APPOINTMENT: Six Flags announced Alexander Weber Jr., former president and CEO of Paramount Parks, has been named president and interim chief executive officer.
“I am excited to have this opportunity to serve as President and Interim Chief Executive Officer of
Six Flags,” said Weber in a press release. “The Company has made great strides to improve park operations and has significantly reduced its outstanding debt, paving the way for Six Flags to continue investing in its operations to provide an even more enjoyable experience for the whole family.”
PROMOTION: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has named Kristen Nolt Wingard as senior vice president, public affairs, for Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts. Wingard will be responsible for internal and external communications, community relations, and government relations. The company said she will be responsible for developing strategies that enhance the reputation of Parks and Resorts, support business performance and long-term growth, and promote the strength of the Disney brand. For the past six years, Wingard has been senior vice president of public affairs for the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. She succeeds Leslie Goodman, who has taken the position of senior vice president of corporate responsibility and philanthropy for The Walt Disney Company.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts also named Lisa J. Haines to assume Wingard’s previous post as senior vice president of public affairs for the Disneyland Resort. Haines has spent the past two years serving as vice president of communications for the Disneyland Resort.
SALES APPOINTMENT: In an effort to increase its reach into the North American pool and spa market, Aquionics of Erlanger, Kentucky, has named John Psaroudis as aquatic sales manager. In his new position, Psaroudis will be tasked with increasing customer awareness of Aquionics’ chemical-free UV disinfection equipment for pools, spas, interactive fountains, and waterparks. In his previous position, Psaroudis served for seven years as national sales manager for Pur Aquar Products in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
NEW CHAIRMAN: Ulrica Messing has assumed the role of chairman of the board of directors of Astrid Lindgren World in Vimmerby, Sweden. Messing spent several years serving in the government of Sweden, where she became the youngest minister in the country’s history when she was named Minister of Labor in 1996. Recently, she has operated her own company, Porthouse Interior AB, specializing in interior design and decoration.
NEW DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR: Merlin Entertainments has named Sue Kemp as divisional director of Legoland Windsor in London, England. Kemp was previously general manager of Merlin Entertainments’ Warwick Castle for three years and oversaw the successful launch of the new “Warwick Dungeon” in 2009. She has been with Merlin since November 2002.
RETIRING: Herb Brooks, assistant general manager of Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has retired from Hershey Entertainment and Resorts after 44 years with the company. Brooks began his career as a member of Hersheypark’s clean-up crew. He held several positions over the years, including electrician at Hersheypark; working in maintenance, safety and security, and ride operations at Lake Compounce (when Hershey owned the park in the mid-1980s); and as director of operations at Hersheypark. Brooks also served as president of the Pennsylvania Amusement Park Association in 2007.
PRODUCTS
COOK YOUR DOGS ANYWHERE: Unique Vending Carts is offering a mobile hot dog cart that features two propane gas grills (electric is optional), three polyurethane insulated coolers, and a double- sided sink with faucet. The cart is made of high-impact fiberglass coated with a gel-coat paint providing UV protection. The cart features stainless steel and aluminum accoutrements. www.uniquevendingcarts.com
A NEW CRAZE: Crazy Rubber Bands are a colorful new redemption prize offered by Coast to Coast Entertainment. The bands are available in a variety of colors and shapes, such as Princess, Sea Creatures, Animals, and Dino Shaped. Crazy Rubber Bands are offered packages of 12 or can be bought for crane machines in a capsule mix of 76 pieces. Purchase includes a free 8-inch by 11-inch poster. www.cranemachines.com
BIGGEST SNAKE YET: Adding to the Viper and Python waterslides introduced at IAAPA Attractions Expo in 2009,WhiteWaterWest Industries introduces the Anaconda to its repertoire of MEGAtube high-capacity slides. At 50 percent larger than any previous MEGAtube slide, the Anaconda has a 30-foot diameter, fully enclosed flume. Like the Viper and Python, the Anaconda’s MEGAtube is set at a 90-degree angle to the slide path. The length of the tube can vary with the slide’s path. It can also be combined with other White Water West attractions. www.whitewaterwest.com
GOING BACKLESS: Witt Industries introduced the latest in the line of high-quality Oakley Backless Benches. Constructed of slatted metal, these benches are designed to combine style with durability, while deterring graffiti and vandalism. The benches boast the benefit of being approachable from either direction and are available in 4-foot, 5-foot, 6-foot, and 8-foot widths. They arrive in one piece and are ready to install, and the built-in anchor holes in each leg allow for secure mounting. www.witt.com
APPOINTMENT: Six Flags announced Alexander Weber Jr., former president and CEO of Paramount Parks, has been named president and interim chief executive officer. 
PROMOTION: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has named Kristen Nolt Wingard as senior vice president, public affairs, for Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts. Wingard will be responsible for internal and external communications, community relations, and government relations. The company said she will be responsible for developing strategies that enhance the reputation of Parks and Resorts, support business performance and long-term growth, and promote the strength of the Disney brand. For the past six years, Wingard has been senior vice president of public affairs for the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. She succeeds Leslie Goodman, who has taken the position of senior vice president of corporate responsibility and philanthropy for The Walt Disney Company. 
SALES APPOINTMENT: In an effort to increase its reach into the North American pool and spa market, Aquionics of Erlanger, Kentucky, has named John Psaroudis as aquatic sales manager. In his new position, Psaroudis will be tasked with increasing customer awareness of Aquionics’ chemical-free UV disinfection equipment for pools, spas, interactive fountains, and waterparks. In his previous position, Psaroudis served for seven years as national sales manager for Pur Aquar Products in Rock Hill, South Carolina. 
NEW DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR: Merlin Entertainments has named Sue Kemp as divisional director of Legoland Windsor in London, England. Kemp was previously general manager of Merlin Entertainments’ Warwick Castle for three years and oversaw the successful launch of the new “Warwick Dungeon” in 2009. She has been with Merlin since November 2002. 
RETIRING: Herb Brooks, assistant general manager of Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has retired from Hershey Entertainment and Resorts after 44 years with the company. Brooks began his career as a member of Hersheypark’s clean-up crew. He held several positions over the years, including electrician at Hersheypark; working in maintenance, safety and security, and ride operations at Lake Compounce (when Hershey owned the park in the mid-1980s); and as director of operations at Hersheypark. Brooks also served as president of the Pennsylvania Amusement Park Association in 2007. 
COOK YOUR DOGS ANYWHERE: Unique Vending Carts is offering a mobile hot dog cart that features two propane gas grills (electric is optional), three polyurethane insulated coolers, and a double- sided sink with faucet. The cart is made of high-impact fiberglass coated with a gel-coat paint providing UV protection. The cart features stainless steel and aluminum accoutrements. 
A NEW CRAZE: Crazy Rubber Bands are a colorful new redemption prize offered by Coast to Coast Entertainment. The bands are available in a variety of colors and shapes, such as Princess, Sea Creatures, Animals, and Dino Shaped. Crazy Rubber Bands are offered packages of 12 or can be bought for crane machines in a capsule mix of 76 pieces. Purchase includes a free 8-inch by 11-inch poster. 
BIGGEST SNAKE YET: Adding to the Viper and Python waterslides introduced at IAAPA Attractions Expo in 2009,WhiteWaterWest Industries introduces the Anaconda to its repertoire of MEGAtube high-capacity slides. At 50 percent larger than any previous MEGAtube slide, the Anaconda has a 30-foot diameter, fully enclosed flume. Like the Viper and Python, the Anaconda’s MEGAtube is set at a 90-degree angle to the slide path. The length of the tube can vary with the slide’s path. It can also be combined with other White Water West attractions. 
GOING BACKLESS: Witt Industries introduced the latest in the line of high-quality Oakley Backless Benches. Constructed of slatted metal, these benches are designed to combine style with durability, while deterring graffiti and vandalism. The benches boast the benefit of being approachable from either direction and are available in 4-foot, 5-foot, 6-foot, and 8-foot widths. They arrive in one piece and are ready to install, and the built-in anchor holes in each leg allow for secure mounting.