not limited to: General Liability, Property, Liquor Liability and Workers Compensation.

We hope that you will give JBL Trinity an opportunity to quote your roller skating rink or family entertainment center. Visit us on the web at www.skatinginsurance.com to fill out an application.

50 First Avenue Atlantic Highlands, NJ Phone: 1-800-925-RINK www.rollerskating.org Fax: 732-888-4646

• Teams, Leagues and Roller Derby • Hired and Non-Owned Auto • Boy and Girl Scouts • Special Events • Assault and Battery • $0 Deductible

Property Policy

• HVAC Equipment Breakdown • Replacement Cost • Money - In & Out • Ordinance or Law • Hurricane and Wind • $1000 Deductible

• Sexual Abuse and Molestation • Additional Insureds • Schools & PTAs • Rides and Arcades • Medical Payments

• Computer/EDP Equipment • Crime Coverage • Food Spoilage • All Risk - Special • Garages and Sheds

Refer to the actual policy(s) for complete terms/conditions.

Endorsed Provider for the RSA

These coverages are provided by “A-rated” carriers that understand your business and provide the specialized coverages you need. Our industry-wide expertise and claims assistance completes your insurance protection at a price you can afford.

History of the RSA & JBL

In 1995, the Roller Skating Association International met with our CEO, Mr. Joseph DiMattina and a select group of rink and insurance specialists. They combined their knowledge and years of experience and created what is today the RSA Insurance Program.

JBL Trinity Group was the RSA Endorsed Insurance Provider for a decade after the birth of the program, making us the longest running insurance provider for the Roller Skating Association.

For a short period of time, from 2003 to 2011, there were various other program managers who served in this capacity. In 2011, JBL Trinity was honored with this title once again, along with the task of reconstituting the unity and strength the program once knew.

www.skatinginsurance.com 1-800-925-RINK Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 23

TECHNOLOGY

DATA SECURITY

Data Security for FECs

B

By Brandon Willey, CEO, FetchRev

efore we dive into the subject of data security, we should take a moment to understand what we are protecting. There are many pieces of information important to a business such as accounting data, business plans, pricing and packaging to spotlight a few, and while in the hands of your competitors these particulars can cause significant damage to your business, the primary information that your everyday malicious hacker is interested in—is your customers’ personal and payment information.

mention, it’ll now be your responsibility as a business owner to properly notify your customers of the breach and possibly pay for credit monitoring for each person on the list.

At this point, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, I understand why payment information is important, but I’m a family entertainment center, why would my customer data be of any interest to a hacker?”

There a variety of reasons.

First and foremost, you’ve likely accumulated a healthy list of customer names and email addresses through in-store and online means of data collection. This data may even contain names and dates of birth for managing your birthday campaigns and rewards programs. Do we have your attention yet?

Protect and Prevent

Fear Factor Picture the following scenario if you will: an outsider deceptively acquires your customer list which on its own seems fairly innocuous, but in the hands of the wrong people this information could be used for social engineering, identity theft or even just sold to spammers.

Out of all these, social engineering should be what really keeps you up at night. Reputation notwithstanding, most people think of hackers as people who sit in a dark room bathed in the blue light of screens, surrounded by gratuitous amounts of energy drink cans and empty pizza boxes while they key some magical cryptic commands accessing the dark web—and your bank accounts. For someone on a stolen customer list, the reality is somewhat different. Instead of a light-deficient space, it’s much more likely to be a call center where an employee of a hacking or phishing organization is crafting an email personally addressed to one of your customers, generously passing on the news that they’re owed an outstanding tax refund. As they contemplate vacation plans, a call is sent their way from someone claiming to be the IRS, asking to confirm their social security number, address and obtain either banking details or a credit card to process said refund.

Unwittingly, they become a participant in their own undoing. Within days they find themselves the confused owners of ten extra credit cards, a couple of new loans and a freshly plummeted credit score.

It’s All Coming Back to You Now

If payment data was included and you were not PCI DSS compliant, your bank is at risk of being fined by the credit card companies, who will then pass this down to you, most likely with a few additional fines of their own for good measure.

Ultimately, this all leads to lost revenue, reputation damage, high clean-up costs, and major amounts of out-of-pocket cash dropped on migraine pills. So with all this doom and gloom, is there something you can do to protect yourself at a reasonable cost?

The answer is a resounding yes, and it all starts with physical security. Keep areas inaccessible to the public locked at all times. Implement a clean desk policy and securely store away documents that contain customer details, only allowing access to areas that hold sensitive data to employees with permission to access it. For collecting data, make sure that you’re only acquiring pertinent information and never use a pen and pad to write down credit card numbers.

A Safer Tomorrow Let’s transition back to technology. If you store your technology solution on the premises, you may believe you are safer, however that is usually not the case for a myriad of reasons. Almost without exception, you are much more secure choosing cloud-hosted solutions from reputable suppliers. Most suppliers place a priority on data security, and are very likely utilizing trusted cloud providers such as Amazon, Microsoft or Google who are among the best in the business. Their servers will always be up to date with the latest security patches and they all feature data centers that are extremely well protected. If you are currently processing payments, you should make sure that your chosen POS solution or marketing platform conforms to PCIDSS standards. Here at FetchRev, we use secure data centers to protect your customer information and we only use fully PCI-DSS compliant payment providers. A little research upfront when choosing your providers and software platforms can minimize your liability and risk while providing great tools to help grow your business.

Now when this customer data breach is traced back to your business, there are a number of unfortunate events that may happen. You’ll need to pay for a forensic investigation to ascertain how the data was stolen, and you may also have to pay a fine to the state or federal authorities. Not to 24 / Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org

For more information and to request a demo: 855-979-7833 FetchRev.com/Skate demo@fetchrev.com www.rollerskating.org Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 /

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destination time month

day

year

may13, 2018

departure time month

day

year

may17, 2018

ROLLER SKATING INDUSTRY

CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW PREVIEW LAS VEGAS

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The 2018 Roller Skating Industry Annual Convention & Trade Show (RSA International Convention) will meet again in Las Vegas at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa from May 13-17, 2018. Attendees will learn about best practices, get a chance to socialize with peers, and meet with roller skating industry-related manufacturers and service providers. Trade show exhibitors include skates, novelties, snack bar items, flooring, computers, maintenance supplies, sound and lighting equipment, arcade and video games.

SUNDAY, MAY 13 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Roller Skating Foundation Golf Classic (Registration required) Support safe skating, college scholarships and grants by playing in the RSF golf classic located at Revere Golf Club. Box lunch will be provided.

For more information on the course, call (702) 259-4653 or visit RevereGolf.com. Check-in at 12 p.m., shotgun start at 1 p.m. Cost is $165 per player.

10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

CPR Certification

If you want to drive higher profits, lower risk, and grow your bottom line, you must attend this event.

The Convention Committee has put together a complete lineup of events they know you’ll enjoy for the 2018 convention, which are listed here.

www.rollerskating.org

Join Sharon McMahon for this seminar where you will learn how to perform CPR in the event of an emergency at your skating center. Once complete, participants will receive 3 credit hours and will receive their CPR certification from Danville Area Community College with certification mailed after the event is complete.

the basic fall. Come and learn what to do in that emergency so that you are providing the best possible care for your customer and peace of mind for yourself.

3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Kids Skate Free Tips and Tricks Did you know the Kids Skate Free program is now just a one-time set-up fee of $49.95? Did you know that the program now includes a built in admin fee of just $4 per child which also includes Medpay insurance through JBL Trinity insurance in the event that child is injured? Did you know that some rinks are bringing in $1000 extra per year with the new program? Come learn from top rink operators how they use the program and how to get the most out of it!

8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Welcome Reception & Live Auction The opening reception gives delegates the opportunity to meet with other skating center owners and operators throughout the world. Plus, it’s a great way to set the stage for the week! Have a cocktail, light refreshments, grab a bid paddle and have fun!

MONDAY, MAY 14

12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

8 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

First Aid by National Safety Council

Newcomer Welcoming

Have you ever had a child have an asthma attack at your rink? How about a seizure or maybe you are just not sure about how to treat

(Ticketed event by invitation only.)

Being a first timer at events can sometimes be

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 27

overwhelming, and we understand that! That’s why we are hosting a newcomer breakfast for first time convention attendees. Look for your invitation to attend!

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

General Assembly with Breakfast (Sponsored by National Ticket and BMI) (Event for all members, regardless of delegate status.)

Receive the latest RSA updates, share in the excitement of honoring the winners of the RSA’s most prestigious awards and cast your vote for your RSA President/Vice President.

11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Chapter Lunch (Sponsored by JBL and Stuff Shop) Sit down with members from your local sections and discuss current events, hot topics, rink issues you may need suggestions to fix, etc.

Each section has a table, so just grab some food and mingle.

1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Keynote Speaker, David Avrin - It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who Knows You! It’s a new world and the marketplace has changed. Choices are vast and quality abounds!

Being great at what you do is no longer a differentiator — It is merely the entry fee.

Today, winning in business is about discovering, creating and leveraging competitive advantages.

In this highly entertaining, thought-provoking and actionable presentation, based on his new book: Visibility Marketing, business marketing and branding veteran David Avrin, CSP will show you and your team how to discover, create and promote meaningful differentiators to gain visibility and earn customers.

2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Marketing Seminar (Sponsored by Player One)

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

STEM Program Seminar

Are you looking for a way to bring extra income into your rink this year? During a trial year, a single RSA rink brought in an extra $100,000 of income by doing S.T.E.M field trips alone! This does not include the revenue from the STEM attendees who became regular customers.

These lessons are crafted to fit the S.T.E.M curriculum as an educational field trip with the roller skating fun! Kids are learning, having fun, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. and some are visiting you for the first time! The Gameroom Success; Experience Matters with opportunities to this program are limitless! The copyrighted STEM program includes a complete AAMA training package and has proven success! Come Success with games does not happen by see why you MUST invest in this program! accident. It takes a well-researched variety of games combined with an eye popping presentation of prizes to appeal to potential 4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. players. Members of The American Amusement Skating Schools & Dollars Machine Association (AAMA) will share their What kind of relationship do you have extensive experience on how to best utilize available space for a modern and successful game with your local schools? It’s much more than booking “fundraisers.” Learn how to build room. Is your current gameroom maximizing its lasting relationships with your schools and your true potential? AAMA experts will show you community while creating revenue that will how to apply their proven methods to your rink continue for decades. operation.

Come join the RSA Marketing Committee as they hand out awards for best marketing achievements with the Golden Kooky Awards.

Members will also learn about upcoming marketing endeavors and ideas to improve your skating center marketing efforts.

4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Blink and They’re Gone!

More than ever, today’s customers are inundated with good choices. Outdated notions of loyalty and service are ignoring the profound market shift that is driving too many customers to your competitors. So, how do you win their business when patience is short and alternatives are only a quick drive or a click away? In this hard-hitting and entertaining presentation, popular business marketplace expert David Avrin, CSP, will shine a light on this monumental shift in buyer behavior and expectation, while showing your team everyone’s role in eliminating barriers, engaging prospects and creating customer experiences worth sharing.

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TUESDAY - MAY 15 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Breakfast with IALDA The International Amusement & Leisure Defense Association, Inc. (IALDA) is a non-profit association of lawyers and other professionals who are actively engaged in representing the interests of the amusement and leisure industries. Bring your questions, and take this opportunity to have some one-on-one time with the attorneys that best represent our industry. The IALDA attorneys will be discussing the assumption of risk statutes in different states.

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Learn to Skate, SRSTA & IHA How many of you have been teaching roller skating for years? Perhaps, you aren’t an artistic coach speed coach; you just teach people how to skate. There’s a coach’s certification for you and we have it! Become a Learn to Skate Coach through the SRSTA. Join this seminar to find out how it works.

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Are Concessions Eating you Alive?

Come hear Joe Micatrotto, Jr. (aka Mr. Raising Cane’s of the West) talk about SYSCO or Sam’s, How Do I Price This Product and Is It Time for Something New? 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Keeping Your Finger on the Pulse of Popularity Matthew Olson with American Carnival Mart will discuss the perils of the attitude “This is

the way we have always done things.” That alone has caused most businesses to fail. Your target audience is continually changing. They’re tech savvy and very aware of what is popular and what is “lame.” Matthew will reveal the endless supply of free information available to stay up-to-date with the latest trends to keep things fresh and entertaining for your customers, You’ll get links you can start using immediately. There’s nothing to lose yet so much to gain from attending this informative seminar.

12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Roller Skating Trade Show Make plans to join your fellow rink operators for the largest trade show of the roller skating industry. Meet with vendors and purchase the newest in this year’s products and services.

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Think Before you Post! (Sponsored by SACOA)

Social media can be your ally, and not an enemy to your business! Find out how some Roller Skating Foundation Silent Auction operators take feedback of all types and turn Help the Roller Skating Foundation raise funds negatives into positives by engaging the customer to support its efforts by bidding on various items directly, and not right away, because they give careful thought to what they post! donated by businesses and members.

12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Coordinate, Don’t Compete This session, hosted by Matthew Olson with American Carnival Mart, focuses on how to join the “buzz” that is generated by community events. There’s only a finite number of customers within your area, so why compete with other events when you can coordinate efforts? This will retain your regular customers, and help you gain some new ones. Plus, as a supporter of the events, you’ll be joining the community, making you and your rink more popular. This seminar demonstrates how to approach groups and become more involved. And you’ll learn how to cross promote rather than play “rob your neighbor” when it comes to community events.

Included are methods and tools you can take home and use immediately.

8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Sure-Grip Party Don’t let the word “reception” fool you. These

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parties are always a huge hit with members, with great food, entertainment and fun. Come join the Sure-Grip and Roller Derby/Pacer team at this Back to the Future event.

WEDNESDAY - MAY 16 8:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Promotions: It’s a Date! (Sponsored by Fetchrev) Learn how to best utilize the RSA promotions calendar to build promotions in your facility. During this seminar you and your fellow rink operators will have the opportunity to build promotions using the calendar as a tool.

in your skating center with your customers while THE VENUE also incorporating Roo and characters, too!

The South Point Hotel Casino & Spa is located at 9777 Las Vegas Boulevard South in 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Nevada, and offers the convenience of having a convention center not far from guest elevators.

Small Market Rinks The property boasts spacious meeting rooms, Small and mid-sized rinks strive to maintain a along with a 4,600 seat arena, 11 restaurants & healthy bottom line while increasing attendance 7 bars/lounges, a spa, fitness center, beautifully and attracting new audiences. Join us for an landscaped pool, 64-lane bowling center, 16 inspiring review of the latest trends, projects, screen multiplex theater, and much more. For stand out experiences, challenges and operational reservations, call (866) 791-7626. To qualify for strategy that promises to excite and be great the group rate of $74 a night (Sun-Thu) and learning opportunity for all. $124 a night (Fri and Sat), use the code: RSA0509. But hurry, this offer expires April 18. 2018.

Ground Transportation For your convenience, the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa offers a scheduled shuttle to and from McCarran Airport. Please note, these shuttles are reserved for hotel guests only.

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Roller Skating Foundation Silent Auction Help the Roller Skating Foundation raise funds to support its efforts by bidding on various items donated by businesses and members.

10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Roller Skating Trade Show Make plans to join your fellow rink operators at the largest trade show of the roller skating industry. Meet with vendors, check out the latest offerings and score great deals on products and services.

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Risk Management Join the RSA Risk Management committee and the IALDA attorneys on how to train your employees.

3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Where is Roo in your Rink?

Did you know that, as an RSA member, you can use the licensed characters in your skating center free of charge? Did you know about the free materials on the RSA website you can download and use? Have you heard of The Big Book of Games that was published by the RSA with the help of dozens of members who shared their rink games and fun ideas with members over the years? Come learn how to employ the hundreds of ideas in your businesses.

This seminar will give you an inside look at the different type of games and activities you can do

6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.

President’s Reception and Dinner (Co-hosted by JBL and Eepsi. Entertainment sponsored by Star Wholesale. Reception sponsored by Flagship Carpets.)

Come join us as we celebrate your RSA President and dance the night away with Michael Couey and ADJ. Business casual attire.

THURSDAY - MAY 17 Roller Skating University at Eclipse Theater (Sponsored by Fetchrev) (Buses leave at 9 a.m. Tour ends at 2:00 p.m.)

Join your RSA Education Committee at Eclipse Theater where you’ll get a behind-thescenes look at marketing tactics, organization ideas, digital advertising, employee management and much more. This event is free to attend and includes transportation to and from theater, lunch and popcorn. Please indicate if you are attending on the registration form.

If you are planning on using the South Point’s Airport shuttle, call 866-791-7626 (ask for Shuttle Reservations) to book a seat on the shuttle as soon as you have your flight information. The hotel does not take same day reservations for the shuttle, it is first come first serve on the day of.

To find South Point’s Airport Shuttle at McCarran Airport, go to Level Zero at Terminal 1. The shuttle is white and blue with South Point logos. For Terminal 3 arrivals, take the McCarran Airport courtesy shuttle service from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1. Meet the Airport courtesy shuttle on Level Zero (Terminal 3) in the center of the curb. Once you arrive at Terminal 1, proceed to the South Point Shuttle.

When returning to the airport, the departure shuttle from the South Point picks up in Valet located at the east entrance of the hotel.

The shuttle schedule is posted online at SouthPointCasino.com/airport-shuttle. The South Point also offers shuttle service to and from the Strip.

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Get Ahead Of Problems Before They Escalate With A

O

Written By Dan Wortman

ver the years I’ve used the “weekly meeting” consistently at every facility I’ve been involved with. It helps keep a handle on the operation and it’s a great training tool for management. It lets them know your priorities, what’s important to you, and what the facility needs to move forward to improve and reach your ultimate goal of annual revenue increases. It also does wonders to enhance employee training on a weekly basis and keep customer service at a peak level.

things differently to improve the overall operation.

All key employees should attend this meeting if possible. Your general manager, sales person and session managers if possible and anyone you feel needs the information that is addressed in the meeting. It can change weekly as needed but key people should always be there.

This meeting can last 10 minutes or an hour or more, but it allows you to discover a problem immediately and work with your management team toward a solution. These quick fixes in your operation will keep you on track to your ultimate goal of annual revenue increases and a well run facility.

This meeting allows you to address any issues immediately with fixes or solutions to any area that may need attention, such as: why was a particular private party not well attended? Did a promotion not come off as well as you intended?

These and many other issues need to be discussed weekly to find the answers that will improve a particular area, or at least work toward doing

Over the years we’ve found this weekly meeting invaluable for employee training, birthday party service and execution, individual yield improvement in a particular area, and many group sales issues.

So whether you are a hands-on owner, an absentee owner, or a general manager, this weekly meeting should not be overlooked.

The following is a list of suggested topics to cover at each meeting.

Revenue

Compare revenue to last year at the same time. Why was it higher or lower? Was it a particular day that caused a difference or weather or just something you’ve changed?

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Looking at a breakdown of the items below will help answer most of your questions. Your goal is for an increase in revenue over the previous year if possible or at least an increase on a monthly basis.

Birthdays

Birthdays can contribute as much as 30% to your annual gross revenue.

Look at the number of birthdays as well as the average number of guests who attended those parties and compare to last year. Always look for ways to increase those numbers. Analyze your pricing, birthday packages, advertising and promotion of your parties. And don’t forget about service. Question everything you offer and enhance what works and discard what doesn’t. If you are not holding your numbers or increasing them, then look at your entire birthday program for improvements or better ways to market them.

Private Parties

Again, look at the numbers. How many private parties and how many attended each. Were they successful? If not, diagnose what you think might have been the cause. Was it lack of promotion on the part of the school or group. Is this a group you still think has potential to have a successful party in the future? If the answer is yes, you need to make notes for a fix for your sales people so this does not occur again. This process is all about reviewing your techniques and insuring they are working as you expect, or incorporate extra steps that will change the outcome. Maybe a particular party had a bad experience at a previous party. A follow up questionnaire is a must for every private party to find out what they liked and what they would change. Did they feel this was a successful party? All of these notes kept in your group files will make you a better operation and help achieve your goal of annual revenue increases and bigger and more successful private parties.

complete their jobs. These facility maintenance problems can build up quickly if not taken care of. Keep a list of maintenance issues and knock them off on a timely basis. Make sure your maintenance staff is accountable to keep your facility top notch.

Employees

This is the time to talk to your management team ONLY about employee issues. Are there any problems with any particular employee? Is additional training needed in a particular area to solve a customer service problem? Delegate any training with clear goals to the appropriate manager and expect to see improvement in that area by the next weekly meeting.

Accidents

Any injuries or incidents should be addressed IMMEDIATELY but reviewed weekly for updates and resolutions or ramifications from any incident. These

Groups

All group sales should be discussed looking out two or three months. Are groups filled in where needed, and have all potential groups been contacted for upcoming vacations? Giving your sales team these goals and instructions is important to stay ahead of upcoming sales opportunities.

Special Events

Discuss the progress on an upcoming special event. Have you acquired all prizes, giveaways, and decorations? Is the promotion planning and advertising on track? These questions for a special event should take place at least six weeks before the event to ensure enough time is allowed for the promotional printing and planning.

Yields

accident reviews give you a chance to look at your operation to see if these accidents could have been prevented. Is there additional training that your employees will benefit from to prevent this type of accident from occurring in the future? Does the physical facility need any changes to help prevent this kind of accident?

Miscellanous

This is the time to bring up issues that don’t fall into any other category. Pricing concerns, cost of goods, uniforms, etc. Always ask for input from every one who attends the meeting about any subject. You’ll be amazed at the improvements that can be discovered.

Look at customer yields in all areas and compare to last year. Take actions as necessary to improve any area that needs attention. Make sure you know what your target is in any particular area. Is it a training issue or a maintenance issue such as games out of order or broken locker keys? Maybe pizza isn’t selling as expected. Address each area and come up with a pointed plan. Make sure your employees are on board with your goals.

Maintenance

Take a close look at your physical facility weekly. Are there any eyesores that need attention? Talk to your staff about any problems they are experiencing or needs they may have to www.rollerskating.org

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 33

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Dealing with Social Media Drawbacks:

Cranks, Trolls and Spendy Specialists

By Connie Evener

A

s Brad Pendergraph puts it, your Facebook page is like a party, “You want to be the person who shows up at the party with the nachos and the dip. You do not want to be the person who shows up with the bull horn.”

Of course, you want to promote your rink and everything you have to offer on your Facebook page, from skates to snacks to upcoming events. But you don’t want a carnival atmosphere that screams “BUY! BUY! BUY!” or a page dominated by cranks and trolls.

We met two social media “gurus” in the January issue of Rinksider (“Keep your Facebook followers following – and liking – and clicking...”) Brad Pendergraph developed his social media skills in the pharmaceutical Brad industry and is now sole proprietor of Pendergraph Digital Moodia, LLC. Blair Peyton does freelance social media consulting when not on the job at SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio.

The thing to remember with Facebook is to share and be shared. You can figure out just how good a Facebook host you’ve been by checking out the numbers. “It’s is all about clicks,” noted Peyton. “Analytics is just basically watching how people are responding, how engaged they are, if they’re clicking on posts as opposed to just scrolling past.”

Blair

Peyton But if you’ve attracted a following, don’t be surprised if a few ants and flies drop in at your party. People frequently respond to a polite “How are you?” with “Can’t complain.”

On the the flip side are the people who can – and do - complain about anything and everything, from prices and hours to the voice mail message on your phone. Cranks and compulsive complainers are a fact of life.

It took a lot of convincing for Pendergraph’s pharmaceutical clients to finally realize that a bit of negative feedback isn’t only unavoidable, it’s a negative you can turn into a positive. “There is a level of realistic feedback that you have to keep in the space. Someone should be able to say, ‘Good grief! The tables (in the snack bar) were so grimy and grungy the other day,” he said.

That’s when you respond with “Thanks for the heads-up on that. We’re adding it to our check list.” If all you have on your page are comments like “Fantastic place to skate!” and “We love Wheels Forever because it’s perfect!” people will suspect that what’s said on your page isn’t to be trusted.

“You cannot stifle that part of the conversation that is negative. But do have a plan for dealing with it,” said Pendergraph. “If you invite feedback, people should be able to tell you that they love you, that they hate you, that they love you very much or that they hate you very much.”

But, he noted with emphasis, “you do not have to listen to them tell you that you should be shot and thrown in the river.” In the good old days, a troll was a big, bad brute of a creature that hid under bridges in fairy tales. These days a troll is a big bad brute of a trash-talking creature that hides under the anonymity of the Internet.

“If you become popular in some space, inevitably you are going to encounter someone who will troll you,” said Pendergraph, noting that while not all are males in their thirties who live in their mothers’ basements, some may well be. “They’re just nasty bored human beings and cont’d on page 38

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this is what they do for kicks.”

But there is some redress. “With Facebook, YouTube and some of the other social media sites, there are monitoring aspects where you can go through and delete those comments, shut down those threads.” Set up your own social media policy and post it on your page. For ideas on what you might want to include, and how to phrase it, google “Social Media Policy.”

It’s your page, so if you want to prohibit bad language or bigoted comments or cruel personal attacks or divisive political rants, that’s your call.

It’s like posting the rules at your rink, said Pendergraph. “There are some ‘virtual’ whistles you can blow.” Maintaining your rink – and your Facebook page – as “safe” places can only reflect well on you.

There is so much involved in running a successful rink that learning how to analyze clicks, placate cranks and beat off trolls might be a bridge too far for you. So, where do you look for expertise that won’t cost way more than you can afford?

Although an impressive résumé would be nice, Pendergraph thinks thrifty operators might want to concentrate on other factors: curiosity and a deep-down desire to learn new skills. “For a start, you could hire a student, a marketing or communications major.” You would, he said, probably need to pay them more per hour than your floor guards, but nowhere near the more than $300 an hour (Yikes!) he’s seen major pharmaceutical companies billed for social media consultations.

“If I were consulting with rink owners – and I guess I am in doing this interview,” said Pendergraph, “I’d recommend they reach out to local community colleges for interns. I’d almost prefer community college over college, and especially the returning adult programs, because those people are so much more interested in learning something new.”

“social media” in their title so that they can – eventually – make the big bucks. Having someone like that working on your behalf for four or five hours a week could make a big difference for your Facebook page, and consequently, your business.

“Generally, the people who are working in social media, whether it’s freelance or full-time, are under 40,” said Peyton. However, his own social media mentor, who was in her late forties or early fifties, was the perfect example of an exception. Pendergraph agrees that people under 40 are more steeped in Internet culture, but he, too, says you should never make assumptions based on someone’s age.

These days you can disregard geographic considerations because all anyone anywhere needs is a phone and access to the Internet, said Peyton. But don’t hire someone via e-mail because e-mail communication can seem “flat,” he advised. “I would recommend talking with them on the phone. That way you can get a sense of their excitement, their involvement, and their creativity.”

On the other hand, maybe you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person. If so, Pendergraph says to go for it! Yes, it can be a little tricky, and yes, that Facebook impression is really important, but it’s not rocket science, either.

“Do it like you would anything else,” he said. “Experiment. Play around with it. Just don’t do anything you wouldn’t do in radio or television or newspapers.”

“Sometimes people have a tendency to make it a lot harder than it really is,” said Peyton. “Don’t stress out and over-think it. Just have fun with it.”

Find someone with Internet savvy and curiosity who would love to put

MEMBERSHIP PINS

Three rink Operators Recognized with RSA Anniversary Pins Bob Labriola, owner of the Fountain Valley Skating Center in Orange County, California receives his 60 year pin this year from the RSA. Bob decided to buy the FVSC in 1976, after he had managed it for 6 months. Throughout his skating career, he has coached more than 225 national champions, with 6 taking gold at worlds.

His rink has ebbed and flowed through the glory days of disco skating and the boom of the ‘80s, through several recessions and even a battle with eminent domain – challenging California Highway Engineers who wanted to bulldoze

Bob Labriola

FVSC to make room for an interstate exit. The skating center is still there, and so is Bob, spreading his Marty passion for Laufer, Sr. indoor artistic roller skating where he still teaches five days a week. “I’m the luckiest person the world,” he said with a smile, “because I love teaching and I love operating the business.”

George Sheridan celebrates 52 years with the Roller Skating Association. He and his wife Ann purchased the Gibson Arena in Muncie, Indiana from Ann’s parents in 1969. Ten years later they added another rink in New Castle to expand the family fun. While family members have taken over management duties, George is still at the rink on a daily basis and loves seeing skating families come in and make new memories.

Gibson Arena is more than 75 years old.

Martin Laufer, Sr. of Waukesha Skateland, (Milwaukee, Wisconsin metro) is celebrating 63 years in the skating industry, a family business that his grandparents launched in 1936. His sons and grandsons are now managing the four area rinks. Steve Laufer, his son, said, “He’s the hardest working guy I know. I learned everything from him and I appreciate it.” He also told The Rinksider, Martin loves the people. “He’s very happy that all the kids and grandkids are in the business, but not necessarily in the same building.”

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RINK LIFE

RINK UPDATES

Skatin Place in West Texas Gets a Makeover with New Exterior Mural

Jeff Groban, of The Skatin Place in Abiline, Texas recently repainted the exterior of the rink he co-owns with his wife, Terry. Jeff had been following local artist Calina Mishay Johnson on Facebook for the past year and realized how talented she was at painting large murals. He hired her to paint the outside wall, as it had remained the same for the past 10 years. Jeff wanted it to be a talking point again.

The project was completed in early December and has received many compliments from the public. “We got phone calls. People would say ‘your wall looks awesome,’” said Jeff.

The Skatin Place is situated in the corner of a shopping center, and is now easier to see.

“It’s not bringing us dollars,” revealed Jeff, but it is bringing praise. “We love the new wall” is often heard from PTA members, party planners, and regular session skaters.

When asked how much the investment cost for Johnson’s services, Jeff would only say “in the thousands.” He wanted his rink to be a talking point again, and it looks like he achieved that goal.

Skatin Place After (Exterior)

Skatin Place at Night

Calina Mishay Johnson is the muralist who painted the Skatin Place in Abiline, Texas.

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Is Your Rink Ready for Summer?

A look at how to successfully build your summer camp bookings

By Keith Loria

T

he American Camp Association reports there are more than 7,000 overnight camps and 5,000 day camps in the U.S., which are attended each year by more than 11 million children. And that’s not even including YMCA camps, church camps or summer day cares for the little ones.

While many of these camps have a full slate of activities for their campers each week—everything from swimming to horseback riding—most also arrange outside activities, and visiting a roller skating rink is a favorite among many.

take advantage of and it’s a nice extra flow of revenue.”

Billy Thompson, owner of Kate’s Skating Rinks, with three locations in North Carolina, focuses on bringing camps to the rinks all summer long. As soon as spring break ends, he starts making calls to those camps that have previously booked their groups at Kate’s.

“Where we live, it can be extremely hot in the summer, so we always make a big point that we’re climate controlled and we’re open rain or shine,” he says. “Skating keeps kids active and this allows camps to do a fun activity for its kids that they might not always get to do.”

That’s why it’s vital that rink operators have a plan in place for attracting camps to their facilities.

Angela Dooling, director of STEM education for Carousel Skate Center management, Wichita, Kansas, says the rink offers group discounts for public sessions to latchkeys, daycare groups and YMCAs, which keeps the facility full year-round.

“If these groups would like to have a STEM field trip as well, we simply have them come Carousel Skate Center of Wichita, Kansas fills the rink with summer camp kids. in an hour prior to our public session and we have the STEM lesson and they skate with the public that afternoon,” she says.

“We have a lunch option upgrade package available, which most programs

Chris Maganias, owner of Astro Skate Family Fun Center, a collection of five rinks, including its flagship center in Tarpon Springs, Florida, has been bringing camps in since 1982 and summertime is its biggest time of the year.

“We offer morning and afternoon skating times, but we have our own busses, so we do a flat rate that will include the transportation and skating,” he says. “In the summertime, Florida rinks should do big business because the kids are out of school and rec centers and camps are looking for things to do. Just one call to us, cont’d on next page

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and we can arrange everything.”

Billy Adkins, owner of Golden Gate Skateland in Biloxi, Mississippi, has been running the rink for more than 40 years. He says it took decades to get things going for camps, but now it has a successful program in place.

“We started working very cheap rate and that got them in the doors,” he says. “For the past 15 years, our summer has been huge. We have a lot of summer camps, church groups and recreation centers in our area and they know this is a great place for their campers to go. They know skating is one of the cheapest things for people to do.”

Robert Barnes, owner of Sherman Skateland in Texas, has been in the business for more than a decade, but took over as owner of this rink a little more than a year ago. One of his top priorities has been bringing in day cares in the summer and he has beefed up that part of the business.

with them and giving them a

In addition to bringing in campers throughout the summer, Carousel Skate Center management runs its own camp, as well.

Three of the five Astro Skate Family Fun Center rinks also run their own camp from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and that adds anywhere from 40-80 more kids a day. The camp day starts with games on the main floor, followed by an open skate and lunch.

“We find that those kids become your best customers because they are in the rink 10 hours a day, so they buy skates and hold their birthdays with us, and become regulars,” Maganias says.

They will also bus campers to other activities, such as a park or movie, before bringing them back for more skating that runs until the end of the day.

Making toothpick sculptures is just of the many activities campers enjoy at the Carousel Skate Center in Wichita, Kansas.

“They are calling us now, so all my efforts are starting to pay off, and they are even requesting lunch, which is bringing in even more money now,” he says. “During the summer, Wednesdays and Thursdays would have almost nobody, but now we’re skating almost 200 people because we have the daycare kids and chaperones in the building. That amounts to people coming back.”

Eliminating the Middle-Man

Not surprisingly, the most popular day in the camp is when the kids get to try out the DJ booth, running the lights, talking on the mic and taking requests.

“Most rink owners will spend $5,000 on a new video game but they won’t invest in a used school bus for the same money, which in theory could be bringing in camp business all summer long,” Maganias says. “I believe 30-40 percent of our groups wouldn’t come if it wasn’t for our bus

service.”

Marketing Measures At the three Kate’s Skating Rink locations, Thompson does all he can to ensure that he’s reaching out to everyone who might be associated with a camp.

“At the end of the summer or during allday skates like during Christmas breaks, we would hand out group pricing for any daycare, church group or any group that comes in that may know of, own or be in charge of a camp,” Thompson says.

“We’ll take their contact information and they get in follow-up mode and send some specific emails directly to those leaders in an email blast.”

“First, we have our Campers at the Carousel Skate Center of Wichita, Kansas learn the week-long, half-day STEM fine art of cup stacking. summer camps that include a different STEM lesson and engineering challenge each day, a skating lesson, lots of fun games and a ‘behind the scenes’ activity where the kids learn what it takes to work and run a skating rink,” Dooling says. “One Dooling notes the facility’s team has worked very hard over the years to day they will get to practice their customer service and money counting skills develop relationships with the summer camps and programs in the area. working behind the counter of our prize center while another they learn how to prepare and create our pizzas at the concession stand.” cont’d on page 44 www.rollerskating.org

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“We send out an email or mail letters right after spring break to schools and groups within a 15-mile radius, including group package flyers and available dates,” she says. “All packages require a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. We also make sure to include our STEM field trip flyer and always discuss the upgrade option while on the phone making the reservation.”

For its STEM Summer Camp that it hosts, the rink staff will deliver flyers to all schools within a 15-mile radius and do lots of Facebook paid advertising campaigns targeting different audience groups.

“Our biggest audience group with the most interactions/clicks is female, ages 28-45 in our zip code or surrounding ones,” Dooling says.

At Golden Gate Skateland, Adkins sends letters to any church, rec center or camp that he can find through the phonebook or on the internet and pays particular attention to the local parenting magazine that might have news about new nurseries or day camps that have started up.

“Where we are, it gets hot and people are looking for indoor activities with air conditioning and we make sure to advertise that we run a lot of air conditioning,” Adkins says. “Posting photos on social media reminds people of our rink as well.”

Money Matters Carousel Skate Center management offers three different price packages for its summer programs and all group discount rates start with groups of 15 skaters or more.

“The Blitz package includes $1 off our regular pricing and includes admission and skate rental,” Dooling says. “The Gold package is regular pricing and includes one party table, a 12 oz. pop/skater plus admission and skate rental. The Platinum package is $1 more than regular pricing and includes two party tables, 12 oz. pop/skater, four tokens/skater plus admission and skate rental. Add-ons include discounts on whole pizzas, pitchers of pop, token deals and lunch package specials.”

Kate’s offers special promotions designed to attract camps at lower prices than what they would find at the movies, bowling or a similar activity. “We get them locked in on rates and deals early, and as long as they have a minimum of 15 people, we give them almost 50 percent off admissions, so it’s budget-friendly,” Thompson says. “We have some groups that pre-pay for the entire summer, and we will give them a further discount because we get all that money up front, whether they come or not.”

Adkins notes that his staff is on the rink to police the kids. Nearly all camp counselors have skating experience and are good about keeping an eye out on their campers.

The Final Skate Summer camps not only represent a big chunk of change to many rinks, but also provide a whole new audience that may not have thought of the roller-skating rink prior.

“Keeping our brand and more importantly the joy of skating in front of the young people in our community in multiple ways is how we stay successful year after year,” Dooling says.

Two summer campers attend a STEM Class at the Carousel Skate Center in Wichita, Kansas.

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All Kate’s locations have play areas which is included in camp rates, as is the skate rental fee. They can also upgrade to include tokens, pizza or a snack, and unlimited pizza, hotdogs and sodas.

“We tend to tell the group leader that we don’t like it when they bring in bag lunches unless it’s a government program where they are required to,” Thompson says. “We say, bring a snack, and we’ll provide the lunch and that usually works.”

Camps or groups can also book a private skate time, and one of its church camps books every Thursday morning throughout the summer for 40 toddlers, and most don’t even skate, but plop around the floor and then utilize the play area.

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Staying on Top of Things One of the biggest challenges of bringing in camps for a rink is balancing the reservations so that public skate sessions don’t become overcrowded.

“We have a steady regular customer attendance each week and we want to make sure we are giving the groups and our regular individual customers a good experience,” Dooling says. “This is why we request a 24-hour reservation and we keep a master calendar to ensure we do not overbook.”

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44 / Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org

www.rollerskating.org

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 45

TAXING CONCERNS FOR RINK OWNERS

By Lori Lovely

F

or many business owners, taxes are never easy to understand, but the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 can make them even harder to figure out. The good news is that although large multinational businesses will likely gain the most from this new tax act, small businesses can also benefit.

Michael D. Puckett, AIFA, CFP, president of CFG Wealth Management Services, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) firm that

has served the Roller Skating Association and its members for more than 30 years, lists some of the major changes this act implemented: The number of tax brackets remains the same: 7. However, there was a slight reduction in the maximum tax bracket, dropping it from 39.6% to 37%. Unfortunately, the benefit to many of these taxpayers is offset by the loss or limitation imposed on several meaningful itemized deductions.

The tax act repealed the Individual Mandate that was associated with the Affordable Care Act, but it did not eliminate the annual 3.8% excise tax on net investment income for individual taxpayers with Adjusted Gross Income greater than $250,000.

The Alternative Minimum Tax was retained.

However, the income levels at which it would apply were increased. The elimination of most itemized deductions is expected to lower the cont’d on page 48

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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 47

number of taxpayers impacted by this income tax alternative.

Under prior law, no gain or loss was recognized on private property used in a business or held for investment purposes when the property was exchanged for “like-kind” property. The new tax act limits a like-kind exchange to real property that is not primarily held for resale purposes. The tax act did grandfather the exchange of personal property when the taxpayer disposed of the property or acquired a replacement property during 2017.

Long-term capital gain tax rates did not change with the new act.

However, the tax bracket breakpoints when determining what capital gain tax level applies did change.

Itemized deductions are materially changed. For most U.S. taxpayers, the changes won’t be materially adverse because most taxpayers don’t itemize deductions, relying instead on the Standard Deduction, which was increased to $24,000 for couples filing jointly. Higher income earners who itemize deductions on Schedule A will be impacted in several ways, including a limitation on state, local and property tax deductions to $10,000, eliminating the $100,000 home equity line of credit deduction, and repeal of all miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to the 2% Adjusted Gross Income floor. Even charitable contributions, while still tax deductible, have been impacted by the increase of the Standard Deduction. For Michael D. Puckett, example, if you don’t itemize your deductions, is a registered any charitable contributions made would be included in the Standard Deduction, which Investment Adviser effectively reduces the value of the deduction. who has served the Roller Skating Association and its Pass-through Benefits members for more than 30 years.

The new law benefits pass-through entities such as partnerships, S-Corporations and sole proprietorships, says John Schaaf, CPA, Schaaf CPA Group, LLC, based in Westfield, Indiana. “If an owner makes less than $315,000, he gets a 20% deduction.

If an owner makes $50,000 profit, before he’s taxed, he gets a 20% deduction – meaning that he pays tax on only $40,000 profit.”

Puckett explains that corporate income tax rates for C-Corporations are “progressive, ranging from 15% to 35%,” but the new tax law reduced the maximum rate from 35% on income over $10 million to a flat rate of 21%.

“If you operate a partnership, an LLC or an S-Corporation, net income from the business is passed through to the owner, shareholder or member, and can be subject to a tax rate as high as 37%. For this reason, he says some stakeholders consider converting to a C-Corp in order to achieve a lower business tax rate.

Establishing an equipment leasing company as an LLC to lease games, skates and other items to the rink can capture the depreciation and amortization benefits directly, while also providing additional asset protection. “Your building and improvements are likely held in an S-Corp or LLC and leased back to your operating company,” Puckett speculates. “Why not extend this type of activity to include your management services, where the maximum tax rate is 21%?”

Depreciation and Deductions The previous law allowed businesses to expense (or depreciate) equipment over a period of years or to expense immediately, subject to some limitations, such as the one imposed on used equipment. The new tax act allows for the immediate expensing of 100% of the cost of new and used investments for a five-year period, Puckett says. “The expense deduction reduces by 20% each year until 2026. This change in the depreciation rules is meant to stimulate capital investment and promote economic growth. Clearly, if you are contemplating expanding your revenue centers, this change presents some promising opportunities to a business owner.”

But expanded bonus depreciation and the Section 179 depreciation that allows business owners to write off purchases aren’t new, although “the numbers keep going up,” Schaaf says. There are multiple ways to write off new purchases, but Section 179 and de minimis are the most popular.

Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price (up to $500,000) of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed over a seven-year period. If you buy or lease a piece of qualifying equipment, you can deduct the full purchase price from your gross income.

Because most small businesses don’t depreciate items over time, the de minimis safe harbor expensing election of 2016 established a threshold for write-offs, increasing the deductible amount for purchases to $2,500 per item (from $500).

“If each item you purchase is less than $2,500, you can write it off in the first year,” Schaaf says. “It becomes an expense – like a utility bill – rather than a deduction.”

Tangible property can be a write-off in year one for taxpayers whose average annual gross receipts for the three preceding tax years is $10 million or less, according to Reg. Sec. 1.263(a)-3(h). Schaaf explains that buildings and structures will depreciate over a longer period of time (39 years for commercial property).

Do these depreciation benefits encourage business owners to expand their operations? Before spending or borrowing $500,000 for new equipment, Puckett clarifies that a deduction that large will significantly lower your taxable income and, therefore, the value of the deduction. “Over the next five-year period, you’ll be repaying the loan with after-tax dollars, effectively increasing the total cost of the equipment.”

Speaking of Deductions …

Deductions are what keep many small businesses afloat, but some allowable deductions can be easily overlooked if you don’t use a good bookkeeping system.

Be sure to balance the register vs. cash every day and enter it into your software, Schaaf advises. “If you use a business credit card or bank account, put it into the software, too.” What often trips up business owners is paying for items with their personal credit card or cash and forgetting to record it.

Mileage is a tricky deduction. “Small business owners usually don’t keep track,” Schaaf observes. “They’re supposed to keep a mileage log, but no one does.” He suggests Mile IQ, an app that tracks mileage. Alternatively, you can keep a log. Information you need to record includes the date, the starting point, the destination and the business purpose.

But remember: You can’t deduct your commute to work … unless you keep a home office. Only then can you deduct the mileage from your home to the rink, but once again, there are caveats. “If you have an office at the rink, you must show a reason you need a home office,” Schaaf points out.

“There must be things you can do only at home – and it must be a dedicated office space.”

cont’d on page 50

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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 49

Employee benefits

Avoid an audit

By and large, the tax changes provide no incentive for hiring additional employees and have negligible impact on employee benefit packages. For example, qualified and non-qualified deferred compensation (retirement) plans are unchanged and continue to be tools for employers to incentivize employees. But not everything remains the same. Puckett lists a few noteworthy changes:

A sole proprietorship has the highest audit risk: 3-4%. It’s because owners often pad expenses, round up numbers and keep the worst records, Schaaf notes. An S-Corp carries about ½ percent of risk of an audit.

•

Employees with 401K loans who leave their employer now have an extended period of time to repay the loan.

•

Moving expenses paid by the employer were not included as taxable income to the employee. That provision has changed, at least through 2025.

•

Entertainment expenses, previously a deductible expense for an employer, are no longer tax deductible. This would include tickets to sporting events, the theater and club memberships.

•

Employees can continue to use pre-tax dollars (through a Cafeteria Plan) to pay for parking and transit expenses, but companies will no longer get a deduction for any contributions they make toward those expenses.

•

Health insurance remains a deductible expense for employers and the premiums paid are not reported as taxable income to the employee.

In an S-Corp, it’s required that the owner/employee pays himself a wage instead of just draws, Schaaf explains. A wage is more expensive because it includes Social Security and Medicare withholdings.

Nevertheless, the IRS requires you to pay yourself a reasonable wage. If you don’t, it’s a red flag that could lead to an audit.

“To reduce your audit risk, switch to an S-Corp and pay yourself a wage,” Schaaf advises.

John Schaaf, CPA, Schaaf CPA Group, LLC, based in Westfield, Indiana.

Health insurance remains one of the most complicated and hotly debated employee benefits. While the new tax law has eliminated the mandate and penalty for individuals, Schaaf points out that it doesn’t go into effect until 2019. “You are still required to have minimum coverage in 2018 or you’ll have to pay a penalty.”

Most people find it cheaper not to get the minimum essential coverage, Schaaf continues. Often, they get it through a spouse’s employer. Otherwise, they go to the Exchange – or, if they make under a certain amount of money, the government will help pay for it. “If insurance costs more than 8-9% of your income, the government considers it unaffordable.”

Small business owners sometimes buy short-term policies (3-6 months), but Schaaf says they will still get the penalty because that doesn’t meet the minimum. Another option is to join one of the three risk-sharing Christianbased ministries that are excluded from the penalty. Although this is potentially the cheapest option at roughly $300/month, be aware that you must attest to certain beliefs in order to qualify.

Professional planning Minimizing your annual tax liability is important, Puckett insists, but he believes that tax planning should take a back seat to long-term business decisions. “All decisions should be based on the best interests of the owner. The decision to allocate your resources, both financial and human, should be directly associated with doing what will move you toward achieving and maintaining financial independence. Prudent income tax planning will help you realize the endgame sooner.”

Tax laws are complex and compliance is crucial. In order to protect yourself and your business, seek professional advice from a certified tax advisor.

If you have fewer than 50 employees, you are not required to offer insurance, but if you want to pay for your employees’ insurance without the employee having to pay taxes on it, you can give the money in pre-tax dollars, Schaaf says. The Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (also called a Small Business HRA) allows employers to offer a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to employees as a way to help them pay for medical expenses – either premiums or out-of-pocket expenses.

“It’s a good way to help pay for insurance in pre-tax dollars,” Schaaf believes. It can also save time associated with traditional health benefits plans by setting a monthly allowance so costs are fixed and surprise rate increases are not an issue.

Qualifying criteria include employing fewer than 50 people and no available group health plan. There are also notification requirements that must include details of the employee’s allowed benefit and responsibilities for reporting.

50 / Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org

NEWS & COMMENTARY

MUSEUM

National Museum of Roller Skating Membership It is through the support of the National Museum of Roller Skating members that enables the museum to care for the most complete collection of roller skating artifacts in the world and makes it the source for information on roller skating history. Your membership support is VITAL to the success of the museum going forward. Please consider joining the museum at any membership level.

THEY NEED YOU. As a new member, you receive a special

30th anniversary pin, a 10% store discount, and a year subscription to their partner organization’s magazine, USA Roller Sports.

Also, they established a members-only tab that allows members to access past skating magazines dating back to 1940 and their e-newsletter, with a special user name and password.

html. Members receive two newsletters per month via direct email. These newsletters help share the collection and maintain communications with interested parties.

Thank you for your support.

To sign up, fill out and return to the address below.

Examples of the newsletter can be found on the museum website at http://www. rollerskatingmuseum.com/members/member.

Join the National Museum of Roller Skating and Learn the History of Your Business Membership to the National Museum of Roller Skating includes: bi-monthly museum e-newsletter, a 30th anniversary pin, access to the membersonly section of the website, one year subscription to USA Roller Sports magazine, and a 10% discount on store purchases.

Method of Payment: ___ Check ___ Visa ___ Mastercard Check payable to National Museum of Roller Skating Credit Card #: _____________________________________________ Expiry ________ Security Code: _______ Name on Card: _______________________________________ Billing address on card: ____________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________ State: ______ Zip: _______________ Membership Information (Or gift membership from) Name: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________ State: ______ Zip: _______________ Phone: _____________________________________ Fax: _______________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________

Membership Level

Gift membership to:

Benefactor

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Patron

Address: _______________________________________________________________

Associate Patron

City: ___________________________________ State: ______ Zip: _______________

Donor

Phone: _____________________________________ Fax: _______________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________

1 year 2 years

___ $500 ___ $950 ___ $250 ___ $475 ___ $100 ___ $185

___ $50 ___ $90

Individual/Family ___ $35 ___ $65 Additional Contribution $ _______

Clip and mail to: National Museum of Roller Skating 4730 South Street Suite 2 Lincoln, NE 68506 or call 402-483-7551 ext. 16 for Visa or MasterCard Orders

52 /

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org

MEMORIAL OPPORTUNITIES with the Roller Skating Association Your friends and family have made a lasting

CHOOSE FROM:

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your lives. Now is your opportunity to

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remember them by purchasing a memorial plate on one of the two memorial plaques offices.

Donation to the Roller Skating Foundation

QUESTIONS: Contact Tonya Crenshaw at honors@rollerskating.com or call 317-347-2626 Ext. 111.

COMPLETE FORM ON FOLLOWING PAGE www.rollerskating.org

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 53

MEMORIAL OPPORTUNITIES FORM Remember family and friends in the roller skating industry with a donation to the Roller Skating Foundation; a plaque in their memory; or a commemorative sheet in the RSA Memorial Album. These are meaningful ways to celebrate someone important to you, as well as celebrate their accomplishments while supporting the Roller Skating Association.

MEMORIAL TYPE (CHOOSE ONE) ______ RSA Member Memorial Plaque Plate & Memorial Book Listing: $100 This option is available to RSA Members and includes both a memorial plaque plate and a page in the memorial book.

(Information for book will need to be supplied separately and assembled by donor. This can include a photo and one page of written information. Any material submitted will be reviewed by the Honors Committee for appropriateness prior to inclusion to the book.)

Name of individual memorialized: __________________________________________________________________ Name and information for plaque plate: (Three to five lines. 30 characters or spaces per line.) ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______ Friends and Family Memorial Plaque Plate: $100 This option is available to non-RSA members to memorialize friends or family of the roller skating industry.

Name of individual memorialized: __________________________________________________________________ Name and information for plaque plate: (Three to five lines. 30 characters or spaces per line.) ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______ Donation to the Roller Skating Foundation: $_________________ The RSA will send an acknowledgement of the gift to the family memorialized. Please let us know where you would like this sent and the name/names to be used, as well as your information.

Send to (name of family): _________________________________________________________________________ In memory of: __________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________ State: ________________ Zip: ___________________________ Individual making donation: _______________________________________________________________________ Your mailing address: ____________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________ State: ________________ Zip: ___________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________ PAYMENT INFORMATION _______ Credit Card _______ Check # ___________ Credit Card: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date: _________ Security Code: _________ Name on Card: _____________________________________ Billing Address on Card: ___________________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________ State: ________________ Zip: __________________________ Thank you for your donation. Please remit to: Roller Skating Association, 6905 Corporate Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278. Phone: 317-347-2626. Email: honors@rollerskating.com

54 / Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org

NEWS & COMMENTARY

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

ELECTIONS

RSA President / Vice President up for Re-election the president and vice president are to be elected on May 14, 2018. Notifications have gone out by email in the RSA Today enewsletter.

The RSA Nominating Committee, made up of the following individuals, met to decide the candidates for the 2018 election.

The petition must:

The elected members of the nominating committee were: •

Bobby Bentley, Past President Chairman (funtimesk8@aol.com)

•

Brian Molony, Section Director (brian@rollerworld.net)

•

Chanel Bellotto, Section Director (cbellotto@icloud.com)

•

Joe Smith, Section Director (olympicfc@roadrunner.com)

•

Chris Finley, Section Director (chris@ iskatepc.com)

The candidates chosen for the 2018 election cycle were: Jeff Couey for the position of President and Cort Wahlig for the position of Vice President. With the change of the constitution that was passed at least year’s convention, the new constitution allows both candidates to run for one additional term.

Both the president and vice president sent in their request for nomination for reelection. The nominating committee felt that both individuals have continued to serve the industry incredibly well and are deliberate and mindful of all members needs and that they are fit to continue in their roles as president and vice president for the next two years.

•

Designate the person nominated

•

Include the member rink

•

Specify the office for which the person is being nominated.

In addition, it must be signed, in one or more counterparts, by at least 15 member rinks and must be accompanied by the nominee’s written agreement to serve, if elected.

Because the president and vice president are directors, nominees for these offices shall meet the qualifications for board of directors as established in Article VI, Section 3.A. (see above)

JEFF COUEY, RSA PRESIDENT preceding five (5) years and must remain a member in good standing, as required by Section 4 of Article II. Such an individual shall have held or be holding office as state, by-state, regional or sectional chapter president, vice president, secretary or treasurer, or shall have held office as a member or officer of the association’s board of directors or, under the former organizational structure, as a national vice president.

The secretary must notify all members in writing at least 30 days (April 13) before the convening of the members’ annual meeting during which the president and vice president are to be elected of all additional valid nominations for president or vice president. At the election, if there were no additional valid nominations for an office, the secretary shall cast a unanimous ballot on behalf of the members for the persons nominated by the nominating committee. If there are additional valid nominations, the contested election shall be conducted by secret ballot. A majority vote of those present and voting shall be necessary for election. In the event no candidate receives a majority vote on any ballot, the field will be reduced to include only the top candidates who, combined, receive the majority of the votes cast. The term of office shall commence at the convening of the first annual board of directors meeting following the election.

Nominations from the Floor

Should you have any questions about, please contact chairman, Bobby Bentley, at funtimesk8@aol.com or call 850-207-5502.

Members may make further CORT WAHLIG, RSA VICE PRESIDENT nominations for these offices by submitting a nomination petition to the secretary ( Jim McMahon, Executive Director, Roller Skating Association International, 6905 Article VI; Section 3A: Corporate Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278) by certified mail, return receipt requested. The Qualifications: An individual must meet and petition must be received by the secretary not less continue to meet the following qualifications in order than 60 days (3/14/2018) before the convening to be eligible to be elected and to serve on the board of the members’ annual meeting during which of directors: The individual must have been for the 56 /

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org

SUPER SKATER CONTEST CONTEST RUNS MARCH 1 - APRIL 30 1. tEACH YOUR CUSTOMERS HOW TO SKATE USING THE MATERIALS PROVIDED 2. fILL OUT THE STUDENT’S TEST FORM 3. RETURN WITH $3 PER FORM FOR PIN THE RINK AND COACH WITH THE MOST TESTS COMPLETED BY APRIL 30 WILL EACH RECEIVE A $50 GIFT CARD AND PLAQUE! Order pins, download files & Poster at...

www.rollerskating.com/superskater IF PREORDERING PINS, MAKE SURE TO RETURN YOUR TESTS FOR CREDIT IN THE ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM! MUST BE POSTMARKED BY MAY 10.

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58 / Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org

NEWS & COMMENTARY

Contact Jim McMahon, Executive Director of the Roller Skating Association International at 317-347-2626 Ext. 104 or jmcmahon@rollerskating.com to register your rink! www.rollerskating.org Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 59

RINK LIFE

MAINTENANCE Dumpsters

Use PLANTS to repel

pests

What about the obnoxious smell of garbage that’s been out cooking in the sun on a hot summer day? “There’s really nothing you can do for a dumpster smell, other than move the container as far away from customers as possible,” Nancy admitted. You can plant lilacs near your trash cans. When they flower in the spring, they will give off a strong fragrance for about two weeks, and they will come back year after year. But don’t count on lilacs to mask the odor year round. “There’s not much you can do for a smell like that,” said Nancy.

Breaking and entering Does your rink have windows that can tempt a late night burglar? Try planting something thorny underneath it, such as rose bushes or holly hedges. Holly stays green year round and produces red berries in the winter time if a male and female are planted together. The thorns act as a deterrent for anyone looking for an easy way into your establishment. “Barberries are nasty,” said Nancy, “and they’re good in any zone in the United States. Same with Hawthorn Trees.”

By Susan Geary

If you’re looking for ways to spruce up your rink and also add to your customer’s comfort, pay close attention to your landscaping. Trees and flowers enhance the appearance of your business, raise your property value, and gives customers a warm welcome when they arrive. But did you know that plants can also serve as a deterrent against pests? Defensive landscaping can help you repel mosquitoes, roaches and even burglars.

Insect Repellent While your skating rink may be an indoor venue, you may not think that mosquitoes would bother your customers. But if you’re blessed to have long lines wrapped around your building on a hot summer night with families clamoring to get in, make sure they’re not getting bitten alive out there. Most don’t mind waiting. They have a phone to entertain them, but keep in mind, they won’t put up with buzzing insects. Moving air with fans helps. So does fragrant flowers.

Know your zone Before heading off to the garden center, or ordering plants from a catalog, there are a few things to consider before making your selection. Know what zone you live in by first checking out the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, and it’s the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive in a particular location. While Crepe Myrtle trees make a grand entrance to a southern rink, they won’t survive the harsh northern winters of Minnesota or New Hampshire.

You’ll also want to note whether the area gets full sun, partial sun, or full shade and plan accordingly. A shade loving plant will wilt in the hot summer sun, while a plant that requires full sun won’t thrive in full shade.

Find your zone at http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov by typing in your zip code. Then start looking around for plants that do well in your area and keep pests at bay.

The online website, Rodale’s Organic Life claims Lavender repels flying insects such as mosquitoes, moths and flies. And basil, the herb routinely used in Italian cooking, is toxic to mosquito larvae. To control the rate of eggs being laid they recommend planting basil in areas there water tends to pond. (Plus you can use it in pesto.)

One heavily marketed plant, the Citrosum (aka Mosquito Plant) is a perennial that is sometimes referred to as the citronella plant due to its strong citronella scent. Some research indicates it may not be as effective for mosquito control as other garden plants.

“There are several other flowers you can plant that are cheaper and more effective,” said Nancy Palsulich, AIFD and 8th generation florist. “Marigolds are easy to grow, in containers or in the ground.” she said. “Plus, they reseed themselves from year to year.” Nancy also recommended scented geraniums. “Not only are they showy and easy to maintain, but they also repel bugs.”

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Final Word

G

eorge Bernard Shaw once said, “progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” For those of you who have always read Rinksider or Roller Skating Business Magazine, you’ll notice a few changes including the magazine size, paper texture, content and, yes, the name. The publication will now be called “Rinksider – The Official Roller Skating Business Magazine.”

In December of 2017, Linda Katz decided to sell Rinksider Magazine to the Roller Skating Association. Having been a staple in the industry for more than 65 years, coming to this decision had to have been a difficult one to make. In keeping with the publication’s history, we will continue to include a number of similar human interest articles that you’ve come to love about Rinksider. In addition, we will continue to include business savvy articles that readers of Roller Skating Business Magazine have come to know and love, as well.

Having published this magazine single-handedly, with the help of a few very talented freelance writers, has been as exciting as it has been challenging. With Rinksider came two very talented individuals to assist me in this process. Susan Geary will serve as the editor of Rinksider and Matt Weinland will continue as graphic designer. Both have been a tremendous help in getting this magazine out to you and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them.

One of the main goals of this new publication merger was to make sure that we were getting you the content on a regular basis, but also to get the magazine out to every roller skating rink owner that we can – both members and non-members – to keep them abreast of what’s going on in the industry. The magazine will now be delivered to your mailboxes (and available online) every other month with this March/April issue expected to be in mailboxes by the middle to end of March.

Here’s some of what you can expect in upcoming issues: •

May/Jun: Filling the rink, spotlight on social media, flooring, starting a speed, pro shop.

•

Jul/Aug: Employment issue, maintenance, concession remodels , back to school, planning, advertising no-nos, add-ons.

•

Sep/Oct: Fall buying guide, financing your remodel, STEM highlight, summer camps, skating trends and National Roller Skating Month, rental fleet updates.

•

Nov/Dec: Flooring, high tech integration, insurance, video games, security updates, trade show line-up, holiday planning, dealing with customers.

Your ideas for articles and news coverage or photos you’ve taken out and about are always welcome. Just send to editor@rollerskating.com.

Keep rolling!

GIVE TH EM

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800-348-2976 MTIproducts.com AutoFry.com MultiChef.com RinksiderYour - The Source Roller Skating BusinessKitchen Magazine | March/April / 61 for Ventless Solutions for Over2018 25 Years.

CONNECTIONS

2018 RSA Affiliate Member Listings The companies listed below are “RSM” members of the Roller Skating Association International who provide goods and services to the roller skating industry. Company information is updated in each issue of Rinksider for your reference. If your firm services the roller skating industry and you would like information about becoming a member, or you are a current member needing to update your information, call the Association headquarters at 317-347-2626 Ext. 108. If you would like an additional listing under another RSM category, there is a charge of $125 per additional category. Information below is as provided on 2018 RSM renewals. Changes and category updates must be made with Sharon McMahon at membership@rollerskating.com.

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY FETCHREV Contact: Brandon Willey Mailing Address: 1232 E. Baseline Rd. Floor 2 Tempe, AZ 85283 Phone: 855-979-7833 brandon@fetchrev.com www.fetchrev.com

INTERCARD Mailing Address: 1884 Lackland Hill Pkwy, Suite 1 St. Louis, MO 63146 Phone 314-275-8066 sales@intercardinc.com www.intercardinc.com

TIMES TWO TECHNOLOGY Contact: Kendall Cabe Mailing Address: 8 W. Campbell St. Suite 200 WA Arlington Heights, IL 60005 Phone: 708-497-9896 kendall.cabe@timestwotechnology.com www.timestwotechnology.com

TRUSTWORKZ, INC. Contact: Wesley Anderson Mailing Address: PO Box 379 1025 Rose Creek Dr. Ste. 620 Woodstock, GA 30189 Phone: 770-615-3275 Fax: 888-624-8767 wesley@trustworkz.com www.TrustWorkz.com

OCCASION Contact: Aksh Gupta CONSULTING & RINK PLANNING Mailing Address: 321 N. Clark, St. 2550 Chicago, IL 60654 SKATE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Phone: 312-620-7275 Contact: Daniel Wortman n@occsn.com Mailing Address: 3098 E. Bellflower www.getoccasion.com Drive Gilbert, AZ 85928 PARTY CENTER SOFTWARE Phone: 480-748-4191 Contact: Scott Drummond Mailing Address: 1010 Camerado #206 ozatri@verizon.net Cameron Park, CA 95682 Phone: 888-804-1166 sales@partycentersoftware.com www.partycentersoftware.com

PARTYWIRKS.COM Contact: Larry McLean Mailing Address: 9450 SW Gemini Dr. Suite 30375 Beaverton, OR 97008 Phone: 877-345-4012 larry@partywirks.com www.partywirks.com

SACOA PLAYCARD SYSTEM Contact: Hiara Elias Mailing Address: PO Box 5258, New York NY 10163 Phone: 214-256-3965 helias@sacoa.com www.sacoacard.com

RC SPORTS INC. Contact: Ronald Creten Mailing Address: 1750 W. 98th, Pillar 18-51A, Lenexa, KS 66219 Phone: 414-559-1121 Fax: 913-894-5179 ron@rcsports.com www.rcsports.com

COSTUMES MASK US INC Contact: David Bragg Mailing Address: 3121 Main Street, Suite F Chula Vista, CA 91911 Phone: 619-476-9041 Fax: 619-476-7346 info@maskus.com www.maskus.com

FINANCING/FINANCIAL PLANNING CFG WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES Contact: Michael Puckett Mailing Address: 9840 Westpoint Drive Suite 150 Indianapolis, IN 46256 Phone: 239-784-6861 Fax: 317-579-2440 mpuckett@cfgwms.com www.cfgwms.com

CSA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Contact: David Brewer Mailing Address: 791 Park Manor Drive Smyrna, GA 30082 Phone: 866-400-0272 www.csabusinesssolutions.com dbrewer@csamail.net

MONEY TREE ATM Contact: Wayne Young Mailing Address: PO Box 4247 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549 Phone: 850-301-0100 Fax: 850-301-0340 www.moneytreeatm.com

VANTIV Contact: Helen Shinn Mailing Address: 4610 S. Ulster St., St. 600 Denver, CO 80237 Phone: 970-335-5333 helen.shinn@vantiv.com www.vantiv.com

FLOOR, MATERIALS AND INSTALLATIONS ASTRO CARPET MILLS Contact: Cheryl Pierce Mailing Address: PO Box 1059 Calhoun, GA 30701 Phone: 800-542-4189 Ext. 451 email@astrocarpetmills.com www.astrocarpetmills.com

FINCHUM SPORTS FLOORS Contact: Larry Finchum 2812 Boyd’s Creek Highway Sevierville, TN 37876 Phone: 865-453-3995 larry@finchumsportsfloors.com www.finchumsportsfloors.com

FLAGSHIP CARPETS Contact: Marsha Long Mailing Address: 734 S. River St. Calhoun, GA 30701 Phone: 800-848-4055 Fax: 706-276-0823 marsha@flagshipcarpets.com www.neoncarpets.com

FLOOR SYSTEMS Contact: Kim Wall Mailing Address: 4517 Industrial Road Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Phone: 260-484-7746 Fax: 260-484-7799 kim@floorsystemsinc.com www.floorsystemsinc.com

LSI FLOORS Contact: Rick Moffatt Mailing Address: 5230 Finch Ave. Unit #5 Toronto, Canada M1S4Z9 Phone: 800-449-3916 Fax: 416-229-0269 rmoffatt@lsifloors.com www.lsifloors.com

OMEGA PATTERN WORKS Contact: Kristin Messick Mailing Address: PO Box 1483 Chatsworth, GA 30705 Phone: 800-241-4908 Fax: 866-375-8633 kmessick@cox.net www.omegapatternworks.com

RINK-COTE/ PORT CITY PAINTS Contact: Roy Spencer Mailing Address: 1250 9th Ave Muskegon, MI 49440 Phone: 231-726-5911 Fax: 231-722-4081 muskegon@repcolite.com

62 / Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org

CONNECTIONS www.repcolite.com

www.skatinginsurance.com

ROLL-ON FLOOR PRODUCTS

K.L. OWENS & ASSOCIATES LLC

Contact: Joseph Nazzaro, Jr. Mailing Address: PO Box 1778 Hurst, TX 76053 Phone: 800-243-3900 Fax: 817-354-6393 joenazzaro@aol.com www.roll-on.com

Contact: Karen Owens Mailing Address: 309 Bouldercrest Way NOVELTY ITEMS/REDEMPTION Woodstock, GA 30188 PRODUCTS Phone: 770-855-4723 Fax: 866-845-5081 50% OFF PLUSH karen@klowensassociates.com Contact: Nathan Thompson www.klowensassociates.com 1500 Commerce Rd. Richmond, VA 23224 MCGOWAN INSURANCE Phone: 804-283-0214 Contact: Drew Tewksbury Kelthomp4@aol.com Mailing Address: 20595 Lorain Road www.50offplush.com Fairview Park, OH 44126 Phone: 440-263-1882 AMERICAN CARNIVAL MART dtewksbury@mcgowaninsurance.com Contact: Matthew Olson www.mcgowaninsurance.com 1317 Lindbergh Plaza Center St. Louis, MO 63132 MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE Phone: 800-991-6818 GROUP Fax: 314-991-6884 Contact: Nancy Clay matthew@funcarnival.com Mailing Address: 11880 College Blvd, www.funcarnival.com Ste 500 Overland Park, KS 66210 BMI MERCHANDISE Phone: 913-266-5325 Contact: David Katz Fax: 877-892-4574 Mailing Address: 1960 Rutgers nclay@meadowbrook.com University Blvd. www.wcpolicy.com/rsa Lakewood, NJ 08701 Phone: 732-363-0212 llotito@bmimerchandise.com LEGAL SERVICES www.bmimerchandise.com

SOUTHEASTERN SKATE SUPPLY #2 Contact: David Ramsey Mailing Address: PO Box 336 Mableton, GA 30126 Phone: 800-241-8060 Fax: 770-944-8589 david@seskate2.com www.seskate.com

TITE COAT INTERNATIONAL Contact: Scott Gray Mailing Address: 5365 Dorsey Evergreen Rd. Fulton, MS 38843 Phone: 800-442-8483 owner@titecoat.com www.titecoat.com

GROUNDS AND MAINTENANCE CHEMICALS CPI ROAD SOLUTIONS, INC. Jay Walerstein 5616 Progress Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46241 317-243-2348 jw@roadsolutionsinc.com www.roadsolutionsinc.com

INSURANCE

ANSELMI MIERZEJEWSKI RUTH & SOWLE P.C. Contact: John Ruth Mailing Address: 1750 South Telegraph Rd Suite 306 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 Phone: 248-338-2290 Fax: 248-338-4451 jruth@a-mlaw.com www.a-mlaw.com

HANASAB INSURANCE SERVICES INC. Contact: Robert Ferrer Mailing Address: 625 S Fairfax Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 Phone: 323-782-8454 Fax: 323-978-2452 robert@hanasabinsurance.com www.hispcs.com

MUSIC

Fax: 615-321-6292 blee@sesac.com www.sesac.com

COAST TO COAST ENTERTAINMENT Contact: Gary Balaban Mailing Address: 1000 Towbin Ave Lakewood, NJ 8701 Phone: 732-238-0096 Fax: 732-238-4404 gary@coastentertainment.com www.cranemachines.com

FUN CENTRAL/COOL GLOW NOVELTIES

Contact: Sanam Hakam Mailing Address: 2200 Lyna Rd., Ste Contact: Jim Juniper Mailing Address: 787 Adelaide St. North 160 Carrollton, TX 75006 Suite 2 Phone: 888-786-2476 London, ON N5Y 2L8 sanam@funcentral.com Phone: 866-684-8324 www.funcentral.com sales@fecmusic.com

FEC MUSIC

http://www.fecmusic.com

FUN EXPRESS

JBL TRINITY GROUP LTD Contact: Anthony Profaci Mailing Address: 50 First Avenue Atlantic Highlands, NJ 7716 Phone: 800-925-7465 anthonyprofaci@jbltrinity.com

www.rollerskating.org

SESAC INC Contact: Bill Lee Mailing Address: 55 Music Square East Nashville, TN 37203 Phone: 615-320-0055

Contact: Lae Phonephakdy Mailing Address: 4206 S. 108th St Omaha, NE 68137 Phone: 800-875-8494 Fax: 800-228-1002

laep@funexpress.com www.funexpress.com

FUNTASTIC NOVELTIES, INC. Contact: Kris Wall Friesner Mailing Address: 4515 Industrial Road Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Phone: 260-482-1566 Fax: 260-482-1568 kris@funtasticnovelties.com www.funnov.com

GLOWORKS Contact: Joe Iacona Mailing Address: 23133 Schoenherr Road Warren, MI 48089 Phone: 800-809-4569 Fax: 586-840-4996 joe@gloworks.com www.gloworks.com

RHODE ISLAND NOVELTY Contact: Dan Highcove Mailing Address: PO Box 9278 Fall River, MA 2720 Phone: 800-435-3456 Fax: 508-675-9406 dhighcove@rinovelty.com www.rinovelty.com

SCHUSTER PRODUCTS Contact: Steve Schuster Mailing Address: 10555 West Parnell Ave, Suite 1 Hales Corners, WI 53130 lisa@schusterproducts.com www.schusterproducts.com

THE STUFF SHOP Contact: Mike Hill Mailing Address: 111 Triple Diamond Blvd North Venice, FL 34275 Phone: 800-860-8474 Fax: 941-480-1899 mike@stuffshop.com www.stuffshop.com

SSM VENDING Contact: Judi Heston-Donnell Mailing Address: 1716 West Broadway Rd., Suite 111 Mesa, AZ 85202 Phone: 877-213-0500 judi@ssmvending.com www.ssmvending.com

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 63

CONNECTIONS THEISEN VENDING CO Contact: Anita Bennett Mailing Address: 2335 Nevada Ave North Golden Valley, MN 55427 Phone: 612-827-5588 Fax: 612-827-7543 anita@theisenvending.com www.theisenvending.com

VIRGINIA TOY AND NOVELTY COMPANY Contact: Christina Williams Mailing Address: 5823 Ward G Virginia Beach, VA 23455 Phone: 757-313-7000 Fax: 757-313-7007 cwilliams@virginiatoy.com www.virginiatoy.com

SURESHOT REDEMPTION Contact: Sondra Doyle Mailing Address: 1500 South Hellman Avenue Ontario, CA 91761 Phone: 909-923-5700 Fax: 909-923-7909 SondraD@folandgroup.com www.sureshot-redemption.com

PARTY SUPPLIES NORTHWEST ENTERPRISES Contact: Gordon Vong Mailing Address: 900 Lunt Ave. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Phone: 847-806-0034 Fax: 847-806-0577 gordonv@nwparty.com www.nwparty.com

REBECCA’S Contact: Joseph Nazzaro, Jr. Mailing Address: Po Box 1778 Hurst, TX 76053 Phone: 800-777-2235 Fax: 817-354-6393 joseph@rebeccas.com www.rebeccas.com

SURESHOT REDEMPTION Contact: Sondra Doyle Mailing Address: 1500 South Hellman Avenue Ontario, CA 91761 Phone: 909-923-5700 Fax: 909-923-7909 SondraD@folandgroup.com www.sureshot-redemption.com

PLAY EQUIPMENT AND LASER TAG AMAZING PLAY DESIGN Contact: Darrell Weaver Mailing Address: 1075 W. Kathryn St. Nixa, MO 65714 Phone: (816) 935-3635 amazingplayllc@yahoo.com http://www.amazingplaydesign.com

ARC LASER TAG ARENAS Contact: Lathan Gareiss Mailing Address: 5450 Lee Street Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 Phone: 888-514-0283 lathan@arclta.com http://www.arclta.com

CREATIVE WORKS INC. Contact: Kimberly Schilling Mailing Address: 350 Bridge St. Mooresville, IN 46158 Phone: 317-834-4770 Fax: 317-834-4771 marketing@thewoweffect.com www.thewoweffect.com

INTERNATIONAL PLAY COMPANY INC. Contact: Kathleen Kuryliw Mailing Address: 215-27353-58th Crescent Langley, BC V4W 3W7 Phone: 604-607-1111 Fax: 604-607-1107 sales@iplayco.com www.iplayco.com

LASER BLAST Contact: Carla Ewald Mailing Address: 6118 Gotfredson Rd Plymouth, MI 48170 Phone: 877-338-7889 Fax: 734-418-2017 mike@laser-blast.com www.laser-blast.com

LASERTAG.COM BY ZONE LASER TAG, INC. Contact: Erik Guthrie Mailing Address: 419 Webbs Ln. Dover, DE 19904 Phone: 866-966-3797 Fax: 317-783-3711 erik@lasertag.com www.lasertag.com

LASERTRON Contact: Ann Kessler Mailing Address: 251 Meyer Road Amherst, NY 14226 Phone: 716-836-0670 Fax: 716-836-0535 info@lasertron.us www.lasertron.us

PLAYSMART Contact: Gary Boots Mailing Address: 107 North Missouri Sedalia, MO 65301 Phone: 217-221-4031 Fax: 660-829-0526 gboots@playsmart.com www.playsmart.com

RIDE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Contact: Tamara Dean Mailing Address: PO Box 40 Independence, OR 97351 Phone: 503-606-4438 Fax: 503-606-4436 RDCcars@aol.com www.bumpercar.com

ROLLER SKATE MANUFACTURERS ATOM SKATES Contact: Josh Haagen Mailing Address: 3306 E. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85034 Phone: 602-275-3271 Fax: 602-275-5895 Info@atomskates.com www.atomskates.com

BERRY SKATES Contact: Patricia Olender Mailing Address: 165 Court St. #184 Brooklyn, NY 11201 Phone: 347-927-3030 polender@berryskates.com www.berryskates.com

BONT SKATES Contact: Debbie Rice Mailing Address: 5004 US 41 N, Unit B Palmetto, FL 34221 Phone: 941-722-2668 debbie@bont.com or info@bont.com www.bont.com

CHICAGO SKATES/NATIONAL SPORTING GOODS Contact: Joel Aranson

Mailing Address: 376 Hollywood Ave. Fairfield, NJ 7004 Phone: 800-242-7476 Fax: 973-276-8419 skater@chicagoskates.com www.chicagoskates.com

CRAZY SKATE COMPANY Contact: Trent Carter Mailing Address: 5530 West Raymond St. Indianapolis, IN 46241 Phone: 317-222-6105 contact@crazyskateco.com www.crazyskateco.com

GOLDEN HORSE RENTALS/LW SKATES Contact: Walt Hedrick Mailing Address: 4004 Cedar Creek Ct. Arlington, TX 76016 Phone: 817-781-1898 waltskate@yahoo.com www.usedrentalskates.com

MOTA SKATES Contact: Julie Glass Mailing Address: 16548 E Laser Drive Unit 1 Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 Phone: 480-292-7834 Fax: 360-888-4693 www.motaskates.com

RIEDELL SKATES INC Contact: Bob Riegelman Mailing Address: 122 Cannon River Ave N Red Wing, MN 55066 Phone: 651-388-8251 Fax: 651-385-5500 margie@riedellskates.com www.riedellskates.com

ROLLER DERBY SKATE CORP Contact: Will Marion Mailing Address: PO Box 249 Litchfield, IL 62056 Phone: 217-324-3961 Fax: 217-324-2213 wmarion@rollerderbyskates.com www.rollerderby.com

SKATES US, INC. Contact: David Ripp Mailing Address: 415 West Eaton Pike Richmond, IN 47374 Phone: 765-935-7477 Fax: 765-935-7033

64 / Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org

CONNECTIONS david.ripp@skatesUS.com www.SkatesUS.com

SURE GRIP INTERNATIONAL Contact: Jim Ball Mailing Address: 5519 Rawlings Ave South Gate, CA 90280 Phone: 800-344-3331 Fax: 562-923-6965 skates@suregrip.com www.suregrip.com

ROLLER ROO APPAREL SKATERS CHOICE OF FLORIDA Phone: Robert Bentley Mailing Address: 2607 East Olive Rd. Pensacola FL 32514 Phone: 850-478-3994 Fax: 850-478-0590

RC SPORTS INC. Contact: Ronald Creten Mailing Address: 9910 Lakeview Ave Lenexa, KS 66219 Phone: 414-559-1121 Fax: 913-894-5179 ron@rcsports.com www.rcsports.com

SOUTHEASTERN SKATE SUPPLY INC Contact: Glenn Ramsey Jr Mailing Address: PO Box 12448 Roanoke, VA Phone: 800-444-7528 Fax: 540-342-7873 info@seskate.com www.seskate.com

SOUTHEASTERN SKATE SUPPLY #2 Contact: David Ramsey Mailing Address: PO Box 336 Mableton, GA 30126 Phone: 800-241-8060 Fax: 770-944-8589 david@seskate2.com www.seskate.com

Contact: Abid Sheikh Mailing Address: 5448 Apex Peakway #115, Apex, NC 27502 Phone: 919-799-7707 Fax: 919-799-7717 info@experthosiery.com www.funtimefootwear.com

SNACK BAR EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES AUTOFRY/MULTICHEF - MOTION TECHNOLOGY Contact: Bess Wightman Mailing Address: 10 Forbes Road Northborough, MA 01532 Phone: 800-348-2976 Fax: 208-393-5750 bcouture@mtiproducts.com www.MTIproducts.com

GOLD MEDAL PRODUCTS COMPANY Contact: John Evans Mailing Address: 10700 Medallion Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45241 Phone: 800-543-0862 Fax: 800-542-1496 info@gmpopcorn.com www.gmpopcorn.com

PEPSI-COLA COMPANY ROLLER SPORTS USA ROLLER SPORTS Contact: Richard Hawkins Mailing Address: 4730 South Street Lincoln, NE 68506 Phone: 402-483-7551 Fax: 402-483-1465 rhawkins@usarollersports.org www.usarollersports.org

www.rollerskating.org

Contact: Paul Artt Mailing Address: 12021 Plano Rd. Suite 160 Dallas, TX 75243 Phone: 972-669-8993 Fax: 972-669-8990 paul@q-n-c.com www.q-n-c.com

SKATING APPAREL EXPERT HOSIERY, LLC

ROLLER SKATES & DISTRIBUTORS

QUIK N’ CRISPY

Contact: Tony Grimes Mailing Address: 7701 Legacy Drive, MD 3A-8/5 Plano, TX 75024 Phone: 972-334-2794 tony.grimes@pepsico.com www.pepsiworld.com

PIZZAOVENS.COM Contact: Jason Dees Mailing Address: PO Box 24886 Lexington, KY 40524 877-3367-6836 jdees@pizzaovens.com www.pizzaovens.com

SOUND SYSTEMS & LIGHTING ACTION LIGHTING Contact: Al Kottwitz Mailing Address: 310 Ice Pond Rd. Bozeman, MT 59715 Phone: 800-248-0076 Fax: 406-585-3078 allan@actionlighting.com www.actionlighting.com

AUDIO LITE Contact: Terry Maxfield Mailing Address: 701 Graham St. Emporia, KS 66801 Phone: 800-255-1015 Fax: 620-342-3338 terry@audiolite.com www.audiolite.com

FROGGY’S FOG Contact: Christopher Markgraf Mailing Address: 302 Rutherford Ln Columbia, TN 38401 Phone: 615-469-4906 sales@froggysfog.com www.froggysfog.com

STAR WHOLESALE LIGHTING AND SOUND Contact: Michael Couey Mailing Address: 55 Thomas Grace Annex Sharpsburg GA 30277 Phone: 678-570-7608 couey18@aol.com

SPECIAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES CONSUMER ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Contact: Patrick Clouden Mailing Address: 1255 Cleveland St Suite 400 Clearwater, FL 33755 Phone: 866-683-9723 pclouden@cesstaff.com

www.consumerenergysolutions.com

GLOBAL ROOFING COMPANY Contact: JoB LeRay Mailing Address: 2117 Goliad Circle Frisco, TX 75033 Phone: 800-257-3758 Fax: 888-614-9559 info@globalroofingcompany.com www.globalroofingcompany.com

HELIX LEISURE Contact: Ted Parsons Mailing Address: 2015 McKenzie Dr. Suite 106 Carrollton, TX 75006 Phone: 469-521-8000 Fax: 214-260-0976 tedp@embedcard.com www.helixleisure.com

MRB CONTRACTORS Contact: Ivan Garcia Mailing Address: 618 S. Beltline Irving TX 75060 Phone: 972-827-8599 Fax: 216-614-4200 ivan@mrbcg.com www.mrbcontractors.com

ONE SOURCE SOLUTIONS Contact: Don Essary Mailing Address: 213 N. College Ave Newton, NC 28658 828-461-1760 don@trustonesource.com www.trustonesource.com

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND PARKS MAGAZINE Contact: Scott Borowski Mailing Address: 10 Athens Avenue, Ste 208 Ardmore, PA 19003 Phone: 610-645-6940 Fax: 610-645-6943 editortapmag@kanec.com www.tapmag.com

VENDING MACHINES AND COIN-OPERATED GAMES AMERICAN CHANGER Contact: Wayne Snihur Mailing Address: 1400 NW 65th Place Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Phone: 954-917-3009 info@americanchanger.com www.americanchanger.com

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 / 65

CONNECTIONS BAY TEK GAMES, INC.

GOLD STANDARD GAMES

THEISEN VENDING CO

Contact: Holly Hampton Mailing Address: 1077 E. Glenbrook Dr Pulaski, WI 54162 Phone: 920-822-3951 sales@baytekgames.com www.baytekgames.com

Contact: Mark Robbins Mailing Address: 333 Morton St Bay City, MI 48706 Phone: 989-893-1739 Fax: 989-893-1809 info@gold-standard-games.com www.gold-standard-games.com

Contact: Anita Bennett Mailing Address: 2335 Nevada Ave North Golden Valley, MN 55427 Phone: 612-827-5588 Fax: 612-827-7543 anita@theisenvending.com www.theisenvending.com

BENCHMARK GAMES Contact: Paula Rinker Mailing Address: 51 Hypoluxo Rd Hypoluxo, FL 33462 Phone: 561-588-5200 Fax: 561-493-2999 prinker@benchmarkgames.com www.benchmarkgames.com

MOSS DISTRIBUTING

BETSON ENTERPRISES

PLAYER ONE AMUSEMENT GROUP

Contact: Brian Murphy Mailing Address: 303 Paterson Plank Road Carlstadt, NJ 7072 Phone: 201-438-1300 Fax: 201-438-7246 bmurphy@betson.com www.betson.com

Contact: Terry Moss Mailing Address: 18801 Guthrie Ave. Des Moines, IA 50316 Phone: 515-266-6422 terrymoss@mossdis.com www.mossdis.com

Contact: Bill Freeman Mailing Address: 1920 Center Park Drive Charlotte, NC 28208 P: 386-747-0845 bfreeman@bradydist.com www.winwithp1ag.com

DANDMAT SERVICES

SHAFFER DISTRIBUTING CO.

Contact: Danny Schutt Mailing Address: 900 McGuire Park St. Ocoee, FL 34761 Phone: 321-231-6411 danny@vendingfloridaco.com www.vendingfloridaco.com

Contact: Paul Jones Mailing Address: PO Box 12427 Columbus, OH 43212 Phone: 800-282-0194 Fax: 614-294-1040 pjones@shafferdistributing.com www.shafferdistributing.com

WHEEL AND BEARING MANUFACTURERS

Phone: 805-683-4779 Fax: 805-964-0511 isaac@rollone.com www.rollonedist.com

VOLCANIC WHEEL Contact: Soo Kim Mailing Address: 1160 North Central Ave #212 Glendale, CA 91202 Phone: 818-547-9900, 547-9600 sookim@volcanicwheel.com www.volcanicwheel.com

ANABOLIX SKATE COMPANY Contact: Mike Elsbury Mailing Address: 7304 Atmore Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46217 Phone: 317-903-6172 mkels71@yahoo.com www.anabolixskate.com

PRECISION SPORTS DBA LABEDA Contact: Scott Labeda 29910 Ohana Circle Lake Elsinore, CA 92532 Phone: 951-674-1665 scottl@labeda.com www.labeda.com

SKATE ONE CORP DBA ROLL ONE DISTRIBUTION Contact: Isaac Oltmans Mailing Address: PO Box 8420 Goleta, CA 93117

WRIST BANDS, TICKETS AND TOKENS HOFFMAN MINT Contact: Wayne Snihur Mailing Address: 1400 NW 65th Place Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 Phone: 954-917-5451 wayne@hoffmanmint.com www.hoffmanmint.com

NATIONAL TICKET COMPANY Contact: Patrick Carter Mailing Address: Po Box 547 Shamokin, PA 17872 Phone: 800-829-0829 Fax: 800-829-0888 pcarter@nationalticket.com www.nationalticket.com

Classified Advertisements

TO PLACE YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE, SIMPLY CALL 317-347-2626 EXT. 107 OR EMAIL EDITOR@ ROLLERSKATING.COM. ADS ARE $1/WORD WITH A $25 MINIMUM.

WE BUY ROLLER RINKS Leaseback option is possible. Our market is nationwide with populations of at least 200,000 people or more in a 5-mile radius. Contact: Joshtraeger@comcast.net (802)254-3880 www. discoverygroup.net )

Subscribe to FREE Newsletters MEMBERS OF THE RSA CAN SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE RSA TODAY NEWSLETTER BY GOING TO

WWW.ROLLERSKATING.COM/NEWSLETTER AND COMPLETING THE FORM!

66 / Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | March/April 2018 www.rollerskating.org