Capital ImprovementsQ&A

Go High-Techwith Video Systems

MARCH/APRIL 2006

iACTis Boston-BoundiACTis Boston-Bound

SPECIAL INSERT

iACT 2006

PublisherIce Skating Institute

EditorLori Fairchild

Editorial AdvisorsPeter MartellPatti Feeney

Print Production andAdvertising Sales Manager

Carol Jackson

Art DirectorCindy Winn Livingston

ContributorsBob Bebber

Charles H. CoxDavid Jacobson

Robert Mock

The ISI EDGE (USPS 017-078,ISSN 1522-4651) is publishedbimonthly; January/February,March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October,November/December; by theIce Skating Institute, 17120N. Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 140,Dallas, TX 75248-1187.Annual Subscription Rateis $24.00 per year.Periodicals postage paid atDallas, TX, and at addi-tional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER NOTE: Sendaddress changes to ISI EDGE,c/o The Ice Skating Institute,17120 N. Dallas Pkwy., Ste.140, Dallas, TX, 75248-1187.Printed in the U.S.A.

Subscriptions availablethrough membership only.

©2006 by the Ice SkatingInstitute. Reproduction inwhole or in part is prohibit-ed unless expressly autho-rized in writing by publish-er. All rights reserved.Opinions expressed by con-tributors do not necessarilyrepresent the views of theIce Skating Institute, thepublisher or the advertisers.Submissions of manuscripts,materials, photographs, andartwork are made at mailer’srisk and must include self-addressed envelope with suf-ficient postage for return.No responsibility will beassumed for unsolicitedmaterials. ISI reserves theright to edit material sub-mitted for content andspace consideration.

Volume 8, Number 5 March/April 2006

D E P A R T M E N T S

CrossCuts Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Message from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Coaches’ Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

ISIA Education Foundation Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Ice Arena Association News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Calendar ISI-Endorsed Competitions & Shows/Exhibitions . . . . . . . .34

Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

And Another Thing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Plan, Projects & Priorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8An ISI Industry Roundtable:Capital Improvements

Beware theOrder Takers . . . . . . .12Get the service you deservefrom your insurance brokerby Charles H. Cox

Ice Dancing Lives! . . . . .14by Robert Mock

High-Tech Public Skating Sessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Keep the MTV generation coming back with video entertainmentby Bob Bebber

COVER FEATUREiACT is Boston-Bound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20by Lori Fairchild

Skating on Thin Ice: Hockey-Fight Instruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22by David Jacobson

Boston’s Historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace at Dusk

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OPERATIONS

Contents

MANAGEMENT

PROGRAMMING

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 20064

ISI recommends low-e ceilingand heat source inspectionsDALLAS — As investigation continuesinto the Jan. 8 fire that resulted inbetween $250,000 and $500,000 worthof damage to Cranston (R.I.) VeteransMemorial Ice Rink, the Ice Skating Insti-tute is recommending immediate andcareful inspections of low-e ceilings andany heat sources (lighting fixtures,heaters, etc.) that may come into con-tact with them. Arena managers andoperators should inspect these ceilingsfor any deviation from original installa-tion standards and get a qualified opin-ion if they suspect there has been achange. Watch future issues of the ISIEDGE magazine for updated informa-tion on the Cranston investigation.

Gunn achieves Olympic goalHUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Chan-da Gunn, the daughter of Skate Zoneowner Rod Gunn, played goaltender forthe 2006 Olympic women’s ice hockeyteam, which took the bronze medal inthe Winter Games. Gunn, 26, wasnamed top goaltender in the 2005World Championships, where theAmericans beat Canada for the gold. Agraduate of Northeastern University inBoston, she holds the school’s careerrecords in saves and save percentage.

World’s first fuel cell-poweredresurfacer unveiledGRAND FORKS, N.D. — The first-everhydrogen fuel cell-powered ice resurfacermade its world debut at the University ofNorth Dakota Energy & EnvironmentalResearch Center (EERC) in November.The machine, called the eP-Ice Bear, isbeing developed by ePower Synergies Inc.of Cordova, Ill. and the Resurfice Corp. ofElmira, Ontario, manufacturer ofOlympia and Ice Bear brand resurfacers.

FMC to operate two Bostonpublic ice arenasBOSTON — Facility Management Corp.(FMC Arenas) has reached agreementwith the Massachusetts Department ofConservation and Recreation to leaseand assume operations at two public icearenas in Boston: the Porazzo MemorialSkating Rink in east Boston and the Jim

Roche Community Arena in the WestRoxbury section of the city. The public-private partnerships are expected toprovide improved service and facilities,professional operation and affordablecommunity-based ice sport recreation.

Brentwood Ice Arena hosts‘Accessibility Skate’BRENTWOOD, Mo. —Brentwood IceArena hosted an “Accessibility Skate”event Nov. 11 for individuals of all abili-ties. Organizations such as the EasterSeals Society, the St. Louis Arc and theRehabilitation Institute of St. Louisbrought clients to learn ice skatingthrough games and activities hosted bymore than 80 volunteers. Participantswere charged a reduced admission fee,and volunteers were offered free skatingpasses for a future visit. “The event hasopened doors to individuals who wouldnot have considered ice skating as anoption for them, and let others knowthat wheelchairs, walkers and personalassistants are welcome at our facility,”said Craig Strohbeck, Brentwood’s super-intendent and a recreational therapist.“We encourage other facilities to hostsuch an event and work with local ser-vice organizations, hospitals, communi-ty-based recreation agencies and anyoneelse who has access to a variety of abili-ties to support this cause.”

Dedicated to providing leadership,education and services to the

ice skating industry.

ICE SKATING INSTITUTE17120 N. Dallas Parkway, Suite 140

Dallas, TX 75248-1187Phone: (972) 735-8800

Fax: (972) 735-8815e-mail: isi@skateisi.org

www.skateisi.org

ISI INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

Executive DirectorPeter Martell

Managing Director, Member Programs & Services

Patti FeeneyNational Events &

Skating Program CoordinatorBarb Yackel

Administrative AssistantKathy Chase

Controller & Tradeshow ManagerKaren Schaffer

Membership CoordinatorKimberley RusselleAdvertising Sales &

Print Production ManagerCarol Jackson

Sponsorship Sales ManagerStuart Sedransky

Marketing & Communications DirectorEmily Teague

Information Services CoordinatorJeff Anderson

Customer Service CoordinatorAngela Tooley

ISI OFFICERS

President Jim Hartnett1st Vice President Mike Paikin2nd Vice President Janice ForbesTreasurer Richard ArenellaSecretary Margy BennettImmediate Past President Jim LangePast President Boyd Wietecter

DIRECTORS

District 1 Katy HaydenDistrict 2 Robyn BentleyDistrict 3 Lisa FedickDistrict 4 Jeff DoucetteDistrict 5 Shane DouglasDistrict 6 Toni CooperDistrict 7 Maria KomanDistrict 8 Jimmie SanteeDistrict 9 Dan SmithDistrict 10 Char MartinDistrict 11 Liz MangelsdorfDistrict 12 Jenise JensenDistrict 13 Cindy JensenDistrict 14 Paige ScottDistrict 15 Bert BlanchetteDistrict 16 Cindy SolbergDistrict 18 Glyn JonesHockey Kevin McCormackBuilders & Suppliers Doug PetersInstructors David SanteeCommercial Facilities Scott SlavenskyPublic/Not-for-Profit Facilities Pete CarlsonSchools, Colleges, Universities Vicki KorniAIM Chair Jack VivianPSA Representative Gerry LaneUSFS Representative Homer HagedornISIAsia Representative Raul GomesMAMA Representative Trudy IvoryMIAMA Representative Russ RoseMIRMA Representative Judy SniffenWIAMA RepresentativeEducation Foundation Don BartelsonLifetime Honorary Member Carol Zdziebko

CROSSCUTSannouncements

USFS Disciplinary NoticeThe ISI would like to advise itsmembers that the following indi-viduals have been suspended orbanned from U.S. Figure Skatingmembership for improper conductand, therefore, are not permitted toparticipate or coach in any USFS-sponsored or -sanctioned activity.

Roy CoferDaniel Gray

Tonya HardingDavid Lowery*

Gordon McKellenJacqueline Mero*

Robert Young

*Also banned by the ProfessionalSkaters Association (PSA)

Continued on page 6

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The other day I was reading an article about one of the premier high school trackcoaches in my hometown of Syracuse. This coach was relating a story about a promis-ing athlete who had been pushed beyond belief by her father. The coach explained

to her that she has talent, but at this level she should be enjoying herself while workingto improve her skills. She finished the year and quit. When her coach asked why, she said,“Coach, it just isn’t fun anymore.”

That got me thinking. Is skating still fun? And if so, why? The answer to that questionhas been driven into my head by my friend Robert Unger. When ISI was in its infancy, itwas Robert who established our creed of “participation, not elimination.” In all the yearsI’ve attended ISI meetings and events, not one has gone by (or ever will) that Robert’svoice, in his strong German accent, can’t be heard challenging us to live by that motto.

I believe that the ISI philosophy of encouraging participation is as vital today as itwas when Robert first spoke those words. It is carried on in word, deed and action by themany great professional members of the ISI. You are the very people whose daily work isto make skating an enjoyable and healthy pastime. You are the ones who keep our recre-ational programs going.

Since I’ve been elected president of the ISI, I have been privileged to share manythoughts and ideas with our professional members, and the insights you’ve shared with me have been eye opening.I am so impressed with how you conduct yourselves. I’ve watched you encourage, correct and direct your studentsat competitions. You do a magnificent job. Please accept my compliments.

I hope to see you all in Boston in May for our annual conference, which is going to be jointly hosted withour friends at NEISMA.

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 20066

CROSSCUTSVernon Hills skating director to cover world eventsfor EurosportVERNON HILLS, Ill. — Glacier Ice Arena’s figure skating director, ChrisHowarth, a member of the commentary team for Eurosport Televi-sion, recently covered the European Figure Skating Championshipsin Lyon, France and the Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy. Hewill also cover the World Championships in Calgary, Alberta thismonth. The Eurosport channel is distributed to 104 million house-holds in 54 countries across Europe and in 19 different languages.

Santee brothers join forces with The Skate School LLCGENEVA, Ill. — David and Jimmie Santee have joined The SkateSchool LLC in offering solutions for program growth for ice rink facil-ities across the United States. David Santee is a two-time Olympian,world silver medalist, ISI instructor representative and ISI represen-tative to U.S. Figure Skating. Jimmie Santee is a former national com-petitor, former Walt Disney on Ice principal skater, facility manager,educator and leader in the ISI, USFS and PSA. The Skate School LLCoperates skate schools in Illinois and Michigan.

ISI Online no longer password-protectedDALLAS — Did you know that access to ISI Online is now more con-venient than ever? You don’t even need a password anymore — sim-ply open your ISI Online monthly e-mail and click on the title of anyarticle you’d like to read. If you are having trouble receiving oropening e-mail from the ISI, please add upates@skateisi.com toyour address book or contact Jeff at jeff@skateisi.com or call (972)735-8800. Don’t miss out on important, timely industry and orga-nization news and updates!

Send announcements and photos to editor@skateisi.org. Look forfacility news on ISI Online, at skateisi.org.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Jim HartnettPresident,ISI Board of Directors

Opportunity for a highly motivated, high-energy individual to serve as the nationaladministrator of ISI recreational ice skatingprograms and events. The full-time position isbased at ISI headquarters in Dallas, Texas, andrequires experience conducting ISI recre-ational skating programs and events in addi-tion to excellent written and verbal communi-cation skills. Work requirements include peo-ple and computer skills, work schedule flexi-bility and the ability to travel. Compensationincludes competitive salary and excellent ben-efits. If you are an energetic, detail-orientedperson who would enjoy the challenges andrewards of administering ISI national skatingprograms and working at ISI headquarters,please contact Patti Feeney at (972) 735-8800or pfeeney@skateisi.org.

WANTED!ISI National Events &

Skating Program Coordinator

Continued from page 4

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 20068

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Plans, Projects & PrioritiesCapital improvement projects come in all shapes and sizes. Some are emergency

measures and others are the result of long-term budgeting and facility audits.ISI members share the details of some of their recent and planned projects.

What kinds of capital improvements are youconsidering or have you recently undertaken?

BAXTER: The latest and most exciting capital improvementwe recently installed was a surge protection system to ourelectrical system. The company we worked with guaranteesa 15 percent reduction in energy costs over two years. Theyalso carry a $2 million insurance policy on all equipmentthat is damaged from a lightning strike or any other powersurge that should enter your building. Along with a 15-yearwarranty, it was an easy decision.

We are also upgrading our 1985 energy management sys-tem. Over the years, with upgrades in computers and with-out an upgrade in software, the effectiveness of the systemhas diminished. With a hardware and software upgrade, I amprojecting a 10 to 20 percent reduction in utility costs.

Not quite as exciting, but certainly the most essential, isthe replacement of a 25-year-old cooling tower.

FIES: The city of Oakland included the Oakland Ice Center(OIC) in a solar power project that included five other build-ings owned by the city. The OIC will generate over one-thirdof all the power generated. The total cost of the project was$7,211,893. There were 1,960 solar panels installed on theroof of the OIC. The second part of the project included theinstallation of energy-saving devices (primarily a contempo-rary lighting system) that would significantly decrease theIce Center’s energy costs.

MCBRIDE: In the past year, we have undertaken a substan-tial number of capital improvements to our facilities, rang-ing from total building rehabilitation to the replacement ofmajor building components. The component replacementsinclude ice slabs andchiller systems in twofacilities, a chiller sys-tem with micro-processor controls inanother, replacementof bleachers in two,desiccant dehumidifi-cation in three, newdasher systems infour, new roofing intwo, new ice lightingin eight and low-emissivity ceilings inthree.

Projects we areconsidering for thenext year include sim-

ilar component replacements as well as building automationsystems in three of our recently contracted arena locations,along with high-efficiency heating and boiler system replace-ments in a number of facilities.

SOLTERO: We spent $12,000 on theatrical/disco-type light-ing, and we’re going to be doing major light shows during allpublic sessions. We’ve also almost completely restocked withnew rental skates in the last 24 months.

On the operations side, we’ve done a major retrofit ofthe engine room, replacing our old compressors with new,efficient ones at a cost of around $80,000 to $100,000. We’realso finishing a new roofing system now, which involvedsealing the existing roof and putting a coating over it, at acost of $23,000.

How did you determine whichimprovements to make?

MCBRIDE: Most of our facilities are over 30 years old andrequire ongoing building and equipment upgrades tomodernize and adapt to the changes in the ice arena busi-ness. Energy costs were not a driving factor in facilitydesign at that time, leading to the use of equipment andcontrols with low initial investment but high energy con-sumption. Increased energy rates are having a seriousimpact on our arena budgets. Energy is becoming anincreasingly larger percentage of our operating costs, insome cases even exceeding labor costs. We have devel-oped a long-term capital improvement plan for each ofour facilities that replaces components based on lifecycle, energy-efficiency improvement and changes in the

season of operation.

BAXTER: With energycosts skyrocketing, thereis more concern witholder, less energy-effi-cient equipment. Wehave an ongoing, 10-year capital improve-ment plan with an“A” list and a “B” list.We know as soon asa piece of equip-ment is purchasedthat we can expectto replace it withina fairly specificamount of time.

Geary BaxterManagerHamilton Center Ice Arena (Public)

Columbus, Ind.

Dave FiesManagerOakland Ice Center (Public)

Oakland, Calif.

Rob McBridePresidentFacility Management Corp.

Rockland, Mass.

Louis SolteroManagerOntario Ice Skating Center(Privately Owned)

Ontario, Calif.

The Participants

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 2006 9

Every capital improvement moves from the “B” list to the“A” list, is evaluated for function and efficiency, and thebest choice is made for the improvement. This processhelps take the guesswork out of what to do, when. It alsoeliminates, for the most part, emergency replacementsthat can cause downtime and loss of revenue. New tech-nology can have a significant impact on cost and effi-ciency, as in the case of replacing our gas boiler with aclosed-loop water source heat pump to heat and air-con-dition our lobby. The decision process is easier when youknow what impact the improvements will have on theoperations of your facility.

SOLTERO: The new lighting system was done as a way todrive new business with the light showentertainment. The engine room and roof-ing projects were done because we hadreached the point where they were neededand they offered the opportunity for sav-ings on operational expenses.

FIES: The city chose the solar power toreduce the city’s greenhouse gas productionand to promote the solar power industry.The city wanted to show that large projectscould be cost-effective to generate interest,and also to boost demand for products toincrease production volumes and press forlower prices in the long term.

The reasons for the energy-efficientlighting was to reduce lighting cost, reduceour greenhouse gas emissions, save energyand reduce the burden on California’s elec-trical infrastructure.

Has your arena ever undergone a facility audit?If so, how did it assist you in your planning?

FIES: The Oakland Ice Center opened 10 years ago and willbe doing a facility audit in the near future.

MCBRIDE: Yes, each of our facilities has been evaluated withan in-depth facility audit. It has been the most valuable toolwe use in developing a long-range capital repair and replace-ment plan. Our approach to the facility audit includes theassessment of existing building and equipment conditionsby mechanical and design professionals. In addition, a futureprogramming plan is part of the audit, since factors such aslength of operating season, new concessions and otheramenities, types of events and building uses, etc. are all fac-tored into the evaluation and design of facility upgrades. Thebudgetary impact of capital upgrades, both first cost and lifecost, are considered in the planning process as well.

SOLTERO: We have not used an external audit team, but westay aware of what the building needs and lacks, and we makeinvestments to be as profitable as possible for the next decade.

BAXTER: Our arena’s employees are dedicated to a very highmaintenance standard that includes a monthly audit orassessment. This goes hand in hand with our maintenance

program. I cannot begin to tell you how much money wehave saved simply by tracking and documenting everythingwe do associated with capital improvements. We also rely agreat deal on the expertise of our local professionals. Con-tinual and diligent auditing has kept us going strong for 47years, and if we keep to the plan, we will go another 47.

Do you have a method for prioritizingimprovement expenditures? Do your major expen-

ditures tend to be more proactive or reactive?

SOLTERO: Opera-tional cost-saving measures typicallycome first. Most of our improvements are efficiencyrelated; the lighting system is one of the few things we’vedone that was not focused primarily on efficiency.

This time around, the measures we’ve undertaken havedefinitely been proactive, with the goals of driving businessand cutting expenses.

BAXTER: Our focus is based on need and age. We are veryproactive in our approach to capital improvements. The costsavings in being prepared for a major expense outweigh thecost and stress of trying to squeeze every minute out of apiece of equipment until it fails and becomes an emergency.

FIES: We put together capital improvement project informa-tion and submit it to the city for their approval. Operationalcost-saving measures are usually on top of the priority list.

MCBRIDE: Our method of prioritizing planned projectsplaces safety as the number one priority. Our second priori-ty is operation-critical items — those components that couldseverely impact our ability to continue operations if they fail.Since our facilities are self-supporting and not subsidized inany way, protection of the revenue stream is essential toensuring our ability to implement future capital upgrades.

The 1,960 solar panels installed on theroof of the Oakland Ice Center are partof a city project to reduce greenhousegas production and to promote thesolar power industry. PowerLight Corp.was the solar contractor.

Continued on page 10

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200610

most of the major compo-nents have been replaced, we expect tobe able to reduce that amount to 10 percent and buildreserves for future replacements. It is essential for the sta-bility of our arenas that we continually invest or set asidesufficient funds to ensure that upgrades and replacementsare made on an appropriate schedule, based on the age andcondition of the equipment. Without a long-range planand disciplined reinvestment of revenues, replacementsand upgrades are too easily deferred and grow to anunmanageable level that threatens the financial stabilityof the facility.

FIES: The city of Oakland has a separate bank account thatwas funded by the money left over from the original bond tobuild the facility. This bank account is only to be used forOIC capital improvement projects.

Have you taken advantage of any incentives or rebates, or creative

financing/funding programs?

FIES: Pacific Gas and Electric provided a rebate in theamount of $3,896,002 from the Self-Generation IncentiveProgram.

SOLTERO: For us, the rebate process is so complicated andexpensive that we haven’t taken advantage of any of them.Just to get to the required R-19 rating was going to cost$150,000 for one project.

MCBRIDE: We have participated extensively in utility designand financial assistance programs when a project has energy-saving potential. In many cases, our utilities have paid a sub-stantial portion of the incremental cost of upgrading systemsfrom standard to premium efficiency and shared the cost ofenergy-efficient engineering studies, as well as funded sys-tem commissioning and facility benchmarking studies. Insome cases, zero percent interest financing has been provid-ed for lighting upgrades, which allows us to pay for the newlighting as the savings are realized.

The third priority for us is energy-efficiency potential, as theoperational savings derived from these investments will helpus fund future improvements. The final priority is revenuegeneration and customer experience improvement potential.We have found that a majority of upgrades include many, ifnot all, of these priorities to a varying degree and have devel-oped a matrix to score a project based on the weighted aver-aging of the priorities.

How do you expect the plannedimprovements to affect your business?

MCBRIDE: I’m confident that our planned improvementswill make our facilities more energy efficient, provide ourpatrons with a better experience and allow us to extend theoperational season without sacrificing the quality of ourice or facility conditions.

SOLTERO: The light shows have already had a tremendous,positive response. We’re seeing new people and customersreturning to public sessions. We haven’t seen that in a longtime. There’s also been a wonderful response to the soft-sidedrental skate, since the number-one complaint ice rinks usu-ally get is uncomfortable skates. It has really helped get adultsto skate and come back for repeat visits.

The verdict is still out on actual savings with the newcompressors; we’ll have to wait until this spring to start see-ing it, but we think the payback will be in three years.

BAXTER: The surge protection system and energy managementsystem upgrade will not only improve our bottom line but alsoimprove the efficiency of our equipment. The cooling tower

will allow our compressors torun more efficiently.

FIES: The customers will notnotice any difference in ouroperations due to the solarpanels. The lighting portionof the project has provided amuch friendlier environmentfor the skaters.

The project was funded bya 15-year loan the cityacquired. For the first 15years, projections have theOIC saving an estimated$10,000 a year, then jumpingto over $100,000 a year afterthe loan is paid off.

Do you set aside part of your budgetfor capital improvements?

BAXTER: Yes, we project our capital improvement costs out10 years. Within a year of the project, we obtain a couple ofquotes and then we set an exact budget number and put itout for bid.

MCBRIDE: We typically expend 25 percent of our totalannual revenue on capital upgrades. In future years, when

New ice slabs are among theimprovements FMC has made inits older facilities.

An FMC facility gets a new chiller.

Continued from page 9

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200612

exclusion/special or unusual condi-tions, warranties and claims notifica-tion.” Obviously, the client is on hisown here. In this case, the broker did-n’t even bother to amend the form let-ter to differentiate between reinsuranceand insurance!

Another broker’s binder transmit-tal e-mail told (warned) the client thatthe coverage bound was written on a“CLAIMS-MADE and REPORTEDform.” Not true! The policy form wasclaims-made, but not a claims-madeand reported form. The obvious inten-tion is, again, to mitigate E&O claimsagainst the broker, but it’s doubtfulthat inaccurate descriptions of cover-age such as this will serve that purpose.

In this new era of “commitmentsto transparency,” some brokers may begoing too far. When commencing amarketing process for a client, one bro-ker now uses a “placement strategy let-ter” wherein they establish the guide-lines of what they will do or, moreaccurately, what they won’t do! In sucha letter, the broker actually states that ifthe client wants the broker to employcertain strategies whereby specificallydescribed information would be dis-closed to competing insurers, the clientmust so direct the broker in writing. For

example, the client would have todirect the broker (in writing) if theclient wanted the broker to: (1) disclosethe names of prospective insurers toother prospective insurers; (2) discloseprice, price ranges or coverage termsthat the client wants; (3) disclose the

terms, conditions andpricing of the expir-ing policy; (4) dis-close certain aspectsof quotes fromprospective insurersto other prospectiveinsurers; or (5) pro-vide insurers anopportunity to im-prove their quote(i.e., give them a“last look”). Insur-ance buyers shouldexpect their brokersto employ the mar-keting strategies thatwill serve the buyers’

best interests and that such strategieswill be conducted in an ethical andlegal manner.

When clients have to specify inwriting to their broker how the bro-ker should conduct its business, andwhen brokers warn policyholders tobeware of policy exclusions or unusu-al provisions without offering adviceor input, the broker has been relegat-ed to the role of “order taker” and thebuyer should beware. Some buyersmay even conclude that it’s time for anew broker!

This article was previ-ously published inRisk & Insurance mag-azine. Charles H. Coxis president of Aldrich& Cox, an indepen-dent risk managementand employee benefitconsulting company inBuffalo, N.Y.

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It’s not clear if brokers have becomenervous as a result of the war thatNew York state Attorney General

Eliot Spitzer has waged against theinsurance industry, or if they have col-lectively attended one too many errorsand omissions (E&O) seminars. Whatis clear, however, isthat some brokers arebecoming increasinglydependent on theirclients to do their work!

Policy transmittalletters from brokers totheir clients often con-tain “boiler plate” lan-guage, the purpose ofwhich is quite evident:Reduce E&O claims!One broker’s transmittalletter suggests that theirclient should “examineit [the policy] carefullyto make sure the limitsof coverage meet yourneeds and that no items have beenomitted.” Will the client know orunderstand what has been omitted?Shouldn’t the broker offer any adviceon limits? Selecting or recommendingliability limits is, admittedly, no easytask, and determining their adequacyis often impossible, but have some bro-kers gone too far to protect themselvesagainst E&O claims by telling theirclients to be sure the limits meet theirneeds? Policyholders do have a respon-sibility to review their own insurancepolicies, but expecting some inputfrom their broker is not unreasonable.

Another broker’s transmittal lettersays, “We have received and reviewedthe enclosed policy.” That’s a goodstart, but the letter goes on to say, “Thepolicy sets out the benefits and cover-age of the (re)insurance we have placedfor you in accordance with yourinstructions. We recommend that youread the policy very carefully, particu-larly sections that make references to

Beware the Order TakersAre you getting the advice and service that you

deserve from your insurance broker?by Charles H. Cox

When clients have to specify in writing to their broker how the

broker should conduct its business, the broker

has been relegated to the role of “order taker”

and the buyer should beware.

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200614

• Familiarity with ISI Dance Tests 1and 2 and the Dutch Waltz

• The determination to start a newprogram

• The cooperation of your entirecoaching staff

Introduce ice dancing in yourgroup lesson program. During thelast few minutes of class, bring theBeta, Gamma, Delta and freestyleskaters together to learn somethingnew and fun.

Step 1:• Play dance music (any music with a

slow tempo will do).• Have everybody clap and tap their

feet to the music, and count outloud — the louder, the better!

• Select an easy piece of music (popu-lar music works and the kids love it).Have everyone stroke around therink to the music.

• Introduce quality ice dance music:swing dance and rhythm and blues.

Step 2:• Have your group form a circle.

Teach them a progressive; it willlook like a crossover, and that’s OK.Show the group a chasse and com-bine the movement.

• Have the group perform the pro-gressive/chasse sequence in a circle(counter-clockwise).

• Put a count to the movement: 1-2-3, lift 4; 1-2-3, lift 4. Count outloud.

• Put the movement to music. UseArgentine Tango music. It is slowerand more deliberate than even theCanasta Tango music.

• When the group has accomplishedthe movement counter-clockwise,have them try it clockwise. Theywill be confused at first, but theywill quickly adjust and begin to per-form the maneuver.

Later, mini-classes can involve ISIDance 1 and 2, which are superb for entry-level dancing (see ISI test standards). Addi-tionally, dances can be taught on public,freestyle and special dance sessions.

PR

OG

RA

MM

ING

On the heels of the OlympicWinter Games in Torino, asurge in excitement and

curiosity about ice sports will be awelcome gift to ice arenas worldwide.The challenge and novelty of icedancing should be no exception.

Introduce ice dancing to yourskaters, and you add a new dimensionto the sport of figure skating that willinstill excitement, energy and funinto the skating program at your facil-ity. Another benefit: Many points atISI events are based on ice dancing.

Everybody at every age can dance.Ice dancing is great for freestyle

Ice Dancing LLiivveess!!How to start an ice dance program

for fun and fiscal fitnessby Robert Mock

Olympic Favorites Trainat Floyd Hall Arena

LITTLE FALLS, N.J. — Floyd Hall Arena, on the campus of Montclair StateUniversity, has been something of a celebrity haven for the past four years,ever since a group of 13 international skaters and their Eastern Europeancoaches began searching for the perfect training home.

Among the elite skaters who have settled into a rigorous schedule atFloyd Hall are 2004 European and world champion ice dancers Tatiana Navkaand Roman Kostomarov. At press time, the Russians are considered thefavorites for gold in Torino. Their coaches are Olympic medalists Sasha Zhulinand Yevgeny Platov, who recently signed on as staff coaches at Floyd Hall,charged with helping to expand the arena’s ice dancing programs. Three indi-vidual figure skaters as well as four additional ice dancing pairs — includingIsraeli pair Galit Chait and Sergei Sakhnovsky, also headed for Torino — com-plete the team training under Platov and Zhulin.

Kevin McCormack, vice president of arena operations at Floyd Hall, saysfinding the ice time for the team was not a burden for the dual-sheet facili-ty. “They skate every day, from about 8 in the morning until about 3 in theafternoon,” he notes. “The benefits of having them here have far outweighedany price that we could have charged for the ice.”

Those benefits have included publicity in the form of a New York Timesfeature article, remote broadcasts by two local morning TV shows and othermedia exposure. A week before they left for the Olympics, the attention wasbuilding to the point of lines forming outside the arena. “That kind of noto-riety is priceless to me,” says McCormack.

After the Olympics, the skaters are scheduled to compete at Worlds andreturn to Floyd Hall, and McCormack says he hopes those who retire willcome back as coaches. “Our objective is to use this notoriety and the talentsof the coaches to develop a program similar to what they have at the Uni-versity of Delaware. We want to serve all different levels of skaters, and workwith the university to create housing for them.”

For more information, contact McCormack at manager@floydhallarena.com.

—Lori Fairchild

skaters who benefit from the edge-work, knee action and emphasis onposture and body alignment. If skatersare having trouble with footwork ormoves in the field, ice dance trainingwill develop the skills necessary to besuccessful. Adults enjoy learning toice dance as an attainable activity thatmixes skating and movement tomusic in a fun way.

As a coach organizing ice danceactivities, you will need:• The ISI Skaters and Coaches Handbook

(2006 Edition) and the USFS Rulebook(Dance Patterns)

• Low-level dance music

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200616

At many arenas, skaters are danc-ing at various levels and are focused onpassing tests. Is there anything that canbe done to recapture the fun andexcitement of early classes? Try an MTVprogram dance session: The MTV gen-eration has a short attention span andneeds quickly moving stimuli to stayfocused and interested. Activity mustbe brief, quick, challenging and fastmoving. The “MTV” approach willrecharge any dance program.

Preparation:• Record at least three 15-minute

dance tapes. There should be atleast three patterns of music perdance. Always start with oneminute of fun stroking music.

• Use low dances that everyone cando. Intersperse the tape with fundances (Reverse Dutch Waltz, Dou-ble Roll 14-Step, Canasta Tango,Viennese Waltz, etc.)

• Make signs that list the dances foreach dance program and post thesigns for each session.

• All MTV program dance sessionsare 15 minutes long.

• The sessions are fast, furious and fun!

• Even non-dancers can join in andfollow accomplished skaters.

• All coaches must agree to partic-ipate and encourage skaters toattend.

• No lessons can be taught dur-ing the 15-minute MTV pro-gram dance session.

• Boys should not dance withthe same girl twice; solos aregreat; and girl dancing withgirl is OK.

• Coaches will have to helpskaters at first, until they getthe hang of the MTV pro-gram dance.

Skaters who have little or nodance experience will become lost,overwhelmed and confused. Coachesshould help these skaters adjust to thesessions. Make them feel welcome andencourage them to stay on the ses-sion. While no lessons should begiven, it is the coach’s job to shownew skaters how to dance a few of thedances; the coach might even step offthe dances with them. A few tips willgo a long way.

Remember, if everyone at your

Continued from page 14

facility dances, there will be no stigmaattached or reluctance to dance.

By following these guidelines, youcan have fun, enhance and develop theskating skills of participants, increaselesson demand for coaches andincrease revenue for the facility.

Robert Mock, CAM, CAP, is the figureskating director at Center Ice Arena inDelmont, Pa.

HIGH-HIGH-TECHTECHAfew rinks around the country are spicing up their Friday-

and Saturday-night public skating by offering video enter-tainment during selected sessions.

Playing music videos that cater to both teenage and adultskaters can add a great atmosphere to general public skating. TheIce Centre at the Promenade (formerly the Sun Microsystems IceCentre) in Westminster, Colo. has been providing this type ofentertainment for the past six years. Friday and Saturday eveningsessions are programmed with the 12- to 16-year-olds in mind.A typical session revolves around music videos, in-house adver-tising of rink programs, concession specials, on-ice rules and livepan and zoom camera shots of skating guests.

A VJ (video jockey) is the key component to making this allhappen, and he or she must have a feel for what makes the ses-sion a “happening event.” Rink management and the session VJmust pre-screen content on music videos to ensure that inap-propriate material is not programmed into a session.

With all the technology available today, there are numer-ous choices for a system. At this point, there are no one-stopturnkey systems available that are ready to install; therefore, rinkoperators must seek out vendors and determine what type of sys-tem might work best in their facilities.

We recently replaced the Ice Centre’s original system, whichwas installed in 1999. The first system was an LCD (liquid crys-tal display) cube-type system with 16 modular cubes stacked ina 4-by-4 configuration. The problem with this type of system ismaintaining the uniformity of the different cubes. Because eachcube has its own lamp and power supply, this system requires aprofessional technician to continually adjust and fine-tune theimage alignment, as well as the brightness, color and contrast.With technology changing so rapidly, it also became difficult tosecure replacement components for the system.

After researching the different systems available and bring-ing in vendors to display their products, we settled on a dual rear-projector system with DLP (digital laser projection) technology.This system, combined with a 16-by-9 screen, provides the abil-ity to view media in high-definition format. While this soundsvery high-tech, the reality is that projector technology has beenaround for decades and will continue to be used for many yearsto come, which bodes well for repair, maintenance and avail-ability of qualified technicians when problems arise.

Projectors can be tied into multiple media systems includingDVD players, VCR players, cable or satellite television, comput-er hard drives, streaming video via Internet access and satelliteradio with interactive graphics.

When choosing a system, consider the following:• Does the facility design allow for a good visible location

for an installation?- The screen should be centrally located at one end of

the rink.- Will the facility allow for a rear-projection unit (16 feet

required behind screen)?- Can protective netting be lowered or raised for better

viewing of the screen? If not, there may be considera-tion for a roll-up screen that is raised and lowered byremote control.

• What is the best location from which to operate the sys-tem in your rink?- You should have a clear view of the ice and the video

screen.- It needs to be a secure area.- An additional hand-held remote control is preferable

so the VJ can interact with skaters.

Now for the sticker shock: A complete video system willrange in price from $60,000 to $120,000. The most expensivecomponent will typically be the projector, particularly in a rear-projection unit, which provides a higher video quality. The mostimportant aspect of the projector is the amount of ANSI-lumens,which relates to the brightness and clarity of the image beingprojected. In a typical rink environment, where ambient lightlevels (windows, overhead lights, etc.) can be reduced, about6,000 ANSI-lumens should be adequate. The higher the ambientlight present, the more ANSI-lumens required for the image to bedistinct.

Keep in mind that some of these costs can be offset by sell-ing advertising during the use of the video screen, as well as bythe improved attendance at these sessions, which will providean operator the opportunity to promote other rink programs.

Because we have provided the weekend video sessions sinceopening seven years ago, it is difficult to establish the potentialincrease that is possible for an existing rink to add this type of

Public Skating SessionsKeep the MTV generation coming back

with video entertainmentby Bob Bebber

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200618

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 2006 19

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component. We are certain, however, that we draw patrons froma much wider area than is typically common to ice rinks. Withtoday’s teenagers embracing new ideas and activities that providehigh levels of sensory stimulation, their word of mouth has beenour best advertisement for the weekend music video sessions.

Aside from the public skating benefits, we have used ourvideo system extensively in ice shows. One year we used it to spot-light a 45-piece symphony orchestra during a “Symphony on Ice”performance, which proved extremely popular.

A video system can also generate untapped revenue sourcesby offering a high-profile advertising medium to potential spon-sors. Company commercials or slide shows can be packaged intoa dasher board and ice resurfacer advertising program to increasethe value of a sponsorship at your facility.

Video display can be used for in-house purposes, too, to pro-mote and inform guests of snack bar and pro shop specials, learn-to-skate classes, upcoming special events, employee recruitmentand public session rules and regulations.

It is difficult to quantify the payback on the installation of avideo system in an ice skating facility, but if funds are available andthe system is utilized properly and to its full extent, it will increaseopportunities for both programming and the ability to generateadditional revenues through a nontraditional source.

If the decision is made to move forward with installing a sys-tem, the next steps are to: establish a budget, determine what typeof system to install, receive competitively priced bids, prepare forinstallation of equipment and provide staff training.

To gain renewed interest in public skating and add an excit-ing element to your facility, a video entertainment system is cer-tainly one innovative option to consider.

Bob Bebber is the general manager for the Ice Centre at the Prome-nade (formerly the Sun Microsystems Ice Centre) in Westminster, Colo.

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200620

iACT 2006 will be held atthe Seaport Hotel and WorldTrade Center located nearhistoric downtown Bostonand waterfront attractions.

This year’s Ice Arena Conference &Tradeshow (iACT), May 31-June 3 inBoston, will be marked by several mile-

stones. For the first time ever, the ISI will co-hostthe annual event with one of the regional man-agement associations: NEISMA (North East IceSkating Managers Association). That powerfulcombination brings together two of the largestorganizations in the ice arena industry, offeringthe convenience of two major events in a singlesetting and creating more opportunities thanever to learn and network with the best in the business.

Educational sessions have been divided into threetracks: management and hockey; operations and mainte-nance; and skating directors and instructors.

iACT 2006 will feature more operations seminars andeducation than any previous conference, with a strongemphasis on hands-on learning. A full day has been devot-ed to on-ice and on-site arena training for managers and

skating professionals. Amongthe highlights for instructorswill be two sessions with leg-endary coach Frank Carroll.

Early indicators point to one of the best tradeshows inrecent memory, offering ice arena builder/suppliers an idealopportunity to meet the industry’s newest professionals anddecision makers as well as reconnect with its veterans.

Pull out the insert in this issue for a complete scheduleof the week’s activities and sessions.

The venue

The ISI has hosted numerous ice skating events andiAIM schools in the Boston area in recent years, butit has not held its annual conference in Beantown

since the 1980s. Participantsare in for a treat.

The waterfront SeaportHotel and World Trade Center

by Lori Fairchild

A full day of on-site and on-ice ses-sions for managers and skating profes-sionals will be held at Allied VeteransMemorial Rink in nearby Everett, Mass.

iACT participants will have the chance to spend an evening at theFaneuil Hall TV replica set of Cheers.

This year’s closing party will be aharbor dinner cruise aboard theSpirit of Boston.

is Boston-Bound

COVER FEATURE

Trip Tipswww.bostonusa.com

www.cityofboston.govwww.boston-online.com

21

offer deluxe hotel, meeting and exhibit accommodations.Hotel amenities include a full-service health club (completewith massage therapists), free wireless Internet service andgourmet cuisine at the Aura Restaurant & Bar, winner of a“Best of Boston” award in the upscale seafood restaurantcategory. One of the most pleasant surprises about this out-standing hotel is that it is gratuity-free.

The World Trade Center’s location on the Seaport prop-erty will make the tradeshow convenient to attendees andvendors alike. The easy access extends beyond the confer-ence and tradeshow to historic downtown Boston and itsmany attractions, as well as Logan Airport.

The city

Founded in 1630, Boston is one of America’s oldestcities, and it’s considered the country’s most“European” city. Like the world-class cities across the

pond, Boston is packed with character and is a fascinatingplace to explore on foot,so don’t forget to bringcomfortable walkingshoes. Historic attrac-tions, museums, shop-ping districts andrestaurants are situatedin close proximity, mak-ing it easy and enjoy-able to get around. It’s abig city with small-cityconvenience.

Boston boasts oneof America’s first his-toric walking trails, TheFreedom Trail, a 2.5mile sidewalk trail thatlinks historic sites cov-

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ering two and a half centuriesof America’s richest history.You can cover it in a couple ofhours or make a day of it, andthere are trolleys availablewhen your feet need a break. Aself-guided Freedom Trail touris a great way to brush up onyour American history andvisit some of the famous sitesyou studied in grade school:Boston Common, the BostonMassacre site, the Paul RevereHouse, the USS Constitution(“Old Ironsides”) and theBunker Hill Monument, toname only a few.

There’s more to Boston than Revolutionary history,though. Food is a major attraction, from the best freshseafood on the planet to delectable authentic Italian fare.For those who can’t resist snapping a shot of the bar “whereeverybody knows your name,” Cheers really does exist, asdoes a TV replica set located in Faneuil Hall. Conferenceattendees will have the chance to join real-life Cheersowner Tom Kershaw and famed bartender Eddie Doyle for afun evening on the set (see insert).

Home to the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox,Boston is also a sports lover’s paradise, and many would notconsider a visit complete without a stop at Fenway Park.

A new Boston Tea Party attraction complex opens thisyear, featuring the renovated Boston Tea Party ship and tworeplicas of 1773 ships. And since Boston started as a seaport,it’s only fitting that iACT 2006 conclude with a harbor din-ner cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston.

You’re sure to take home a wealth of new ideas andknowledge, new professional contacts and memories of oneof America’s greatest cities.

Top left: Harvard University,Boston University and the Mass-achusetts Institute of Technologyare all located along the CharlesRiver, which is known for itsrowing, sculling and sailing.

Top Middle: Boutiques, galleriesand outdoor cafés fill Boston’stree-lined Newbury Street.

Top right: The First Foot Guards,a Revolutionary War reenact-ment group, participate inBoston’s Harborfest celebration.

Photos courtesy of Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 2006

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200622

Item No. 4 on Positive Coaching Alliance’s recently pub-lished list of “Bottom 10 Moments in Sports, 2005” was anincident in Michigan where a youth hockey coach alleged-

ly included bare-knuckle fights among his players as part of ateam practice. It’s certainly not the kind of attention thatyouth hockey is seeking.

This kind of publicity takes the spotlightaway from the countless Double-GoalCoachesTM who want to win and use sportsto teach life lessons, and who truly provideour athletes with an excellent educationalexperience. What’s really disconcerting isthat more than one parent on the team inquestion actually sided with this coach.

When I discussed this incident with an otherwiseresponsible, civic-minded sports parent, he argued that fight-ing is part of hockey, and players should be trained to defendthemselves. If such sympathies live even in people who typ-ically have the best interests of their children in mind andusually side with PCA and ISI in the movement against win-at-all-cost coaching, then PCA must take this opportunity toclarify its position.

Encouraging children to fight in any sport, other than amartial art, is wrong.

It is dangerous. One of the teens involved in the practicesuffered a concussion.

It is unethical. The Michigan Amateur Hockey Associa-tion suspended the coaches for three games, put them on pro-bation for two years and ordered them to complete a com-bined 400 hours of community service, according to the Lans-ing State Journal.

However, training youth hockey players to fight appar-ently is not illegal, according to this excerpt from a pressrelease issued by the Eaton County prosecuting attorney:“Virtually every hockey parent that e-mailed me attemptedto justify the drill as instruction in self-defense necessary toprepare the players for the next, tougher level of hockey.They emphasized that this is not a recreational league, thatthese players have come from across the nation specificallyto train under Coach Bowkus. Their reasoning made practi-cal sense, and I could have accepted self-defense preparationas a justification for the drill had I found any evidence ofinstruction at all. But there was no coaching of ‘defense’ tac-tics before, during or after the drill. The boys were merelycalled into the center of the group and told to fight, bareknuckles and without any protection. As a result, one youthwas seriously injured and appears to still be suffering theeffects of a concussion. While the entire situation is regret-table, I cannot find evidence of criminal intent. In short, I

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Continued on page 24

Skating on Thin Ice:Hockey-Fight Instruction

by David Jacobson

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200624

cannot conclude that Coach Bowkus intended for any of hisplayers to be injured.”

ISI and PCA espouse a positive, character-building expe-rience for all youth athletes. That implies that the adults whorun programs see to the basic physical safety of the childrenentrusted to them.

No matter how ingrained and integral fighting seems tohockey, it should not be “part of the game.” That’s why fight-ing is penalized even in the entertainment-driven world ofpro hockey.

Adults should never encourage children to fight, let aloneprovide a forum for them to fight, or encourage or demandthat they fight. People who care about the game of hockeyshould act to rid hockey of violence that dishonors the game.

Here are steps that rink managers, coaches, youth hockeyorganization leaders and parents can take:• Establish a positive culture. Culture simply means “the

way WE do things HERE.” If the adults in charge say —and enforce — “We don’t fight here,” children will notfight. It also helps to post signs and distribute buttons orstickers with Honor The Game messages.

• Appoint a culture keeper. One adult should serve as aculture keeper, who facilitates communication and rein-forces the rink’s philosophy among different con-stituencies. Culture keepers should attend as manygames as possible and be prepared to intervene appro-priately if behavior goes awry.

• Address everyone who is involved. The problem in youthhockey violence is not just coaches who advocate rough

play, but the generally positive people, who let fightingslide as “part of the game.” Remember the Edmund Burkequotation: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil isthat good men do nothing.”

• Publicize and enforce the rules. To be useful and effec-tive, codes of conduct must clearly and explicitly statethe consequences that will follow unacceptable behav-ior. In addition, there must be a predetermined processthrough which all reported incidents will be handled.Enforcement is a critical component of any meaningfulcode of conduct.

• Discuss incidents of pro hockey violence. During or aftermedia coverage of a hockey fight, discuss the incidentwith youth athletes. This is a particularly good time forparents and coaches to issue “You’re the kind of person…”statements, as in “I’m glad you’re the kind of person whohas the strength to not retaliate against a cheap shot.”

Underlying all the other Positive Coaching messages thatISI is spreading is the notion that ice sports, and all sports,must be a healthy, safe place for children. Following these tipswill help make it so.

David Jacobson is PCA’s media/communications manager. ForPCA’s “Bottom 10 Moments in Sports, 2005” and the “PCAGuide to Discussing Sports Incidents with Children,” pleasevisit www.positivecoach.org. To learn more about the ISI-PCApartnership and how it benefits your rink, contact PCA atPCA@PositiveCoach.org or, toll-free, (866) 725-0024.

Continued from page 22

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ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200626

Coaches’Corner

by Barb YackelISI National Events & Skating Program Coordinator

Ahh … springtime! The time of year when coaches’ to-do lists are longer than the Mississippi River. (Guessthe home-grown Minnesotan in me will never leave!)

As ’06 marches into spring, we begin our annual iceshow prep, set our summer schedules, complete conferenceregistrations and make sure our tests and memberships arecurrent for the May 1 Worlds entry deadline.

The mandatory ISI rule changes, effective since Jan. 1,should be old hat by now — yet daily we see evidence thatthe new rules are not clear to everyone. I hope you have pur-chased the new Skaters and Coaches Handbook and are visitingthe Web site (www.skateisi.org) to view rule changes andupdates. It is your job to stay in the know.

February brought pageantry and inspiration as we allwatched the crowning of our new Olympic champions. I wasglued to the TV — how about you? The Winter Olympicsalways bring a welcome shot of adrenaline to our industryand I’m sure you are all feeling the effects. It makes life evencrazier, but remember, this is a good crazy!

New programs designed to enhance our national eventswill debut this month. The Judges’ Incentive Programrewards those who help during judging dilemmas at ournational events. Each time you serve on a panel, your namegoes into a drawing for great prizes. This is a great incentiveto be certified and current.

The Judges’ Mentoring Program encourages youngcoaches to be more involved in national events and learnfrom experienced competition judges and coaches. They willalso gain experience in judging and running a nationalevent. Skating directors can e-mail me to get criteria andrequirements along with an application; the ISI nationaloffice will choose the candidates for each one of the upcom-ing national events.

I hope you all have marked in red the iACT/NEISMAevent dates of May 31-June 3. Believe me, you don’t want tomiss this one! Innovative, informative and NEW sessions forskating directors, instructors and managers are on the agen-da. I want to see you all on the harbor cruise — maybe wewill see a whale or two!

Important Dates

Worlds....................Marlboro, Mass., July 24-30

Adults......................Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 8-10

Artistic Challenge....................Denver, Nov. 3-5

In 1964 ISI developed the first national

learn-to-skate program. Today, the program

is used worldwide and has set the standard

for teaching people to skate.

ISI’s learn-to-skate program appeals to first-

time skaters because it teaches movements

they can master almost immediately. It provides

achievable objectives with immediate results.

The program provides a logical progression of

skill development, so skills learned in each level

build on the preceding ones, making skating fun

and rewarding for all participants.

Now ISI has made it easier for arenas and

skating directors too! Introducing the weSKATE

kit, a complete, comprehensive kit for running

your learn-to-skate program. The weSKATE

kit contains everything you need to

organize, promote and administer a successful

skating school.

• Tips on how to structure classschedules and semesters

• Information to be distributed tobeginning skaters and their parents

• Flyers and posters and othercustomizable marketing tools

• Certificates of participation andachievement

• Enrollment forms• Attendance sheets• Progress reports• Curriculum cards• And much more!

To get your copy of theweSKATE kit, call ISI at972.735.8800.

The weSKATE kit will take the guesswork out of your learn-to-skateprogram. The pre-packaged programcontains:

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200628

Plans are shaping up for the thirdannual ISIA Education Founda-tion Golf Tournament, scheduled

for Tuesday, May 30, the day before theopening of the 2006 iACT in Boston.The tournament’s shotgun start is setfor 1 p.m., and box lunches, beverages,transportation, golf shirts, tournamentprizes and golfers’ goody bags will allbe provided. Celebrity foursomes willbe available via an Internet silent auc-tion. Entry fees are $175 for singlegolfers or $600 for foursomes. For moredetails as they become available, watchfor e-mail updates and the next issueof the EDGE, or contact Lisa Fedick atlafwonder@aol.com.

Also planned for conference weekis the Education Foundation’s silentauction, returning after a one-year hia-tus. All items will be displayed at thePresidents’ Reception on Wednesday,May 31. Selected items will be closedout that evening; the remaining itemswill be displayed at the Foundation’stradeshow booth on Friday, June 2 and

Saturday, June 3 and closed out at noonon Saturday. All items at the tradeshowwill have a “quick buy” predeterminedprice allowing immediate purchase. TheFoundation is still accepting auctiondonations. Popular items include hock-ey, sports and ice skating memorabilia;sporting and entertainment tickets; artand consumable items; and gift certifi-cates. Please send your silent auctiondonations to: Judith P. Sniffen, 50 PerryAve., Bayville, NY 11709. For moreinformation, contact Sniffen at (516)628-2240, by fax at (516) 628-2279 orby e-mail at thesniff@aol.com.

The Education Foundation’snewest fundraiser is the sale of “SkateStrong” bracelets, which began at lastyear’s ISI Worlds event and continuesat all ISI national events, includingiACT, this year. The Foundation is alsooffering the bracelets to member facili-ties, clubs or districts that wish to helpraise funds for the scholarship programand for their own programs. For moreinformation, contact Judith Sniffen at

thesniff@aol.com, Robyn Bentley atRobynBSK8R@direcway.com or LisaFedick at lafwonder@aol.com.

Funds raised from each of these activ-ities benefit the ISIA Education Founda-tion’s scholarship program, which hasawarded nearly $200,000 to outstandingISI scholar/skaters since its inception.

Education FoundationGears Up for 2006 Fundraisers

Recent EducationFoundation Donations

SUPPORTERTropical Spice On Ice

(in memory of Erika Amundsen)

CONTRIBUTORTommy & Ann Stanley

FRIENDBeth & Don WeinerPatricia Brown-Jaros

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 2006 29

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ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200630

North East Ice SkatingManagers Association

(NEISMA)by Tom Morton, President

Cost savings inice rinks is anongoing consid-eration for NEIS-MA, especiallynow, with the

rising costs of fuel, transportation, school,food, clothing, etc.

One ice rink manager recently sharedwith me that his rink had experienced a decline in gener-al skating programs. He said that, because of the increasedcost of living, without a commensurate increase in wages,many skaters are looking for ways to cut costs, and theprime targets are recreation, restaurants, travel and sports.This has forced him to take a close look at cost savings inhis rink.

The NEISMA board of directors has recognized theproblem and has embarked on a program of action in aneffort to help inform its membership about cost-savingmeasures.

Part of this program involves sharing cost-saving ideas.NEISMA refers to the program as “Innovative Thinking.”NEISMA is requesting its members to send their adoptedcost-saving programs as well as their ideas on new sug-gested cost-saving programs directly to NEISMA DirectorJeff Bardwell, who will publish them in the association’sRink Rat publication.

Another part of NEISMA’s program of action is to havemore cost-saving articles in the Rink Rat. Members areencouraged to write brief articles on cost savings and tosend them to Bardwell. In the most recent issue, he had anexcellent article titled “Low-Cost Energy Savings” in whichhe cut to the heart of the matter. His suggestion of creat-ing a “measuring stick” is well worth noting.

The NEISMA board is concerned with the cost increas-es expected this year for our industry. The board encour-ages NEISMA members as well as others in the industry toshare their innovative thinking.

Minnesota Ice Arena Managers Association(MIAMA)

by Tom Moriarty, President

The days are getting longer, and it won’t belong before we can get together in NewUlm for our spring conference on May 2.We will be visiting later this month to lookat the New Ulm Civic Center and makeplans for the one-day event. Watch ourWeb site or your mail for information.

Board members Doug Brady and Mau-rice Slepica are putting together ideas for the fall confer-ence in September at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge. If you have

an idea for a presentation, I am sure they wouldn’t mindyour input.

Our www.rinkfinder.com site has added some new fea-tures in the past few months, including the open freestyle,open hockey and open skating buttons. This is helpful forour members who wish to download the information forcustomers seeking those sessions, in addition to otherarena events, times and maps to our facilities. I wouldencourage all members to get your arena informationonline and increase your revenue.

All of us are struggling with escalating energy coststhis season, to the point of 20 to 40 percent increases. I amsure most of us, despite the budget forecasts, are entering2006 with a projected deficit. What will happen to ourhourly ice rates in the future? Will some of us continue tocut summer ice rates, faced with the higher costs to main-tain ice in the summer? We have heard the ice rates fromother parts of our country: $250, $350 an hour! We shookour heads not too long ago at the thought of $2/gallongasoline! Is the day of $150-170 hourly rates soon to be amemory? I believe many of our policy makers, and we, asmanagers, are pondering the future of ice costs. Our usersneed to be part of this formula, given the costs associatedwith putting a skater on the ice today. Most of us havemanaged in an era of “cheap” energy. Our action willdetermine our facilities’ future, and we need to work withour vendors for long-term energy solutions. What are yourthoughts?

I know some arenas have changed out their metalhalide fixtures for florescent fixtures. Ramsey County wentthrough this process, working with Xcel Energy and a cer-tified electric vendor. We replaced the fixtures in all of ourarenas except Aldrich. We have noticed a drop in kilowattusage, but we cannot directly track the fixture usage, otherthan past years’ bills. I do know our users like the lights,and in the event of a power drop, the instant-on with thenew lights is remarkable.

On our Web site’s “Bulletin Board,” I see there is amove to installing automated external defibrillators (AEDs)in some facilities. I believe the impact and importance isimmeasurable. I’m sure we can recall the incident on thebench in an NHL game this season where a player wentdown and was saved by the use of an AED. We haveinstalled them in several of our facilities. Staff has beenreceptive to the training and the knowledge that they canhelp someone in an emergency. Are you consideringinstalling one in your facility?

Metropolitan Ice Rink Managers Association(MIRMA)

by Lisa Fedick, Secretary

I hope this issue finds all of you comingoff a highly prosperous Olympic experi-ence. I, for one, am still looking for newand creative ideas to ensure that a largepercentage of my newest group of“impulse” customers become permanent.

My search always brings me to the

Tom Moriarty

Lisa Fedick

Tom Morton

Continued on page 32

BURLEYS

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200632

same place: education. The ISI offers so many affordableopportunities for each of us to elevate our businesses andourselves to that next level. With the Boston conferencein our backyard and just around the corner, now is thetime to start that iAIM online course, to enhance yourarea of expertise or to reach outside of your comfort zoneand make yourself a true asset to your building and yourcustomers.

The third annual District III Skate for KnowledgeChampionships will be held May 6-7 at Floyd Hall Arenain Little Falls, N.J. This event is unique in that it will betreated as a Grand Prix final event. The current competi-tion season commenced on April 11, 2005, and will endon May 7, 2006, at the completion of the district cham-pionships. Every ISI-endorsed inter-club event in DistrictIII throughout the season, as well as the Riverdale Ice ISIevent in Lake Placid, the ISI Winter Classic, the ISI Artis-tic Challenge and ISI Worlds, will be included in theseries. Every skater’s participation in these named eventswill be tracked, as well as their placements. Grand Prixpoints will be awarded for each event skated, in eachcompetition entered. For more information, contact LisaFedick at LAFMIRMA@aol.com.

Kudos to Ted Kelton and Riverdale Ice for yet anothergreat event in Lake Placid. Four districts were well repre-sented, with more than 400 skaters participating. As one ofthe first events in the country to use the new ISI teampoint structure, the race for the highly coveted team tro-phies was made even more exciting.

The MIRMA executive board is planning the springmanagers’ meeting to be held in March, with locationand date to be announced. We all look forward to seeingyou soon.

Michigan Arena Managers Association(MAMA)

by Geoff Bennetts, President

The last Michigan Arena Managers Associ-ation meeting was held at Charles R.Mueller & Sons in Mt. Clemens, Mich.Mueller’s is an active member of MAMA aswell as an arena supply and service com-pany. As a part of our agenda that day, wewere provided with a four-station tour fea-turing Mueller’s blade sharpening, icestencils, Zamboni maintenance and FuelMaker service. Presenters at the meeting included: GregZivov of Electric Savings and Dave Goran of MagnonEnergy Group discussing energy costs and potentialmoney-saving measures; Ray Kraemer of Michigan Ama-teur Hockey Association; and Toni Cooper of Zigler Per-formance Group.

The terms for the MAMA officers have expired, and theassociation plans to hold elections for all positions at its nextmeeting. Please contact me at gbennetts@suburbanice.comfor information.

Geoff Bennetts

Continued from page 30

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Arena personnel are faced with increasing challenges in today’sfast-paced, competitive environment. Managers, Operators andProgram Directors alike are required to assume additional rolesand responsibilities in order to make the business successful.

The Ice Arena Institute of Management offers online certificationprograms for Arena Management, Operations and Programming

that equip professionals to meet these challenges.

What’s in it for you?• Become more valuable to your facility• Earn recognition for your skills• Gain valuable job security• Differentiate yourself from your peers and competition• Gain marketable skills

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ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200634

MARCH

3-5 Melvindale, Mich.Melvindale Civic

ArenaISI Winter Classic

4 Columbus, OhioCoreComm Ice HausArnold Classic

Skating Competition4 Redwood City, Calif.

Ice Oasis Skating & Hockey Club

Spring Fling4-5 Irmo, S.C.

Ice Land IrmoPalmetto Classic

4-5 Highland Park, Ill.Centennial Ice ArenaThe Lucky Stars Open

4-5 Peoria, Ill.Owens CenterSpring Thaw

4-5 MinneapolisParade FSC2006 Blades of March

ISI Open Competition

4-5 San DiegoSan Diego Ice Arena2006 California

State Games Championships

4-5 Fort Washington, Md.Tucker Road FSCSkate Annapolis

4-5 Great Neck, N.Y.Parkwood ComplexThird Annual Long

Island Classic10-12 Park Ridge, Ill.

Oakton Ice Arena19th Annual Ice

Breaker Classic11 Palos Verdes, Calif.

Palos Verdes Ice Chalet

Pot O’ Gold Competition

11-12 Overland Park, Kan.Pepsi MidwestSunflower Invitational

11-12 Natick, Mass.West Suburban Arena35th Annual Bay State

Blades Natick12 Oxnard, Calif.

Oxnard Ice Skating Center

Third Annual Bunny Hop ISI Open Adult Competition

18 PittsburghRMU Island Sports

Center2006 Shamrock Skate

18-19 College Park, Md.Herbert Wells Ice RinkSpring Inter Rink

Competition19 West Caldwell, N.J.

Montclair Inside Edge23rd Annual ISI Team

Competition31- Knoxville, Tenn.April 2 Ice Chalet

37th Annual Mississippi Valley District Competition

31- Orleans, Mass.April 2 Charles Moore Arena

28th Annual Lower Cape ISI Team Competition

APRIL

1 Crestwood, Ill.Southwest Ice ArenaSpring Invitational

1-2 Saratoga Springs, N.Y.Saratoga Springs FSC9th Annual ISI Team

Competition

7-9 Bensenville, Ill.The Edge Ice ArenaISI Synchronized

Championships

8-9 El Segundo, Calif.Toyota Sports Center6th Annual Spring

Fling Competition21 Boxboro, Mass.

Nashoba Valley Olympia 27th Annual

ISI Team Competition

28-30 Sherwood, Ore.Sherwood Ice Arena2006 Spring Classic

29-30 Franklin Park, Ill.Franklin Park Ice ArenaSpring Fever

MAY

6-7 Fairfax, Va.Fairfax Ice ArenaAnnual ISI Spring

Competition27-28 San Diego

San Diego Ice ArenaISI Open

Championships

JUNE

2-4 New YorkSky Rink @

Chelsea Piers20th Annual Sky Rink

Team Competition

JULY

13-15 HonoluluIce Palace2006 ISI Hawaiian

Open14-16 Ontario, Calif.

Center Ice Arena1st Annual ISI

Open Competition

24-30 Marlboro, Mass.New England

Sports CenterISI World Recreational

Team Championships

SEPTEMBER

8-10 Nashville, Tenn.Centennial SportsplexISI Adult Championships

15 Arlington, TexasICE at The Parks3rd Annual ISI Open

Competition

OCTOBER

28-29 Rockland, Mass.Winterland Skating

School20th Annual

Winterland Halloween Classic

NOVEMBER

3-5 DenverSouth Suburban

Ice ArenaISI Artistic Challenge

MARCH

3-4 Pekin, Ill.Pekin Memorial ArenaThe Land of OZ

10 St. Paul, Minn.St. Mary’s Point

Skating SchoolSpring Spectacular

2006 “The Classics”

CALENDARISI-endorsed competitions & shows/exhibitions(Events endorsed after March 1 will be listed in the next issue)

COMPETITIONS

SHOWS &EXHIBITIONS

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 2006 35

19-21 Evanston, Ill.Robert Crown CenterSkate to the Greats-

30th Anniversary Spring Ice Show

31- BostonJune 3 Seaport Hotel/World

Trade Center2006 iACT/NEISMA

Conference & Tradeshow

JUNE

10-11 Boxboro, Mass.Nashoba Valley Olympia Ice Magic

11 Luverne, Minn.Blue Mound Ice ArenaAnnual Ice Show

11 Tacoma, Wash.Sprinker Recreation

CenterISI Camp Showtime

“American Pride”11-12 St. Louis

Kennedy Recreation Center

30th Annual Ice Revue12 Salem, Mass.

Viking Skating ClubLet Us Entertain You

12 Saratoga Springs, N.Y.Saratoga Springs FSCSpring Exhibition 2006

17-19 Jefferson City, Mo.Washington Park

Ice ArenaBritish Invasion 44th

Annual Ice Show18 Gurnee, Ill.

Rink Side Ice ArenaPure Imagination

23-25 Trenton, Mich.Kennedy Recreation

CenterTrenton Jamboree

on Ice25-26 White Plains, N.Y.

Ebersole Ice RinkEnd of Year Show

31- Livonia, Mich.April 1 Livonia Eddie Edgar

Michigan Music on Ice

31- White Plains, N.Y.April 1 Ebersole Ice Rink

Night in the Spotlight

APRIL

8-9 Birmingham, Mich.Birmingham Ice

Sports ArenaClub Birmingham

9 Highland Park, Ill.Centennial Ice Arena-

Highland ParkSpring Exhibition

9 Franklin, Mass.Franklin Blades

Skating SchoolShowtime ’06

9 Vineland, N.J.Vineland Ice ArenaSpring Show On Ice

18 Arlington, TexasICE at The ParksSpring Fling 2006

21-22 Carol Stream, Ill.Carol Stream Ice RinkFairy Tales

21-23 Park Ridge, Ill.Oakton Ice Arena37th Annual Oakton

Ice Show: Love, Laugh & Dance

22-23 Cottage Grove, Minn.Cottage Grove

Ice ArenaAnimation Ice Station

28-30 ChicagoMcFetridge Sports

CenterLet’s Dance

29 Wasilla, AlaskaBrett Ice ArenaSpring Ice Show

MAY

5-7 Crestwood, Ill.Southwest Ice ArenaSpring Ice Show

6 Rockland, Mass.Winterland Skating

SchoolWinterland Ice Show

10-21 Highland Park, Ill.Centennial Ice ArenaA Celebration of

Colors on Ice12-13 Houston

Aerodrome Willowbrook

11th Annual Spring Ice Show

12-14 Niles, Ill.Niles Park District

IcelandTelevision Treasures

17-21 Glenview, Ill.Glenview Ice Center33rd Annual Ice Show

19-21 Franklin Park, Ill.Franklin Park Ice ArenaBooks on Blades-

Volume 5

Visit the ISI Web site:skateisi.org

CALENDAR16-17 Glen Ellyn, Ill.

Center Ice of DuPageTuned In

JULY

1 Irmo, S.C.Ice Land IrmoSummer Sizzle

AUGUST

17 Arlington, TexasICE at The ParksSummertime 2006

DECEMBER

8-10 HoustonAerodrome

Willowbrook9th Annual Nutcracker

on Ice17 Arlington, Texas

ICE at The ParksHoliday in The Park

2006

BURLEYS

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200636

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISINGISI NATIONAL EVENTS & SKATING PROGRAM COOR-DINATOR — Full-time position based at ISI headquartersin Dallas. Requires experience conducting ISI recre-ational skating programs and events, excellent writtenand verbal communication skills, people and computerskills, work schedule flexibility and travel. Competitivesalary and excellent benefits. Please contact Patti Feeneyat (972) 735-8800 or pfeeney@skateisi.org.

PROFESSIONAL COACH — The Oakland Ice Center, locat-ed in downtown Oakland, Calif., invites applications fromcoaches interested in relocating to SF Bay Area. Coacheswith national-level coaching or skating experience needonly apply. Must be US citizens, USFS Gold Medalist andhave excellent references. PSA ratings are an asset. Must beconfident and self-motivated, provide instruction at all lev-els including learn-to-skate classes and most of all, be ableto positively contribute to the competitive training modelas outlined by the skating director. Over 40+ hours perweek of ice time available for lessons, and special incen-tives offered to the right candidate. Apply with résumé,cover letter and references to: Christy Ness, Skating Direc-tor, Oakland Ice Center, 519 18th St., Oakland, CA 94610[info@oaklandice.com]. No phone calls.

HOCKEY DIRECTOR — Rink in Metro Phoenix seeksexperienced hockey director. Mail résumé to MVBC, P.O.Box 80892, Phoenix, AZ 85060-0892.

BURLEYS: HERE WE GROW AGAIN! The largest manufac-turer of ice and in-line arena facilities is looking for enthu-siastic, dedicated and self-motivated individuals to fill thefollowing positions: project managers, field supervisors andsales administrators. Visit www.burleys.com for details. Sub-mit résumés to info@burleys.com or BURLEYS HumanResources Department, 195 Jari Drive, Johnstown PA 15904.

DIRECTOR OF ICE OPERATIONS — National company seeksexperienced ice arena operations manager to join our team ofice professionals. Management of 3 to 4 ice sheets in 2 to 3facilities required. Our support team consists of a general man-ager, sales/marketing/scheduling manager, figure skating andlesson manager, ice maintenance personnel and concessionsmanager. Duties include, but are not limited to, ice and phys-ical plant maintenance supervision, direct operations, sched-uling and H/R, and financial responsibility of ice operations.Previous arena/rink management experience required. Pleaserespond with a résumé and compensation requirements toPtdeangelo@aol.com, or fax to (732) 596-4112.

Free Classified Advertising for ISI Members!The deadline for the next issue of the EDGE is March 15.

Call Carol Jackson at (972) 735-8800, fax to(972) 735-8815 or send e-mail to cjackson@skateisi.org.

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 200638

As I write this, the U.S. NationalFigure Skating Championshipshave just concluded, the Nation-

al Hockey League has passed the mid-point of its season and the XX WinterOlympic Games in Torino, Italy are justa few weeks away. As is typical duringmost Winter Olympic years, ice hockeyand figure skating are receivingincreased media exposure.

Whether it’s news about the ath-letes and their events or advertisingfor products trying to capitalize onthe current enthusiasm for wintersports, this welcome exposure trans-lates into a temporary surge in popu-larity for ice skating and hockey —and increased business for ice arenaowners and operators. The questionis, how do we capture that temporarysurge in interest and convert it intocontinued participation?

The first point of contact withmost “impulse” skaters or their par-ents (assuming there’s not a frozen

pond down the street) is usually apublic skating session at the local icearena. It is here, as arena owners, thatwe not only earn the most dollars perhour in revenue, but also get our onechance to make a first impression andconvert those “impulse” skaters into“regulars.” There could not be a moreimportant activity for determiningour future business.

Unfortunately, however, publicskating sessions are often viewed andtreated by arena operators or staffmembers as a nuisance or necessary evilrather than a valuable opportunity tomeet, greet, entertain and expose thenon-skating public to the joy andexcitement of skating. Their first expo-sure will often be a “make or break”experience for them in determiningwhether or not they will return and,eventually, sign up for learn-to-skate orlearn-to-play classes. Therefore, it iscritical that their first experience be apositive, pleasant, fun and rewardingone. How do we do that?

First and foremost, we must makeit easy and convenient for the gener-al public to participate. That meansscheduling public skating at timesthat are attractive and convenient forthe majority of consumers — notwhen we happen to have a spare hourand a half of open ice time. It alsomeans that we must be consistentwith the schedule — not change itfrom week to week or cancel sessionsfor last-minute ice rentals.

Next, we must ensure that the

facility is clean, warm and inviting forour first-time guests. The old “frozenbarns” of the past don’t cut it withnewcomers, especially if they have notbeen raised in skating- or hockey-richenvironments (translation: they’ll putup with anything just to skate).

Then, we need to provide well-maintained, sharp rental skates, asmost beginners do not own their ownskates. In today’s transient Americansociety, we can no longer assume thateveryone who lives in the North ownsa pair of skates. This is simply not true,and if northern states’ arenas want toattract new skaters, they need to investin a reasonable rental skate inventory.

Finally, we have to do more thanplay music as skaters skate ’round and‘round for two hours at a time. We needto remember what business we are in —the entertainment business — and weneed to entertain our guests. Thatmeans we need to provide regularlyscheduled programs and activities forthem to enjoy — games and prizes, freeintroductory lessons and exhibitions —with the goal of encouraging them tosign up for classes.

Overall, we must exceed their initialexpectations. We need to rememberthat public skating session patrons areusually not committed “skaters” —they are just members of the generalpublic who have come to skate for anafternoon or evening of fun and recre-ational entertainment. If we don’t pro-vide it, they will simply go elsewhere!

What’s more, in today’s increas-ingly competitive entertainment envi-ronment, what worked a decade ago isno longer sufficient. Today’s youngpeople have been raised in a fast-paced,technologically advanced society wherethey have learned to process media andinformation very quickly and, there-fore, are very quickly and easily bored.To keep them involved, we need to“bombard” them with similarly fast-paced media and activities, or risk los-ing their interest.

Creative planning, effort, energyand possibly even some capital invest-ment are required for programmingeffective, entertaining public skatingsessions that will convert impulse traf-fic into regular customers. Otherwise,all the free publicity in the world willdo little to promote and grow our busi-ness and sports if we are losing them asquickly as we (or some external stimuli)can attract them. Let’s make the mostof our Olympic opportunity and

Entertain to Retain!

ANDANOTHERTHING...

by Peter MartellISI Executive Director

Advertiser IndexAmerican Athletic Shoe Co. Inc. . . . 15

Athletica Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Becker Arena Products . . . . . . . . . . 32

Bonestroo & Associates . . . . . . . . . . 16

Burleys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Burleys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Canlan Ice Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Cimco Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Concepts & Designs MS . . . . . . . . . 19

Facility Management Corp . . . . . . . . 5

Frontline Solutions Inc . . . . . . . . . . 19

Goldner Associates Inc . . . . . . . . . . 36

Heartland Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

K&K Insurance Group Inc . . . . . . . . . 2

LSK Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Maximum Solutions Inc . . . . . . . . . 22

Mondo USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Pace Industrial Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

PSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Rice Specialty Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

The Richardson Group . . . . . . . . . . 29

SP-Teri Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Valley Ice Skating Assoc. . . . . . . . . . 32

Zamboni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

sales off ice: 800 441 6645 email : mondo@mondousa.com website: www.mondousa.com

LONG-LASTING

DR PEPPER STARCENTER FRISCO ARENA“We were looking for a durable, good-looking product for our lobbies and corridors.

We have 4 facilities with Sport Impact; one of them is 4 years old and looks as good as the day

it was installed. Most floorings are sold in tiles but we wanted the look of sheet goods for

our specific design. We wanted the brightness of the colors that Mondo offers.

We also had 2 custom colors made especially for us. We definitely think

that it was the best value for our dollar since we were very particular.

We continue to build facilities using Mondo floorings.”

Randy Locey, Executive Vice-President of Business Operations of the Dallas Stars, Dr Pepper StarCenter

SPORT IMPACT

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