September 2010
Marty Shumsky Passes
Marty Shumsky, president/founder of Reno Game Sales, 72, died Saturday, Aug. 14 of liver cancer. He’d only been diagnosed in July, so his period of suffering was relatively brief. A memorial service was held Aug. 22 at Reno’s Atlantis Casino.
Marty started his distributorship from scratch in 1984, just after the end of the videogame boom. Prior to that, he spent many years as general manager of U.B.I. (the former United Billiards) in Union, N.J.
He was genuinely liked and respected by numerous trade people who considered him a friend as well as a supplier. The company continues up and running, advised his “right hand gal” Cindy Bozman; she can be reached at the office number 775/829-2080 or by email at cindyrgs@yahoo.com.
Cindy advised that in lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to: Memorial for Martin Shumsky, Chronic Disease Fund, 6900 N. Dallas Pkwy., Plano TX 75024, attention of Ashley Allen. Marty is survived by his wife Paula, sons Brett and Greg and three grand-daughters. May he rest in God’s peace.
TouchTunes Interactive Networks has kicked off their myTouchTunes program, a nightlife music experience with an integrated platform that combines location-based, social networking with the digital jukebox. The new networking platform enables members to create, share and control “the soundtrack to their night” by creating music playlists, sharing them with friends, checking-in at local bars and updating what they’re listening to and where they are, in real time, through Facebook and Twitter. The new platform also comes with a new myTouchTunes rewards program, allowing users to earn free credits every time they play music while logged into myTouchTunes on the jukebox.
“With the world of consumer entertainment options changing fast, we are exploring new and effective ways to provide consumers with access to the great nightlife experience they’ve come to expect from TouchTunes,” said CEO Charles Goldstuck. “myTouchTunes will be a truly unique, integrated digital media experience for our operators, bar owners, staff, and for our valued patrons.”
“This newly expanded myTouchTunes is the only in-venue and online destination that allows users to create a more personalized music experience at bars and restaurants,” the company boasted.
TouchTunes has made it easier than ever to create personal playlists and send updates on what the user is playing and where to friends on Facebook and Twitter. In addition to sharing music with myTouchTunes users, playlists can be featured across the entire TouchTunes network and accessed and played directly from the jukebox in the location. The online platform also gives users the ability to search for and find myTouchTunes-activated jukeboxes at nearby bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs.
Coming soon is a myTouchTunes mobile application to bring a version of the complete experience to iPhone users. To learn more, visit www.mytouchtunes.com.
Specialty Coin Products, the Northwest distributor headed up by trade veteran Mike McWilliams, has announced plans to host the Amusement Expo Northwest Oct. 9 at the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia, Washington.
“The goal of this show is to reach both street operators and family entertainment owners and managers,” said McWilliams in making the announcement. “The expo will allow manufacturers to not only show products but to also spend more direct time with prospective buyers.
“Since there is not a show in Las Vegas this fall, we are anticipating a great turnout,” he continued. “Customers who would normally attend a show in Las Vegas and those that would not go will all be willing to travel this short distance to see what is new, as well as spend time learning the latest in the industry.”
The expo will include both informative seminars as well firsthand product presentations from all the suppliers who bring equipment to the event. In addition, there will be a door prize drawing, refreshments and no entry fee charged to the attendees.
Specialty Coin has established a special room rate of $99.95 for all comers. Each guest must refer to Amusement Expo Northwest to receive this discounted rate. Reservations must be made by Wed., Sept. 8 to qualify for the special rate. Rooms are limited. Please contact Red Lion Central Reservations at 800/733-5466 or Red Lion Hotel Olympia, 360/943-4000.
Show coordinators are Chelann and Faye. To learn more about this event or to register, contact Specialty Coin’s Portland office at 503/786-9200, ext. 7 for Faye or ext. 8 for Chelann.
After three years at the helm of LAI Games’ Dallas branch office, Pete Gustafson has exited the firm to return to his hometown of Chicago where most of his family and children live.
Commenting on his departure, Alan Freimuth, CEO of LAI Games, said: “Pete was a valuable employee who contributed greatly to our success in the U.S. market. We are all sorry to see him go, but we can fully understand his desire to be with loved ones again. Pete has already secured employment in Illinois with another major company but will remain with LAI Games till mid-September to ensure a smooth handover.”
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