November 2016 NICA News

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Contents • november 2016 

FEATURES 

08 NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods 

2017 Food Show Information 

11 Member’s Voice 

Frank Boeck, D & F Enterprises; Daniel 

McLean, Almond Garten; Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, 

The Original Australian Battered Potatoes; 

Todd Lavigne, Awesome Apple Crisp; Theresa 

Johnson, All American Restaurant & Grill 

12 Thoughts from a CCE 

Larry McConnell, CCE, McConnell Concessions 

18 Concessionaire Spotlight 

Tom Frazee, Frazee’s Concessions 

News & Articles 

05 President’s Message 

Paulette Keene 

05 Director’s Voice 

Joe Potillo, Jr. 

07 Card’s Corner 

Michelle Card 

13 Association Announcements 

15 Fair Convention Preview 

16 Friends Helping Friends at the Erie 

County Fair 

20 The Northeast Report 

22 NICA West Aces its 10th Annual NICA / 

Fairplex CDC Golf Tournament 

25 Does Your Event Have a 

Communications Committee? 

26 Fair Faces at the End of the Season 

27 Steal This Idea! 

Activities & EVENTS 

07 Hidden Object Contest 

33 Coca-Cola Membership Contest 

Leaderboard 

34 2016-17 Events Calendar 

AdvertiSers 

17 Advance Pierre 

24 Allied Specialty 

Insurance 

32 Fanestil Meats 

02 Fare Foods 

14 Goodsource 

Solutions 

33 Haas & Wilkerson 

Insurance 

04 Hummel Group 

14 K & K Insurance 

29 Mr. G’s Quality Cut 

Meats 

06 National Food 

Group 

28 Pepsi 

32 Ricos Products 

31 Rio Syrup 

24 Source1 

Purchasing 

29 Tastemaker Foods 

30 THE Insurance 

31 United Trailers / 

Air Safe Hitches 

06 / 21 Whirley Drink 

Works 

Dedicated to strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival, and Special Events 

Industries through effective communication, benefits, leadership, and solutions 

The National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. is a Florida Corporation with an Editorial and General Office 

located at 1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 • Office: (813) 438-8926 • Fax: (813) 438-8928 • Online: www.nicainc.org 

The information contained in this Publication is based upon sources believed to be reliable. Readers should not act without 

professional advice. Cover to Cover © 1993-2016 NICA, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Happy Thanksgiving! 

November 2016 NICA News 3

Officers 

President: Paulette Keene 

1 st Vice President: Dominic Palmieri 

2 nd Vice President: Dennis Fraleigh 

Secretary : Kathy Ross 

Treasurer : Jennifer Giordano 

Directors 

Sandy Class 

Dan Lusenhop 

Justin Sattler 

Daryl Whicheloe, CCE 

Immediate 

Past President 

Joe Potillo, Jr. 

Past Presidents’ 

Council 

Greg Miller, CCE 

Tom Sattler, CCE 

Russ Harrison, CCE 

Richard Busse, CCE 

Tom Hodson, CCE 

Jim Hodson, CCE (Deceased) 

Tim O’Brien, CCE 

Ron Smith 

Adam McKinney, CCE 

Mike Pence, CCE 

Jack Woods, II, CCE 

Bob Hallifax, CCE 

Frank Parnell, CCE 

Larry Orme (Deceased) 

Larry Sivori 

Rich Wright 

Bill McKinney, CCE 

Arthur Pokorny, Jr. 

Gene O’Brien, CCE (Deceased) 

OFFICE 

Executive Director : 

Michelle Card 

michelle@nicainc.org 

Off ice Manager : 

Yachika Rogers 

nica@nicainc.org 

Communications, Marketing & 

Design: 

Jesse Willard 

communications@nicainc.org 

Northeast 

Council 

Coordinator : 

Jessica Castro 

NortheastNICA@hotmail.com 

Council Members: 

Kelly Grout 

Russ Harrison, CCE 

Vinnie Nelson 

Eddie Porcelli, III 

Tonio Viscusi 

West 

Council 

Executive Manager : 

Rey O’Day 

rey@nicainc.org 

Council Members: 

Kim Barr 

Nate Janousek 

Ashley Murray 

Mike Newman 

Dale Smith, CCE 

Lisa Thompson-Baker 

Jay Wells 

Daryl Whicheloe, CCE 

April Wood 

National 

Representatives 

Duane Fischer 

John Harkey 

David Higginbottom 

Charles Ivory, CCE 

Mike Markowitz 

Mike McGrath 

Kevin McGrath, II 

Dannie Moreland 

Etta Pence, CCE 

David Spann 

R. Josh Stremmel 

George Wandrey, Jr. 

Ted Wentz 

Ed White 

Are you Interested in becoming 

a National Representative, 

Council Member, starting a 

Communications Committee, 

or learning more about NICA? 

Contact the NICA Office by 

phone at (813) 438-8926 or via 

email at nica@nicainc.org 

Phil Teague, CIC 

Focused On Concessionaires 

Insurance PROGRAM 

“One of the cool things that 

Phil Teague did was, he came out 

and actually worked in our business...” 

-Ryan Kuzma, Linn Enterprises Inc. 

Property | Fleet | Liability | Workers’ Compensation 

4 November 2016 NICA News

President’s Message 

Paulette Keene, President 

Congratulations to our 

new Board Members! The 

NICA Election Committee 

met in early October at the 

Georgia National Fair in 

Perry, GA and counted all 

of the submitted ballots 

to find out who the Voting 

Members had selected. At 

the time of writing this I do 

not know the results, but 

check out page 13 in this issue to see who won. 

Wow, it’s already November and my season 

will be done by the time you read this, and NICA 

is preparing for the fall and winter activities. First 

of all, I will travel to the NICA Off ice in Brandon, 

FL to do the yearly audit with Michelle Card, 

Executive Director, Jennifer Giordano, Treasurer, 

our financial advisor Gayle McGrath and one other 

Board Member that has not yet been selected. We 

will also set the budget for 2017 at this time. 

Then it won’t be long until Thanksgiving at my 

house; what a wonderful time of year to remember 

our Country’s heritage and enjoy our friends and 

family! Then I will be off to Vegas for the IAFE 

Convention for one of the Executive Board’s faceto-face 

meetings and to welcome and meet all the 

newly elected Board Members. NICA will also be 

involved in workshops and The Double Jeopardy 

Session at 10:30 - 11:30 AM on November 29th, 

centered on the theme “What is the Cost of Doing 

Business for Concessionaires and Fairs?” It will be 

fun and educational, so try to be there. NICA has 

also planned an Industry Appreciation Night at a 

new location in the Penthouse Suite on the 26th 

floor of Bally’s Indigo Tower in Las Vegas. Please 

drop by for some great social time. 

I am excited to report the 10th Anniversary 

of the West Council and review some of their 

accomplishments for the year. NICA West has a 

great working relationship with WFA and IAFE. 

►► “Message” continued on page 6 

Director’s Voice 

Joe Potillo, Jr., Immediate Past President 

As I sit to write what is, 

my last Director’s Voice, 

I have to admit that I am 

somewhat emotional. My 

emotions though are not 

that of sadness but of pride 

and positivity about our 

organization NICA. 

Having now served two 

terms on the NICA Board, 

serving in various offices 

such as Committee Chair, Secretary, and going 

through the chairs to the Presidency, it is safe 

to say that I have had a front row seat to the 

inner workings of NICA for some time. Although, 

admittedly, we have gone through some growing 

pains, the view from my front porch is of an 

organization and leadership that is on the job for 

“Growing Together” 

its membership. This did not just start recently. 

It has been in the hearts of each of the men and 

women who have served with me. 

This month’s theme dealing with growth is 

very appropriate for where NICA is today; it is 

continuously growing and evolving. While change 

is not always comfortable, it is very necessary. As 

I reflect of some of the changes that have come 

to NICA, I can truly say that these would not be 

possible except for the stepping stones that have 

been placed all along the way. 

NICA has grown from an idea to now “THE 

VOICE” of the Independent Concessionaire in our 

►► “Director’s Voice” continued on page 6 


“Message” continued from page 5 ►► 

They have raised a lot of money fundraising and 

development of the NICA Sysco Marketplace 

which brings lots of wonderful benefits and 

rebates to our organization and its members. 

Our Northeast Council has met a few times 

and had a successful social and fundraiser in 

September and raised $4,600. Jessica Castro, 

Northeast Council Coordinator, and Dennis 

Fraleigh, 2nd Vice President, have made great 

strides in the development of this Council. We 

already have six members! I believe Jessica will 

also be at our Industry Appreciation Night, so 

please look for her and introduce yourself. 

It won’t be long and it’ll be time for the WFA 

Convention and NICA Business Expo / Fare Foods 

Food Show. Plan on attending both to learn about 

lots of new and exciting things happening. ▲ 

“Director’s Voice” continued from page 5 ►► 

industry. It has come to garner the respect of our 

sister organizations, multinational corporations, 

and the members it serves, which is our most 

valuable relationship at the end of the day. There 

is no way that one can say NICA has not grown. 

That being said, there is so much more to be 

done; so much work to do! NICA needs YOU— 

yes, YOU! As with any growing, changing entity, 

there are growing pains. We acknowledge and 

accept that. Some, however, may have not been 

involved, or are just sitting on the sidelines 

waiting to see what is next. If that is you Mr. or 

Ms. Concessionaire, I invite you to take another 

look. For those who may think there is no room 

for you, I invite you to get involved! There are 

newly established regional councils to serve you 

where you are. For those who ask, “What can 

NICA do for me?” I invite you to check out the 

benefits of membership, especially our buying 

programs and the advocacy work we are doing 

concerning labor and other regulations facing 

our industry. For those who may think they are an 

island all to themselves and belonging to a trade 

association is pointless, I ask you to reconsider. 

Why? Just like it says on our sign, ”Together We 

Can!” 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, 

OUR MEMBERSHIP! ▲ 

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card’s corner 

Michelle Card, Executive Director 

One of the toughest 

challenges in the seasonal 

amusement industry is 

labor. One of our sister 

organizations, OABA, has 

taken the lead in the mobile 

amusement industry and 

has been crucial to the 

continued development, 

sustainability, and growth of 

the H-2B, non-agricultural 

visa program for the past 15 years. 

Many Concessionaires, Carnivals, and 

independent ride owners continue to utilize the 

H-2B nonimmigrant legal visa program that 

permits employers to temporarily hire foreign 

nationals for some 8-10 months, under close 

scrutiny by the Federal Department of Labor. 

The employment must satisfy business needs, 

such as a one-time occurrence, seasonal need, 

peak load need, or intermittent need. Some 5,000 

H-2B foreign guest workers participate in this visa 

program. Our government caps this program at 

66,000 visas, however, thanks to OABA’s lobbying 

Congress, along with other seasonal industries 

participating in this industry, seasonal workers 

who had worked in any of the past three years, 

could return and not be counted towards the cap. 

This is critical as our economy improves and 

there is more demand for this seasonal workforce 

and to grow our small, family owned, seasonal 

E.J. Dean, OABA 1st Vice Chair, Michael Wood, OABA 

trustee, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Bob 

Johnson, OABA President and CEO, and Michelle Card, 

Executive Director 

businesses, and serve our Fairs. 

To answer the existing labor challenge and 

lobby Congress to continue the returning worker 

exemption, as NICA’s new Executive Director, I 

recently joined OABA’s President and CEO Bob 

Johnson in Washington, D.C. as a guest at an 

OABA sponsored fundraiser for Kevin McCarthy, 

House Majority Leader. This fundraiser was 

to support Leader McCarthy’s long standing 

championing of the H-2B program and lobbying 

for the returning worker exemption. The House 

will once again consider the returning worker 

exemption as they deal with funding the federal 

government for the fiscal 2017 year. ▲ 

Do you have any experiences with labor or 

opinions on the subject that you would like to 

share? Contact us today at (813) 438-8926 or 

communications@nicainc.org ▲ 

HIDDEN OBJECT 

Contest! 

Find the Turkey Leg 

Somewhere within this issue of NICA News is a lost turkey leg 

from dinner. If you locate it, you can win a Gift Card worth $25! 

So... What if you Find it? 

Well, lucky reader, tell us where you found it by entering online at www.nicainc.org/pages/hiddenobject 

You may also call the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926 or send us a letter with the page number, 

general page location, your name, address, and phone number to NICA, Hidden Object Contest, 

1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511. Member entries must be sent in by November 30, 2016. 

Happy Searching this Month! The Next Winner Could Even be You! 


NICA Business Expo 

and Fare Foods 

2017 Food Show 

◄◄◄ February 6 th , 7 th & 8 th , 2017 ►►► 

Sheraton 

Tampa East 

10221 Princess Palm Ave. 

Tampa, FL 

The NICA Business Expo will provide Workshops and 

Discussion Groups which will cover the issues and the daily 

challenges our industry is faced with today. The Workshops 

will be facilitated by experts in their fields. 

The Fare Foods 2017 Food Show will feature 

exhibitors showcasing the latest food trends and technology 

that will define the 2017 Fair Season. 

◄◄◄ February 6 th & 7 th , 2017 ►►► 

NICA Workshops and Discussion Groups 

Fare Foods Food Show: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm* 

*Vendor Setup: February 6th, Noon - 4:00 pm 

◄◄◄ February 8 th , 2017 ►►► 

NICA Membership Meeting and 

Evening Entertainment 

We look forward to seeing you in Tampa!

NICA Business Expo 

and Fare Foods 

2017 Food Show 

◄◄◄ February 6 th , 7 th & 8 th , 2017 ►►► 

Food Show: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Vendor Setup: Feb. 6th, Noon - 4:00 pm 

Exhibit Space Application 

◄◄◄ Please Select a Sponsorship Level ►►► 

Platinum .... $ 7,500 

Gold ............. $ 5,000 

Silver .......... $ 3,000 

Bronze ....... $ 2,000 

Return completed form by November 15, 2016 to: 

Fare Foods, P.O. Box 407, Du Quoin, IL 62832 

All payments must be made in full by 

January 13, 2017 or booth space will be forfeited. 

Phone: (618) 542-2155 • Fax: (618) 542-4798 

E-mail: apoole@farefoods.com 

Company Name _______________________________________________________ 

Contact Person _______________________________________________________ 

Phone No. ______________ Cell No. _______________ Fax No. _____________ 

Address _____________________________________________________________ 

City ___________________ State __________________ Zip _________________ 

E-mail: ______________________________________________________________ 

List products/services to be exhibited: ______________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

Name Badges: (Please print first and last name of individuals working your booth) 

____________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

☐ Master Card ☐ Visa Credit Card No. ____________________________ 

Expiration Date: __________ 

Signature __________________________________ 

Credit card payments accepted, *3% Processing Fee Applies

Member’s Voice 

The greatest part of NICA is the Membership! 

The Member’s Voice influences where the 

organization is headed and what it can improve, 

among other aspects. The NICA Office has been 

continuing their survey of responses. 

Frank Boeck, D & F Enterprises from 

Tonawanda, NY, was recruited by Duane Fisher 

way back in 1999. He has made use of the 

Sherwin-Williams benefit and plans to use the 

CheckINN Direct card. He has also used the 

Pepsi benefit until he did away his post-mix 

machine. Frank enjoys reading the NICA News 

in paper form. He finds many interesting articles 

and especially enjoys articles that explain what 

others are doing. Frank serves on the Fair Board 

of the Niagra 4-H Fair as a volunteer. It is a 5-day 

event listed as an Agricultural Fair and draws over 

35,000. He is basically the Food Concessions 

Coordinator and does all their contracts. He is 

pleased with the selection offered to the public as 

they have a wide variety from Greek to Mexican. 

He retired from a 26-year job teaching at a 

community college but has no intention of retiring 

from his Fair business, which covers Western New 

York, mainly because of all the nice people he has 

made friends with over the years. Frank stated it 

is important for NICA’s “continuation of promoting 

communication committees at each and every 

event. These are necessary to help make the 

events better.” 

Daniel McLean, Almond Garten of Harlan, IN, 

selling roasted German nuts works most of the 

year in IN, OH, and IL. He makes use of the Coca- 

Cola and Pepsi benefits which according to him 

more than pays for his membership. He described 

his relationship with as “being good.” He prefers 

the paper copy of the NICA News because he can 

take it with him anywhere and many areas that 

he visits have no internet access. He says that he 

“brushes through it” looking to see who is in it and 

if there are different things happening nationally. 

Carmel Dyer-Pitroff, The Original Australian 

Battered potatoes, LLC hailing from Balboa, CA, 

stated her experience with NICA has been very 

good. She especially liked the fact that she had 

a chance to form many friendships through the 

NICA events. From her perspective, NICA has 

so many good benefits Not just for the Food 

Concessionaires, but everyone. Her husband has 

used the Sherwin-Williams discount and they 

have used the Ford Fleet program for many years. 

She mentioned Source1 Purchasing opens the 

door to many others such as Best Buy—not just 

the NICA Sysco Marketplace. She said that they 

have saved thousands by using the benefits. 

Carmel thinks the NICA News is a great magazine 

because it involves many different members. She 

will browse through it online, but prefers to read 

the paper copy when it arrives. The only thing she 

could think of for the NICA News would be to have 

a page that lists all the various benefits, so that 

people can remember to make use of them. 

Todd Lavigne, Awesome Apple Crisp, LLC out 

of South Glaston, CT, said that Vincent Nelson 

was his recruiter for NICA. He has been impressed 

with NICA as it has helped him to build a lot of 

contacts. In his opinion, everybody seems to 

work together and that means a lot to him. He 

►► “Member’s Voice” continued on page 12 


Thoughts from a 

This month’s Statement of Communications & Management Philosophy is from Larry McConnell, CCE, 

McConnell Concessions: 

“My management philosophy has always been ‘to treat everyone 

as I wish to be treated,’ and to never ask anyone to do anything 

that I haven’t already done myself. There was nothing formal about 

my management training; it was all learned in the trenches. I grew 

up in a family business where my dad was the ‘front man’ and my 

mother worked in the kitchen. From this upbringing I developed my 

management style. 

I consider myself a teacher who trains and delegates. One of my 

strengths is that I am a good listener and I treat everyone fairly. I give 

my top employees responsibilities that include customer service and 

employee relations, as well as opening and closing procedures. I want 

all to feel they are team members who are essential to making the 

operation run smoothly. I truly value my employees and they know it. I 

consider many of them good friends. 

Larry McConnell, CCE 

McConnell Concessions 

CCE Earned in 2000 

We rate customer service and food quality as our top priorities. I’ve always believed that if you treat 

the customers fairly and kindly and serve the best product possible, you will be successful.” ▲ 

The title of Certified Concessionaire Executive represents a deep understanding and respect for the 

Fair and Festival business and indicates that the titleholder will perform with the highest level of 

professionalism. The 2016 CCE Application period is over, but you can still apply at goo.gl/H3VKUf ▲ 

“Member’s Voice” continued from page 11 ►► 

explained that his company only sells one product, 

the apple crisp, so he has not made use of most 

of the benefits. He feels that the NICA Directory 

is a “great benefit.” He typed his company name 

on Facebook, as he uses it to advertise, and to his 

surprise, it also came up under NICA. He enjoys 

reading the NICA News because it is a “very 

positive and informative magazine.” It keeps him 

updated on upcoming trade shows and events 

that he can plan on attending. He hopes to get to 

the Florida Week events this coming year. 

Theresa Johnson, All American Restuarant 

and Grill from Loxahatchee, FL, said that her 

relationship with NICA has been very good 

because of the many discounts and helping to 

keep her abreast with current events. She has 

made use of several benefits mentioning the NICA 

Sysco Marketplace along with the great help of 

David Koretsky, Source1 Purchasing. AutoZone 

not only gave her a discount, but saved her a trip 

to the dealership as they figured out the problem 

was a faulty gas cap. Sherwin Williams saved 

her a bunch when she painted the permanent 

building on the West Virginia Fairgrounds where 

her business is located. They have won the “Blue 

Ribbon Award” several times being judged on 

presentation, decorations, cleanliness, prices, and 

quality. She works with her son who is in charge 

of the kitchen and cooking while she does all 

the rest, such as paperwork and labor. Theresa 

said, “We are proud, work hard, and smart. We 

do it right the first time and we aim to please our 

cutomers.” She said to watch for them on the 

Food Network some time after August in 2017. 

The NICA Off ice plans to continue these calls 

to our Renewing Members. If you hear from us, let 

us know what’s on your mind! ▲ 


Association 

Announcements 

Do you have any news that you would you like to contribute to our Association Announcements section? 

Contact the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926 or e-mail nica@nicainc.org to share your information and/or photos. 

Congratulations to the Newly Elected Directors! 

This year’s election has been a close race, with six Nominees vying for the four open spots on next 

year’s Board of Directors and 320 ballots cast by Voting Members. 

This year’s ballots were counted this morning at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, GA by NICA’s 

2016 Election Committee: Michelle Card, Executive Director, Paulette Keene, President, Joe Potillo, 

Jr., Immediate Past President, Norm Keene, Paulette’s Food Service, James La Fratta, Perfection 

Confections, and Tom Sattler, CCE, Past President and Sattler’s Leather and Hats. 

The 2016 election winners are Don Delahoyde, CCE, Five Star Catering, Carmel Dyer-Pittroff, The 

Original Australian Battered Potatoes, Richard George, George’s Fun Foods, and Michael Pence, CCE, 

Pence’s Concessions. Congratulations! 

Each newly elected Board Member will start their term beginning in February 2017. We thank all 

Voting Members and Board Nominees for their participation in this year’s election. ▲ 

Don Delahoyde, CCE Carmel Dyer-Pittroff Richard George Michael Pence, CCE 

This Month’s New and Renewing Members 

We wish a warm welcome to all 16 of our New Members! Remember, one referred New Member is 

an entry into the Coca-Cola Membership Contest, which could earn you a cash prize or even a cruise. 

See the Contest Leaderboard on page 33 or rules and information on the back cover. 

Thanks also goes out to all 63 of our Renewing Members for your continued support of NICA! 

“Together We Can!” Is your NICA membership renewal due soon? To find out, you can call the NICA 

Off ice at (813) 438-8926, email us at nica@nicainc.org, or check your account balance online anytime 

at www.nicainc.org. ▲ 

Our 2016 Membership Survey Deadline Has Been Extended 

Our Membership Survey has already been sent out but we still want to hear from you. The NICA 

Off ice has extended the deadline from October 31, 2016 to the end of the month in case you haven’t 

gotten it in yet. If you fill your survey out before November 30, 2016, your company will still be eligible 

to be entered into a drawing for a gift card. We look forward to hearing from you! ▲ 


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Fair Convention Preview 

Rey O’Day, West Council Executive Manager 

The Conventions and Meetings Season is rapidly approaching. Here are some IAFE and WFA 

highlights for our NICA Members to use for planning. We hope to see you there! 

IAFE Convention and Trade Show 

The 126th IAFE Annual Convention and Trade Show is November 27 

– 30, 2016 at the Paris and Bally’s Hotels in Las Vegas, NV. The theme is 

“Revolution!” Register at www.iafeconvention.com or in person at the event. 

For accomodations, staying at Paris will be $109 per night (Group Code 

SPIAF6) and Bally’s will be $94 per night (Group Code SBIAF6). 

Sunday, November 27 

• 9:00 – 4:00: The NICA Board of Directors (BOD) 

holds one of its three, annual face-to-face 

meetings. In addition to conducting the ongoing 

business of the organization, this meeting 

introduces the newly-elected BOD members to 

their upcoming responsibilities and evaluates 

the progress of the current NICA Strategic Plan. 

• 6:00 – 8:00: Evening kicks off by attending 

the IAFE Foundation fundraiser: “Raisin’ 

for a Reason – Game Changer Kick Off” at 

the BLOQ and the Vortex at the LINQ Hotel. 

Dress is casual for this tailgate party. Funds 

raised include supporting the Institute of Fair 

Management. 

monday, November 28 

• Noon – 2:30: Comedian and Professional 

Speaker Mark Mayfield will present the keynote 

address at the Opening General Session at 

Noon. 

• Workshops include “Building Relationships with 

Sponsors and Vendors,” “Negotiation Skills,” 

and “Board Staff – Who Leads What?” 

• 2:30 – 6:30: During the Trade Show, NICA staffs 

a booth in the hall outside the entrance to the 

exhibit hall. 

• 6:00 – 9:00: The NICA BOD is hosting their 

annual Industry Appreciation Reception in the 

Penthouse Suites in the Indigo Tower on the 

26th floor of Bally’s Hotel. 

tuesday, November 29 

• 10:30 – 11:30: “Double Jeopardy: What is the 

Cost of Doing Business?” presented by NICA 

and IAFE; our lighthearted game show will 

reveal the many categories, complexities, and 

cost centers of running a Mobile Concession 

and the Fairs that host them. 

• 1:00 – 5:30: Visit NICA’s trade show booth in 

the hall outside the entrance to the exhibit hall. 

• Afternoon: Annual review of the NICA Sysco 

Marketplace Master Distribution Agreement 

with the BOD and Program leaders 

• 6:30: Showman’s League of America banquet 

Wednesday, November 30 

• 10:00 – 1:30: NICA show booth in the hall 

outside the entrance to the exhibit hall is open 

• 12:30 – 2:30: NICA Advisory Committee / BOD 

luncheon where fair industry ideas, the future 

and solutions are discussed with Committee 

members 

• 2:00 – 3:00: “Fairs & Carnivals Working 

Together for Mutual Compliance” 

• 3:30 – 4:30: “Transfer of Ownership” listening 

and discussing session with IAFE Task Force 

and all interested persons 

• 5:00 – 7:00: Business session and closing 

celebration 

• Workshops include “Building More Effective 

Teams,” “Leadership: Don’t Overthink It,” and 

the Flow Sessions in a TED Talk-style format 

►► “Fair Convention Preview” continued on page 17 


Friends Helping Friends at the 

Erie County Fair 

Kirby Lynn Dygert, Agriculture & Competitive 

Exhibits Department, Erie County Agricultural 

Society 

The saying “friends helping friends” hit a 

home run at the 2016 Erie County Fair. Joe 

Potillo, Jr., grounds cleaning contractor at the 

Erie County Fair and NICA Immediate Past 

President, approached Denny Lang, CEO, and 

Jessica Underberg, Assistant Fair Manager, about 

his thoughts of helping the mission statement 

of the Erie County Agricultural Society; namely, 

agricultural education. After a brief conversation, 

the group came up with the idea that would help 

many people in many different ways. Purchasing 

a 4-H Market beef steer and donating the meat 

to the Western New York (WNY) Food Bank 

would make a long lasting impact on the local 

community. 

For Chase Gerhardt, of East Aurora, NY, getting 

a beef cow ready to be sold at the County Fair 

takes time, hard work, dedication, and money to 

support the 11-month project. Chase, along with 

his three siblings, is a dedicated 4-Her that puts 

an immense amount of time and money into his 

projects. Chase is in his 9th year of 4-H at the 

age of 16 and has learned that, while winning 

is something you strive for, having a buyer to 

complete the project is the end goal. 

At the 2016 Erie County Fair, Chase was 

honored to place in the top 5 of all of the market 

beef animals. One of the most difficult parts of the 

entire beef project is finding a few potential buyers 

to purchase your animal at the sale and be back 

bidders to help raise the price. Many factors play 

into the reasoning behind it being so difficult; the 

main reasons are that a whole steer is typically 

too much meat for one family to store and it is a 

large financial undertaking to purchase an animal 

that weighs 1300 pounds! Many 4-Her’s contact 

local businesses and companies that can handle 

the cost of purchasing a steer and can split the 

meat up with fellow employees. 

The WNY Food Bank has been a partner of 

Cameron Murray, Chester’s Gators and Taters, Joe Potillo, 

Jr., Potillo’s Sanitation and Immediate Past President, 

Jessica Underberg, Erie County Fair, Chase Gerhardt, proud 

4-Her, and his prize cow 

the Erie County Fair for over four years. The 

Food Bank distributes to 329 member agencies 

including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, 

and many youth and senior programs. They 

service four counties in WNY and on average 

assist 129,000 families a month; that number 

broken down means the food bank services 

44,000 families, 45,000 children, and 17,000 

seniors. Like most food banks, they rely on their 

communities for donations. Over half of the food 

WNY Food Bank distributes is donated from the 

community. For Joe Potillo, Jr. and his staff, this 

hit close to home and with their involvement in 

their local food pantry, this connection made 

sense. Their drive goes beyond making sense; it is 

all heart and passion for Joe and the community 

of Concessionaires that came alongside him 

in this idea. To leave a lasting impact on a 

community that is only their home for 12 days a 

year is simply amazing. This group of people not 

only invested in the local agriculture community 

but they invested in the lives of the communities 

in WNY. 

The Gerhardt family was humbled with the 

honor of being selected by the Concessionaires. 

The group then decided to give back to the local 

community and donated Chase’s 1296 pound 

steer to the WNY Food Bank. This junior livestock 

►► “Erie County Fair” continued on page 19 


“Fair Convention Preview” continued from page 15 ►► 

WFA Convention and Trade Show 

The WFA Convention and Trade Show is January 15 – 18, 2017 

at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, NV. The theme is 

“Reconnect!” Register today at www.westernfairs.org or in person at the 

event. The Grand Sierra Rosert hotel rate is $69 per night. 

Sunday, january 15 

• 8:00 – 11:00: Bowling Tournament hosted by 

Service Members 

monday, january 16 

• 8:30 – 9:45: Service Members Opening 

Meeting 

• 10:00: General Session featuring keynote 

speaker Jim Knight, 21 years as Hard 

Rock International Director of Training and 

Development 

• 12:30 - 4:30: Trade Show including NICA 

Sysco Marketplace Food Show 

• 4:15: Drawing for one year free NICA 

membership at booth and NICA fundraiser 

drawing for two prizes (Clover Mini and $500) 

• 4:45 – 6:15: NICA West Membership Meeting 

tuesday, january 17 

• 8:30 – 9:30: Service Members Division 

Breakouts: Commercial, Food & Beverage, 

Entertainment 

• 9:45 – 11:00: “Survival Guide to Training 

Green Help,” Courtney Conkle 

• 11:15: General Session keynote speaker Elisa 

Hayes “When Life Hits You Like a Truck” 

• 12:30 – 3:30: Trade Show including NICA 

Sysco Marketplace Food Show 

• 3:15: NICA fundraiser drawing for two prizes 

(Clover Mini and $500) 

• 5:15 – 6:15: WFA Committee Speed Dating 

• 7:00 – 8:00: Wine and Cheese Reception 

(NICA is one of the sponsors) 

Wednesday, january 30 

• 1:00 – 2:15: Minnesota State Fair Food 

Program, Dennis Larson, “Effective Fair 

Employee Onboarding” 

• 2:30 – 3:45: “Big Fairs Big Issues,” presented 

by Industry Standards Committee 

• 4:00 – 5:15: Service Member Closing Meeting 

• 5:30 – 8:00: Industry Awards Dinner and 

Celebration 

• 8:30: Suite Night 

The Calendar of Events at the back of each 

NICA News lists the Fair Association meetings 

held state-by-state throughout the Fall, Winter, 

and Spring with their dates and locations. A lot 

of fellowship, education and networking go on at 

these meetings, so give one a try! 

Is there a program that we missed? Let us know 

by contacting us today at (813) 438-8926 or 

communications@nicainc.org ▲ 

Leading the foodservice industry in premium quality, 

menu solutions that will delight your customers, 

enhance speed of service and increase your sales. 

Visit our booth at the Western Fairs Association Tradeshow in 

Reno, NV January 2017! 

www.APFFoodservice.com 


Concessionaire Spotlight 

Tom Frazee 

Frazee’s Concessions 

Comstock Park, MI - Tom Frazee operates under 

the name Frazee’s Concessions and specializes 

in many food items including French Fries, Corn 

Dogs, Elephant Ears, and Lemonade. We had a 

chance to ask him a few questions about his 

experience as a Concessionaire and a NICA 

Member and his responses are below. 

NICA News: Thank you for being able to speak to 

us! How long have you been a Concessionaire and 

member of NICA? 

TF : I’ve been a Concessionaire since a very young 

age and a NICA Member on and off for the last 

twenty years. 

NN: How and why did you get in to the concession 

business? 

TF : Frazee’s Concessions and Equipment is a 3rd 

generation family business that started prior to 

1947. I began helping my family at a very young 

age and then later wanted to continue on with the 

family business after graduating from Southern 

Utah University. Working, traveling, and learning 

about the business before the age of 10 ingrained 

in me a strong work ethic and comprehensive 

working knowledge of how to run a Concession 

business. 

NN: What do you like most about being a 

Concessionaire? 

TF : I enjoy looking forward to waking up each new 

day to the business and its new challenges. The 

thing that I like best about being a Concessionaire 

is the great people and connections that are made 

at each event and season. 

NN: What are your most popular products? 

TF : Frazee’s French Fries are my best selling food 

item and I enjoy reconnecting with patrons who 

come out to venues specifically to buy them each 

year. To know that they are coming out regularly 

for your product is proof that you are doing 

Tom Frazee, Frazee’s Concessions 

something right. 

NN: How has the business changed since you first 

started out? What’s something you wish would 

change? 

TF : The biggest change over the years in the 

Concession business was how it started out more 

family orientated and now finds a more corporate 

influence, which takes away from the family flavor. 

NN: What’s been the highlight of your career? 

TF : The highlight of my career is meeting 

the various unique and interesting patrons, 

Concessionaires and associates. 

NN: What’s been the most influential to your 

personal or business success in the past five 

years? 

TF : One of the most influential parts of my 

business success in the last five years was 

the rebuilding and refining of knowledge of 

my years of experience prior to 2011, and then 

brainstorming those ideas and concepts with Deb, 

my business associate, to invent a newer and 

more successful Frazee’s Concessions. 

NN: What’s something you like to do in your free 

time? 

TF : I am learning how to sail with Deb; one item 

on the bucket list this year is to explore the Outer 

Banks with our sail boat. 


NN: What do you like best about 

NICA? 

TF : I appreciate the quality of 

the membership and informative 

articles. I most appreciate the up 

to date informational resources 

and the featured Concessionaires’ 

willingness to share new ideas 

and best practices. 

NN: What’s something you’re 

looking forward to this year? 

TF : I am looking forward to 

continued growth in the upcoming 

year, reconnecting with great 

friends in this organization, and 

meeting any new members. 

NN: Is there anything else you’d 

like to share with NICA Members? 

TF : Sure! For me, the key to 

success in this business is to 

provide fresh food items and 

broaden the menu while relying on 

traditional menu items. ▲ 

One of the Campbell’s corn dog stands 

One of Frazee’s Concessions’ French Fries stands 

“Erie County Fair” continued from page 16 ►► 

auction support initiative that Joe and his fellow 

Concessionaires started is something that is 

becoming few and far between as it pertains to 

large businesses giving back to the agriculture 

community. The actions taken by this group of 

concessionaires during the 2016 Erie County Fair 

is something that the junior livestock community 

can only hope will continue in the future and 

hopes that other businesses will take the initiative 

to support the future of our communities. Growing 

up as an Erie County 4-Her, I can vouch for the 

fact that finding companies and supporters 

for junior livestock auctions isn’t an easy task, 

especially when it pertains to selling an animal as 

large as a steer. I challenge each of you to step 

outside of your comfort zone, join forces with 

local businesses, and support a junior at your 

County Fair livestock auction! 

Special thanks to the Concessionaires who 

invested into the WNY community and the local 

youth in agriculture: Jeff Brick of Big Kahuna, Joe 

Brick of Jungle Smoothie, Art Pokorny of Barb 

Joe Potillo, Jr., Potillo’s Sanitation and Past President, 

Jessica Underberg, Erie County Fair, and Cameron Murray, 

Chester’s Gators and Taters, pose for a photo 

Wilson Enterprises, Crystal Rollins of Tootsies 

Fried Dough, Peter the Greek, Steve Jankowicz of 

S&K, Russ DiPasquale, Scott Kolassa of Kitchen 

Made Taffy, Kelly Grout of Jack’s Fries, Justin 

Sattler of Sattler’s Concessions, Tawney Price of 

Taylor’s Dough Boy, Griff Gillette of Polar Bear 

Ice Cream, Mike Chambers of American Food 

Service, Mike Kramer of Colossal Onion, Cameron 

Murray and Lee Cordova of Chester’s Gators & 

Tators, Evan Colglazier of Pickle Barrel, John 

Strates of Strates Shows, Doug Dills of Peace 

River Concessions, Angelo, Lindsey Constantine 

of Red’s Red Apples, and Dennis Fraleigh and Will 

Scannell of F & W Concessions, Inc. ▲ 


The Northeast Report 

Jessica Gottsche, Northeast Council Coordinator 

Together we are growing in the Northeast! 

On Tuesday, September 13th, NICA’s Northeast 

Council hosted it’s first annual Northeast Regional 

Rally at Lattitude Restaurant in West Springfield, 

MA. The goal of the event was to bring together 

our members for a casual evening of networking, 

fun, and growing our presence in the Northeast. 

Over 50 members and prospective members 

attended the event, including several sponsors 

and representatives from Fair Management 

of Eastern States Exposition. At the rally, our 

attendees had the opportunity to meet Michelle 

Card, NICA’s Executive Director, and Gene Cassidy, 

President and CEO of Eastern States Exposition. 

Michelle spoke to the audience about the direction 

of NICA, while Gene shared some insight on the 

planning of the 100th edition of The Big E, which 

opened a few days later on September 16th, and 

the importance of a strong working relationship 

between NICA and Fair Management. 

A big thank you to our event sponsors: Eastern 

States Exposition, Lattitude Restaurant, F & W 

Concessions, Strates Fine Foods, Fare Foods, 

Commercial Distributing, Williams Distributing, 

Osterman Propane, Somerset Corp, T & R 

Wholesale Foods, Inc., NICA, NICA West, and the 

NICA Northeast Regional Council. Through the 

support of our sponsors, we were able to offer a 

Michelle Card, Executive Director, and Gene Cassidy, 

President and CEO of Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) 

free event for our members, complete with a photo 

booth, a magician, an auction and an opportunity 

table! 

We will continue to grow our presence in 

the Northeast, and we spent some time during 

The Big E visiting non-members to talk about 

the opportunities that a NICA membership can 

offer. In fact, during her visit to the Northeast, 

Michelle also spent an evening at The Big E, with 

Jessica Gottsche, the Northeast Regional Council 

Coordinator, meeting members and learning about 

some of their experiences in the Northeast. Thank 

you to all those who came out and supported us, 

and we hope to see you at our next event! ▲ 

Scenes from the Northeast Council Rally 


Stock 

Concessionaire 

Products 

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S-32T 

32 oz. 

G-32D 

32 oz. 

Ask us 

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We’ve got what you want, when you need it. 

All Season. Count on USA Quality and Service. Custom Imprints are available 

for all of the products shown above. Ask Fare Foods for details! 

Call Joe Betras at 1-864-542-4345 

for blanket & large order information 

jbetras@whirleydrinkworks.com 

WhirleyDrinkWorks.com/NICA 

Call Fare Foods at 1-800-651-6101 

to place orders & arrange deliveries 

farefoods.com 

We Deliver!

NICA West Aces its 10th Annual 

NICA / Fairplex CDC Golf Tournament 


Will the weather cooperate? (For a tournament 

often played in triple digit weather a splash of 

rain was a welcome relief.) Who is going to play? 

(Some regulars and some 

new… just like always.) How are 

we doing on hole sponsors? 

(Crushed it.) Will there be 

enough raffle prizes? (The best 

mix of prizes ever.) What’s in the 

goodie bags? (What we want, 

what we need and a winning 

Jennifer Stout, 

Anheuser Busch, 

loading up some 

libations for the 

tournament 

lottery ticket.) Have you talked 

to so and so? (Will get right on 

that…) What are we going to 

eat? (Chicken, of course.) These 

are always the questions and no 

matter how much everyone worries, somehow the 

answers come together to form another great day 

of playing golf! 

Scott Shacklett, 

Fairplex Beverage 

Manager, gathered 

several foursomes 

and lots of prizes 

from the beverage 

suppliers, Nate 

Janousek, Fun 

Biz Concessions, 

sponsored the 

goodie bags that 

22 November 2016 NICA News 

Kim Hoang, 

volunteer and 

freshman at 

UC-Irvine, 

assembling 

the bags 

The goodie bag 

filled with snacks, 

novelties, golf 

items, a lottery 

ticket, and chap 

stick 

A full room of players anticipating the winning 

announcements of players and prizes 

Kim assembled, Ashley Murray, M & M Marketing, 

and Rey sold hole sponsorships and then Ashley 

made signs like crazy with Buddha. Sysco 

donated snacks, Timbo’s 

II donated beef jerky, and 

Touch of Purple donated 

jewelry cleaner. We are 

grateful to Fairplex for 

always donating award 

winning wines and olive 

oils. The top three raffle 

prizes were the grill 

One of the four tables 

leaded with opportunity 

drawing prizes 

donated by John Giordano, C & C Concessions, 

the TV donated by Ashley Murray and the bicycle 

donated by Scott 

Shacklett. 

The Putting contest 

winner was Mike Coffee, 

Timbo’s II. Longest Drive 

went to Erwin Gordillo 

from Joe Lewis’s Mojo 

The table is set and ready 

for the players return

First Place was M & M Marketing and 

C & C Concessions: Ashley Murray, 

Justin Murray, John Giordano, and 

Tony Digiovanni (not pictured) 

team and a friendly rivalry between Anheuser 

Busch and Classic Distributing heated up the 

Closest-to-the-Pin. The First Place team was 

M & M Marketing, the Second Place team was 

Anheuser Busch and the Third Place team was 

Classic Distributing. I must 

give a special shout out to 

Tommie Fomby who travels 

to wherever we are playing 

to sell ticket packages (a 

great money making idea she 

created), sell many additional 

raffle tickets, and hand out 

prizes quickly and with delight. 

Kimberly Emhke, Southern 

Kimberly Ehmke 

with ALL her 

winnings! 

Wine and Spirits cheered, “This 

is my favorite golf tournament 

because it is relaxed and fun.” 

It must also be noted that she 

brings raffle items, buys tons of tickets, and this 

time won the “most” raffle prizes! Go Kimberly! 

Second Place was Anheuser Busch: 

Mark Digirolamo, Sean Kelley, Anthony 

Griego, and Jennifer Stout (not 

pictured) 

Third Place was Classic Distributing: 

Robert Lopez, Chris Coley, Phil Luna 

and Henry Vasquez 

Mark Neagles, Goodsource Solutions, Tony Trafton, CCE, 

Trafton Company, and Fairplex BOD Emeritus friends 

admiring their winnings 

►► “Golf Tournament” continued on page 25 

Scott Shacklett, Cornucopia 

Foods, LLC, collecting his 

rachet tie-downs for his 

next trip to the river 

Mark Hill, Olde Tyme Ice 

Cream, thinking about what 

he will do with a screw 

driver set and a frisbee 

Chris Coley with Tommie Fomby, volunteer extraordinaire; 

he was the lucky player who played on one of the winning 

teams and won the TV and the Bicycle! 

Justin Murray, M & M 

Marketing, wins the 

coveted Bud neon sign 

Erwin Gordillo is presented a 

driver by Rey O’Day and Scott 

Shacklett for the longest drive 

(donated by Scott on behalf of 

Coca-Cola) 


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Does Your Event Have a Communications Committee? 

What is a Communications Committee? 

A Communications Committee is a group of Concessionaires selected by Fair Management that 

meet on a periodic basis to discuss mutual needs and concerns. NICA supports and recommends the 

concept of Communications Committees for every Fair. We recognize that every event is unique with 

its own set of problems and goals. The Communications Committee is a great tool to address these 

issues. Any NICA Board Member or the NICA Off ice personnel would be happy to consult with you and 

help you begin the communication process for your next event. Call the NICA Off ice at (813) 438-8926 

and let us know if you plan to initiate better communications at your event. 

1. Communications 

Problems are solved by: 

a) recognition of the problem. 

b) mutual discussion of the 

problem. 

c) joint effort to solve the problem. 

2. Mutual Education 

We have knowledge to share. 

3.Promotions 

A committee has collective knowledge and 

experience of promotions both successful and 

unsuccessful to share. 

Why have a Communications Committee? 

4. Trends 

Trends travel, as do Concessionaires. 

5. Public Relations with the Community 

Cooperation can create more ideas! 

6. Better Service to the Patron 

Because issues are resolved beforehand. 

7. Improve the Image of the Fair 

We can work jointly to project a positive image. 

8. ”EYes Around the Grounds” 

The more people involved, the more potential to avert 

accidents, security concerns, traffic problems, etc. ▲ 

“Golf Tournament” continued from page 23 ►► 

Gary Barham, Hot Dog on a Stick, continues 

to insure us for the illusive Hole-in-One at Hole 

#9. Some are made, but according to Walter, “not 

at that hole.” Bogeys are avoided and Birdies are 

made possible by mulligans. So far no one has 

yelled “fore.” Thank goodness for “best ball.” 

We can only be grateful that we can enjoy the 

fellowship of industry colleagues who play as one 

team when raising funds for the Fairplex Child 

Development Center, scholarships and other NICA 

programs. “Together We Can!” ▲ 

Ashley Murray, M & M Marketing, who ran the Putting 

Contest, and Rey O’Day, NICA West Executive Manager, 

congratulating Mike Coffee, Timbo’s II, on winning it 


Fair Faces at the 

End of the Season 


Schuyler MacPherson, Ten Pound Buns, 

Drew Ammerman, Sysco Senior MA, and 

Lori Southerlend, Lori’s Concessions, 

enjoying brunch 

Lola Ramirez, JLQ, working 

a balmy night at the LA 

County Fair 

Chuck Giordano, C & C Concessions, with 

Chef Martine Guzman at the LA County Fair 

Gigi Horowitz, Fun Time 

Foods, serving a fresh batch 

of chocolate chip cookies 

Dominic and Kim Palmieri, Odyssey Foods and RCS, 

hosting David Solomon and Dominic’s mother, Marie 

Martinelli, at the RCS fundraising brunch 

Mark Hill, Olde Tyme Ice Cream, in 

the most famous Concessionaire 

pose 

Dawn and Ashley Murray and their daughter 

Krystle Brede with her children enjoying brunch 

26 November 2016 NICA News 

Mike Coffee, Timbo’s 

II, proudly showing his 

delicious European Licorice 

Ropes that were flying out 

the window 

Kristen Ousey, Mad Hatter Concessions, 

Carole Marcus, Vic Marcus Concessions, 

and Rey O’Day, West Council Executive 

Manager, relaxing for a few moments 

before the day takes off

Steal This Idea! 

Jon Baker, Executive Director at Pima County Fairgrounds, has made a lot changes to try to improve the 

quality of life and work for service members working the Fair. It has always been a priority for him, but 

marrying concessionaire Lisa Thompson-Baker, Lisa’s Concessions, a few years ago brought Service Member 

frustrations to the top of his mind. Reprinted with permission from Western Fairs Association. 

“There are just things that I wouldn’t 

necessarily think about, not having lived in that 

world,” said Baker, during an Industry Standards 

meeting during his Fair. From adding free WiFi, a 

fitness area, an extensive Dog Park, and even the 

in-progress John Needham Memorial Golf Course, 

amenities at Pima County Fairgrounds geared 

toward Service Members have never been more 

comprehensive. 

But what’s the best way to let service members 

know about important Fair details and offerings 

that might make their stay a little smoother? 

Introducing the Pima County Fair Vendor 

and Concierge Services flyer! It is included in 

the vendor packet and includes wide-ranging 

information. 

“It was important to let our Service Members 

know in an easy way about things that might 

interest or benefit them,” said Baker. “Because this 

is small enough to carry around in a back pocket, 

the information is always accessible so they 

don’t have to make a call or try to research every 

question.” 

Service Members have found having a list of 

Vendor Services, along with the direct contact 

for each, incredibly helpful. The flyer includes 

information about the fairgrounds—where the 

laundry facilities are located, how to contact the 

on-site veterinarian, types of assistance offered 

at Guest Services—but the information is not 

limited to services within the boundary of the 

Fairgrounds. Sometimes you just need to get off the 

grounds! Local services including but not limited 

to Urgent Care, the tire shop, nearest Walmart, 

and grocery store are listed, along with restaurant 

recommendations. 

Other features include important dates for 

events during fairtime (like the WFA Service Member 

Meeting), as well as advertising and marketing 

opportunities that could help drive business, from 

the Social Media Fair Vendor Promotion Program to 

information for participating in live TV spots. 

The flyer is a living, changing concept. “From 

when we first started it, we’ve learned based on 

vendor feedback what works and what other 

information they would find useful,” said Jon. “So 

far it’s been really well-received and it’s something 

we’re happy to do as long as it’s helpful. It’s just a 

convenience that we hadn’t thought of before that I 

think fairs could find interesting.” ▲ 


Since 1947 

Email us at customerservice@mrgsmeats.com 

or call 800-444-6747 to order samples. 

For 60 years we have 

offered only the highest 

quality meat products. 

Our products 

are available from 

Fare Foods 800-651-1601 

Beef, Pork & Chicken Kabobs Specialty Kabobs 

Beef Philly Steak Marinated Ribeyes & More! 

725 Industrial Rd., Chillicothe, MO 64601 www.mrgsmeats.com 

We put the fun in funnel cake! 

Custom Ingredients From 

TasteMaker/Reed Food Technology 

Specializing In: 

• Funnel Cake Mix • Corn Dog Mix 

• Batters & Breadings • Sauces 

Proudly Distributed Through Fare Foods • Call 800-651-1601 For More Information • www.farefoods.com 



Advertise Your Business in 

by calling the NICA Office today at 

(813) 438-8926 or emailing 

communications@nicainc.org, or by 

downloading the online Insertion Order 

at www.nicainc.org/pages/advertising. 

Contact us today to reserve your spot! 

RIO SYRUP CO. 

St. Louis, MO 63103 | 800-325-7666 | www.riosyrup.com 

Distributed through Fare Foods 1-800-651-1601 


WE CAN DO YOUR 

PRIVATE LABEL! 

Family Owned Since 1909 

• Premium Quality 

• Flexibility to Meet Your Needs 

• Custom Packaging & Labeling 

• Brand New State of the Art Facility 

• Centrally Located in Arlington, Texas 

• Pallet Ready Displays & IN/OUT Programs 

Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips, 

Nacho Chips & Popcorn (all flavors) 

Contact Information: 

Roy Myrick • roy@ricos.com • 817-475-2197 

Manufacturing Facility • 3011 Pinewood Dr., Arlington, TX 76010 

HQ • 830 S Presa St., San Antonio, TX 78210 • Products of U.S.A. • © 2016, Ricos Products Co., Inc. 


2016 Membership Contest Leaderboard* 

General Membership 

Vinnie Valentino....................................................................3 

Faith McGee..........................................................................2 

Carmel Dyer-Pittroff.............................................................2 

Janie Miller............................................................................2 

Etta Pence, CCE.....................................................................2 

Mitch Zinder..........................................................................2 

Jon Baker..............................................................................1 

Suzy Cason...........................................................................1 

Jody Conklin.........................................................................1 

Don Delahoyde, CCE.............................................................1 

Jerome Hertel.......................................................................1 

Lisa Hinton............................................................................1 

Robert Hutchins....................................................................1 

Stephanie Janousek.............................................................1 

Larry McConnell, CCE...........................................................1 

Kevin McGrath, CCE..............................................................1 

Rhonda Miller........................................................................1 

Henry Mitchell.......................................................................1 

Edward Porcelli, III................................................................1 

Carol Sanders........................................................................1 

Robert Santorelli...................................................................1 

Craig Sawyer.........................................................................1 

Terri Shell..............................................................................1 

Jim Sinclair...........................................................................1 

Lori Southerland...................................................................1 

Jack Sturgeon.......................................................................1 

Jack Woods, II.......................................................................1 

Charles Zell, CCE...................................................................1 

Northeast & West Councils 

Kim Barr.................................................................................4 

Russ Harrison, CCE...............................................................4 

April Wood.............................................................................3 

Nate Janousek......................................................................3 

Ashley Murray.......................................................................2 

Mike Newman.......................................................................2 

Dale Smith, CCE....................................................................2 

Lisa Thompson-Baker..........................................................1 

Jay Wells...............................................................................1 

Board of Directors 

Dominic Palmieri...................................................................8 

Kathy Ross............................................................................8 

Dan Lusenhop.......................................................................6 

Paulette Keene......................................................................4 

Jennifer Giordano.................................................................2 

Daryl Whicheloe, CCE............................................................2 

Sandy Class..........................................................................1 

Administration 

Off ice...................................................................................27 

*See the back cover for rules and prizes 

Facebook.com/nicainc • @nicainc 

Friend, follow, like, message, 

and share with us! 


2016-17 Events Calendar 

Representing NICA & Its Industry Partners 

November 

4-5: Colorado Association of Fairs 

and Shows Annual Convention 

• Colorado Springs, CO 

4-6: Maryland Association of 

Agricultural Fairs & Shows Annual 

Convention • Ocean City, MD 

6: Daylight Saving Time ends 

9-12: Rocky Mountain Association 

of Fairs Annual Convention 

• Spokane, WA 

11-12: Tri-State (Massachusetts, 

Connecticut, Rhode Island) Annual 

Convention • Sturbridge, MA 

14-18: IAAPA Attractions Expo 

2016 • Orlando, FL 

16-18: CAFE Annual Convention 

• Fredericton, NB 

17-19: Dakota Fairs Annual 

Convention • Minot, ND 

24: Thanksgiving (Off ice Closed) 

27-30: 126th Annual IAFE 

Convention and Trade Show 

featuring NICA Board of Directors 

Meeting, Industry Appreciation 

Reception, and more! 

• Las Vegas, NV* 

December 

9-11: Association of Iowa Fairs 

Convention • Des Moines, IA 

25: Christmas Day (Off ice Closed) 

January 

1: New Year’s Day (Off ice Closed) 

5-7: North Carolina Association of 

Agricultural Fairs Convention 

• Durham, NC 

5-7: Virginia Association of Fairs 

Convention • Hot Springs, VA 

5-8: Ohio Fair Managers 

Association Convention 

• Columbus, OH 

6-8: Indiana Association of Fairs 

Annual Convention 

• Indianapolis, IN 

6-8: Kansas Fairs & Festivals 

Association Annual Convention 

• TBA, KS 

8-11: Wisconsin Association of 

Fairs Annual Convention 

• Wisconsin Dells, WI 

12-14: Arkansas Fair Managers 

Association Annual Convention 

• Hot Springs, AR 

12-14: Kentucky Association of 

Fairs and Horse Shows Annual 

Convention • Louisville, KY 

12-14: Michigan Association 

of Fairs and Exhibitions Annual 

Convention • Grand Rapids, MI 

12-14: West Virginia Association 

of Fairs and Festivals Annual 

Convention • Charleston, WV 

12-15: Minnesota Federation of 

County Fairs Annual Convention 

• Minneapolis, MN 

13-16: New York State 

Association of Agricultural Fairs 

Annual Convention • Rochester, NY 

15-18: WFA Annual Convention 

and Trade Show featuring the 

NICA Sysco Marketplace Food 

Show, NICA West Membership 

Meeting, and more! • Reno, NV* 

18-21: Pennsylvania State 

Association of County Fairs 

Annual Convention • Hershey, PA 

19-21: Illinois Association 

of Agricultural Fairs Annual 

Convention • Springfield, IL 

19-21: Tennessee Association of 

Fairs Annual Convention 

• Nashville, TN 

20-22: Nebraska Association of 

Fair Managers Annual Convention 

• Kearney, NE 

25-28: Missouri Association 

of Fairs and Festivals Annual 

Convention • Columbia, MO 

26-29: South Carolina Association 

of Fairs and Georgia Association 

of Agricultural Fairs Combined 

Annual Convention • Greenville, SC 

27-28: Maine Association 

of Agricultural Fairs Annual 

Convention • Portland, ME 

February 

6-8: NICA Business Expo and Fare 

Foods 2017 Food Show featuring 

Educational Workshops, NICA’s 

Annual General Membership 

Meeting, entertainment, and more! 

• Tampa, FL** 

7-11: IISA Trade Show and 

Extravaganza • Gibsonton, FL 

16-18: Ontario Association of 

Agricultural Societies Annual 

Convention • Toronto, ON 

24-25: Saskatchewan Association 

of Agricultural Societies & 

Exhibitions Annual Convention 

• North Battleford, SK 

March 

3-5: IAFE Zone 5 Annual Meeting 

• East Peoria, IL 

12: Daylight Saving Time starts 

30-4/1: IAFE Zone 1 Annual 

Meeting • Reading, PA 

*See Page 15/17 ** See Page 8 

Although these dates are based on sources believed to be reliable and true, they are subject to changes throughout the year. 

Additional or revised dates may be announced in future issues of NICA News or at www.nicainc.org under our calendar section. 


National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. 

1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 

Phone: 813-438-8926 • Fax: (813)438-8928 

Email: nica@nicainc.org • Website: www.nicainc.org 

Date: 

#: 

For Office Use Only 

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 

q Mr. q Mrs. q Ms. First: Last: 

Name of business: 

Physical address: City : State: Zip: 

Mailing address: City : State: Zip: 

Primary Phone Number : Alternate / Cell phone number : 

Email: 

Website: 

How would you like to receive your NICA News? q Mail q Email Would you like to advertise? q Yes q No 

Referred by: 

Fill out the information below as ACCURATELY, detailed, and complete as possible. Information provided below will be 

used for your entry in the annual NICA Membership Directory and as keywords to search for your business on the NICA website. 

Annual Membership Fees 

Independent Concession Membership 

Voting: 

q Independent Concessionaire............................................$125 

q Additional Member...............................................................$75 

Non-Voting: 

q Employee................................................................................$50 

q Retired....................................................................................$50 

Concession Business / Group Membership 

Includes five memberships in one: one Independent Concessionaire, one 

Additional Member, and three Employee Members ($350 value). 

q Concession Business / Group..........................................$300 

Additional Member : _________________________________________ 

Employee Member 1: ________________________________________ 



Check a category below and provide a detailed description of your 

company’s services below: 

q Commercial Exhibitors / Retail q Food 

q Attractions / Entertainment q Games 

q Services 

Concessionaire General Routing Information 

List all states / provinces where you conduct your concession business: 

_____________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________ 

Fairs and Festivals 

List three Fairs or Festivals worked in the past year : 

1. __________________________________________________________ 

2. __________________________________________________________ 

3. __________________________________________________________ 

I understand that my application is subject to final approval by the 

NICA Board of Directors. I also understand that if my application is 

not accepted, the amount paid will be refunded to me. If accepted for 

membership in NICA, I hereby agree to abide by its by-laws and rules. 

Applicant’s signature 

Date 

Associate Membership 

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

q Fair / Festival over 75,000 attendance.......................... $125 

q Fair / Festival under 75,000 attendance...........................$75 

q Manufacturer / Distributor / Supplier............................ $125 

q Carnival / Circus Operator................................................ $125 

q Special Services................................................................ $125 

Business Description 

Provide a detailed description of your business, products, and/or services 

below: 

________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________ 

Mail Check or Money Order to NICA’s office at 

1043 E. Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511 

q Visa q Mastercard q American Express q Discover 

Credit Card #: 

Security Code: 

TOTAL: 

Expiration Date: 

Signature of Credit Card Holder 

I authorize NICA to charge the agreed amount listed above to my credit 

card provided herein. I agree I will pay for this purchase in accordance 

with the issuing bank cardholder agreement. 

The NICA sponsored $10,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 

Policy is automatically provided to all Independent Concessionaire Members. 

Beneficiary ________________________________________ Phone ___________________

National Independent Concessionaires Association, Inc. 

1043 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 

Time Sensitive Mail • November 2016 Issue 

PRSRT STD 

U. S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

STEVENS POINT WI 

PERMIT NO. 272

November 2016 NICA News

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