Rink

I 'm hoping that this season has been a suc- cessful one at your facility. I've heard some great success stories and look forward to hearing more next month at NARCE. The story that we recently heard however is the one that keeps rearing its ugly head: carbon monoxide poisoning. The national media once again put the spotlight on rink opera- tors across the country by reporting on cases that have occurred over the past few years. I am baffled as to why indoor air quality in ice rinks continues to be a chal- lenge for our industry. While there are a few states that have indoor air quality regulations, those that don't are left to depend on the staff at the facility to monitor the air quality on a regular basis. The continued media reports on dangerous levels inside rinks begs the question, why? Is it that the staff doesn't care about their own safety and the safety of their staff and patrons? I doubt it. Or is it that they are not required by their local government to do so? Maybe. But I would hate to think that it would take regulations such as those in Minnesota, Massachusetts and Rhode Island to be instituted in every state in order to get rink operators to start doing what they should already be doing. I know what some of you are thinking right now: yes, buying equipment to measure carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide costs money, but not nearly as much as lawsuits and the irreparable damage done to your rink's reputation due to a poisoning incident. Yes, taking the measurements and filling out the log takes time, but so does sweeping and mopping the locker rooms after every user group. Which one takes more time? Which one is more important? The main reason indoor air quality continues to be a challenge for our industry is pretty simple; some rink operators have not taken the time to edu- cate themselves about the indoor air quality issue. We have run several articles about indoor air quality in RINK Magazine over the years, and STAR includes information about this subject in our training courses. We will continue to do both in an effort to raise awareness in the rink industry. If you have not read any of our past articles or taken any of our courses please contact STAR today. We can help you create an indoor air quality monitoring program for your rink. Continuing education is the key to finding solutions to the myriad of chal- lenges that face our businesses every day. Whether your challenge is improving safety, reducing expenses, increasing revenues, managing staff or maintaining an efficient operation, education can help you overcome the challenge. I encourage you to take the time and spend the money to continue your educa- tion and/or that of your staff this year. Even if it may not be easily measured, an investment in education always has a high return! Wishing you the best, Jeff Theiler, Chief Operations Officer Opening address 6 R INK MAGAZ INE March/April 2011 Greg Anzelc Brenda Glidewell, Brandon Klement, John Monteleone, Cory Portner, Rhonda R. Savage, Linda Soper, Dave Wescott Dave Gyger, T.C. Lewis, John Monteleone Mike DeArmond Dave Jensen Bryan Nelson rinkmagazine.com info@rinkmagazine.com Editor: Contributing Writers: Editorial Board: Design & Production: Sales & Marketing: Advertising: Web Site: E-mail: PUBLISHING PARTNER 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 14 • Number 2 Jeff Theiler Dave Wescott Cory Portner 719-538-1149 719-538-1160 info@starrinks.com Chief Operating Officer: Director, Facility Programs: Director, Membership Development: 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, operations and programming. CEO: Ste ve Farbman President: James McEwen Senior Vice President: David Jensen Vice President: Greg Anzelc Controller: Linda Allison Production: Mike DeArmond Advertising Sales: Bryan Nelson Production and Sales Coordinator: Gina Krusemark Airing It Out

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