Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Transformers finance program from Sega and Firestone Sega and Firestone are offering a holiday present of three finance programs for Transformers Human Alliance 55-inch, two-player theater cabinet models: 1) zero percent interest for 12 months, 2) 2.5 percent interest for 18 months, and 3) 4.99 percent interest for 36 months. Any applicable taxes, freight, and loan processing fees must be paid up front. The first payment is due 30 days after Firestone has funded the contract. Subsequent monthly payments are due on the same day for each subsequent month (i.e., a contact that is funded on Jan. 15, 2015, will have a first payment due on Feb. 15, 2015). Firestone must receive all applications by Feb. 28, 2015. All deals must be funded by March 31, 2015. For more information, visit (www.SegaArcade.com); (www.firestonefinancial.com).

NAMA comments on U.S. Mint Report The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) commented on the U.S. Mint Biennial Report to Congress as required by the Coin Modernization, Oversight, and Continuity Act of 2010. The report included recommendations regarding possible changes to the metallic content of coins. The Mint recommended no change, which NAMA said is “a sizable victory for the vending and refreshment services industry and all coin-accepting industries.”

Carla Balakgie, NAMA President and CEO, said, “This is a win-win for the industry, government, and consumers,” adding that changes to the metallic content of nickels, dimes, and quarters could have had “a significant, potentially devastating cost to the industry and its consumers.”

The Mint report stated, “Based on the response from coin industry stakeholders, the estimated industry cost ($2.4 billion to $6 billion) to accommodate an alternative metal for circulating coins that incorporates a change to the weight or EMS characteristics far exceeds the estimated annual government savings ($46 million to $57 million). For a copy of the report, visit (http://www.usmint.gov/about the mint/PDFs/2014-rd-biennial- report.pdf).

NDA Regionals in Minnesota The last Amusement and Music Operators Association (AMOA) National Dart Association Regional Tournament of 2014 was held Dec. 12-14 in Rochester, Minn., and drew 70 players from 14 NDA operator members across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and South Dakota. There were more than 260 event entry certificates in Open Singles 501, Open Singles Cricket, Open Doubles Cricket, Open Doubles ’01, and Mixed Triples Combo. A total of 131 winning places were awarded.

By producing more winners than any tournament of its size and providing local value to sanctioned players, the NDA Regional Tournaments have been successful among players. “The level of competition has been good and the format has been great,” said Pat Beyers of D&R Star. “It has been seamless play, lots of fun, and the tournament was set up really well.”

NDA tournaments allow players to enter more than one event, such as Singles 501 and Doubles Cricket, giving them more chances to win and more opportunities to play throughout the weekend. All events are classified by skill rating and ability, providing a competitive experience where players only play those that play like them. For more information, visit (www.NDAdarts.com/teamdart).

Registration open for NAMA OneShow Registration is now open for the 2015 National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) OneShow, which is returning to Las Vegas April 22-24 and the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 4,500 vending and refreshment services operators and suppliers are expected to attend. The show floor will include more than 250 exhibitors offering products, services, and new ideas. 25 industry experts will conduct the education program. The event will also feature expanded networking opportunities, drawings and giveaways, and high-value keynote speakers. For more information, visit (www.namaoneshow.org).

CTW educational materials The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) is making education session recordings from the CoffeeTea&Water 2014 in November available for purchase and at a special discounted rate through the end of the year. CTW attendees can experience the sessions they missed and share their education experience with fellow staff through the NAMA Learning Center, the online portal that provides recordings of seven education sessions and the keynote speech from day one of CTW. These eight hours of education will be discounted to $59 for members.

Additionally, 12 recorded education sessions from OneShow 2014 will be discounted by 50 percent for a member price of $49.50 through year-end. Also available: an exclusive video recording of the “Not Ur Daddy’s Vending” session hosted by Vic and Donnie Pemberton. For more information, visit (www.vending.org/llc).

Photos: 1 (Transformers pdf) 2 (NDA MR2)