NICA's 2025 Board of Directors Election Results
Thank you to all those who voted! Each newly elected Board Member will start their term beginning in February 2026. We thank all Voting Members and Board Nominees for their participation in this year’s election! The Director Elects are: Bary Bunts, CCE, The Apple Cart; Ryan Collmer, Meatball Factory; and Vincent Nelson, CCE, Vinnie’s Fine Foods. Read more about them below and in the December issue of NICA News
Bary Bunts, CCE, The Apple Cart
My journey in the concession business began when I was eight years old, selling sno-cones for my father. Today, I’m proud to own and operate The Apple Cart, a business he founded in 1955. After his untimely passing in 1996, I took on full responsibility for daily operations and have since expanded our business into seven states, including regular participation at four State Fairs.
I have had the honor of serving on the NICA East Council for six years, including three years as its Ex-Officio Board Representative. During this time, I’ve also held the positions of Secretary and currently serve as Treasurer. With decades of hands-on experience in the Industry and six years of leadership within NICA, I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving on the Board of Directors. I sincerely thank the NICA Membership for their support and trust, and I remain committed to strengthening relationships among our Members, Suppliers, Sister Organizations, Fairs, and Events as we move forward together.
Ryan Collmer, Meatball Factory
I was 16 years old when I started working weekends with my girlfriend Nichole’s family in their Fair Concession Business—never imagining it would shape my future. What began as a part-time job quickly became a passion as I embraced the community, tradition, and lifestyle of the midway. After college, Nichole and I married, hit the road to join her parents, and never looked back.
With the guidance, mentorship, and showmanship passed down to us, we’ve built a thriving family business rooted in hard work and pride. Today, with our three daughters, we’re proud to carry on that legacy and share the magic of the Fair for generations to come. I’m truly thankful for the support I’ve received from my fellow Members, and I’m honored to continue serving our community as a member of the NICA Board of Directors.
Vincent Nelson, CCE, Vinnie's Fine Foods
My name is Vinnie, and I’m a third-generation concessionaire. My family’s story in this Industry began in the late 1950s, when my grandfather, Ernest Navarra, started with a pushcart on the streets of New York. In 2001, I stepped away from my parents’ business and, alongside my future wife Linda, started Vinnie’s Fine Foods. Twenty-four years later, our two children now work in our stands, and the business has given us a wonderful lifestyle and countless memories.
Giving back to this Industry has always been important to me—not only through my time, but also through continued support of scholarships and sponsorships that help strengthen the Fair Industry we love. I’ve previously served as NICA Past President and currently serve as a Trustee of the NICA Foundation. I’m grateful for the continued support of the NICA Membership and am proud to serve once again as a Director.