OABA Welcomes New President & CEO Greg Chiecko


Writing this at the end of January, while many of our relatives and friends are in a deep freeze, setting all-time, record low, frigid temperatures up North and


in the Upper Mid-West, we really have nothing to complain about, when our temps dip to near freezing in Florida! So much for my weather report! With so much going on in our great state in early February,


its hard for many of us to keep up with such great events. Besides Florida Fairs going on and the State Fair hosting thou- sands in Tampa, your industry associations all met and put on some great events. Many enjoyed the Industry Partner’s Shootout in Lithia. The Mid-West Fair Managers held their convention in West Palm Beach, many headed to Tampa to attend NICA and OABA events, and the Gibsonton IISA Trade Show. Our Board met and OABA had its 54th Annual Member Meeting on the 8th. The Florida Department of Agriculture’s Fair Rides Amusement Safety Committee met at the State Fairgrounds. Our challenges for most carnivals and many large conces-


proven leader with extensive and di- verse experience in the outdoor amusement business and fair industry has been selected by the OABA Board to lead the mobile amusement indus- try’s trade association. Winter Park, Florida – The board of directors of the Out-


door Amusement Business Association (OABA) announces that Greg Chiecko, of Chicopee, MA, has been named President and CEO, effective February 1, 2019. Chiecko is currently Di- rector of Sales at Eastern States Exposition in West Spring- field, MA, home of The Big E, the nation’s sixth largest fair. This announcement follows a comprehensive executive


Greg Chiecko, a results-oriented


sionaires to hire and retain, loyal, hard working season staff, continues to plague the mobile amusement industry. Our federal government is of little help these days! The record demand for H-2B visas was close to 100,000 visas from all industries that rely on seasonal labor, with only 33,000 visas available. Unless Congress increases the woefully outdated 66,000 CAP or allows Returning Workers to come back and not be counted towards the CAP, look for some carnivals and concessionaires to throw in the towel! With record low unem- ployment and record employment in this country and our State, no Americans want to leave home and travel for 6-8 months in a seasonal job! Please help us when ever you can to reach out to your fed-


eral Representative or Senator and let them know how critical this H-2B legal visa program is to your fairs. Most significant to me with all that’s going on, is the fact


that I am handing off the OABA Presidency to a very capable, good friend of mine, Greg Chiecko, who spent his last 24 years at the Eastern States Exposition and The Big “E” in West Springfield, Massachusetts. He’s no stranger to fairs, carni- vals, concessionaires and amusement ride safety, as he was responsible for the Midway operations at the Big “E” and has been active in the Northeast with amusement park and carni- val ride safety legislation and regulations. Our Board is very pleased that Greg is coming on board in February. I plan to help him transition as CEO of this National trade association, representing carnivals, circuses, food/game concessionaires and others, for the next two months, or until he kicks me out! After 24 years at the helm of the OABA, and 45 years in the


amusement industry, my wife, Alex and I, believe it’s now our time to enjoy our families and experience our five grandchil- dren, some teenagers and some soon to be teenagers, all living in California, on the Pacific coast. And yes, some travel to Europe, Asia and especially to many places in this great country of ours! Wishing you, your families and Fairs a healthy, prosperous


and FUN 2019! “That’s All Folks!”


B ob Johns on


search process conducted by the OABA’s Organization Com- mittee with assistance from a local talent management firm, Strickland Associates, following President Bob Johnson’s an- nouncement of his intent to retire after 24 years at the helm of the OABA. “Greg’s diverse professional, industry experience, proven


leadership and business acumen gained at Eastern States Ex- position coupled with his affable leadership style, make him the ideal CEO,” said Jay Strates, Chair of the OABA. “This is an opportune time for Greg to join the OABA and work with our Board to accomplish our strategic goals as we approach the 55th year serving our members. I believe Greg’s steady and thoughtful approach is exactly what we need to ensure the ongoing success and growth of this trade association.” Chiecko is no stranger to carnivals and fairs, as he has over-


seen midway operations at The Big E, hosted industry fund- raisers and regularly attended OABA events, International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) ex- pos and the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) where he served as a Board member and chaired sev- eral committees. His leadership in the New England Associa- tion of Amusement Parks (NEAAPA), the Massachusetts Agri- cultural Fairs Association (MAFA), plus his local civic and phil- anthropic leadership has given him the experience to take complex issues with diverse individual opinions and facilitate discussions, resulting in mutually beneficial compromises and action. “I am extremely honored to be named president and CEO


by the OABA Board of Directors,” Chiecko said. “I look forward to working with, and listening to, the many talented individuals in our industry in order to provide an association that fulfills the needs of its members. After my 24-year career with Eastern States Exposition I am ready to utilize my skills and experience in the carnival, fair, circus and concessions business to benefit the outdoor amusement industry. My priorities will be to strengthen the communications and relationships between carnivals and fairs in order to forge long lasting and mutually beneficial relationships, continue to im- prove regulatory advocacy, member services, fundraising and networking opportunities.”


Bob Johnson, retiring President OABA and Greg Chiecko incoming OABA President.


56 FAIRCRACKER-SPRING 2019


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