~ Batman costume warning label
June 6, 1997
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Caution: cape does not enable user to fly." ~ Batman costume warning label |
| Fairs Year-round Information | F.Y.I. Volume 7, Issue 12 June 6, 1997 |
| IN FOCUS |
CFSA risk-sharing pool member fairs enjoy a drop in annual rates AND fee discounts in 1997
1996 not only marked CFSA's 10th anniversary, it also marks the year CFSA's actuaries could assess CFSA's workers' compensation and general liability pool rates, and recommended reserve amounts, primarily on the member fairs' loss histories. Up until the pools' maturation, the actuaries were required to base their assessments on the loss histories of "like businesses," such as amusement parks and retail (mostly grocery) outlets that in some cases had higher losses than the fairs. The fairs can now benefit fully from the aggressive risk management programs that have reduced the number and severity of fairgrounds accidents, resulting in fewer claims and lower settlements.
During these first l0 years, CFSA also maintained a conservative approach to building reserve amounts, holding the fairs'rates level, while rates in the commercial market were fluctuating. This approach enabled the pools to build reserve probability levels to 80 percent (an 80 percent probability that the pools will have sufficient funds to pay all covered claims). What's this mean to your bottom line? With this strong reserve, CFSA is able to reward its loyal risk-sharing pool members with a reduction in your 1997 rate.
In addition, CFSA has taken the opportunity of a soft commercial insurance market to purchase excess insurance. This insurance transfers liability responsibilities away from the fairs' pools to a commercial company. It's important to note, the actuaries have projected lower required reserves if we make this change which will more than offset the cost of the excess insurance purchased.
Because of these strategic purchases and the maturation of the risk-sharing pools, CFSA, through action taken by its Board of Directors on May 28, 1997, is now able to reward fairs whose loss histories are lower than the industry average with substantial fee discounts based on each individual fair's loss history. Fees for fairs with loss histories higher than average will stay the same, or increase slightly.
Just as some car insurers reward good drivers with good driver discounts on their renewed policies, CFSA, who manages the pools on the fairs' behalf, is pleased to be able to reward fairs with good loss histories with reduced rates and fee discounts.
| CARF Opens its First Print Shop in Northern California |
To meet the increasing demand from fairs for quality printing at rock-bottom prices, the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF) has opened its first full service northern California print shop in Sacramento. This brings CARF to a total of three print shops, including one in Santa Barbara, and the main shop in Ontario.
Rick Cain, executive director of CARF, points out that "these shops are fair-owned and fair-operated for the fair industry." With the addition of a third location, CARF is now able to print racing programs throughout the summer for live racing fairs throughout Northern California, as well as other printing projects the fairs may have.
Eight years ago, CARF entered the printing business to supply its member fairs with satellite wagering programs, at cost. This enabled the wagering facilities to make a profit by selling the programs to their patrons. The addition of new equipment and skilled personnel over the years has made it possible tor CARF to expand its services to all fairs for items other than racing programs. Cheryl Kreps, CARF's printing supervisor, reports that the southern California locations have also produced premium books, NCR forms, brochures, flyers and parking passes during the past two years. The Sacramento location, Kreps continued, will allow CARF to provide even more services to a wider market.
If you're getting ready to do some printing or have a project in the planning stage, give Cheryl a call at 909/390-7788. She'll be happy to give both CARF members and nonmembers from the fair industry a price quote for any type of printing job. If you're online, visit CARF's Web site, www.racingfairs.org, for a look at a price sheet.
| Let's Go To The Fair |
Warm weather and sunny skies have helped the majority of this year's first fairs increase their paid attendance totals.
Fair season also brings a couple of influential changes to this year's attendance tally: both the National Orange Show and Sacramento County Fair had free gates this year.
To date, with seven fairs reporting in, here's how this year's numbers compare with last year's:
| The Surplus Warehouse
Has What You Need ~ Shade Cloth to Tool Boxes |
No time to shop for items your fair needs? Many of them could be available at great savings through CFSA’s Government Surplus Program. Simply give Graeme Stewart, program buyer, a call. In the meantime, here’s a short list of items currently in the South Sacramento warehouse:
For more information on these and other great buys, or if you’d like to arrange a tour of the South Sacramento surplus warehouse or accompany the buyer on a visit to a surplus yard, call Graeme Stewart at 916/765-3673.
Please Note: CFSA’s Surplus Purchasing Program is only authorized to obtain surplus property for California’s fairs.
| Have You Heard? June is National Safety Month |
Last year marked the birth of National Safety Month, a time when the National Safety Council focuses on educating the public about safety and health issues. If you'd like free information about today's top safety issues, contact your local Safety Council or Region office. You can also reach the National Safety Council Headquarters office at 800/621 -7615, ext. 2307.
In the meantime, here are some facts and figures you'll find interesting. These 1995 United States injury categories are equivalent to the following 1995 dollar amounts:
For information about safety issues on your fairgrounds call Tom Allen at (916) 263-6186.
F.Y.I. invites and encourages all fairs to contribute articles and article ideas for the
Fair Exchange column. We’ll even write the article for you. For details, call Melissa
Thurber at 916/263-6178 or Joan Bartosik at 916/663-9256.
To add F.Y.I. to your press release mailing list, send or fax releases to:
F.Y.I. is published by CFSA in partnership with CARF, CCA, F&E and WFA
Copyright ©1997, California Fair Services Authority