AUBURN, ME (May 2008) — KIC Products and Clean Team Co. (San Diego, CA) have announced their collaboration in developing the Lucky Stripe Waffletechnology Cleaning Card for use in cleaning bill validators. The new maintenance aid is now shipping.
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
CHICAGO ( May 2008) — Convenience store industry sales reached a new high of $577.4 billion in 2007, but profits dropped by $1.4 billion. The decline is largely attributed to higher credit card fees, according to data released by the National Association of Convenience Stores.
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
Selling your vending business is much more complicated than selling your vehicle or your home, both financially and emotionally. This is your life’s work. Many operators who do not understand how to determine true market value go directly to their competitors to propose a sale – and they are inevitably disappointed in the offer, if they even get one. There are several facts operators need to be aware of to assess accurately a business’s value, particularly in today’s problematic economy …By MARC ROSSET
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
BALTIMORE (April 2008) — Maryland operators, distributors and manufacturers are working to form a state association, in response to a new wave of legislation banning slots-style amusement devices. In response to the first bill’s passage, some 30 amusements industry members met on April 18 in the offices of Betson Distributing here to consider forming a state association. Its first mission, they said, would be to defend the legal status of slot-style videogames.
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
COCKEYSVILLE, MD (April 2008) — On February 25, Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR) sponsored the Senate’s version of the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act of 2008, which he hails as the legislation needed to let American consumers be sure that the toys they purchase are safe. As part of the legislative process, the House of Representatives already passed a similar version. What bulk vending operators need to know about the new Federal product safety rules… By PHILIP BRILLIANT
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
GLENVIEW, IL (April 2008) — Kraft Foodservice has rolled out a single-serve refrigerated bagel-and-cream cheese snack for vending. Called Bagel-fuls, the pre-wrapped convenience item features a golden crust and the soft texture of a traditional bagel, and a generous filling of Kraft’s famous Philadelphia brand cream cheese.Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
What is happening in the vending and amusement market? How can I strengthen my position in the industry? What is my strategic plan for next year? These are just a few of the questions I’ve heard asked by manufacturers, suppliers and operators alike, and it’s not surprising. The alarming economic environment magnifies the risks associated with running a business – even if there is considerable disagreement on whether the economy actually is slumping – and finding the right answers is a survival skill...by ALICIA LAVAY-KERTES
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
As the workplace services industry confronts a situation in which energy prices are high, the value of the U.S. dollar is low, commodity prices are increasing and seem likely to continue doing so, and consumer confidence is down, longtime industry observers will be haunted by the sense of having been here before...by TIM SANFORD
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
This month we survey the smoking scene in a comprehensive feature, including assessments by an experienced lobbyist and a tobacco company spokesman. In the ongoing war to ban – or permit – smoking in American taverns, there is good news and bad news...by MARCUS WEBB
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
BALTIMORE (April 2008) — Cardinal Distributing Inc., based here, and What’s Up LLC (Appleton, WI) have announced a cross-marketing agreement that will help strengthen the promotion of bulk vending products from both suppliers. Under terms of the agreement, Cardinal has acquired exclusive production and distribution rights to the What’s Up brand.Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
LAS VEGAS (April 2008) — The 58th annual National Bulk Vendors Association trade show and convention, scheduled for April 17 through 19, promises to be among the most memorable in recent history. Set to return to Caesars Palace hotel and casino here, officials expect this year’s show to attract a better-than-usual turnout of operators and exhibitors.
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (April 2008) - "Education - Your Key to Success in 2008" is the theme for the 2008 Atlantic Coast Exposition, which is set for the Myrtle Beach Convention Center here from May 1 through 3.
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
LONG BEACH, CA (April 2008) — The Specialty Coffee Association of America is putting the finishing touches on its 20th Annual Conference & Exhibition, themed “Roots,” as VT goes to press. It’s scheduled for May 2-5 at the Minneapolis (MN) Convention Center.
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
CHICAGO (April 2008) — The National Association of Concessionaires, based here, will stage its 2008 convention at the Anaheim (CA) Convention Center from July 26 to 28.
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
CHICAGO (April 2008) — The 2008 National Restaurant Association's Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will be held May 17-20 here at McCormick Place, providing foodservice professionals with the industry's most comprehensive overview of products and trends driving the market.
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
LAS VEGAS (April 2008) — The Amusement Showcase International, staged at the Las Vegas Convention Center from March 27 to 29, confirmed two industry trends – one encouraging, one not. Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
LAS VEGAS (April 2008) — Making their debuts in late March were two “end-to-end” solutions for vending operators from Crane Co. Crane Merchandising Systems and Heartland Payment Systems have teamed up to launch Heartland Crane CashCard Solutions for cashless vending. Also new is Streamware Connect from Crane Streamware, a seamless solution for wireless remote monitoring of vending equipment.
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
WASHINGTON, DC (April 2008) — Congress is considering a measure that would give the Secretary of the Treasury increased flexibility in responding to fluctuating metal prices by adjusting the composition of U.S. coins, while requiring consideration of the effect that any such changes would have on the vending industry and other major users of coins.
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
BENSALEM, PA (March 2008) — Merit Entertainment said its Megatouch Entertainer is now shipping to distributors. The unit, featuring the Wallette’s 17-in. form factor, includes all 2008 Merit games plus nearly 500,000 songs from the AMI Entertainment Network, a combination of content that Merit said will “instantly double the customer base.”Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (March 2008) — Javalution is rapidly expanding the variety and reach of its JavaFit fortified coffee line with the introduction of new coffees, a branded vending program and the upcoming launch of Keurig K-Cups and pods of its products.
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
