Zoo and Aquarium Section

Name-Dropped Plush (From page 200) moves them into clearance. “I’d rather keep the product moving,” she said.

This summer, it seems, enthusiastic visitors will snap up nearly any well priced souvenir. “Guests will pretty much buy what we put out there,” said Store Manager Samantha Tritsch of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. “If it’s older, we’ll just re-mer- chandise it to make it look fresh.”

Aside from a small sale section, leftovers are rare at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo gift shop. “We sell out so much we don’t have much left over,” said P aula Hlucky . “We have a strong environmental program here, and people love to support the zoo through all our merchandise. And with lots of events, we are really busy.” ❖

In 1991 a small company was founded in Philadelphia, Pa.: The Penny Men. Two partners built and placed their first penny machine at the old Philadelphia Spectrum. Thirty years later a lot has changed - The Penny Men is now part of CTM Group, Inc., a company that provides a slew of self serve options for tourist and retail locations in the United States and 11 countries.

The first penny machine in 1991 has led to over 2,300 in 2021. Plus, the company now places their medallion machines along with candy, kiddie rides, game rooms and even ice cream machines! In 2021 more than 25 million people will use CTM Group, Inc. penny machines alone!

As with so many other businesses, COVID was devastating to CTM Group, Inc. Plus, to add insult to injury right before COVID, the company that CTM represented exclusively for nine years with their wearable penny accessory products abruptly decided to go after CTM clients directly. All in all, 2020 was quite the struggle.

However, with the same strength, persistence and smarts that helped the company grow every year for 29 years, they buckled down and have positioned themselves for another 30 years.

What’s new:

• All of the machines now placed by CTM Group, Inc. offer a cashless option;

• They have a new and exciting wearable product called “Pennycollector;”

• And, the company can provide individual cranes/ prize machines to a location or they can set up a fully staffed redemption game room for sites.

One thing that has not changed in 30 years - CTM Group, Inc. clients never pay one dime for any of the equipment we build and place at your location!

CTM Group, Inc. looks forward to another 30 years! Please come say “Hi” to us at either the Las Vegas (Booth #978) or Gatlinburg (Booth #1717) Shows. We will have giveaways and fantastic show specials!

(To make an appointment, or for questions, contact John Cweiber by emailing jcweiber@ctmgroupinc.com or by calling 610-659-6918. For additional information, circle 56 on the reader service card.) ❖