 |
Vol.4,
No.5 — March 9, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
:: BCA TO INDUCT SANG CHUN LEE ... as the sole honoree at 2007 Hall of Fame ceremonies on May 15 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The South Korean expatriate won 12 consecutive U.S. Billiard Association National Championship titles between 1990 and 2001.
 Lee, who died of stomach cancer in 2004, will be the second modern-day player known primarily for three-cushion billiards to be inducted in the "Greatest Players" category. The first was Raymond Ceulemans of Belgium, inducted in 2001. Photo © mediumpool.com
Lee received the most votes, appearing on 22 of the 31 ballots submitted (70.9 percent). Under current Board rules, the player receiving the most votes is automatically selected, followed by the next highest player mentioned on at least 70 percent of the ballots. [ more | BCAHallofFame.com ]
The BCA’s Hall of Fame Board consisted of 32 members, including current Hall of Fame members, billiard industry promoters and historians, and members of the billiard media. Working without an exclusive list of candidates, voters were allowed to select whomever they wished, and as many players as they felt deserved immediate induction.
Tickets to attend the May induction ceremony will be available for $15.00 in advance, and $20.00 on site. For more information, contact Carolyn Lewis at 264-8300 x128.
|
^
contents |
| :: NEW RULEBOOK IN PRODUCTION |
|
 The 2007 BCA Official Rules & Records Book ... will be available to ship in April. The latest edition of the annual reference contains the World-Standardized Rules for 8-Ball, 9-Ball, 14.1, One Pocket and many other popular games, along with fully illustrated schematics, diagrams and sketches.
In addition, the book includes BCA Hall of Fame biographies, tournament results and records and instructional tips. Each year, the recordbook section of the publication grows to include the champions named from a wide range of major events, and you'll enjoy catching up on the most recent wins. |
|
|
^
contents |
| :: ONLINE EXHIBITOR GUIDE RELEASED |
|
Start your Download Engines ... with the new online Exhibitor Guide. The "first edition" of the guide contains a long list of preliminary links to both PDF downloads and online materials to get your planning started on the right track. June will be here before you know it!
Organized into nine sections, the comprehensive indexing provides guidance through an introduction, general info and timelines, along with contractor information, Paramount and venue services, credentialing and shipping. More links will become active as details are finalized, and exhibitors are invited to visit the page often for the latest-breaking materials to help you stay organized.
Also included within the index is a link to a 32-page download of the Sands Expo Center forms package, which contains printable versions of all the forms you'll need for exclusive on-site services, like Catering, Cleaning, Electrical, Internet, Plumbing, Rigging/Lighting and Telecommunications — plus much more.
 |
|
|
|
^
contents |
| :: NEW MEMOIR PUBLISHED |
BCA Advanced Instructor Mark Finkelstein ... changed one woman's life for the better by starting her on the right road to playing pool, and the exciting journey of Heather Byer has recently been published by Riverhead Press.
 The book is entitled "Sweet" and Danielle Trussoni remarked in the March 4 edition of the New York Times Sunday Book Review that: Heather Byer’s gutsy “Sweet: An Eight-Ball Odyssey” opens a window onto the dark world of New York’s pool halls. One part memoir, one part suspenseful sports writing, “Sweet” follows Byer’s quest to master a difficult and misunderstood game. As she negotiates her way among pool sharks and through league matches and barroom romances, she offers a sharp, savvy perspective on desire, ambition and the galling disadvantage of being a woman determined to play a man’s game. And win. [ read the full review ]
Finkelstein is a BCA Advanced Instructor who now plays and teaches out of Slate Plus, one of New York City's most elegant and exciting venues. He recalls how Heather walked into Chelsea Billiards (now Slate PLUS), 7 or 8 years ago as a raw beginner, and that her book details her journey along the path of learning how to play pool, with all the people, frustrations and effort that comes along with gaining skill in playing pool.
"I am thrilled for Heather. She worked hard, tirelessly did her drills, and developed into a strong, competitive pool player," recalls Mark with pride. "Hopefully, other women will read this book and see the possibilities in pool." |
|
^
contents |
|
::
BILLIARDS IN THE NEWS |
 WALTER REED MEDICAL CENTER ... received a new pool table, thanks to Olhausen Billiards® and their authorized dealer - Champion Billiards and Barstools - along with donors from the American Legion Post 461 in Wisconsin. The 8' Eclipse Style Pool Table was donated to help furnish a facility to aid wounded and recovering soldiers returning from Iraq. [ more ]
|
|
|
|
MEMBER MARKETING
101 ... From "52 Ways to Make Pool Everybody's Game" |
|
TIP № 44 |
|
|
Give away scratch-off cards to each paying customer to encourage repeat business. |
|
 |
|
|
|
STRATEGY: |
|
|
Reward customers for playing pool by giving them a chance to win a free game or other merchandise. Scratch cards motivate customers to play more, because the more they play, the more opportunities they have to win. Pre-existing cards can be imprinted with your business name, or you can print your own to personalize the cards and the prizes for your business. |
|
|
|
|
EXECUTION: |
|
- Locate a nearby resource for scratch-off cards (start with specialty printers)
- Many pre-existing “theme” scratch-off cards can work with your business. For example, a football scratch-off card can be used to issue a free game when players "collect" 100 yards
- Determine the prizes you’ll offer, like free table time, promotional items or food and soft drinks
- Promote the scratch-off card game with posters featuring potential prizes
- Print a product or service discount coupon on each scratch-off card so “everyone’s a winner!”
|
|
|
|
|
|
^
contents |
| :: BEF HIRES PROGRAM DIRECTOR |
|
Hopkins to join BEF ... Billiard Education Foundation Executive Director Laura Smith recently announced the hire of long time industry leader Dawn Hopkins as Director of Program Development to assist the BEF in its goal of growing billiard’s grass roots through increased youth programs.
Ms. Hopkins has worn numerous hats since she became a pro player in 1990. She has served the billiard community as past president of the Women’s Professional Billiard Association, as an ESPN tournament commentator, and is also known as co-owner/promoter of the highly successful Super Billiards Expo in Valley Forge, PA. [ full release ] |
|
|
| ^
contents |
| ::
5TH ANNUAL US PRO TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP |
 Dragon Promotions brings UPA to Los Angeles ... The only major men's pro billiards event on the West Coast promises a treat for players and fans at the Normandie Casino in Gardena, Calif. at the end of the month. This US Professional Pool Players Association Pro 9-Ball event guarantees $20,000 added, will pay $12,000 to the winner and is limited to a field of 96 players. The quarter-, semi- and final rounds are also slated for broadcast on ESPN.
This years field will be stacked with the world's best players, including defending champion Rodney Morris, Runner-Up and World Straight Pool Champion Thorsten Hohmann, past US PTC Champion Mika Immonen, #1 US Ranked Johnny Archer, former BCA Open Champion Charlie Williams, US Mosconi Cup Rookie Mike Davis, Korean Champion Shin Young Park and the rest of the touring stars of the UPA.
After Sunday's finals, the Annual UPA Year End Awards will recognize the 2006 Player of the Year, Sportsman of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Man of the Year. New awards this year will include Most Entertaining Player and Best Dressed Player. [ more ] |
|
|
^
contents |
| :: BCA MEMBER NEWS |
:: BCA SPOTLIGHT |
BCA Freight Savings ... from Siriani & Associates offer ways to stretch your business dollar. This program offers association discounts on both inbound collect and outbound prepaid shipments. BCA members can save up to 65% with no enrollment fees or minimum shipping quotas!
The BCA Freight Savings Plan has something for everyone. The freight program offers discounts on small package, less-than-truckload, domestic and international shipping costs. In addition, you get free transportation consulting, free freight bill auditing and help with any of your shipping questions of concerns. |
|
By using the strength of your association, everyone can be a winner! Call Siriani & Associates, administrators of the BCA Freight Savings Plan, and ask for a free freight quote at 800 554-0005 or by email to info@siriani.com. |
|
 STORIS Management Systems ... recently announced its “Maximum Power” Release 8.3, featuring: enhanced menus, Customer Order Entry number with a fully integrated Shopping Cart feature, enhanced Regional and District distribution capabilities, a Vendor Performance Report, WiFi Bar Code with wireless capabilities and much more.
Doug Culmone, COO of STORIS stated, “8.3 is another indication of our strong commitment to delivering functionality requested by our customers, while delivering technology that gives our users a competitive edge.” [ full release ]
| :: PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT |
|
Simple is good ... The new look and structure of 8.3 maximizes the screen area display of information retailers require to run an efficient business.
Improved navigation through a redesigned ‘smart’ menu gives retailers more of what they need, and less of what they don’t. Various Customer Order entry screens such as the Customer and System Control settings, Sales Order, Customer Return, and Exchange Order Entry have been redesigned to be more intuitive for the user.
Release 8.3 is available within STORIS’ SaaS and Server Business solutions, and will be demonstrated at the High Point Furniture Market, March 26th-April 1st, in High Point, NC. |
|
|
|
^
contents |
| :: BCA NOTES & NEWS BRIEFS |
| COMING UP ... |
... 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 ]
... WPBA San Diego Classic in Alpine, Calif., April 18-22
... EnjoyPool.com 9-Ball Championships in Las Vegas, May 13-19 [ more ] |
|
| ! DATES TO NOTE ! |
| 03/22 |
Membership deadline for Board Election voting |
| 03/30 |
Attendee Badge Orders (FREE before the 30th) |
| 04/19 |
Ouschan vs. Fisher |
|
|
| VNEA JUNIORS |
The Valley National Junior Championships ... will take place at the Pershing Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, June 21-24. Nearly 1,000 of VNEA's finest Junior pool stars are expected to compete at the 17th Annual VNEA International Junior Pool Championships. [ more ] |
|
|
|
|
| UPA CHAPLAIN |
Steve Lillis ... has been appointed the US Professional Pool Players Association (UPA)'s volunteer Chaplain for the 2007 tour season which runs through the UPA Tour Championship at the end of March. Steve will be available to players and fans for spiritual comfort and advice as needed, and will offer Billiard Chapels with appropriate Bible Studies and Gospel Trick Shot (GTS) Shows.
|
|
| 25 FOR MCDERMOTT & ACS |
The twenty-fifth stop ... of the McDermott All American Tour (produced by the American CueSports Alliance – ACS) was hosted by owners Mellody and Steve Allee at Sharky’s Billiards and Modern Day Veterans, Chapter 402, in Sedalia, Missouri, on March 3rd and 4th, and featured a $500 added purse with 35 players. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 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.6 – March 23, 2007 |
|
