March 2006 - Greater Ohio Showmen`s Association

Greater Ohio Showmen's Association
President's Message
Greetings once again,
GOSA February Board Meeting Minutes
As you read this newsletter, you will see that "Team GOSA" had a busy month.
The membership committee met with representatives from Western & Southern
Financial Group to discuss an insurance oppOltunity for the membership. They will
continue meeting with a similar company to compare offers.
The committee for the Circleville Pumpkin Show IOOth Anniversary met to discuss
plans for the GOSA float, which will be in all the parades of the show. We are counting
on your generosity to provide a spectacular entry.
The yearbook has gone to press; hopefully they will be ready by mid-April. Big
thanks to Andy Pocock and the Nominating & Awards committee. They provided us with
some great candidates for the Spring Awards.
We have a lot of work to complete in our last two meetings, and I am confident we
will get it all done. Everyone is working hard, and I sincerely appreciate all of their
efforts.
Thanks to all of you for your continued support.
Respectfully yours,
Kevin Koski, President
2006 GOSA Gala
News from the Backlot
Member Appreciation Night
Classifieds
Goals of the GOSA
Spotlight on Scholarship Winners
Ray & JoAnn Prowat in OFM Hall of Fame
Welcome to Our New Members
----------Photos
GOSA Enters Float in Pumpkin Parade
Membership Application
Greater Ohio Showmen:s Association
P.O. Box 2448 • Zanesville, OH 43702-2448
877-977-GOSA (4672) • Web: www.mygosa.net
E-mail: linnenterprises@yahoo.com
The President and First Lady hitting the high seas
Visit the GOSA website at www.mygosa.net
Minutes for GOSA
Officers & Trustees Meeting
February 23, 2006
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: President Kevin Koski, First Vice
President Kurt Otterbacher, Second Vice President Doug Guinsler,
Secretary-Treasurer Suzanne McCarty; Trustees: Michael Albanese,
Tony Albanese, Stan Connell, Travis Downs, David Drake, Ryan
Kuzma, Jeff Otterbacher, Andy Pocock and Bill Sterling.
GUESTS PRESENT: Carole Kowatch, Wilbert Drake, Harold
Hudson, Immediate Past President Bill Prowant, 1. R. Woods.
President Kevin Koski called the meeting to order at 11 :00 a.m.
with the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was taken and board
members and guests were welcomed.
The minutes of the January meeting were approved as written
with a motion made by Stan Connell and seconded by Doug
Guinsler. Motion carried.
The treasurer's report for January was presented and approved
with a motion made by Andy Pocock and seconded by David Drake.
Motion carried. Bills owed by the organization were presented and
approved for payment with a motion made by Stan Connell and
seconded by Kurt Otterbacher. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
Our organization's participation in the 100th Anniversary of the
Circleville Pumpkin Show was discussed. The possibility of
obtaining sponsorships through the newsletter was mentioned. The
committee planned to meet immediately following the meeting.
The Extravaganza event at the convention was discussed. Kurt
and Doug reported on severai improvements to the event proposed at
the recent OFMA meeting. Board members were reminded to think
about possible session topics and an event for Tuesday evening.
Michael Albanese reported on the status of the Gibtown Museum.
He reported that they are currently in a holding pattern and that they
would contact him when they are ready to accept materials. He also
mentioned that they are accepting donations to aid in completing the
project. Various other reports were given from those who attended
the trade show in Gibtown.
NEW BUSINESS:
Nominations were presented and voting took place for the awards
to be given at the OFMA Spring District meetings. A motion was
made by Doug Guinsler and seconded by Bill Sterling to present a
special award to the Circleville Pumpkin Show in recognition of their
100th anniversary this year. Motion carried.
The possibility of having a raffle of a lemonade cart was
discussed. Income would go to the scholarship fund, and ticket prices
would be one for $5.00 or three for $10.00. Matt Gallapoo will
provide further details at the March meeting.
The necessity of reviewing the bylaws was mentioned.
Parliamenta.rians Kurt Otterbacher and Dave Gallapoo will make
necessary changes.
The IAFE Spring Zone Meeting to be held March 10-12 in
Goshen, Indiana, was announced. All board members were
encouraged to attend.
Doug Guinsler reported that member Gary Butcher requested a
letter be written to Pepsi in Dayton, Ohio, to encourage them to
deliver product to fairs in their service area. In the past, no deliveries
have been made. Kevin Koski will contact them.
A brief discussion was held on the procedures for ordering
flowers upon the death or illness of members or their families. It was
decided that the current chairpersons and procedures would be kept
in place.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Membership Committee - David Drake reported on the
insurance information presented prior to the meeting by
representatives of Western & Southern. Quotes will be obtained for
comparison before a membership program is established. David also
reported on prices to print the Employee membership cards. A
motion to approve funding to print the cards for employee members
up to $250.00 was made by Kurt Otterbacher and seconded by Doug
Guinsler. Motion carried. He also mentioned that he and the
committee would begin to look into a group-pricing program for
Coca-Cola. Tony Albanese requested to have a representative from
the National Association of the Self Employed give a presentation on
health insurance prior to the next meeting at 9:30 a.m. The following
new members were presented for approval: Champaign County Fair,
Luc Ice, Virgil Strickler and Luis Perez. A motion to approve all new
members was made by Stan Connell and seconded by Kurt
Otterbacher. Motion carried.
Round-up Committee - Nothing new was reported. Tickets will
be distributed at the March meeting.
Yearbook Committee - A letter recei\"ed from a member wishing
to reinstate their ad was shared with the board. The conmlittee will
attempt to accommodate their request.
Ride Safety Committee - Bill Prowant reported that no changes
had taken place since his last report. He reported that a meeting
concerning the fee increase \\'ould be held in March. He also
mentioned a study in progress to compare the length of inspection
time of portable rides \'ersus the rides in the parks in the state.
Discussion was held on requirements of licenses and inspections
being required for tents.
Newsletter Committee - Ryan Kuzma reported that biography
infOlmation on scholarship winners would begin being printed in the
newsletter. The possibility of going to in-house printing was also
discussed.
Scholarship Committee - No report.
Games Committee - No report.
Health & Sanitation Committee - Nothing ne\\' was reported.
Website Committee - Jeff Otterbacher reported that he registered
the domain name for 10 years at a cost of $150.00. He also reported
that updates are continuing and asked for suggestions for links to
other websites.
Membership Appreciation Night Committee - No report.
Convention Committee - Board members were reminded to
think of topics for sessions to be held at the convention. It was also
suggested that we return to having appetizers and drinks immediately
following the annual meeting, rather than having an event Tuesday
evening. The possibility of holding a Texas Hold 'em Poker Tourna­
ment was also discussed.
Sponsorship Committee - No report.
With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was
made by Andy Pocock and seconded by David Drake. Motion
can"ied. The meeting was adjourned at 2:05 p.m.
GOSA 2006 UPCOMING EVENT
APRIL MEETING
Thursday, April 13 • 11:00 a.m.
Rhodes Center, Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus
The GOSA Officers and Trustees welcome all participation and remind
you that all Board Meetings are open to the Membership.
2006 GOSA Gala
Member Appreciation Night
At 6:00 p.m. on January 4, 2006, the doors of beautiful Batelle Hall
opened, and the room began to fill with excited conventioneers. The
atmosphere was electric as people grabbed a cold drink to steady their
nerves and rushed to find tables with an unobstructed view of the stage.
Over $30,000 in cash prizes would be awarded tonight, and no one
wanted to miss a thing.
Shortly after 6:00 p.m., the first ticket was pulled - a $500 winner
- and the evening was rolling! Moans and groans and cheers and
laughter peppered the crowd. Hopes were lifted to the mountaintop, only
to be cast into the valley, as ticket by ticket Ohio Fair Queen Meredith
Logsdon pulled each number from the barrel. (GOSA member David
Miller had to be revived with smelling salts several times throughout the
evening.)
Meanwhile, GOSA volunteers Carole Kowatch, Arlene Crumpler,
Amy Otterbacher and Meralie Pocock were so swamped at the SO/SO
table that ticket seller extraordinaire David Drake had to spring into
action. He recruited brand new board members Ryan Kuzma and Jeff
Otterbacher to sell SO/SO in the crowd. Their efforts netted $1,356.00 for
the GOSA. Secretary Treasurer Suzanne McCarty paid the lucky winner
$1,356.00. Wow!
Fundraising All-Stars Nikki Bair, Nancy Albanese and Bridget
Albanese raised $1,435.00 for cancer research while selling raffle tickets
for a beautiful Longaberger basket. This popular fundraiser is in its sixth
year and has become an important part of this event.
As the evening rolled on, Rick K and the Allnighters belted out two
crowd-pleasing sets, packing the dance floor with a throbbing mass of
humanity, the likes of which has not been seen since Woodstock.
The evening's jam-packed program also included the OFMA's silent
auction and two segments of live auction handled by OFMA Executive
Board members Keith Sheridan and Jon Overmyer. The OFMA also
raised $565 with their sideboard.
Action on stage was supervised by GOSA director Matt Gallapoo
with the assistance of the GOSA First Lady Jen Koski and volunteer
Melody Hodson. The Big Board was ably manned by several trustees:
David Drake, Bill Sterling, the Brothers Albanese - Tony and Michael
- as well as President Kevin Koski and Vice President Kurt Otterbacher.
Special recognition is deserved by GOSA Past President Stan
Connell. Stan's tireless efforts in coordinating the evening with the
OFMA made for the smoothest Gala in history.
By the end of the evening, with just ten tickets left in the barrel, the
crowd was on the edge of their seats. The final tickets were drawn and
the big winners were announced to cheers of joy! Then it was over. As
the room emptied, more than one reveler could be heard saying wistfully,
"NEXT YEARI" See you in 2007.
We would like to thank all those who attended the Membership
Appreciation Night. Hopefully, everyone had a pleasant time. We
will be hard at work planning next year's event; anyone who has
suggestions, please forward them to Bill Sterling.
A very special thank you goes out to the members and suppliers
who funded this event. Remember them when looking for supplies
and equipment this year.
Sponsors:
Peek A Boo Toys
Delphos Tent and Awning
Selby Gas
Redbone
Classic Toy
Kevin and Jen Koski
Durant Enterprises
Newman Foods
Newlon Motors
Bones Framed Pictures
Cox Concessions
Rhode Island Novelty
Wheaton's
Dannemiller
Berk
Mercurio
Michael's Amusements
Kelly Toy
Nanco
Isner Insurance
Sterling Fundways
Haas Wilkerson Insurance
Tony and Bridget Albanese
Audio Innovators
Buchy Food
Mr. Fun (costumes)
Hitch-Hiker
Michael Rose Productions
Toy Factory
Mastermind Productions
• CLASSIFIEDS •
NOTICE: Classified ads will run for one month and must be renewed
by the fifteenth of the month and are free to members to sell only the
equipment they own. All other classified ads are $15.00 for three lines
per month. To renew or place ads please fax ad copy along with your
name, address and phone number to Kurt Otterbacher at 330-769-1389,
or e-mail kurtotter@aol.com.
FOOD CONCESSION BUSINESS FOR SALE: Concession trailer and box truck,
fully equipped, ready to operate. Excellent bookings. In business 11 years.
Call 937·843·2549.
MONEY MACHINE. Great for school carnivals. Call 419-927-2404 or e-mail
KRJolly@bright.net for pictures.
MALL KIOSK. Used three times inside amall, 10 x 10, can be closed at night.
Call 419-927-2404 or e-mail KRJolly@bright.net for pictures.
1998 CHEVY 3500 EXT. CAB SILVERADO. 35,000 miles, 454 cu. in (7.3)
engine, automatic transmission, power everything, leather, clean inside and
out. $15,000. Call Harold Rogers, 330-638-7392 or 330-717-6011.
RITEWAY BUNKHOUSE, 28 FT. Two rooms, sleeps 8-10, 2 showers, 2 sinks,
air. $6000; 7 X 7 CENTER JOINT TRAILER. Opens to 12 x 12, exc. condition,
pictures available, $2500; OTTERBACHER 240FT. LINE-UP GAME TRAILER.
Awning lights, reskinned in 2001 by Otterbacher, exc. condition, $12,000 obo;
WARD TRAIN WITH TRAILER. Mall use only, with fence, exc. condition,
$8,500. Can be seen in operation at Colony Square Mall, Zanesville, Ohio; Call
Michael Albanese, 740-403-6023.
Barbara (Leedy-Willard) Bullis spent four days in Manin
Memorial Hospital in Stuart, Florida, stat1ing Jan. 23. She
received transfusions of four units of blood and was found to
have an ulcer in her esophagus. Barbara is home now, recovering
from her ordeal.
12 X 20 COMPLETE TENT SETUP. Includes 2 grills, steam table, 2 under­
counter refrigeration units, 5-headed drop-in pop dispenser, lights, signs, 50­
amp electric service box. All stainless eqUipment. 1994 Ford 20-ft. box truck.
Too many extras to list. Trying to retire. Call Jinx Pfile, 330-562-2524, Pfile
Concessions, LLC.
KING FERRIS WHEEL. $7,500. KING BIG SWING. $10,500. See photos at
www.miraclerides.com. Call Eddie Miracle, 513-615-1497.
Ray & JoAnne Prowant of Durant Enterprises, Inc.
Inducted into Ohio Fair Manager's Hall of Fame
On January 5, Ray and JoAnne Prowant of Durant Enterprises, Inc., Dupont, Ohio, were honored
at a brunch held at the Hyatt Regency and Convention Center in Columbus.
The Prowants were inducted into the Ohio Fair Manager's Hall of Fame for their outstanding
dedication to the fair industry since 1948. Ray and JoAnne Prowant were nominated for this honor
by the Allen County Agricultural Society and the Van Wert County Agricultural Society. The
inductees were selected based on their inspiration and leadership to their profession through their
work with the Greater Ohio Showmen's Association, the Ohio Fair Manager's Association and
countless fair boards and festivals.
JoAnne and Ray Prowant
At lett, from lett:
Anissa Prowant, Allison Prowant,
Jeff Prowant, Bill Prowant,
JoAnne Prowant, Ray Prowant,
Lynn Miller, Bill Miller, Lisa Gable,
Anna Jo Gable
I
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C. J. DANNEMILLER CO.
WELCOME TO OUR
~EW MEMBERS!
5300 Hametown Road
Norton, Ohio 44203
330-825-7808 • 800-624-8671
Fax: 330-825-3793
WEB SITE: www.cjdannemiller.com
(approved January meeting)
Clay Chester, Regular
Melody Hodson, Spousal
Mary Brown, Regular
Nick Blois, Regular
Gary Bohlander, Regular
Bonnie Hendricks Martin, Regular
Kathleen Sunny, Regular
Arlene Crumpler, Retired
Gary Yasko, Regular
Hartford Independent Fair, Associate
John Moore, Regular
John Tolve Jr., Joint/Regular
Jerry Beckley-Beck Tech Audio Productions,
Joi nt/Associate
I
MEMBER GOSA
Concession Supplies & Equipment
POPCORN • PEANUTS • COTTON CANDY
• NACHOS • SNO KONES • FUNNEL CAKES
• CANDY APPLES • WAFFLES
• CARAMEL CORN • DRINK CUPS
• COLD DRINKS • PAPER GOODS
• ELEPHANT EARS • HOT DOG ON A STICK
• FRYERS • FRYING OILS
• LEMON SQUEEZERS
Family Owned and Operated
We have a complete and full-time
Service Department to keep your
equipment in A-1 condition.
I
Established 1935
'Goals of the GOSA
-/ Distribute the yearbook as early in the Spring as possible
President Kevin Koski, immediate Past President Bill Prowant
and Vice President Kurt Otterbacher led a discussion at the
Convention about short- and long-term goals for our organization.
Despite the early hour and a partially misleading title, nearly 30
people were in attendance.
The attendance included many GOSA members, including a large
portion of the NICA leadership and two of its former presidents.
Some fair managers, who may have been misled by the title "Short
and Long Term Goals" (omitting "of the GOSA"), graciously stayed
and contributed greatly to the discussion.
President Kevin pledged to continue to focus on these goals to
springboard his presidency. The goals were all discussed, and many
were delegated to individual Board members at the January meeting
following the Convention.
Please feel free to contact any Board member or the GOSA office
to comment on or contribute to achieving the following goals for our
organization.
-/ Review the electoral process at the Annual Meeting
-/ Renew the visibility program by making items with the
GOSA logo available to members and encouraging their
display to gain public awareness
-/ Create a Review Board to look at the Board's efficiency in
attaining feasible goals and publish these results in GOSA
News
Long-term Goals for the GOSA
-/ Continue actively reclUiting new members
-/ Always look for opportunities to enhance the value of our
memberships
-/ Strive to maintain a proactive (rather than reactive) stance on
issues facing the industry
-/ Maintain and enhance our working relationship with the OFMA
Short-term Goals: GOSA Objectives for 2006
-/ Increase the participation of our general membership
-/ Reintroduce and modify the website for the benefit of the
membership
-/ Work to increase our presence and exposure to the thousands of
other special events in Ohio
-/ Actively pursue potential members
-/ Require all committees to meel on a regular basis and publish
committee reports in GOSA News
-/ Further increase credibility and influence with OFMA, OFEA,
ODA, ODH, other state ancl national trade organizations (e.g.
NICA, IAFE), Ohio Legislators, the media and our members
-/ Continue to encourage the membership to submit articles and
pictures for publication in the newsletter to improve each
issue
-/ Continue to encourage fairs, festivals ancl events to strongly
recommend GOSA membership to their concessionaires and ride
companies
-/ Continue working with the Department of Agriculture on
important ride and game issues
-/ Find methods to decrease the burden on the GOSA president by
spreading more responsibility to the other officers and trustees
-/ Create an orientation process for new Board members
-/ Strive to maintain a high level of integrity ancl professionalism as
individuals and businesses representing our organization and its
membership
-/ Improve the nomination process for Convention and Spring
awards
Spotlight on Scholarship Winners:
Holly Redmond
I was just a normal kid until about. .. two weeks after I was born, when I was
stuck under the counter of my mom's food trailer with nothing to do but listen to a
radio and the occasional conversation. Now, 18 years later, I am a first year GOSA
scholarship recipient and a freshman at The Ohio State University studying to be a
moderatelintensive Special Education teacher, with my summers dedicated to the
fair circuit.
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My immediate family, the Gallapoos, and my
extended family, the Otterbachers, have all been an
inspiration in pursuing a career in the outdoor amusement business. However,
it was under the close guidance of my mentors: my mother, grandfather and
uncles Matt and Dale, that I started to gain more interest in all aspects of the
business. Today when I am home from school or in the summers, if I am not
playing basketball, lacrosse or any other sport I can attempt to master with my
friends and loved ones, I am more than likely behind the counter of an
American Family Concessions trailer (or under the counter, depending on the
time of year). I hope to carryon American Family Concessions with locations
and events of my own, continuing to be an active member in the business with
my family, friends and loved ones by my side.
At left:
Kurt and Amy present Ira Feurer with a
Special Appreciation award.
At right:
Vice President Kurt enjoying
the Florida sunshine
YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR CUSTOM PRINTED
FOOD SERVICE DISPOSABLES
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Distributor for M.arie's
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Call or Write for Our Free Catalog
2671 Youngstown Rd, S.E. • Warren, OH 44484
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Visit our website: www.berkpaper.com
CUSTOM BUILT CONCESSION TRAILERS
Phone: 330-542-3052 • Fax: 330-542-0304 • Web Site: www.Hitch-HikerMfg.com
10065 Rapp Rd .• New Middletown, OH 44442
AIMS· NICA • OABA • GOSA • MSA • NSA· IISF
r----------------------,
GOSA Enters Float in
1DOth Anniversary
Pumpkin Show Parades
IG_~
,
SIiAV'ON
owmens
The GOSA will pay tribute to the 100th Circleville Pumpkin Show
with a float, which will appear in all seven of the parades at the 2006
Pumpkin Show. A committee has been formed to oversee the project. The
100th Anniversary Pumpkin Show Committee members are GOSA
member Carole Kowatch; tmstees Bill Sterling, Michael Albanese, Matt
Gallapoo and Andy Pocock; President Kevin Koski and Chairman Tony
Albanese. Thompson Floats of Williamsport, the primary builder of
Pumpkin Show floats, has been contacted, and initial planning is
underway. Funding for the float will come from member sponsorships. A
minimum sponsorship of $100.00 includes the sponsor's name on the
GOSA float and coordinating signage for their concession unit. Those
members interested in buying a sponsorship can use the form included in
this newsletter.
Do not miss this great opportunity to advertise your business and
promote the GOSA to the many thousands of people who will attend the
lOOth anniversary of the Circleville Pumpkin Show. The deadline for
sponsorships is July I, 2006.
MEMBERSHIP
ApPLICATION
NAME
_
_
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
ZIP
_
_
E-MAIL
TELEPHONE
_
~
FREE LISTING IN YEARBOOK
• EXTRA LISTINGS AT $2.50 EACH
--Jo
___________________________________________________ J_
100 Years of Great Parades and Memories at the
Greatest Free Show on Earth Float Sponsorship Form
E-MAIL
_
_
TELEPHONE
Name as it should appear on float
Contact Person
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
_
DATE OF BIRTH
_
_
BENEFICIARY·
SPONSOR
Address
o
REGULAR MEMBER - $100.00
(Individuals actively involved in the Outdoor
Amusement Business)
o ASSOCIATE MEMBER* Phone Number
_
Cell Phone Number
o SPOUSAL MEMBER ­ $50.00
_
o
$100.00 Minimum Sponsorship
Of
Other $
$ 100.00
(Businesses who provide product/services to the industry)
"Manufacturers & Suppliers are Non-voting and No Death
Benefits.
o
RETIRED MEMBER ­ $40.00
(No longer in business)
_
o
Mail to GOSA Office
PO. Box 2448
Zanesville, OH 43702-2448
JOINT OFMAIGOSA ­ $200.00
Received from
_
Amount of $ _ _ for Greater Ohio Showmen's Association dues.
Deadline Is July 1! Don't Get Shut Out!
L
Date
_
Signed
_
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W~.,_wingto a
NEW
LOCATION!
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Division Durant Enterprises. Inc.
106 South River Street. P.O. Box 79
Dupont. Ohio 45837
RIDES AND CONFECTIONS
Ray and JoAnne Prowant 419-596-3284
Bill and Anissa Prowant 419-596-3286
GOSANEWS
ADVERTISING
RATE SCHEDULE
Full Page-Ad
Downtown
~
$150.00
1/2 Page Ad '. . . . . . . ..
85.00
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1/4 Page_Ad . . . . . . . ..
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(614) 228-1155
Columbus, OH 43204
Toll Free (800) 537-6357
www.gmpopcorn.com
Fax: (614) 224-3297
Email: gmw@gmpopcorn.com
1/8 Page Ad . . . . . . . ..
35.00
Plus $15 for Each Photo