NICA's 2025 Board of Directors Election
It's that time of year again! Election Ballots are Due on Monday, December 15, 2025. This year's Candidates for NICA's Board of Directors are Bary Bunts, CCE, The Apple Cart; Ryan Collmer, Meatball Factory; and Vincent Nelson, CCE, Vinnie’s Fine Foods. New Directors will be installed in February 2026. Read more about them below and in the upcoming December issue of NICA News.
We sent out election ballots on November 15th to Voting Members. Members without email, non-working emails, or those with a shared email address were sent the election ballot via mail. If you do not receive a mail ballot by November 28th or have received an online ballot, but would prefer it to be sent by mail, contact the NICA Office at (813) 438-8926. Thank you for your continued support!
Bary Bunts, CCE, The Apple Cart
My journey in the concession business began at the age of eight, selling sno-cones for my father. Today, I proudly own and operate The Apple Cart, a business he founded in 1955. I assumed full responsibility for daily operations after his untimely passing in 1996. Since then, I have expanded our reach into seven states, including regular participation in four State Fairs.
Before returning full-time to the family business, I earned degrees in Electronic Technology and Business Management. I also worked in the commercial sound, lighting, and video industry, obtaining my FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License along with several other certifications.
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. In addition to NICA, I am an active member of the Pennsylvania State Showmen’s Association, IISA, Florida Federation of Fairs, IAFE, OABA, and several model train collecting organizations.
With decades of hands-on experience in the Industry and six years of leadership within NICA, I believe I can continue to be an asset to the board. If elected, I will remain committed to strengthening relationships among our Members, Suppliers, Sister Organizations, Fairs, and Events.
I would be honored to continue serving our community and thank you for your consideration.
What is the single most important challenge facing Concessionaires today?
Keeping our Fairs and Events relevant, engaging, and profitable for all parties involved.
As a Board Member, how would you help overcome this challenge?
By working closely with our Sister Organizations, Carnival Operators, Fairs, and Event Organizers to develop new ideas and collaborative promotions. I believe we must embrace innovation while preserving the traditions that define us—highlighting the uniqueness and diversity of the food and entertainment experiences we bring to the public.
Where do you see NICA in five years?
I see NICA with a larger, more engaged membership, an expanded leadership base, and stronger relationships throughout the Industry—built on trust, collaboration, and shared success.
What would you plan to help NICA get there?
I would continue building on the strong foundation already in place by encouraging more members to step into leadership roles and contribute their ideas, skills, and experience. By empowering one another, we strengthen our organization and ensure the longevity and vitality of our Industry.
Ryan Collmer, Meatball Factory
At 16, I joined my girlfriend Nichole’s family, working weekends in their Fair Concession Business, not realizing it would shape my future. What started as a weekend job became a passion as I embraced the community and tradition of the Carnival life. After college, Nichole and I married, hit the road to join her parents, and never looked back. Guided by my in-laws’ mentorship and showmanship, we built a thriving business rooted in family and hard work.
Now, with our three daughters, we’re proud to carry on the legacy and share the magic of the Fair for generations to come.
What is the single most important challenge facing Concessionaires today?
The future is the single most important challenge facing us today. It’s obvious, pricing is driving our future customers out. Employees are pushing us back from succeeding more into the future endeavors. And lastly our future generations are not getting the support they need for longevity in this business.
As a Board Member, how would you help overcome this challenge?
I’d start with uniting our other organizations within this Industry. We have a multi-billion dollar Industry as a whole and we are not using it to our fullest potential. Uniting all of these organizations and creating a strong hold can pave the way for the Future.
Where do you see NICA in five years?
NICA is behind times and we need to create an organization that is new and innovative. We need an organization that is attracting the younger generation making them feel proud to be part of something that will help them into their future success. So, I see in five years a totally different direction.
What would you plan to help NICA get there?
Start with the IAFE to get the Fair’s understanding what will drive our futures, not only customers but our younger concessionaires. How we can all work together to shape a bright future for all of us.
Vincent Nelson, CCE, Vinnie's Fine Foods
My name is Vinnie, and I am a Third-Generation Concessionaire. My family has been in the business since the late 1950s, when my grandfather, Ernest Navarra, started with a pushcart on the streets of New York. Over the years, the business has grown and changed. In 2001, I left my parents’ business and, with my future wife, started Vinnie’s Fine Foods. Now, 24 years later, we have two children who work in our stands. I’m not sure if they will continue in the business, but it has provided a wonderful lifestyle for our family and many great memories.
I’ve enjoyed giving back to this Industry, not only with my time, but also through donations. Linda and I have proudly supported many scholarship programs and sponsorships that help strengthen and grow the Fair Industry we love.
What is the single most important challenge facing Concessionaires today?
For me, labor remains the biggest challenge. While I am fortunate to have a core group of dedicated employees, there simply aren’t enough of them to meet the growing demands of our business.
As a Board Member, how would you help overcome this challenge?
I would advocate for improvements to the H-2B labor program and explore additional initiatives to help Concessionaires recruit and retain qualified workers. This includes collaborating with Industry partners to identify new labor sources and developing programs that make working in our field more appealing.
Where do you see NICA in five years?
This is a challenging question, as the industry is evolving rapidly and the cost of doing business continues to rise. While it is difficult to predict exactly where things will be in five years, my hope is that NICA will remain strong, adaptive, and responsive to the needs of its members.
What would you plan to help NICA get there?
Through hard work and dedication, I would strive to grow NICA’s membership, increase funding for scholarships, and strengthen programming at both the NICA Marketplace and the NICA Business Expo. My goal is to ensure these events continue to provide valuable education, networking, and resources to our members.