June 16, 2021

NEAAPA COVID-19 Information & Resources

NEAAPA Legislation & Advocacy Information

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Now here is your weekly email of news you can use from around the industry...

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signs bill allowed 16-year olds to be ride operators in the State

After passing the Senate in April, and the House in June, Governor Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 186, 'An Act Allowing Persons Sixteen Years Of Age Or Older To Operate Rides At Amusement Parks.' into law on June 14.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Eric Berthel who represents the district that Quassy Amusement and Waterpark is located in. Senator Berthel's children worked at the park in 2020, and after a brief conversation with George Frantzis II about changing the law, which mandated that ride operators needed to be at least 18-years old, he got right to work.

Senator Berthel drafted the bill, which was co-sponsored by Senator Witkos, Rep. D'Amelio, Rep. Pavalock-D'Amato, Rep. Rutigliano, and the House General Law Committee. Upon hearing about this bill, NEAAPA and members in Connecticut, along with IAAPA, immediately got to work providing testimony and information to the Joint Committee on General Law, which heard the bill on February 11, 2021. Senator Berthel continued to shepherd this bill through the Legislature.

NEAAPA members Quassy Amusement and Waterpark, Lake Compounce Theme Park, Sonny's Place, Ocean Beach Park, and International Ride Training all worked to get this bill passed, which goes into effect on July 1, 2021.

BIG NEWS

BIG IS BACK -- THE BIG E IS A GO!

Eastern States Exposition (ESE) is thrilled to announce that The Big E is Back!

ESE President Gene Cassidy, and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt met with media Tuesday, June 15 to officially announce the opening of the 105th edition of The Big E, September 17- October 3.

Cassidy said, “It’s a good day! We have long awaited the opportunity to make this announcement and have been working diligently on our program. Preparations are underway as we look forward to welcoming everyone back to our beloved Big E.”

Mayor Reichelt said, “The Big E is a West Springfield institution and we welcome all of New England to our Town in September. We have appreciated ESE’s transparency and communication through this process as well as their assistance in providing a location for the West of the River Regional Vaccine Center. Personally I can’t wait to get back to The Big E!”

Cassidy added, “Our thanks go out to Mass. Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Mayor Reichelt and a special thank you to West Springfield’s Director of Public Health Jeanne Galloway, who has been working closely with us as we all navigated the many phases of the Massachusetts re-opening process.”

Read The Full Press Release

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Do you have an idea for a Member Meeting Topic that you could lead? Contact Ed Hodgdon at secretary@neaapa.com.

NEAAPA Member To Member Deals

NEW BENEFIT FOR NEAAPA Members

NEAAPA is excited to roll out our new Member To Member Deals on NEAAPA.com. Here you will be able to post offers and deals that are exclusive to your fellow NEAAPA members.

Amusement Advantage Guest Experience Solutions - Mystery Shopping for NEAAPA Members

To get started, log into the Member Information Center. You can learn more about posting your Member To Member Deal with this PDF or you can watch this video.

Should you have any questions, please call the NEAAPA Office at 877-999-8740 x701 or email secretary@neaapa.com.