Rink

fter eight challenging and enjoyable years, I will be moving on from my position with STAR to head up the newly created Membership Development department within USA Hockey (See page 56 for more details). I am proud of what has been accomplished in STAR, and I am confident in our organization's ability to continue to lead our industry. When I was hired in 2000 to help turn STAR from the vision of USA Hockey and U.S. Figure Skating into a reality, I never envisioned the great success we are experiencing today. Our mission has always been to be "the premier organization" in the U.S. industry, and I think we are fulfilling our mission every day. I have been fortunate to work with so many great people who have helped STAR along the way, but there are a few that need to be singled out: • The STAR Board of Directors, led by President John Beadle and Vice President Bill Howard. All of our Board meetings have always stressed doing "the right thing" for both the industry and our organization. • Our staff at STAR: Dave Wescott first, then Don Moffatt and finally Cory Portner. The right guys, at the right time, acting always with the best interests of our industry in mind. Good thing we have Maggie Iobst to keep us all in line. • The Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (O.R.F.A). Where would STAR, and our industry, be without their unbelievable support? John Milton, Terry Piche, Tony Brenner and Bill Vass deserve special mention. • USA Hockey and U.S. Figure Skating. Both have financially supported STAR, thereby supporting our industry. Leadership in both organizations has been receptive and willing to effect change to benefit us all. Special thanks to Kevin McLaughlin (USAH) and Susi Wehrli (USFS) for all of their efforts within their respective organizations. While those contributions cannot be minimized, the most important people to STAR have been those of you who show up at a rink every day to operate a safe, efficient and successful business. Communication and education have been our most important initiatives in STAR. We found so many receptive professionals who have helped us grow and in turn enhanced the rink and arena industry in the U.S. I won't be going too far from the rink industry. USA Hockey's new Membership Development will be focused on growing participation in hockey, which means I will continue to have the chance to work with many rink operators around the country. We all continue to have a great opportunity to improve and grow our respective businesses. However, I firmly believe we can only be truly successful if we all work together. More skaters, more players and more customers will make us all happy, and only enhance the perception of ice sports in our culture. Thanks again for your continued support of STAR and your commitment to the industry. —Pat Kelleher, Chief Operating Officer, STAR Opening address 6 R INK MAGAZ INE July/august 2008 A Greg Anzelc Don Baldwin, Debra Betolatti, Roman Bussetti John Erickson, Dave Gyger, Pat Kelleher, Don Moffatt, Lloyd Ney, Cory Portner, Mark Vaughan, Scott Ward, Dave Wescott Wayne Aussem, Dave Gyger, Jeff Theiler, Mark Vaughan Mike DeArmond Dave Jensen Bryan Nelson www.rinkmagazine.com info@rinkmagazine.com Editor: Contributing Writers: Editorial Board: Design & Production: Sales & Marketing: Advertising: Internet Address: Email: PUBLISHING PARTNER 777 Westchester Avenue, Suite 100 White Plains, NY 10604 Phone: (914) 694-1200, Fax: (914) 694-1002 CEO: Steve Farbman President: James McEwen MINNESOTA OFFICE 505 North Highway 169, Suite 465, Minneapolis, MN 55441 phone: (763) 595-0808, fax: (763) 595-0016, touchpointsports.com | info@touchpointsports.com S T A R www.starrinks.com • www.rinkmagazine.com • www.narce.com Mission of STAR: "To be the premier national organization designed to foster the development, growth and success of ice skating rinks and in-line facilities in the United States." STAR is a program of USA Hockey and US Figure Skating Volume 11 Number 4 Pat Kelleher Dave Wescott Don Moffatt Cory Portner 719-538-1149 719-538-1160 info@starrinks.com Chief Operating Officer: Director, Facility Programs: Director, Facility Programs: Manager, Facility Programs: phone: fax: email: RINK Magazine is the definitive business publication for professionals in the ice rink industry, and is the leading source for information on facility management, ope rations, and construction. Senior Vice President: David Jensen Vice President: Greg Anzelc Controller: Linda Allison Production Manager: Wade Martin Production: Mike DeArmond Advertising Sales: Bryan Nelson Production and Sales Coordinator: Gina Krusemark Art Director: Corey Gasman Moving On, Staying Close

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