Western Fairs Association Newsletter
February 2014
Feature Fair Tour in Sunny Arizona
Join WFA on the annual Feature Fair Tour to the Pima County Fair.

 

WFA President Pat Kress, PK Consulting, will accompany WFA members on a whirlwind tour of the Pima County Fair during the annual WFA Feature Fair Tour, April 23-25. Register now.

 

There's so much to see and do! 

  • Enjoy multiple receptions, hosted meals with a chance to talk to key personnel, and even a tequila tasting at the fair's Cantina resturant!  
  • Attend a Bret Michaels' concert and learn about the fair's entertainment strategy.  
  • Go behind-the-scenes of the exhibit and entries departments, the Equestrian Center and see the inner workings of the RCS carnival.  
  • Learn about the fair's master plan, future projects, and their recycling and composting programs.
  • And more! 
Announcing the Amplifier Podcast
A free, educational, on-demand radio program on event marketing.

We are happy to announce The Amplifier Event Marketing Podcast, giving you the chance to listen in on a "no holds barred" conversation about marketing events and venues from the best in the business. The first episode of The Amplifier features Errol McKoy, president of the State Fair of Texas. In this interview, Kendra Wright, Saffire Events, talks to McKoy about how the State Fair of Texas has gained a national presence, what he has learned in his years in the industry and his thoughts on Big Tex burning, the reaction and how the State Fair of Texas was able to make lemonade out of this very sour lemon. The Amplifier is brought to you by Saffire Events in cooperation with WFA, IAFE, IFEA and IAVM, and will be released twice monthly. Stay tuned for WFA members sharing their stories!
2014 Healthcare: Individual & Group Insurance
New website can help you navigate the Affordable Care Act.

In partnership with WFA service member Wraith, Scarlett & Randolph Insurance Services, Western Fairs Association has created a new website to help you navigate the Affordable Care Act along with access to the changes in the private market. Obtain information and get free quotes for the new individual and group insurance plans that have been in effect since January 1. In order to be compliant, you need to have your individual application completed and turned in by March 31, and we can help! Apply by the 15th of the month in order to be insured by the first of the following month. To get information or request a quote, simply visit the WFA Healthcare website or call the WFA hotline at (800) 350-9784 for guided assistance.

 

If you're interested in purchasing a group plan through Covered California to possibly take advantage of the tax credit, you will want to utilize the SHOP, a new, online health insurance marketplace developed for small businesses with one to 50 eligible employees. There is no penalty for not enrolling in Covered California's SHOP, and there is no additional fee for using a Covered California Certified Insurance Agent.
Congratulatory Ads  

Purchase a congratulatory (or thank you) ad in the spring issue of the Fair Dealer magazine and save 25 percent! What a great way to show your support for 2014 industry award winners who were honored at this year's Convention!

This year's industry award winners are: Hall of Famers Cotton Rosser, Flying U Rodeo, and Mike Paluszak, Solano County Fair; Barham Recipients Helm & Sons Amusements and Saffire Events; and Merrill Award Recipients Calgary Stampede and Washington County Fair.

View a complete list of past award winners and current Achievement Award winners by division.
New Members

Beach Cities Wholesalers
Cline Event Services
CW Enterprises
Entravision
Festival Transaction Services
Glass Agency
Howell Concessions
Island Snow
Katy's Lucky 7 Foods
L.A. Party Works
Orjuela Ent., LLC
The Sleep Train, Inc.
Showmasters Events
Source Management Group
TC Dugan Enterprises
Thump Records
Vallitix, LLC
World of Wonders

To review full business descriptions, visit the WFA online Business Directory. Search by company name, division, contact person or keyword.
Important Dates   
 
February 18
WFA Meeting & Mixer
Riverside County Fair
9 a.m., Shalimar Room

March 1
Fair Dealer Advertising and Content Deadline

March 10-11
WFA Board Meeting
Sacramento

April 3
WFA Meeting & Mixer
Yuma County Fair
10:30 a.m., Directors Room

April 23-25
Feature Fair Tour:
Pima County Fair

View a complete list of WFA Meetings & Mixers and scheduled Open Houses.
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