NJAA Logo resized
NJAA Newsletter   
March 2014
 
Promotion
 
 
In This Issue
Kimberle Samarelli - NJAA Executive Director
Ed McGlynn - NJAA Lobbyist
Lary Zucker - NJAA Legal Counsel
Save The Date! NJAA 55th Annual Dinner Dance
2014 NJAA Membership Directory
Industry News & Announcements


Upcoming Industry Events
2014


MARCH


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



MAY

NJAA 55th Annual Dinner Dance Honoring
Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Shadowbrook
Shrewsbury, NJ
Cocktails at 5:00pm
Dinner & Dancing to follow
May 12, 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


We are coming off an extremely successful East Coast Expo and a full 32 hours of NAARSO training. The show floor was buzzing with lots of information, excitement and better yet, lots of buyers. The word on the show floor was that not only were our members buying, but attendees from across the East Coast were buying, and everyone was being supportive to our industry. This is just a great indication of what summer 2014 has in store for the JERSEY SHORE and MORE!

The NAARSO training was diversified and covered all 32 hours in order for our members to catch up from what they missed last year. However, next year's NAARSO training will go back to 18- 20 hours so please mark your calendars accordingly. We'll be posting this year's class handouts, PowerPoint slideshows and other information on the NJAA website. You can also check the website for updates which we will post as they become available. If you have not provided to the NJAA your email address to be put on the NAARSO only email list, please click here and ask to be put on this list.

On an end note, when I reflect back on the Expo, I realize even the weather was cooperative. We had sunny skies and no snow during the show. We really couldn't have asked for more, and hopefully all this positivity means warm, sunny and successful days lie ahead for the upcoming season.

Happy Spring!




From the Desk of




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


I have just readjusted all of the clocks in our house and in our vehicles to reflect the beginning of day light saving time on March 9, 2014. I am a little confused as to why day light savings time began this early in the calendar but be that as it may, this means our season is right around the corner. I can imagine how much all of our members are looking forward to an excellent season. By the way, day light savings time began in 1918 during the First World War as a way to have one additional hour of day light to hopefully prevent an attack on the United States.

We begin the 2014 season with the Legislature focusing on the 2015 Budget introduced by Governor Christie in the latter part of February. The Governor's Budget reflects the austere times New Jersey is facing and reflects increases in funding in areas which were negotiated some years ago during the pension debate. Almost ninety six percent (96%) of the increase in the budget relates to payments for long standing obligations of the state such as pensions and debt service. The areas which most impact our industry, namely Community Affairs and Consumer Affairs, continue to receiving funding at a level which is consistent with the funding over the last four years. Therefore, there are no provisions for an increase in personnel in either the Ride Safety Division in Community Affairs, nor any increase in personnel in the Legalized Games of Chance Commission.

We have made some significant progress with the Commissioners of the LGCCC on an issue both manufacturers and operators have been talking about for years. It appears the Commission is considering a procedural change internally which would permit manufacturers to certify their games operate in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey rather than having every new game not be approved until the game had been reviewed by a third party and then recommended for certification to the staff of the Commission and then the Commission itself.

This procedural change would permit manufacturer's and operates to test market games in New Jersey to see if they would be viable provided the manufacturer can certify the game operates within the statutory and regulatory  bounds of New Jersey law. A manufacturer would no longer have to bear the expense of having each machine tested prior to it entering the market and those costs would no longer be passed on to the operator.

The LGCCC will consider adopting this procedural change at the monthly meeting scheduled for March 12, 2014 in Newark. As always, I will be present and present the position of the NJAA with anticipation this will be adopted.

My best wishes to all for a Happy St. Patrick's Day and a successful and profitable spring season.




From the Desk of


zucker2

Lary I. Zucker
NJAA Legal Counsel



ANNUAL DCA UPDATE ON EAST COAST EXPO


This Memo will summarize the 2014 DCA Update presented by Ashraf Tahoun on February 19, 2014.

1.   At the request of the NJAA, the DCA will be implementing two new procedures to enhance the flow of information regarding applications for Type Certification and Individual Approval.

Beginning this month, manufacturers and owners who apply for TCs or IAs will receive e-mail notifications from the DCA acknowledging receipt of the application.  This e-mail will also provide the DCA project number and the name of the staff engineer assigned to review the application.  These e-mail notifications will be sent out within one week of receipt of the application.

In addition, DCA staff engineers will complete an initial review of the application package within 30 days of receipt of the package by the DCA.  During this initial review period, the staff engineer will determine if the application package is complete, or if additional documentation is needed.  (The DCA has requested that applicants refrain from contacting the staff engineer until near the end of the initial review period.)

These are two small but important steps to reform the engineering review process and make it more transparent.
 
2.   The DCA expects a heavier than normal workload for the four full-time engineers due to development in the Meadowlands and Sandy-related projects at the shore.  As a result, the DCA is urging all amusement ride owners to submit their applications and permit renewals as soon as possible.  If everyone waits until April or May to submit their paperwork, the engineering review process will slow down for everyone.

3.   There are three new regulatory proposals that will take effect in 2014.

a.  Elimination of the requirement for a Manufacturer's Operator Training Certification;

b.  Eliminating the requirement for Acceptance Inspections for inflatable rides;

c.  Allowing individuals with a Pennsylvania General Inspection License to serve as RCMTs.


Call me if you have any questions: 856-414-6001 (office) or
856-816-8876 (cell)
 



Save The Date


Monday, May 12, 2014


 The New Jersey Amusement Association
is proud to announce its
55th Annual Dinner Dance

Honoring
Fantasy Island Amusement Park


Please Join Us May 12, 2014 at
Shadowbrook


Cocktails at 5:00 pm
Dinner & Dancing To Follow


Further details will be sent via announcements & will also be included in the April newsletter. If you have any questions, please call the NJAA office at 732-240-0000 or email: [email protected]



2014
NJAA Membership Directory
Advertising Opportunity

It's time again for us to start preparing our NEW MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY for 2014. As you know, this directory goes out to all members of the Association and is a handy reference guide for services/supplies necessary for our industry.

Advertising in this journal helps to support our Association and gives your business valuable visibility to other members.

Just check your desired ad size, fill out the form and send it to the New Jersey Amusement Association office by the DEADLINE of APRIL 25 for inclusion in the 2014 Membership Directory.

**If your contact information has changed since the 2013 directory was mailed, please email the updates to [email protected] by APRIL 25th.



THE NJAA WISHES TO THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
FOR YOUR SUPPORT!




Industry News
&  
Announcements

    
Local Industry News/Announcements


Morey's Piers to debut "Wave Swinger" at Mariner's Landing Pier of Morey's Piers Wildwood, NJ during the park's season opening April 19, 2014

 


WILDWOOD - The classic swing ride on Mariner's Landing Pier at Morey's Piers will be retired after 35-plus years in use, and now the new "Wave Swinger," which will incorporate Wildwood's history into its design, is set to begin assembly this week.

Black and white photos of the Baker Brothers, Starlight Ballroom, and Hunt's Auditorium along with colored shots of Castle Dracula and The Flyer are some of the iconic images that are hand-painted on the 72 panels of the new Wave Swinger, which will debut during Morey's opening weekend April 19.

"We want to be the best seaside park in the world, and we think the best way to do that is to embrace our history and reinvent it," Jack Morey, vice president of Morey's Piers, said Friday.

The new ride will stand 12 feet higher than the original swing ride on a 60-foot diameter deck. When in motion, riders on the attraction will swing 50 feet above Wildwood's beaches while getting a glimpse at Wildwood's history.

"People will now feel like they are flying out over the deck," Morey said. "It's a little more thrilling, but still a family ride."

The $1.5 million new ride is Morey's largest single expenditure this year, and will be a trophy on Mariner's Landing Pier. Literally.

Morey says the new ride, which will tower over the pier, will give the appearance of a giant trophy once complete.

To find the most suitable images for the new ride's design, Morey's Piers worked with the George F. Boyer Museum on Pacific Avenue to find promotional photographs and brochures of boardwalk architecture and entrepreneurs.

"The project would not have happened without them," Morey said of the historical society, which operates the museum. "They are an invaluable resource in town."

A new custom "wave" railing and lighting system are also planned for the Wave Swinger, Morey said.

The original swing ride, which the amusement company estimates more than a million people have ridden since its 1977 debut, will join other recycled pieces of amusements on Adventure Pier this year as art. Some of its panels, which were hand-painted Wildwood and seashore images, will also be reused.

"The foundation makes a giant 'W,' so that may definitely show up at Adventure Pier," Morey said of the original swing's foundation.

This summer, Adventure Pier is being rebranded as "the pier that rocks"- a play the nickname for the block of Pacific Avenue between Oak and Cedar, which at one time was home to several nightclubs and considered one of the most happening parts of Wildwood.

The amusement company has constructed a new stage for Adventure Pier, and musicians from Philadelphia's School of Rock will perform near the Great White Coaster Thursday through Sunday this summer.

Coastal Broadcasting's 98.7 the Coast and 106.3 WJSE, an alternative rock station, will live broadcast out of a new studio on Adventure Pier as well. Art Box will be revamped as "Art Box 2.0" and will feature two new eateries: Big Wave Burritos and Tony Luke's.

On Mariner's Landing, a taco joint will open near Jumbo's restaurant, and a steakhouse "Jake's Steaks" will debut at Surfside Pier in North Wildwood.

Morey's Piers Mariner's Landing Pier will open for the season Saturday, April 19. Surfside and Adventure Pier open May 10 and May 17, respectively. For Morey's full operating schedule, click here.

The above article was written by Christie Rotondo and appeared in the Shore News Today section of the Wildwood Leader on March 4, 2014.


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Keansburg Amusement Park
Getting Ready for Summer


 
Keansburg Amusement Park has added a new roller coaster to replace the Wildcat that was lost during Hurricane Sandy.

"Last summer we were 75-80 percent, but this season we will make it to 100 percent," said Katie Johnson, the park's marketing director.

The family-owned amusement park has three news rides - the roller coaster, wave swings and a haunted house, Johnson added.

The Chance Carrousel received a spring cleaning as Kathi Smock wipes down every light bulb and mirror on the ride.



The park opens - weekends only - on Saturday and the entire park, along with Runaway Rapids, opens for the summer on Memorial Day weekend.

Source: The Star-Ledger, March 20, 2014, by Ed Murray.
To read the article online and view more photos, go to: Keansburg Amusement Park


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ROC 2014
Restaurant Operators Conference 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Pines Manor, Edison, NJ

Join the NJRA during their premier foodservice industry conference ROC on Monday, April 7th, 2014 at Pines Manors in Edison, NJ. Only 50 exhibit spaces are available so make sure you reserve your spot before it sells out! The price to exhibit is only $500 per table!

ROC 2014 is open to all foodservice industry professionals free of charge! Call or email us to register today!

12:00PM - Doors Open 
 
12:30PM - 1st Annual NJ Top New Chef Competition - registrations are open to any Chef or Sous-Chef working at a NJ-based restaurant.

2:00PM - Blind Wine Tasting presented by Master of Wine Patrick Farrell and opened to all 2014 ROC attendees free of charge!

3:30PM - 4th Annual Mixologist Competition - ROC 2014 will again be home to NJRA's 4th Annual Mixologist Competition for which NJ Best Bartenders will compete for a chance to win the title of Best NJ Mixologist of the Year.

4:30PM - Hospitality Cocktail Reception

If you are a NJ-based Restaurant and would like your Bartender, Chef or Sous-Chef to participate in one of the competitions, contact us for details and requirements.

Exclusive* Sponsorship Opportunities are still available!

Blind Wine Tasting Sponsor | $1,500 
4th Annual Mixologist Competition Sponsor | $1500

Each sponsorship is exclusive and includes 2 exhibit tables, 4 chairs, 4 VIP Tickets to the Hospitality Reception & Premium Signage to either the tasting or the competition area.

Call us for sponsorship availability at 609-599-3316.

To register, contact Lucie Delcuvellerie at[email protected]
or 609-599-3316.

ROC 2014 Event Flyer


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National Industry News/Announcements


S&S Worldwide, Inc. Announces
Sales Management Change

LOGAN, UT - February 12, 2014 - S&S Worldwide, Inc. ("S&S") is pleased to announce the promotion of Tim Timco to the position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In his new role, Timco will be responsible for the oversight of all sales and marketing efforts and direction of the company's global sales team.



Tim Timco joined S&S in 2013, as a Certified Attractions Executive, bringing over 30 years of experience within the amusement, attractions, and entertainment industries. During his 26 years with major international ticketing suppliers, he oversaw all planning, marketing, and sales efforts while also assisting in the management of all aspects of operations. Timco's broad knowledge of the
amusement industry and his depth of experience have proven already to be tremendous assets for S&S.

Rich Allen, S&S President and CEO, said the promotion of Timco "will only strengthen the position of S&S in the amusement industry. Tim's strong leadership skills, his relationships within the industry, and his highly effective
planning abilities and integrity will continue to enable the company's organizational growth and business success."

It is anticipated that Timco's efforts in his new role will strengthen the company's rising position in the industry since its 2012 alliance with Sansei Technologies, Inc. According to Rich Allen, "with the company's on-going introduction of new and improved products, such as the exciting 4-D Free Spin, with the solid backing of our ownership, and with our excellent team of some of the best people in the industry, I only expect S&S to continue to gain further market share in the roller coaster and high-end segment in the amusement industry."

Contact:
Kathy Archer, S&S Worldwide, Inc.
Phone: 435-752-1987 x107
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Give Kids the World
Extreme Village Makeover is Complete!
by
Lauren Schneider
 



After 14 grueling days, we officially reached the end of Extreme Village Makeover! All 88 villas have been renovated and are ready for families to arrive and enjoy the beautiful new accommodations. But before everyone involved left the Village, we had a party to thank them all for their tireless dedication to the project.  President Pamela Landwirth spoke to the crowd of contractors, volunteers and staff, remarking how we could never have done all of this without the support of so many people.


To show our appreciation, Pam handed out keys to the Village, something that has never been done in our 25-year history. Two keys went to our friends from the City of Kissimmee, Mayor Jim Swan and Dave Derrick, Director of Public Works, who have been supporters of Give Kids The World since day one.  From the record setting number of inspections they completed to trash collection and logistic planning, we definitely could not have gotten to this point without them.

Gary Rall from Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO), who spearheaded this project over a year ago, also received a key to the Village for making EVM possible. His dedicated team then presented him with a paver that will forever be a part of the Avenue of Angels to show their appreciation to him for this project. Allisha Waterfield from the WVO team presented Pam with 88 certificates of completion to officially signal that the project is successfully finished. Allisha praised the contractors who have been working around the clock to make this all possible. "From the very beginning, this project has been phenomenal. I know it's been grueling, but you guys did it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything," said Allisha.

A key was also presented to Jason Fontaine from Central Moving and Storage (CMS), whose company made the transportation, storage and delivery of all the furniture, fixtures and other items for the villas possible. CMS has been a long-time partner of the Village, and we were so grateful that they agreed to help us with this project.

Princess Alyssa was also on hand, and spoke to the crowd to give them a glimpse from a wish child's perspective of the amazing thing they have given to the families as a result of their hard work. "When I came here 12 years ago, I had a dream for every little kid and family to be able to come and experience this. And you all have made that possible," Alyssa said.

Words cannot describe how thankful we are for everyone that was a part of this project. We know families will be able to make beautiful, life-long happy memories in their new accommodations. We are beyond grateful to you all!


This article comes from the Give Kids the World Blog. It was published January 26, 2014 in The Village Experience section.


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Premier Rides Selected to Design and Build
Signature Attraction at the New Doha Oasis Mall


Jim Seay, President of Premier Rides (L) shakes hands with
Dennis Speigel, President of International Theme Park Services after signing the contract to build the Dragonfire Coaster.


Baltimore, MD - Premier Rides has been selected by the Halul Real Estate Investment Company to design and build the signature attraction for the new Adventure Island in the Doha Oasis Mall.  The highly-themed custom high-thrill indoor/outdoor dark ride launch roller coaster will be located in Doha, Qatar.

Jim Seay, President of Premier Rides noted, "Qatar is one of the most exciting places to be in the world right now.  The development is unprecedented and combined with the preparations for the 2022 World Cup, there is a tremendous amount of energy in the country.  We are extremely honored to be part of what is happening there.  The magnitude of the Doha Oasis Mall project is quite stunning.  One has to be there to see and appreciate the amazing scale."

International Theme Park Services Inc. (ITPS), based in Ohio, is the lead consultant on the $300 million Adventure Island where the signature dark ride launch coaster will be installed.  ITPS has consulted on and constructed more than 500 amusement parks in about 50 countries.

Named Dragonfire, it will be one of the largest and most sophisticated attractions ever built by Premier Rides, and will incorporate Premier's award-winning technologies such as magnetic launches, high speed switches, and multi-directional movement of the vehicles.  Additionally the attraction features a backwards launch unlike any other where riders are shot up an extremely high vertical twisting spike that rises dramatically above the mall and is fully encapsulated to allow guests to take in the view and to appreciate just how high above the building they are while remaining in a climate-controlled environment.   

Seay commented, "Halul has brought together the theme park industry's "best of the best" to design and manage the Mall's entertainment element.  Premier's engineers have worked with the ITPS design team for almost a year to create together a stunning attraction that complements the scale of the Mall and the desire for a world class attraction experience."

"This is one of the largest, most complex, complicated projects we've ever worked on," Dennis Speigel, President of ITPS shared. "It will be a seven-acre indoor theme park along the lines of a Mall of America. It's all state-of-the-art equipment, the latest and greatest."

"The entertainment component of the complex will be first class," stated Hasan Abu Rub, Project Director for Halul Real Estate Investment Company.  "We wanted a signature ride that would have a global impact and we are pleased to partner with Premier Rides on Dragonfire.  Premier's innovation and quality is evident in their work for other clients such as Universal Studios and together we will create for our valued visitors a one-of-a-kind world-class attraction."

Seay added, "We are honored to be a part of Halul's formula for success by supplying this unique attraction that combines an exciting dark ride experience with a high-thrill coaster that is sure to be a crowd pleaser!  Dragonfire will incorporate the latest in magnetic launch technology combined with a cutting-edge track design, complete with a backward launch up a "spike" outside the building, giving riders a birds-eye view of the area before dropping back down the spike.  This signature attraction will be a phenomenal thrill ride."

Located in Qatar, the Doha Oasis Mall project will consist of upscale retail shops, fine dining experiences and an indoor amusement park that will make the facility a landmark in the region.  The project is slated to open in 2017.


About International Theme Park Services:
International Theme Park Services, Inc. ("ITPS") is a world-wide management and consulting firm.    Established in 1983, ITPS was formed to fill the demand for practical knowledge and hands-on experience in leisure and attendance driven industries.  ITPS provides complete consultation and management services in the areas of: Theme and Amusement Parks, Resorts, Waterparks, Specialty Attractions, Family Entertainment Centers, Malls, Aquariums, and Zoos. The company is located in Cincinnati, Ohio (USA).  For more information, please visit www.interthemepark.com or call +1-513-381-2756.

About Premier Rides:
Premier Rides is best known for its high-tech magnetic launch roller coasters.  The company is also a global supplier of traditional roller coasters, observation wheels, towers, water rides and custom designed attractions.  Premier's service division offers engineering support, complete ride and train rehab, and it maintains and offers spare parts supply on a 24-hour emergency basis.  The company is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland and has additional U.S., European, and Asian offices.  For more information, please visit www.premier-rides.com or call +1-410-923-0414.





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 [email protected].

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