[avatar user=”tonyhorzen” size=”160″ align=”left”]Tony Horzen
Chairman of the Western Ice Association[/avatar]
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a happy holiday season. At Glacier Ice in San Luis Obispo, we get into the spirit each December by participating in our local Holiday Parade. This year we pulled all out the stops. Our float included several of our staff, dressed as giant penguins, leading our antique 1929 Model A ice delivery truck driven by the “Emperor Penguin” (yours truly), pulling a decorated flat-bed piled high with real “snow,” a sledding hill and – what else – a 1,200 pound ice sculpture! (Hey. If you got it, flaunt it. Right?) I’m really proud of my team. We had a blast, and won the “Best in Theme” award out of 89 parade entries! It was a great way to kick off the holidays, share our company pride, and “strut our (ice) stuff” a little for our community. I’m including some pictures of the fun along with this article.
On to 2017! As we begin the final leg and process of wrapping up this WIA year, I reflect back on how it started at the Las Vegas convention almost a year ago – by sharing my story about the great value I’ve found in my WIA membership. From the benefits of business support through on-going education, and the ability to share ideas and get updates on important regulations, to the strong personal friendships and industry relationships gained, I still can’t stress the importance of this Association enough. And I’m not alone.
Please take a moment to read the inspiring words of three long-time, valued WIA members in the testimonials provided along with this article – Dan Nicholson from Arctic Ice (who will be inducted into the WIA Hall of Fame in March 2017); Charlie Porcelli from Koldkist Ice Company; and Wayne Henry, Sr. of Jack Frost Ice Company, Stockton, CA (Retired).
“Before joining the WIA, our company was often challenged to solve everyday problems at the plant or in distribution. The WIA provided the information and experience we needed to build a successful ice company by providing access to the best industry suppliers, equipment and knowledge from professionals in the ice industry. The relationships we have made in the WIA will last a lifetime. I encourage every company in the packaged ice business to participate in their industry trade associations.”
Dan Nicholson, Arctic Ice (WIA Hall of Fame Inductee – 2017)
Being a member of the Western Ice Association serves everyone. The ice business is like no other. We deal with daily logistics situations and challenges many other businesses outside the industry never have to face. (How often does a computer, home goods or produce company worry about their product melting before reaching the consumer?) Who better understands those issues that an industry peer; someone who “walks the walk” every day. You guessed it – another Ice Man. Likewise, the details of an issue you’ve encountered and solved might help others struggling with the same or a similar situation.
Western Ice Association needs you!
That’s where the WIA comes in. We need your support more than ever to keep our association and industry healthy and strong – large Distributors, small Independents, Industry Suppliers, and everyone in between. Get involved. Each perspective is important. Each opinion matters and counts. In short, we’re stronger united – helping each other find new and better ways to do things. If you are a WIA member, please consider playing an active role. If not, please join.
Most important, attend the WIA conventions. Learn from the expert keynote speakers we bring to the business sessions. Discuss your experiences and expertise with fellow members. Share your ideas and input with the Board of Directors. Meet face-to-face and develop stronger working relationships with key Industry Suppliers.
And, equally important, come to the convention to have fun. Let’s face it. Operating an ice business is hard work. In the peak season months, when the phone is ringing off the hook and your delivery trucks, staff and ice inventory are stretched to the limit, it’s exhausting. I find stepping back from the day-to-day operations of my company for the few days each year to attend the convention is not only personally therapeutic, but is vital to help me see the “bigger picture” so I can make my business run better.
“I joined the WIA because of John Nicholson`s persistence and inviting me to join the group that represented our interest and industry. I believe we joined in 1979 or ‘80. We made many good friends. Even though we only saw most of them once a year, we remained close. As our company grew, so did our association, helping us understand changing laws and regulations. The supplier side of our association and industry were also so vital for our success, as companies and as an industry. I truly believe had it not been for the constant support of the suppliers our association would have been less successful.”
Wayne Henry, Sr. (Retired), Jack Frost Ice Company, Stockton, CA
WIA Convention 2017 – San Luis Obispo:
“Come Unplug! Leave Recharged!”
I’m excited to have you join me and fellow WIA Industry and Supplier members in “The Happiest City in America” from March 23rd to 26th. Watch the mail for your 2017 Convention Brochure and Registration Packet. Be sure to sign up before February 12th to get the Early Registration discount and reserve your spot to hear this year’s great speakers and enjoy the special events.
We’re planning a healthy balance of work and play at this Convention. With The Cliffs Resort as our beautiful, ocean-side host hotel, we’ve designed our agenda to be informative and enriching, as well as a relaxing, fun, and memorable experience. Come experience a taste of what we locals call “The SLO Life,” and leave refreshed, re-energized, and equipped with new ideas to improve your business and our industry as a whole.
From Ice Business to Chilled Beer – Convention highlights “on tap.”
In addition to two business meetings, four interesting speakers, and opportunities to talk face-to-face with suppliers, we’ve line up a variety of fun activities that allow for relaxed socializing and networking with old and new friends, and even some optional exercise!
- A scenic hike on the Bob Jones “City to Sea” Trail. (Optional on Thursday.)
- Welcome Reception with Wine Tasting – Pourings by award-winning local wineries.
- Firestone-Walker Brewing Company Tour – Private tour, lunch and Keynote talk by the owner of this highly successful, entrepreneurial Central Coast brewery.
- Chairman’s Event – An Evening with Friends, Food, Wine & Music.
- “The Great Downtown SLO Pub Crawl” – An afternoon sampling craft beers with WIA friends at several popular Downtown San Luis Obispo pubs. (Pre-register to get your “I Survived the SLO Pub Crawl” commemorative tee shirt!)
- Evening Final Reception – We’ll wrap up the convention in style at the Cliffs Resort.
2017 Convention Keynote Speakers:
- Keric Kennedy (EVP & COO, Idealease, Inc.) – “The True Cost of Truck Ownership and the Future of Trucking.”
- Adam Firestone (Co-Owner, Firestone-Walker Brewing Company) – “Building the Brand.”
- Gene Glendenning (OSHA Consultant/Educator) – “Creating a Safe Work Environment at Your Company.”
- Thom O’Leary (Motivational Speaker) – “The Top Ten Team Builders – Fulfilling the Dream Through Team.”
“The WIA was critical in the development of our family business. Early on when my father was first starting out, it was the relationships he made in the WIA with people like the Nicholsons, John Sommers, Roger Pierson and many others that helped him learn the business. They shared ideas and supported each other. Later on, when my brother and I joined the business, we developed life-long friends and business associates in the WIA. The sharing of ideas and technology with those relationships made in the WIA were a huge part of our success. No one outside of the ice business really understands it or ever will. My friends had no clue and made jokes about it. This always made it more special to talk with my friends in the WIA. The relationships built through the association are without a doubt the most important value of the WIA for me.”
Charlie Porcelli, Koldkist Ice Company
You can find much more information in the 2017 WIA Convention Brochure being sent to each member. We also encourage you to visit the “Conventions/ San Luis Obispo” page of our Association website for details and important website links: www.WesternIceAssociation.org.
Note: Not a WIA member yet? Non-Member delegates can attend one (1) convention at the “Member” rate to check us out. Email me at thorzen@glaciericeslo.com for more information and to get a Convention Registration packet.
I look forward to reconnecting with all of you as we come together in March to support each other, make the Ice Industry better, and celebrate the induction of Dan Nicholson into the WIA Hall of Fame. Dan – who helped his brother John Nicholson build Glacier Ice of Fremont, CA into one of the leading producers on the West Coast – has been an instrumental leader and mentor to many in our industry. Come help us honor him!