Rink

B y becoming a STAR operator you are letting everyone know that you are willing to improve and strive to learn more about the industry you work in. This month we visit with STAR opera- tor Kari Vasquez from Omaha, Nebraska, as she discusses her experiences in the industry and with STAR. How do you feel education has benefited you? The knowledge that I have gained from these training courses has been incredible. Being able to apply my knowledge and successfully trou- bleshoot a problem has made all of the training pay off. Why do you feel industry education is important? Everything is changing, especially in the rink industry. The old way to do things is not necessarily the best and safest practice anymore. Ice con- sumers are holding our industry to a high- er standard than they have in the past, and expectations and competition are growing. Hands-on training in the rink is hard to come by, so without good education it could be years into your professional career before things even start to happen. What does it mean to have your C.I.T. Designation? I think it shows my dedication to my employer and my cus- tomers, and that I want our rinks to be the best that they can be. Everything I have learned in these classes has been useful. Best "trick" learned at a STAR / ORFA program: The best trick I've learned is to zip tie on the flood towel. The staff never wanted to change the towel out, and now no one complains when it falls off during their shift! Importance of STAR for your career: I feel that STAR is the stepping stone for education and training in this industry. There are no tech schools or universities that are going to be able to give you the knowledge you need for a career in the ice rink industry. It is much more complex than just opening the doors and hoping that good things happen. Most memorable career moment: I have been fortunate to have the opportu- nity to manage an outdoor seasonal ice rink that runs for two weeks over the hol- idays. The rink is placed on a six-foot- high deck and is used as a fundraiser, so we work extra hard to make it a success. Talk about ice challenges! We can't use a resurfacer due to the weight of the machine so we use a hydrant to make and maintain ice. In a two-week period, we went from a -24 degree wind chill to 52 degrees, and battled snow, sleeting rain and a broken refrigeration line. But it worked out fine, as we ended up with roughly 10,000 skaters through the door in the two-week period. It is only because of the 3 STAR classes that I have taken that I was able to manage this project. I have used every trick that the instructors and my classmates have taught me! Final Thoughts: Thank goodness for all the resources that attendees leave STAR classes with. By attending these classes you are able to gain knowledge from industry professionals who have dealt with everything under the sun, as well as with classmates that have shared your problems and can help trouble- shoot and learn from each other. ★ Kari Vasquez Omaha, Nebraska STAR Operator level: Three Star STAR/ORFA Courses Taken: BR, IMEO, IMPT ■ 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 Sept ember/October 2009 STARrinks.com X Kari Vasquez Omaha, Nebraska

• Cover