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Rock-Ola Manufacturing (Torrance, Calif.) has formed a dramatic new partnership with digital music provider AMI Entertainment (Grand Rapids, Mich.). Rock-Ola has chosen AMI's software and music services to add enhanced features and benefits to its jukebox offerings.
For the past five years, Rock-Ola digital jukeboxes have used the music service provided by Ecast. Last month, the jukebox factory made a strategic decision to change the software and content provider for its commercial jukeboxes. Effective October 1, AMI-powered jukeboxes will be leaving the Rock-Ola factory.
"In making our decision to change," said Rock-Ola president John Schultz, "we considered the needs of our operators and the best technology alliance for our company's products. AMI is the best choice for both parties. It provides more music management options for operators and still realizes content is crucial to a jukebox network."
He continued, "The ability to provide good service to operators in the field is a fundamental necessity for any successful jukebox product. Rock-Ola has a solid customer service record that dates back 80 years. So we're confident that the AMI software and Rock-Ola jukebox hardware will be a reliable combination in the digital era."
Rock-Ola will continue to provide full support for its digital jukeboxes sold prior to the AMI agreement. The factory's AMI-powered commercial jukebox line includes three models, all equipped with Peavey audio systems. The Slimline SL-3 offers a sleek, contemporary styling. The Rock-Star and Wall-Rock-PV offer attractive, narrow profiles in the wall-mounting category.
"Rock-Ola jukeboxes powered by AMI pair two of the most well-known names in the history of the jukebox," said AMI senior VP of sales and marketing John Margold. "Industry legend David Cullen Rockola began building jukeboxes that still bear his name in 1935 in Chicago. Our AMI designation commemorates Automatic Musical Instruments, which began as a maker of player pianos in 1909 and today designs state-of-the-art digital jukebox applications. An alliance with an independent jukebox manufacturer of Rock-Ola's stature adds tremendous strength to AMI digital music."
Glenn Streeter, CEO of Rock-Ola and founder of Antique Apparatus, reflected, "It's ironic. Twenty-five years ago when Antique Apparatus was first building nostalgic cabinets, I purchased mechanisms from Rowe. Now, in the digital music era, we are partnered with AMI/Rowe, coming full circle.""
At last month's AMOA Expo, JVL Corp. made headlines by unveiling the Encore countertop, a high-definition (HD) touchscreen offering games and streaming digital music.
"Encore is a natural evolution for us," said CEO Peter Guterres. "We have dedicated our resources to developing a countertop unit that delivers a truly unique experience for players. Players can now enjoy JVL games on a high-definition countertop delivering true HD and music on one device. To continue our tradition of strong earnings and low service requirements, we are employing some of the latest technology in the Encore."
Encore features a 22" LCD display, a glossy piano black finish with red accents, 3D games and an all new graphical user interface (GUI). Players flip through JVL's entertainment selections via interactive carousels with the touch of a finger; navigating through the interface is now part of the experience.
The new JVL Media Stream is a digital streaming music system where location patrons can select favorite songs from a library of millions of tracks. Songs can be selected either through the Encore countertop via a text message from a mobile phone or from a smart phone at www.itouchmusic.com.
"This new digital music system breaks new ground in entertainment affordability," added Guterres. "It is the perfect solution for generating higher returns at a fraction of the cost of a traditional digital downloading system."
The Encore started shipping last month; streaming music will become part of the Encore package in the first quarter of 2009. Look for more on the new Encore in next month's RePlay.
Ecast, the broadband music service that has traditionally worked with other manufacturers, launched its own jukebox last month, the EQ. Company execs call it a "new product that dramatically changes how consumers interact with in-venue entertainment."
Designed to appeal to today's digitally-savvy, entertainment-focused consumer, EQ features a vertically-oriented, 40", flat-panel design with a 1080p high-definition (HD) touchscreen for passive and interactive consumer engagement.
Ecast's EQ delivers on-demand content including video, real-time interactive surveys and games, advertising, social applications and a jukebox interface for music. Connected via broadband to the Ecast platform, EQ utilizes Web-based methodologies including DoubleClick DART to deliver consumer engagement and reporting for advertisers and music promoters.
"EQ represents the next phase in the evolution of Ecast," said John Taylor, president and CEO of Ecast. "Over the past few years, we've taken the touchscreen digital jukebox beyond a music-only device to one that incorporates advertising with all the targeting of the Internet. With EQ, we've taken another radical leap forward, providing a new format for interactive entertainment that meets the increasing demands of our core audiences: advertisers, location operators and consumers. EQ positions Ecast for growth within our existing hospitality vertical market and beyond."
The unique vertical display surface of EQ offers multiple areas for engagement and visibility, making it highly effective for promotion and entertainment. Patrons can engage directly with EQ's interactive advertising, games, surveys, plus on-demand music selection from Ecast's catalog of over 300,000 songs. In addition, the top display area allows distance viewing of passive content such as video promotions plus social interaction via mobile devices. For example, the EQ photo-sharing application allows location owners to enhance their standing as a community hot spot by instantly posting captioned photos pictures taken by patrons and staff.
Ecast has also partnered with LocaModa to offer Wiffitti, a social application that allows consumers to send text messages directly to the EQ screen in order to interact with content and each other. EQ installations are currently running in New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Full nationwide distribution is scheduled for later this fall. Look for more on this new unit in upcoming issues of RePlay.
NSM and Ecast have signed an agreement that extends NSM manufacturing rights for digital jukeboxes operated on the Ecast music and interactive advertising platform.
NSM's patented Icon range of digital jukeboxes has been exclusively used on the Ecast platform since 2003. The new agreement marks a commitment from both parties to continue working as close partners in the coin-op industry.
NSM's CEO G.S. Sanghera said, "We are pleased with our new agreement, and we look forward to supporting Ecast in the coming years in what is an exciting market. NSM's Icon range of digital jukeboxes is recognized internationally, and we see our presence in the U.S. market as a key driver for our global presence. We have now sold over 3,000 Icon units over the past two years, and demand for our products is good."
"We are pleased that we will continue manufacturing our Icon range for Ecast," said NSM VP Tony Lantz. "Our partnership brings operators an unbeatable combination: reliable and affordable hardware, quality music and innovative entertainment, all of which are designed to drive operator revenue today and in the future."
"NSM has always shared Ecast's vision for how broadband would drive possibility and revenue for coin operators," added Ecast VP Scott Walker. "Their continued hard work and investment in their product is admirable and today the Icon is the most reliable juke on the Ecast network. We are proud to call them a partner."
Merit Entertainment made news on several fronts at last month's AMOA Expo as they debuted new software, unveiled their new Megatouch Aurora Widescreen game and announced a partnership with the on-location advertising and content network TAP TV.
This year's software release features 14 brand new titles and fresh, updated content for nearly a dozen classic Megatouch games available on both Force and Ion systems. A sample of these new titles includes Avalanche Jack, which takes players on a mountaintop blackjack adventure, and Lucky 11s, which transports them to a hip, Las Vegas casino. My Ex captures the ups and downs of modern dating, while Super Cell Chaos asks players to find the antidote and save the day. Triple Crown Boxing pits players against the best prizefighters in the world while Deflection drops them into the middle of a heated battle on the soccer pitch.
"Content is king," said sales veep Bob Mills. "We believe it and so do operators and players. Merit's extensive beta test on hundreds of machines all across the country shows that this release is bulletproof. Operators are always the top priority. Designing quality games that make them money year after year and extend the return on investment in their hardware is our mission."
The Aurora WS offers a showcase for over 150 touchscreen favorites from Merit's game catalog. The 14 brand-new titles on their 2009 software release, including multiple hi-res games, take full advantage of the system's vivid, 19" widescreen LCD. The unit also makes room for a media sidebar, allotting operators and locations a piece of on-screen real estate on which to run advertising and promotions.
With the release of this new countertop also comes a new connected business model, which delivers an entire range of benefits to operators. By purchasing an Aurora WS, operators score free software upgrades for life and free Tournamaxx (there is a $.05 charge per play but only on tournament plays), plus credit card support, which enables players to easily purchase more credits. Credit cards can also serve as an instant player login, driving player loyalty and repeat play. All of this is available at the same price as a regular Megatouch Aurora, plus $25 per month starting 12 months after the first connection. There are no fees during the first year (Tournamaxx per-play costs still apply).
Merit also developed exclusive, patent-pending technology around the credit card to boost operator earnings. Like gift cards at retailers and restaurants, when a player buys credits with a credit card, the Aurora WS will automatically create a player account to store purchased credits. Whenever the player comes back and swipes the card, their stored credits will be made available, but the operator can specify an expiration period for credits purchased on a given Aurora WS.
"With the Aurora Widescreen, we've designed a product that serves the players and the operators extremely well," said Colin Higbie, Merit's director of marketing. "Players will love the simplified account creation and experiencing their favorite games on the widescreen interface. Operators will love the automatic software updates, no Tournamaxx fees and enhanced earnings provided by the advertising and credit card capabilities."
Lastly, Merit announced a new strategic partnership through AMI with TAP TV, an advertising and content network that targets the on-premise market including bars and restaurants. Merit execs envision many ways in which its touchscreens and AMI jukeboxes can interface and cross promote with the TAP network on location.
"The opportunity to drive more plays is very real," declared
Merit CEO Mike Maas at the AMOA Merit and Rowe distributor breakfast. Operators
will also be able to use the TAP network to leverage local and on-location
advertising and promotions. Look for more details on Merit's new games,
the Aurora WS and TAP TV in next month's issue of RePlay.
TouchTunes has purchased Barfly Interactive Networks, a rapidly growing in-bar advertising and media company. In doing so, TouchTunes plans to augment its network of digital jukeboxes with prominent screens in bars across the U.S. TouchTunes execs said the company acquired Barfly to complete its vision to provide an integrated network that goes beyond jukeboxes, creating an entertainment and advertising center that provides music, games, advertising, interactivity and social networking.
"A targeted in-bar presence is not merely an addition to other media, it is an enhancement of our successful music and gaming network," said Ron Greenberg, TouchTunes CMO and senior VP of digital media. "When we add Barfly to the mix, we create one of the largest, most robust new media networks around. The opportunities to target audiences and provide a new fresh mix of content are unlimited."
The Barfly in-bar media platform, which has been in operation approximately 150 bars in select metropolitan markets for the past year, was built as a fully legal way to create a brand conversation at the point of sale with bar patrons between the ages of 21 and 34, a demographic that has become increasingly media sensitive and tech savvy. Its content is a balanced mix of interactive entertainment and marketing messages from its partners.
Barfly has signed exclusive advertising and content development deals with leaders in the beer, wine and spirits industry, including Anheuser-Busch, Diageo and Skyy. The content is shown via wrap-around graphics on televisions in bars. Barfly augments its ad lineup with information about the host bars' events and specials, trivia contests and other interactive entertainment. Barfly Networks currently has about 30 employees and is headquartered in Austin. The company will continue to be run by its current management team and will retain the Barfly name.
Look for much more on this development, including in-depth insights from top TouchTunes execs, in next month's issue of RePlay.
You need at least 25 years of coin-op experience to belong to the Century Club, but sometimes you also need an axe to grind if you want to put some spice into a club meeting. During their Expo get-together in Las Vegas, the prime subject was industry PR or, rather, the lack of it. After recognizing the passing of icon Marty Bromley, Rowe vet Joel Friedman rolled out the first ball, saying: "We never cut out any money to promote this business. Now, nobody on the public level knows about us. Instead of funding a program we spend time arguing how much to charge for a song on a digital box."
Roger Sharpe took up the theme, delivering an impassioned speech about the need for publicity. Like Friedman, he sees a direct link between good PR and improved collections in the national cash box. Look for more on this hot topic from Sharpe in a future issue RePlay.
On another note, club president Steve Epstein advised that the IFPA (pinball tournament) was still being reinvigorated. "We have around 3,000 players in our database now," he boasted. (Epstein was re-elected CCI president for another year during this meeting.) Speaking of numbers, AAMA director Mike Rudowicz did a look-back on the business, saying the trade had 10,000 route operating companies at one time, but that's probably down to around 2,000 today.
On the bright side, he boasted that some of the big restaurant chains have begun taking on machines. But he also made mention that the march of music from 45s to CDs to digital may not stop there with a potential new frontier called "scanning" possibly in the offing.
Of course, it wouldn't be a CCI meeting if there weren't nostalgic war stories and other fun stuff (a couple of folks have begun to call the group the "dinosaur club," which is an up-tick on the old "God's waiting room" label). In the ball team photo taken at end of the meeting, please find Elaine Hodgson, Richard Ditton, Royce Green (celebrating his 50th year in the trade, by the way), Mark Blum and Mike Jahnke, Neal Rosenberg, Jim Newman and Tommy Riquier, as well as Friedman, Sharpe, Rudowicz and Epstein. The next meeting's slated for ASI.
Tapping into growing interest in retro-style photo booths, Apple Industries of New York has released its newest photobooth dubbed the Onyx. The Onyx features a stark black metallic cabinet with custom interior painting in gray and white. Its exterior cabinet boasts a custom-made decal in a plush, curly-cue design accented with black and white strip photos. The Onyx also includes a retro-looking header that spells out the word "Photographs." The header is double-sided, black and white in color and lit from the inside.
"What's nice about our header," said Apple sales topper Mel LaForce, "is that it can be seen from a distance, and when positioned on top of the photobooth it gives you the illusion of the old-fashioned chemical booths that were popular for years in malls and arcades."
Like all of Apple's Digital Centre's New Generation photobooth line, the Onyx includes three software programs: Photo ID (black-and-white and color strips), Photo Fun (unique borders and backgrounds) and Fashion ID (faces on dramatic hair styles). Everybody gets double sets of strips that have the clarity of a top-notch dye-sublimation printing system. Printing time is roughly 15 seconds and the cost of supplies is only 59-cents per person. To learn more, visit www.appleindustries.net.
Vend-A-Mation, a newly formed vending machine developer and manufacturer out of Houston, recently introduced a new hybrid vending concept which combines traditional bulk dispensing with the entertainment of an animated video.
The initial unit is called the Martian Blaster and dispenses one-inch product including gumballs, bouncy balls or capsules. The animation is a Martian space character who talks to the audience via video on a continual loop. Once the coin input occurs, the Martian calls for a ball to be sent from Mars. After traveling around the solar system, the ball lands into the hand of the Martian who then dispenses it into the hand of the customer, delivering on his promise that, "You're gonna love it!"
Glen Coker, president of Vend-A-Mation and a veteran of the industry including nine years at Coinstar, said: "We have received nothing but high praise from customers and retailers who have seen the product and experienced its results in their locations. These machines have the ability to easily double the performance of comparable industry offerings. What we are doing is bringing this industry into the 21st century." To learn more, call the company at 713/921-2020.
Marty Bromley, the savvy tradester who started the Service Games route in Hawaii in the '40s, which grew to become Sega Enterprises, died peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 6 in Zurich. He'd just turned 89 on Aug. 8.
Recognized with the very first AAMA Lifetime Achievement Award as well as many other industry accolades, Bromley is the father of U.S. game manufacturer Lauran Bromley. His input was vital to the creation of some of Bromley Inc.'s earliest hit games.
Bromley (originally Bromberg) was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where his father known as "I.B." operated machines and where the seeds of his future career were planted. This courtly, accessible gentleman became, according to many who knew him, the most successful man in the entire coin machine business.
While serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, Marty ran machines at Hawaiian service clubs. With the aid of such partners as Dick Stewart, Ray Lamaire, Scott Dodderer and Dave Rosen (who merged his Rosen Enterprises into the company), the organization evolved into the Japan-based manufacturing, distributing and operating giant the world came to know.
He sold his interests in Sega in 1967, devoting himself to the numerous other coin-op pursuits that he and some partners ran under the umbrella name Club Specialty Overseas. Those subsidiaries included vast operations in both gaming and amusements in Europe and in the South Pacific, as well as the Segasa pinball plant in Spain. At his death, his industry activities had been pared down to their Family Leisure arcade chain in the U.K. and Guam Music Co. in the Pacific.
On the personal side, Marty Bromley had switched his citizenship from American to Panamanian many years ago. But he always said he felt like an American in his heart; his partner Dick Stewart used to joke that when it came to business, Marty was Panamanian. In fact, his well-spoken, diplomatic approach made many think he was actually English.
A lot of work went into building his empire over the course of his lifetime. But there was a playful side to this genuine industry icon as well. He loved fine food, upscale hotels, nice clothes and vintage cars (his collection once numbered 27 vehicles). He'd been married several times during his life but died in the company of his significant other, Lily Sacks, in Zurich.
Daughter Lauran accompanied the body on the plane from there to Los Angeles where services were held at Hillside Memorial Park on Sunday, Sept. 14. She has two sisters, Bryann and Dale. Besides his daughters, Marty is survived by his own sister Ethelda, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren and other extended family members.
Around one hundred turned out to say goodbye that day at Hillside where fellow tradesters Al Bettlemann (C.A. Robinson) and Mike Kogan (Taito) are also buried. Among the mourners were a number of industry people, including Gary Stern; Satinder Bhutani; Harry Levy; Marty's former and present partners Dave Rosen and Dick Stewart; former Taito U.S. chief Eddie Miller; Malcolm Steinberg; Leah, Ira and Sandy Bettelman; Ken Anderson; Ed Adlum and Frank Ballouz.
Marty Bromley may be gone, but his name will continue on under Lauran's banner (in fact, one week after the funeral, she paid a visit to designer Pat Lawlor to see a game she might decide to build and bring to market). May Marty rest in peace.
Operator Jim Markham, 67, of Diamond M Enterprises died on August 12, in Washougal, Wash. Markham was active in both the Washington and Oregon state coin-op associations for many years. During this year's Oregon state association meeting in May, Markham received a special award in recognition of his many contributions to both groups. May he rest in peace.
TouchTunes sales pro Chuck West, who handles the Eastern zone for the digital jukebox company, and his family of Debi and Carson have expressed thanks to everyone in the jukebox and games business for their thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time in their lives. Their son, Croy, age 11, unexpectedly passed away from a metabolic disorder on July 15. For more information, please go to www.carepages.com, log in and go to the pages of "croywest" (no spaces).
Without doubt, the saddest moment at the AMOA show happened just before the opening bell Friday morning when Rowe's Midwest sales manager Jack Silverest, 61, lost consciousness and pitched forward onto the exhibit floor from a massive heart attack. Despite heroic efforts by fellow workers, Convention Center personnel and Las Vegas paramedics, he could not be saved.
A veteran of J&J and Shaffer Distributing's St. Louis offices, Jack's death numbed all who knew him. It fell to Rowe sales topper John Margold to make the call to Jack's wife Deborah to say her husband was gone.
Jack made many friends over the decades he sold jukeboxes and games, among them Merit's Jim Hall. "I had a drink with him last night and coffee with him this morning where we talked about his new granddaughter," Jim told RePlay shortly after Jack's body was removed from the convention hall. "He was a great coin-op guy, smart, dedicated and friendly. I can't believe this. There will be a lot of people besides myself who will miss him," Jim added.
Silverest worked in coin-op equipment sales for just over 30 years, beginning in 1976 with Ramtek, an early video company. He became manager of Rowe's Nashville branch in 1979 and subsequently advanced to district manager in charge of the Rowe offices in Nashville, Kansas City, Memphis, New Orleans and Columbia, S.C.
In 1986, Silverest joined J&J Distributors of Indianapolis and opened the branch in St. Louis a year later. He became a member of the Shaffer Distributing team when Shaffer acquired J&J in 1998 and served as a branch manager prior to rejoining Rowe in 2004.
Born in Utica, Mich., Silverest served one tour in the U.S. Army after finishing high school. Before entering the coin-op industry, he worked as a silk-screen printer. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed golfing, fishing and learning about American history.
Silverest is survived by his wife Deborah (née Borle), whom he married in 1975 on Valentine's Day; daughters Donna and Nicole; and grandchildren Kyle, 11, and Nora, four months.
"Jack was Rowe's top salesperson because of his great work ethic, deep industry knowledge, engaging personality and never-quit attitude," said John Margold. "The people at Rowe looked to Jack as a leader and sought his advice. He was always willing to share ideas and was happy to help everyone."
A memorial service was scheduled for October 3 at the Laughlin Funeral
Home, 205 Edwardsville Rd., Troy, IL 62294. In lieu of flowers, the Silverest
family requested that donations be made to the American Heart Association
through the funeral home. A single donation will be made to the AHA in the
memory of Jack Silverest.
The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) is heading to St. Louis this fall for its biggest industry event. With over 230 exhibitors already signed up, NAMA is expecting an excellent turnout at the National Expo, which will be held Wednesday-Friday, Oct. 15-17, with education sessions Tuesday-Friday, Oct. 14-17, at America's Center in St. Louis.
The NAMA Expo is the world's largest tradeshow for the vending, coffee service and foodservice management industries and features a commanding display of hot technology, new products, education sessions and unmatched networking opportunities.
"St. Louis is an economical, friendly Midwestern city with a variety of popular attractions including the St. Louis Science Center; St. Louis Zoo; Missouri Botanical Garden; Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals; and a brand new land-based casino right on the river front," said NAMA tradeshow director LyNae Schleyer. "It's a great town to combine business and family pleasure."
The keynote address on Thursday by Brad Bachtelle of Bachtelle and Associates will be of vital concern to everyone suffering through a declining economy. In his talk on recession management, Brad will give pointers on how to make necessary adjustments. Brad will also be presenting a seminar from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday on category management, where vending operators can learn how to increase machine sales through effective product merchandising.
On Thursday evening, everyone can relax and enjoy the industry awards banquet starting with a 6 p.m. reception followed by awards, music and dancing, all sponsored by Coca-Cola. This event celebrating the 2008 Vending, Coffee Service and Foodservice Industry Award winners will be held at the Renaissance Grand Hotel. Five special awards will acknowledge deserving individuals whose achievements represent the best the vending industry has to offer. For more information visit www.namaexpo.org.
In phase two of its expansion into the U.S. market and as part of a contractual agreement dating back over three years, Elaut, the Belgium-based crane manufacturer, has successfully completed the purchase of the remaining interest of Bruce Kawut in Monduce, the company that Bruce co-founded with Mondial International in 1975.
"We wish Bruce and his family continued good health and happiness in the future," said Monduce president Neal Rosenberg, a long-time friend of Kawut. "We would also like to thank Bruce for all his innovative ideas and for setting in place such a solid foundation on which Monduce currently operates. With Bruce being such a well-known industry figure with so much boundless energy and showing no signs of slowing down right now, it was pretty easy to get him to agree to continue working with Monduce by accepting the position of general manager."
In connection with this announcement, the company is in the process of changing its name from Monduce to Elaut USA and in doing so will combine its sales, service, operating and administration entities under one roof in Edison, N.J. Sources confirm there's a lot more coming from Elaut, so stay tuned. "Phase three is just around the corner," Rosenberg added.
CORE Cashless last month announced its 150th site enrollment for the CORE System Support Plan during its first year of operation. This milestone was reached with CORE's deployment at American Adventures at Six Flags' White Water in Atlanta operated by Zuma Holdings.
"We deployed our software on the site's existing hardware, creating a low-cost solution for this lovely arcade and kiddie park," said Kristi Noyes, senior project manager for CORE Cashless.
American Adventures uses a small complement of CORE's software features, including online party booking, employee time-keeping, redemption and inventory management, and ticketing for the rides and attractions in the park. Unlike many of CORE's other clients, this location does not feature a cashless arcade, though the token vendors are monitored by the system.
"CORE met our needs within our budget and an extremely tight timeframe," says David Dolotta, Zuma VP of Games.
This site joins other CORE-supported sites in North America, South America and Australia. The CORE Cashless System provides remote monitoring and access by a site's owner as well as CORE's team.
CORE Cashless has its U.S. headquarters in Lenexa, Kan. (a suburb of
Kansas City), with offices in New York, Dallas and Atlanta. For further
information, contact CORE at sales@corecashless.com
or 913/529-8200.
LAI Games debuted a new game called Stack 'Em Up at the AMOA Expo. Stack 'Em Up includes the same game play as the original Stacker but now dispenses a one-inch capsule as the minor prize.
"By replacing the minor prize arms with a one-inch capsule dispenser, we're making it faster and easier to restock the game," said LAI regional sales manager Chad Hughes. The feature also makes it possible for operators to offer lower-priced merchandise and increase the option for minor prizes.
In other LAI news, the company recently concluded legal proceedings with an unnamed Australian firm that reportedly imported 68 unauthorized copies of Stacker. In an out-of-court settlement, it was agreed that all offending units would be removed from locations, turned over to LAI and destroyed. Other settlement terms remain confidential.
Traditionally, Firestone Financial has hosted an annual summer outing so that employees and their families could spend a fun and relaxing afternoon together. But this year, as Firestone's director of human resources, Deb Wishner, began planning an outing, the anticipated large family picnic just didn't seem sufficient.
With the current gas crisis, other economic issues and the community in mind, Deb, along with a few other coworkers, decided to give the annual gathering a different twist by developing the "8 for 8" summer celebration. The celebration featured several events and giveaways (one per week for eight weeks), as well as a philanthropic opportunity for employees. One central issue that the celebration sought to address was the steeply rising price of gas. As oil prices continued to rise throughout April and May, so did employees' concern with how these costs affected their daily commute to Firestone's office in Newton, Mass. Other important factors included the increasing number of foreclosures, rising cost of food and impact of the downswing in the national economy on individual households.
Therefore, every employee got a $125 gasoline gift card. The giveaway was an effort to help relieve the constant pocketbook pinch felt by employees each time they filled up their gas tanks.
In addition to the weekly events, Firestone decided to collect food donations for the Newton Food Pantry, which provides nutritionally balanced food items to an average of 30 families per week.
A variety of other events included a Firestone vest giveaway, smaller-scale family picnic, ice cream sundae party, pizza lunch, baby photos contest, "wear shorts week" (with best Hawaiian shirt and best hat contests along with Red Sox apparel day) and a balloon prize party.
The game pros at Kalkomat recently debuted their new, patented action game called Wheel of Boxing.
With each punch to the traditional boxing bag, the player moves the wheel situated at the base of the game cabinet. If the wheel stops at the winning position, the game announces the prize number and prints a special ticket from a built-in thermal printer. This feature allows operators to create a wide range of prizes, working in conjunction with the location, a great promotional tool for both parties.
The new redemption feature can also be activated based on the player's score with prize tiers created for different score levels. In either case, the game can utilize the thermal printer or be equipped with more traditional redemption tickets.
"We are also planning to equip our boxing games with digital cameras, so the winner of the highest score will receive the picture of the punch," said Kalkomat's Peter Stolarczyk. To learn more, call 773/520-2163 or email piotrczyk@ yahoo.com.
Embed will open an office near Dubai in the Emirate of Sharjah in the UAE. The office will service Embed's growing list of clients in the Middle East region and will be the third international outlet adding to existing facilities in Perth, Australia, and Dallas.
The new Embed office is expected to be operational this month and will be staffed by experienced personnel from Australia together with new local staff. Luke McKimmie (left) has been appointed to the position of general manager of the Middle East and will be relocating with his family to Dubai. Luke has extensive experience with the Embed system and business and also has many years of experience in FEC operations.
Joining Luke will be Embed systems manager Bala Cherukooru (right) who will also relocate from the Australian office to Dubai. Cherukooru also has a number of years of systems and entertainment center operations experience. New to Embed for the new Middle East office will be installation engineer Peter Arazo, who has extensive technical experience in the region.
U.S. trade veteran Michael Getlan will present a high-profile redemption seminar at next year's ATEI London show, January 27-29, in the Earl's Court Exhibition Centre. The free seminar, which takes place on both the first and second days, will provide an overview of redemption concepts and in-depth analysis of three essential elements including merchandising, equipment and best practice procedures.
Director of enthusiasm and opportunity for Amusement Consultants, New Roc Entertainment and Smiles Amusement facilities, Getlan is author of the book How Much Is That Doggie In The Showcase? and a frequent speaker on the U.S. tradeshow circuit. As a third-generation operator, consultant and avid game player, Getlan has a unique perspective on the operational side of the FEC business. He is affiliated with IAAPA, TEA, IALEI and the World Clown Association.
Getlan described his forthcoming presentation at ATEI as a fun and fast seminar with lots of audience interaction. "Participants will gain a better understanding of redemption operations and a clear action plan for improving their own configurations," he said.
The Timezone FEC chain has expanded into Vietnam in a big way. Already located in over 200 locations throughout the southeast Asian and Australian region, three new stores will now make their home in Vietnam.
Vietnams' inaugural Timezone opened in Hanoi City (North Vietnam) at the end of July and was joined only five weeks later by a second store in Ho Chi Minh City (South Vietnam), the economic powerhouse of the country. A third Timezone store was scheduled to open in the last week of September in Danang City, situated in the heart of the country.
Timezone master franchise holder for Vietnam, Contina Games Pte Ltd., is the driving force behind this aggressive schedule. Choy Tuck Leong, chairman of Contina Games and a veteran of Vietnam (he has been doing business there since 1992), said, "Now is the perfect time to enter the Vietnam retail market, particularly for family entertainment brands such as Timezone, because there is a significant lack of entertainment for the family in Vietnam. Additionally, half of the 86 million in Vietnam's population is below 45 years old, so there is a ready market for Timezone. Hence, when we were invited to open in these three key gateway cities, we grabbed the opportunity immediately, despite the tight opening deadlines, as suitable locations are hard to come by."
Tran Anh Dung, CEO of Timezone Vietnam, added: "We are continuously searching for suitable locations throughout Vietnam, starting with the key cities. We plan to open at least four more Timezone stores in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City within the next two to three years. Our expansion plan is restricted only by the availability of suitable locations."
AMI Entertainment and VH1 have announced a cross-promotional
agreement in which music from the cable TV network's VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown
series, VH1 Classic and VH1 Soul channels will be used for new playlists
appearing on AMI-powered jukeboxes in bars and nightclubs nationwide. Music
from the popular channels will be available as branded VH1 playlists running
exclusively on the AMI network for six months. The main VH1 Top 20 Video
Countdown playlist menu will be updated weekly. AMI jukeboxes will also
offer adjunct VH1 playlists that assemble songs currently in rotation on
VH1 Classic and VH1 Soul; these will be updated every eight weeks.
· · ·
The Automatic Merchandising Association of Florida (AMAF) has joined
the Southeastern Vending Association (SEVA), according to Marc Whitener,
chairman of SEVA's 2008 Convention. "This is a major step in the execution
of SEVA's three-year strategic plan. Florida adds operator density and geographic
scale strengthening SEVA's value proposition for both operators and suppliers,"
Whitener said. "First time attendees are always surprised at the quality
and scale of the SEVA annual meeting," he added. Florida joins the
five other sponsoring state associations that stage the annual multi-state
conference: Alabama Vending Association, Mississippi Automatic Merchandising
Association, Vending Machine Operators of Louisiana, Georgia Automatic Merchandising
Council and the Tennessee Automatic Merchandising Association.
· · ·
NSM has acquired exclusive rights to the Funworld Photo Play
game platform and network for the U.S. market, as well as select European
countries. NSM is also offering a special finance option on its products
(including the Icon and conversion kits) through Vend Lease and Firestone.
Call 800/231-6761 for more details.
· · ·
Sacoa's new ColorShot swiper and display unit was created to help
enhance and embellish FEC operations. It provides guests with attractive
visual cues indicating specific events, promotions and more. The brand new
translucent housing encloses an array of high-intensity LEDs that can be
commanded to show static hues, marquee-like animations, fade in/fade out
and crawling rainbow effects. Games may be color-coded according to promotional
discounts, age group recommendation, etc. Sacoa will be offering special
discounts to customers for upgrading their swipers to the latest and greatest
at the upcoming IAAPA show. New customers likewise are invited to experience
the debut of this new Sacoa unit.
· · ·
Smart Industries has been granted U.L. listing for the U.S. and Canada
on their new Outdoor Crane, which is based on the factory's line of Clean
Sweep crane games. The Outdoor Crane features a three-year warranty and
waterproof, high-security metal cabinet (patent pending), as well as an
exciting new decal package. Go to www.smartind.com
for more details.
· · ·
Wurlitzer and Firestone Financial have teamed up to
offer choice financing for jukebox purchases. Zero percent APR is now available
on Wurlitzer's entire line of digital downloading jukeboxes. The term is
for 18 months, and the minimum purchase is just two units.
Sal Cifala, Firestone sales executive, said, "Wurlitzer jukeboxes are
a sure way to earn more revenue in your locations, and this 0% program provides
a great opportunity to invest in a few units."
A $200 filing fee, along with applicable tax and freight charges, are
due up front. This special offer ends October 15.
To contact Wurlitzer, call 888/987-3477. Firestone Financial may be reached
at 800/851-1001.
Ecast has promoted Scott Walker to VP of network operations.
In his new position, Scott will spearhead the jukebox business for Ecast,
working closely with its operator partners to identify new revenue producing
features and approaches to increase overall operating efficiencies throughout
the business.
Scott, formerly their director of coin-op sales and marketing, will continue
to manage the national field operation while working closely with all internal
business divisions including operations, marketing and product development.
"Our jukebox operator partners continue to be at the core of the Ecast business, and Scott's promotion to this position ensures that we continue to work closely with them and support them going forward," said John Taylor, Ecast CEO and president. "Putting Scott at the helm of the jukebox business ensures that Ecast continues to deliver innovations that make the jukebox experience compelling and profitable to our operator community. His integrity, experience and business acumen are respected through the industry; he is a tremendous asset to Ecast and our operators."
Scott is a well-known face in the industry. Before his start at Ecast,
he spent 10 years at Betson Distributing, building many of the lasting relationships
that have cemented his reputation in the industry.
· · ·
Advertising and marketing veteran Mike Nickerson has joined
the executive teams of AMI Entertainment and its sister company
Merit Entertainment. Mike has been appointed VP of advertising
at AMI MegaNet, a new division that will oversee the development of on-premise
promotions running on AMI-powered jukeboxes and Merit's online countertop
videogames. In his new role, Mike will be responsible for the development
and marketing of AMI MegaNet's out-of-home advertising network and will
report to AMI/Merit president and CEO Mike Maas.
Mike has spent nearly 20 years in advertising and marketing, focusing heavily on the bar market. His client background includes brands like Budweiser, Coors Light, Smirnoff Ice, Jim Beam and Absolut and premium non-alcohol brands such as Coca-Cola, 7UP, along with firms like Motorola, Hyundai, General Mills, Sony, Kellogg and R.J. Reynolds.
The new vice president brings to AMI MegaNet a versatile background consisting of traditional advertising, event marketing, entertainment sponsorship and retail and trade promotions. A native of Key West, Fla., Mike has worked for agencies in Chicago, Denver and New York City. He got his start in the media business as a DJ and promotions director at WROO-FM in Jacksonville, Fla.
AMI MegaNet is a newly formed service that will build on the strengths of two established and growing out-of-home entertainment networks. "It will employ the best features of digital networking to deliver interactive, content-rich advertising that can reach consumers in the fun environments of their local bars and taverns. It will also introduce a new revenue stream for operators offering AMI music and online Merit games to their locations accounts," he said.
"AMI MegaNet will leverage Merit and AMI's positions as market leaders
in coin-op entertainment by delivering relevant advertising messages directly
to patrons while they play," Mike Nickerson said. "The addition
of countertop videogames means that we can deliver more impressions to our
clients than jukeboxes alone because consumers spend a greater amount of
time on average interacting with a game."
· · ·
JVL Corp. announced the addition of three new executives to its team
including Fred Cyrway, Kristin Geck and Larry Wilner, all of whom will hold
the title of business development manager.
Fred Cyrway has worked within the coin-op industry in the area of sales for over 21 years, most recently with TouchTunes and prior to that at Birmingham Vending. Fred's focus on his customers and his commitment to serving their current and long-term needs has been exemplified in his many years of sales. "Providing service, reliability and confidence to consumers before a sale is what JVL stands for as a company, and I am grateful he is joining the JVL team of individuals that share in these values," said Peter Guterres, CEO of JVL. Fred can be reached at 281/797-0059 or email fcyrway@ jvl-ent.com.
Distribution veteran Kristin Geck has represented JVL products for several distributors including Discount Arcades (Texas), Mountain Coin (Utah) and Worldwide Video Entertainment (Calif.). "I am pleased that Kristin can now focus exclusively on our product; her integrity and sincere focus on the operators she serves will be a great asset to the JVL team," said Guterres. She can be reached at 701/348-9788 or by email at krisgeck@ jvl-ent.com.
Larry Wilner has spent over 30 years in the coin-op industry, including 21 years owning and operating a family business, Willow Enterprises, with his father, Louis Wilner. Together, Larry and his father were involved in manufacturing, global sales and operations. He recently held the position of sales executive for Betson Enterprises focusing on the Maryland and Virginia areas. Larry has also aided in the establishment of the Maryland Amusement Operators Association and serves as secretary/treasurer, which enables him to be heavily involved in lobbying efforts to support the industry in Maryland.
"I knew instantly that Larry was our guy," said Guterres. "His
experience as an operator is invaluable as he understands the challenges
facing operators. His commitment to the industry will complement our team
and ensure that we maintain our focus on the customers we serve." Larry
can be reached at 443/465-8300, email lwilner@jvl-ent.com.
· · ·
Joe Pankus has left his post as CEO of Barden Entertainment to pursue
another interest. This fall, he will launch a national market-timing investment
newsletterto provide information as to when market trends develop, what
stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) match current market conditions
and ultimately when to close out positions. "Only no-nonsense investment
information will be provided," Joe said. "It will focus on a single
mission: how to make money. You won't see wordy weather reports." Joe
Pankus can be reached at jpankus@aol.com.
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