Rink

Why do you feel industry educa- tion is important? Taking the initiative to obtain direct training or continuing education in one's chosen career field directly benefits the customers' experi- ence and, in my case, the overall opera- tional management of the ice arena. I am a more valuable employee to the facility because of this ice arena specific training. I have learned quickly that using effective procedures and techniques will save a lot of money for the facility. The STAR class- es have helped me to be more confident in properly operating and maintaining the chiller for the ice arena. It is impor- tant to know and understand what you are looking at and what not to do. What will it mean to you to have your CIT Designation? Obtaining the CIT designation demonstrates my commitment to professional development and self- improvement that help makes my services more valuable to an ice arena facility. I will learn the correct procedures or best prac- tices that have been proven to work for other arena professionals. The CIT classes allow me to see real world mistakes that may have happened at other rinks. I can use that information to hopefully not repeat those mistakes in the arena where I work. The CIT/STAR classes help me to assess potential problems before they hap- pen, and in some cases, to know what to do when something breaks down in an ice arena. I have learned that troubleshooting is a very important skill that potentially can save a facility a lot of money. Being proac- tive. Implementing preventive maintenance techniques will save money. Why did you choose to come to NARCE 2009? I wanted to experience the full effect of working within the ice arena industry. Meeting other people and learn- ing from their experiences are important to my professional development. It is interesting to listen to other people in the industry tell stories about all the crazy things that can occur within an arena. I want to be a part of a team and know that I may be able to contribute proactively. Participating in these events will make me a better arena employee. What do you hope to learn at NARCE? I want to learn the best ways to handle all aspects of running an ice arena efficiently and cost-effectively. I think running an arena as efficiently and cost- effectively as possible is vital to saving a lot of money long-term. There are a lot of new concepts entering the arena industry that I have read about and I am interested in learning more. What is the best trick learned from any STAR courses? One is how to resolve trouble with keeping the ice hard on the edges of the rink by adding foam insulation to the backside of the boards. Another is to document all occurrences of maintenance or repair, and to keep accurate reports that capture or show why something may have gone wrong. Also use common sense—if something doesn't look right, it probably isn't. Importance of STAR for your career? I believe by taking these courses and earn- ing these nationally recognized certifica- tions, employees will be more marketable to potential employers. Also, I think effec- tive problem-solving is one of the most valuable traits that I have learned. Funny story from your career in the industry? I think it is funny when you see adults struggling to walk around on the concrete floors instead of the rub- ber flooring while wearing the arena rental skates. Final thoughts: I really appreciate what I have learned from the arenas manager for the Lakeville Ice Arenas. He is the one who introduced me to the world of STAR and is a great manager to learn from. He has really worked hard to get some much-needed improvements to the arenas. I believe I have found a career that I really enjoy and look forward to taking more STAR courses and learning all I can in the future. I want to thank STAR for giving me this opportunity. ★ Andy Bary Lakeville Ice Arena Lakeville, MN Years in Industry: 2.5 STAR / ORFA Courses Taken: • BR Certificate - Oct 2008, IMEO at NARCE May 2009, IMPT class will also be taken in 2009. ■ 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 2009 STARrinks.com LAKEVILLE ICE ARENA Andy Bary Lakeville Ice Arena • Lakeville, Minn.

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