Vol.4, No.4 — February 23, 2007
EnjoyPool.com ● BCAExpo.com

 ::  EXEC TO KEYNOTE ... Former Harley Davidson VP of Business Development, Clyde Fessler, will kick off the BCA's International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo with a special keynote address on Friday, June 22.

Free to Expo attendees and exhibitors, Fessler's "Strategic Marketing in Anxious Times" address will touch on today's issues, trends and opportunities, with interactive discussion about how they relate to the billiard industry.

The Harley-Davidson story explains the strategy that took a company from the verge of bankruptcy to becoming one of the top performing corporations on the New York Stock Exchange — and one of the most respected brands in the world. Fessler spent twenty-five years helping to create and then lead that plan. [ more ]

Clyde speaks with authority about the marketing strategy that has evolved and endured for over 20 years and enabled Harley-Davidson to be inducted into the Marketing Hall of Fame, and he motivates organizations with this remarkable turnaround story.

This is a unique presentation that you won't want to miss in Las Vegas, so pencil in that continental breakfast at 8:30 am, followed by Clyde Fessler's special keynote address at 9:00 am.

Then you'll be able to attend a "State of the Industry" CEO Roundtable immediately following — featuring some of the best and brightest industry leaders at 10:00 am — all at the Sands Expo Center. Be there for these exciting business presentations, prior to a big sales day on the show floor!

And you'll have a bit more time to register ... the deadline for ordering your FREE expo attendee badges has been extended to Friday, March 30, 2007. Register online today!

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:: BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

NOMINATIONS DUE by Wednesday, March 7 ... Take part in shaping the course of the billiard industry by serving on the BCA Board of Directors! If you're interested, now is the time to speak up, by contacting the 2007 Nominating Committee chair, Kathy Vegh or BCA CEO Rob Johnson with your qualifications.

The committee is currently accepting nominations for open seats in all categories (voting, retail and room owner) that will come up for election in the coming round. If you are interested in running for a board seat — or know of someone else who would be a good candidate —please refer to the Guidelines & Election Procedures for more information on how to proceed.

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:: SURVEY RESULTS COMPILED

Understanding the Consumer Mindset ... will be the primary theme of the BCA's "Business of Billiards" seminar scheduled bright and early on Thursday, June 21. Keying off the results of the BCA's recent - and comprehensive - consumer marketing survey, the program will answer the questions:

  • What does the general public think about the game of billiards?
  • How do these attitudes differ among pool table owners/players and non-owners who never play?
  • What do consumers state as the most important factor in purchasing a table?
  • Where do they purchase tables and what else do they purchase with them?
  • What do consumers intend to purchase in 2007?

Could your business benefit from knowing exactly what the consumer thinks about the industry? If the answer is "yes!", you need to make plans to join your fellow members for coffee and continental breakfast on Thursday at 8:15 am, followed by a fascinating consumer research review.

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 :: BEF PARTNERS WITH VIKING FOR JUNIOR TOUR

The BEF Junior Qualifiers ... will be conducted as their own "tour" according to news released announcing a brand new Viking Cue Junior 9-Ball Tour in 2007. The Viking Cue 9-Ball Tour created the junior series to compliment the existing Viking Cue Open, Ladies, and Amateur 9-Ball Tours. [ release ]

The Viking Cue Junior 9-Ball Tour will cater to players in four divisions (19 & under boys, 14 & under boys, 19 & under girls and 14 & under girls) and will consist of up to eight 9-ball tournaments with four divisions each that will be sanctioned by the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF).

All events on the new tour are qualifiers for the BEF's Junior National 9-Ball Championships, with the winner receiving an entry into the BEF's Junior National 9-Ball Championships. Additionally, the winners of each 19 & under boys and 19 & under girls events will receive a brand new Viking cue.

The first scheduled event on the lineup will take place at Billiards on Main in Galesburg, Illlinois on March 11, followed by seven added events that run through June 17. Added qualifiers can be secured by viewing the BEF Qualifier Letter & Application materials online.

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 :: MEDIA & PR REPORT

THE HIGHEST VIEW COUNT FOR A BILLIARDS CLIP ... is claimed by "Yow's Trickshot Madness - Chop Suey" on You Tube, with just under a million views since it was loaded eight months ago. "Mr. Massacre" Eric J. Yow finished third in the WPA World Artistic Championships in December, and this three-minute movie was his first attempt to document his trickshots. [ watch ]

  • IN OTHER NEWS ... The Times-Standard featured a local pool cue maker's talents
  • Retiring international snooker referee Lloyd Lawrence received a write up in New Zealand's Hawke's Bay Today
  • The Oneida Dispatch previewed an exhibition appearance by Thorsten Hohmann
  • A Newsday report on Wii Billiards says it's one of the better game options
  • The Washington Post's City Guide reviewed the newest Chinatown billiards parlor
  • The Rocky Mount Telegram ran a "top-ten" list of why the WPBA is a must-see
  • The Austin American Statesman reported on the acquisition of four off-campus student properties, including a billiards facility
  • The WTOP radio website published an AP report about a dispute over an appearance by Justin Timberlake at Sharkey's Billiards
  • The Phoenix Coyotes pro hockey website reviewed a special event at Jillian's
  • The Washington Post's 2007 In/Out "List" bumped deluxe pool tables in favor of deluxe ping pong tables
MEMBER MARKETING 101 ... From "52 Ways to Make Pool Everybody's Game"


TIP № 35
Use sales promotions to convert shoppers into buyers.

STRATEGY:

It’s hard to resist a bargain. That’s why sales promotions can be an effective tool to motivate shoppers to make a purchase now rather than later. Whether it’s a discount on merchandise or free table time, a limited-time offer adds a sense of urgency.

EXECUTION:
  • Generate a list of sales promotions, like:
    - Buy two hours of table time, get one free
    - Purchase a table and get a free light
    - Buy a 2-piece cue and receive a free case
    - Buy three bar stools, get one free
  • Schedule promotions during slow sales periods
  • Advertise the LIMITED TIME promotions through direct mail, the internet, newspaper and in-store signage
  • Rotate promotions throughout the year so customers keep coming back
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:: COLLECTIBLE BACK ON THE MARKET

The 1868 Brunswick Monarch No.2 ... is - perhaps - the most sought after billiard table of all time. This particular antique was acquired in the Fall of 2005 and is in the final stages of a complete restoration by the Sears family. John, Charlie and Jim Sears are BCA business members through City Billiards in Mesa, Arizona and this particular Monarch table has become a very special father and son project.

The painstaking initial work of bringing this unique table back to its breathtaking original state has been completed and now this rare prize is ready to become a billiard aficionado's residential centerpiece.

After twelve months of attention, Master Craftsman Charlie Sears — who has restored hundreds of highly prized antique tables (including three Monarchs) — calls it "the best Monarch I've touched in over forty years."

For more information, along with added closeup views of the detailing, go to www.brunswickmonarch.com or contact John Sears at (480) 221-7846.

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 :: BCA MEMBER NEWS  :: BCA SPOTLIGHT

Groundswell LLC ... owns and operates Grinns Billiard Cafe, which is committed to customer service, satisfying the rec-room urge, and promoting home and family recreation. Grinns mission is to be the premier source for billiards, gameroom accessories and home recreation products.

The Fable of Grinns: Grinns Billiard Café is brought to you by first generation Grinns. Grinns are noble energetic entrepreneurs, cultured in the finest traditions. As children, Grinns love to create and imagine, and to play with friends.

As grown-ups, Grinns work for the best of reasons - to be of service, to bring laughter and good cheer, and to welcome the good in others. Grinns positively believe in the excellence and goodness of character, and want you to know ... Your Grins are Hugely Welcomed!

Martin Bohn ... has been appointed Product Manager of Valley-Dynamo in Grand Prairie, Texas, with overall responsibility for managing the entire product portfolio for the coin operated business of the Valley, Dynamo, Tornado and Brunswick brands.

Bohn earned his Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina State and for the last four years has been Director of Engineering for the company, managing both the design of products and manufacturing process equipment. His 15 years of industry experience include five years at Valley Recreation in Bay City, Michigan.

“I am very excited to announce Martin’s appointment to the Valley-Dynamo Product Management position,” said Marketing Director John Garrido. “I am convinced that his leadership and product experience will provide great opportunities to all our customers and the coin-op industry as a whole.”

 :: PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

FIRE SALE ... now is the time to take a look at the remaining inventory on the BCA member storefront. With the national office relocating to Denver at the end of March, everything must go! What doesn't sell will have to be packed, so go ahead and do your part to reduce inventory with your order today!

In addition, a limited selection of clearance apparel items remains available, so take a look at the pre-holiday offers and call 719-264-8300 x116 to see what you can still get for a song!

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 :: BCA NOTES & NEWS BRIEFS
COMING UP ...

... The 14th Annual US Bar Table Championships in Reno, Nevada, February 28 - March 4

... WPBA Great Lakes Classic in Michigan City, Indiana, March 21-25 [ calendar ]

... Virginia Mid-Atlantic PVA 9-Ball at the Playing Field in Richmond, March 23-25

... UPA 5th Annual US Pro Tour Championship in Los Angeles, March 27 - April 1 [ more ]


! DATES TO NOTE !
03/07 BOD Nominations due
03/22 Membership deadline for Board Election voting
03/30 Attendee Badge Orders (FREE before the 30th)
04/19 Ouschan vs. Fisher
VNEA INTERNATIONAL

The Valley National Eight-Ball Championships ... will celebrate its 27th year by hosting thousands of players from across the globe, at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, May 24 - June 2.

A full lineup of regular, intermediate, masters and mini-tournament events are scheduled, with details available online at the VNEA website. [ links & info ]

The event will be followed closely by the 17th Annual VNEA Junior Championships in Lincoln, Nebraska, June 21-24.

KWIKFIRE DEBUT

Inside Pool reported ... the debut of namesake company KwikFire, Inc., the brainchild of world class #3 ranked WPBA player Kelly ‘KwikFire’ Fisher.

Fisher and WPBA pro Val Finnie joined forces with Artist Linda Pault and the McDermott Regional Champion Morgan Steinman of the RT9 Designs, Inc. art and apparel group of New York for the venture.
The collaboration blends “the UK with a little USA ” to bring a fresh, new look to the industry with a highly stylized line of designer apparel and sporting good products. [ more ]
... FOLLOW THE ACTION ... At the World 8-Ball Championships for Men in Fujairah, March 2-8 ...
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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 forward, print and circulate this newsletter widely and feel free to submit your comments or contributions to Editor Linda Mojer, BCA Director of Communications, 719-264-8300 x120.
Copyright © Billiard Congress of America

 NEXT ISSUE:  Vol.4, No.5 – March 9, 2007