Prior to his time in Major League Baseball, Valentine was a star athlete, not only in baseball, but football as well. He excelled in both sports at Rippowam High School in Stamford, Connecticut. Several universities became aware of his outstanding athletic abilities, and the young Valentine was recruited by Duke University, the University of Nebraska, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Southern California. Valentine decided to enroll at USC, where he became a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Valentine, better known to some as “Bobby V,” began his career in Major League Baseball in 1969, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also went on to play for the California Angels, the New York Mets, and the Seattle Mariners, before finishing his playing days in 1979. In 1985 he transitioned into the role of a manager, leading such teams as the Texas Rangers, the New York Mets, the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball, and finally the Boston Red Sox. Valentine’s greatest accomplishment as a Major League Manager was in the 2000 season, when he led the New York Mets to a National League Pennant and their first World Series appearance since 1986. The Mets would not appear in the World Series again until 2015.

Valentine has continued to share his baseball knowledge with others, lending his insight as an analyst for “ESPN Sunday Night Baseball.” Away from the game, Valentine has also served as the Director of Public Safety & Health for the City of Stamford, Connecticut. He is now the athletic director at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

“We are both excited and honored to have the one-and-only Bobby Valentine join us for the 55th Anniversary Hot Stove Gala,” said Fresno Grizzlies General Manager Derek Franks. “Our fans are going to be in for a real treat when they experience the rich-history of Bobby Valentine.”

The baseball great will join another guest speaker, Fresno Grizzlies Manager Tony DeFrancesco, along with Grizzlies catcher Tyler Heineman and pitcher James Hoyt, for the evening’s festivities. DeFrancesco led the Grizzlies to their first- ever Pacific Coast League and Triple-A National Championships in his first year with the ball club, where the franchise picked up its first division title since its inaugural 1998 season. Heineman and Hoyt both made the final play in Game 5 of the PCL Championship, thus clenching the title. All four of the men had a role in the Triple-A National Championship last year, with Valentine participating on the broadcast team for the NBC Sports Network.

The Hot Stove Gala benefits the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that manages community programs such as Wild About Reading, Farm Grown and Junior Grizzlies. Tickets are currently available for the dinner. In addition to guest speakers from the world of baseball, awards to local high schools and high school players will be presented. The Al Radka Award will also be announced and presented during the dinner. Tickets are $75 for adults and $35 for children (12 and under). An All-Star Table (includes 10 tickets) is available for $700 and space is limited. To purchase tickets, please RSVP by calling Grizzlies Community Fund Director Whitney Campbell at (559) 320- 2547 or by visiting www.FresnoGrizzlies.com.

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“This is an important and very good day for our Tribe,” Tribal Chairwoman Claudia Gonzales said. “Our new Tribal Council promised our members we would act swiftly to reopen the casino, get our employees back to work and start to rebuild our Tribe’s financial and cultural strength, and this agreement is an important step towards those goals. We appreciate the efforts of Madera County, state and local agencies and the National Indian Gaming Commission in securing the agreements to reopen our casino. We are confident we will meet all conditions of the NIGC agreement.”

“The casino reopening shows what our Tribe can do when we put aside our differences, and work with accountability and transparency,” Tribal Councilmember Morris Reid said.  “As we have said since the election, the job of the new council is to bring peace and prosperity back to our people.”

“One of our initial pledges as a new council was to establish strong relationships with the county, state and federal government,” Councilmember Thomas Walker said. “This agreement demonstrates our work in this area and bodes well for our future government-to-government activities.”

The reopening date of the casino will be announce in the coming days, but work is already underway to prepare for the re-opening.

“We are pleased to be able to put more than 1,000 members of our community back to work,” Tribal Councilmember Nakomis Hernandez said. “The financial impacts of the re-opening will benefit Madera County, the region and our tribal members significantly.”

“This has been many months in the making, we want to thank the NIGC for working diligently with our new team to finalize the agreement that allows Chukchansi Gold to reopen,” said Christian Goode Chief Operating Officer of Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino. “It’s a new day here at the casino and we are busy with the work of returning it to the world-class destination it once was.”

In the year since the NIGC ordered the casino closed, the tribe has worked tirelessly to reverse course, right its internal management, install a seasoned casino operations and oversight team, develop a security protocol with Madera County and the State of California, and worked with the NIGC to reach a settlement that was satisfactory to all parties. Once open, the casino will once again begin to drive revenue into the tribe and become the economic engine the region has been lacking since the casino was closed.

Previously, the tribe had announced that they struck a deal with Unite Here! Local 19 to restore the jobs and benefits to the hundreds of employees who lost their jobs when the casino closed in October 2014. Later, the tribe announced the addition of Phil Hogen, former Chairman of the NIGC during the Bush Administration, and Joseph Smith, former audit Director for the NIGC to the tribe’s gaming commission.

These appointments, along with the new casino management, will ensure timely audits and transparency, both crucial factors in the NIGC settlement agreement.

When it reopens, CRGC will reopen its doors with more than 56,000 square feet of gaming space featuring more than 1,700 reel and video slot machines and 36 table games. The casino will also boast seven world-class restaurants.

Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino features live table games, reel and video slot machines, a 300-seat award winning buffet, a world-class steakhouse, more than 400 luxurious hotel rooms and suites, a full service spa and various other amenities. 

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The Big Fresno Fair hired 686 employees for the months of September and October. NOTE: This does not include the local employees hired by our carnival provider, Butler Amusements, our Janitorial Company, Pritchard Sports & Entertainment or each of the individual food vendors.

Livestock Pavilion

• 898 animals were exhibited at the Fresno Fair.
• 182 animals (meat goats, dairy cows, heifers, chickens, turkeys and rabbits) were put up for auction at the 2014 Jr. Livestock Auction on Saturday, October 4.
• 479 animals (beef, sheep and swine) were put up for auction at the 2014 Jr. Livestock. Auction held Saturday, October 11.
• $794,954 was generated from the two Livestock Auctions.
• The most expensive animal sold for $10,000
• 40 bales of straw/sawdust were used in the Animal Birthing Center
• 525 pens and cages were set up.
• 62 clubs exhibited in the Livestock Pavilion this year.
• 124 gallons of soap were utilized at hand washing stations this year.
• 86 animals won champion awards.
• Livestock employees worked a total of 10,540 hours during the 13-day Fair

Ag Ventureland

• 52 pregnant sheep were brought to the 2014 Fair.
• 102 lambs were born on-site.
• 150 baby chicks were hatched at the Fair.
• 6 cows were milked at the Cow Palace Milking Demonstrations and 910 gallons of milk were collected during the 13 days of Fair!
• 140 baby animals were on exhibit
• 120 bales of shavings her used in the exhibit

The Fair Education Program

This annual program draws students, teachers and parents from Fresno County Elementary School classrooms who take part in educational tours of the Fair. Young participants visit each exhibit building and they are taught about the rich agricultural history of The Big Fresno Fair while using an interactive and educational guide and having fun all at the same time.

• Over 35,579 Fresno County parents, teachers and students toured the Fair on four different days this year as part of the Fair Education Program. This is the 22^nd year of the Program.

Home Arts Building presented by Save Mart Supermarkets

• There were 100 homemade quilts that were entered for display.
• Pumpkin Carving Contest; had 10 participants
• There were 6 food contests:
  • Ethnic Food Contest; had 7 participants
  • King Arthur Flour “Great Cake” Contest; had 8 participants
  • Made with Nuts Contest; had 12 participants
  • Baked with Raisins & Raisin Pie presented by California Raisin Marketing Board had 30 participants
  • Chile Cook-off Contest; had 5 participants
  • Pie Contest; had 13 participants
• There was an average of 8 demonstrations per day

Wells Fargo Agriculture Building

• ·         The biggest pumpkin weighed 400 pounds.
• ·         595 grapes were given ribbons in four different divisions.

Kids’ Town

• New Wizard’s Challenge Exhibit
  • 36 STEM-based activities were on display in the Wizard’s Challenge exhibit
  • 230,000 people entered the Wizard’s Challenge exhibit
  • Thursday, October 9 was the busiest day in the Wizard’s Challenge exhibit with 40,000 people entering the exhibit
  • 26 gallons of soap were used for the Bubble Arena

Gem and Mineral Exhibit

• 1,800 lbs. of polished rocks handed out during the Fair Education Program.
• $6,000 in scholarships awarded to Fresno State and Fresno City College students.

Free Entertainment

• 1,580 hours of FREE entertainment were provided during the 2014 Fair.

Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand

• ·         547 horses ran in the races this year.
• ·         83 races were held this year.
• ·         On average 6.6 horses ran per race.
• ·         325 horses were stabled during the Fair.

SPCA

• 60 animals were adopted by Fair patrons during the 13 days of the Fair.

Wool Riders Only Mutton Bustin’

• ·         550 kids participated in Wool Riders Only Mutton Bustin’
• ·         50 sheep were brought for this attraction.
• ·         50 bales of hay were used to feed the sheep during the Fair.

All-Alaskan Pig Races

• 52 All-Alaskan Pig races were run.
• The pigs ran a total of 2 miles.
• Did you know:
  • Pigs are the 5^th smartest animal on the planet.
  • Pig’s IQ is about equivalent to most breeds of dogs.
  • An adolescent pig can run around 15 mph.

Bull Riding

• 1 minute was the longest ride time.
• 1 second was the shortest ride time.
• A total of 2,250 people attempted the Bull Riding at the 2014 Fair.

Play It Safe

• 300 children were ID’d and fingerprinted.
• 1,000 Play It Safe Coloring Books were handed out at the Fair.
• 70 awards and 25 bikes from the coloring poster contest were given out at the annual Play It Safe Awards held on Saturday, October 11.

New Willamette Valley Pie Company

• 4,600 slices of pie were sold.
• 550 turnovers were sold.
• 2,500 slices of cobblers were sold
• Marionberry was the most popular flavor during the 2014 Fair.

Big Bubba’s Bad BBQ

• ·         2,800 pounds of tri-tip were sold.
• ·         7,000 smoked turkey legs were sold.
• ·         1,100 ears of corn were sold.
• ·         400 pounds of baked beans were sold.

West Coast Concessions Fairs, Churros

• ·         9,600 Churros were sold.
• ·         1,090 pounds of sugar and cinnamon were used.

Southern Comfort Kitchen

• 6,000 Fried Gator Bites on a stick were sold.
• 600 pounds of shrimp were sold.
• 700 pounds of rice were used.
• 5,000 crab fries were sold.

Texas Twister Drinks

• 880 oranges were hand squeezed at the Fair.
• 2,380 cherries were used in the drinks.
• 2,015 Texas Twister Drinks were sold.
• 4,100 pounds of ice was used.

Sharky’s

• 995 lobster corndogs were sold.
• 860 shark bites were sold.
• 4,900 pounds of fries were sold.
• 330 mini crab cakes were sold.
• 1,961 orders of lobster fries were sold.

Garlicky’s

• 9,000 Garlic Chicken Kabobs were sold.
• 3,500 pizzas were sold.
• 100 pounds of garlic cloves were used at the Fair.
• Chicken Kabobs were the most popular item sold from Garlicky’s.

Sonoran Hotdogs

• 2,500 hotdogs were sold.
• 200 pounds of bacon were used.
• 60 cans of pinto beans were used.
• 300 onions were used.

Jackson Enterprises – Grilled Corn Stand

• 6,200 ears of corn were purchased.
• 3,000 corn in a cups were sold.

Too Cool Icee Stands

• 14,900 straws were used.
• 68 gallons of syrup were used.
• 2,000 refillable sports bottles were sold.

Cotton Candy

• A total of 500 pounds of sugar was used to make cotton candy.

Original Soft Rolled Tacos Since 1947

• ·         1,215 dozen corn tortillas were used at the Fair.
• ·         14,572 rolled tacos were eaten at the Fair.

MBM Concessions/Fat Fanny’s

• 2,400 deep-fried Oreos were sold.
• 480 orders of deep-fried Twinkies were sold.
• 3,300 pints of fresh strawberries were used.

Legendairy Gelato

• 14,128 scoops of gelato were served.
• 3,715 waffle cones were served.
• 38 of World’s Largest Waffle Cones were made.
• 800 lbs. of waffle mix used to make the waffle cones.
• Top 2 top flavors were: cookies & cream and peach champagne

Jack Frost Ice

• An estimated 360,000 pounds of ice was used during the Fair.

Save Mart Wine Garden

• 270 bottles of wine were used throughout the Fair.
• 72 of those bottles were Fresno State award-winning wine.

Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls

• Over 32,800 pounds of flour was used.
• Over 11,000 pounds of cinnamon sugar mixture was used.
• Over 4,400 pounds of butter was used.
• Over 5,100 pounds of cream cheese was used.
• Over 980 pounds of walnuts was used.

New Grandpa’s Family Fudge

• 500 pounds of fudge were sold.
• The top three flavors of fudge were:
  • Snickers
  • Chocolate Nut
  • Chocolate

Jeanne’s Artichokes

• 2,280 pounds of artichokes were sold.
• Artichokes were the most popular item from Jeanne’s sold at the 2014 Fair.
• 1,220 deep-fried frog legs were sold.
• 460 banana dogs were sold.

Beerocks

• 1,800 pounds of flour were used for beerock dough.
• 1,500 pounds of ground beef were used during the Fair.
• 1,500 pounds of onions were used to dice up and mix in the beerock meat.
• 1,500 pounds of cabbage were used to mix in the beerock meat.

Funnel Cake Express

• 225 pounds of powdered sugar were used.
• 2,100 pounds of dough were used.
• 6,000 funnel cakes were sold at the 2014 Fair.
• 120 new Gooey Monster Funnel Cakes were sold.
• 40 new Pan Puffs were sold.
• 60 new Maple Syrup Funnel Cakes were sold.
• 200 new Deep Fried Candy Kebobs were sold.

Pepe’s Mariscos

• 950 pounds of shrimp were used for the ceviche.
• 1,000 pounds of shrimp were used for shrimp cocktail.
• 1,530 pounds of carne asada were used.
• 300 limes were used.

Dippin’ Dots:

• 840 pounds of Dippin Dots were sold.
• The top three flavors were Banana Split, Cookies & Cream, and Rainbow ice.

Old Tyme Kettle Corn

• 6,400 pounds of corn kernels were popped during the 2014 Fair.
• 3,550 pounds of sugar was used during the 2014 Fair.

Spud Shack

• 5,000 pounds of potatoes were sold.
• 800 baked potatoes were sold.
• 90 pounds of butter were used.

Polynesian Shave Ice

• 4,100 shave ices were sold.
• 920 pounds of syrup were used.
  • The top three flavors were: Cherry, Bubble Gum & Tiger’s Blood.

Wellmon Concessions

• 650 orders of Dirty Fries were sold.
• 1,500 pounds of deli meat were used.

Sugar Shack

• 75 pounds of sugar were used.
• 125 candy apples were sold.
• Red candy was the bestselling type of candy apple.

Red & White Concessions: Corn Dogs

• 775 pounds of batter were used.
• 5,000 regular corn dogs were sold at the Fair.
• 3,250 jumbo corn dogs were sold at the Fair.

T Concessions Corn Dogs

• 40 pounds of flour was used.
• 20 gallons of mustard was used.
• 20 gallons of ketchup was used.

Gary Morse Concessions

• 2,100 bananas were used for frozen bananas.
• 18 gallons were chocolate were used.
• 42 pounds of sprinkles were used.

Good Ol’ Burgers

• 4,000 burgers were sold at the 2014 Fair.
• 2,250 pounds of beef was used.
• 230 orders of fried pork skins were sold.

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FRESNO, CALIFORNIA, August 19, 2013… The Big Fresno Fair is proud to present the 2nd Annual “Spokes-N-Rods” event on September 28, 2013, which will benefit Terry’s House at Community Regional Medical Center. This motorcycle and car show event will feature the best hotrods, motorcycles, custom cars, antique cars and more from throughout the Central Valley – competing for top bragging rights and trophies – all part of this great fundraising event!

The Big Fresno Fair is encouraging car and motorcycle owners to enter today to participate! Registration is only $25. There are multiple entry categories for cars including Street Rods and Modified, Roadsters, Trucks, Muscle Cars, Corvettes, Camaros, Race Cars and Special Interest. There are also a variety of bike entry categories including Rats, Choppers, Custom, Euro, Metric, Women’s Bike and Vintage. To enter, just fill out the application available at www.fresnofair.com/spokes-n-rods, then either fax it to (559) 650-3227, email it to lking@fresnofair.com or mail it to Lauri King at The Big Fresno Fair, 1121 S. Chance Avenue, Fresno, CA 93702.

The public is also invited to attend and see the large array of cars and bikes on display during the event, as well as enjoy food, music and a live raffle. Raffle tickets are available for purchase now; limited quantities available. Raffle tickets are just $20 each for your chance to be entered-to-win $10,000 cash and a 2013 Harley Davidson Motorcycle. Vendor booths will be onsite with food and drinks available for purchase, as well as the finest products and services that any car or bike enthusiast would want. Admission is free for the public to attend.

All proceeds from entries, vendor booth sales and raffle ticket purchases will directly support Terry’s House, which helps out-of-town families by providing them with a home-away-from-home while their loved ones are receiving critical care across the street at Community Regional Medical Center.

Last year, “Spokes N Rods” brought out more than 6,000 people, 70 vendors and 200 of the Valley’s best hot rods and custom bikes. The second annual “Spokes-N-Rods” Event will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at The Big Fresno Fair from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on becoming an exhibitor or vendor, contact Lauri King at (559) 650-3228 or lking@fresnofair.com.

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The Big Fresno Fair Hall of Fame honors individuals who have demonstrated long-time continued support and extraordinary passion for the betterment of the annual Big Fresno Fair. The Hall of Fame honors those who have been involved with The Big Fresno Fair, whether that be as a long-standing exhibitor, a previous employee, volunteer or community proponent and supporter, for their continued efforts to preserve the longstanding tradition that is The Big Fresno Fair. Since its inception in 2007, there have been 34 individuals inducted into the Fair’s Hall of Fame. The 2013 Hall of Fame inductees included: Tim Bakman, Gary Nelson, Mike Fitzgerald, Robert Smittcamp and Marvin A. Meyers. Go to www.FresnoFair.com/hall-fame to download the nomination form.

The Big Fresno Fair’s Community Champions Awards formally recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an extraordinary passion for the betterment of Fresno County. Awards are given in four categories: Youth, Volunteer, Humanitarian and Educator. The Fair needs the community’s help in bringing attention to those individuals so that they can be recognized. The winners of The Big Fresno Fair Community Champions Awards in 2013 were Teri and Ken Penfold – Community Champion, Volunteer; Sharon Johnson – Community Champion, Humanitarian; David Lopes – Community Champion, Educator; and Al Smith – Community Champion, Special Award.  Go towww.FresnoFair.com/community-champions to download the nomination form.

“These programs provide an opportunity for the Fair’s Board of Directors, Management and staff – and the public – to publicly display our appreciation for those individuals who have shown the highest level of commitment to the Fair and our community,” said John C. Alkire, CEO of The Big Fresno Fair.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2014 Big Fresno Fair Hall of Fame and Community Champions Awards. The deadline for submission is August 15, 2014.There is no limit on the number of nominations an individual or organization can make.

Once individuals are nominated by a community individual, Big Fresno Fair staff or past Big Fresno Fair Board of Directors, nominations will be reviewed by The Big Fresno Fair Board of Directors at their August Board meeting. At that time the Fair Board will vote on Hall of Fame inductees and Community Champions Award winners. Those individuals will then be formally announced and recognized at Opening Ceremonies on October 1st and will receive prominent visual recognition at the Fairgrounds and on The Big Fresno Fair website.

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The Inaugural Yosemite Festival, which will be held on Saturday, June 28 at the Oakhurst Community Park near Yosemite’s south entrance, will feature six exciting regions:

Half Dome Art Pavilion celebrates the beauty and history of the Art of Yosemite.

Yosemite Falls History Center will take you back in time with the evolution of Yosemite & Vintage Clothing Exhibit.

El Capitan Adventure Land celebrates the wildlife, nature, games & experiences of Yosemite.

Yosemite Valley Center Stage, sponsored by Sierra Tel, will feature entertainment throughout the day. Music, dancers, John Muir, Abraham Lincoln, melodrama, and more.

Mariposa Grove Food & Beverage Garden – The Oakhurst Sierra Rotary & Sunrise Rotary will be serving delicious barbecued tri tip and chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, baked beans, and coleslaw. Assorted sodas, water, and beer, including South Gate Brewing Company’s 1864 Ale, will be available as well.

Along the Merced River Vendor Trail, attendees can shop for tasty local treats,kettle Corn, shaved ice, homemade jewelry, solar, woodwork, commemorative anniversary posters & t-shirts, art and more.

12 p.m. starts off the grand entrance of Abraham Lincoln and John Muir in an old wagon train, entering the festival in grand style to patriotic songs being sung in the background, the American flag being hoisted on stage by none other than the boy scouts. Attendees will listen to Abraham Lincoln and John Muir as they tell you why 1864 was such a momentous year. How they made possible the enjoyment of such breathtaking beauty and nature that is Yosemite National Park.

“This is a big commemoration to honor the Yosemite Grant 150th birthday,” said Rhonda Salisbury of the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau. “We will have a little bit of everything for all ages, fun for the whole family. There will be a center stage with performances all day long. It’s going to be a blast.”

The festival hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is only $1 and the first 500 people will receive a commemorative button.

VIP tickets are available which include admission for 1 BBQ meal (sandwich, soda/water & side), commemorative button and poster for $10.

The Oakhurst Community Park is located at 49074 Civic Circle Drive in Oakhurst.

For advanced VIP tickets, vendor inquiries, or more information, call Rhonda Salisbury at 559-683-4636 – Rhonda@YosemiteThisYear.com or Bob Macaulay at 559-683-4494 – macaulayinsurance@gmail.com.

Updated event calendar information can also be found at www.YosemiteFestival.com.

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According to the survey that included more than 2,000 U.S. adults, 70 percent of Americans overall say they usually tip between 15 to 20 percent for good service when dining out, and one in ten Americans say they typically tip more than 20 percent, with men more likely to say this than women (12 percent compared to eight percent, respectively).  Thankfully, just one percent of Americans say they leave nothing for good service.

A closer look at the survey’s demographics shows that younger adults, more than older adults, say they usually leave tips well below the national average.  Thirty percent of Americans age 18-34 admit they normally tip less than 15 percent for good service, while only 16 percent of adults 35 and older admit this in the survey.

Geographically, there are also differences. According to the survey, diners in the Northeast are more charitable when tipping than other regions of the country. For example, 22 percent of diners in the South say they normally tip less than 15 percent. In the West 24 percent say this, and in the Midwest it is 26 percent. Only 15 percent of Northeast diners say they tip this sparingly, and the overall average tip among this geographic group is above the national average at 19 percent.

The Harris Poll survey for Michelin also asked Americans what was the most they have tipped for good service. Surprisingly, one in three Americans said they have left 30 percent or more for good service.

In the very big tipper category, 12 percent of diners say they have left 50 percent or more in gratuity. And while there were some small differences between men and women in normal tipping habits, when it comes to the largest tip ever, men are considerably more freehanded than women. In the Michelin survey, men are more likely than women to have tipped 30 percent or more (39 percent versus 24 percent, respectively), and men are also more likely to have splurged 50 percent or more (16 percent versus eight percent, respectively).

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Findings from the 26th annual study show that not just streaming entertainment brands, but the devices and operating systems that enable them, are among those most aggressively accumulating equity over the last two years.  Android and Apple (both its iPads and its computers) are also among the top 10 brands experiencing aggressive equity increases.  Amazon once again holds the highest brand equity score in the study and retains its e-Retailer Brand of the Year distinction…and it is now heavily promoting its Amazon Instant Video and Prime Instant Video services.

“Brand equity is not a measure that is typically subject to strong year-over-year vacillation; the growth curve is generally slow and steady,” said Joan Sinopoli, Senior Vice President and Solutions Consultant at Nielsen Consumer Insights (formerly Harris Interactive).  “Netflix is a market disruptor: it addressed a consumer need for convenience and variety when it took on brick-and-mortar video stores.  Since then, the brand stumbled with its fee restructuring, took corrective action to restore consumer trust, and is taking advantage of the trend toward individualized entertainment.  It’s now embarking on developing its own content, such as House of Cards.”

“Something else these brands have in common is their ability to connect on a very deep level with the consumers they seek to attract,” noted Sinopoli.  “They are all brands that consumers are passionate about—witness the continuing standoff between Android, which has become a strong brand all on its own, and the Apple products fueled by iOS; both the systems themselves and the products which run them inspire passion and debate among their followers.  Which system you choose becomes a reflection of who you are and how you see yourself.”

So has America become so “wired” that it has lost its softer side?  EquiTrend results suggest not.  Multiple Hershey brands, including Hershey Kisses and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, multiple M&M brands as well as Oreo cookies, occupy six out of the 10 top overall positions in the EquiTrend Brand Equity Index, and the classic Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Candy Bar also acquired equity at an unusually fast pace over the last two years.  Are these odd bedfellows with the individual entertainment brands?  Not so, according to Sinopoli.  “After all,” she notes, “you have to eat something while bingeing your favorite series.”

2014 Harris Poll EquiTrend – Brands of the Year
Harris Poll EquiTrend is an annual brand equity study that measures and compares the brand health of more than 1,500 unique brands across 170 categories. It evaluates consumers’ engagement and offers a complete diagnostic of a brand’s position within and outside of its industry.  Besides Brand Equity (comprised of Familiarity, Quality and Consideration), the study also provides subscribers with insight into various aspects of consumer engagement including Consumer Connection, Brand Momentum, Advocates/Saboteurs, Users/Non-Users and Co-Branding analysis.  Brands that rank highest in Equity receive the Harris Poll EquiTrend “Brand of the Year” award (2014 study rankings).

2014 Harris Poll EquiTrend Brands of the Year include:

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Warner Brothers’ Argo , which won an Oscar® for Best Picture, took the top spot as the #1 Digital Download for 2013 with Warner also taking 4 of the top 10 spots for the year.  Paramount, whose World War Z landed at the #2 position claimed 3 of the top 10 titles of the year.  Overall Warner Brothers ranked as the #1 studio for movies purchased and rented digitally in 2013.

“Electronic Sell-Through (EST) and Internet Video-On-Demand (iVOD) saw significant growth in 2013, largely driven by the terrific films made available by the studios; the growth of Ultraviolet (UV), which now has more than 15 million UV consumer accounts; the addition of more retailers making content available digitally; and studios making more titles available early for purchase on EST,” says Chris Roberts, Rentrak’s Senior Vice President of Sales of OnDemand Everywhere.

According to the company’s Digital Download Essentials^® Industry Service, here are the top ten purchased and rented movies for the year, per data collected from week ending Jan. 6 through Dec. 29, 2013:

Rentrak Top Ten Digital Movie Purchases and Rentals*:

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The Visit California Poppy Awards honors industry leaders for the best in California’s tourism marketing and promotion. Visit California received a record number of entries this year and views the number of submissions as an indication of the health of the industry.

Launched in Jan. 2013, Majestic Mountain Loop was formed to highlight and educate visitors on the close proximity of these three national treasures and the unique attributes of the surrounding communities. Gail Zurek, with the Visalia Visitors and Convention Bureau stated “The response to the Majestic Mountain Loop by travelers has been exciting.  Clearly the ease of the 3 parks in 3 days resonates with so many.”

‘The Loop’ introduces the Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite National parks to travelers who worried they did not have time to see all three or did not realize how accessible it is to see all three distinct parks. Having the Fresno Yosemite International Airport as a partner allows the Majestic Mountain Loop to gain exposure in markets that fly into FAT.  With direct international flights with Aeromexico and a strong relationship with Alaska Airlines, Majestic Mountain Loop has gain exposure beyond locals wanting to take a car trip.

Rhonda Salisbury, marketing director for the Yosemite Sierra Visitor’s Bureau added, “This concept and partnership however would not be possible without the support and cooperation of the National Parks Service.”

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