Help Needed - BCA Industry Poll

[MikeJanis]

Mike, Bottom line is you are probably flogging a dead horse. The BCA has already proven they are only looking at improving their bottom line financially. (much the same as Donald Trump.)Your efforts may be commendable but until you can reach the antiquated hiarchy of the BCA
our sport will languish where it has (as one pocket said) " for the
last fifty years" under their (sic)guidance!!!!!

I can not discount much of what you said above as being historical fact but fortunately it is history. With the BCA, board members can only serve specific time periods before new ones must replace them. Right now this fact is more important than ever before. The current BCA board along with the possibility of new ones this year could quite possibly favor the objectives of this new system. Right now more than ever before since I have been following the BCA (since 1993) the current board has seated more members of the leading companies that have been and are currently huge supporters of cue sports. Specifically pool here in the US.

Lets look at some of the members of the Billiard Congress of America: 2007-2008 Board of Directors. http://www.bca.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=21

Ivan Lee (V) - President
Iwan Simonis, Inc.

Ivan is with Simonis Cloth. Simonis for as long as I can remember has supported professional and amateur tournaments alike for many years here in the US. This is a fact. Check out all the associations the support here: http://www.simoniscloth.com/links.htm


Sean Cummings (V) - Treasurer
Brunswick Billiards

Mr. Cummings represents Brunswick Billiards. Brunswick has a long (probably longer than most) history of supporting events here in the USA and abroad. Brunswick Billiards currently sponsors many Pro events and currently holds the table sponsorship for my company, The Viking Cue 9-Ball Tour.


Mark Griffin (V),
BCA Pool League

Mark, what can I say. He does a hell of a lot for pool and pool players here in the USA. His reputation speaks for itself when it comes to sponsoring pool. I should also mention that through his involvement with Diamond Billiard Products, and specifically the DCC he is a current sponsor of my company, The Viking Cue 9-Ball Tour. Diamond tables is also one of the previous table sponsors of the Viking Tour.


Barry Hart (V),
Viking Cue Mfg., Inc.,

Barry and Viking Cue have a long rich history of supporting American pool events and pool players. To start off with they are the title sponsor of my company, The Viking Cue 9-Ball Tour. Additionally, Viking is known for its generous support of various tournaments and organizations including Nationally televised events, the Viking Nine Ball Tour, Super Billiards Expo, VNEA, BCA League and National Wheelchair Poolplayer Association Inc.


Jim McDermott (RO),
Magoo's Billiards

Jim is a great guy that holds firm beliefs in supporting pool here in America. His rooms, Magoos and Magoos 2 (Used to be known as the Tulsa Billiard Palace) has played host to many, many tours and events. Jim has even held Viking Cue 9-Ball Tour events in his room and just told me he wants more.


John Petti (V),
Atlas Billiard Supplies

John is an accomplished player himself who enjoys our sport. Mr. Pettis company currently sponsors professional player Shawn Putnam. Mr. Putnam currently works for the Viking Cue 9-Ball Tour and is our 6 time players of the year. From what I understand John is a good guy for our sport.


Brian Rosselli (V),
Olhausen Billiard Manufacturing, Inc

Mr. Roselli represents Olhausen Billiard Manufacturing. Olhausen is well know for there zealous sponsorships of players and tournaments alike. Olhausen is one of the previous table sponsors of the Viking Cue 9-Ball Tour.


Kathy Vegh (R),
Danny Vegh's Billiards & Home

Mrs. Vegh, well I do not know her well enough but what I do know is that.
Her father, Danny Vegh put me in business back in 1992. The Vegh family through there company Danny Vegh's has sponsored and helped more pool tournaments, leagues magazines and billiards related entities in NE Ohio than anybody ever. Good people with a solid reputation for supporting pool.


The above only mentions 8 of the 16 seated board members. I don't know how any of them are going to vote on my proposal but I have an idea based on their previous track records with their own companies.


Again like I hinted above, many of the current board members are somewhat new to the board. I don't know how they will vote for the interests of the BCA but I think that right now at this time in our sport I have a pretty good shot at accomplishing my stated goals through the BCA.

One of the questions that nobody has asked is why I think I have a shot in getting this done. Well, I could boast a ton about my accomplishments in the billiard industry but instead I'll just post my resume of billiard related experience.


Mike Janis
Qualifications
I am a loyal, motivated, self-starter with strong management and organizational skills with sales expertise specializing in the billiard industry.

Relevant Experience

1994 - Present
Founder/President, The Viking Cue 9-ball Tour; Rockmart, Georgia
Founded to provide exceptional leadership and the development and promotion of cue sports nationwide, responsible for the planning, promotion, and sales of over 900 tournaments and events, acquired and sustained friendly corporate sponsorship relations with over 300 companies in the industry, has matured to become the largest tour in the country based on number of events held, developed and maintained programs to encourage new participants in the sport.

2006 - 2007
Promotional Director, The Pool Room; Atlanta, Georgia
Oversee advertising and marketing strategies in the Atlanta area, conduct Sales and promotions with corporate clients.

1992 - 1999
Founder/President, Tournament Guide Magazine; Cleveland, Ohio
Created statewide publication to provide the latest information in pool and billiards for the state of Ohio,
handle sales and advertising, writer, graphic designer, editor.

1991 - 1995
Founder/Owner, Buckeye Pool League; Cleveland, Ohio
Created and managed pool league structure to develop and maintain the league system, governing almost
400 teams; integrated corporate sponsorships to provide 100% payback to league players.

1990 - 1997
Founder/Owner, TG2 Sales and Vending; Cleveland, Ohio
Bar table and amusement game sales and vending



Please support this in any way you can.

Thanks,

Mj

 

[stevelomako]

Mike,

We go back a ways and you've always done what you've said you would do.

You can count on me to do whatever I can personally.

You also know my poolroom is yours for whatever you need to do or try.



If I was going to have anyone to try and change things with the BCA towards the betterment of pool players you are definately at the top of the list.


I pay room owner dues to the BCA and my feeling has been getting like I'm throwing money out the window.

I wasn't going to re-new this year but because of you and what you want to try....I will.

Steve

 

[MikeJanis]

Mike,

We go back a ways and you've always done what you've said you would do.

You can count on me to do whatever I can personally.

You also know my poolroom is yours for whatever you need to do or try.



If I was going to have anyone to try and change things with the BCA towards the betterment of pool players you are definately at the top of the list.


I pay room owner dues to the BCA and my feeling has been getting like I'm throwing money out the window.

I wasn't going to re-new this year but because of you and what you want to try....I will.

Steve

Thanks Steve.


I have talked to way too many room owners and others in the industry that feel the same way you stated about the BCA. I hope my efforts will change a few things so everyone can prosper through the BCA.

In the meantime please tell everyone about these efforts.

Thanks,
Mj

 

[MikeJanis]

Only 10 minutes left to get a vote in on the poll.

Mj

 

[cueandcushion]

Needs work

I tried the pool room locator and according to thier search, there is not a single pool room in the State of Missouri.

I think it needs more work.

 

[MikeJanis]

I tried the pool room locator and according to thier search, there is not a single pool room in the State of Missouri.

I think it needs more work.

Its not that it needs more work. It's that it only searches for room owners/operators that are members of the BCA. Henceforth, there are no rooms in Missouri that are members of the BCA.

That just goes to show how ineffective the BCA has become over the years. Hopefully that will change soon. I know the Board has initiated some (Not very effective) ways to get the room owners/operators on board as members again but so far it has been very little.

Mj

 

[MikeJanis]

I tried the pool room locator and according to thier search, there is not a single pool room in the State of Missouri.

I think it needs more work.

Is Cue and Cushion a current or past member of the BCA ?

If the BCA helps to sponsor an organized pro tour would Cue and Cushion become a member of the BCA ?

Mj

 

[JB Cases]

Mike I support your efforts and IF the BCA were to adopt your proposal then I would become a member or the BCA again.

I think that the BCA's mission SHOULD BE to promote the participation of pool by funding ways to get pool consistently seen. AND IF there is a transparent and achieveable path to go from novice to professional then so much the better.

I firmly believe that you are the ONE PERSON who can put this together. With your hard won experience and intimate knowledge of the grassroots pool scene in the United States you are the person most qualified to pull this off in my opinion.

I believe the new leadership at the BCA understands the VALUE of getting the fans and those who aren't yet fans involved in the sport.

I personally am committed to seeing pool grow and Sterling Gaming as a company is as well.

As they say, a rising tide lifts all boats. So count on my support in this endeavor.

 

[MikeJanis]

Oops, wrong reply ..........Deleted.

 

[1pocket]

1pocket, you seem to be missing the point. The system does not rely on additional industry funding. The hopes would be to gain it but again, it does not need it to guarantee its success for the 1ST 5 years. ...

I'm not sure how familiar you are with me or the Viking Tour which I founded so I will update you. The Viking Tour relies on industry sponsorship and has since it's inception in 1994. Since that time we have had hundreds of different co-sponsors that have donated millions of dollars in product sponsorships which has enabled us to become the largest longest running Open regional Tour in the country. ...

Now, lets get you up to speed on the funding from the BCA. Regardless of how you look at it the funding from the BCA comes directly from the Industry giants and otherwise. Most of the monies that the BCA has and makes comes from within the industry through memberships, trade shows and advertising. This concept will additionally help those BCA members that already sponsor tours or events on their own and streamline their monies into a more effective system that will benefit a greater number of them than if they were to do it independantly of each other. Thus by doing this we can all work together for the purpose of furtheirng the gwowth of cuesports here in the US.

For the BCA and all of its members this is a win, win situation. This system will enhance the longterm goals of the BCA by inspiring new members and coordinating the monies it already spends in other seperate methods to producde these effects in a more effecient manner while at the same time breathing new life into the organization and bringing it to new heights in the industry.

Mj

With all due respect (and you, Mike Janis, are due a great deal of respect), I am not missing my point

What I am hearing is that YOU and select industry sponsors and room owners and players that YOU work your butt off to bring into your tour are essentially giving the BCA a nearly free ride. I am aware of your tour, and you deserve a ton of credit. (I only wish it included a little more One pocket ) In my opinion, it is people like you, and other independent promoters like Mike Zuglan and others over the years, that have been carrying our sport for many years. You guys are my heros.

However, there has been a glaring absence on the major tournament scene for many years, and that absence has been the BCA! They should have been leading this long ago; it's twisted somehow that they are turning to an independent like you to give them a role.

They should really be digging deep into their pockets if they are sincere. Their members are the ones that stand to benefit the most if the tour succeeds. For all these years they have given the impression of distancing themselves from the bulk of our sport's talent. They should be leading; I'd like to see them make a leadership sized $$$ commitment to your idea, that's all (I assume this is really your idea).

How much are they contributing, or is it kind of a coat-tail thing?

 

[MikeJanis]

With all due respect (and you, Mike Janis, are due a great deal of respect), I am not missing my point

What I am hearing is that YOU and select industry sponsors and room owners and players that YOU work your butt off to bring into your tour are essentially giving the BCA a nearly free ride. I am aware of your tour, and you deserve a ton of credit. (I only wish it included a little more One pocket ) In my opinion, it is people like you, and other independent promoters like Mike Zuglan and others over the years, that have been carrying our sport for many years. You guys are my heros.

However, there has been a glaring absence on the major tournament scene for many years, and that absence has been the BCA! They should have been leading this long ago; it's twisted somehow that they are turning to an independent like you to give them a role.

They should really be digging deep into their pockets if they are sincere. Their members are the ones that stand to benefit the most if the tour succeeds. For all these years they have given the impression of distancing themselves from the bulk of our sport's talent. They should be leading; I'd like to see them make a leadership sized $$$ commitment to your idea, that's all (I assume this is really your idea).

How much are they contributing, or is it kind of a coat-tail thing?

Given the reality of the situation I will be asking for a substantial contribution over a 5 year period but compared to what it could be it is a modest sum per year. Just enough to get things rolling on the right track.

It basically calls for about 1.25 million over a 5 year period along with reinvesting realized revenues from it to the BCA in the 3rd year to increase it's effectiveness for the players, our sport and the industry as a whole and all at the same time securing/saving funding from it's first 5 years of operations to keep it going and funded for the 2nd period of 5 years without the support of the BCA in that 2nd 5 year period.

I know to some it doesn't seem like it would be enough but like I mentioned before, its what will start the wheel turning and keep it moving for years to come. My hopes are that it will create a snowball effect like what has happend with my tour and many other national tours around the world.

I have put several years into the development of this structure (4). Many of my influences come from past experiences with the Viking Tour and my eagerly asking of questions and observations from other world bodies that are WPA members.

Right now I am looking at this as our sports final hope here in the US. I am sure other organizations will spring up in the future but as of yet I have never sen anything as comprehensive and as simple as this will be for pool here in the US.

 

[1pocket]

Given the reality of the situation I will be asking for a substantial contribution over a 5 year period but compared to what it could be it is a modest sum per year. Just enough to get things rolling on the right track.

It basically calls for about 1.25 million over a 5 year period along with reinvesting realized revenues from it to the BCA in the 3rd year to increase it's effectiveness for the players, our sport and the industry as a whole and all at the same time securing/saving funding from it's first 5 years of operations to keep it going and funded for the 2nd period of 5 years without the support of the BCA in that 2nd 5 year period.

I know to some it doesn't seem like it would be enough but like I mentioned before, its what will start the wheel turning and keep it moving for years to come. My hopes are that it will create a snowball effect like what has happend with my tour and many other national tours around the world.

I have put several years into the development of this structure (4). Many of my influences come from past experiences with the Viking Tour and my eagerly asking of questions and observations from other world bodies that are WPA members.

Right now I am looking at this as our sports final hope here in the US. I am sure other organizations will spring up in the future but as of yet I have never sen anything as comprehensive and as simple as this will be for pool here in the US.

Well if anyone can do this, it is probably you. I assume you are talking to Mike Zuglan, too?

I guess it is a start for the BCA, but considering their financial base, it sure looks like coat-tailing to your efforts, rather than leadership on their part.

That is my point. Did I miss something else?

PS I am sincere about tipping my hat to the hardworking independent promoters like you that have been sticking their necks out for the players for years and years -- often at great personal cost, and all while the BCA has sat on their assets, IMHO.

 

[jay helfert]

For thos that need more information about how the BCA helps local pool rooms and our sport. Please check out the links below.

EnjoyPool.com 9-Ball Championships
http://www.bca.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=20

BCA EXPO
http://www.bcaexpo.com/

BCA Instructor Program
http://www.bca.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=5

Room Operator/Pool Room Search
http://www.bca.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=67

Pocket Billiards Rules and Specifications
http://www.bca.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=54

BCA Announces Formation of WPA Committee
Information available in the BCA Break News Lette
http://www.bca.affiniscape.com/associations/7744/files/1207_December.pdf

ASSOCIATION HEALTH PROGRAMS
Information available in the BCA Member Update
http://www.bca-pool.com/industry/membership/07updates/update_v4n19.shtml
This nationwide program includes health insurance, life insurance, long-term care insurance, cancer coverage, accident insurance, disability income, critical illness, dental insurance, vision and more! AHP, of Overland Park, Kansas, has been retained to administer the program. Stuart Pase, president and certified senior advisor, welcomes all BCA members to take advantage of these special benefits, protection, underwriting and pricing.

The BCA sponsors the BEF "Billiard Education Foundation" by donating $50,000 per year.
http://www.billiardeducation.org/

BCA Hall of Fame
http://www.bca.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=4

There is plenty more on the www.BCA-Pool.com website

Mike, I know you have your own agenda to create a larger pro tour out there. And I wish you success in doing that. You are definitely on the right track.

But I respectfully submit that something the BCA could (and should) do immediately is make the EnjoyPool.com championship into a major event again. They can do this simply by pumping up the total prize fund to $200,000. That would be $100,000 per division. This increase is long overdue. The prize money has stayed the same since this event was introduced ten years ago.

It's time this group collectively got their hands out of their pockets and really supported professional pool. If they are going to support only one pro tournament a year, at least make it a big one. I have one word for the bunch of them. CHEAPSKATES!

 

[MikeJanis]

Mike, I know you have your own agenda to create a larger pro tour out there. And I wish you success in doing that. You are definitely on the right track.

But I respectfully submit that something the BCA could (and should) do immediately is make the EnjoyPool.com championship into a major event again. They can do this simply by pumping up the total prize fund to $200,000. That would be $100,000 per division. This increase is long overdue. The prize money has stayed the same since this event was introduced ten years ago.

It's time this group collectively got their hands out of their pockets and really supported professional pool. If they are going to support only one pro tournament a year, at least make it a big one. I have one word for the bunch of them. CHEAPSKATES!

Jay, Jay, Jay, be nice now, I know how you feel. Just to let you know my proposal at this time does not ask for that increase. However, it does ask that they replicate that event (by having 2 per year) in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th years of the system I am proposing. I also suggest that they reverse a few of the changes that they are implementing to that event this year. I am not sure if they have been announced as of yet so I can not say specifically what I am asking for on that event. Additionally, that event (the male version) is part of the whole system I am trying to implement.

Mj

 

[MikeJanis]

Well if anyone can do this, it is probably you. I assume you are talking to Mike Zuglan, too?

Yes, I have been in contact with other tour promoters. So far everyone has agreed as long as the funding comes through. Just as a note. All the promoters I have talked to did not ask for anything in return for being a part of this. We are all in agreement that it is whats best for the players, our sport and the industry in a whole. There are still a few things to work out but it looks good from the regional tours standpoint.


That reminds me. I need to call a few more of the regional tour promoters today. If I forgot to contact any of you (Regionl Tour Promoters) please give me a call.

Thanks,

Mj

 

[1pocket]

Yes, I have been in contact with other tour promoters. So far everyone has agreed as long as the funding comes through. Just as a note. All the promoters I have talked to did not ask for anything in return for being a part of this. We are all in agreement that it is whats best for the players, our sport and the industry in a whole. There are still a few things to work out but it looks good from the regional tours standpoint.


That reminds me. I need to call a few more of the regional tour promoters today. If I forgot to contact any of you (Regionl Tour Promoters) please give me a call.

Thanks,

Mj

It sounds like the regional promoters are stepping up -- but really, Mike, isn't it time for the BCA to really step up, with leadership-sized money? Otherwise it's just coat-tailing, imo...

 

[jay helfert]

Jay, Jay, Jay, be nice now, I know how you feel. Just to let you know my proposal at this time does not ask for that increase. However, it does ask that they replicate that event (by having 2 per year) in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th years of the system I am proposing. I also suggest that they reverse a few of the changes that they are implementing to that event this year. I am not sure if they have been announced as of yet so I can not say specifically what I am asking for on that event. Additionally, that event (the male version) is part of the whole system I am trying to implement.

Mj

You don't really know how I feel Mike. I had a vision like yours of creating a Professional Pool Tour, and there was an existing entity that had everything to gain by helping me do that. And they turned their collective backs on me.

That has been my one avowed goal from the beginning in pool. And I failed to achieve it. I wish you more success than me.

As long as I'm breathing, I'll never let up on these guys. Along comes the fledgeling APA and they do more for pro pool than the BCA does every year. Of course, the APA was founded by pro players, Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart.

 

[MikeJanis]

It sounds like the regional promoters are stepping up -- but really, Mike, isn't it time for the BCA to really step up, with leadership-sized money? Otherwise it's just coat-tailing, imo...

Not looking at what the BCA has banked because they need those monies to guarantee their own success over the next couple of years. But looking at their yearly projected revenues, this is a big step up. It's HUGE.
You have to remember that the BCA has many other comittments in the industry. What I will be asking for is right in line with what they are capable of spending along with conducting business as usual. I think it's the right approach.

 

[MikeJanis]

Mike I support your efforts and IF the BCA were to adopt your proposal then I would become a member or the BCA again.

I think that the BCA's mission SHOULD BE to promote the participation of pool by funding ways to get pool consistently seen. AND IF there is a transparent and achieveable path to go from novice to professional then so much the better.

I firmly believe that you are the ONE PERSON who can put this together. With your hard won experience and intimate knowledge of the grassroots pool scene in the United States you are the person most qualified to pull this off in my opinion.

I believe the new leadership at the BCA understands the VALUE of getting the fans and those who aren't yet fans involved in the sport.

I personally am committed to seeing pool grow and Sterling Gaming as a company is as well.

As they say, a rising tide lifts all boats. So count on my support in this endeavor.

Thanks JB, I hope you become a VOTING MEMBER again of the BCA soon. That way if this gets to a vote you will have a say in the outcome + you can help Vote for me to get on the board of directors.

In fact, don't hesitate, sign-up today and make sure you tell'em it's because of these efforts.

Mj

 

[1pocket]

Not looking at what the BCA has banked because they need those monies to guarantee their own success over the next couple of years. But looking at their yearly projected revenues, this is a big step up. It's HUGE.
You have to remember that the BCA has many other comittments in the industry. What I will be asking for is right in line with what they are capable of spending along with conducting business as usual. I think it's the right approach.

You are talking about their annual membership fee resources, I assume. Yeah, I can understand that money wouldn't add up to enough being left over from their usual overhead costs and "other commitments" to make a substantial impact to a pro tour. What I'm talking about is seeing them reach into their collective pockets specifically to take a leadership role in a genuine bonafide pro tour -- now that would be a real commitment to the players. Of course if they are trying to support a pro tour just out of existing annual dues, that couldn't possibly offer much.

How big is the billiard industry? I'm not familiar with the statistics -- but the BCA must be. Is it too much to ask them to reach a little deeper into their pockets to support the pro players? All the big questions about why we have had no sustainable pro tour for pool all these years, I lay that issue at the feet of the BCA -- they claim to be the governing body, etc. For some reason, the industry doesn't seem to value the pro players...