Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1000673
54 / JULY.AUGUST.2018 USICERINKS.COM CEnter ice Q&A with a rink professional PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CHARLES EMERY // How long have you been employed within the ice rink/arena industry? It's been 18 years; 14 as the General Manager of the Minot Park District's Maysa Arena and four years as a Commissioner of the Minot Park District. // What's your favorite part about working in the ice industry? Being able to see the growth of the ice in this area. We have grown from a twin-rink facility, constructed in 2000, to adding a 2,300-seat third rink in 2016. // What has been the most impactful experience you've encountered dur- ing your 18-year career in the biz? Attending the classes offered by the U.S. Ice Rink Association. There have been so many instances of discovering "tricks of the trade" that were sometimes so simple (e.g. sheetrock tape) that one couldn't figure out how you missed it. Being elect- ed to the U.S. Ice Rink Board of Directors last year has been a great experience also. // What piece of advice would you give someone considering a career in the rink industry? Take advantage of any and all training ses- sions. Listen to others' ideas and at least try them before discarding them, you might be surprised how good the idea was after all. // What is your favorite part about the area you live in? The changing seasons, although the change to winter is becoming less a favor- ite—except for the hockey season. // What's your go-to flick to watch? SlapShot. Fun fact: I went to school with the Hanson (real name Carlson) boys! // I know it seems like we're all at the rink (or a rink) 24/7, but when you do find time away, what are you likely doing? I like to golf and be around my grandchildren. // With technology ever-changing, what innovations do you see for the future of the ice rink/arena industry? What innovations would you like to see? It's hard to keep up with the changes in technology. It seems that by the time you can afford to update something (metal halide lights), what you end up buying (T5's) is now out of date. We thought the change to the T5's was great until we built the third rink with LED's. An innovation I would like to see would be an ice plant computer-controlled system that cannot get hacked. J PROFILE Name: Charles Emery Title: Commissioner Organization: Minot Park District U.S. Ice Rink Association Professional Designation: CIRM Years in the Ice Rink Industry: 18 years "TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANY AND ALL TRAINING SESSIONS. LISTEN TO OTHERS' IDEAS AND AT LEAST TRY THEM BEFORE DISCARDING THEM, YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED HOW GOOD THE IDEA WAS AFTER ALL." Charles Emery Minot, N.D.