New BCA CEO Rob Johnson ... has logged some serious frequent flyer miles over the past several weeks, and he recently issued this personal "member update":

Hello from the road — Six states in two weeks and only one delayed flight! Between trips I thought I’d drop you a quick note to give you an update on my travels since beginning my new position just over four weeks ago.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit with board members in Colorado, Tennessee, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois and Missouri. These meetings have helped me to learn about the industry from the manufacturing, poolroom operator, league operator and distribution sides of the business. I’ve also met with our Expo partners – the Glasgows.

During each meeting I’ve asked a lot of questions and taken a lot of notes. It’s important for me to learn not only what is working in the industry but to also understand pending issues that may affect our membership’s ability to succeed. Board members have gone out of their way to answer every one of my questions (no matter how dumb) and to provide me with valuable background on the industry.

During the next few weeks I’ll be meeting with the rest of the board and continuing to study up on the business of billiards. As you can imagine, it’s been a lot to digest but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. This is a wonderful industry with many passionate, dedicated individuals.

As I conclude my travels I’ll begin working with the board to define a plan for next year. We will undertake a complete review of all the BCA's current programs and create a plan of attack for next year and beyond. Specifically, we will be working to make the Expo as beneficial for our membership as possible, looking at ways to add more value to our membership programs and reviewing all marketing and public relations programs to gauge their effectiveness and to brainstorm new ideas.

Here’s to continued sunny skies and good travels. Regards — Rob Johnson, BCA CEO

The International Pool Tour ... is promoting its series of "King of the Hill 8-Ball Invitational" broadcasts on VERSUS, which is seen in over 72 million U.S. households.

After scoring major ratings over the summer, the network opted to broadcast the series over multiple, consecutive Saturday nights. It is the first time that a major television network has committed such a substantial allotment of prime-time hours to the sport. [ view listing ]

Making the connection ... After months of working with the BCA's New York PR firm to secure a spot on the 700 Club, Steve Lillis will be taped at Comet Billiards in Parsippany, New Jersey this week. The videotaped segment will consist of a series of his gospel trick shots and an interview about Lillis’ worldwide Gospel Trick Shot Ministries, Inc.

The 700 Club is carried by 95 percent of the television markets across the United States and airs on ABC Family Channel cable network, FamilyNet, Trinity Broadcasting Network, and numerous U.S. television stations. Viewed by approximately one million viewers daily, the 700 Club will broadcast the GTS segment at a future date. We'll keep you posted!

Steve Lillis ... is President and Founder of Gospel Trick Shot Ministries, Inc., and an active touring professional pool player. Earlier this year, Steve followed up on his work at bringing billiards to Albania and has since been tapped for coverage by the 700 Club (see above).

A former state champion in Colorado, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida - Steve also finished in the top-10 at World Championship events in 8 Ball, 9 Ball, and 14.1. After a 12-year hiatus that began in 1985, he made a comeback in 1997 and now performs about 100 billiard shows annually. Just last year he ended the season by earning a No.29 ranking in the “UPA Seeding Rankings”.

After a stint as a columnist for the "National Billiard News", Steve is now a freelance writer for "Inside Pool Magazine" and “Professor Q Ball's” monthly newspapers. He is also an Adjunct Professor of English Writing at William Paterson University (WPU) in Wayne, New Jersey.

From 2000 – 2004 Steve served as the Chairman of the World Pool and Billiard Association (WPA) Artistic Pool Division (APD), and he continues to showcase his artistic pool skills at churches, Boys and Girl's Clubs, youth ministry centers, campgrounds, pool rooms, professional pool tournaments, private homes, college and university campuses, private clubs, hospitals, and just about anywhere a pool table is located. [ read full website bio ]