Incoming National Automatic Merchandising Association CEO Carla Balakgie Addresses Coffee, Tea And Water Show Attendees In Las Vegas

Carla Balakgie, FASAE, CAE,  incoming president and chief executive officer of the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), made her first presentation to the NAMA membership at the NAMA CoffeeTea&Water show in Las Vegas. Balakgie, whose appointment was reported on Oct. 12, 2011, spoke to the membership during the afternoon of the second day of the CoffeeTea&Water show at Bally’s resort. She assumes her new position on Dec. 1, 2011.

After being introduced to the membership by NAMA board member Howard Chapman, NCE, CCS, Balakgie noted she had attended the most recent NAMA OneShow and was most impressed by the show’s coffee pavilion.

At the CoffeeTea&Water show, Balakgie said she was impressed by the level of excitement at the show. She also said she thinks there is great opportunity in coffee, water and tea. “It is our goal to exploit that future,” she said. “We take that challenge seriously and look forward to it.”

Balakgie related a recent vacation she took with her 82-year-old mother and sisters, noting all drink one type of beverage provided by the refreshment services industry. She said her mother began drinking coffee when she joined the work force in 1964. Balakgie said she herself drinks a variety of beverages, while one sister drinks tea and other likes diet cola.

Balakgie joins NAMA from the Electronic Transactions Association, where she was CEO. She said there is some crossover between the ETA, which is also a non-profit association, and NAMA.

“People belong to associations because they want to associate with one another,” she said. “You have a great organization. I look forward to working with you to go from great to greater.”

Balakgie then walked the tabletop exhibits and spoke with exhibitors, operators and NAMA staff.