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Our country has over 1100 flea markets that provide opportunities for approximately 2.25 million vendors conducting over $30 billion in sales annually. Flea Markets are visited by over 150 million customers each year. Flea Markets contribute to the local, state, and federal economy through real estate, food, sales and use taxes.
NFMA Mission Statement
The National Flea Market Association exists to serve the public interest and to benefit the flea market industry by fostering high standards of business conduct which merits public trust.
NFMA COPYRIGHT 2012
The National Flea Market Association's objectives are:
1) To serve the public interest and to benefit the flea market industry by fostering high standards of business conduct which merits public trust;
2) To disseminate information helpful to the flea market industry and to facilitate the exchange of ideas among members;
3) To sustain a friendly and cooperative relationship among the flea market industry and the agencies with whom they do business;
4) To investigate, endorse, and inform the membership of specific services, programs, and products related to the industry;
5) To present information to the public and to governmental agencies that will help them to understand the role of the flea market in the economy
6) To encourage legislation and regulations constructive to the industry and to discourage legislation and regulations destructive to both consumers and small businessmen engaged in the flea market industry
7) To support the association's Code of Professional Ethics.
Bylaws-Feb_14_2008_revised.pdf
"Committed to Free Enterprise"
As one of the last vestiges of small entrepreneurship in the U.S., the country's over 1100 U.S. flea markets provide opportunities for approximately 2.25 million vendors conducting over $30 Billion in sales annually. The markets are visited by over 150 million customers each year. Flea markets contribute to the local, state, and federal economy through real estate, food, sales and use taxes. In addition, the federal government recognizes flea markets as a regulated form of retail business and permanently includes them in the national census for purposes of determining the country's gross national product (GNP).
The National Flea Market Association opposes legislative proposals which attempt to single out or discriminate against flea markets. Under the guise of consumer protection, these measures commonly attempt to impose unnecessary restrictions upon flea markets without valid justification or consideration of other competing forms of retail establishments. Such legislation not only stifles competition by creating unnecessary barriers to flea markets and their vendors, but also allows "Big Box" retailers to control the flow of merchandise within manufacturers, distributors, and wholesale networks. As a result, legislative proposals which discriminate upon flea markets are opposed by most consumer groups, because they hurt the buying public by limiting their access to low cost merchandise.
Examples of Anti-Competitive Legislation Include:
Organized Theft and Shelf Sweeping: The Flea Market Association does not condone the sale of stolen goods and promotes widely accepted precautions, such as registration of vendors and the use police details during business hours. In addition, the NFMA partners with public safety and national trade organizations to protect consumers against counterfeit goods, product piracy and copyright infringement. These measures are also successful in helping to prevent the sale of stolen, suspicious, or worn goods, including those resulting from shelf sweeping items, such as infant formula.
Dangerous Goods: The NFMA supports legitimate consumer protection efforts to stop the sale of dangerous products as long as such measures are applied equally. Manufacturers, however, often falsely equate a product which is out of code as automatically dangerous. In addition, many retailers who seek to limit the sale of dated or expired merchandise sell these goods without reservation to flea market vendors and then seek to limit the re-sale of such merchandise by only "authorized manufacturer's representatives". Flea market vendors must also be protected from mandates forcing them to reveal proprietary information such as price and source of goods to their competitors. Such mandates not only eliminate the ability of flea market vendors to fairly compete, but also inappropriately allows a large retailer to control the flow of merchandise within manufacturers, distributors, and wholesale networks.
Classification as Transient Vendors: Because specific regulatory requirements often apply to transient vendors, competing retailers attempt to characterize flea markets and their vendors as temporary, transient, or beyond the reach of the law. True transient vendors, however, operate on street corners and public property. Conversely, many flea markets have operated for several decades, year-round and seasonally, at a permanent, privately owned location. In addition, even when the markets are not open to the general public their administrative offices maintain regular business hours. Classification of flea markets as transient is inappropriate and should be differentiated from seasonal or "by appointment only" business such as tax preparers, nurseries, holiday and Christmas shops.
Special Fees, Permits, and Bonding Requirements: Flea market owners are promoters in the same industry, competing for the same vendors, as other retail outlets (including shopping malls, trade shows, and fairs). Competitors often advocate for legislation which imposes special fees and increased costs on flea market promoters, thereby resulting in higher costs of entrance for vendors to rent space from flea markets as compared to competing promotional channels. As a result, government involvement and the imposition of license fees and bonding requirements upon flea market vendors negatively impacts the marketplace and are likely to result in the end of flea market promotion as it currently exists.
The National Flea Market Assn. and its members are committed to providing consumers with an organized and legitimate place to shop. Flea market operators are subject to extensive regulation and comply with all required permits and licenses. Voluntarily, the majority of flea markets pay for police and fire details on premises during business hours. The National Flea Market Association has also established a Code of Professional Ethics to ensure that all members conduct their respective business with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to the betterment of the industry and the public trust.
Flea markets do not pose a threat to consumers which justifies increased regulatory oversight. The NFMA encourages public policy officials to scrutinize legislative attempts to discriminate against flea markets as compared to other forms of retail and ensure they are supported by valid consumer protections rather than competitive attempts to control product distribution and assure greater profits for manufacturers.
Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications and The Suffolk Group have teamed to offer a full range of federal government relations services to the National Flea Market Association (NFMA).
The two firms each have a nationally recognized reputation for successfully advising a diverse group of clients in Washington, D.C., such as American Medical Response, ArborGen, Council on Pakistan Relations, Emerald Development Managers, Fidelity National Financial, Inc., First Wind, Hospital of Saint Raphael, Harvest Medical Device Corp., Iron Mountain, and Memphis Biofuels, among others. The staff of the Washington, D.C. office relies on their considerable experience in journalism and media, law and politics, as well as public affairs and marketing to offer an extensive range of federal and international services.
RASKY BAERLEIN has become one of the largest independent public relations and public affairs firms in the U.S., recognized by PR Week as one of the top 50 strategic communications and public affairs organizations in the nation. THE SUFFOLK GROUP is similarly recognized for effective lobbying campaigns, most notably on behalf of national trade associations such as the American Diabetes Assn., The National Safety Council, American Herbal Products Assn., National Vehicle Protection Assn. and the National Assn. of Professional Employer Associations. The Suffolk Group has represented the Massachusetts Flea Market Association since 1999.
Selected Biographies:
DAVID TAMASI - David manages Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications' Washington DC office. With more than 15 years of media, government relations and public affairs experience at the local, state, national and global levels, he specializes in developing and executing high profile integrated government and media relations campaigns that support public policy advocacy efforts. At Rasky Baerlein, David oversees all facets of the Washington office's government and public relations efforts, including, issues management and ally advocacy work on behalf of such clients as Boston Power, First Wind, Iron Mountain, Mediacom Communications, Paine College and the Hospital of Saint Raphael.
STEVEN GOLDBLATT, ESQ. - As part of the Suffolk Group's Government Relations Team, Steve offers clients expertise developed from years of involvement with lobbying campaigns, regulatory and Legislative Process. Prior to forming the Suffolk Group, Steve worked with the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in Washington, D.C., the largest bipartisan membership association of Lawmakers. Through his work with ALEC, Steve provided strategic advice to Legislators in Developing, Introducing, and guiding to Enactment, innovative legislative Policy.
JASON GODIN, ESQ. - As a partner in the Suffolk Group, Mr. Godin provides Legislative and Regulatory counsel to corporate interests, trade associations, Labor Unions, and non-profit organizations. Prior to entering private practice, Jason served in the Senate and House in Washington, D.C., and later as chief Counsel to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, office of the Republican leader. Mr. Godin's knowledge of Capital Hill provides invaluable insight to client's seeking to advance legislation with support from both sides of the aisle.
FREE LEGISLATIVE MONITORING SERVICE ANNOUNCED BY
NATIONAL FLEA MARKET ASSOCIATION
Please note - To take advantage of this FREE 50 State Monitoring Service and/or to access this area you must be a Member of the NFMA. For more information see below.
In our ongoing efforts to meet the needs of our members, the NFMA is pleased to announce the launch of a new legislation "watch dog" service that alerts NFMA members about legislative activity in all 50 states. This service and information is now available for ending legislation - be it positive or negative - at both the state and federal levels. Anti-counterfeiting, Organized Retail Crime (ORC), and a variety of operational regulations and tax legislation are currently being considered. Any of these could have a detrimental impact on your business and our industry. This exclusive "watch dog" service arms you with the facts so you can take appropriate action to protect yourself and your business.
Mr. David Kim
Telephone: (916) 442-5441
Cell: (916) 402-5551
The NFMA has teamed up with Mr. David Kim, a prominent lobbyist who has been involved in the flea market/swap meet industry for 27 years. He has a long and successful history of assisting individual markets all across the country as well as numerous state associations.
This new program will monitor legislation in all stages of development on a monthly basis VIA email (more frequently as needed).
If you want to join and take advantage of this, please download the membership registration form available at http://fleamarkets.org and follow the instructions on the registration form to send your completed application to the NFMA administrator.
If you are not an NFMA member, you should be. The value of this legislation monitoring service alone far exceeds the $395 per year membership dues. This legislative "watch dog" program is only one of the many benefits of being a National Flea Market Association member.
Please Contact NFMA at the below address
National Flea Market Association
Danielle Salyer
Administrator
7812 McEwen, Rd. suite 200
Dayton, Ohio 45459
Office # 937-223-0636
Phone (Toll Free):1-866-417-2884
Fax # 937-223-0154
Email: nfma_fleamarkets.org
Rick Landis
Membership Committee Chair
3280 East Foothill Blvd. Suite 205
Pasadena, CA 91107
Phone: (562) 921-9996
National Flea Market Association Ap Final Fill In.pdf
National Flea Market Association Ap Final.pdf
Click here to email us...
Leadership
2011 Board of Directors
(The Board consists of all Officers and Directors)
Past Presidents
Frank Buonauro
Osceola Flea & Farmers Market
2801 E Irlo Bronson Hwy
Kissimmee, FL 34744
Phone:(407) 846-2811
Fax:(407) 846-3392
Email: fabmanagement_earthlink.net
Peggy Alexander
Peach Tree Peddlers
155 Mill Rd.
McDonough, GA 30253
Phone:
Fax:
Email: peggy _peachtreepeddlers.com
Bill Gresser
Yuma Park 'n Swap
7520 E McKnight Ave
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone:(480) 946-9760
Fax:(480) 946-9980
Email: bill_gresser.com
Barbara Nelson(deceased)
7 Mile Fair, Inc.
2720 W Seven Mile Rd
Caledonia, WI 53108-0007
Phone:(262) 835-2177
Fax:(262) 835-2968
Email: sevenmf_execpc.com
John R. Chism, CSM, CFMA
Quakertown Farmers & Flea Market
201 Station Rd.
Quakertown, PA 18951-2723
Phone:(215) 536-4115
Fax:(215) 536-9019
Email: jchiz_prodigy.net
John W. Schoen
Pioneer Theatres
2500 Redondo Beach Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90504
Phone:(323) 321-3709
Fax:(323) 321-0114
Email: papajon9_yahoo.com
Ron Simmons
Traders Village, LTD
2602 Mayfield Rd
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Phone:(972) 647-2331
Fax:(972) 647-8585
Email: ron_tradersvillage.com
President
Jeff Mann
Raynham Flea Market
1 Judson St
Raynham, MA 02767
Phone: (508) 823-8923
Fax: (508) 824-2339
Email: jeff_raynhamflea.com
Chairman of Board
Chuck Pretto
Kobey's Swap Meet
PO Box 81492
San Diego, CA 92138
Phone: (619) 523-2700
Fax: (619) 523-2715
Email: cpretto_kobeys.com
First Vice President
Steve Blakewood
Waldo Farmers & Flea Market,
P.O. Box #142817,
Gainesville, FL. 32614
Phone:(352) 468-2255
Fax:(352) 375-3198
Email: Steveblakewood_aol.com
Second Vice President
Darren Kurkowski
Paramount Swap Meet
7900 All American City Way
Paramount, CA 90723
Phone:562-634-SWAP
800-779-SWAP
Email: darren_paramountswap.com
Secretary
Greg Dove
Treasure Aisles & Caesar Creek Markets
Corporate Office 7812 McEwen Rd
Centerville, Ohio 45459
Phone:937-223-0222
Email: gdove_levininc.com
Recording Secretary
Christine Kelley
Phone:(508) 823-8923
Fax:(508) 824-2339
Email: chris_raynhamflea.com
Treasurer
David Wolff
Wolff's Flea Market
970 Arkansas Dr
Elk Grove, IL 60007-2922
Phone:(847) 524-9590
Fax: 224-653-9547
Email: dwolff517_aol.com
Pat DeTar
The Flea Market Inc
1590 Berryessa Rd.
San Jose, CA 95133
Phone:408-453-1110
Email: sellers_sjfm.com
California Open Air Markets
3280 East Foothill Boulevard
Suite 205
Pasadena, California 91107
Phone:(562) 921-9996
Email: Richard-l_nd-inc.com
Dennis Mineni
The Merced Flea & Farmers Market
23 W. Alexander Ave, Suite 460
Merced, CA 95348
Phone:(209) 723-3796
Fax:209-723-3796
Email: dmnono_aol.com
Debbie Davis
Old Mill Marketplace,
TX 542 E Hwy 64,
Canton, TX 75103
Email: Debbie_oldmillmarketplace.com
Rob Sieban
Mile High Marketplace
7007 E. 88th Avenue
Henderson, CO 80640
Phone:303.289.4656 Ext. 116
Fax:303.286.1922
Email: Rob_milehighmarketplace.com
Wes Ellison
Lafayette Jockey Lot Flea Market
3011 NW Evangeline Thruway
Lafayette, LA 70507
Phone:337-236-3532
Cell Phone:864-934-5984
Fax:337-236-3432
Email:Wesleyellison_gmail.com
Steven Pockat
7 Mile Fair
2720 W. 7 Mile Road
Caledonia, WI 53108
Phone:262-835-2177 Ext. 126
Email: Steve_7milefair.com
Ben Campen
Smiley's Flea Market
6650 St. Augustine Rd., Suite 203
Jacksonville, FL 32217
Phone:(904) 636-5535
Email: bhcampen_bellsouth.net
Sammy Parker
Derby Park Flea Market
NFMA Presidents Message
January, 2012
Dear NFMA Members
This will be my last communication to you as President of the NFMA. As a founding Board member and it’s President for the last 4 ½ years, it has been my pleasure to serve our industry.
Throughout this period we have created a voice and presence for our industry locally, regionally and nationally. We have worked diligently towards raising the level of professionalism as well as the image of our industry by sharing and exchanging information, ideas and protocols . Our annual conference has become an integral part of this process.
We have been able to respond to legislative issues affecting our industry by forming relationships with legislators throughout the country with the assistance of our Government Relations consultants. This has also served to acquaint our elected officials with the role of flea markets in creating individual entrepreneurship as well as our impact on the national economy.
We have established and maintained long standing relationships with national partners and sponsors who recognize the significance of the flea market industry and it’s loyal customer base. These relationships have served to help sustain and strengthen our association.
On a personal note I have had the good fortune to form many lasting friendships with my peers throughout the country. The constant and close communication that has existed has been an invaluable asset during my Presidency. I have and will always benefit from the knowledge, experience and insights of my colleagues.
I thank you for the responsibility, opportunity and honor bestowed upon me over these years to serve as your President. I wish you all well in the future.
Personal Regards,
Budweiser
Anheuser-Busch, Inc.: Anheuser-Busch is proud to be a sponsor of the NFMA. As the U.S. industry leader since 1957, Anheuser-Busch produces the two best-selling beers in the world: Budweiser and Bud Light. It also produces more than 60 beers, flavored alcohol beverages, and nonalcohol brews at 12 breweries in the United States. You are encouraged to contact your local Anheuser-Busch distributor for more information about our wide variety of high-quality products and outstanding merchandising
E-SoftSys, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner is a total solutions provider for the Flea Market and Swap Meet industry and provides products and services such as:
Booth Tracker, booth reservation software with dynamic graphical layout capabilities.
MobilRental, a Pocket PC based rental and vendor check in module.
Web Rental, a web based rental module that allows vendors to renew their spaces over the internet.
Website design, development and search engine optimization services, integrate Vendor Directory and Market Layout with the flea market website.
Vendor Directory and Market Layout Kiosk, a touch screen based self-help information center for shoppers and vendors.
Online Credit Card processing & Shopper Admission Tickets modules.
Why Booth Tracker?
Booth Tracker is developed from the ground up as flea market/swap meet software.
Over 60% of the largest flea markets in the country use Booth Tracker.
The only software company in the flea market industry that offers support 7 days a week, especially on weekends.
Microsoft Certified product.
Booth Tracker is constantly enhanced based on feedback from the customers, with new releases every year.
E-SoftSys works closely with the National Flea Market Association and has attended the NFMA annual convention 8 years in a row.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting 800-469-1740 Ext 1, or by visiting
Flea Market Management Software and Website Design Services
The Merchandiser Group comprises three regional magazines serving Flea Market and Swap Meet vendors across North America. Reaching over 100,000 active vendors monthly, the East Coast, Midwest, and Western Merchandiser deliver product sourcing information, news, and business strategies essential to the Flea Market and Swap Meet industry. The Merchandiser Group has been the leading response vehicle connecting wholesale suppliers to this massive and powerful buying audience since 1985.
Mahoney Group: The Mahoney Group is the endorsed Property and Casualty Insurance provider for the NFMA. We have created specialized Insurance Programs tailored to the meet the needs of the Flea Market / Swap Meet industry. Coverages available in our programs include Property, General Liability, Business Auto, Liquor Liability, Umbrella and Worker's Compensation coverage. (And coming soon - Vendor Insurance Policies).
The Merchandiser Group
They comprises three regional magazines serving Flea Market and Swap Meet vendors across North America. Reaching over 100,000 active vendors monthly, the East Coast, Midwest, and Western Merchandiser deliver product sourcing information, news, and business strategies essential to the Flea Market and Swap Meet industry. The Merchandiser Group has been the leading response vehicle connecting wholesale suppliers to this massive and powerful buying audience since 1985.
Mahoney Group:
The Mahoney Group is the endorsed Property and Casualty Insurance provider for the NFMA. We have created specialized Insurance Programs tailored to the meet the needs of the Flea Market / Swap Meet industry. Coverages available in our programs include Property, General Liability, Business Auto, Liquor Liability, Umbrella and Worker's Compensation coverage. (And coming soon - Vendor Insurance Policies).
NFMA Names
Triton Preferred ATM Provider
AROSE/AFF
The NFMA is happy to announce that the Association of Restaurant Owners for a Sustainable Earth and the Alternative Fuel Foundation (AROSE/AFF) are now NFMA Preferred Vendors.
Benefits to Members signing up for this program include:
Get paid for every gallon collected, or donate it for tax credit
Membership to LocallyGreen.org ($600/year Value)
Discounts on additional services such as grease trap and hood cleaning (based on region operating in)
No Hidden Fees
Plus, NFMA receives volume rebates for each active participating market which keep our member dues low.
Contact Ted Allen at 1-877-986-2338 ext. 25 to sign-up.
Arose Flyer - Scanned.pdf
Motel 6
Motels 6 has been established as the Preferred Economy Lodging Partner for the National Flea Market Association. NFMA members will automatically receive a 5% discount off of the standard daily rate at Motel 6 when reservations are booked through the website link or by calling 1-800-4motel6 and referencing the NFMA Customer #Motel 6 CP543866. Already a value in lodging, NFMA members can now save an additional 5% at Motel 6 through this new Preferred Partner
Denio's Calif. flea market approved for food stamps program
July 1, 2011 by Michael Alterio
Filed under Featured FM News, Flea Market & Swap Meet News
Clcik here to go to the article
April 10, 2011
NFMA Owners & Managers "NEWS YOU CAN USE" Advertising Online Surpassed Newspapers in 2010
Stat of the Day: Posted By: Clark Fredricksen
If you haven’t yet checked out the findings from the study released today by the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism, take a look. The study, which cites eMarketer’s figures from December 2010, confirms that 2010 was the first year US marketers put more money into online advertising than newspapers. Also important: 2010 was the first year online readership overtook newspapers’ print readership in the US.
Total newspaper spending, including advertising in print and online editions, fell to $25.7 billion in 2010, a decline of 6.6%, according to eMarketer. Spending on print newspapers alone dropped more steeply, to $22.8 billion. Meanwhile, a rise of 13.9% pushed total US online ad spending up to $25.8 billion by year’s end. The spending gap will widen significantly this year, as total newspaper spending slips further to $24.6 billion (including $21.4 billion for print) and online climbs to $28.5 billion.
Useful Information Brought to you by the NFMA.
How to Succeed as a Flea Market Business
Going to a flea market, or swap meet, is one of the best small businesses you can start. It is easy and does not require a lot of investments. It is just like having a garage sale, but in a setting with many other vendors trying to sell their items. There are some things that go better at flea markets than other things. Here is how to make a profit at a flea market and what sells best.
Date have been announced for the 2012 Conference at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas Feb. 8-9th.
Golf Outing on Feb. 7th. (Golf outing registration is closed)
Download Forms here to mail or email your registration.
Conference Attendee Form Mailer.pdf
Click here for the discounted rate the the Paris Hotel starting at $89.00 or call (888) 470-6740 and mention code Group: SPFLE2
Conference Price
Admission for one adult to the conference at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Hotel, Travel, Extra
$495
NFMA Member Conf. Sponsorship
I am an NFMA Member and would like to sponsor the Conference in Las Vegas on February 7-9th.
$250
Make sure that your membership dues are paid, pay for conference on line and fill out your attendance form and mail it or email it to nfma_fleamarkets.org
CHECKOUT
Is your market photogenic?
If it is, please consider sharing your photos with NFMA for the Photo Gallery. We want to illustrate the variety and attractiveness of our member markets.
We invite you to send typical operations photos and shots of special events. We're looking for all size markets, and both indoor and outdoor facilities. If you've got something that you think no one else has, or are particularly proud of a particular aspect of your market, send a short blurb along with your photo. Please ask for a photo release if necessary.
Congratulations to the 2011 Winners.
The NFMA proudly recognizes 8 outstanding young men and women who are the 2011 recipients of the coveted Barb Nelson Scholarship Award. A $1,000 college scholarship has been awarded to each of these exemplary 'Class of 2011' high school graduates.
The Barb Nelson Scholarship is made available annually to graduating high school seniors who are employees or children of employees of NFMA member markets for a minimum of one year. To be eligible, candidates must also maintain a cumulative average of "B" or higher throughout high school and submit a 250-500 word essay detailing how the flea market has positively impacted the student's life, along with a summary of their extra-curricular, community service and/or charitable activities. Here are the winners for this year.
Rebecca Walker
Caesar Creek Markets
(Wilmington, OH)
