Kiosk.org Association (KOA) held its 2004 annual meeting at the end of the first day of KioskCom.2004. KOA chairman, Dick Good opened the meeting with the introduction of KOA's executive committee. Following Good's welcoming comments and introduction, KOA executive director, Alan Fryrear, gave the Executive Director's Report.
Fryrear told the standing room only crowd that he was glad to have them there. He went on to say that the four-year-old KOA is doing well for a young association. In 2003 they signed up 60 new members, which brought the membership to 174 by the end of last year. KOA has a member retention rate of 69 percent.
In 2003 KOA had several outstanding accomplishments. It formed partnerships with Kiosk Magazine and KioskCom, created a pavilion at the Retail Systems Show that included 16 exhibitors and formed an agreement with DMMV in Germany. In addition, traffic on KOA's Web site increased 50 percent in 2003.
KOA also presented the 2004 Kiosk Hall of Fame Awards. Recipients are nominated by association members for their contribution to the industry. Mike Mayer, the first vice president of KOA, announced the recipients. The 2004 inductees were:
Lawrence Dvorchik -- Managing Director of KioskCom since 1997
Francie Mendelsohn - President, Summit Research Associates
Lief Larson - Co-founder and editor of Kiosk Magazine
"There are so many people that are more deserving," said Larson. "I feel very fortunate."
Dvorchik said he was "excited to be honored and excited that the work is being noted and appreciated."
The closing remarks were given by newly announced KOA executive director, Greg Swistak.
Swistak gave kudos to Craig Keefner for starting the first kiosk information site and his work as a former KOA executive director and thanked Fryrear for his KOA contributions.
Speaking about his new position, "These are tremendously big shoes to fill," said Swistak. I am glad to be here to carry on the good work that Craig and Alan have done."
