March 2012 News

Power packed opening event to launch OneShow April 25

The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) OneShowSM will kick off Wednesday, April 25, 2012, beginning at 1 p.m., at the Venetian/Sands in Las Vegas with a power-packed opening event. NAMA’s new chief executive, Carla Balakgie, FASAE, CAE, will describe her vision for the industry and NAMA. Balakgie will also address the future of the Industry Growth Strategy, preview a new strategy for coffee members, review legislative priorities and initiatives, and share other plans for 2012.

Attendees will be treated to a performance by the world-renowned Blue Man Group and the 2012 NAMA Industry Awards being presented to several exemplary individuals making a positive impact in their communities and the industry.

Vending repair program to send students to NAMA OneShow

The vending machine repair program in Philadelphia, Pa. will send students to the NAMA OneShow this year for the first time in 15 years thanks to the financial support from the program’s advisory committee members.

The advisory committee members have agreed to cover the expenses for the students’ air fare, lodging, meals, and show costs so students can attend the OneShow this April in Las Vegas.

The program thanks the following individuals for their support: Lynae Schleyer, NAMA; Mike Butler, Automated Merchandising Systems; Scott Wechsler, Quality Express Coffee & Vending Service; Zane Greenwald, Betson Enterprises, Mike Carrigan, Midlantic Vending; Alan Simons, RDS Vending; Chuck Reed, MEI; Peter Whitney, Crane Merchandising Systems; Russ Guarino, Philadelphia Coca-Cola; Bud Burke, ADS distributors; and Wayne Campbell, Changer Services.

Obama" federal agencies must follow Randolph-Sheppard

President Obama recently released a memorandum directing all agencies that have property management responsibilities to ensure that agency officials, when pursuing the establishment and operation of vending facilities (including cafeterias and military dining facilities) as defined in 20 U.S.C. 107e, issue permits and contracts in compliance with the Randolph-Sheppard Program and consistent with existing regulations and law. The program mandates preference on government sites for blind operators.

Kellogg to buy Pringles from P&G; Diamond Foods deal dissolves

Kellogg Co. has entered into an agreement to acquire Procter & Gamble’s Pringles® business for $2.695 billion. Procter & Gamble agreed to sell Pringles to Kellogg after plans to sell Pringles to Diamond Foods Inc. were jeopardized Diamond Foods replaced its CEO and CFO following an internal audit.

The companies expect to complete the transaction in the summer of 2012, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

Kellogg will benefit from the collective expertise of more than 1,700 talented Pringles employees.

Cantaloupe teams with Unified Strategies Group

Cantaloupe Systems entered into a partnership with Unified Strategies Group (USG) to offer USG’s buying consortium of more than 700 vending operators Seed Telemetry, Seed Pro, and Seed Cashless solutions.

Cantaloupe Systems offers a variety of choices for vending operators – from basic telemetry to advanced payment options such as Google Wallet. Cantaloupe Systems is working with USG to offer its members a fully integrated platform that reduces the overall investment needed for telemetry, cashless and advanced vending management systems. Using the Web-based remote machine-monitoring-and-reporting features of Seed vending technology, operators can reduce overall investment and simplify the implementation process.

AdvancePierreFoods partners with Johnsonville Sausage

AdvancePierre Foods and Johnsonville Sausage have formed a strategic alliance, leveraging AdvancePierre Foods’ foodservice organization and distribution system to deliver Johnsonville Sausage to foodservice customers across the U.S. The partnership will make AdvancePierre Foods the exclusive foodservice distributor of Johnsonville Sausage.

Betson renews pacts with ASI and CES

Betson Enterprises, the distributor of coin operated amusement and vending equipment, coffee solutions, coin operated parts, and service, has renewed its strategic marketing and sales agreement with Automated Services International (ASI) and Choice Equipment Sales (CES), distributors of used and reconditioned vending machines.Betson, ASI, & CES entered into the original agreement in September 2010, with Betson having sole marketing rights for used and reconditioned vending machines for New York, New England, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

U-Select-It names Game Exchange as distribution partner

U-Select-It named The Game Exchange of Colorado as its new distribution partner for territories including Colorado, western Nebraska, Wyoming and New Mexico. The company enjoys a major market position in the Front Range of Colorado and employs a staff of 15, with sales in excess of $3 million annually. Their customers include operators of coin-operated devices in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. 

USAT introduces 2-tier vend pricing for cash and cashless

USA Technologies Inc. recently introduced a two-tier pricing program that gives vending operators the ability to charge two different vend prices on vending machines: one price for credit/debit cards and one lower, or “discounted” price for cash.