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Getlan, Herschend, Alter, and Wages Honored With 2005 IAAPA Service Awards

ATLANTA , GA ( USA) (Nov. 19, 2005) - Michael Getlan, Jack and Peter Herschend, Bill Alter, and Tom Wages were presented with Service Awards today at the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005 General Managers and Owners Breakfast, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions ( IAAPA) announced today.

IAAPA honored the winners during the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2005, the association’s 87th annual conference and trade show at the Georgia World Congress Center.

The MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD recognizes a member individual or organization that has advanced the IAAPA mission of “serving the membership by promoting the safe operations, global development, professional growth, and commercial success of the amusement industry.”  This year’s recipient is Michael Getlan of Amusement Consultants, New Rochelle, New York, USA. 

Michael Getlan’s exuberant personality hallmarks his business style, always combining his expertise with heart.  In previous years he has contributed to the association’s magazine, FUNWORLD.  He has served on the Board of Directors and has been a member of the FEC, Membership, and Exhibitor Awards committees.  He is known for his witty and wacky presentations at the annual conference and trade show, where his sessions consistently receive top ratings from his peers.  Getlan has also been involved entertaining children at the Give Kids The World Village for the past four years.

The OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD is presented in recognition of a member individual or organization who works to foster the spirit of goodwill, professionalism, and higher levels of performance within the industry on a regional, national, or international basis.  This year’s award goes to Jack and Peter Herschend of Herschend Family Entertainment Corp., Branson, Missouri, USA.

A strong commitment to wholesome family values, ethical businesses practices, and uncompromising faith-based ideals have carried brothers Jack and Peter Herschend from owners of a small theme park atop an Ozarks cave to the leaders of 19 prominent family-oriented attractions in nine states.  The Herschends’ achievement and leadership ability have helped bring their hometown to national recognition as a tourism destination and have elevated their profiles of other tourism communities as well.  The Herschends’ accomplishments have been recognized globally as with the Applause Award in 1999, the THEA Awards in 2001 and the IAAPA Hall of Fame in 2004. 

The LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD is given in recognition of a member individual or organization’s consistent and long-term achievements serving the association and the industry.  This year’s honoree is Bill Alter of National Ticket Co., Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, USA.

Perhaps one of the most recognized faces in the industry, Bill Alter has served on the Board of Directors as chair and member of the manufacturer and Suppliers Committee and as chair of the Space Allocation Committee.  As Senior Vice President of National Ticket Co., Alter was lauded for his ambassadorship to both IAAPA and the amusement industry.  For the past three years he has been instrumental in the success of the golf tournaments and silent auctions that have donated more than $100,000 to benefit Give Kids The World.  Alter was thanked at the 2005 Expo for more than 40 years of service to the association and the industry. 

Also presented this year was a BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD, which is a special citation given only on occasions where a record of industry accomplishment or service merit such exceptional recognition.  The award was given to Tom Wages, Treasurer of the Board.

Tom wages is an individual who has been a tireless contributor to the association for many years.  He served as the Chair of the Board in 1986, chaired and served on numerous committees, and was the sole member and resident expert on the music licensing committee.  His calm demeanor and honorable reputation served the association well as he helped negotiate the association’s partnership with EAASI to host the Euro Attractions Show.  Always the caretaker, today he ensures the association’s financial health as Treasurer. 

In an effort to honor those members who excel in performing services for the amusement sector and their community, each year IAAPA seeks nominations for these awards from facility owners and operators of outstanding individuals or organizations who are not only well-known in the industry, but are also exceptionally dedicated to its well-being.

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IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 4,500 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. IAAPA strives to help members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry. www.iaapa.org