March 23, 2021 BOD Meeting Quick Notes

Kansas City Barbeque Society
Board of Directors’ Meeting
QUICK NOTES
Tuesday 23, 2021 6:00pm
 
Membership Requests to Address the Board:   None
 
Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 6:00pm
 
Roll Call: 
Candy Weaver, David Qualls, Richard Fergola, David McAllister, Myron Berry, Chiles Cridlin, Rick Wagner, Ralph Williams, Nancy Goldsmith, Stan Dobosenski, Corey Linton. Absent, Randy Bigler
KCBS Office:  Emily Detwiler
 
Board Pledge:
Recognizing barbeque as America’s cuisine, the mission of the Kansas City Barbeque Society is to celebrate, teach, preserve, and promote barbeque as a culinary technique, sport and art form.
I accept my duties as a KCBS director to further the KCBS mission so that truth, justice, excellence in barbeque, and the American way of life may be strengthened and preserved forever.
 
Consent Agenda
            Notice concerning Committee Reports. Some committees do not meet monthly, If a report is presented, it will be included as attachments to the Agenda.
 
  • Minutes of February 3rd and 23rd, 2021 Meeting
  • November 2020 Financial Report
  • Finance Committee
  • Contest Report
  • Sanctioning Committee
  • Judging Committee
  • Contest Representative Committee
  • Rules Committee
  • Foundation Committee
  • Nominating Committee
 
Discussion of any items removed from Consent Agenda
Corey Linton- I Move to Approve the Consent Agenda with Discussion on Sanctioning report in New Business.
Second- Dobosenski– Motion Passed Unanimously
 
Chief Executive Officer’s Report
  • Organizer Outreach:
    • Continue to drive outreach opportunities for Organizers; both of new contests and reaching out to existing Organizers to drive One-Meat contests and other opportunities. Have received very positive feedback from Organizers on adding additional excitement and revenue to their event from one-meat contests.
    • Will work to schedule another Organizer virtual round-table to discuss key updates and stay in touch
 
  • Membership Updates 
    • Proactively driving membership renewals and converting both lapsed and guests. Also reminding lapsed members to reinstate if they didn’t renew due to less activity in 2020 due to COVID.
    • Total active paid members for February was 15,840 and currently in March we are at 15,994.  We are pleased with the flattening of the curve in membership and a slight trend upwards. 
      • Our retention rate continues to show improvement.
      • Nearly 1,000 new members over last two months
■       Receiving strong requests for reinstatement from members dropped in 2020 that want to come back. 
■       Reminder that one must be a KCBS member in good standing to earn Team of the Year points (cooks) and earn signatures (judges).  Renew today to ensure you’re ready for 2021 BBQ Season.
  • Renewal Plan: We continue to hold a monthly renewal drawing for members, in hopes the incentive will encourage them to renew.   For March, we will be giving away an RTIC Cooler Bag.
   
  • National BBQ Month – working on plans to support KCBS 35th Anniversary during National BBQ Month (May) with opportunities for new members and existing members. More details to come.
 
  • Rep Processes:
    • Update and posted Rep manual to Rep portal. Supporting Rep Chair as needed for training and roll-out for new Rep manual to all Reps
    • Finalized new Contest Invoices (Master, BY Ancillaries and Stand-Alone contests) based on approved 2021 season fees. Will continue to update as needed based on changes approved by Finance Committee. Will support Rep Committee on virtual sessions to review the invoice.
 
  • CBJ Processes:
    • Updated CBJ Training Manual and Invoice. Working with Instructors on roll-out.  
    •  
  • Partnerships:
  • National Turkey Federation:
    • 17 contests selected. Website updated with contest dates/locations. All Organizers notified and contests listed on website.
    • Working with NTF to update Organizer and Rep manuals. Will send to all parties and Rep call.
    • 2021 Contest includes Turkey Team of the Year points chase (must be members in good standing for points to count to chase).
  • National Pork Board: “Celebrate Real Pork” ancillary programs
    • 14 contests selected to include KCBS pork and Kid’s Que program. Visit www.kcbs.us for full list of contests.
    • Working on launch and roll-out with Organizers and key parties
  • KCBS Seal of Approval program:
    • Working with Sam’s Club on launch of new KC-style burnt end product with KCBS Seal of Approval
 
  • CONTEST and EVENT UPDATES:
    • No changes in COVID procedures to date. Continuing to monitor and update communication to Membership as necessary. Judges and Pitmaster teams should continue to look on www.kcbs.us or check with the Organizers to determine if their contests are still “on.” 
    • Contest impact; currently at:
      • Projected # of Events for 2021:
        • 310 Contests currently scheduled for 2021
  • International
○       Continue to focus on existing base markets for now. International travel continues to be grounded.
○       Addressed key concerns from IBOM among existing membership and organizers. Developed and executed series of membership renewal e-blasts to drive retention and conversion.
○       Included International in Business Affiliate programming outreach; with focus on digital fulfillment
○       Engaged Canadian BBQ association for ways to be complementary and help them develop more contests (strong interest in one-meat), joint membership, communications and business affiliate opportunities.
 
  • Bullsheet  March –  
    • Sent 3/1. Results through 3/19/2021
    • Sent: 17,174            Opened: 6512    Open Percentage: 38%
 
  • Meat Sheet mid-month newsletter 35% open rate
    • Strongest click-throughs to Bullsheet, Events and Legal/Financial updates
    •  
  • PR, Earned Media, Social Media: February 1 - March 18
    • 23 news articles mentioned KCBS (up 10% over this time last year); Potential Reach of 19 million
    • Total Advertising Value Equivalency (AVE) - $178,000
    • Total Audience (FB - 3 pages, Instagram & Twitter): 127,622 (up .2%)
    • As of 3/18: 65,616 FB (KCBS-only) followers, 18,590 Twitter followers, 18,105 Instagram followers, 1,760 YouTube subscribers
    • Impressions 327,000 (up 125%) & Engagement 16,000 (up 264%)
 
 
 
Old Business  
TABLED FROM FEBRUARY MEETING:
Chiles Cridlin: I Move that the following requirement from the CBJ manual found on Page 7 shall be suspended for the 2021 KCBS BBQ Season: (Part B) If a CBJ has not continued to maintain his/her CBJ status due to not being a KCBS member for a lapsed time of 18 months, this person must first reactivate his/her KCBS
membership and then pay for and attend a CBJ class before receiving the status of an active CBJ in good standing.
 
Stan Dobosenski- I move that the motion be taken from the Table.
Second- Cridlin– Motion Passed Unanimously
 
Chiles Cridlin- I move to amend the previously tabled motion by striking 18 months and inserting 12 months in the original language.
Second- Dobosenski– Motion Passed Unanimously
 
Stan Dobosenski- I move to Approve the motion as amended
Second- Goldsmith– Motion Passed Unanimously
 
 
New Business
 
 
  • Discussion and Consideration of Ancillary Fees
Myron Berry- I move to Approve the Change of Ancillary fees to $35 per Category and $5 Per Team
Second- Goldsmith– Motion Passed Unanimously
 
  • Discussion and Consideration of KCBS COVID-19 Policies
David Qualls- I move to Suspend The KCBS COVID Procedures for all outside activities however, all policies concerning judging and all team meetings and awards ceremonies held indoors shall remain in effect.
Second- Fergola – Motion Passed Unanimously
 
  • Discussion and Consideration of Program to Recruit New Contest Representatives
Discussion Only No Action
 
  • Discussion of Sanctioning
Myron Berry- I move to Approve the Sanctioning of the Helping U single Meat Rib Contest for 5/30/2021
Second- Fergola – Motion Passed Unanimously
 
Myron Berry- I move to Approve the Sanctioning of the Mission Kansas Contest for 9/4-5/2021
Second- Linton – Motion Passed Unanimously
 
Myron Berry- I move to Approve the Sanctioning of the Topeka Kansas Contest for 10/16-16/2021
Second- Dobosenski – Motion Passed Unanimously
 
 
Closed Session Agenda:
Legal, Financial, and Real Estate
Marketing and Promotions
Discussion of Contests
Discussion of Foundation Planning
 
Ralph Williams- I Move to Enter in to Closed Session
Second- Goldsmith – Motion Passed Unanimously
 
Entered Closed Session at 6:52PM
 
Board Returned to Open Session at 7:52PM
 
After Closed Session:
The Board may take any necessary actions including Motions on any or all matters discussed in closed session
Myron Berry- I move to Approve the Sanctioning of the Boonsboro, MD Contest for 8/27-28/2021
Second- Goldsmith – Motion Passed Unanimously
 
 
Adjourn or Suspend
Ralph Williams - I Move to Adjourn
Second- Linton– Motion Passed Unanimously
 
Meeting Adjourned at 7:54PM
 
Attachments and Reports
 
Contest Report
BOD Approval – None  
Smoke on the Water 10/15-16/2021 Topeka, KS
Battle of the Brisket 09/4-5/2021 Mission, KS
     
In-house Approval –    
Dodge City Days Smokin' Saddles BBQ Competition - One Meat Rib Contest 7/30/2021 Dodge City, KS
BBQ Jamboree 06/11-12/2021 Fredericksburg, VA
Smoke & Soul Fest - Day 1 10/1-2/2021 Casper, WY
Smoke & Soul Fest - Day 2 10/2-3/2021 Casper, WY
Big Blue Barbecue 8/13-14/2021 Shelbyville, IN
Smoke in the Park (Backyard) 08/6-7/2021 Glencoe, AL
Smokin' in the Hills 09/24-25/2021 Hillsboro, OH
Waxhaw Grill'n & Chill'n BBQ Cook-off 10/8-9/2021 Waxhaw, NC
All American BBQ Throwdown 08/6-7/2021 Westland, MI
Roast-N-Boast 08/27-28/2021 Columbus, MS
Smoke, Wind & Fire 07/10-11/2021 Lethbridge, Canada
Obion County Barbeque Cook Off 05/15-16/2021 Union City, TN
Central Illinois BBQ Throwdown - One Meat Chicken Contest 7/16/2021 Eureka, IL
Best of the Midwest BBQ 10/22-23/2021 Union Grove, WI
The Golden State Battle III - Day 2 4/17-18/2021 Hollister, CA
All American Smokers - Steak Contest 10/8-9/2021 Bonifay, FL
Grillin' on the Trail 08/28-29/2021 Council Grove, KS
Honor-Q 09/10-11/2021 Yorkville, IL
Saluting with Smoke (Competitor's Series) 11/5-6/2021 Yorkville, IL
Keepers of the Fire BBQ Contest 07/9-10/2021 Mayetta, KS
County Seat Cookoff 7/16-17/2021 Jay, OK
Rufus Teague BBQ Throwdown @ Americamps Day 1 (Backyard) 9/24-25/2021 Ashland, VA
Rufus Teague BBQ Throwdown @ Americamps Day 2 (Backyard) 9/25-26/2021 Ashland, VA
GA - BBQ Shoot Out Day 1 05/21-22/2021 Evans, GA
GA - BBQ Shoot Out Day 2 05/22-23/2021 Evans, GA
     
Pending- none  
 
 
 
Sanctioning Committee
MARCH 17, 2021
 
Attending:  Randy Bigler, Charlie Brinza, Karrin Murphy, Corey Linton, Joni Wittman,
                   Beth Salzl and Myron Berry
 
Meeting began at 12:02 pm
 
There are three contest conflicts:
 
Aug 27-28, 2021 - New Holland, PA*** & Boonsboro, MD (130 miles separation)
 
Sept 4-5, 2021 - Mission, KS & Maryville, MO*** (110 miles separation)
 
Oct 15-16, 2021 - Topeka, KS & Sugar Creek, MO*** (89 miles separation )
 
*** denotes contest currently sanctioned
 
After discussion, the committee recommends sanctioning Boonsboro, MD, Mission, KS and Topeka, KS contests.
 
We have an application for a One Meat Stand Alone contest (Helping U BBQ) in Omaha, NE that is under the 90-day requirement for in house approval.
 
After discussion, the committee recommends sanctioning the Helping U BBQ contest in Omaha, NE
 
Friday night Ancillary fees for multiple entries: A concern about fees for multiple entries was brought to the committee. Discussion followed about organizers concern over these fees could lead to fewer multiple entry ancillary contests, The committee suggests discounting these fees as follows: For over 2 entries the fee to be $ 25 per entry and $ 3 per team.
 
$25 Processing fee: This fee is not mentioned in the KCBS sanctioning application. The committee recommends that this fee be listed on the sanctioning application to avoid confusion.
 
Meeting adjourned at 1:03pm
 
Myron Berry, Chair
 
 
Judging Committee
 
 
Contest Representative Committee
March 9, 2021
By Ralph Williams
The KCBS Rep Committee met at 6:30 pm by Zoom conference.  Members present were: Jeanne Titus, Mike Winter, Scott Grinstead, Steve Grinstead, Alan Rothrock, Julie Poe, Dave Druetzler, Debby Gage, David McAlister, Rick Wagoner, Emily Detwiler, Karrin Murphy and Ralph Williams.
David McAlister was contacted to check the ability of developing a series of mini videos concerning SCORE.  The small videos would allow for a Rep to refresh specific areas they feel necessary and also for a rep in-training to access these as they learn the SCORE program.  The Committee felt this would be a good training avenue.
Dave Druetzler went through the development of the proposed Stand Alone or One Meat contest invoices.  They are simple and easy to follow thus helping to eliminate pricing mistakes that are sometimes incurred.  The newest invoice should be posted in the very near future. Categories are color coded to help move from section to section with ease. 
Lead Rep definition was clarified.  The Rep contacted by the office to handle contacting the organizer / sponsor would be the person considered as the Lead Rep.   If an issue occurred during an event, after all Reps have conferred, the Lead Rep will speak to the offended cook / team.  Only one voice should be heard.
Ordering Judging Supplies:  This topic was addressed, and the Committee was directed to the Rep manual to get the correct ordering procedures and contact email address of Print Time.
Rep Manual:  The newly revised Rep Manual is posted in the Rep portal and ALL Reps should review the manual to keep refreshed with our rules and regulations.
Table Population Judging Sheet:  Just a reminder the BOD did pass and send a judges population sheet to be followed and not seat numerous extra tables to placate judges. Reps are to work closely with their organizer on the number of judges needed versus the number of teams attending the event.
Turkey Smoke: Several events have been contacted and will have the opportunity to help with having a turkey breast category.  Emily noted billing will be through the office and not listed on the invoice.
 
Meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm.
 
 
Rules Committee
 
Foundation Committee
The Committee met on 3/9/21 at 7pm.  In attendance were:  Dave Edyburn (IL), Nancy Goldsmith (Chair. IA), Mike Megyesi (MI), Priscilla Smith (OH), Beth Salzl (MN)
Scholarships
Nancy provided an update on the status of scholarship award applications. With a deadline of March 31, 2021, as of 3/2/21, we have the following applications:
      15 Complete
       5 Incomplete
      21 Saved but not Submitted
The Committee reviewed and discussed the procedures for scoring essays and letters of recommendation.
it is expected that the applications will be available to the Committee in mid-April after the Office staff prepares the files. Ideally, the Committee will meet to review the scores and make recommendations to the BOD by the May 2021 meeting as awardees are to be notified early June.
Discussion of funds available for 2021 awards.  Goldsmith will follow up with CEO and Treasurer.
Some discussion of tightening criteria for scholarships.  This will be reviewed and finalized after June 2021, as focus needs to stay on current applicants.  Members are to send suggestions to D. Edyburn for compilation.
Bylaws Review
Work is continuing on review of bylaws and development of guidelines, standards, goals, processes, and procedures for the foundation.  Each committee member is to continue review and send ideas to Nancy for compilation and discussion.
As this work has just begun, it is too soon to provide details of our discussions.