NFMA FleaBytes
O c t o b e r / N ov e m b e r 2 0 0 6
How do you build a better market?
More than 100 market owners, operators and staff came to the 9th Annual Convention in September to find out just that. They discovered that the answer is found in the networking experience of give and take with peers who face similar challenges. Helping attendees in Las Vegas define what those answers are was Brian Lange, keynote speaker. Lange, a trainer and consultant, conducted an interactive session that brought tried, true and new ideas to the table - - or more accurately, to the wall. In a strategic planning session, convention attendees visited sheets posted on the wall as discussion stations. After identifying top issues, they set out to address their challenges: fuel costs, insurance, legislation, marketing, crowd control, fraud control, vendor ethics, raising fees and big box competition. What they created from their “off the wall” experience were action plans to implement in their respective markets. “Get out there and tell your story,” was a recurring convention theme. Not only did the keynote speaker emphasize the value in broadcasting your individual market’s “story”, but a panel of professional lobbyists stressed the potential of letting others know what the flea market or swap meet is all about. The lobbyists instructed attendees not to wait until trouble arrived to coordinate their relationship with city hall or state legislators. They suggested that each market identify a good spokersperson, possibly a vendor or a loyal customer, who could help interest and educate leaders about this unique industry. The convention also demonstrated the importance of NFMA to the industry. Attendees noted that value in the association today lies in networking, communicating about the industry, image enhancement, education, legislative voice, professionalism and strength in numbers. Kevin Whorton, association brand expert, helped attendees see the strength in coordinating efforts and focusing on the “greater good” of the industry with residual benefits for individual members. Through finding a willingness to challenge ideas into action and finding the will to embrace change, the industry will evolve and thrive, he stated. A representative from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Marcus Cohen, updated attendees on the issue of anti-counterfeiting activity and regulation. He focused on RIAA and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) initiatives. Novices and veteran owners alike benefited from the experience that members Ron Simmons, John Chism and Frank Buonauro brought to the Flea Market Basics 101 Seminar. A lively interactive session, attendees came away with solid business advise to help make critical decisions about entering or thriving in the flea market industry. Convention attendees enthusiastically supported this year’s endeavor to build the NFMA Scholarship Fund. More than $1 500 was donated to the 50/50 raffle which assists college bound flea market employees. Half of ticket sale revenues are earmarked for the raffle winner. This year’s lucky winner, Darren Kurkowski of Paramount Theatres, generously returned his winnings to re-seed the scholarship fund. Exhibitors at this year’s mini-trade show offered great products and services. Miller Beer, PepsiCo Food Service, The Mahoney Group, DriverAlliant Insurance Services, Booth Tracker, Ring Central, Cardiac Science and Tripac Corp.
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participated with table-top displays. Lucky door prizes winners won a variety of valuable prizes offered from gift certficates and a spa package to an outdoor umbrella and skate board. The meeting’s annual awards luncheon recognized the contribution of current President Chuck Pretto who served two terms during a period of transition for the association. Earlier, Pepsi Cola Food Service was recognized with the Jerry Stokes Founder’s Award. Lesley Swartz accepted the award given for significant contribution to the flea market/swap meet industry on behalf of Pepsi. The awards luncheon concluded with the installation of the 2007 NFMA officers and board of directors. They are: President: Barbara Nelson, 7 Mile Fair, Caledonia, WI Chairman of the Board: Chuck Pretto, Kobey’s Swap Meet, San Diego, CA First Vice President: Jeff Mann, Raynham Flea Market, Raynham, MA Second Vice President: Lynne Parker, Big Pevely Flea Market, Pevely, MO Third Vice President: David Wolff, Wolff’s Flea Market, Elk Grove, IL Secretary:Dennis Mineni, Merced and Atwater Flea Markets, Merced, CA/Atwater CA Treasurer: Chuck Kane, Rice’s Market, New Hope, PA Region 1 Director: (vacant) Region 2 Director: Ben Campen, Smiley’s Flea Market, Jacksonville, FL Region 3 Director: Ryan Levin, Turtle Creek and Ceasar Creek Flea Markets, Dayton, OH/Wilmington, OH Region 4 Director: Ty Hogan, Great American Flea Market, Tulsa, OK Region 5 Director: Pat DeTar, The Flea Market Inc., San Jose, CA Region 6 Director: Allen Koffman, Dr. Flea’s, Toronto, Canada At-Large Director: Debbie Davis, Old Mill Marketplace/1 Monday Trade st Days, Canton,TX
At-Large Director: Daniel Shooster, Festival Flea Market Mall, Pompano Beach, FL At-Large Director: Steve Blakewood, Waldo Farmers & Flea Market, Gainesville, FL Past Presidents: John Chism, John Schoen, Frank Buonauro, Ron Simmons, Bill Gresser, Peggy Alexander The 1 0th Annual NFMA Convention date and location will be announced in coming weeks.
Market News
Attending the NFMA convention for the first time were these new market members: • Fleamasters Fleamarket, Andrew Steele and Donna Matthew, Ft. Myers, FL • Jamie’s Flea Market, Lorna Balmert and Eric Balmert, Amherst, OH • Anthony Marketplace (proposed name), Elizabeth Barry, Jonathan Boldt, and Mark Boldt, Anthony, NM Welcome to NFMA! Mt. San Jacinto College Foundation, Menifee, CA, has abruptly closed its College Marketplace, leaving vendors unhappy. The Marketplace has operated since February 2005 as a means of supporting student scholarships. College officials say that the mid-October closing leaves time for vendors to find other venues to sell their products and services before the holiday season.
Out in the World:
The Canton, Ohio Repository recently dedicated its daily poll to finding out the flea market habits of its readers. In answer to the question, “Do you patronize flea markets?” 1 ,049 readers responded the following way: Yes, often-1 .9% 1 Yes, occasionally-55.7% Never-32.4%”
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Vickie Leary (Fresno Flea Market, Fresno, CA) and spouse Chris enjoy the continental breakfast prior to the general session.
Debbie Davis (Old Mill Marketplace1 Monday Trade st Days, Canton, TX) presented this year’s market owner’s perspective. Attending with her were staff members Ronald Simmons, Stephen Cash and Cliff Bowden.
Defining challenges and solutions in an interactive environment provided a valuable networking activity.
Following a presentation explaining the partnership enjoyed between NFMA and Pepsi Cola, former president Ron Simmons (Traders Village Flea Markets, Grand Prairie and Houston, TX) surprised speaker Lesley Swartz with the prestigious Jerry Stokes Founders Award.
Brian Lange, left, keynoter, introduced the Tried, True and New theme to the attendees. Above, he engages President Chuck Pretto (Kobey’s Swap Meet, San Diego, CA) in role-playing to demonstrate how to tell your market’s unique story.
Lobbyists provided a wealth of information about current and possible legislative issues for flea market owners and operators. From left, attorneys David London (CA), Jonathan Clay (CA), John Thomas (AZ) and Stephen Goldblatt (MA).
President Chuck Pretto, left, congratulates 50/50 Scholarship raffle winner Darren Kurkowski (Paramount Swap Meet, Paramount CA)