MONDAY, JANUARY 30 ... is the early-bird deadline for exhibitors to contract for the new Back to Billiards Preseason Kickoff for Everything Billiards, in Baltimore, August 10-12, 2006.

Early registrations have been brisk, and prospective exhibitors can still save on booth fees ... for just a few days longer! Contact Carolyn Lewis by email, or by phone at 719-264-8300 x128 with your questions, and sign up TODAY! [ more ]

BADGE ORDER DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 17 ... BCA members are invited to take advantage of FREE admission badges to the International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo — as long as your order is placed and processed by the advance deadline of February 17.

This business-to-business event is not open to the general public, and admission is restricted to those with a personalized buyer badge issued to qualified members of the billiard & home recreation industry. Non-BCA members are required to submit proof of industry affiliation such as a current business license or a current Yellow Pages ad, along with personal identification, in order to be admitted. [ see pricing & policies ]

After the deadline, BCA Business Members will still be able to purchase admission badges for $25 each. Don't miss your chance to save by placing your order in advance. Download an order form, or register online today!

Billiards Live is Set for Launch ... BCA Business Member TLC Industries recently announced that it will debut an innovative online pool hall next month, following beta testing by dedicated pool players worldwide. BilliardsLive.com will offer dazzling graphics, true real-time play, extensive statistics and leaderboards and innovative chat rooms.

"We are looking to start testing the end of January," said Bob Goodman, Director of Sales for TLC Industries. Players can compete in regional and national tournaments without leaving the comfort of their home. Under development for two-years, TLC's tournament system offers a sophisticated global gaming network that allows access to scores, rankings and stats.

Founded in 1985, TLC Industries, Inc. is a recognized industry leader for its consistent commitment to premium quality construction, dependable delivery and meticulous attention to detail. The company's 20-year experience in gaming includes working with other leaders like Sega, Konami, Namco, Capcom and fellow Chicago-area companies Midway and Incredible Technologies. TLC Industries' popular arcade games include PowerShot Pool, PowerShot Darts and NextArcade.

Despite SGMA findings ... that showed a slight decline in public participation numbers in the last reporting period, a quick poll of BCA Member League administrators found a high-level of interest and growth across the board. When we asked about league activity in 2005, these comments were unanimously upbeat:

From American Cue Sports: [We] enjoyed a substantial increase (40%) in player numbers at our 2nd ACS National 9-Ball Championships in November, 2005, and are projecting a similar increase for our 2006 ACS National 8-Ball Championships in June. Local league sizes have remained steady, and the ACS is taking the strategy of increasing benefits to its members each year without increasing member costs. — John Lewis

From American PoolPlayers Association: APA membership for year-end ’05 was 259,117 versus 252,123 in ‘04 (an increase of 6,994 members). At our National Team Championships in August we had an increase of 44 teams overall in our three largest events (1,015 in ’05 versus 971 in ’04). — Jason Bowman

From BCA Pool Leagues: [Our second] Nine Ball Championship in October 2005 enjoyed a 52% increase in bodies and a 79% increase in entries with over 500 bodies and over 700 entries! We are projecting a 12 to 15% increase in players at the 2006 8 Ball Championships as we are adding over $90,000 to the prize fund, up over $30,000 from 2005. Our league has also shown substantial growth, with a 12% increase in overall membership. — Phil Bohanon

SHARI STAUCH ... A touring professional pool player for 20 years (retired 2003) Shari launched Pool & Billiard Magazine with Harold Simonsen in 1983. She was honored by the Women's Professional Billiard Association (WPBA) as the 1995 Sportsperson of the Year, given each year to a touring pro for outstanding contributions to the sport. She is a four-time WPBA President’s Award recipient, and was named the pro tour's Public Relations Director in 2004.

Her involvement in the sport of pool has included eight years as secretary of the WPBA, two more as treasurer; six years as a BCA board member, heading the BCA’s Long Range Planning Committee and two years as founding president of the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF). [ view full profile ]

As a BCA volunteeer, Ms. Stauch continues to serve on the Promotions Committee for the BCA Board of Directors, sharing her considerable expertise in the development of important, high-visibility projects for the sport. [ committee list ]

:: BCA PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

SHIPPING WITH SIRIANI ... is a smart choice as you make plans to head to Houston. Make the most of a great member benefit, save money and get your exhibit materials to the BCA Expo on time. The BCA Freight Savings Plan offers up to 62 percent discount with Roadway Express and Roadway guarantees every exhibit shipment at no additional charge! The discount also applies to your shipment from the show. Call 800.554.0005 now to make sure your discounts are in place before shipping to the show. See the latest BCA Break for more details, by downloading the PDF. Enrollment is free and there are no shipping volume commitments to maintain your discounts. For more information or for a free rate quote, visit with Siriani & Associates in Houston, browse the website, or call 800.554.0005.