NJAA Logo resized
NJAA Newsletter   
September 2014
 
Promotion
 
In This Issue
Kimberle Samarelli - NJAA Executive Director
Ed McGlynn - NJAA Lobbyist
Lary Zucker - NJAA Legal Counsel
Recipients of the NJAA 25th Annual Scholarship Awards
Land of Make Believe Day!
Blackbeard's Cave For Sale
Industry News & Announcements


Upcoming Industry Events
2014


The Paris Hotel
Las Vegas, Nevada
October 27-30, 2014


NOVEMBER

Orange County
Convention Center
Orlando, Florida
Conference: Nov. 17-21
Trade Show: Nov. 18-21
November 17-21, 2014

Annual NJAA Membership
Breakfast Meeting Special Guest Speaker Boyd F. Jensen II, ESQ.
IAAPA, Orlando, Florida
Continental Breakfast at 8:30 AM followed by Meeting at 9:00 AM SHARP
Room S230FGH
Thurs., Nov, 20, 2014


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2015
Industry Events


February

OABA 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting & Chairman's Reception
Sheraton Tampa
East Hotel
Tampa, Florida
February 6, 2015


2015 NJAA 20th Annual East Coast Variety Show
NJAA East Coast Expo
Golden Nugget
Atlantic City, NJ
February 18th & 19th

NAARSO Training
NJAA East Coast Expo
Golden Nugget
Atlantic City, NJ
February 17th - 19th






2014-2015  
NJAA  Officers

President
William Gehlhaus

1st Vice President
Scott Simpson

2nd Vice President
Angelo Cappetta

Treasurer/Secretary
  John J. Maurer

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


As I sit here and reflect, I have to say the last few events that I've either attended or held at the NJAA, have been both emotional and fulfilling.

 

On September 6th, I attended Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards which was held at SeaWorld San Diego. It was a wonderful, well attended event, and I must give kudos to the management and staff at SeaWorld San Diego for showcasing their park to fellow amusement park owners and operators.

 

I want to congratulate all the 2014 Winners, and also say thank you to Amusement Today; especially Gary Slade and his staff for hosting and organizing this fabulous event!

 

To view the complete list of categories and winners, please visit: 2014 Golden Ticket Awards. Mark your calendars! The 2015 Golden Ticket Awards will be held at Luna Park in New York City, September 11-12, 2015.

 

The Fritz Rolle Legacy Golf Outing was held on September 16, 2014. The day started out a bit gloomy, but cleared for a spectacular afternoon of golf. Over 75 golfers participated, as well as a record number of hole sponsorships. It was a great time for a great cause!

 

I know my father (Fritz) would have been so happy and so proud of us all and for the success of the event. Give Kids The World meant a lot to him, and I know he's smiling down on us and thanking each and every one of you from above.

 

I also want to thank everyone! It was a bit emotional at times, but fulfilling to be with supportive friends and family who wanted to celebrate both Give Kids The World and my father's legacy.

 

Hank Schlesinger from Vending Times did a nice write up about the golf outing. You can view it here:  

NJAA Golf Outing 

 

 


NJAA Fritz Rolle Legacy Golf Outing banner



L to R: Scott Bassinder, Tom Malone Sr., Kim Samarelli, Tom McDonald and Tom Malone Jr.



Kim & Samantha Samarelli



Pamela Landwirth, President of Give Kids The World



Samantha Samarelli



Closest to the Pin - Anthony Storino and Kim Samarelli



I look forward to seeing everyone in Orlando at IAAPA!




From the Desk of



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


I hope all of our members had a very successful summer and 2014 was better than 2013.

We have just begun the fall legislative cycle and as usual, there a number of issues our Association will have to deal with going forward.  Among the most important issues concerns legislation which has been introduced in the Assembly requiring all employers to provide sick leave to all employees, regardless of whether those employees are seasonal; part time or temporary.  This proposal has entered the legislative arena as a result of municipal approval of ordinances requiring employers in the cities of Newark and Jersey City to provide sick time to employees employed by companies within the geographic area of those cities.

We have joined with the New Jersey Restaurant Association and other trade associations as a coalition to oppose this bill.  Meetings have been held concerning the strategy to stop this from becoming law, however it is a Democratic sponsored bill and as I have previously advised, both the Assembly and Senate remain in firm control of both houses so it is quite possible we may need the assistance of the Governor to stop this bill from becoming law.  In the meantime, we are working with the sponsors in attempt to get our industry exempt.  In the event we cannot get the industry entirely exempt we are trying to get amendments which would cover less employees than are presently covered under the bill.

Over the past few weeks we have had a number of meetings with representatives from the Department of Community Affairs in an effort to get the department to adopt a version of ASTM 2291-14 which when adopted will be helpful to ride manufacturers selling into New Jersey.  This standard would be a nationwide standard.  All rides built to this standard would then be permitted in New Jersey.  The extent to which DCA would then drill down on each application is unknown at this time but we believe the adoption of a nationwide standard would be beneficial to all of our members who own and/or operate rides.  In connection therewith, we had a meeting last Friday, September 19, 2015 with the Chief of Staff to the Lt. Governor and the Chief Policy person to discuss with DCA representatives moving this process to fruition and its impact on the industry.  Attending for DCA were Deputy Commissioner Chuck Richmond; Director of Codes and Standards Ed Smith and Mike Baier who oversees the Ride division.  It was a productive meeting to be followed up by another meeting with the Lt. Governor sometime during the latter part of October.

It is well recognized the ride permitting process is very frustrating to our members.  One of the things we have discussed is the timing of the application for a ride permit.  It seems there seem to be an influx of applications for NEW rides received by the Department in March and April.  These rides must undergo engineering review.  Because there are many applications during March and April for new rides the Department places them in the order they are received causing a backup.  We are exploring ways this can be changed, however I would urge all of our members to get their application for new rides into the DCA as soon as possible after a determination has been made to buy the ride.  For example, if a ride is being purchased at IAAPA then the application should be submitted to DCA either at the same time or as shortly thereafter as is possible.  That should mean most applications should be submitted in late November or early December.  The Department advises this would speed up the process greatly.

I look forward to seeing everyone at our NJAA breakfast at IAAPA on Thursday, November 20,2014 at 9:00 am.

 


From the Desk of

zucker2

Lary I. Zucker
NJAA Legal Counsel


UPDATES AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS


NEW JERSEY'S ADOPTION OF ASTM F2291-14

The NJAA is making progress toward our goal of updating New Jersey ride design regulations.

In 2004, New Jersey used ASTM F2291-04 as the basis for its amusement ride design regulations (subchapter 7).  The DCA regulation adopting this standard in 2004 included changes in the standard that set New Jersey apart from almost all other jurisdictions in terms of ride design.  In the years since 2004, the ASTM F2291 standard has continued to evolve and the latest version is designated F2291-14.  This means that New Jersey regulations are a decade behind the most current version of this widely accepted industry standard that almost all ride manufacturers use for ride design.

One of the high priorities of the NJAA has been to update and modernize New Jersey's ride design regulations to comply with the latest version of ASTM F2291.  The DCA has also been committed to this process.  Two years ago, CARSAB formed a subcommittee to review ASTM F2291 and adopt it in New Jersey.  For the past two years, the committee has held a series of meetings to conduct a line-by-line review of the ASTM standard.  Our goal was to complete this review process by the IAAPA Expo in November, 2014.

In September, 2014 all parties decided to accelerate the process by focusing on ASTM F2291-14, the most recent version of the standard.  We asked the DCA to "mark up" F2291-14 with changes that it would like to see adopted.  I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made.  The DCA's "mark up" of F2291-14 was generally acceptable to every member of the CARSAB committee, including consulting engineers who were helping us study the DCA proposal.  I predict that by 2015, New Jersey's ride design regulations will finally be consistent with the ASTM F2291-14 standard that the rest of the world is using.

It also appears that the New Jersey DCA will become active in the ASTM F24 consensus process.  That is, The DCA will be submitting proposed changes to the F2291 standard by explaining their rationale for the ASTM committee to consider and vote on.  The ASTM F24 committee will be meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona on October 14, 15 and 16 and I will be attending that meeting.  ASTM plans to create a task group to help New Jersey transition to the ASTM consensus process.

The NJAA would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Department to help bring New Jersey in line with the amusement industry.  We would also like to thank Emmett Peter and Francine Gonzales for their time and valuable advice.

GOVERNOR CHRISTIE SIGNS IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT LAW KNOWN AS "BAN THE BOX"

On August 14, 2014, Governor Christie signed the "Opportunity to Compete Act" into law.  Also known as "ban the box," the bill would prohibit employers from asking job applicants to check a box stating if they had ever been convicted of a crime.  When the law takes effect in six months, employers will be barred from asking about an applicant's criminal records in the job application and during the initial application process which is carefully defined in the legislation.  After the initial application process, an employer may consider an applicant's criminal record as a determining factor in the hiring process.  Moreover, background checks will still be permitted where they are required.

The law only applies to companies with 15 or more full-time employees.  The law does not apply to employers who are prohibited by law from hiring individuals with a criminal record.  That exception would apply to game operators in New Jersey but many questions remain to be answered about the scope of this new law.

I will distribute a written summary of this new law at the NJAA breakfast meeting at the IAAPA Expo.

INCREASE IN ADA LAWSUITS

The New Jersey Law Journal recently reported that there has been an increase in ADA "drive by" lawsuits against commercial business facilities in New Jersey and other states.  These lawsuits seek to enforce compliance with ADA regulations and are always filed without prior notice to the facility owner.  The plaintiff's attorney is entitled to legal fees from the defendant and the fees often become the primary element of damages as these cases are resolved.

The issue for many business owners in New Jersey is that the claims set forth in these lawsuits are not usually covered by business insurance.  This means that the business owner has to hire an attorney to defend and try to resolve the case.

NJAA members may be targeted by the lawyers prosecuting these cases.  NJAA members should take steps to make sure that they comply with the ADA and develop a plan for compliance in the near future.  Many NJAA members have hired ADA consultants to help navigate this technical field.  For the names of ADA consultants, please call Kim at the NJAA office.

I look forward to seeing everybody at IAAPA!



Congratulations to the Recipients of the NJAA 25th Annual Scholarship Awards!

The New Jersey Amusement Association is proud to announce the winners of their 25th Annual Scholarship Awards! Each year the Association awards scholarships to qualified applicants who are matriculated at or will be matriculated at an accredited college or university. Including this year, the New Jersey has awarded over $98,500 in scholarships since 1990. This year, we are awarding 6 individual scholarships. The applicants must have worked in the amusement industry in New Jersey for at least one season. Their employer must be a member in good standing. Also, the applicant is expected to provide evidence of hard work and achievement, outstanding citizenship qualities and the ability to see a project through to its completion.  This year the Association received 22 completed applications.

Our First recipient is Samantha Burkholder who worked for Morey's Piers in Wildwood, NJ. She is attending college at Atlantic Cape Community College.

Our Second recipient is Allison Dobstetter who worked at Seacoast Amusements in Keansburg, NJ She is attending college at York College of PA.
 
Our Third recipient is Meredith Kaplan who has worked at Fantasy Island in LBI. Meredith is attending University of Buffalo.

Our Fourth recipient is Jonathan Burnley who is employed at Jersey Shore Beach & Boardwalk. Jonathan is attending Rutgers School of Engineering.

Our Fifth recipient is Samantha Halverson who is employed at Jenkinson's, Point Pleasant Beach, and Samantha is attending University of Delaware.

Our Sixth recipient is Shannon McConnell who is employed at Jenkinson's Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach, and Shannon is attending Stevens Institute of Technology.

 

 

Congratulations to all our winners!

 

 


Land of Make Believe Day!

NJAA President William Gehlhaus Proclaims
August 5, 2014 to be Land of Make Believe Day!






L to R: NJAA President Bill Gehlhaus; Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno; Katherine Gehlhaus

 
 


For Sale
Blackbeard's Cave
Family Entertainment Center
Bayville, NJ

For your information, Blackbeards Cave FEC in Bayville NJ is for sale and the owner Bill Muirhead asked me to circulate this description of the business which includes a restaurant and Liquor license. Anyone interested can contact Bill directly at his email listed below.

I am not involved in this sale and I am not making any representation about the business. I am just circulating this document as Bill requested.

Contact William Muirhead at  billmuirhead@mac.com

The attached PDF does not contain images. Due to file size limits, we could not attach it. If you would like to view the original Information Memorandum with photos, please email Sandy at njaanewslettereditor@gmail.com.


Thank you,

Lary I. Zucker
NJAA Legal Counsel



Industry News
&  
Announcements

  

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NJ.com 

Best of the Shore: Your Favorites of 2014

  

     Best Beach: Long Beach Island

    Best Bar: Martell's Tiki Bar -- Point Pleasant Beach

    Best Shore Town: Wildwood

    Best Restaurant: The Shrimp Box - Point Pleasant Beach

    Best Boardwalk: Keansburg

    Best Club: D'Jais Bar & Grill -- Belmar

    Best Shore Icon: Bumper Car Psychos -- Keansburg

    Best Italian/Water Ice: Strollo's Lighthouse

    Best Sub/Hoagie: Jersey Mike's

    Best Ice Cream Shop: Hoffman's Ice Cream

    Best Pizzeria: Pete & Elda's -- Neptune

Congratulations to All!

 
To view article in its entirety, please visit: 

Best of the Shore 2014 

 

 

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Walters v. YMCA- New case involving scope of exculpatory agreements in high risk settings

Dear NJAA Members,

Attached is a new Appellate case that was approved for publication in New Jersey. The Court ruled that a broad exculpatory clause in a fitness club membership agreement did not bar a "garden variety" slip and fall accident on common area stairs in the YMCA building, because the claim did not involve the club's inherently risky activities. In this opinion, the Appellate Division reversed the Trial Court's Order granting defendant's motion for summary judgment.

Plaintiff slipped on stairs leading to the YMCA pool and alleged that defendant violated its common law duty to inspect and maintain its premises.

Defendant argued that regardless of  where the accident happened,  the claim was barred by the exculpatory clause in the membership agreement which held the YMCA harmless "for any personal injuries or losses sustained...while on any YMCA premises or as the result of YMCA sponsored activities."

Expanding on the New Jersey Supreme Court's 2010 decision in Stelluti v Casapan Enters. 203 N.J. 286 (2010) the  Appellate panel distinguished between claims arising from the ordinary common law duty owed by all businesses to invitees, which were not barred by this exculpatory clause,  and claims arising from the  YMCA's recreational and exercise activities which would have been barred by the clause.

Thus,  if the plaintiff's accident and resulting injuries occurred when he was swimming in the YMCA pool or using exercise equipment, the claim would have been barred. However, in this fitness center case, the exculpatory clause would not be applied to bar a "garden variety slip and fall" case occurring on the clubs sidewalk or parking lot that are common to any commercial enterprise.

The court noted in a footnote on page 11 that the legal conclusion was predicated on the facts of this case and that future matters would be decided on a case by case basis. However, amusement and recreation facility owners and insurers must consider this opinion when evaluating a claim. For example,  water parks, go-kart tracks or roller skating rinks utilizing exculpatory agreements must consider the possibility that claims arising from accidents occurring in common areas (walkways or parking lots, for example) might not be treated the same as claims arising  from the use of their slides, Karts or specialized equipment.

36-2-4966 - Walters v YMCA PDF


Thank you,

Lary I. Zucker
NJAA Legal Counsel


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Fall 2014 Webinar Dates for the
Affordable Care Act 101

Presented by

SBA, HHS, & Small Business Majority

Health care continues to be an important issue for small business owners.  The Small Business Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, and Small Business Majority are committed to helping businesses navigate the changes and opportunities in health care through the Affordable Care Act 101 webinar series.

Each week, small business owners can learn the basics of the Affordable Care Act and how they can enroll in small business health insurance marketplaces. Other topics discussed include insurance reforms, the small business health care tax credit, and employer shared responsibility provisions.  SBA and HHS representatives help small business owners understand the facts of the Affordable Care Act so they can make informed decisions about providing health insurance for their employees.

The Affordable Care Act 101 takes place every Thursday at 2 PM ET. Below are the registration links for upcoming Fall presentations.

Thursday, October 2 at 2:00 PM ET:
Click to Register

Thursday, October 9 at 2:00 PM ET:
Click to Register

Thursday, October 16 at 2:00 PM ET:
Click to Register

Thursday, October 23 at 2:00 PM ET:
Click to Register

Thursday, October 30 at 2:00 PM ET:
Click to Register

Thursday, November 6 at 2:00 PM ET:
Click to Register

Thursday, November 13 at 2:00 PM ET:
Click to Register

Thursday, November 20 at 2:00 PM ET:
Click to Register

Thursday, December 4 at 2:00 PM ET:
Click to Register

Thursday, December 11 at 2:00 PM ET:
Click to Register

Thursday, December 18 at 2:00 PM ET:
Click to Register

For more information on how the new health care law affects small businesses, check out www.sba.gov/healthcare.


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Betson Expands Export Sales Team with the addition of Tom Kane

                       

CARLSTADT, NJ - September 12, 2014 - Betson Enterprises, the leading world-wide distributor of coin operated equipment and a division of H. Betti Industries Inc. is pleased to announce and welcome Tom Kane to the position of Director of Export Sales.

 

"Tom is an experienced salesman and manager, we are excited to have him on board", said Bob Boals EVP of Betson Enterprises. "Tom will have the full support of the Betson management team and our company resources to ensure current and future success in the international marketplace".

 

Tom brings to Betson over 20 years of sales & management experience. Most recently Tom served as Director of Sales at Coastal Amusements. Previously he spent over 19 combined years at Merit Industries and Skee-Ball/Vari-Tech building and directing their sales team.

 

Tom Kane can be contacted directly at 201-806-7736 or 201-438-1300 Ext.93318, or email him at tkane@betson.com.

 

About Betson Enterprises

 

Headquartered in Carlstadt, New Jersey, Betson Enterprises with 14 distribution offices nationwide is the leading distributor of coin operated amusement and vending equipment, coin operated parts, and service in the United States. With over 80 years of experience and leadership in the coin-operated industry, we will help you make informed decisions that are best for your business.

 

Betson offers entertainment and vending solutions for your business through our relationships with the operator community. For locations looking for a simple and profitable solution or vendors looking for equipment that fits any situation, Betson Enterprises can help you. Betson Enterprises has an industry proven reputation for quality and customer focus.

 

For more information on Betson Enterprises, visit www.betson.com, email us at info@betson.com or just call 1-800-524-2343.

 

 

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Hersheypark Announces First Indoor, Spinning,
Glow-Coaster in the United States



Prepare for More Grins, Giggles, Twists and Turns in 2015

(Hershey, PA - August 12, 2014) - Known for blending the best of the past with the innovations of the future, Hersheypark announced the addition of Laff Trakk, the first indoor, spinning, glow-coaster in the United States for the 2015 summer season. Laff Trakk will be the 13th roller coaster at Hersheypark, officials announced today in a press conference at the site of the new attraction. 

 

Laff Trakk, built within a family friendly house of laughs, spins riders through an eye-popping adventure of sights and sounds complete with glimpses of colorful characters including classics like Laffing Sal plus an engaging hall of mirrors, house of cards and more. Laff Trakk, a 21st century Fun House, offers a new experience with every trip as riders enjoy the sensation of floating along the coaster track.  

 

"Fun Houses are an American amusement park treasure and an important part of the historical fabric at Hersheypark," said Kevin Stumpf, General Manager, Attractions & Entertainment. "We are thrilled to bring back some of the timeless elements from these classic attractions and, quite literally, put a new spin on them."  

 

Set to debut in May 2015, Laff Trakk, part dark ride, part family coaster, will deliver a different sensory experience with each trip on the innovative attraction. "The

number and size of riders affects the rotation of the cars giving riders a different view of the bright, colorful elements and playful surroundings providing endless amounts of fun on Laff Trakk," continued Stumpf.

 

As soon as riders enter the queue line, they will see a glimpse of the whimsy which awaits them in Laff Trakk and be able to capture the anticipation in sharable photo opportunities.

The roller coaster will deliver larger than life experiences in an elaborately themed environment. The new attraction will be located within a 130 feet long by 75 feet high red, white and blue building along Midway America between the Whip and Midway Tent.

 

Hersheypark worked with the award-winning team at Raven Sun Creative, a New York-based immersive entertainment design group that has worked with internationally known brands, to bring the Park's rich history to today's guests.

"Our team took inspiration from researching iconic Hersheypark Fun Houses," said Louis Alfieri, Principal and Chief Creative Officer, Raven Sun. "We looked at archival images of 'WHOOPS,' 'Laugh Land' and 'Laffing Sal' with the goal of re-creating the nostalgic Fun Houses of yesteryear with the latest in technology in Laff Trakk."

 

Maurer Söhne, a German company, manufactured the coaster that will feature a four-seat ride vehicle with two seats in two rows, back-to-back. The design of the coaster car allows for a 360-degree free spinning rotation. Reaching a maximum speed of approximately 40 miles per hour, Laff Trakk takes its riders along 1,400 feet of track which includes an Immelman turn (riders enter a half loop and then go through a half twist and curve out in the opposite direction in which they came), multiple high-banked curves (85 degrees maximum) and Camelback air time hills.

 

With seven ride vehicles each holding four riders, the 70-second ride has an estimated ride capacity of approximately 850 riders per hour. The ride system utilizes a

combination of the most modern magnetic and pinch braking systems to give everyone the smoothest and safest ride possible.

 

For more information or to take a "virtual" ride on Laff Trakk, please visit www.Hersheypark.com. You also can like us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/Hersheypark or follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @Hersheypark.

 

###

 

Words in boldface are used under license.

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is proud to help fulfill the dream of our mutual founder, Milton S. Hershey, by supporting Milton Hershey School, the largest home and school in the world, as it continues to provide opportunities for children in need. www.mhskids.org

 

Media Contact
Kathy Burrows
717-534-8946
 

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S&S Inks Deals for Tower Rides at
Two China Parks

LOGAN, Utah - (August 13, 2014) - S&S Worldwide, Inc. ("S&S") is pleased to announce that it has signed two new contracts with the Wanda Group to design and build tower rides for their new theme parks at Wanda Harbin Tourism City and Wanda Hefei Cultural Tourist City. The rides are planned to open in 2015 and 2016.

The Wanda Group is reportedly China's largest cultural enterprise, with operations in commercial
property, department stores, luxury hotels, and culture/tourism, which includes cinemas, film and
television production, and theme parks.

"I'm sure that the Space Shot rides from S&S will bring more attraction and screams to our theme parks in the future," said Yong Mei, vice president of Wanda CTI. "To bring the guests unique, stimulating, and unforgettable experiences is our main purpose of building the Wanda theme parks. Thanks to S&S for providing such reliable, thrilling and world-class rides, such as the Space Shot. We are hoping to find more opportunities in ride innovation."

S&S has benefited from its sales and marketing efforts in China, where the consumer demand for entertainment facilities is still increasing. According to Tim Timco, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, "S&S has been able to provide exciting rides with thematic elements that blend nicely with China's rich historical culture. We greatly value our business relationships with our Chinese customers and are pleased with these latest opportunities to work with the Wanda Group." A leader in the amusement ride industry, S&S has installed over 450 rides and roller coasters in 33 countries.

"Each of these new projects in China strengthens our company's position as a global leader in product quality and customer service," added Timco. "We appreciate the confidence our customers have placed in our ability to deliver exciting ride experiences for their guests."

For additional information, please contact sales@engineeringexcitement.com or visit the company's website, www.engineeringexcitement.com


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S&S to Provide Exciting New Coaster Technology for Six Flags Theme Parks




LOGAN, Utah - (September 10, 2014) - In response to months of speculation in the amusement industry, the innovative team at S&S Worldwide, Inc. ("S&S") is pleased to announce that S&S has teamed up with Six Flags Theme Parks to build the first-ever 4D Free Spin coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

The production of the 4D Free Spin coaster by S&S is the result of the company's commitment to offer to the amusement industry a new, more affordable version of the proven 4th Dimension technology that has successfully operated at various sites for over twelve years. The 4D Free Spin has been designed to provide an extremely smooth ride experience, and the coaster utilizes magnetic technology to provide just the right amount of thrill for every rider. Each eight-passenger vehicle includes four passenger assemblies that rotate independently of each other, creating four entirely different ride experiences during the ride cycle.

"Six Flags was looking to add a new and different thrill coaster, and S&S was excited to be able to offer them our new 4D Free Spin product," said Tim Timco, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for S&S. "We greatly appreciate the confidence Six Flags has placed in our ability to bring them a unique coaster experience that is provides a thrilling yet delightful ride experience. We have enjoyed working with the Six Flags team on this project, and we are grateful for their willingness to be the first to install our new coaster concept."

"The coaster is already generating worldwide excitement and anticipation and we are thrilled to be offering this first-of- its-kind experience to our guests," said Tom Iven, Senior Vice President of U.S. park operations for Six Flags.

Timco added, "Our engineering team at S&S has done a fabulous job with this ride design; and we believe that the 4D Free Spin will be the next 'must-have' ride for every amusement park. We're looking forward to the grand opening of this new coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas next spring."

For additional information, please contact sales@engineeringexcitement.com or visit the
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Karen Oertley
Named Executive Director of AIMS International





Santa Ana, CA - The board of Directors of AIMS International (Amusement Industry Manufacturers & Suppliers International) is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Oertley to Executive Director. Oertley brings nearly 30 years of industry experience to AIMS International and will assume overall responsibility for day-to-day management and operation of the association. Based in Nashville, TN, she will report to the board of directors.

"Karen brings wealth of industry knowledge and relationships along with a strong business background to AIMS. On behalf of the entire board of directors, we are thrilled to have her at the helm," said Roger Berry, President of AIMS International Board of Directors.

Oertley's earlier career with Amusement Business spans more than 25 years. As Publisher and Editor in Chief of the international live entertainment newsweekly, she held complete responsibility for the division and maintained a highly visible industry presence. She is the former chair of the Amusement Business/Liseberg Applause Award Board of Governors and was a member of AIMS International's board of directors for eight years. She served on several IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions) committees including the Manufacturers & Suppliers (M&S) Committee, Small Parks Committee and Exhibit Awards Committee. She has written columns and articles on trends in the industry and has spoken at industry gatherings.

In accepting this position, Oertley commented, "I am more than honored and very excited about this opportunity. I have the utmost respect for AIMS International and its mission to improve safety, which is essential to the entire industry. I see tremendous potential for the future of the organization and I look forward to working with our board to accomplish great things!"

Most recently, Oertley was Director of Marketing for Hopkins Rides and held marketing and communications responsibilities for WhiteWater. Prior to joining WhiteWater, Oertley was the Executive Director of Leadership Music, an educational non-profit organization based in Nashville. Earlier, she was Publisher of Hospitality Design magazine, based in New York City.




About AIMS International

AIMS International is a non-profit 501(c)(6) association dedicated to improving amusement Industry safety through its leadership in education. AIMS International provides training classes and certification (CEU) programs for operations, aquatics and maintenance personnel through its annual Safety Seminar and at other venues throughout the year. AIMS also serves to inform its members on legislative and other issues relating to industry.

The 2015 AIMS International Safety Seminar will be held in Orlando, FL January 11-16, 2015 with more than three hundred expected to attend. For more information about AIMS International and the AIMS Safety Seminar, please visit www.aimsintl.org

AIMS International
P.O. Box 92366
Nashville, TN 37209
714.425.5747

For more information about this release, please contact:

Roger Berry
President, AIMS International Board of Directors
727-458-5072


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PREMIER RIDES' "SKY SCREAM" AT HOLIDAY PARK WINS A PRESTIGIOUS EUROPEAN STAR AWARD IN THE CATEGORY OF "BEST NEW RIDES OF 2014"




Premier Rides wins the European Star Award in the category of Best New Rides 2014.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands-Premier Rides, Inc., a Baltimore based supplier of high caliber and innovative theme park attractions, garnered international acclaim at the European Star Awards Tuesday, September 23rd by receiving a European Star Award in the category of Best New Rides.  Presented by Kirmes & Park Revue, the awards recognize entrepreneurship, courage and innovation within the European theme park industry.  After reviewing attractions spanning across Europe, including Turkey and Russia, a panel of international experts selected "Sky Scream", located at Holiday Park, as one of the top three best new rides for 2014.   

Jim Seay, President of Premier Rides, commented, "We are extremely proud that Sky Scream was selected for a European Star Award in the category of Best New Rides 2014.  It was an honor to work with the Plopsa Group, one of the fastest-growing and most successful entertainment companies in Europe.   The Holiday Park staff were passionate about creating a first-class highly-themed thrill ride unlike any other in Europe.  The results speak for themselves."

The ride has been a spectacular success for Holiday Park Germany, drawing a record-number of coaster enthusiasts and thrill-seekers to the park since its opening in April.   Guests have traveled from both near and far to enjoy the high-adrenaline thrill of Sky Scream.

Steve Van den Kerkhof, CEO of Plopsa Group commented, "Premier was an excellent partner for Holiday Park.  There was great synergy between the two companies which resulted in the ride opening early and performing extremely reliably.  Plopsa is committed to making significant investments to bring our guests the best entertainment product in Europe.  Sky Scream certainly validates that commitment."

The zombie-themed launch coaster is not for the faint of heart.  The magnetic technology allows the ride vehicle to be launched forward, then in reverse, then forward again even faster.  It features a twisting heart line inversion, ascending and descending twists, two vertical rolls and a non-inverting loop.

ABOUT THE EUROPEAN STAR AWARDS

The European Star Awards are presented annually at the Euro Attractions Show, an IAAPA conference and trade show featuring over 410 exhibitors and more than 100 products and services. The European Star Awards are bestowed upon recipients by Kirmes Park & Revue, Europe's leading trade magazine. The European Star Awards boast 11 categories and are dedicated explicitly to rewarding high levels of innovation and superior design in the European theme park industry.

ABOUT PREMIER RIDES, INC.

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.

ABOUT PLOPSA

Plopsa is the theme-park business division of Studio 100. Plopsa currently operates three parks in Belgium, Plopsaland De Panne, Plopsa Indoor Hasselt and Plopsa Coo; one park in the Netherlands, Plopsa Indoor Coevorden and the adventure park, Holiday Park located in Germany.  The parks unite the Studio 100 characters and a variety of attractions under one roof. At the parks, visitors can enjoy the popular Studio 100 characters such as the Gnome Plop, Samson & Gert and their friends Mega Mindy, Pirate Pete, Bumba and others. Holiday Park is located in the city Hassloch, in southwestern Germany. On average the park receives 1.1 million visitors per year. For more information, please visit www.plopsa.be


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