Rink

How did NARCE help you and your facility? Arenas looking for products or resources will benefit from NARCE. The Expo allows arena operators to see and interact with the product vendors. The chance to put faces with names is a comfort for any arena operator. Class instruction combined with the opportunity for networking provides arena operators with the resources and knowledge to succeed in the industry. Why do you feel industry education is important? Education is an important resource and the key to becoming a successful manager. Continuing education allows individuals to learn new techniques and technologies that help build efficiencies and lower overall costs. Best "trick" you picked up at NARCE: Sealing the chalk from the logo pounce patterns with a light layer of water prior to painting the logo. I actually picked this trick up in my own building in 2005 through the IMPT course. Another useful tip I learned was using drywall tape on the boards when installing the ice. Importance of STAR and/or NARCE for your business: STAR provides an outlet through members and instructors to ask questions and receive feedback on all items related to the industry. With STAR-certified employees, learning curves are minimized and the end result is a lower bottom line. Being STAR certified instills a sense of pride with employees and the ongoing education is something each employee can look forward too. Our arena has started a grass-roots learn-to- skate and public skate program from information and recommendations of the PMP class at NARCE. Will you be at NARCE 2007? Yes. I will continue to attend NARCE in future years to keep up with industry peers, ongoing education and trends. Final Thoughts: Remember where it all began for you and don't forget that. Everyone in this industry started from a passion for some ice-related activity. Never settle and always provide quality service to your community. You owe it to the industry, the kids and the patrons who enjoy using your venue. ★ ■ Training, and recognition of training, is the best way to let colleagues and potential employers know who you are and what you have accomplished. Almost every industry has a measuring stick to help employers gauge the level of competency of a future employee. industry spotlight 62 R INK MAGAZ INE May/June 2007 MID-AMERICA CENTER Cory Portner Mid-America Center • Council Bluffs, IA Years in Industry: 11 STAR Operator level: Earning 5 STAR at NARCE 2007 STAR / ORFA Courses Taken: • PMP – NARCE 2004 • ORM – NARCE 2005 • IMPT – Mid-America Center 2005 • BR – NARCE 2006 • IMEO – NARCE 2007 (registered) X Remember where it all began for you and don't forget that. Everyone in this industry started from a passion for some ice-related activity. Portner Eyes the Future and Nods to the Past

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