Brian Duke Exits VendEver Cotton Candy Biz 

Brian Duke, industry veteran and co-founder of VendEver, has left the Las Vegas based company after serving as President and CEO for the last year. The company, which introduced its Cotton Candy Factory vending machine in cooperation with Feiloli Electronics in Taiwan, will continue operating from their Henderson, NV headquarters with Rick Lefke assuming the role as CEO.

Duke cited personal reasons for his departure. He said:  "I know that this may seem sudden to some people, but after spending so much time away from my family in Denver and trying to take VendEver from a small Nevada start up to an established force in the coin-op industry, I felt it was now time for me to step aside and let others take over. I've been devoting so much energy to this venture and honestly neglecting my own family. I know VendEver will go on without my involvement but I can't say the same about my family."

Duke licensed the exclusive North American rights to the machine from Feiloli Electronics and branded it as Cotton Candy Factory here. He negotiated a deal that got their machines into a nationally known theater chain and gained widespread recognition for the company. "This is the most exciting and promising product available to operators in years and it's by far the best ROI of any machine in this business. Our chairman Jose Martinez Canseco has always had our customer's best interest at heart," concluded Duke. "I really wish everyone at VendEver continued success and only the best for the future. It's a great company with an even greater future."

Illinois To Consider Slots At Tracks 

Even as they contemplate pulling the plug on video gaming in bars and taverns before it even gets started, Illinois lawmakers will also consider a proposal to allow slot machine at horse tracks in the Chicago area, according to a report on HB 3107 by the Illinois Statehouse News website.

"A similar bill died last year, and the same sponsor, State Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), is at it again," the website reported. "Lang said the plan would create up to 1,500 jobs and rake in up to $400 million for the state."

The gaming machines are reportedly needed to revive collapsing race track revenue. State tax collections from the tracks has decreased by close to 37% over the past five years, the website noted.

Earlier this week, an influential state senator proposed a plan that would repeal the plan to have statewide tavern gaming. That law has also run afoul of a state appeals court for unrelated drafting errors, and a hearing before the state Supreme Court is pending.  

April Show Issue Set To Go To Press

RePlay's April issue, which is being put to bed as this newsletter goes out, will offer comprehensive coverage of this month's Amusement Expo in Vegas as well as a special look at some of the newsiest product developments to emerge from the convention. By way of a preview, here's an excerpt from the issue's lead editorial:

"There was loads of interesting new product on the show floor and myriad reports of an uptick in business, all pointing toward a rebounding economy. Industry leaders should be rightfully proud at the successful transition to a one-show calendar and an enlivened base of exhibitors producing worthwhile product.

The ebb and flow of life bring good tidings and bad. Our hearts go out to the people of Japan as they struggle to recover from the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck last month. Closer to home, we give thanks for a good show and the promise of economic recovery, while remaining humble in the face of still persistent challenges and struggles. For our part, we continue to appreciate the support of our readers and advertisers and relish the process of bringing together the various aspects of the trade, each and every month."

NJAA Hosts 16th East Coast Expo 

The New Jersey Amusement Association recently held its 16th annual East Coast Expo Marc 16-17 in Atlantic City. The show saw a broad range of amusement industry exhibitors, including suppliers to FECs and theme parks, game makers and prize distributors.

In addition to the trade show, NJAA hosted a series of seminars and informational meetings, including presentations by the Ride Committee, the Responsible Wealth Seminar by Frank Congilose of A&A Financial Group, a seminar on facility architecture and layout by John Salmen of Universal Designers and Consultants and a session put on by the New Jersey Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission. NJAA also sponsored its annual cocktail reception to benefit the group's scholarship fund at the Trump Marina.