NICA UPDATE—Alta Mosley, Executive Director Who knew that an idea being discussed between two Concessionaires would go on to become a successful, nation-
ally known association? That was the beginning, two concessionaires at the South Florida Fair just talking about the future of their business, the concession business. The idea became a plan and just a few short weeks later at the Florida State Fair the National Independent Concessionaires Association was formed. Here we are, 20 years later and NICA continues to grow and serve the membership by seeking new benefits and representing them at the various State Associations. At this point I must say, NICA greatly appreciates the support of the Florida Federation Fairs and the individual Fairs and I am honored to be a part of both. My travels have taken me to Indiana, Minnesota, West Virginia, Missouri, Connecticut and all over Florida. I’ve
Alta Mosley Executive Director
visited with Concessionaires, Fair Staff and guests visiting the Fairs, I’ve seen a child’s dream fulfilled at the Fair and laughed as the little ducks lost their footing on the duck slide. And yes, like so many others, I’ve managed to find the Fair foods we all love, like Deep Fried Peanut Butter in Indiana, a family size Cinnamon Roll in West Virginia, Fried Australian Potatoes in Minnesota, Apple Crisp made from fresh peeled Granny Smith Apples in Connecticut and Steak Tips and Roasted Corn in Florida. I saw a baby calf being born, 4H and FFA exhibitors proudly displaying their pro- jects, the beautiful handiwork of the community, and enjoyed all the great shopping opportunities for items you will only find at the Fair.
At every Fair I’ve visited, several things have been consistent. NICA members are an important part of the Fair. They are sponsoring scholarships,
judging baking contest and collecting food and other donations to support IAFE’s Dream Big program. NICA members conduct various fundraising events, many times the funds are donated to the Fair or a local program. They are hosting or assisting the Fair staff in conducting a Concession Meet- ing. A Concession / Communication Meeting is an opportunity for the Fair staff to meet with the Concessionaire and talk about how they can work together to address issues and above all, how to give the guest a positive Fair experience. There are several things we ask Fair Management to consider. A Multi-Year Contract will enable a concessionaire to document continued employ-
ment. The trucks, trailers and living quarters are costly and the first question a lender will ask, you’re right, how are you going to pay this back? The lender isn’t concerned with how many years the concessionaire has been there, they want to know how long they are going to be there. An Assignable Contract ( or How Can I Sell My Business) is so very important. For the concessionaire, the location is a big part of the process but
the location belongs to the Fair. There is no cookie cutter, absolutely perfect contract to cover this issue. We have worked on several options to assist both the Fair and the Concessionaire. Each Fair will have a different approach and that is to be expected. NICA would like the opportunity work with Fair Management to create a plan to fit their needs. NICA’s goal from the beginning 20 years ago remains the same today, “To create better under- standing and communication between Fair Management and Concessionaires.” NICA believes Together We Can. As always, my door is open, my phone is always on. Travel Safe my Friends, Alta Mosley, Executive Director
OABA UPDATE -b ob Jono, O A Presid t and CEO Florida’s Amusement Device and Attractions Advisory Committee Meets at Disney
y B hsn AB en The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services who oversees the State’s Amusement Device and Attraction
Advisory Committee met on September 17, at Walt Disney’s Yacht and Beach Convention Center in Orlando, to dis- cuss the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Inspection Statistics and other safety matters. . Serving on this Safety Advisory Committee, appointed by Adam Putnam, Commissioner of Agriculture from the fairs
and carnivals are Charlie Pesano (State Fair Authority) and Martha Leverock (Greater Jacksonville) along with Andy Deggeller (Deggeller Attractions), Charles Panacek (Belle City), Jimmy Strates (Strates Shows) and Billy Castigliola (Amusements of America). Other members include representatives from the large theme parks and smaller amuse- ment attractions. We had many guests at this fall meeting including Lisa Hinton, Rick Vymlatil, C.E. “Happy” Norris and Miranda Muir.
In addition, Jay Strates along with his father James Strates enjoyed the meeting and all were encouraged to participate in the Committee’s discussions. As Chair of this Committee for the past five years, I always like to commend Alan Harrison, Chief, Bureau of Fair
Rides Inspection and staffer Michelle Faulk with the Bureau who prepared the Agenda and recorded this meeting for future, official “Minutes.” The primary topic of discussion was to review the Ride Inspection Statistics from July 1 last year through June 30th this year. The highlights of his report, which I believe all the Florida Fairs should be aware of was that the Bureau inspected 9,478 amusement rides and attrac-
tions, down slightly from last year, with 15 full time inspectors. They issued 125 Stop Orders, down considerably from a high of 513 in 2004-2005, which are mainly for mechanical/structural inspection issues. This serves as a credit to the amusement industry and the very high attention and focus by ride owners and state inspectors on ride safety in the State of Florida. The amusement industry continues to increase the percentage of inspections with no deficiencies, which has averaged about 43% over the past five years. This State issues some 1,700 permits to operate rides, which ranks them among the top three amusement states in the U.S. The State also received 15 complaints from patrons/consumers, which were investigated and resolved by the Department and they issued 11 fines to
operators of small amusement facilities, attractions and carnivals. Overall, the portable carnival amusement industry received 105 of the 125 Stop Operation Orders, primarily due to mechanical and structural issues.
They also included electrical systems, improper alignment, damaged, worn or not properly installed, crack, corrosion, breaks, bent assembly compo- nents, etc. We confirmed with the State that all fair general managers receive a copy of the State’s inspection report of their carnival operator and they can call
the State at any time to get a record of any carnival’s inspection reports. Overall, the State of Florida has excellent, trained inspectors and history of being cooperative with both carnivals and fairs in the interest and safety of
our fair patrons. As these meetings are open to the public, I hope to see others at our next meeting at the Florida State Fairgrounds, in Tampa onWednesday Febru-
ary 5, starting at 10 AM in the Equestrian Pavilion. Charles Pesano, President/GM of the State Fair is our host and always makes us feel welcome at his event. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Wishing all a great Fair season in 2013-2014!
40
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48