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Funworld November 2009
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ANNOUNCEMENTSHIGH RANKS: Inc. Magazine has ranked design company Thinkwell at no. 516 on its annual “Inc. 5000,” marking the third consecutive year the company has made the list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. Since 2001, Thinkwell has specialized in story-driven exhibits, attractions, live shows, and environments for the global attractions, resorts, and retail industries. www.thinkwelldesign.com PEOPLE PRODUCTS
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EXPANDED ROLE: The Bay Institute (TBI), which recently acquired the Aquarium of the Bay, appointed John Frawley to the newly created position of president and CEO. Frawley has served as CEO and executive 
director for Aquarium of the Bay for the past 13 years and guided its evolution into a nonprofit organization. He will now continue his work with the facility as well as the overall leadership of TBI’s research and conservation efforts. 
NEW POSITIONS: The Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, has named Tracy Fuller marketing manager and Ryan Klongland revenue manager. Fuller was previously the resort’s marketing and design coordinator and has a degree in journalism, advertising, and public relations. Klongland, recently a reservations manager, won Wilderness’ 2008 Manager of the Year award. 
FUN FOR EVERYONE: Redemption Plus has exclusively released the Big Ripper whoopee cushion. The product has a 12-inch circumference and quality packaging to draw high interest on retail walls. Redemption Plus has created a specialized web site for the product— 
DO NOT PASS GO: Benchmark Games reintroduces the Monopoly two-station pusher coin-op game from Cromptons. The new Monopoly model comes in a card-swipe compatible version and features a jackpot reel with a big ticket payout and classic theming. Benchmark has also launched Pop-It X-Treme, which holds a 42-inch balloon that gradually expands and pops if the player lands a spinning pointer on the Jackpot option. The machine holds 36 balloons and 36,000 tickets, uses LED light for easy maintenance, and emits an ear-catching sounds for guests. A sample game can be found at 
STRONG SURFACES:Manufacturer and suppliers of thermoplastic powder coatings for surfacing, Plascoat introduces Non-slip Polymer Coatings, for the attractions industry. The plastic-to-metal coatings can be applied to flooring, benches, playground equipment, tables, and other outdoor amenities. They are graffiti resistant and come in a variety of colors. 