SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006
Floyd Hall Arena A Unique Public/Private Partnership
Benefits of Computerized Systems Comparing Mechanical Controls 5 Steps to a Stronger Party Program
Volume 9, Number 21 September/October 2006
OPERATIONS CONTENTS Publisher Ice Skating Institute Electro-Mechanical vs. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 Editor Direct Digital Control Systems ...... 6 Lori Fairchild by Gerry Fitzsimmons
Editorial Advisors MANAGEMENT Peter Martell Floyd Hall Arena Patti Feeney Get with the Program! ...... 10 A Unique Public/Private Partnership Advantages of computerized Print Production and Advertising Sales Manager systems in the ice arena Carol Jackson by Richard Wise
Art Director PROGRAMMING Cindy Winn Livingston Rethinking Your Party Program ...... 14 Contributors Gerry Fitzsimmons 5 principles for gaining David Jacobson the edge in your market ComputerizedBenefits of Rob McBride by Frank W. Price Frank W. Price Systems Richard Wise New iAIM Initiatives ...... 18 MechanicalComparing Bringing professional training Controls The ISI EDGE (USPS 017-078, within reach of the entire industry ISSN 1522-4651) is published 5 Steps to a Stronger bimonthly; January/February, by Rob McBride Floyd Hall Arena Party Program March/April, May/June, July/ COVER FEATURE: Floyd Hall Arena, page 24 August, September/October, November/December; by the ISI Profile: Paige Scott ...... 22 Ice Skating Institute, 17120 N. Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 140, by Lori Fairchild Dallas, TX 75248-1187. Annual Subscription Rate is $24.00 per year. COVER FEATURE Periodicals postage paid at Floyd Hall Arena ...... 24 Dallas, TX, and at addi- tional mailing offices. A unique public/private partnership by Lori Fairchild POSTMASTER NOTE: Send address changes to ISI EDGE, c/o The Ice Skating Institute, ISI District Fall Seminar Schedule ...... 28 17120 N. Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 140, Dallas, TX, 75248-1187. Printed in the U.S.A. Developing Competitors ...... 30 Subscriptions available Part 1 of a 2-part series through membership only. by David Jacobson ©2006 by the Ice Skating Institute. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibit- ISI 25-Year Awards ...... 44 ed unless expressly autho- rized in writing by publish- er. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed by con- DEPARTMENTS tributors do not necessarily represent the views of the Message from the President ...... 4 Ice Skating Institute, the publisher or the advertisers. Power Ice with Wendy Marco...... 32 Submissions of manuscripts, materials, photographs, and ISIA Education Foundation Report...... 34 artwork are made at mailer’s risk and must include self- Coaches’ Corner ...... 36 addressed envelope with suf- ficient postage for return. Ice Arena Association News ...... 38 No responsibility will be assumed for unsolicited Calendar ISI-Endorsed Competitions & Shows/Exhibitions ...... 42 materials. ISI reserves the right to edit material sub- Classified Advertising ...... 43 mitted for content and space consideration. And Another Thing ...... 46 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dedicated to providing leadership, education and services to the ice skating industry. hen my predecessor, Jim Lange, con- vened the first ice arena industry sum- ICE SKATING INSTITUTE mit meeting on Feb.16, 2005, it was his 17120 N. Dallas Parkway, Suite 140 W Dallas, TX 75248-1187 hope that it would be the first step toward bring- Phone: (972) 735-8800 ing together all of the related organizations to Fax: (972) 735-8815 e-mail: [email protected] address the many issues and challenges that we www.skateisi.org share in the ice sports industry. I think all will agree that the meeting was a significant step in ISI INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Executive Director that direction. Peter Martell It was agreed at the conclusion of the sum- Jim Hartnett Managing Director, mit that we should try to identify a project or President, Member Programs & Services ISI Board of Directors Patti Feeney initiative that we, as a group, could accomplish National Events & as a result of our historic gathering. After some Skating Program Coordinator Barb Yackel discussion it was decided that before we could do anything to further Administrative Assistant develop interest and encourage continued participation in ice sports, Kathy Chase Controller & Tradeshow Manager we needed to conduct a survey to learn more about the demograph- Karen Schaffer ics of our current members and customers, their likes and dislikes, Membership Coordinator and patterns of participation. A committee was formed under the Kimberley Russelle Advertising Sales & leadership of Tom Hillgrove of Rink Management Services Corp., Print Production Manager funding was secured from the five leading industry organizations and Carol Jackson Sponsorship Sales Manager an independent research company was hired. Stuart Sedransky I am pleased to report that the survey has been completed and Information Services Coordinator Jeff Anderson soon will be ready for distribution. While the results do not present Customer Service Coordinator any shocking revelations, there is, for the first time that I know of, Angela Tooley independent, statistical confirmation of figure skating and ice hock- ISI OFFICERS ey customer profiles. It is important to note that the survey sample President Jim Hartnett group consisted almost exclusively of USA Hockey and U.S. Figure 1st Vice President Mike Paikin Skating past and current members and did not include new or entry- 2nd Vice President Janice Forbes Treasurer Richard Arenella level users. Secretary Margy Bennett Immediate Past President Jim Lange Past President Boyd Wietecter Some of the information gleaned from the survey includes: • 77 percent of all user families had household incomes of DIRECTORS $75,000 or more per year. District 1 Katy Hayden District 2 Robyn Bentley • Having “fun” is the most important and greatest benefit District 3 Lisa Fedick received from participation. District 4 Christine Wilson Brinton District 5 Shane Douglas • Cost and parental time demands are the two major barriers District 6 Toni Cooper to participation. District 7 Maria Koman • There is too much travel involved in ice hockey, and figure District 8 Tom Hickey District 9 Dan Smith skating is viewed as being an “elitist” sport. District 10 Char Martin • Loss of interest by and time demands of the children are the District 11 Liz Mangelsdorf District 12 Debbie Lane two leading reasons for discontinued participation. District 13 Cindy Jensen District 14 Paige Scott District 15 Bert Blanchette Completion of this project is a significant accomplishment and District 16 Cindy Solberg the sponsoring organizations are to be commended for their com- District 18 Glyn Jones mitment. However, it is not an end unto itself. If we are to work Hockey Kevin McCormack Builders & Suppliers Doug Peters toward what we all agree is the ultimate objective — developing Instructors David Santee interest and increasing participation in the ice sports — then we must Commercial Facilities Scott Slavensky Public/Not-for-Profit Facilities Pete Carlson take it to the next step, which is to survey the casual participants Schools, Colleges, Universities and non-participants about their perceptions of our activities and iAIM Chair Rob McBride why they do not participate more. This next step will be even more PSA Representative Gerry Lane USFS Representative Homer Hagedorn time- and cost-intensive, and will require additional commitments ISIAsia Representative Raul Gomes from other stakeholders within our industry. As your professional AMMA Representative Trudy Ivory MAMA Representative Rob Mueller trade association, we will continue to press forward in the spirit of MIAMA Representative Russ Rose collaboration — not duplication. MIRMA Representative Judy Sniffen WIAMA Representative Members who would like a copy of the survey e-mailed to them Education Foundation Don Bartelson should contact the ISI office at (972) 735-8800. Lifetime Honorary Member Carol Zdziebko
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by Gerry Fitzsimmons
The world continues to move along at a torrid pace, with 1 Floor Slab Tempera- digital everything taking over. But what is this all about ture) as the slab tem- and how does it impact ice arena operations? Let’s look at perature rises (indicat- both electro-mechanical and direct digital control systems ing a rising ice surface OPERATIONS in order to provide a better understanding of the benefits temperature) at a pre- of each system. determined set point (e.g., 24 degrees Fahren- Electro-mechanical (thermostatic) control heit), and a set of con- tacts closes and starts (EMC) systems the refrigeration plant Electro-mechanical components and systems have been (Fig. 2, Cold Glycol around since 1885, when the Buzz Thermo-Electric Regulator Pump No. 1). EMC con- Co. registered a patent for a thermostatic system that auto- trols have a predeter- matically adjusted room temperatures in a residential build- mined dead band (e.g., ing. In 1924, another pioneer named Mark C. Honeywell between 23 F and 25 F) developed a clock-controlled thermostat. This was the start of in which no action the electro-mechanical control industry as we now know it. takes place. Once the EMC controls are individual controls that measure a sin- set point is achieved, gle parameter, such as temperature or pressure, and through the control turns off some mechanical action use this force to cause a mechani- the refrigeration plant. cal/electrical switch to operate (for this discussion, ther- The logical control mostats are included as electro-mechanical devices due to sequences for an EMC their singular control functionality). With an electrical power system reside within source and relays connected to these controllers, various the control and the pieces of equipment are started and stopped. The earliest ver- wiring between various sions were completely mechanical, with moving parts includ- components. The most Figure 2: Two-stage slab tempera- ing springs, levers and mercury switches (Fig. 1). Over time, difficult challenge with ture controller new technology re- this system is the con- placed many of the straint on control strategy. mechanical compo- Then, along came direct digital control systems. nents, reducing the costs and improving the reliability of the Direct digital control (DDC) systems controllers. Although the EMC systems provide basic operation, the tech- Although the hard- nology boom has yielded more sophisticated electronic con- ware has improved trols. The transistor patent was completed in 1928, but it was over the years, the not until 1948 that Bell Labs produced working models and basic system architec- set the digital revolution in motion. Over the next 50 years, ture has remained the these products progressed and became commercially viable, same. These devices allowing the use of digital controls for everyday functions continue to measure a and equipment. single parameter and, A key difference with a DDC system is the ability to sep- through a manual set- arate the control strategy and system logic from the control ting, have a single devices, components and wiring. With DDC systems, con- stage of control. trol strategies are only limited by the knowledge and imagi- For example, in an nation of the system designers. How is that possible? arena, a temperature DDC systems are set up under a completely different controller measures architecture. The systems are divided into three functional Figure 1: Reverse acting high-pressure the rink slab tempera- blocks. The first block is inputs. Inputs are all types of mea- controller ture (Fig. 2, Rink No. sured parameters (temperature), date and time functions, vir- Continued on page 8 6 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006
Continued from page 6 tual inputs (set points and desired operating temperatures or human to tell them what to do in every situation. For exam- pressures), status points (pump on) and positional points ple, the DDC programmer tells the DDC controller to start (valve is 75 percent open). the refrigeration system if the ice surface temperature is The second block is outputs. Outputs are signals and greater than 22 F, and to shut it off if the surface temperature information leaving the DDC system, including equipment goes below 18 F. The logical controller will continue auto- stop/start signals, variable signals to modulate valves and matically performing this and many other functions until pumps, and equipment status for other control equipment. programmed otherwise. Figure 3 shows the relationship The third and most important piece of the puzzle is between inputs, outputs and system intelligence. the programming, or intellectual property, component. The DDC controllers have no built-in intelligence and require a
EMC and DDC System Comparisons EMC
Advantages • Lower initial cost • Interchangeable components • Larger labor service pool • Generic vendor options • Troubleshooting ease
Disadvantages • Inflexible • Limited capability • Single function • Single-facility oriented • Limited measured parameters • Adjustment requires manual intervention • Manual changes will not revert back Figure 3: Direct digital controller • Calibration points move with time The DDC hardware (Fig. 4) resembles the block dia- gram, with the various system inputs wired on the left side DDC and the resulting outputs located on the right. The Advantages DDC controller contains • Lower life-cycle cost all the programming and • More energy-efficient operation system intelligence. Both EMC and DDC • Multi-facility capability systems have their place in • Very flexible ice rink applications. As • Programmable logic an arena owner, ensure • Better operating conditions that you completely • Ability to look ahead understand the long- • Intelligent data management term advantages and dis- • Built-in operational protection advantages prior to mak- ing important decisions • Improved remote communication capability regarding your control system. Using either sys- Disadvantages tem with an effective pre- Figure 4: DDC hardware • Proprietary systems ventive maintenance pro- • More difficult to troubleshoot gram, you will realize the maximum operational perfor- • Smaller/specialized service labor pool mance available. • Higher first-time costs Gerry Fitzsimmons, P. Eng., is the business development manag- er-service for Cimco Refrigeration.
8 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006
Get with the Program! Advantages of Computerized Systems in the Ice Arena
by Richard Wise
nyone who works in the ice skat- tem. Many immediate benefits can be Implementing a combined PC-based ing industry will probably agree realized from investing in a PC-based POS and accounting system will allow Athat the majority of us are stuck POS system versus a standard dedicated you to spend more useful time on the in the dark ages when it comes to fully cash register/keypunch system. First and floor or out in the community generat- utilizing technological advancements foremost is the accuracy and efficiency ing awareness of your facility. to improve and streamline our day-to- in transaction processing, reducing the Perhaps a PC-based POS system’s day facility operations. This is because chance of human error. Transactions are most valuable tool is the ability to most ice arenas still lack inexpensive, less complicated for the cashier, who is retrieve and maintain customer data, out-of-the-box, user-friendly solutions assisted visually step by step, often with allowing for the ability to create catego- that can tie together all the facets of our added helpful tips that are simultane- rized mailing lists and accurately track a daily operations. ously displayed on the computer screen customer’s spending habits in your facil- In most skating facilities, outsourc- as the transaction data is keyed in or ity and other statistical data. This might ing technology upgrades is not eco- scanned. Less training and memorization assist you in developing and maintain- nomically viable; therefore, arena oper- are needed; the byproduct is a significant ing a customer rewards program for your ators are forced to take on myriad roles, reduction in the cost of educating new loyal patrons or an informational tool to including that of the information tech- employees or retraining existing ones. assist a cashier when customers enroll in nology specialist. It isn’t easy to find Another benefit is that even the new programs. Many POS systems give the rare individual who is not only a simplest of PC-based POS systems you the option to track customer data career ice arena professional but also include some form of employee track- only when necessary, so a cashier is not a mechanic, electrician, plumber, ing for added security and assistance inundated during peak hours with accountant, marketing guru, human with reconciling daily balances. It also inputting customers’ contact informa- resources manager and, last but not helps eradicate any temptation to steal. tion into the system. least, techno-savvy computer geek. Depending on the system, you may also There are even more customized
MANAGEMENT Like so many other arena man- be able to automatically transfer your all-in-one applications developed by agers, I frequently struggle to find ways daily cash register activity into a back- several companies to address some of to improve the efficiency of our daily end accounting system that generates the challenges facing the skating indus- operations through automation in a your daily and monthly income reports. try, although not always without a hefty way that is economically practical and Continued on page 12 beneficial to both the company and the bottom line. The most common chal- lenges I am faced with today in imple- menting new technologies are finding: • applications that are (or can be cus- tomized to be) pertinent to our indus- try and that actually improve opera- tions while justifying their costs • new technologies that are easy enough to use so that when com- bined with reliable employees they are fully implemented and adminis- tered, not put on the back shelf and demoted to the functions of a glori- fied paperweight hmsE Blackburn Thomas E. PC-based POS systems Fortunately, while operational costs are steadily rising, off-the-shelf technology costs are coming down. There are count- less advantages to utilizing computer- ized technologies in the skating arena. A PC-based POS system offers numerous benefits, including accuracy, efficiency and reduced Consider the point of sale (POS) sys- training costs.
10 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006
Continued from page 10
price tag. These applications, in addi- you have completely entered all the school class and a hockey league, all tion to functioning as your POS system, information from your event registra- prior to setting foot in your facility. may also include the ability to process tions, you can quickly and easily create class enrollments, manage facility a minute-by-minute competition Safety monitoring systems scheduling, process contract rental schedule using a built-in automatic For safety issues, equipment monitor- agreements, generate customer billing, scheduling feature. It will even warn ing systems alert you via pager if one of process employee time-clock functions, you of potential schedule conflicts for your compressors goes offline or CO monitor safety equipment, etc. Some skaters who are participating in multi- levels in the arena area are reaching are even modular, so you can reduce the ple events. Pre-designed event cate- harmful levels. Maintenance logs and cost of the entire software package by gories and judges’ scoring criteria checklist databases allow your shift eliminating the functions you don’t (based on ISI competition judging stan- managers to record the day’s events and find necessary. You also have the option dards) take the guesswork out of setting stay on track with preventive and gen- of implementing one module at a time up and printing score sheets for judges. eral maintenance. in order to spread out the cost and ease The Edge software even has a quick With the recent introduction of the burden of having to train your entry feature for event scores that inexpensive digital video recorders employees on too much all at once. allows you to post results within min- (DVRs) and cameras, anyone can afford utes of an event’s completion. At the to install a high-tech surveillance sys- ISI applications end of the day, it tallies the team scores tem to monitor their entire facility and The Ice Skating Institute recently show- in just seconds. The bottom line is that replay in a matter of seconds an event cased its new weSKATE application at it saves you hours of tedious paper that took place weeks ago — all with the 2006 iACT event in Boston. This pushing and number crunching, elimi- just a few keystrokes and without loss comprehensive program assists a skat- nating the headaches brought on by of video quality. If you want to get real- ing director with program develop- dreaded scheduling and scoring errors. ly fancy, you can link your cameras to ment, student enrollment and individ- your Web site so your customers can ual skater histories. Among its most Reduced labor costs, paperwork view the arena online, perhaps to attractive features are the ability to Among the other obvious benefits of watch a hockey game or skating com- process and manage ISI memberships computerized systems — whether an petition in real time. and automatically update ISI test and all-in-one package or several individual membership transcripts via the Inter- applications categorized by function — Music innovations net, specific to your own arena. Gone is the reduction of labor costs associat- Another new innovation showcased at ed with managing and pro- iACT was RinkMusic’s automated cessing data, not to mention music-queuing system that allows fig- the significant reduction of ure skaters to play their music just by paperwork. All-in-one cus- waving a unique key tag in front of a tomized software packages sensor built directly into the barriers The tools we need are further help to eliminate on the ice. The complexity of the soft- redundancies often created ware that drives the system allows for by utilizing applications the queuing of music to be prioritized developed by different com- based on pre-set criteria determined here now. We just have panies that might have by you, such as when a skater’s pro- incompatible data formats. gram music was last played. The In the back office, com- coaches even get a key so that, based puters and their accompany- on your customized settings, they can to start using them. ing graphic design software bump a skater’s music to the next line can turn the amateur artist in the queue during lesson time. The into a regular Picasso while system acts as the music moderator, helping create vibrant, eye- eliminating the need for a rink atten- catching flyers and brochures dant or skating parent to be available will be the days of scouring through an with ready-to-go, pre-designed tem- to play tapes. How about no more index card file for a skater’s test records. plates plus extensive, built-in tutorials coaches and skaters fighting over No more frantically calling ISI for the to guide the artist with the project. Sim- whose music will get played next? membership status or test history of a ilar to graphic design applications are That’s music to my ears. skater to see if she is eligible to com- Web design applications that allow pete. The weSKATE program also prints anyone with little or no graphic design In the long run, computer technology your instructor class sheets for you knowledge to easily create and main- will only help to improve your “well- along with a predefined, yet customiz- tain their own Web site, enabling cus- oiled machine.” The majority of the ice able, class curriculum. tomers to view general information skating industry is still catching up. The An application that has been fine- about your facility on the Internet. tools we need are here now. We just tuned and readily available for some Taken a few steps further, cus- have to start using them. time is ISI’s Edge competition software. tomers can submit personal informa- In a nutshell, this is an ISI competition tion that automatically gets stored in Richard Wise, CAM, CAO, CAP, MCSE, is organizer, scheduler and scoring calcu- your client database for future refer- vice president of facility operations for lator that takes you from the start of ence, purchase advance-sale admission VSC Sports Enterprises Inc. in Sherman your competition to the finish. Once tickets or even enroll in a skating Oaks, Calif.
12 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006
Rethinking Your Party Program 5 Principles for Gaining the Edge in Your Market
by Frank W. Price
ecreation and leisure businesses involving families are Add intangible value. evolving at a rapid pace. Owners and operators need Commercial birthday businesses have forgotten about the Rto be open to change if they are to maintain and grow most important ingredient of a memorable birthday party. their business. The demand for ice time for traditional ice2 Where’s the TLC? activities also is changing. Hectic schedules, inconvenient The next generation of party services must be delivered ice times and even the cost of ice have deterred many fami- through an experience, meeting individual needs. No longer lies from these activities, making it harder to offset opera- can ice rinks count on a perpetuating market that continues tional expenses, not to mention profitability. to attract new customers. New facilities generate curiosity, Birthday parties, though, are in high demand. They are but not enough to maintain repeat visits. Great service is consistent throughout the year. They are also profitable and expected — not always delivered — but no longer sets you becoming a dominant source of income. Here are five things apart. It’s the “human touch” that make your parties special ice arena managers need to remember in order to grow their — particularly since party parents tend to lose the ability to party business. add this when they host a party outside the home. The factor that distinguishes the best of the best is not the Birthday parties are not about skating. physical environment or even the quality of the birthday offer- Create your party concept around FUN. It’s not the facili- ing. It’s the interaction and relationships developed between 1ty, the act of skating or any other “play attraction” that your party team and your guests. Your team of party experts makes a commercial birthday party special. Hockey or fig- makes any environment come alive with energy, personal ure skating draws a select group, whereas fun appeals to impact and an emotional attachment. This interaction between all. The ice rink is merely a stage for the birthday presen- individuals makes each party experience unique and special. tation. Skating is just one of the activities that assists in Experience-based birthday businesses are creating new making it more fun. The human interaction that surrounds sources of value in the minds of their consumers. They are the skating makes the party memorable and talked about engaging guests in a personalized way, creating experiences for a long time. Family, friends and your party team are that will remain top of mind and live longer through stories keys to this success. repeated over and over. Continued on page 16 PROGRAMMING
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
5HJDUGOHVVRIWKHVL]HRI\RXUDUHQDRULFHVXUIDFHWKHUHLVDQ 2/<03,$LGHDOO\VXLWHGWR\RXUQHHGV Continued from page 14 Charge more! Break out of the box. Satisfied party parents, touched by positive emotions as Some of the best new ideas are simply old ideas borrowed from the they leave with lasting memories, never ask how much5 it past or from completely different industries, transformed in a brand costs.3 new way. The value of your birthday offering increases as it The question to ask yourself is: “Why must I grow my business saves the consumer time and energy while eliminating using the same methods my competition is using?” The answers are frustrations. When your party achieves these, you can found by thinking out of the box. Use dramatically different market- charge more. Today’s time-starved families are willing to ing and operational methods, totally foreign to your industry. When pay top dollar for a personalized, positive experience, visiting other businesses or organizations, look closely at what they do especially when it comes to their child’s happiness. It’s different from or better than you. This can be any type of organiza- all about their perception. If their perception of your tion, from a manufacturing plant to a professional baseball team to a offering doesn’t match the value they paid, your party dry cleaners. Look at their success methods; then interpret, adapt and business will suffer. They won’t come back! adopt them to fit your business. Rather than assuming that what Be unique. Eliminate frustration. Save them time. works for a different industry could never apply to yours, engage in Create convenience. “possibility thinking” — consider how you can modify their methods to make them work for you. You’ll stand out and be far more effective, more successful, more productive and more profitable. View your ice rink as an entertainment center. Offer FUN as well as sports-related activities. Find the Use these five principles as the foundation for change. They will 4 enable you to re-engineer your party business and maintain or estab- right mix. The market for recreational skating, shared family activities and non-competitive sports is much larg- lish a significant edge within your market or industry. er than the market for traditional ice activities. Skating around in an oval in a noisy, uncomfortable, run-down Frank W. Price is the founder of Birthday University, a national tour- and cold environment is not the formula for repeat visits. ing school that educates children’s and family-oriented enterprises Add on-ice games, costumed characters, social activities, on the business of producing memorable and profitable birthday par- soft-play sport games (non-competitive), fun relay races, ties. His session at the 2006 iACT was one of the conference’s most pop- music games and live interactive entertainment facilitat- ular presentations. For more information, call (919) 387-1966, e-mail ed by your DJ. [email protected] or visit www.birthdayuniversity.com.
16 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006
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fnfg 37892 isiedge_fp_8.5x11.ind1 1 2/21/06 2:20:59 PM New Initiatives Bring Professional Training Within Reach of Entire Industry
by Rob McBride
hese are exciting times for the Ice easier and more affordable for arena With the support of industry spon- Arena Institute of Management professionals to participate in iAIM cer- sors, iAIM is able to keep tuition fees T(iAIM), ISI’s education and certi- tification programs and schools. With affordable for even the most limited bud- fication program for ice arena man- options available for regional training get. In fact, with most ice arena insurers agers, operators and programmers. seminars, online certification courses now offering substantial premium cred- iAIM has embarked on a series of new and specialized and advanced executive its to facilities that are managed and initiatives to expand program offerings classes, iAIM is bringing professional staffed by iAIM graduates, the certifica- and update delivery methods. training within reach of everyone in tion program is one of the best financial These initiatives will make it even the industry. investments an arena can make. Following are details of the new initiatives.
Chairman’s View Web certification exams on iAIM Online I had the honor of being appointed chair of the iAIM board of regents iAIM Online is the industry’s only Web- in May, and I eagerly look forward to working with Director Jack Vivian based ice arena education and certifica- and the other regents to achieve iAIM’s mission of educating and sup- tion program. It was created to provide porting ice arena professionals. the same professional development Having participated at all levels of the iAIM program, I have seen courses that students receive at iAIM firsthand the real benefits that it provides to our industry. Even some- schools, in a convenient and affordable one like myself, with more than 20 years of experience, will learn new online distance-learning format. theories and practices that lead to greater success and personal growth. The online courses have allowed ice To me, what separates iAIM from other industry training programs arena professionals from around the is the comprehensive approach to all the responsibilities and proficien- globe to expand their knowledge and cies required to be a successful arena professional. The program cur- proficiency in all aspects of arena man- riculum doesn’t simply teach technical skills; along with those skills it agement, operations and programming. teaches you to be an effective manager and leader. Students receive the comprehensive iAIM Whether our facilities are publicly owned or private, we all face education on a timetable and pace that challenging times in our industry. To be successful, we will need to they can adapt to fit their busy schedule. operate our facilities in a more cost-efficient manner, invest more of The program is being retooled to our budgets in maintaining the building and equipment, be effective allow participants to complete their at recruiting and motivating a quality staff, provide a consistently certification through a secure online exceptional experience for our customers and become more actively examination. By early this fall, students involved in managing and marketing the activities that take place on in all three certification tracks will be our ice and in our facility. able to complete the coursework, take In short, we will need to be well educated on all aspects of our indus- their exam over the Internet and try and committed to achieving the highest possible standards for our- receive their professional certification selves and our facilities. from the comfort and convenience of As I look ahead, my primary goal as iAIM chair is to raise awareness their arena or home. throughout our industry of the critical influence that professional education will have on the future stabili- Fall training seminars ty of arenas and the growth of ice sports. iAIM is offering three one-day regional Rob McBride, CAE, is the founder and CEO of Norwell, training seminars for arena managers and operations staff. The seminars offer a Mass.-based Facility Management Corp., which leases and combination of classroom instruction operates 23 publicly owned ice arena facilities. He is an and technical “hands-on” training in key active, award-winning ISI member with 24 years of expe- areas of arena operations and mainte- rience in all facets of ice arena management, operation, nance. They are being held at ice arenas programming and renovation. to allow participants to learn the theory Continued on page 20 18 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006
Continued from page 18 and principles in a classroom setting, refrigeration to modern refrigeration regional seminar at your arena in the and then experience their practical appli- controls and dehumidification. future, please contact Peter Martell at cation in an operating ice arena. Refrigeration room safety and system the ISI office, (972) 735-8800 or troubleshooting will be [email protected]. taught in the facility’s state- of-the-art mechanical 2007 schools: room. Participants will also The iAIM certification have the unique opportuni- A new course and venue ty to see a new ice floor sys- Plans for 2007 iAIM schools are being tem during the construc- finalized, with an exciting new course program is one of the best tion process. offering as well as a weeklong Certifi- The final seminar in the cate of Arena Operations (CAO) school. fall series will be held Sept. 26 Both schools will be offered May 6-11 financial investments in San Jose, Calif., on the sub- at Adrian College in Adrian, Mich., just an arena can make. ject of ice resurfacer mainte- outside Detroit. nance and operation. This A new advanced course that cov- seminar will give participants ers the design, construction and ren- The first of the seminar series, on an in-depth understanding of proper ovation of ice arenas will be offered the topic of ice installation and main- ice resurfacer and ice edger mainte- to arena professionals, designers and tenance, was held Aug. 22 in Chicago. nance, operation, safety and operator consultants as well as public recre- Arena managers and operations staff training. ation agencies. Participants will learn from throughout the upper Midwest The registration fee for each sem- the steps required for a successful attended. All aspects of ice installation, inar is $75 per person. A group dis- project, from concept to completion. painting and maintenance were cov- count is offered for multiple registra- The Adrian College campus com- ered, including hands-on instruction in tions from the same arena ($125 for bines excellent dormitory, dining and the art of ice painting. two; $50 per person for three or athletic/recreational facilities for par- The second seminar in the series, more). Each registrant will also receive ticipants, with a new state-of-the-art ice set for Sept. 22 in Bridgeport, Conn., a $25 coupon redeemable for any arena training center that will serve as will cover basic refrigeration and upcoming iAIM school or online cer- the home base for iAIM. HVAC. This seminar will take partic- tification program. Look for more information on ipants from the principles of basic If you are interested in hosting a these schools to be available soon.
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can’t believe I’ve gone from wearing In addition to running Yerba “I was making $50 an hour, and at 13, fishnets and feathers to reading com- Buena, Scott is the head coach of the I thought ‘Wow, this is IT,’” she recalls. Ipressor gauges and changing an auger San Francisco Tremors synchronized By age 14, she had choreographed chain in a resurfacing machine!” skating team and the District 14 repre- her first show for the San Francisco Show sentative on the ISI board of directors. Place, exhibiting her talent for design. She is well known for the creative char- Immediately after high school came a acters she and her colleague Shane two-year stint with the Ice Capades, fol- Douglas portray at ISI annual confer- lowed by small traveling shows in which ence closing parties. she started choreographing new num- “Paige is a people person from the bers for the producers. World-renowned word ‘go,’” says Michael Paikin, presi- choreographer Karen Kresge hired Scott dent of VSC Sports Enterprises Inc., as her assistant at the Redwood Ice Arena which manages Yerba Buena Ice Skat- in Santa Rosa, providing the learning ing Center. “She’s very innovative, pos- experience of a lifetime. itive and enthusiastic, and can work Scott served as assistant choreogra- with any person at any pher of the opening and closing cere- age, male or female.” monies of the 1992 World Figure Skat- A native San Francis- ing Championships in Oakland, Calif. can, Scott was born into and four years later produced, directed That’s how show biz. Her late moth- and choreographed the opening and Paige Scott de- er, Elizabeth Mae Huber, closing ceremonies at the National Fig- scribes her reac- was a silver medalist ice ure Skating Championships. tion when she She continues to get her show first cracked open production fix with several annual the iAIM opera- events at Yerba Buena, including the tions manual. A Holidaze Ice Show and a fundraiser lifetime performer benefiting an AIDS wellness center. who inherited her Her arena also hosts several competi- parents’ love of the spotlight, Scott tions as well as the Mayor’s Youth is one of the few in the ice arena Hockey Program for at-risk youth and industry who truly has worn all the the Brian Boitano Youth Program. proverbial hats (and costumes). Plume Productions is Scott’s plastic Attaining the full complement of ice company, which produces shows for iAIM’s programming, management small events and private parties. “They and operations certifications was don’t make what I have anymore,” she one more feather to add to her col- says of the Fiberglas Teflon squares orful wardrobe. sprayed with glycerin. “I load it up in Each of those disciplines gets a the back of my Ford Explorer, pull up workout in Scott’s daily life. When to a venue, unload it, lay it down, put San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Ice Skat- on a costume and skate.” ing Center opened in 1998, she was dancer at Easterns who went on to tour She recently recruited her 10- hired as its skating director. Within with the Ice Follies and run the skating year-old daughter, Erin, to skate on six months, she had become its gen- school at Belmont Iceland. Her father, the plastic ice at a health and fitness eral manager. Perhaps the writing was James (“Happy”) Carroll was a stage fair to promote the ice arena. on the wall several years earlier, when hand at San Francisco’s legendary Win- Scott and her engineer husband, she was driving a Zamboni a week terland venue and later became the Mark, also have a college-age daugh- after giving birth. stage manager of the San Francisco ter, Natalie. Making the leap from skating direc- Symphony. And her stepmother, Janet If life with Paige Scott is anything tor to arena manager was a “huge Carroll, was a costume designer for the like a conversation with her, there’s stretch,” Scott says. “But I guess it just Ringling Brothers. never a dull moment. She sums up her comes from being bossy. Choreograph- Scott was a childhood ISIA mem- coaching philosophy in an acronym: ing, directing, producing, running com- ber when she learned to skate and PACE (Positive Attitude Changes panies and managing a small troupe of began competing in her mother’s Everything). And her management skaters with large attitudes gave me some school at Belmont Iceland. She pro- style? “Interpretive isn’t just an event good background. It’s been challenging, gressed to FS 8 and turned professional in a competition. Life throws curve but if I stop learning, I get bored.” on plastic ice in a polar bear costume. balls; think fast.”
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by Lori Fairchild
hen former Target and K- Enterprises funding all construction ice skating classes. In addition, stu- Mart CEO Floyd Hall was costs. Hall donated both facilities to the dents, faculty and staff receive free Wconsidering ways to give back university when they were completed public skating admission Monday to the communities of Montclair and in 1998, and his company was granted through Friday,” McCormack explains. Little Falls, N.J., two primary goals a long-term lease to operate them. “This is good for us, because the uni- emerged: to provide first-class facilities The partnership has proved coop- versity uses many hours of ice during for the local university and to create erative and mutually beneficial, says the day, when the facility would nor- wholesome activities for local families. Kevin McCormack, vice president of mally be quiet. The partnership has The result was a unique public/private arena operations for FHE. “Through partnership formed 10 years ago, with the arrangement to have the rink on Floyd Hall Arena staff includes: (from left, Yogi Berra Stadium and Floyd Hall campus, the university receives 750 front) Jon Sagui and Rosemarie Pallino; and Arena built on Montclair State hours of free ice time each year, pri- (from left, back) Brian Miller, Al Karl, Kevin University property and Floyd Hall marily for its club hockey program and McCormack, Patty Ensign, Catherine Hack- er and Kristen Vanorski.
All photos courtesy of Floyd Hall Arena also allowed the arena to use universi- ty dormitories as housing for summer camps and visiting figure skaters.” The arena offers year-round part- time employment opportunities and internships for university students. In addition to servicing the university, the facility provides ice time to four commu- nity travel/recreational hockey programs, four high schools and its own girls’ and women’s travel hockey program. “The biggest challenge we face with the arrangement is the fact that we are a private for-profit entity on a public university campus. Sometimes the two organizations work at differ- ent speeds, but overall, we have been able to get past that and create a pos- itive relationship for both of us,” says McCormack. In addition to Floyd Hall Arena, Floyd Hall Arena offers a variety of ISI skating and hockey instructional programs on two company holdings include Danbury NHL-size ice rinks. Ice Arena, the Sussex Skyhawks minor league baseball team and the Essex Equestrian Center.
Facts and figures Open 362 days a year and 18 hours a day, Floyd Hall Arena attracts more than 500,000 visits annually. It has served as a practice and training site for more than 20 NHL teams and numerous international figure skating champions, including 2006 Olympic gold medalist ice dancers Tatiana Navka and Roman Kostomarov. The 85,000-square-foot ice arena includes two NHL-size rinks, an off-ice training area, meeting rooms, a conces- sion area, a pro shop, nine locker rooms, a dance studio and a party room. The 2006 Olympic buzz started a full year ago at Floyd Hall Arena, which continues to see solid The main rink seats 500 specta- numbers for its learn-to-skate and public skating programs. tors, and has hosted the New Jersey Youth Hockey League playoffs, the Garden State Games, elite-level skating exhibitions, New Jersey Devils alumni charity hockey games and the MIRMA/ISI District 3 Skate for Knowledge competition. The 15,000-square-foot lobby and parts of the rink areas recently received new Nora rubber flooring from Athletica, Freudenberg Building Systems and Phazer. Additional flooring will be installed in stages over the next three years. New 6-foot double-gate entrance doors and new kick plates were also among the recent improvements. On the operations side, the facility uses an EI Solutions energy manage- ment system, natural gas engines to drive the compressors and two Munters AM30 dehumidification units. “We are A busy concession area is one of many amenities in the 85,000-square-foot arena building. Continued on page 26 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 25 Continued from page 25 in the process of installing an EI “Our general manager, Brian known for his infectious personality as Solutions automated building energy Miller, and our operations manager, well as his excellent power skating management system with heat recovery, Kenny Conlon, were university gradu- instruction, which draws students which we expect to pay for itself within ates who had worked as part-time shift from miles around. two years through reduced energy supervisors before becoming full-time The arena’s skating department is costs,” McCormack notes. managers,” McCormack says. “We composed of three part-time positions: With both natural gas and electric- have had more success growing staff skating director Patty Ensign, learn-to- ity now deregulated in New Jersey, from within the company than we skate on-ice director Diane Cross and McCormack says his arena is ready to have had hiring from outside. We also skating program administrator comparison shop for better utility rates. cross-train many of our staff to give us Catherine Hacker. the most flexibility.” The programming philosophy at People and programs Kristen Vanorski has been the Floyd Hall Arena encompasses a broad Floyd Hall Arena’s staff comprises arena’s party coordinator for less mix of figure skating, hockey, adult seven or eight full-time employees and than a year but already has boosted leagues, rental groups, in-house pro- 50 to 75 part-timers, many of whom party and group revenues by more gramming and specialized programs are Montclair State University students than 30 percent. such as adult-only public skating. “We and graduates. Hockey director Tommy Gross is try to run as many things in-house as possible to maximize profitability, but we realize that we need a core group of ice rental customers for revenue stabil- Open Door, Open Mind ity,” says McCormack. Both the Floyd Hall and Danbury staff that enjoys coming to work is not a gift; it’s a reward for strong arenas have been administrative mem- management practices. And it’s one that Kevin McCormack has bers of ISI since opening. Floyd Hall Aearned, says his hockey director, Tommy Gross. The two have worked Arena alone registers 1,200 to 1,500 together at three different rinks over the last 18 years. players and skaters each year in ISI “Kevin’s greatest strength is how personally he takes things,” Gross notes. hockey and learn-to-skate programs. “He truly loves his staff and goes more than the extra mile to make sure every- “We have found the ISI program one is contributing and giving their best efforts. When there are bumps, he to be easy to administer and a much never points fingers, but instead takes the responsibility as if he didn’t do better value than other programs,” enough. He cares how we all feel and how much we enjoy coming to work.” McCormack notes. “The insurance As vice president of arena operations for Floyd Hall Enterprises, he super- coverage is unmatched and we believe vises operations at both Floyd Hall Arena in Montclair, N.J. and Danbury the ISI has contributed positively to Ice Arena in Danbury, Conn. the growth of our facility. While earning a biology degree at State University of New York in Brock- “We are also a big believer in the port, McCormack worked as a rink guard. After graduation, he became an assis- iAIM program and the ISI annual con- tant manager at the Bryan Trottier Skating Academy and later moved to Long ference,” he adds. “The education that Island Skating Academy, where he eventually was pro- ISI and iAIM provide is incredible. Our moted to general manager. He has held various posi- managers have gained valuable knowl- tions for Floyd Hall Enterprises for the last nine years. edge and important ideas that they use McCormack has been actively involved with the in their jobs every day, and we like the Metropolitan Ice Rink Managers Association (MIRMA) fact that the programs are structured for 15 years and now serves as its second vice presi- with the manager, owner and user dent. He is also the hockey section representative on groups in mind.” the ISI board and serves on its membership and strate- Located just 30 minutes from mid- gic planning committees as well as the iAIM board of town Manhattan, with some 3 million regents. Last year he was recognized with the ISI Dis- residents within a 10-mile radius, trict 3 Merit Award. Floyd Hall Arena has a customer data- “I bring an open mind to listen to what all groups base of more than 20,000 names. Kevin McCormack and individuals have to say,” he notes. “I have been “We are close to some of the more in the industry for a long time and I have learned wealthy areas of New Jersey, but we many things, but I do not know everything. I hope to realize that we need a broad reach to grow and increase membership in the ISI hockey program, and my current all demographics to be successful,” goal is to finish the revamped ISI hockey manual.” McCormack says, adding that nine He also has a clear goal for the ice arena industry. “We can bring togeth- new sheets of ice have opened within er the great minds in this business and work together on common challenges 30 miles of Montclair in the last five rather than dividing and fracturing the industry, creating separate agendas years. “The demand is starting to catch and working against each other. I see the professionals in ISI as being the up with the oversupply of rinks and force that will bring people together.” recreational opportunities in the area. McCormack and his wife, Patti, live in Pearl River, N.Y. and enjoy trav- We have also adapted to demand by eling, their extended families, antiques, golf, gardening and the outdoors. cutting back some programs and increasing others. We’re working at — Lori Fairchild our business more, rather than waiting for business to come to us.”
26 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006
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28 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 Seminar Schedule If The Arena
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ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 29 In Positive Coaching Alliance’s “Developing Competi- Developing tors” workshops, we define “competitors” as those who strive to make themselves better, make teammates better and make the sport better. You can begin by considering Competitors your own view of “competition” and considering your answers to these questions:
Part 1 of a 2-part series • Does competition mean “striving with” — in keep- ing with the word’s Latin root — or does it mean by David Jacobson “seeking domination”? • Do you view competition as a partnership or as a ce skating instructors can be extremely war? • Are opponents gifts who inspire your skaters’ best influential in helping their skaters hone effort, or are they enemies? • Do you see officials and judges as facilitators or as their competitive edges. An important step obstacles? I • Are rules an imperfect guide to fairness or are they is to consider what ISI and Positive Coaching partially tolerated restraints? Alliance mean by “Developing Competitors.” • Is your goal to help skaters achieve mastery and excel- lence or to win at all cost? Most skaters — indeed, most athletes — are We will share our answers toward the end of this article. “participants.” They enjoy skating and they Meanwhile, you might notice that our questions address some of the concepts at the center of the PCA-ISI partner- may even excel and win championships. But ship, such as “Honoring the Game” by getting to the “ROOTS” of positive play. Remember, ROOTS stands for “participants” should not be confused with respecting Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates and Self. “competitors.” Honoring the Game improves the skater not only men- tally and emotionally, by building character, but also physi- cally, in performance. Skaters can perform at a much higher level if they concentrate on their routines rather than how to get around rules, how their opponents might perform or how judges or teammates may react. Skaters who honor the game can inspire teammates to do the same. As those skaters’ performances improve, it demonstrates that the skaters who led by example really did help make their teammates better. In turn, all skaters honoring the game makes the sport itself better, because each individual, the team as a whole, opponents and judges are free of distraction and able to perform their best, so the entire competitive environment improves. Now, back to the answers to our questions. In each case, PCA and ISI adamantly advocate the first option. Coaches, ice arena leaders and parents who frame their thinking that way remove much of the pressure that comes from focusing on elements of competition that are outside the skaters’ con- trol. Then skaters are free to pour all of that extra energy into their performance, meaning they likely will enjoy better “scoreboard success” and definitely will come away a win- ner in terms of honoring the game. These ideas are worthwhile to consider as you help your skaters prepare for upoming events. Next time, we will provide exercises that will help your skating programs develop competitors.
David Jacobson is PCA’s media/communications man- ager. To learn more about PCA’s workshops and how the ISI-PCA national partnership benefits your skat- ing community, contact PCA at (866) 725-0024 or [email protected], or visit PositiveCoach.org. ActionPhotos.com 30 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 RISKY BUSINESS? NOT IF YOU’RE WITH THE RIGHT PARTNER.
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bout this time each year, rinks all inline players aren’t beginners, and they The Stop in a Box drill is easy to over the country experience the skate, and attempt to stop, at the speed run with large numbers, simple to Aannual rush of inline hockey with which they are comfortable on explain and extraordinarily effective. It players testing their skills on the ice. If asphalt. Without slowing down to a actively utilizes instructors, and they survive that first public session, beginner’s speed while they learn to because it seems more like a carnival they often sign up for lessons with the stop, they simply won’t be able to gain a game than a skating drill, players want intention of mastering just one skill: level of comfort with the feeling of skid- to keep trying it. STOPPING. ding; subsequently, they’ll continue to To set up this stopping drill, use The toughest part of teaching inline struggle through their on-ice stops. cones or hockey sticks to make three players how to stop on the ice is con- To conquer this challenge, it is sides of a box that is just big enough to vincing them to SLOW DOWN! Their important to encourage them to skate stop in, with the open side facing a line stopping level just doesn’t match their slowly while they’re learning to stop. of players. Make enough boxes so that skating level. They can skate — usually Making going slow the goal of a stop- there is at least one per instructor and, pretty well — but when it comes to stop- ping exercise can work even better. ideally, no more than five players per ping, they are absolute beginners. It’s easy to add pressure and box. The skaters will line up about three When most beginners learn to tack- speed to a good skid; the trick is to body lengths away, facing the open end le new skills, they do so at a speed that become comfortable with the skid of the box. The instructors start off is typical of all beginners — slow. But itself. Inline players are unfamiliar directly behind the box facing the with the feeling of skid- skaters. The skaters will go one at a time, ding, which is why they at a speed appropriate for their level, default to those wide toward the open end of the box. Just as power turns. By master- the player is about to reach the box, the ing long, slow skids, counselor will pick a side. The player they’ll gain that neces- should stop inside the box so that he or sary level of comfort. she faces the coach, then immediately If you have the full execute a start to return to the line. length of the ice to work The player’s objective is to go in and with, ask the players to out of the box without hitting the cones skate from the goal line or sticks. The instructor should random- to the first blue line, and ly select the side that the players face and then challenge them to run the students through the drill hold a one-foot snow- enough times that each skater has sever- plow stop in a consistent al opportunities to attempt this exercise (not letting up off of the in both directions. If they are successful, skid) and completely back the skaters up so they can generate straight line, from blue more speed as they approach the box. line to blue line, or The Stop in a Box drill is intended to longer if they can. clean up the stop/start transition in each This exercise should direction and to get the players stopping be repeated on the other on a dime. foot, and then repeated again using T-stops. Once Wendy Marco is a they can control the two-time speaker at straight, long, slow skids, the International cut the distance in half, Hockey Skating then in half again, etc. Symposium, a USA It’s amazing how quickly Hockey Level 4 CEP they’ll learn to stop once instructor and a their bodies understand professional hockey what a skid should feel skating coach in Wendy Marco like. After they can come Washington, D.C. to a complete, controlled Her instructional DVD, “Breaking Out stop, they are ready to of the Ice Age,” features hockey skating take on more challenging drills and games, and can be found, JP Lorenzen receives instruction from his Power Play Hockey stopping drills, such as along with more hockey skating tools, School coach as he executes the “Stop in a Box” drill. the “Stop in a Box.” at www.ColdRushHockey.com.
32 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 I!)- 4- /PERATIONS 3EMINARS
4HE )CE !RENA )NSTITUTE OF -ANAGEMENT I!)- WILL OFFER REGIONAL SEMINARS THIS FALL AT SEVERAL )3) MEMBER FACILITIES 4HE ONE DAY SEMINARS PROVIDE A COMBINATION OF CLASSROOM AND HANDS ON TRAINING FOR ICE ARENA MANAGERS AND OPERATIONS PROFESSIONALS
7ATCH YOUR IN BOX AND CHECK WWWSKATEISIORG REGULARLY FOR MORE DETAILS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE
4HE I!)- PROGRAM IS A PROGRAM OF THE )CE 3KATING )NSTITUTE &OR MORE INFORMATION ON OPERATIONS SEMINARS OR THE I!)- PROGRAM VISIT WWWSKATEISIORG OR CALL US AT
4HE I!)- PROGRAM IS SPONSORED BY
)CE )NSTALLATION -AINTENANCE 2EFRIGERATION "ASIC !IR #ONDITIONING )CE 2ESURFACER %DGER /PERATION-AINTENANCE #HICAGO ), "RIDGEPORT #4 3AN *OSE #! $ATE !UGUST $ATE 3EPTEMBER $ATE 3EPTEMBER
#OURSE INCLUDES #OURSE INCLUDES #OURSE INCLUDES 4HE #HEMISTRY 3CIENCE OF )CE 4HE "ASIC 2EFRIGERATION #YCLE )CE 2ESURFACING "ASICS 4YPES #HARACTERISTICS OF )CE 0AINT #OMPRESSORS %VAPORATORS #ONDENSERS )CE 2ESURFACER 3AFETY )NSPECTION #HECKLIST )CE 0AINTING "ASE -ARKINGS 2EFRIGERANT -ETERING $EVICES )CE 2ESURFACER /PERATING 0ROCEDURES 0ROPER 4ECHNIQUES FOR "UILDING THE )CE 3HEET 2EFRIGERATION 3YSTEM #ONTROLS 4HE )MPORTANCE OF %DUCATION AND ,OGO 0AINTING £ (ANDS /N 4HE )MPORTANCE OF %DUCATION AND 0ROFESSIONAL #ERTI¯CATION 4HE )MPORTANCE OF %DUCATION AND 0ROFESSIONAL #ERTI¯CATION )CE 2ESURFACER -AINTENANCE 0ROFESSIONAL #ERTI¯CATION 2EFRIGERATION 3YSTEM 4ROUBLESHOOTING )CE %DGER /PERATION 7ATER 1UALITY DISSOLVED MINERALS 0( ENTRAINED -AINTENANCE )CE %DGER -AINTENANCE AIR WATER TEMPERATURE -ECHANICAL 2OOM 3AFETY )CE 2ESURFACER /PERATOR 4RAINING %NVIRONMENTAL %FFECTS ON )CE AIR TEMPERATURE "ASIC !IR #ONDITIONING HUMIDITY AIR °OWS $ESICCANT $EHUMIDI¯CATION 4ECHNOLOGY )CE 4EMPERATURE #ONTROL METHODS AND SETPOINTS )CE -AINTENANCE
&EES ARE PER REGISTRANT \ FOR REGISTRANTS ENROLLED FROM THE SAME ARENA \ FOR REGISTRANTS ENROLLED FROM THE SAME ARENA FOR EACH ADDITIONAL REGISTRANT OVER FROM THE SAME ARENA \ %ACH REGISTRANT WILL RECEIVE A COUPON REDEEMABLE TOWARD REGISTRATION FOR ANY FUTURE I!)- PROGRAM
7773+!4%)3)/2' Benefit on Ice Starring Emily Hughes Raises Funds for Scholarships
by Lisa Fedick
he 2006 ISI World Recreational Team Championships, Both of the 2006 schol- hosted by the New England Sports Center in Marlboro, arship recipients were not TMass. July 24-29, was one of the best-orchestrated only present at the show, events in recent memory, and the ISIA Education Founda- but also performed in it. tion’s scholarship program was well represented. Kaylyn McDaniel of Stillwa- Staffed by executive board members Don Bartelson, ter, Minn., a freshman at Robyn Bentley and Judy Sniffen, the Foundation’s tradeshow the College of St. Catherine, booth provided an ideal opportunity for networking and performed an upbeat pro- marketing of the Foundation’s programs and philosophies. gram to “Walkin’ on Sun- This year’s silent auction, which produced a number of shine.” Hometown heroine bidding wars, included a wide assortment of signed skating Stephanie Crisp of Hanson, photographs, Olympic memorabilia and equipment. Special Mass., a freshman at North- thanks go out to all who supported the auction with dona- eastern University, skated a tions as well as purchases. lovely artistic program to Each year it is difficult to remember a Benefit on Ice “On My Own” from Les show that was any more entertaining than the current one, Miserables. and the 2006 event was no exception. Foundation trustee New Foundation trustee Jean Albrightson selected a variety of performances through- Heather Aseltine joined out the course of the week to star in the show, and stars, they President Bartelson in host- truly did become! These performers represented nine states, ing the scholarship awards the Philippines and Great Britain, with ages spanning mul- ceremony. Heather, who tiple decades. Trustee Boyd Wietecter did his usual out- was a 2002 scholarship standing job as announcer. recipient, has completed Melinda McMullen of Poland, Ohio and Jacqueline her undergraduate studies Sullivan of Yonkers, N.Y. were the two lucky young ladies and returned to our indus- whose winning Foundation raffle tickets earned them each try as a coach, mentor and a solo spot and the opportunity to join the cast of the role model. ActionPhotos.com show. This popular raffle has rapidly become a major com- Despite one stellar per- Benefit on Ice celebrity skater Emily Hughes ponent of the Foundation’s fundraising program for annu- formance after another by al scholarship endowment. our ISI champion skaters, the 2006 show did have a spectacular highlight: 2006 Olympian Emily Hughes, whose infectious grin, youth- ful exuberance and tremendous talent have made her one of the great ambassadors of our sport, both on and off the ice. Emily treated us to two programs. The first was a powerful artistic routine laced with double jumps, intri- cate footwork and uncommon flexibility, which included an inside back spiral that somehow turned into a layback spin. This unlikely combination of moves left most of us scratching our heads, thinking, “Did I just see that?” But it was Emily’s second program that brought the house down. Dressed in a black and silver unitard, skating to “Proud Mary,” Emily was pure electricity. I’m sure the near-capacity crowd would have demanded multiple encores, had they not been so eager to get into the auto- ActionPhotos.com graph line. Emily appeared in the lobby a short time after the show in jeans and T-shirt, accompanied by her parents and look- ing every bit the part of a typical teenage girl having a great night out. For well over an hour she smiled for every photo Scholarship recipients Stephanie Crisp (in red) and Kaylyn McDaniel and signed hundreds of autographs on a multitude of (in yellow) with Foundation President Donald Bartelson and Heather objects, until everyone left with smiles on their faces and Aseltine, freshman trustee and 2002 scholarship recipient dreams in their hearts.
34 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 Facilities of Distinction Canlan Ice Sports is North America's leader in the development and operation of multi purpose ice rink facilities.
Canlan Ice Sports Management Services Division offers industry expertise every step of the way. Design & Planning If you're building a new facility or upgrading an existing one, Canlan Ice Sports can share its unparalleled industry knowledge to ensure the success of your facility. Contract Management Services Professional facility management is the key to the success of any ice rink facility. Canlan Ice Sports puts the knowledge gained through the successful operation of 20 ice rink facilities across North America to work for you. Business Analysis & Reporting Canlan Ice Sports specializes in comprehensive business analysis to provide knowledge and guidance for your development plans or existing operations; - Market Feasibility - Financial Analysis - Facility Viability - Business Plan Development - Operational Analysis
Canlan Ice Sports Corp. Management Services Division For More Information on these and other services contact; 6501 Sprott Street Burnaby, BC V5B 3B8 Ph: (604) 736 9152 Email: [email protected] www.canlanicesports.com www.icesports.com COACHES’ CORNER by Barb Yackel ISI National Events & Skating Program Coordinator
all — already? Hard to believe, I know, but the exciting events of summer never let our engines cool down! FBeantown was turned upside down and sideways with the dynamic energy of more than 1,900 skaters competing at the 2006 Worlds. It was unanimous among skaters, coach- es and parents that the ’06 Worlds was truly the crowning event of the competitive season! Raking the leaves will have to be put on hold, as we need to refuel and get energized for a nonstop fall of ISI events.
• Adult Championships — The adults will boot-scoot their way to Nashville Sept. 8-10 for a weekend of fun, both on and off the ice!
• ISI FREE Fall Instructors’ and Managers’ Seminars — Plan to attend your district seminar (see page 28 or check the ISI Web site for schedules and loca- tions).
• weSKATE National Instructor Training Program — Don’t miss out on the last training session for 2006, on Sept. 26 in San Jose, Calif.
• Artistic Challenge — Unleash your creativity for this second annual event, Nov. 3-5 in Denver. This national ISI event gives your skaters the chance to showcase their artistic side.
Taking some time for ourselves is usually easier said than done (as I well know), but if you have a moment or two for a walk through the leaves, a drive in the country or some quiet time at home, think about these:
There are no shortcuts to anything. _____
Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. _____
Try and fail, but don’t fail to try. _____
The price of victory is high, but so are the rewards. _____
Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is. _____
Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals. _____
Whatever you are, be a good one.
36 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006
North East Ice Skating interaction are all key elements for establishing a com- monality between organizations, while at the same time Managers Association allowing each organization to maintain its independence (NEISMA) and meet the needs of its own membership. An inter- by Tom Morton, President agency ad hoc committee might be a timely consideration. NEISMA thanks all those who served on the joint plan- The recent joint ning committee and all the vendors who participated and NEISMA/ISI con- who supported the joint conference. We also thank the ference and boards of directors of both NEISMA and ISI, all staff mem- tradeshow held bers and, most important, all those who attended. in Boston — the first of its kind in the ice rink industry — is now another positive milestone in NEISMA’s efforts to work closely with all other organizations Minnesota Ice Arena Managers Association in the ice rink industry. Those who Tom Morton missed the joint conference, I believe, (MIAMA) missed a great opportunity for valuable training, new ideas by Tom Moriarty, President and sharing ice rink experiences. The speakers and seminar subject matter were excel- MIAMA’s fall conference is being held lent. Of particular interest were the discussions on ways to Sept 6-8 at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge expand ice rink business opportunities. For instance, the near Deerwood, Minn. The board met session on establishing curling clubs as an additional way in August and finalized a four-hour to sell ice time was thought-provoking. It was interesting iAIM course offered by ISI to precede to note that in 2003 there were only 1,000 curling club our welcoming event. Chico Resch will members nationwide, and today that number is 20,000 be our featured speaker and provide and growing. Obviously, this is a new frontier for ice rink interesting tales of his career. managers to explore. Many arena and vendor members The joint conference laid a foundation for more posi- will participate in roundtables and cours- Tom Moriarty tive interaction between all organizations in the ice rink es, and enjoy the great opportunity for industry. Communication, relationships, mutual goals and camaraderie. The conference offers additional information
Continued on page 40
38 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 3!6% 4(% $!4%
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&ROM SKATING DIRECTORS TO MANAGERS OPERATIONS PERSONNEL TO COACHES OUR INDUSTRY INCORPORATES A DIVERSE GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS %VEN THOUGH WE¨RE ALL DIFFERENT PIECES OF THE PUZZLE WE ALL SHARE A COMMON GOAL 3UCCESS
4HAT¨S WHY EACH YEAR ICE ARENA PROFESSIONALS REGARDLESS OF THEIR POSITION COME TOGETHER AT THE ANNUAL )CE !RENA #ONFERENCE AND 4RADESHOW I!#4 &OR OVER YEARS I!#4 HAS BEEN 4(% EVENT UNIFYING THE DIVERSE PIECES OF OUR INDUSTRY AND SERVING AS A CATALYST FOR THE SUCCESS OF ALL
)F YOU THOUGHT THIS YEAR¨S EVENT WAS OUTSTANDING WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE WHAT WE HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU NEXT YEAR 7E¨LL ONCE AGAIN BRING THE PIECES OF OUR INDUSTRY TOGETHER FOR THE MOST THOROUGH AND INNOVATIVE OPPORTUNITIES IN EDUCATION NETWORKING AND PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT AVAILABLE TO ICE ARENA PROFESSIONALS 3TART MAKING YOUR PLANS TODAY TO JOIN US IN -INNEAPOLIS FOR I!#4
-AY *UNE -INNEAPOLIS -. *OINTLY HOSTED BY )3) AND -)!-! Continued from page 38 and opportunities for our members to join with ISI next May Metropolitan Ice Rink for the MIAMA/ISI conference in Bloomington. With the conference next spring, we will break with Managers Association tradition and hold our 32nd annual fall conference until (MIRMA) 2008. Our emphasis will be for our members to “show off” by Lisa Fedick, Secretary our industry and our hospitality to visitors from all cor- ners of the globe. With Peter Martell’s involvement, we are continuing to fine-tune our effort. MIRMA would like to welcome Three new board members will be elected to start their our newest member, Rob McBride terms with the closing of this year’s fall conference. Yours and the FMC Corp. We also wel- truly is writing my last column as MIAMA president, and come new ISI administrative I have appreciated the opportunity to share news of our member Aviator Sports Complex organization’s activities. Pete Carlson of the National and its general manager, Chuck Sports Center and Mike Bauer of Eagan Civic Arena also Arnold. have completed their terms. Thanks to Pete and Mike for The MIRMA fall managers’ their involvement. The new president will assume the writ- seminar and tradeshow will be ing task and continue to share our news, especially in the hosted by The Rinx in Haup- Lisa Fedick next months leading up to the spring conference. I hope to pauge, N.Y. on Tuesday, Oct. 24. meet some of you then! The seminar will feature a classroom presentation on Our organization continues to develop our Web site, curling as an alternative ice usage, followed by an on- providing users and visitors a chance to buy ice, check job ice opportunity for all attendees to throw a few rocks. postings, get directions to an arena and take advantage of Other seminar topics will include: employee hiring, many other features. Check out www.rinkfinder.com. retaining and avoiding state-specific labor problems; Many of us have put final ice hours in place and Zamboni maintenance tips; and an extensive question- received signed contracts for the start of the ice season. It’s and-answer session. hard to believe summer is already over! Now, for the Multiple fall instructors’ seminars will be held in inquisitive look of the first-time skater or parent … Great Neck and Manhattan, N.Y. and in Morristown, N.J., Contact MIAMA when you have a question or want to with dates to be announced. The MIRMA board feels that share a unique idea to better serve our customers and this year it is particularly important to provide opportu- employees. nities to assist our member arenas with the implementa-
40 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 tion of the ISI weSKATE program and in the training of their instructors following the national seminars. For all updates, please visit our Web site: www.skateMIRMA.org.
Arena Managers of the Mid Atlantic (AMMA) by Trudy Ivory, Co-Director
Out with the old and in with the new! MAMA is now AMMA. In an effort to not confuse the ice skating world (as if we aren’t confused enough), our co-directors and some members, we met a few weeks ago and decided to “reinvent” our association. We will be meeting twice a year. Our May meeting will be a gathering that will consist of a visit to a member arena, a Trudy Ivory guest speaker, a facility tour and a round- table discussion to wrap things up. Our fall meeting, to be held each September, will be a mini conference that will include an evening social gather- ing followed by a day of speakers and vendors. Our first mini conference is scheduled for Sept. 19-20 at Oglebay Resort & Conference Center in Wheeling Park, W.V. AMMA members who want to be a part of the meeting committee may contact me at (724) 834-4880 or [email protected].
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ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 41 CALENDAR ISI-endorsed competitions & shows/exhibitions Deadline for November/December EDGE calendar: Sept. 15 For regular calendar updates, see www.skateisi.org, Event Info
28-29 Rockland, Mass. MARCH 6-9 Knoxville, Tenn. COMPETITIONS Winterland Skating Ice Chalet School 3-4 Highland Park, Ill. Nutcracker On Ice 20th Annual Winterland Centennial Ice Arena 8-9 San Francisco Halloween Classic Lucky Stars Open Yerba Buena Ice SEPTEMBER 30- Knoxville, Tenn. Skating Center April 1 Ice Chalet NOVEMBER Holiday 2006: Once 8-10 Westminster, Calif. 38th Annual MVDC Upon A Time On Ice Westminster Ice Arena 8-10 Houston District 15 APRIL Aerodrome Willowbrook Championships 9th Annual Nutcracker On Ice 8-10 Evanston, Ill. Robert Crown Center 32nd Annual Nutcracker 9 Anaheim, Calif. 3-5 Denver Anaheim ICE 8-10 Nashville South Suburban Ice 12th Annual Holiday Centennial Sportsplex Arena 13-15 Blaine, Minn. Schwan Super Rink Spectacular ISI Adult ISI Artistic Challenge 9 Highland Park, Ill. Championships ISI Synchronized Championships Centennial Ice Arena 4-5 Yorktown, Va. An Evening At 9-10 Valencia, Calif. Hampton Roads IcePlex Centennial Ice Station Valencia 5th Annual Fall Classic JULY 13 San Diego 1st Annual Autumn Open ISI World Recreational Kroc Center Classic 12 Anaheim, Calif. TeamTeam CChampionshipshampionships Holiday Magic On Ice 15 Arlington, Texas Anaheim ICE 17 Arlington, Texas ICE at The Parks 6th Annual Anaheim ICE at The Parks 3rd Annual ISI Open ICE Synchro Holiday In The Park Competition Championships 2006 29- Houston Oct. 1 Polar Ice Galleria JANUARY 22-28 Bensenville, Ill. 21st Annual Gulf Coast Edge Ice Arena APRIL Open Team 15 Highland Park, Ill. 13-14 San Diego ISI World Recreational Invitational Team Championships Centennial Ice Arena Kroc Center Spring Exhibition 5th Annual ISI Open OCTOBER Competition 7-8 Newark, Ohio SHOWS & MAY Newark Ice Arena FEBRUARY EXHIBITIONS 18-20 Highland Park, Ill. Newark Ice Arena ISI Centennial Ice Arena Competition OCTOBER Heroes and Legends 14 Coral Springs, Fla. 1- Houston Incredible Ice Dec. 31 Aerodrome Willowbrook 7th Annual Incredible Skating Academy Challenge Exhibition 26-29 San Francisco Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center NOVEMBER 16-18 Oxford, Ohio Skate San Francisco 14- Houston Goggin Ice Arena Jan. 14 Aerodrome Willowbrook ISI Winter Classic Holiday Exhibition 29- Minneapolis DECEMBER June 1 Sheraton Hotel Visit the ISI Web site: iACT/MIAMA Annual 1-2 Springdale, Ark. Conference & skateisi.org Arkansas FSA Tradeshow A Rootin’ Tootin’ Country Christmas
42 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING COORDINATOR — Full-time FIGURE SKATING PROFESSIONALS — Brand new, state-of- position at ISI headquarters in Dallas. Responsible for develop- the-art facility just opened in growing Charlotte, N.C. suburb. ment, execution and ongoing management of ISI’s marketing and Offering two NHL-size rinks and one studio rink. Other ameni- communications programs. Experience in business-to-business ties include dance studio, fitness center, meeting space. and business-to-consumer marketing required. Must have strong Accepting résumés for all figure skating disciplines. Must be a graphic design portfolio, including knowledge of Macintosh and U.S. citizen. Must be confident and self-motivated, provide Creative Suite 2 software. Strong copywriting skills a plus. instruction at all levels including learn-to-skate classes and, Competitive salary and excellent benefits. Contact Peter Martell most of all, be able to contribute to the competitive training at (972) 735-8800 or [email protected]. and recreational programs offered within the facility. USFSA, ISI and PSA membership required, PSA ratings a plus. English SKATING COACHES — Beautiful, sunny central Florida ice skat- a must, bilingual a plus. Please e-mail résumé and inquiries to ing rink seeks highly motivated coaches to continue the growth [email protected]. of our learn-to-skate and figure skating programs. Must have excellent professional references, experience with ISI learn-to- ARENA MANAGER — Palos Verdes Ice Chalet (California) seeks skate and USFSA. Please submit cover letter only by e-mail to qualified self-starter to manage and operate a skating rink. Full- [email protected]. time position includes weekdays, weekends and evenings. Fax résumé with salary requirement to (804) 550-7004. Rink FIGURE SKATING INSTRUCTOR — Houston, Texas — All candi- Management Services Corp. E-mail: [email protected] dates must be experienced in ISI and USFSA, and willing to teach all ages and abilities. PSA membership and ratings are strongly sug- RESURFACER BLADE SHARPENING MACHINE FOR SALE — gested. Candidates should be enthusiastic, hardworking, team play- Plymouth Knife Grinder No. 646. Works great. $1000. Includes ers and possess excellent communication skills. Continuous new wheels and all parts needed to sharpen resurfacer blades. Very clientele for successful instructor to develop. Contact Natasha heavy — must pick up. Located in northern California. Call Scott Smith at (713) 621-1500 or [email protected]. at (916) 783-8550, Ext. 106. Free Classified Advertising for ISI Members! ISI facility and professional members are entitled to FREE classified listings (excluding retail products and services) up to 50 words. Call Carol Jackson at (972) 735-8800, fax to (972) 735-8815 or send e-mail to [email protected]. The deadline for the next issue of the EDGE is Sept. 15.
ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 43 ISI 25-Year Awards The following facilities were recognized for their 25 years of ISI membership during the annual awards luncheon June 1 at the ISI/NEISMA conference and tradeshow in Boston.
Apple Valley Sports Arena Marc Nelson Ice Skating Bay State Blades-Brockton Development Beacon Hill Club Mercer County Skating Beaver County Ice Arena Center Belmont Complex Mid Hudson Civic Center Biddeford Ice Arena New Hope Ice Arena Bloomington Ice Garden North County Recreation Bountiful Ice Arena Complex Carmel Ice Skadium Oak Lawn Park District Cass Park Ice Rink Ice Arena Chaparral Ice-Northcross Ober Gatlinburg Ice Charles Moore Arena Inc. Ocean Hockey Supply City of Bowie Ice Arena Old Bridge Arena City of Cottage Grove Olympic Center Ice Arena Pasadena Ice Skating Center ADVERTISER INDEX Cleland Skating Rink Pilgrim Skating Arena American Athletic Shoe Co. Inc...... 7 Dearborn Ice Skating Center Plymouth Cultural Center & American First Insurance ...... 23 Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink Ice Arena Athletica Inc...... 9 Bonestroo & Associates...... 46 Dublin Iceland Randall School of Ice Canlan Ice Sports ...... 35 Eagles Ice-A-Rena Skating Inc. Cimco Refrigeration ...... 48 Classifieds ...... 43 Eastland Ice House Rockbridge Figure Skating Concepts & Designs MS ...... 29 Face Off Circle Inc. Club Facility Management Corp ...... 27 Goggin Ice Arena Silver Blades Figure Fire Tech & Safety ...... 36 Frontline Solutions Inc ...... 41 Greensboro Ice House Skating Club Goldner Associates Inc ...... 41 Hastings Civic Arena South Park Ice Skating Rink Heartland Agency ...... 44 Ice Rink Events ...... 11 Holiday Twin Rinks Southwest Ice Arena Jet Ice ...... 38 Homewood-Flossmoor Sprinker Recreation Center K&K Insurance Group Inc...... 2 Kimball Power...... 40 Ice Arena Sunrise Ice Skating Center LSK Enterprises ...... 15 Ice Center@Cupertino Superior Ice Rink Maximum Solutions Inc ...... 28 Mondo USA ...... 47 Ice Oasis Skating and Swonder Ice Arena Pace Industrial Inc ...... 13 Hockey Club Tampa Bay Skating Academy PSA ...... 45 Rice Specialty Risk ...... 17 Ice Town Victory Memorial Ice Arena Riedell Skate Co ...... 21 Long Beach Arena Wayne C. Kennedy The Richardson Group ...... 31 Lynnwood Ice Center Recreation Complex Rink Guard/Willis Programs ...... 5 Rink Music ...... 20 M.NCPPC/Herbert Wells Wissahickon Skating Club SP-Teri Co ...... 14 Ice Rink Valley Ice Skating Assoc...... 41 Zamboni ...... 43
44 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006
The Ice Arena Institute of Management (iAIM) will offer three regional seminars this fall at ISI member AND ANOTHER facilities. The one-day seminars will provide a combi- nation of classroom and hands-on training for ice arena operations professionals. These courses will be offered in Bridgeport, Conn., Chicago and San Jose. THING... Among the topics covered will be basic refrigeration, by Patti Feeney basic air conditioning, ice maintenance and ice resur- facer and edger operation. ISI Managing Director, Member If your staff is unable to attend any of these train- Programs & Services ing opportunities, encourage them to attend their local district seminar. All ISI districts offer free fall educa- ost New Year’s resolutions are made at the end tional seminars, which cover current trends, the latest of December, leading into the new calendar information and rule changes from ISI to prepare them Myear. In the ice arena business, our new year is for the upcoming season. marked by the arrival of fall and the beginning of the iAIM online is a distance-learning certification pro- ice skating season. May I suggest making some resolu- gram for ice arena management, programming and tions for the new year? operations. The exams for all three tracks will soon be Resolve to take advantage of ISI’s outstanding train- available online as well. The courses give employees ing programs designed to benefit your staff and facility. more marketable skills and make them greater assets to The weSKATE National Instructor Training Program is their facilities. Benefits to you, the employer, include an exciting new educational opportunity for skating substantial insurance discounts, increased employee instructors looking to advance their careers. The program productivity, strengthened employee technical skills will also help managers and skating directors educate their and increased profits. staffs to make them more valuable in their facility. Four Resolve to take advantage of any of these educa- classes will be offered this year, in Chicago, Boston, tional opportunities, and watch your staff bloom. Make Minneapolis and San Jose, Calif. An exam and the award- 2006 their season for growth. ing of a certificate to the attendees will follow each course. Happy skating!
46 ISI EDGE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 “We would not accept anything else other than Mondo products. Sport Impact is a superior product, it withstood many years of skate traffic, it is easy to clean and requires low maintenance. It is the best product we have found for all of our centers. We have it everywhere in our ice arenas as well as in our fitness centers. We are extremely pleased with Mondo's Sport Impact. It is now our standard!!”
Jeff Peyton, Facility Manager, Woodbridge Memorial Arena,City of Vaughn HIGH PERFORMING SURFACES
EXCEPTIONALLY DURABLE, WITHSTANDS HEAVY ABUSE LONG TERM FROM ICE SKATE BLADES SUPERIOR LIFE-CYCLE COSTS SOLUTIONS WITH PROVEN TRACK RECORD
LOW MAINTENANCE (NO COATINGS)
ANTIBACTERIAL THROUGHOUT (MINIMIZE RISK OF STAPH INFECTIONS)
MEETS ADA REQUIREMENT FOR SLIP RESISTANCE (WET OR DRY)
RUBBER SPORT SURFACES
sales office: 800 441 6645 email: [email protected] website: www.mondousa.com ECO CHILL...THE NEW ENERGY EFFICIENT ICE RINK Today the effect of greenhouse gases on our environment combined with current electrical and gas rates are the cause of serious concern for all ice rink owners, operators and users. ECO CHILL by CIMCO® is our newest, most energy efficient system available. ECO CHILL begins paying back both the owner and the environment the day the system starts.
ECO CHILL Overview ECO CHILL is an engineered solution to lowering ponents that best match the needs of your facility. energy costs in your facility. Using Cimco’s 90 In all cases, quality ice is the number one priority years of expertise in the ice rink business, of an ECO CHILL system, ensuring your facility ECO CHILL collects and recycles the energy used users' satisfaction while you benefit from greatly to maintain the ice surface, providing abun- reduced energy costs. dant heating for the building; and hot water for showers, underfloor heating, ice ECO CHILL systems may entitle the resurfacing and snow melting, purchaser to municipal or other as well as air conditioning services. government energy grants to assist ECO CHILL is modular in nature, allow- in the purchase of this ing the designer to choose those com- high performance product.
Over 4,500 ice surfaces installed around the world! CIMCO REFRIGERATION
¤ 1-800-263-3035 Hartford • Syracuse • Detroit • Mobile • Houston Dallas/Ft. Worth • Salt Lake City • Phoenix London, UK • Beijing, PR. China
Visit our website at www.cimcorefrigeration.com