KCBS Board Meeting Quick Notes, February 12, 2024
Kansas City Barbeque Society
Board of Directors’ Meeting QUICK NOTES
Monday February 12 & 19, 2024. 6:00pm CT
Membership Requests to Address the Board:
- None
Call to Order – Rod Gray, CEO at 6:02
Roll Call:
Joel Fleetwood, Chiles Cridlin, Cliff Davis, Randy Todd, Jeanne Titus, Thomas Gearhart, Paul Buob, David Qualls, Charlie Brinza
KCBS Office: Rod Gray
Absent:
Election of Board President (Gray)
Gray called for nominations for Board President
- Joel Fleetwood nominated by Todd, seconded by Qualls
- Call for nomination to cease by Qualls, second by Brinza – passed
- Vote for Fleetwood unanimous
Board Pledge (Fleetwood):
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.
Appointment of Officers and Committee Chairs
Officers:
- Vice President:
- Randy Todd by Titus, second by Cridlin
- Thomas Gearhart by Qualls, second by Buob
- Votes by email to Fleetwood copying Gray
- Todd received majority of votes
- Treasurer:
- Paul Buob by Qualls, second by Cridlin
- Charlie Brinza by Titus, second by Todd
- Brinza declined nomination – Buob elected
- Secretary:
- David Qualls by Cridlin, second by Gearhart
- Call to end nomination by Brinza, second by Cridlin – passed
- Qualls elected
Committee Chair appointments by Fleetwood:
- Contest Representatives: Titus
- Rules: Brinza and Buob
- Sanctioning: Gearhart and Qualls
- CBJ: Davis and Todd
- Foundation: Cridlin
- Nominating: Buob and Brinza
- Workgroups:
- Organizers: Todd and Brinza
- Backyard: Gearhart and Buob
- Bylaws: Qualls and Cridlin
- Motion to approve by Qualls, second by Cridlin - passed
Motion to record and publish open session of meetings by Qualls, second by Cridlin
- Discussion:
- Opinions in favor by Qualls, Gearhart, Cridlin and Buob
- Opinions opposed by Titus and Todd
- Neutral opinions by Brinza and Davis
- Vote: Passed with dissenting votes by Titus and Todd
Motion to recess in order for new members to be brought current by Qualls, second by Cridlin
- Discussion:
- Request by Gray to address Resolution R-02-12-24-A (Annual meeting) as issue is time sensitive
- Request granted
- Resolution R-02-12-24-A (Annual meeting) – Gray
- Defined requirement in bylaws
- Motion to approve future date by Qualls, second by Cridlin - passed
Recess
Motion to recess until 2/19 in order for new members to be brought current by Qualls, second by Cridlin with request for roll call vote
Motion passed unanimously and meeting recessed at 7:11.
Reconvene
February 12, 2024 Board Meeting was reconvened on February 19, 2024 at 6:02pm Central Time
New Business:
- Fleetwood proposes special committee under authority of Article 7 Section 7.04 Other Committees.
- Fleetwood proposed Himself, Randy Todd Vice President, Paul Buob Treasurer, and Member Thomas Gearhart.
- Discussion held as to the need for a Finance Committee to meet outside of the Board
- Qualls Asked to be included as Board Secretary which Fleetwood Denied as his Privilege as President.
- Motion by Qualls not to adopt Finance Committee. Motion died from lack of Second
- Motion by to adopt by Todd seconded by Brinza
- Motion Passes 7-1 with Qualls dissenting.
Notice concerning Committee Reports. Some committees do not meet monthly, If a report is presented, it will be included as an attachment to the Agenda.
- Minutes of previous BOD meeting
- Contest Report
- Financial Report
- Sanctioning Committee
- Judging Committee
- Contest Representative Committee
- Rules Committee
- Foundation Committee
- Finance Committee
- Nominating Committee
- Workgroups:
- Organizers Work Group
- Backyard Work Group
Discussion of any items removed from Consent Agenda:
- Motion by Todd to remove the Finance Committee report to closed session, Second by Cridlin
- Motion Passes
- Motion by Buob to approve Consent Agenda, Second by Cridlin
- Motion Passes
Old Business:
- None.
Motion to enter Closed Session by Cridlin, Second by Titus
Board Entered Closed Session at 6:13pm
Closed Session Agenda:
Discussion of Legal, Financial, Personnel and Real Estate
- Financial reports and budgets (Todd)
- Question on International (Brinza)
After Closed Session:
The Board may take any necessary actions including Motions on any or all matters discussed in closed session.
Board Returned from Closed Session at 8:06 pm
Adjourn or Suspend
Motion to Adjourn by Brinza, Second by Cridlin. Motion Passed
Meeting Adjourned at 8:07pm
Attachments and Reports
Contest Report
| In-house Approval | ||
| East Helena Smoke Show | 8/9-10/2024 | East Helena, MT |
| Dodge City Days Smokin' Saddles Double Header (Day 1) | 7/25-26/2024 | Dodge City, KS |
| Dodge City Days Smokin' Saddles Double Header (Day 2) | 7/26-27/2024 | Dodge City, KS |
| Reelin N Smokin Backyard BBQ Competition | 6/7-8/2024 | Huntsville, AL |
| Big Blue BBQ Championship | 5/31-6/1/2024 | Marysville, KS |
| Atlanta BBQ Store Classic | 11/15-16/2024 | Atlanta, GA |
| York County BBQ Festival (Day 2) | 6/29-30/2024 | Delta, PA |
| Smoke & Soul Fest | 7/12-13/2024 | Casper, WY |
| Didsbury Lions BBQ | 7/27-28/2024 | Canada |
| Weekend of Giving | 10/26-27/2024 | Wrentham, MA |
| Weekend of Giving (ONE MEAT RIBS) | 10/25-26/2024 | Wrentham, MA |
| Weekend of Giving (ONE MEAT CHICKEN) | 10/25-26/2024 | Wrentham, MA |
| Bring'n Home the Bacon (ONE MEAT RIBS) | 6/7/2024 | West Salem, WI |
| Embers and Ice Pitmaster Challenge | 5/25-26/2024 | Canada |
| WV Coalfields Cookoff | 6/10-11/2024 | Welch, WV |
| Scottsboro BBQ Festival (BACKYARD & KIDS QUE) | 10/11-12/2024 | Scottsboro, AL |
| Honeybee BBQ Competition | 5/31-6/1/2024 | LaFayette, GA |
| OMC - Pork Ribs in Bakers (ONE MEAT RIBS) | 2/24/2024 | Australia |
| Chicken in Bakers (ONE MEAT CHICKEN) | 2/24/2024 | Australia |
| Raider Red Meats BBQ & Ribeye Championship | 8/16-17/2024 | Lubbock, TX |
| "Smokin' Ribs Showdown" (ONE MEAT RIBS) #1 | 4/6/2024 | Italy |
| "Smokin' Ribs Showdown" (ONE MEAT RIBS) #2 | 4/6/2024 | Italy |
| Cherokee Strip BBQ & Chili Cook-Off | 9/20-21/2024 | Ponca City, OK |
| Cherokee Strip BBQ & Chili Cook-Off (ONE MEAT RIBS) | 9/20/2024 | Ponca City, OK |
| Shawnee Great Grillers | 9/28-29/2024 | Shawnee, KS |
| 10th Annual Slab-O-Rama BBQ Challenge | 1/17-18/2024 | Bullhead City, AZ |
| Wild West BBQ Cook-Off | 5/10-11/2024 | Lamar, CO |
| Steel City Smokeout | 7/19-20/2024 | Bethlehem, PA |
| Hog Wild BBQ & Family Fest | 5/3-4/2024 | Brookhaven, MS |
| Small Town Smoke Down | 6/8-9/2024 | Canada |
| WhistleStop BBQ Festival (BACKYARD ONLY) | 10/18-19/2024 | Huntsville, AL |
Financial Report
To be reviewed in closed session before publication.
Sanctioning Committee
No January meeting.
Judging Committee
No January meeting.
Contest Representative Committee
January Meeting
Discussion of 3 different sets of possible Reps in Training and 1 individual to train. All 3 sets were approved and can begin their training. We discussed the need for Reps to train in the Northeast and are still looking for Reps for this area.
Discussed the need for an updated Judges meeting script.
We also discussed the need for additional CBJ trainers in certain areas of the country, this information will be passed onto the 2024 CBJ and Rep Chairpersons.
Rules Committee
No January meeting. Materials distributed to committee members regarding Kids Que options. 2024 agenda will start with Kids Que review as well as ancillaries’ rules.
Finance Committee
The KCBS Finance committee met Monday, February 5th, 2024 at 6pm cdt.
Present:
Stan Dobosenski, President
Joel Fleetwood, Vice President
Rod Gray, Chief Executive Officer
Randy Todd, Finance Chair
Agenda
Old Business
1. Pull tab project.
This project was tabled until the 3-4-2024 Finance committee meeting. Stan Dobosenski and Beth Salzl are invited to discuss options for a pull tab gaming manager. The Rack Shack in Burnsville MN has agreed for us to place a pull tab machine in their BBQ restaurant.
2. SCORE fund is at $15,000.00
SCORE software progress update:
The first SCORE update is scheduled to be released to the Reps in March 2024. KCBS thanks David McAllister for spearheading this project.
New Business
1. The 1099s were sent out last week for $262, including postage. We sent out 110 of them. Last year, the accountant charged us over $5K.
Foundation Committee
No January meeting.
Nominating Committee
Approved results of election as officially submitted to committee on Jan. 14.
Organizer Work Group
No January meeting.
Backyard Work Group
No January meeting.
CEO Report
February 2024
Key Highlights:
With the 2024 KCBS Annual Awards Banquet in the books, the staff has now set their sights on the 2024 KCBS World Invitational in Lebanon, Tennessee, May 24 - 26. Registration launched on January 26th. We added Open-only registration on Friday, February 2nd. Currently, there are 49 teams registered to compete. I am working closely with our accounting firm, UHY, to finalize 2023 so our IRS Form 990 may be filed for KCBS and the Foundation.
Even with the elements against us, the Annual Awards Banquet went well. KCBS received many positive comments from attendees. The 2025 event will be February 17 & 18 at Harrah’s Casino in Kansas City, Missouri.
Membership:
The February 6th, 2024, membership count snapshot reflects 15,710, up 171 from the 15,539 members reported on January 4th, 2024. Park Road Technologies has thoroughly reviewed the membership renewal situation, and after much deliberation, created a strategy for correcting the MemberLeap software. A meeting is scheduled with Vieth Consulting to discuss and implement a fix.
Contests: Sherry
4 Contests Completed in 2024
293 Contests Scheduled for 2024 (calendar year)
13 Contests Canceled for 2024
CBJ & Table Captain Classes: Sherry
22 CBJ Classes Scheduled for 2024
15 TC Classes Scheduled for 2024
Partnerships Discussions:
Sponsor Updates:
- National Turkey Federation: Contract executed. 2024 season underway. 20 contests selected including the KCBS 2024 World Invitational
- Jack Daniel’s: discussions for 2025 underway
- Westlake Ace Hardware: 2024 planning underway including CBJ sponsored classes
- United Soybean: 2024 strategic planning and contract negotiations underway
- Old World Spice: discussing 2024 partnership opportunities.
- Food Export of the United States: Exporting Breakout Session at the 2024 Annual Awards Banquet led by FEUS. Planning additional resources and opportunities for KCBS members.
- Q39: Discussions underway for a continuation and expansion of the CBJ class sponsorship.
Marketing & Communications:
- Banquet:
- Attendees: more than 200 registered and 150 on-site attendees
- Programming:
- Social Hour Mixer featuring hand-selected Jack Daniel’s cocktails and included two drink tickets sponsored by Jack Daniel’s
- Eight (8) breakout sessions tailored to KCBS membership–CBJ, organizers, reps, and teams
- Four (4) sessions included online streaming content widely viewed, shared, and had high rates of real-time engagement
- BBQ Legends Keynote with Chris Lilly, Johnny Trigg, Amy Mills, and Tuffy Stone sponsored by Jack Daniel’s.
- Awards Banquet included the launch of the KCBS BBQ Hall of Fame, featured Team of the Year champs, and the Carolyn and Gary Wells Awards sponsored by Jack Daniel’s.
- Sponsorships:
- Table Sponsors: Q39, American Fire, Prairie Fresh, Snake River Farms and the BBQ Spot
- Event sponsors: Jack Daniel’s and National Turkey Federation.
- Bullsheet: The email open rate for the February Bullsheet is 53.46%
- Event Organizer Ad Sale generated $7100 in ad sales
- Board Content:
- Foundation: Raised $1000 in donations from table sponsors and individual donors at the banquet; raffle raised an additional $1800. Scholarship applications open until 3/31/24. 20 applicants currently.
- Merch Vendor: exploring options for a new merch vendor.
- Marketing Internship: renewed partnership with Park Hill Professional Studies Program. Isabella, the new marketing intern is being oriented.
Social Media
We continue to leverage social media to drive member conversion, promote the KCBS brand, showcase our sponsors and events, and provide value to our members through fun and educational content.
Social Media Growth:
- Total Audience, as of 2/6/2024: 124,332 total followers
- KCBS gained 325 new followers across social media platforms within the month, with the biggest increase coming from Facebook.
| 78,704 followers [Down from the 78569 followers from the beginning of January] | 135 new followers | ||
| 24,398 followers [Up from the 24,292 followers from the beginning of January] | 106 new followers | ||
| 21,230 followers [Up from the 21,146 Followers from the beginning of January] | 84 new followers |
- Our most reached for January: Get Ready for the 2024 World Championship.
- 12.5k reached, 239 engagements, 67 comments and 18 shares
- 12.5k reached, 239 engagements, 67 comments and 18 shares
2024 Annual Awards Banquet Full Social Media Stats (Facebook and Instagram):
Cumulative Social Media (Pre-Event, During and Post-Event): 33 posts (18 Facebook and 15 Instagram)
- Facebook:
- 120.1k Impressions
- 114.5k Reach
- Instagram:
- 19.3k Impressions
- 17.1k Reach
- 3 posted live streams via Facebook
- 7.9k views in total
Proposed Resolutions:
The Kansas City Barbeque Society
Board Of Directors Resolution R-02-12-24-A
"Notice of Annual Meeting"
Whereas, as Section 5.01 of the KCBS Bylaws requires, The Board will, by resolution, define the time and place, either within or without the State of Missouri, for holding of the annual meeting
Resolved, the date of the meeting will be held on March 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. CST via video conference call.
Resolved, members of KCBS in good standing may attend via video conference call.
Resolved, members will receive notice via email of the conference call and login information one day prior to the meeting.
C E R T I F I C A T I O N
The foregoing resolution numbered R-02-12-24-A, "Notice of Annual Meeting", was presented and discussed at a duly called meeting of the Board of Directors held on this 12th day of February 2024, with a recorded vote of
___9____For___0___Opposed___0___Abstentions
By cast of a Majority Vote, Resolution Number R-02-12-24-A Does Hereby Pass This 12th day of February, 2024
Board of Directors: Charlie Brinza, Thomas Gearhart, Paul Buob, David Qualls, Chiles Cridlin, Jeanne Titus, Cliff Davis, Randy Todd, Joel Fleetwood