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NJAA Newsletter   
September 2013
 
Promotion
 
 
In This Issue
Kimberle Samarelli - NJAA Executive Director
Ed McGlynn - NJAA Lobbyist
Lary Zucker - NJAA Legal Counsel
In Memory - Gary Story
NJAA Member Alert
NAARSO Certification Renewal Reminder
NJAA 16th Annual Golf Outing
2013 NJAA Scholarship Recipients
Industry News & Announcements


Upcoming Industry Events

SEPT/OCT

Marriott & Palm Beach County Convention Center
West Palm Beach, Florida
Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2013

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OCTOBER

Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel
Chicago, Illinois
Oct. 16 - Oct. 20, 2013


China (Zhongshan) International Games and Amusement Fair 2013
Zhongshan Expo Center
Zhongshan City, China
Oct. 25 - Oct. 27, 2013

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NOVEMBER
 
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida
November 18-22, 2013


Tom Morrow Social and
IAAPA Dinner
Maggiano's Little Italy
Orlando, Florida
November 20, 2013


NJAA Annual Membership Breakfast Meeting at
IAAPA, Orlando
Cont'l Breakfast 8:45 AM and Meeting at 9:00 AM SHARP
Room S230FGH
Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013
All are Welcome!!


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2014

FEBRUARY

Gibsonton, Florida
February 4-8, 2014

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MARCH

Amusement Expo 2014
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 25-27, 2014




2013-2014
 
NJAA  Officers

President
John Maurer

1st Vice President
Scott Simpson

2nd Vice President
Angelo Cappetta

Treasurer/Secretary  Doug Woodfield

Executive Director Kimberle R Samarelli

Legal Counsel
Lary I. Zucker

Registered Government Affairs Representative
Edward R. McGlynn



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From the Desk of

Kim Newsletter Photo (2)

Kimberle Rolle Samarelli
NJAA Executive Director


 
The month of September is usually a quiet time for the association. However, that hasn't been the case during the past few weeks. Our industry suffered a disaster in Seaside Park and Seaside Heights, and also suffered a loss with the passing of Gary Story. My thoughts go out to both Gary's family, and to everyone affected by the fire. 

We have a lot to share in this month's newsletter, which includes an IAAPA article about Gary Story,
important information regarding the new health care act, and things you need to know about renewing your NAARSO certification. Ed McGlynn talks about things to remember during this year's Election Day, and Lary talks about new laws that will directly affect NJ Employer/Employee relationships. The names of our scholarship recipients and golf outing winners are announced, and below I have some news of my own that I'd like to share.

In the beginning of the month, I flew out to Santa Cruz, California to support the Golden Ticket Awards. Unbeknownst to me, I was being presented with a "Person of the Year" award for all my efforts to help the industry recover from Sandy. I'd like to say a few things about Gary Slade and take this opportunity to thank him once again.

Gary Slade and I have been mutual business acquaintances for some time now; knowing each other enough to say hello when we meet during industry events. Last November, while attending the IAAPA breakfast meeting, he approached me and offered the NJAA a year's worth of recovery efforts if I would produce the article. I happily agreed.

NJAA was invited in March 2012 to the Pennsylvania Annual Meeting (PAPA) where I'd been asked to speak on behalf of the association and the challenges we'd faced in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.  I told my story and Mr. Slade was blown away by my accomplishments, the trials and tribulations our industry was continuously going through, and by the personal struggles I was experiencing as well.

Gary insisted I fly out to California and attend the Golden Ticket Awards. I had never been to this annual event, but felt compelled to reciprocate the supportive efforts Amusement Today had extended to the NJAA. I have to admit, I was on the fence about attending. There was a lot going on, and he caught me at a moment when my thoughts had been racing between an event I'd been working on, Labor Day, the kids going back to school and a million other things. So I committed and told him, "Of course I'll be there!"

During the Amusement Today event, I soon realized why Gary had been so persistent that I fly out to Santa Cruz...They presented me with a Golden Ticket Award, honoring me as a Person of the Year.  

It's been an amazing journey, and through all of the highs and lows, the one thing I find incredible is how people, who may once have been strangers or simply business acquaintances, can become true friends.

Gary, I'm proud to not only call you a colleague, but a true friend. Thank you for bestowing me with such a high honor amongst my fellow peers.



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From the Desk of



Edward R. McGlynn, Esq.
Government Affairs Agent
For
The New Jersey Amusement Association 
   

Let me take this opportunity to remind all of our members that Election Day is less than six weeks away.  It is important that all of our members vote on Tuesday November 5, 2013.

As I have previously reported not only is the Governor up for re-election but all eighty (80) seats in the Assembly and all forty (40) seats in the Senate are contested.

However, what is probably of more importance to our membership is BALLOT QUESTION 2!  If this ballot question receives a majority of votes in favor of the question all of our members will be faced with implementing an increase in the minimum wage on January 1, 2014.  While many might argue the minimum wage has not been increased in years and therefore one is merited at this time; this BALLOT QUESTION 2 if passed will require the minimum wage to be increased every year in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.   So, let's suppose BALLOT QUESTION 2 passes and the minimum wage for 2014 is $8.25.  During 2014 inflation starts to creep back into the economy and the cost of living increase by five percent (5%).  Starting in 2015 the new minimum wage would then be $ 8.66 per hour.  The same thing happens again in 2015 and the Consumer Price Index rises by another five percent (5%).  Now the minimum wage for 2016 becomes $9.09.  This can go every year if BALLOT QUESTION 2 passes.

The New Jersey Amusement Association has joined a coalition of many other Associations in an effort to inform the public how wrong it is to attempt to increase the minimum wage through an amendment of the New Jersey Constitution.

While I would never tell someone how to vote, I would urge each of you to decide how BALLOT QUESTION 2 will affect your businesses.  If you think this is not the way an increase in the minimum wage should be enforced then my suggestion would be to vote NO on BALLOT QUESTION 2.

I look forward to seeing everyone at our breakfast at IAAPA on Thursday, November 21.



From the Desk of

zucker2

Lary I. Zucker
NJAA Legal Counsel



NEW RULES FOR EMPLOYERS 

Several new laws will directly affect the relationship between New Jersey employers and their employees. 

On August 29, 2013 Governor Christie signed into law an amended version of a bill that bars employers from requiring current or perspective employees to turn over their login information for social networking websites as a condition of employment.  This law will take effect on January 1, 2014.  The new law permits employers to ask if a current or perspective employee has a profile on a social networking website and permits the employer to view information that is in the public domain (not password protected). 

The push for this legislation came amid reports that some businesses were demanding Facebook login information from job applicants.

Upon violation of the Act, an aggrieved person may institute a civil action for compensatory damages and reasonable attorney's fees.  An employer who violates the Act is also subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $1,000 collectable by the Commissioner of Labor. 

On a positive note, the bill provides that nothing in this Act shall prevent an employer from implementing and enforcing a policy pertaining to the use of an employer-issued electronic communication device.

On August 30, 2013, Governor Christie also signed into law a bill that will ban salary secrecy for employees trying to uncover wage discrimination.  The bill will make it illegal for a company to fire an employee if the employee disclosed their job title and wage information for the purpose of discovering whether someone is being paid unfairly.

This bill was meant to mirror the Federal Paycheck Fairness Act (PFA).  One of the goals of the PFA was to prevent employees from being retaliated against if they try to uncover wage discrimination.  Reportedly, New Jersey women make 0.78 for every dollar a man earns.  Many companies either forbid or strongly discourage employees from discussing their wages which makes it difficult for women to uncover gender-based wage discrimination without being retaliated against.  This new legislation was designed to end the retaliation and permit disclosure of wage levels.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Act or ACA) enacted comprehensive health insurance reforms including a variety of measures for small businesses that help lower premium cost growth and increase access to healthcare insurance.  Depending on whether you are self employed, an employer with fewer than 25 employees, an employer with fewer than 50 employees or an employer with 50 or more employees, different provisions of the ACA may apply to your business.  Implementation of the ACA will occur in stages with many of the reforms and requirements taking effect in 2013 and 2014.  Some of the provisions that may impact employers with fewer than 25 employees include a small business health care tax credit which is designed to help small employers afford the cost of healthcare coverage for their employees.  Since 2010, certain small businesses may qualify for a small business tax credit of up to 35% to help offset the cost of insurance.  In 2014, this tax credit goes up to 50% and is available to qualified small business employers that participate in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP).  Please contact your tax advisor for further information on the available credits.





In Memory



Gary Story
September 21, 2013


Industry leader and former IAAPA Chairman of the Board Gary Story passed away on Saturday, Sept. 21 in Oklahoma City.

The 40-year industry veteran served IAAPA as an active and passionate volunteer leader for many years, including serving on Nominating, Executive/Finance, and Advisory Committees, and on the Board of Directors. He was Chairman of the Board of IAAPA in 2004.

Gary began his theme park career in 1972 as a seasonal employee at Six Flags St. Louis in park operations and retail. From 1982 to 1984 Gary worked in a consulting role in two new parks: Luna Park in Sydney, Australia, and Diversiones del Reino in Mexico City, Mexico. He returned to the United States as General Manager of Frontier City theme park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1984.

From 1992-1994, Gary was Executive Vice President for Six Flags Inc. and led the regional theme park company as President, Chief Operating Officer, and Director through 2003.

Gary and his business partner, Kieran Burke led an investment group to purchase and operate Nashville Shores water park, marina, and RV resort in Hermitage, Tennessee in 2009 and Ocean Breeze Waterpark in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2011.

Gary and Kieran also led Premier Attractions Management, the company that manages Frontier City and White Water Bay, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Splashtown water park in Houston, Texas.

Gary was very involved in his community with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Rotary Club, the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the Boy Scouts of America, the State Fair of Oklahoma, and UNICEF.

A graduate of the University of Missouri, Gary is survived by his wife Lorena and his three children.

IAAPA Chairman Will Morey commented, "Gary had a boundless passion for the industry and was an avid supporter and contributor to IAAPA throughout his career."

"Gary contributed a great deal to IAAPA and was an impassioned promoter of our industry," said IAAPA President and CEO Paul Noland. "We are sorry to hear the news of his passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time."
 

Gary Story's Obituary

FUNWORLD feature on Gary Story published in November 2003.


The above came from the IAAPA News Flash. The NJAA was saddened to hear of Gary's passing and extends its condolences to his family and friends as well.



 
NJAA Member Alert

The deadline for being in compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is October 1, 2013


Below is important information regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Employers are required to provide a notice to all employees, regardless of plan enrollment status or full-time/part-time status, by October 1, 2013. Completion of page 3 is optional for employers. A model form/notice, provided by the US Department of Labor, can be downloaded here:

The  IAAPA has also done extensive work trying to explain how the PPACA will work and how it will affect the attractions industry. The following is from the IAAPA's website:

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is exceptionally complicated and comprehensive. It contains hundreds of provisions which will impact virtually every business, person, and health care entity in the nation.

Some of the sections of the law require action by federal and state agencies before they can be put into effect. Others are subject to widely varying interpretations and must be clarified by administrative action. Accordingly, implementation of this massive statute requires the issuance of hundreds of regulations, guidances, policy statements, rulings, and other regulations from numerous federal agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Department of Labor, the Treasury Department, and the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, state governments will be required to promulgate far-ranging rules to implement portions of the law for which they are responsible.

The regulations implementing the ACA are lengthy and complex and in many cases are cross-referenced to, and correlate with, other regulations issued by HHS, Treasury, and Labor. Members are advised to seek expert assistance in assessing their duties under the ACA.

IAAPA's Government Relations staff have created a 'white paper' on the employer responsibility provisions, which NEAAPA is making available here:


The US Chamber of Commerce has also created a document that contains comprehensive information on the law, which can be downloaded here:

The SBA ran a blog post that addresses some questions business owners may have regarding the PPACA. Information and a link to the post can be found below in the Industry News & Announcements section of this newsletter.

When more information is made available, NJAA members will receive updates via an NJAA Important Announcement notification and/or future newsletters.




NAARSO Certification Renewal Important Notice


NAARSO Certification Renewal must be
Complete by March 31, 2014
There will not be another grace period extended.


On September 16, NAARSO President, Clyde Wagner, sent out a reminder regarding the certification renewal date for members whose certification expired on 3/31/13, but were granted an extension due to Hurricane Sandy. Below is a copy of the letter. Please read it carefully as there are various options to choose from (including one that NJAA is currently working on - see #4 below) as well as a mandatory completion date.


Dear NAARSO Certification Holder:

Due to the damage caused by Storm Sandy, you may remember, NAARSO granted a one year extension to those individuals whose certification renewal date was March 31,
2013, in certain effected states. It is our hope that this additional year has provided you with the opportunity to recover from any storm damage caused by this devastating
weather event. The NAARSO Board of Directors inclusive with the Certification Board would like to remind you that your NAARSO certification renewal will need to be taken
care of by March 31, 2014. There will not be another grace period extended. There are several opportunities available on the East Coast for the NAARSO approved continuing education including:

1. The Pennsylvania Showmen's Club training, PACE. The brochure can be found on our website under the "Seminars" button. This training is taking place October 28 - 31, 2013, in Greensburg, PA.

2. AIMS Safety seminar held the week of January 12 - 17, 2014, in Orlando, Florida. You can find their brochure on their website.

3. Our 27th Annual Safety Seminar to be held the week of January 26 - 31, 2014, in Charlotte, North Carolina. There is an information flyer on our website under the "Seminars" button. The full brochure will be posted shortly.

***4. After a one year's absence, the NJ Amusement Association is currently working with NAARSO to schedule a full 32 hour training for certification renewal purposes. The date is February 17 - 21, 2014, located in Atlantic City, NJ. Please check with the NJAA office directly for registration information which will be available after November 2013. NAARSO will be posting a full brochure as soon as it is available.

5. If you find that you are unable to attend any of these training opportunities, you can also look at our Online Training option. Simply click on the "Online Training" button on our website and follow the link.

Hopefully this reminder with training options will provide you with the information you need to be prepared to renew your NAARSO certification by March 31, 2014. If you
have any questions, certainly feel free to call the office.


Respectfully,

Clyde Wagner
President



A pdf version of this letter is provided below:


NJAA 16th Annual Golf Outing



Congratulations to our Tournament Winners!



1st Place Foursome

Tom Malone, Charles Kowalski,Tom McDonald
(absent from photo is Scott Basinder)




2nd Place Foursome

Brian Hartley, Scott Simpson, Steve Sperber, Kevin Kelleher




The NJAA would like to thank the following sponsors
for their generosity and support!

Registration Sponsor
Paul Rhine of Daniel Monroe & Paul Rhine Accounting Firm

Lunch Sponsor
Tom McDonald of Jersey Paper

Beverage Sponsors
Geoff Rogers from Morey's Piers of Wildwood
Bob Bauer from Rhode Island Novelty/RINCO

Dinner Sponsor
Leo DiGioia from TD Bank

A special thank you also goes out to
Tommy Faragalli and Tim Dunne of T & T Coast
for donating a car for the hole-in-one



NJAA Golf Outing Sponsors

Kim Samarelli with Geoff Rogers, Tom McDonald and Paul Rhine



 
Thank you to our golf committee for their efforts
in making this another successful event!

Fritz Rolle, Chairman
Steve Whalen
Tommy Frey



Thank you to everyone who attended and supported
Give Kids the World Village!








Congratulations to the 2013 NJAA Employee Scholarship Program Recipients
!


Samantha De Capua
Fantasy Island, LBI
$1,000

Brian Muldowney
Fantasy Island, LBI
$1,000

Marlee Wanamaker
Fantasy Island, LBI
$1,000

Eric Halverson
 Jenkinson's Pavillion, PPB
$1,000

Amelia Rae Dennis
Gillian's, Ocean City
$1,000



This year the NJAA awarded five lucky recipients $5,000 in awards to further their education goals. The NJAA has awarded over $90,500 in scholarships since its inception in 1980.


The following recipients attended the 16th Annual Golf Outing where they where recognized for their outstanding achievements:



Amelia Rae Dennis




Brian Muldowney




Marlee Wanamaker



Samantha De Capua and Eric Halverson were away at school and could not attend to receive their awards.



Industry News
&
Announcements



 
The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce will host a J-1 Visa Forum on Oct. 8 at the Golden Inn in Avalon beginning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 
 
This informative session will provide seasonal businesses who supplement their staffing needs with International Students important information on new regulations of the program as well as updates on hiring requirements. Representatives from the US Department of State, the NJ Department of Labor and the Social Security Administration will be the speakers at the Forum.  
"I recommend that any business who utilizes the J-1 Visa student workforce should plan to attend this Forum in order to make sure they are fully informed on the requirements of the program," reported Vicki Clark, President of the Chamber.

The J-1 Visa program is a work-study program governed by the US Department of State as a public diplomacy program, giving international students a realistic view of American life while they work here during their summer break while in college. This Forum is sponsored by CIEE, a non-profit, non-governmental international exchange organization that provides assistance to employers and international student workers.  
Pre-registration is required for the Forum. Visit www.CapeMayCountyChamber.com and register in the Chamber Events section of the website.

The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, located at 13 Crest Haven Road in Cape May Court House, is a business organization whose focus is on business and tourism issues in Cape May County. Known as the "Voice of the Business in Cape May County" the Chamber originated in 1916 as the Seashore Association Chamber of Commerce and incorporated in 1954 as the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce. 
 

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Myth vs. Fact: The Affordable Care Act and Small Business

As a business owner, it's important to understand how the Affordable Care Act may affect your business. However, with so many misconceptions about how the Affordable Care Act works, this can be difficult.

As part of our ongoing blog series,
this week we're debunking another common myth: Business owners will be fined if they don't provide notification to their employees about the new Health Insurance Marketplace.

This series is being presented by Meredith K. Olafson, Senior Policy Advisor for the U.S. Small Business Administration and Community Moderator.


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Raw Thrills Announces Duck Dynasty  
Added to Big Buck HD
 
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Raw Thrills - September 10, 2013 - Beginning in October, 2013, all connected Big Buck HD arcade video games across the US will automatically receive exciting additional content, based on the #1 cable TV show from A&E, Duck Dynasty.  This original new game content will feature 16 rounds of duck hunting and 4 unique bonus games, as well as other important enhancements to Big Buck HD.  "Adding Duck Dynasty to Big Buck HD is a sure winning formula, particularly given that the new game will be automatically downloaded to each Big Buck HD at no extra cost", said George Petro, President of Play Mechanix, a wholly owned subsidiary of Raw Thrills, Inc.  Petro added: "Duck Dynasty's unprecedented popularity and hunting theme will ensure that Big Buck HD will be even more successful in the future.

For more information regarding Big Buck HD and Duck Dynasty together in one amazing arcade game, contact Raw Thrills at sales@rawthrills.com or call 847-679-8373 x29.

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About Big Buck HD - Big Buck HD is the first-ever 1080p HD arcade game and a recent release from Play Mechanix and Raw Thrills, developers of coin-operated interactive entertainment products. Combining the best of Big Buck Hunter Pro and Big Buck Safari, HD also offers new challenges, awards and tournaments. All Big Buck HD games feature online connectivity, which allows players to track scores and compete in tournaments against players from across the country for cash prizes, making Big Buck HD a truly interactive experience.  
 
  
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Hosts
Amusement Today's  Annual Golden Ticket Awards

The 2013 Golden Ticket Awards were held at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on September 7th.

They are the equivalent of the Academy Awards for the amusement industry, and in an awards show hosted by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Amusement Today announced the winners of its prestigious 2013 Golden Ticket Awards.  These annual awards are presented to the "Best of the Best" in the amusement industry in such categories as "amusement parks," "roller coasters," "water rides," "shows" and "food."    
 
Calculated from an international poll conducted by Amusement Today, the Golden Ticket Awards are the results of a detailed survey that is sent to a database of experienced and well-traveled amusement park fans around the world - in balanced geographical regions - asking them to rate the "bests" in 25 categories.
 
The 2013 winners are:
 
Best Amusement Park - Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

Best Waterpark - Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, New Braunfels, Texas


Best Children's Park - Idlewild and SoakZone, Ligonier, Pa.

Best Marine Life Park - SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Fla.

Best Seaside Park - Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, Calif.

Best Wooden Coaster - Boulder Dash at Lake Compounce, Bristol, Conn.

Best Steel Coaster - Millennium Force at Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

Best Kids' Area - Kings Island, Kings Mills, Ohio

Friendliest Park - Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Cleanest Park - Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, Santa Claus, Ind.

Best Halloween Event - Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, Orlando, Fla

Best Landscaping - Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Va.

Best Christmas Event - Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Best Food - TIE!  Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pa.

Best Shows - Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Best Outdoor Night Show Production - IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Walt Disney World's Epcot, Orlando, Fla.

Best Water Ride - Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls at Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Fla.

Best Waterpark Ride - Wildebeest at Splashin' Safari, Santa Claus, Ind.

Best Dark Ride - Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Fla.

Best New Ride of 2013 - Amusement Park Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Mo.

Best New Ride of 2013 - Waterpark River Rush at Dollywood's Splash Country, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Best Carousel - Grand Carousel at Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pa.

Best Indoor Roller Coaster - Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Orlando, Orlando, Fla.

Best Indoor Waterpark - Schlitterbahn Galveston Island, Galveston, Texas
 Best Funhouse/Walk-Through Attraction - Noah's Ark at Kennywood, West Mifflin, Pa. 

This is the 16th annual year for Amusement Today's coveted Golden Ticket Awards, which are the most sought-after awards in the business of amusements and attractions.  The awards have become the subject of much discussion by park aficionados the world over and have garnered mentions in such notable media outlets as USA TODAY and the Chicago Tribune, by venerable radio newsman the late-Paul Harvey and were the topic of a one-hour documentary on the Travel Channel.

Personally chosen by Gary Slade, publisher and editor-in-chief of Amusement Today, this year's Publisher's Pick Awards were presented in the categories of Supplier of the Year, (Co)-Person of the Year, and the Turnstile Award.  Respectively, the 2013 recipients are:

Bussink Design GmbH in Appenzell, Switzerland, for more than 30 years of creativity and attention to detail in rewriting the way guests enjoy today's Observation Wheel.

John Arie, Sr., of Fun Spot Attractions in Orlando, Fla., for living out his dream of providing affordable family thrills in today's market and launching the new $25 million, 15-acre Fun Spot America in the heart of Orlando's competitive tourism area.

Kimberle R. Samarelli of the New Jersey Amusement Association (NJAA) in Seaside Heights, N.J., for her unwavering dedication to the amusement industry while tirelessly tending to the recovery efforts of the Jersey Shore following the devastation of Superstorm Sandy
Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, Calif., for its vision and commitment to almost completely refurbishing its heirloom attraction, Timber Mountain Log Ride, and increasing ridership of this historic ride; thus moving the turnstiles in record numbers.     

For the ninth consecutive year, Amusement Today recognized college students who plan to pursue a career in the amusement industry and are employed by the ceremony's host park of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk; California's Great America in Santa Clara, Calif.; and Gilroy Gardens in Gilroy, Calif., as Ms. and Mr. Golden Tickets.  These individuals exemplify the spirit and integrity of the amusement industry by promoting the cornerstones of safety, service, courtesy and cleanliness at the highest level, while consistently exceeding job expectations.  This is an annual designation by Amusement Today to promote education in the field of hospitality and amusement.

Amusement Today newspaper was founded in 1997 and covers international amusement and waterpark news and trends.  In its 17-year history, it is a five-time winner of various awards from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.  For a detailed outline of the 2013 winners and survey results, please log on to www.goldenticketawards.com.


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The 200 Club of Ocean County 
 
We received the following letter from Andrew K. Knox and Company:  
 
http://www.200clubocean.org/

NJAA Members-

 The link shown above is the website for the 200 Club of Ocean County. The 200 Club is a charitable non-profit organization that supports police, firefighters and EMS personnel who have fallen in the line of duty. Recently the 200 Club has supported the three police officers injured in Seaside, following the recent catastrophic fire that destroyed a large section of the boardwalk and  amusements, with monetary donations intended to alleviate some of the financial burdens they now face. Fund raising for the 200 Club is primarily a function of membership dues. Member dues make it possible for the 200 Club to financially aide and support our fallen heroes and their families in the form of direct financial aid and supplemental aid, such as scholarships for the children of the fallen.

In light of the sacrifices made by  police and fire personnel in the aftermath of Sandy, and the most recent tragic fire on the boardwalk, the 200 Club is seeking your support by asking NJAA members to consider joining the 200 Club of Ocean County. A one-time membership fee of $200.00 is required for the first year of membership followed by annual dues in subsequent years of $150.00/year. In appreciation of your support, the 200 Club provides you with a personalized, engraved, courtesy card and window sticker, identifying you as a supporter of Ocean County police and firefighters.

Membership in the 200 Club is by invitation only and the application on the Club website at http://www.200clubocean.org/joinus.html must be printed out, completed and sent to my attention at the address listed below, along with a check made out to THE 200 CLUB OF OCEAN COUNTY, in the amount of $200.00. Your membership will insure that the 200 Club can continue to support the fallen heroes, who put  their safety and lives on the line for you daily, when they and their families need you the most.

Please Join Today,

Leslie L. Knox, SPPA
President
Andrew K. Knox and Company
217 Washington Street
Toms River, NJ  08753

Tel - (732) 349-3231
Cell - (732) 496-3120
e-mail:  leslie@andrewknox.com
website: www.andrewknox.com





The NJAA is a pro-active organization, identifying concerns, while working for the safety, health and overall economic betterment of the amusement industry.


If you have any questions or concerns, we can always be contacted at 732-240-0000 or njaa40plus@aol.com.

Remember to check our website www.njamusements.com for valuable resources, recent news and up-to-date information.



Sincerely,

Kimberle Samarelli
Executive Director 
New Jersey Amusement Association