Spotlight on Safety - Amusement Today

60 Pages·2013·15.26 MB·English

 IAAPA EXPO RECAP — PAGES 38-50
©
TM
Vol. 16 • Issue 10 JANUARY 2013
Spotlight on Safety
Dollywood to host AIMS Safety Seminar registration expected
to show jump in increase for 2013
NAARSO Safety Forum
STORY: Pam Sherborne feels seminar attendance may
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.
[email protected] hit the 300 mark.
— The board of directors and
ORLANDO, Fla. — The “We have kept up our ef-
education committee mem-
annual AIMS International forts to keep this strong,” she
bers for National Association
Safety Seminar is coming up said.
of Amusement Ride Safety
this month, Jan. 13-18, and Bernish came on the job
Officials (NAARSO) are ex-
Kelly Bernish, the organiza- this past year. She said she
cited as they are headed to
tion’s newly hired business is a contract employee hired
Pigeon Forge for the 26th
consultant, said registration to help strategize on how to
Annual Safety Forum. Sched-
for the event is going very grow the organization to-
uled for January 27 to Febru-
well. ward the future. “I think hav-
ary 1, 2013, this will be the
AIMS or the Amusement ing someone full time to just
4See NAARSO, page 4
Industry Manufacturers and focus on the marketing will
Suppliers (AIMS) Trade As- lum. And, this year, there will help,” she said. “Among oth-
sociation was evolved from be 50 brand new courses. er things, we have expanded
the American Recreational These 50 courses are re- our social media. We are
Equipment Association in placing some of the older Tweeting a lot.”
February 1994. The organi- ones that have been offered. The AIMS Safety Seminar
zation is “Dedicated to Con- “We are offering over 30 has both sit-down and hands-
tinuing Safety in the Amuse- hours of coursework,” Ber- on classes. This participation
ment Industry.” nish said. is a requisite for all profes-
The host for the seminar Attendees build a tai- sionals in the amusement in-
this year is the DoubleTree by lored course curriculum that dustry.
Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld. best suits their needs and The upcoming seminar
“We are up to 180 right the needs of their employers. is offering: Certified Main-
now,” Bernish said, the first Safety information is carried tenance Technician - Level
week in December. “We are home and shared with col- I; Certified Maintenance
all hoping to get to 250, but leagues and co-workers back Technician - Level II; Certi-
I am being optimistic that on the job. fied Operations Technician -
we will reach 300. We are Attendees also build Level I; Certified Operations
definitely feeling optimistic long-lasting relationships Technician - Level II; Cer-
about it.” with colleagues and instruc- tified Aquatics Operations
AIMS Safety Seminar is a tors. The instructors are all Technician - Level I; Associ-
comprehensive safety-train- volunteers and are some of ate Ride Inspector - Level
ing experience for individu- the industry’s top profession- I; Certified Ride Inspector
For its 2012 Safety Forum, NAARSO used the Family King- als responsible for the care als. - Level II; and Professional
dom Park in Myrtle Beach, S.C. for its on-site ride training and safety of the amusement Bernish said AIMS had Ride Inspector - Level III.
and inspection classes. For 2013, Dollywood will serve as industry’s guests. The semi- a great experience at IAAPA The Inspector Certifica-
the host park for ride training and inspection classes. nar offers a diverse curricu- this year, another reason she 4See AIMS, page 11
COURTESY NAARSO
R 2
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2 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2013
NEWSTALK
OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS
EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint
Tid bits
If your park has not yet signed up
your key staff for any of the upcoming
safety seminar and training sessions, it’s
not too late. This is the perfect time to
get your maintenance and safety teams
caught up on the latest rules, tips and
Slade regulations in the amusement
industry that will help you keep your facility safe in
2013.
Sign up today for one of the following:
•AIMS Safety Seminar, Jan. 13-18, Orlando, Fla.,
www.aimsintl.org
•NAARSO Safety Forum, Jan. 27 - Feb. 1, Pigeon
Forge, Tenn., www.naarso.com
•ROTC Training School, Feb. 5-7, Las Vegas, Nev.,
www.creativeoperationalconcepts.com
•
Don’t forget that our amusement industry friends in
New Jersey are still suffering from the damage left be-
hind by Superstorm Sandy. The NJAA has established
EDITORIAL: Scott Rutherford, [email protected]
a First Responders Relief Fund, a registered charity for
Exhibiting history
all the volunteers, firefighters to medical personnel,
where they can come to get fresh clothing and grab
Happy New Year! If you’re the Connecticut and Rhode Island coastlines.
a meal before going back out into the field, where reading this, I am guessing In Rhode Island, both Rocky Point and Island
many homes remain without power, while far many we dodged a cosmic bul- Park suffered extensive damage as did the
more have no homes to return to. Through this fund, let. The end of the Mayan pier–based parks in Savin Rock, Connecticut.
the NJAA is helping feed 300 people three meals per long count calendar, the rare Since then, we have been relatively for-
galactic alignment and-or a tunate as most storms roaring in off the
day in the Seaside Heights area. For most of us, meals
massive solar storm did not ocean were weathered quite well. That is,
are a common part of our day, but in some hardest hit
Rutherford befall the earth with calam- until Sandy charged up the east coast with
areas of N.J. a meal is a treasured gift. Check out the
ity on December 21, 2012 as a ferocity that surprised and horrified, well,
websites below. predicted, and now business can carry on as nearly everyone with a mind-bending degree
To donate to the First Responders Relief Fund: usual. of destruction.
www.njamusements.com But this past year was tainted by a number This was not more apparent than in New
To make a donation for clothing assistance: of low points. The absolute lowest of these Jersey’s Seaside Heights area. I was fortunate
was, of course, Superstorm Sandy. Despite to have visited both Funtown Pier and Casino
www.FashionDelivers.com
its festive name, Sandy was anything but. Pier last year, and I found both home to an
To assist with the Coney Island recovery:
Not since the brutal New England Hurricane incredibly diverse and entertaining mix of
www.coneyrecovers.com
of 1938, one of the most powerful, costliest classic and modern rides and attractions. And
To purchase a “Restore The Shore” tee shirt:
and deadliest hurricanes in New England now, to see them in such abject disrepair is
www.blueclaws.com history, has the amusement industry been so beyond disheartening. Can they recover in
or adversely affected by a natural disaster. That time for the season that begins in a few short
www.redcross.org 1938 storm, also know as the Yankee Clipper months? Only time will tell.
and Long Island Express, did a phenomenal Here’s wishing everyone prosperity and
amount of damage to amusement operations good luck – and calm weather – in the com-
AT’s Sandy coverage continues on pages 34-37
from Delaware to Maine, particularly those on ing New Year!
AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF
Gary Slade, Founder Tim Baldwin Sammy Piccola
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation
[phone] [email protected] [phone]
[email protected] [email protected] Deliveries Member of:
Pam Sherborne 2012 E. Randol Mill Rd., Suite 203 IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA,
Stacey Childress / Childress Media Editorial Sue Nichols Arlington, Texas 76011 NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA, TTIA,
NAARSO and IISF
Web & Graphic Design [email protected] Advertising
[email protected] [phone] Subscription rates are: 1 year (14 issues) $75 in the USA; $100 elsewhere; 2 years (28 issues) $140/$180;
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Please allow up to six weeks for your subscription request to be processed and the first issue mailed.
Daily E-mail Newsletter [email protected] Bubba Flint
[email protected] Cartoonist Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O.
Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected] Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit No. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth,
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Editorial / Special Projects by Amusement Today 2013, with all rights reserved.
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POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas
Contributors: Kelly Bernish, Steve Laycock, Andrew Mellor, B. Derek Shaw, Richard Munch, Janice Witherow, WHR Inc. 76005-5427.
January 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
2
MINUTE
•1900: The Washington Post report- Presented by
ed that the new salt water resort at
DRILL
Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, was
quickly being readied for the 1900
summer season. The article stated
COMPILED: Janice Witherow that a majority of Washington locals
were not aware that within an hour’s
Kevin Norris, Knott’s Berry Farm
ride of the city was being prepared
an amusement resort that would fill
Kevin Norris’ career took
every expectation. Reached by the
a detour in 1978 when he
Chesapeake Beach Railway, the park
began working part-time would open in June 1900 with the
at Knott’s Berry Farm in Great Derby, a large side-friction
www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org
the admissions depart- coaster, built over a beach inlet.
ment; he was studying
criminal justice at the time •1910: Major changes to Brandy-
and planned on pursuing wine Spring Amusement Park in Wilmington, Delaware were expected
a career in law enforce- when Billboard magazine reported in mid-January that the Jahn Amuse-
ment Company of Philadelphia had purchased the park’s Scenic Railway.
ment. However, Kevin was
The company planned to tear down and replace the old ride with the Ben
immediately drawn to the
Hur racing coaster. Cost of the all improvements were estimated at $50,000.
industry, and after being
offered a full-time position
•1914: Washington-Park-On-The-Delaware, in Westville, New Jersey,
as a horse trainer at Knott’s would close in 1911. Many of its rides would be purchased in late January
he hasn’t looked back 1914 and moved to Point Breeze Park, in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
since. Today he serves Point Breeze operated until 1923 and was sold to Pennsylvania Railroad.
as Director of Operations Kevin Norris began his Knott’s Berry Farm career as a horse Later it would serve as an oil refinery storage area.
for this beautiful California trainer but now serves as the Director of Operations for the
amusement park. Kevin year-round theme park. •1928: A major storm moved through the eastern states and into New Eng-
met his wife, Karen, at land on January 25, with damage to buildings, ships and other structures.
Knott’s in 1986 and she AT/GARY SLADE Sections of the roller coaster at Newport Beach, in Rhode Island, were
leveled, including a group of summer cottages. At Island Park, in nearby
works in the park’s enter-
It is 7 a.m. What are you typically doing? Portsmouth, sections of the Giant Coaster were damaged, with one section
tainment department; they have two daughters,
Getting ready for work. completely leveled.
two dogs and three cats. When you meet Kevin,
you can’t help but notice his gentle spirit and
My favorite place for lunch is … •1934: Three men were indicted by a Chattanooga, Tennessee grand jury on
true affection for his job. January 10, in connection with the burning of the roller coaster at Warner
Chili’s. I like to order the salad there.
Park, Chattanooga, in 1931. A former New Jersey District Attorney, James
Title Bolitho, and two other men were charged with arson and insurance fraud.
When people come to visit the LA area, I
Director of Operations.
always take them to see …
•1954: Recognized as the first book to document the history of the Ameri-
Usually I take them to Knott’s first, of course, and
Number of years in the can carnival industry, Monster Midway is released in early January. Written
industry then to the beaches along the coast. by William Gresham, it provided an in-depth background about the carni-
val business, including the various attractions, novelties and oddities found
34 years.
My favorite weekend getaway location is … across the country in the 1920s. It was said that Gresham was favorably
Mountains and the beach (we are lucky to have drawn into his research after seeing a “stately Italian who wore, attached to
Best thing about the industry
both in California!). his abdomen, a vestigial twin in a checkered suit.”
Being able to provide an Norris
environment where people can
For work purposes, I could not live without … •1975: Space Mountain, an indoor roller coaster, opens at the Magic King-
come and enjoy a special day. dom, Florida, on January 15. It was the first coaster at Walt Disney World,
My reading glasses and cell phone.
and the second coaster to open at a Disney property since the original 1959
Favorite amusement ride Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland.
If I had an extra day in the week, I would use
S & S Screamin’ Swing.
it by …
•1990: On January 17, a few months after the cash-strapped Harcourt
Spending it with my family.
If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, Brace and Jovanovich sold all of its theme park holdings to Anheuser-
I would be … Busch, Boardwalk and Baseball Theme Park in Haines City, Fla., closed its
For late-night TV, I tune in to … gates. The park was open for the day and at 3:00 p.m. an announcement
In law enforcement.
NFL channel, News or Friends. was made over the public address system that the park would be closing
early. About 1,000 guests were offered refund vouchers. The park never
Biggest challenge facing our industry
The last gift I bought was … reopened and Busch relocated some rides to its other parks it owned and
Increasing operating expenses, including gov-
Wine glasses. sold off all of the remaining rides and attractions.
ernment regulations and ADA compliance costs,
along with an unstable economy. •2001: On January 10, Six Flags Inc. purchased the 232-acre SeaWorld
It’s January … one of my New Year’s Resolu-
Ohio marine-life park from the Busch Entertainment Corporation for $110
tions is …
The thing I like most about amusement/water million. The park was combined with Six Flags Ohio and opened later that
Work on my house and spend more time with
park season is … year as Six Flags Worlds of Adventure, a 532-acre combination ride and
my family.
Since we are a year-round park, Christmas is marine-life park. Three years later Six Flags sold the combined park to Ce-
special because of the extra festive atmosphere dar Fair for $145 million.
When I say Donald Trump, you say …
and the charm and appeal of our park. —Complied by Richard Munch, NRCMA and Jeffrey Seifert, AT
Real estate mogul.
Choose one: popcorn or peanuts?
For some reason, I seem to know all the words
That’s a tough one. But I would have to say
to this song …
popcorn. TM
Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones. P.O. Box 5427
5-time Award Winner
Arlington, Texas 76005-5427
The best museum I have ever visited is …
People are always surprised to know this [phone]
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and
about me … Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397)
Museum was fascinating.
I really like to cook!
Find us on Facebook
You are lost in the woods. What survival skill facebook.com/amusementtoday
I loathe doing this household chore …
helps you the most?
I don’t like emptying the dishwasher or vacuum-
The ability to adapt and persevere.
ing.
Follow us on Twitter
The most breathtaking scenery I have ever twitter.com/amusementtoday
The sports team I root for the most is …
seen would have to be …
The San Francisco 49ers!
Sitting on a beach chair at dusk on Sunset Beach
overlooking the ocean. Subscribe to our YouTube channel
G et a free QR Code scanner for your phone
youtube.com/amusementtoday
by visting www.mobiletag.com.
4 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2013
NAARSO classes for those individuals In addition to the instruc-

with multiple years of expe- tion classes, NAARSO will
Continued from page 1
rience. Additional training also introduce their new cer-
second visit to Dollywood, will occur in the area of Zip tification program on opera-
having last visited in 2009. Lines and Ropes Courses, in- tions. This new certification
“If you have ever had the flatables, climbing walls, and targets the complete opera-
occasion to attend any events other rental type devices. tions side of permanent parks,
at this park, you know how Wednesday will be traveling shows, and other
accommodating they are,” NAARSO’s hands-on day amusement organizations
said NAARSO’s Connie Pat- at the Dollywood park to and will test the applicant
ton. include a look at their new on their knowledge of safe
The week of training will coaster, Wild Eagle. The operating procedures. Semi-
include instruction in the ba- NAARSO Level I and Level II nar classes will include Ride
sics of amusement ride safety exams will be offered on Fri- Training, Emergency Evacua-
On site training is part of the annual NAARSO Safety Forum.
as well as many advanced day afternoon, February 1. tions, Weather Preparedness,
COURTESY NAARSO
Blood Bourne Pathogens, and
many other related subjects
prior to this exam being of-
fered on Thursday night, Jan-
uary 31.
Classes and other train-
ing will take place at the
Music Road Hotel located at
303 Henderson Chapel Road
in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Cost for the Safety Forum is
$445 for tuition with $82 hotel
room rates.
The training and certifi-
cation exams are just anoth-
er way NAARSO promotes
its motto of Safety Through
Communication.
•www.naarso.com
FAST FACTS
National Association of
Amusement Ride Safety
Officials (NAARSO)
P.O. Box 638
Brandon, Fla. 33509-0638
[phone]
[phone]
FAX [phone]
E-Mail: naarsoinfo@AOL.
com
Website: naarso.com
Mission
NAARSO is dedicated to
the advancement of amuse-
ment ride and device safety
through the doctrine of
“Safety Through Communi-
cation”.
Profile
•NAARSO is a non-profit
organization that provides
resources for amusement
industry professionals dedi-
cated to the safety of the
industry and its patrons.
•NAARSO provides edu-
cation and resources to
amusement industry safety
professionals.
•NAARSO administers
a certification program for
amusement device inspec-
tors.
•Some of the benefits of
membership include news-
letters, membership direc-
tory and seminars.
January 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
NAARSO Executive Board and Board of Directors SAFETY
President Past Presidents Education MARKET PLACE
Clyde D. Wagner Joseph D. Gallagher Bill Costagliola
Wagner Consulting 320 Grove Avenue Amusements of America
3108 Yates Rd. Patchogue, N.Y. 11772 2900 N.W. 115th Terrace
Hillsborough, N.C. 27278 [phone] Coral Springs, Fla. 33065
[phone] [email protected] [phone]
[email protected] [email protected]
Constitution & Ethics and
PATTY BEAZLEY
Vice President Heather Eichenbaum John Dodson
[phone]
Jonathan R. Brooks Spector Gaden & Rosen PC Comspeq Consulting Inc.
Wagner Consulting 1635 Market St. 7th Floor 459 Courtland Lane
3108 Yates Rd Philadelphia, Pa. 19103 Pinkerington, Ohio 43147 CINDEE HUDDY
Hillsborough, N.C. 27278 [phone] [phone] [phone]
[phone] [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected]
Public Relations Employee Safety
www.creativeoperationalconcepts.com
Secretary Laura Woodburn Frank Guenthner
Rick Smith Hershey Entertainment FX Inspection Services • RIDE OPERATOR CERTIFICATION
Ocean Amusements Inc. & Resorts 716 Hunt Club Lane • MANUAL WRITING
P.O. Box 572 100 W. Hersheypark Dr. Chester Springs, Pa. 19425
• SUPERVISOR & LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMS
Ocean City, Md. 21843-0572 Hershey, Pa. 17033 [phone]
• OPERATIONAL SAFETY AUDITS
[phone] [email protected] [email protected]
Fax [phone] and
[email protected] ASTM Liason Mike Shaw
Michael Melhorn 1301 Lars Lane
Treasurer Universal Studios Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29588
John Pierce 1000 Universal Studios Plaza [phone]
Comspeq Consulting Inc Orlando, Fla. 32819 [email protected]
1235 Elm St. [phone]
Oveido, Fla. 32765 [email protected] Budget & Audit
[phone] James Graybeal
[email protected] Inspector Qualifications Drew Expositions
& Certification P.O. Box 5589
Executive Director Tony Rossi Augusta, Ga. 30916
Leonard Cavalier IRM [phone]
NAARSO P.O. Box 2302 [email protected]
P.O. Box 638 Wildwood, N.J. 08260 and
Brandon, Fla. 33509-0638 [phone] Ed LaSalle
[phone] [email protected] Amusement Safety Services
[email protected] P.O. Box 154
Codes & Standards Berrysburg, Pa. 17005
Board of Directors Tom Jones [phone]
8030 Chagrin Road [email protected]
Chairman of the Board & Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023
Membership Chairman [phone] Parks & Carnivals
Jack S. Silar [email protected] James Caskey
Midway Management and C2 Consulting LLC
P.O. Box 424 Chad Halsey P.O. Box 13112
Hershey, Pa. 17033 Ky. Dept. of Agriculture North Palm Beach, Fla. 33408
[phone] 123 Thistle Way [phone]
Fax [phone] Georgetown, Ky. 40324 [email protected]
[email protected] [phone] and
[email protected] Gary Chubb
Hersheypark
100 W. Hersheypark Way
Hershey, Pa. 17033
[phone]
www.naarso.com
[email protected]
TTTTTThhhhhheeeeee SSSSSSccccccrrrrrraaaaaammmmmmbbbbbblllllleeeeeerrrrrr
Seats remain on ride for transport
Fast Set-up and Tear-down
36-Passenger Capacity
Simultaneous Loading
Fan Light Package
Mast Covers
Sweep Panels
28-Foot Trailer
1-800-274-0211 fax [phone]
Keep our carnival and fair industry strong!
[email protected] elibridge.com
Buy products and services from these suppliers.
6 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2013
January 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7
WHO and WHY
REAMUSEMENT?

Are your workloads continuing to increase
and staffing at a minimum?

REAMUSEMENT is the quality choice for you. We will be
your partner in completing maintenance “rehabs,”
renovations, or new construction.

Our goal is to provide quality maintenance of your trains, ride units, and
structures to minimize the turnaround time to ensure your guests have the
maximum entertainment experience.
Our Services
Rebuild ride units per manufacturer’s specifications • Rebuild ride units to meet all codes and
certifications • Fiberglass repairs • Carpentry repairs • Repainting • Inside storage • Welding if
discovered after NDT testing • Refurbish flat ride components and ride units • NDT inspections
for the ride units per the manufacturer’s specifications • Assist with on-site set up if
maintenance staff needs assistance • General contractor and/or assist with construction
projects • Ride erection needs
1310 West Fourth Street Contact:
Mansfield, OH 44906 Jack Falfas | [phone] [email protected]
Office: [phone] Gary Gast | [phone] [email protected]
Fax: [phone] Randy Payne | [phone]
www.reamusement.com
8 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2013
January 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9
ROTC school set for Circus Circus,
training at adjacent Adventuredome
Hosted by Creative and Hotel will be the host safety consulting company
site with discounted rates for that has existed for 10 plus
Operational Concepts
rooms ranging from $28 to years.
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The
$38 per night. Please reserve
team of When Pigs Fly: Creative The 2013 ROTC school
your room using the affilia-
Operational Concepts, LLC will feature hands on
tion of Ride Operator Trainer
recently announced that ride training inside the
Certification and Group Code:
their 2013 ROTC school Adventuredome at the
CCW02WPF.
will be held February 5-7, Circus Circus hotel and
Creative Operational
2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Casino in Las Vegas.
Concepts is a hospitality and
ROTC (Ride Operator Trainer AT FILE
Certification) will be hosted at
the Circus Circus Casino and
Hotel with exclusive use of the
Adventuredome Park.
The ROTC program
is open to anyone who is
involved with ride operations.
The program has proven to be
a great way to standardize and
improve the front line teams’
standard of performance in
ride and attraction operations.
Currently used by 25 parks
worldwide, ROTC is designed
for trainers to return to their
venue with tools to successful-
ly train their front line team.
Through the use of the
methodical instruction of
Learn It, Link It, Live It, train-
ers will understand how to
successfully train individuals
on the critical components of
ride operations. An interactive
teaching method combined
with creative scenarios allows
trainers to have the tools to
implement their job.
Used by more than 25
parks worldwide, the ROTC
School offers many benefits
including:
•Achieve a Trainer
Certification.
•Receive a ready to imple-
ment program.
•Discover new teaching
tips for training the Critical
Components of ride opera-
tion.
•Take the AIMS Level I
Certification Exam (optional).
NEW for 2013
•Training will be done at
the Adventuredome rides.
•Interactive class
on “Handling Frontline
Challenges.”
•Learn how to conduct
Teambuilding.
•Exclusive hands-on
experience with large equip-
ment at Dig This in Las Vegas,
Nev. This is a very unique
opportunity you won’t want
to miss!
Registration can be com-
pleted online at www.cre-
ative operationalconcepts.
com. Circus Circus Casino
10 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2013
www.aimsintl.org
Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Ltd. • 3026 S. Orange • Santa Ana, Calif. 92707
Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.aimsintl.org
AIMS’s success is due to its dedicated volunteers
Kelly Bernish as a full time business of our organization. IAAPA Attractions
AIMS business consultant consultant for AIMS a Teaming up with Expo this year for his
[email protected] perfect fit! AIMS staffer Holly contributions to our
I am proud to say Coston, I was able industry at the GM’s
Like many amusement industry AIMS has so much to greet and discuss Service Award break-
professionals, I have positive momentum. AIMS with hundreds fast. A tremendous
participated in AIMS Our hallmark annual of IAAPA attendees. honor that is well-de-
in just about every Safety Seminar event Laycock That feedback will re- Slade served. Sheehan
way possible includ- will be held January ally be an important In September,
ing as a seminar at- 13-18, 2013, once again at the beau- part of our future direction. Amusement Today Publisher Gary
tendee, committee tiful DoubleTree at SeaWorld Orlan- The cornerstone of AIMS howev- Slade was honored with the Golden
volunteer, instruc- do. This world-class seminar, taught er continues to be our volunteers and Heart Award at the 2012 Golden
tor and donor. De- Bernish by industry professionals from all over sponsors. Without all of the global Ticket Awards held at Dollywood.
veloping the future the world, will offer over 300 differ- talent we draw from, AIMS would not The award was given for his work with
strategy for AIMS, primarily focused ent course hours with 50 brand new exist! I have been blessed to be able AIMS, the National Roller Coaster
on achieving our goal of exceeding courses! work with a very talented board and Museum and his dedication to the
the needs of our members through Certification will be offered for literally hundreds of people who de- amusement industry.
the growth and development of the inspectors, operators, maintenance vote countless hours to teaching and Our industry is known for it volun-
products and services that we offer is and aquatics. A great complement to supporting our organization. teerism and your continued support
a dream assignment. the great selection of courses, is the Regrettably, in March 2013, we of AIMS is appreciated and needed.
As a 29-year veteran of the networking opportunities which are will say goodbye to two longtime For those of you who would like to
amusement industry, my experience second to none at this concentrated, board members, Steve Laycock of become more involved, please con-
as a Safety, Health & Environmental week-long event. There is still time to Chance Rides and Gary Slade of tact me at [email protected] or
(SH&E) professional, previously serv- register as an attendee and of course Amusement Today, both having con- visit aimsintl.org for more information
ing as a senior SH&E leader at both sponsors and silent auction donations tributed immeasurably to AIMS. Their about our great organization.
the SeaWorld and Disney organiza- are needed. shoes will be huge to fill in the com- See you in Orlando at the 2013
tions, as well as serving in leadership The AIMS booth at IAAPA this ing months. Safety Seminar!
roles of a variety of non-profit orga- year was a huge success, one of my AIMS board member Tom Shee-
nizations, makes my new assignment first assignments to drive awareness han was recently honored at the
AIMS members participate in charity motorcycle run
Supported by AIMS nual IAAPA/GKTW Golf
members, Jim Seay, Pre- Tournament. Along the
mier Rides; Mark Moore, way this year, the route was
Uremet; Roger Berry, primarily through Osceola
Ralph Alberts Company and Polk counties, through
and Tom Sheehan, The beautiful orange groves
Sheehan Firm, (co-found- and Florida wetlands with
er of this annual event) stops at industry sup-
the IAAPA/Give Kids the plier Martin & Vleminckx
World (GKTW) Motorcy- Rides, LLC and at Fantasy
cle Run was a huge success of Flight Museum.
again this year. A great time was had
Among the 30 par- by everyone, but most
ticipants both by motor- importantly, through the
cycle and car, AIMS riders support of AIMS members
included President Mike and other sponsors, more
Gutnecht, Lisa Stephani than $20,000 was raised for
and Kelly Bernish, also co- Give Kids the World!
founder of this event. Plans are underway for
“This year was unique the November 17, 2013
in that we decided to incor- Attendance at the 2012 IAAPA/GKTW Motorcycle Run reached an all-time high with more event already. For further
porate “hot” cars to join in than 30 participants, including a strong show of support by AIMS members. information please contact
this great event that takes COURTESY IAAPA Tom Sheehan at: ridelaw1@
people on an amazing ride see,” says Sheehan. ing and received his motor- The ride started at the aol.com.
to parts of central Florida AIMS President Mike cycle license specifically for Orlando Harley Dealership
that most people never Gutnecht attended train- this event. and concluded at the an-
Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. Please direct comments to [email protected]