Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/773775
How did NARCE help you and your facility? NARCE helps bring together all vendors relating to the ice skating industry in one place, which is very helpful for rink operators so they can be updated on all products and services available — which in turn cuts down the guesswork for a novice like myself. Why do you feel industry education is important? Just as in any other field, education and continuing education helps to keep employees better informed. The more informed we all are, the better we represent our industry, and the better we can educate the public about our business. There is more to the ice rink business than making a sheet of ice and keeping it frozen! Best "trick" you picked up at NARCE: I was so new to this business that I feel everything I have learned was from attending NARCE — and also from my former boss, Karl Oesterling. Importance of STAR and/or NARCE for your business: STAR/NARCE is a good place to get good information and advice. Why do you make plans to be at NARCE each year? I'll be there each year to keep up with new, improved techniques and equipment, and also to be informed about the industry. NARCE is a good place to learn how each rink and its management team handle their own unique problems. Why you would advise others to make plans to be at NARCE? It's a good "one-stop shop" to gather some information needed for anyone who is thinking about starting an ice rink business. It's also for those of us that need to exchange ideas and solutions. NARCE is a comfort to know that we are not alone in dealing with the many challenges facing this business. Final thoughts: Please arrange to have more regional classes. There are many employees that could benefit from these local seminars. ★ ■ 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 54 R INK MAGAZ INE July/August 2007 COURTESY OF RACHELLE WEISBERG Rachelle Weisberg Columbia Ice Rink • Columbia, MD Years in Industry: 7 STAR Operator level: 5 STAR STAR / ORFA Courses Taken: • PMP – NARCE 2004 • BR – NARCE 2005 • IMEO – Cabin John, Rockville, Maryland • IMPT – NARCE 2006 • ORM – NARCE 2007 X The more informed we all are, the better we represent our industry, and the better we can educate the public about our business. Discovering The Keys To Success X