Greetings!

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Presiding over the Board of Directors at its annual, February board meeting in Tampa, Florida was 2015 Chair Michael Wood. The Board voted to advance through the chairs, Officers Tom Gaylin to Chair 2016, E. J. Dean to First Vice Chair, Jay Strates to Second Vice Chair. In addition, the Board elected Treasurer Larry Yaffe as its Third Vice Chair, who has served on the board since 2008 and as Treasurer for the past four years. Director Mitchell Kaliff was elected by the Board to serve as Treasurer, after serving as a Director since 2013.

The following Directors were re-elected by the voting members attending the 51st OABA Annual Meeting to serve two-year terms, as nominated by the Board: Doug Burtch, Mick Brajevich, Tony Cassata, Marc Janas, Michael Lauther, Charlene Leavitt, Ron Morris, Debbie Powers, Rick Reithoffer, Lorelei Schoendienst, and Patrick Sheridan. Directorat-Large Scott Siefker was elected to serve a one-year term, completing Joe Burum's term, due to his resignation.

The Nominating Committee lastly recommended to the Board that the following Directors-at-Large, be invited to participate in all official meetings, receive all board correspondence and participate on Committees, but with no voting privileges. They were: Stephen Broetsky, Bobby Hauser, Mary Johnson, Lance Moyer and Steve Turner. They are usually given first priority should a Director not be able to complete his/her term.

In addition, Trustee Jeanne McDonagh, who has served the OABA for the past fourteen (14) years stepped down as an Officer on the Executive Board and received

recognition from the Board.

Chair Gaylin told the members at the Annual Meeting, "These OABA Officers and Directors have stepped up to represent you, our members and are among the finest leaders in this industry. They have pledged to make a difference for future generations to come."



For over fifty (50) years, the OABA is the largest trade association, representing the mobile amusement industry in North America, consisting of carnivals, circuses, food/game concessionaires, independent ride owners and others representing manufacturers and suppliers. Its offices have been located in Winter Park, Florida, since 2000.



  

Ocean County's Biggest Economic

Engine Continues to Grow

Tourism now injects $4.6 billion into the County's economy, up from $4.3 billion in 2014.



"There is no question that tourism is the number one industry in Ocean County," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari. "These numbers prove that tourism is not only strong, but is growing."



A report issued by the state Division of Travel and Tourism confirms what county officials had predicted:  tourism figures are climbing three years following Superstorm Sandy.



Ocean County now accounts for more than 10 percent of all tourism dollars generated in the state.



"We've seen a 5 percent increase in tourism dollars in only one year," said Vicari, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Department of Business Development and Tourism. "We fully expect to see this number grow with each passing season."



Only Atlantic and Cape May counties generated more dollars in 2015.



By comparison, Monmouth County tourism economy stands at $2.4 billion, about half of Ocean County's total.



"More and more visitors continue to be attracted to our 44 miles of white sandy beaches, the Barnegat Bay, the Pinelands and other destinations such as Six Flags and our boardwalks," Vicari said. "For our residents, this means a stronger local economy, employment and a more stable tax base."



In 2015, Ocean County tourism generated $451.4 million in state and local tax revenue.



Additionally, more than 37,000 tourism-related jobs were created in the county.



"Tourism helps put people back to work," Vicari said.



More than 98 percent of all the county's tourism-related businesses are "Mom & Pop" family owned businesses, Vicari said.



"The money they make stays in Ocean County," he said. "Every tourism dollar recirculates seven times."     



Vicari said that while some residents may complain about crowded roads and beaches every summer, the benefits of tourism far outweigh the inconveniences.



"Every homeowner in the county would pay an average of $1,400 more a year in taxes if it wasn't for tourism," he said.



State-wide, the tourism outlook is bright. The report predicts tourism spending in New Jersey will top $50 billion by 2020.



"In Ocean County we expect to reach $5 billion within the next several years," Vicari said.



Freeholder Director John P. Kelly said low gas prices have also helped drive people to the County and the Jersey Shore.



"For more than 100 years tourists have been coming to Ocean County. People around the state and in New York and Philadelphia know the good things we have to offer," said Kelly, who is also Director of Law and Public Safety. "Our Tourism Department has done a great job reaching out to other parts of the country and to Canada in an effort to attract new visitors."