Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
CARLSTADT, NJ (May 2008) — New safari theme extends popular Big Buck Hunter coin-operated videogame franchise, providing operators with new terrain and targets for profits. Also new: upgrades for the CoinOp online tournament system and The Fast and The Furious: Drift driving game, created by Raw Thrills/Play Mechanix.Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
HERNDON, VA (May 2008) — The Automatic Merchandising Council of New Jersey and the Pennsylvania Automatic Merchandising Council have come together to form a new association to represent operators in both states and in Delaware. Called the Tri-State Automatic Merchandising Council, it was established by an agreement of merger signed by AMCNJ president Jeff West and PAMC president Andy Calhoun.
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
LAS VEGAS (May 2008) — A generous assortment of new products and equipment, diverse educational lineup and the election of new officers offset a weak turnout at National Bulk Vendors Association recent trade show and convention. The NBVA elected Randy Chilton, Coinstar, president.
Issue: Vol. 48, No. 5, May 2008
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
TORRENCE, CA (May 2008) — Andamiro USA has introduced a redemption game that offers family-oriented play and a twist on traditional mechanical hammer games. Called Oh! Hammer2, it features a large, horizontally mounted touch-sensitive monitor that players hit with soft plastic mallets to complete a variety of simple and intuitive challenges.
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
