Don't miss your chance to save ... by signing up for the inaugural Back to Billiards Preseason Kickoff for Everything Billiards in Baltimore, Maryland, August 10-12. Exhibitors who register by the end of the month can realize big savings on booth fees, and begin to take advantage of exclusive promotional opportunities through the BCA. Download a contract and register by January 30 for your early-bird discount!

Like the April EXPO, the Back to Billiards Kickoff is "open for business" only to certified dealers and room operators; the public will not have access. On that Saturday, a separate lineup of special events will generate billiard excitement, where the public will be invited to view an official Guinness World Record attempt, watch world-champion trick-shot artists, take instructional clinics and attend the EnjoyPool.com Battle of the BCA Champions, featuring 12 top male and female professionals, who will join forces in a three-person team 8-Ball format.

Sponsorship materials in development ... The final matches of the pro event will be taped for broadcast by ESPN, and the BCA will offer sponsorship bidding to BCA Business Members later this winter. Interested? Contact BCA Director of Marketing, Amy Long, for details.

YELLOW BALLOONS IN ADVANCE ONLY ... Don't wait until you see those yellow balloons flying above selected booths at the April EXPO - act NOW to sign up to offer a Show Only Special in Houston, or you'll be disappointed when you can't take advantage of this promotional opportunity on arrival. Show Only Specials are available ONLY in advance, and include a website listing, a print directory released on site, pre-event updates and exposure ... and a big yellow balloon for the duration of the show.

There's no need to decide exactly what your special will be ... that can wait until the day you set up your booth. But you MUST commit in advance by completing the paperwork so your special can be included in the full range of promotions — and we can make sure that your balloon is on on hand. [ download a contract ]

Think you'd like to join Hampton Ridge Billiards, Legacy Billiards, Tiger Products, and D & R Industries on the growing list? Contact Tracy Hart with any questions, and she'll get you set up.

BCA Certified Instructor Steve Jennings ... was caught with his hand in the cookie jar over the holidays — but it was putting them in! For their holiday greetings, Sterling Gaming baked and packaged over 21,600 cookies this year. According to Scott Taylor, "we basically had four ovens doing three dozen each, going non-stop for two weeks, including weekends. I guess we averaged 8-10 hours of baking a day."

This photo of Steve appears on the CueSight.com website, with the caption: "Looks like Steve is on cookie duty. Hopefully, he has baked more than he has eaten. During Christmas, the entire office smells of delicious Sugar, Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Raisin and Chocolate Chip cookies. That is the best way to get people up and going in the morning."

The National Wheelchair Poolplayer Association ... schedule lists the R.A.D.A.R. 9-Ball Classic in Rochester, Virginia, as its next event. The January 27-29 tournament is slated for play at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, and more details can be requested by email to Radarsports@aol.com. The NWPA website also has a new color scheme, layout and calendar section, so take a peek.

JOHN HOFFMAN ... of American Heritage Billiards in Brunswick, Ohio, has been in the pool, spa and billiard industries the majority of his life. His family was part of a multi-store retail chain, where he received his grass-roots education. His early background includes installations, retail sales and management.

After working several years as a Regional Director of Sales for a manufacturer in the pool industry, Mr. Hoffman accepted a position as the National Sales Manager of Hercules Products in 1990. Hercules manufactured many products in the pool and spa industry and in 1992 began producing billiard tables.

In 1999, he became a financial partner of Recreation Products, the parent company to American Heritage Billiards. American Heritage has quickly grown to become one of the leaders in the billiard industry.

As a volunteeer, Mr. Hoffman serves on the Long Range Planning and Trade Show / Services Committees of the BCA, offering his professional expertise and guidance to important projects that help ensure the growth, vision and direction of the BCA. [ committee list ]

:: BCA PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

BCA DESIGN RACK ... The sample sale sheet at right is just one of dozens of marketing projects contained in the BCA Design Rack CD [ larger view ]. Other projects include sample ads, brochures, coupons & raffle tickets, direct mailers, posters, inserts, flyers, web banners, and much more. For each project, you'll find rights-free photography for use with the designs shown (or your own), blank InDesign template files that you (or your graphic designer) can use to personalize your final piece, plus editable, high-resolution PDF files. Start the new year with your own made-to-order marketing and promotions plan, with help from the BCA, by ordering your copy of the BCA Design Rack for the members-only price of $19.95.