CONVENTION & IAFE ZONE II MEETING continued………………………………... Vicki Chouris


2011 HALL OF FAME


RECIPIENT


The Florida Federa- tion of Fairs Hall of Fame induction is al- ways clouded in mys- tery up until the mo- ment the winner is announced, and this year was no different.


Last year’s recipient, Lisa Hinton, ever so gingerly alluded to the identity of the 2011 recipient, peppering each sen- tence with vague clues, being ever so careful not to dis- close the gender. “This year’s winner has been in the Fair business for 29 years, is a Past President of the Florida Federation of Fairs and a Past President of the Florida Fes- tivals and Events Association,” Lisa commented. “Tonight’s winner is a CFE, has her MBA and has been married to her husband for 12 years! She is also Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the South Florida Fair.” It was then that Vicki Chouris knew she was the night’s honoree. “I thought for a minute it might be me and then the more Lisa spoke I hoped she was talking about me!” A very grateful and tearful Chouris was surprised even more as her husband, mother, brother, niece and friend revealed themselves from the darkness of the ball- room. “I am so honored to be awarded this achievement from an industry I dearly love…I’m even more amazed this secret was so well kept.”


A PERSONAL NOTE FROM VICKI CHOURIS -


2011 HALL OF FAME RECIPIENT……… It comes as no surprise to anyone that some days are


just better than others. Well, my dear friends, Saturday, May 21, 2011, will go down in my record book as one of the best days ever! I cannot express my sincere thanks and appreciation to


all of the Federation membership for inducting me into the Florida Federation of Fairs and Livestock Shows Hall of Fame at this year’s convention. This is such a monumental honor, and as I look at the many leaders who are members of the Hall of Fame, I truly am amazed that I have been included with such great people. Fair leaders such as Dar- win Fuchs, Jean Grant, our Federation President Happy Norris and many, many others have been my source of inspiration. My career in this industry began 29 years ago when I


worked in the South Florida Fair’s finance office for four years just during Fair time. In 1985, Buck Christian offered me a full-time position at the Fair, which I accepted even though I had no idea what was to come! I can sincerely say, that was one of the best decisions of my life. I have had a career that has not been a job, but an adventure. We make a difference in the lives of so many and that is


10


John Duttera Associate of the Year presented by Committee Chair, Felecia Chivington


something we all must remember. It is my philosophy we must have fun doing what we do; otherwise, how can we possibly make the millions of people who attend our Fairs have a good time if we are not doing so ourselves? Smiles and laughter should always be an objective be- cause too often in life, we have unavoidable sadness that we must contend with. In conclusion I say, thank you to Buck Christian and Rick


Vymlatil – my two favorite Fair people - for all they have done for me and allowed me to do. They both pushed me to accomplish things I would have never dreamed possible. I hope all of you have people in your lives who make you stronger – and even more importantly – you are working to help others achieve their goals and dreams.


I also en-


courage you to be active in the Florida Federation of Fairs. I never fail to learn something new or to get some really great ideas to make our Fair better when I attend the ses- sions at the annual convention and the summer workshop. We can all learn from each other and help Florida Fairs continue to be the best in the nation!


John Duttera ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR


John Duttera with Duttera


Sound was recognized as this year’s Associate of The Year. This prestigious award is only given to one Federation Associ- ate each year and is selected based on the Associate’s contri- bution to the Federation.


John was born into a family


grounded in providing support services to fairs, festivals and carnivals. His father, John, Sr., organized the company right af- ter World War II. Family and friends all say a screwdriver and soldering iron were placed in his hands at birth. He worked with his father at local carnivals and festivals through the 50's, 60's and early 70's and in 1974 be- coming the sole proprietor of the company.


John graduated from Gettysburg High School and then


obtained a B.A. in Industrial Arts Education from California (PA) State College. Upon receiving his diploma in 1972 he began a teaching career. Due to increasing demand for him at events his company serviced throughout the year, he retired from teaching in 1986. Duttera Sound has expanded from its local roots near Gettysburg providing primarily 70 volt ground paging systems to local fairs, carnivals and fes- tivals to a full services company today. John services small corporate events to large fairs, festivals to political rallies.


Guaranteed when you work with John Duttera, you'll get John Duttera.


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