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Vol.3,
No.5 — March 10, 2006
| BCA |
:: MEMBERSHIP DOES HAVE ITS PRIVILEGES ... and they are never more important — and clear cut — than right now! From outright savings on attending the Expo, to full-scale marketing programs to aid your sales efforts, BCA Membership is a great value year-round.
 Heading into the EXPO, BCA Business Members have enjoyed several deadline extensions on savings with FREE attendance badges, which are still available through today, March 10!
Sign up for yours now! Later, those badges will cost members $25 each, and $100 each for non-members.
The Expo itself ... is solely comprised of BCA business member companies. Only current members may exhibit, making this the largest single gathering of qualified experts and professionals in the industry, worldwide. [ see the exhibitor list ]
The Board of Directors Election ... is underway, with official voting rights extended to members who were current as of January 6 (90 days prior to the annual meeting, per bylaws). A print ballot has been mailed to all eligible voters, and an online preview presents the platforms and photos of the eleven candidates who are in the running for a total of five available seats. [ more ]
EnjoyPool.com ... This consumer-based BCA website is preparing to "go live" with a searchable interactive database that will list only BCA member companies. This exclusive service will increase member-value dramatically, while providing consumers with a one-stop shopping option as they look for tables, equipment, places to play and certified instructors. EnjoyPool.com will contain only the contact information for BCA members in good standing, which will drive customers and clients directly to you! No other organization can offer this type of comprehensive industry listing for public use, so stay tuned for a site preview during the Expo, and a firm "launch date" later this year.
And much more to help your business grow ... Member Updates, BCAgency Marketing Tools, and a sophisticated new Market Tracking program are just a few of the many benefits that are available to BCA business members, 24/7/12. Don't miss out ... Renew online today!
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| FRIARS "SALUTE TO JERRY ORBACH" FUNDRAISER |
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 On Monday, March 20 ... the Friar's Club will host an Artistic Billiards Exhibition to benefit the Jerry Orbach Fund for Prostate Cancer Research. The special event is being produced in association with Blatt Billiards and Yongestreet, and will feature BCA Hall of Famer Mike Massey and celebrity billiards player and actor James Tolkan. [ pictured at IPT event ]
A minimum $30 donation will include admission to the historic Friar's Club, hors d'oeuvres and an evening of trick-shot wizardry in the Milton Berle Room from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Guests may RSVP — or arrange to make a donation, payable to Memorial Sloan-Kettering in the Orbach Fund name — by contacting Michael Caputo at 212-751-7272.
A long-time billiards player, Jerry Orbach was a special presenter at the 2004 BCA Hall of Fame induction ceremony of Ewa Mataya Laurance. Later that same year he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and succumbed to the disease that December. [ more ] |
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STRIKE IT RICH ... with FREE Business of Billiards SEMINARS |
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 BUSINESS SEMINARS WILL BE FRONT AND CENTER ... in Houston, where a daily lineup of industry experts will offer a series of FREE "Business of Billiards" seminars right on the show floor.
See the event schedule for details on times and dates, and enjoy the convenience of never having to leave the action to learn more about a variety of topics that can help your business grow.
There's an impressive list of confirmed speakers, so don't miss special presentations by: Nick Alexander, Clicks Billiards (Lease Negotiations);
Bill Briody, WVB Financial Services (Succession Planning);
Susan Campbell, Holme, Roberts & Owen (Nuts & Bolts for Employers);
Dave & Busters (Parties & Events);
Clay Etheridge, Showcase Billiards & Custom Cues (Table Repair);
Dave Jacoby, Jacoby Custom Cue (Cue Repair);
Phil Montgomery, Billiards & Barstools (Retail Showroom Setup & Maintenance); John Waring, Airistar Technologies (Air Quality Control). |
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PUBLIC RELATIONS UPDATE |
| One Pitch after Another ... The team at Alan Taylor Communications is making some aggressive follow-up on a number of projects, including: |
- Generated strong interest from Hooters Magazine to use the Frenzy Sports collegiate balls and Dream Arcades for their Father’s Day Gift Guide.
- Met with Assistant Editor from FHM Magazine to discuss ways on leveraging professional billiards players in upcoming stories.
- Jennifer Barretta scheduled for interviews with nationally syndicated Sports Byline USA and in-studio with Sirius Satellite Radio.
- Working with “Good Day New York” (WNYW-TV, FOX) on a live segment on April 7, the anniversary of the the first-ever pro billiards tournament, which debuted in New York City.
- Coordinated a conference call with the producer of the syndicated "Living in Style" show and BCA to arrange for inclusion of billiards in a future segment on the show. The segment to be taped this spring in Florida.
- Contacting metropolitan area BCA retail members to seek out homeowners who may have had high-end billiard rooms installed in their homes for possible use in the New York Spaces magazine piece.
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 Help ATC pitch your line
... Want to see your company in the news? All
BCA Business Members are encouraged to submit their latest product
news to Tom Cosentino.
He’ll use your information to design a
pitch for the best possible fit, and print and
broadcast media will make their own final selections
on which items to feature.
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MEMBER MARKETING
101 ... From "52 Ways to Make Pool Everybody's Game" |
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TIP № 46 |
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Appeal to the fastest-growing population segment by hosting a “Young at Heart” night. |
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STRATEGY: |
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As baby boomers reach retirement age, more and more mature adults are looking for entertainment. Appeal to this growing segment by hosting a “Young at Heart” event during the afternoon or evening. Since there are no age limits for playing pool, it’s a great way for older adults to socialize and stay active. Help them recapture nostalgic memories associated with the game, and this dynamic — and often affluent — market will increase your customer base. |
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EXECUTION: |
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- Contact senior organizations (local or AARP) for mailing lists, or for assistance in promoting a senior event
- Send direct mail pieces offering a special discount on the event night
- Invite mature pool pros or instructors to demonstrate shots and offer instruction
- Provide food and drink specials
- Distribute a discount card to encourage return visits
- Create a seniors league and host senior tournaments
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ENJOYPOOL.COM 9-BALL PRO FIELDS |
 According to event promoters ... both the men's and women's pro fields are wait-listed for entry to the upcoming EnjoyPool.com 9-Ball Championships in Las Vegas. While the BCA no longer conducts its own qualifier series for the event, the WPBA website now lists eight qualifying events on its schedule, and the UPA spots will be available by invitation only.
The May 14-20 event in Las Vegas will include the annual "Challenge the Stars" BEF fundraiser and is organized and managed by PLPromotions and Tournament Director Steve Tipton. Tickets to view the week-long tournament went on sale in January, and can be purchased by calling 615-822-3779. [ details ] |
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| :: UPA PRO TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP IN VEGAS |
 The Men's Pro Tour and Dragon Promotions ... will host the 4th Annual US Pro Tour Championship at Binions Casino & Hotel, March 21-26, which will feature a four-hour ESPN production taping of the quarter, semi, and final rounds. The field is expected to draw top names like Mika Immonen, Thorsten Hohmann and Mike Sigel, who will make his debut on the UPA Tour in his first major 9-Ball tour event in a decade. [ more ]
The Annual UPA awards for 2005 Player of the Year, Sportsman of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Man of the Year will be presented on Sunday, along with new recognitions for Most Entertaining Player and Best Dressed Player.
Also new this year is the addition of the 1st Annual UPA Amateur Open, to be held in conjunction with the pro playoff. Three singles events will be offered (excluding all pros, semi-pros and top-rated amateurs), and the draw will be limited to a total of 256 players. [ details ] |
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| :: BCA MEMBER NEWS |
:: BCA PROFILE |
Landmark Lighting ... Founded in 1996, Landmark Lighting continues into the 21st century with a pledge of excellence in quality, design, and superior production.
According to the Landmark website, the company's growth is based on providing collectors with affordable, superior styles that will become heirlooms. |
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"Generation after generation will enjoy these prized possessions of beauty. Landmark Lighting's design efforts strive for distinction and fine quality that is expected in a Louis Comfort Tiffany original." stated company president Robert B. Marash.
"We are proud to offer these collections that are timeless and guaranteed to be the highest quality." |
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The company's Game Table line includes dozens of styles rendered in wrought iron to blown art glass, in designs from contemporary to traditional, fruit to mosaic.
See Landmark Lighting in Houston next month, at Expo Booth #2854. |
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 BCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STEPHEN D. DUCOFF ... recently announced his decision to retire, effective August 31 of this year. Capping a long and distinguished career in sport management, Steve will end a six-and-a-half year tenure with the BCA, which was marked by successful re-direction, organizational changes and substantial growth.
At the BCA helm, Ducoff worked to enhance the image and professionalism of the organization, increase memberships, improve existing events while generating new ones, develop quality instructional and educational programs, offer academic scholarships to juniors, expand opportunities for youth through the Billiard Education Foundation, plus work toward establishing an impeccable reputation for the industry on the whole. While many other governing bodies have struggled, the BCA has strengthened its financial position under Ducoff’s leadership, by more than doubling its net assets from $1.4 million in 2000 to $3.0 million in 2006. [ send email ]
“I’m very pleased to retire from this position with confidence and pride,” stated Ducoff. “It’s been very satisfying to work with our professional staff to guide the BCA through our many opportunities.” [ press release ]
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:: BCA PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT |
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NEW AND IMPROVED ... The How to Play Pool Right DVD is one of the BCA's best sellers — and it's just gotten better. The latest release now contains basic breaks that allow users to move forward and back within the program to locate content. Although not formally "chaptered" to break at specific titles, viewers can now "fast forward" in segments to save time.
Featuring BCA Master Instructor Jerry Briesath and state-of-the-art graphics, this hour-long DVD teaches the fundamentals of stance, grip, bridge, and stroke, plus advanced techniques of English, position play and patterns. Discounted to $15.95/each for members, this item is also volume-priced for resale, and will be available to ship in the last week of March. [ order ] |
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| :: BCA NOTES & NEWS BRIEFS |
| THIS JUST IN ... |
... The American CueSports Alliance (ACS) ... has added these new divisions and events to its National 8-Ball Championships in Las Vegas, June 10-17:
• Men’s Super Seniors 8-Ball Singles
• Junior 8-Ball Singles
• Junior 8-Ball Teams
• Can/Am Snooker Challenge
• Instruction in the new “PAT Testing” system
• Artistic Pool Challenge
• Speed Pool Championship
• Referee Class & Testing
For full details, visit the ACS website, where you'll also find a PDF outline for a new Proprietor's Program. [ download ] |
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WATER WORLD |
The Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ... features shipboard lounges with self-leveling pool tables (a cruise industry first!), and has renewed its call for billiards experts to use them.
If you are an experienced speaker with excellent presentation skills, this opportunity to become a part of the Royal Caribbean enrichment program and enjoy international travel could be yours. [ more ] |
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Interested? Check out the Sixth Star website, or contact Paul DiFilippi for more details. |
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| YOUR ENTRY IS READY |
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The BCA Pool League's ... 12-page tournament brochure is ready for download as a PDF. |
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| YOU OUGHTA BE IN PICTURES ... OR DESIGN |
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 To promote the new film "9-Ball" ... Main Street Productions is running a contest for the best t-shirt/logo design. Although the APA flyer bears a February 28 cutoff for submissions, the Main Street website shows an extended deadline of March 31, 2006.
The contest is open to everyone and the winner will receive a credit in the movie, a round-trip airfare to the set and hotel accomodations, plus get to appear in a pool scene with Jennifer Barretta. Visit the website for specifics on how to prepare and submit your contest entry! |
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 An exclusive service to Billiard Congress of America Business
Members, the
BCA
Member Update
is announced via email twice monthly and
archived
online. Please print and circulate this newsletter widely and feel
free to submit your comments
or contributions to BCA Executive Director
Stephen D. Ducoff
or Director of Communications/Editor Linda Mojer. |
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Copyright © Billiard Congress of America |
NEXT
ISSUE: Vol. 3, No. 6 – March 24, 2006 |
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