Johnson Receives Billiard Congress President’s Award

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Rob Johnson Honored with Billiard Congress of America 2010 President’s Award

Las Vegas, Nevada – July 12, 2011 – Each year the Chairman of the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Board of Directors has the opportunity to recognize an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the billiard industry with the presentation of the BCA President’s Award.

2010-2011 BCA Board Chairman Ivan Lee announced during the BCA General Membership Meeting that he has chosen Rob Johnson, current Chief Executive Officer of the Billiard Congress of America, as the recipient of the 2010 President’s Award. Johnson has been the CEO of the BCA since 2006, and has earned a reputation for strong leadership in the industry and a desire to promote billiards at every opportunity.

Each year the Chairman of the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Board of Directors has the opportunity to recognize an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the billiard industry with the presentation of the BCA President

“In choosing this year’s President’s award recipient, I wanted to choose someone whose work often may go unnoticed or unappreciated, yet someone who is really working hard to make a positive impact on our industry,” Chairman Lee stated. “This year’s award recipient is a true professional. Rob is hardworking, honest, loyal and fair. He has great enthusiasm and always displays a positive attitude regardless of the situation at hand.”

Johnson’s previous experience in professional sports has provided him the necessary skills to help drive the association’s mission of supporting its membership and promoting the game of billiards. Prior to his position at the Billiard Congress of America, Johnson served in a variety of sports management positions, including serving as president of Pikes Peak International Raceway and the Denver Grand Prix.

As CEO of the BCA, Johnson is focused on growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry. In a recent interview with Pool and Billiard Magazine’s Shari Stauch, Rob mentioned that his saving grace has always been to keep himself, the BCA staff and the BCA Board of Directors focused on the mission of the Billiard Congress of America.

During his tenure, Johnson has worked hard to provide industry members with tangible benefits designed to support their businesses. Such benefits include industry, retail and room operator-specific research, an enhanced level of education during the BCA Expo and the development of non-industry partnerships with such companies as Coca-Cola, and First Data, who offer association members price discounts on products and services. He has also streamlined the association to make it easier to do business with the BCA and reduced overall operating expenses by more than 60 percent since his arrival.

Other industry leaders concur with Lee’s assessment of Johnson’s successful leadership. “Having worked with five of the previous BCA Executive Directors I can confidently say that Rob Johnson is the most personable, approachable, and professional CEO the BCA has ever had,” says Skip Nemecek, former BCA Chairman.

“The BCA is fortunate to have a person of Rob’s integrity, energy, knowledge and enthusiasm working daily for the benefit of players, wholesalers and retailers,” said Sean Cummings, former BCA Chairman.

“Rob is the coolest cat on a hot tin roof I have ever known. His ability to stay calm whilst juggling the diverse points of concern and interest in the billiards industry is astounding,” declares Jerry Forsyth, founder of AZBilliards.

Under Rob Johnson’s direction, the BCA Instructor’s Committee and its programs have flourished as never before. “When I talk to Rob, it gets done… quickly,” stated Randy Goettlicher, Chairman of the BCA Instructor Program.

Billiards Industry After Vegas Expo

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BCA Promotes Industry Growth at 2011 Expo

New Exhibits, Strong Education and Summit 2012 Highlight News During Event

Broomfield, Colo. – July 20, 2011 – The 2011 edition of the Billiard Congress of America’s (BCA) International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo, was held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 13 – 15, 2011.

Attendance for the three-day event was 1,275, with the 100 exhibiting companies taking a total of 388 booths.

Attendance for the three-day event was 1,275, with the 100 exhibiting companies taking a total of 388 booths.

“While the billiard industry is still suffering from a slow economy, I was pleased with the overall positive comments regarding sales activity on the show floor, content of the keynote presentation, and the Business of Billiards Seminar Series,” said BCA Expo co-chairman Ivan Lee. “The Expo continues to attract a who’s-who of the billiard and home recreation industry and delivers a great platform for sales, networking and educational opportunities. The feedback we received from exhibitors, retailers and room operators was very positive.”

During the event, the Billiard Congress of America also announced Chicago as the location for its 2012 annual industry gathering. The association unveiled the new name, logo and tagline for next year’s event: Summit 2012: Redefining the billiard business…together.

Summit 2012, formerly known as the International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo, will be held Wednesday, July 18 through Friday, July 20 at the Renaissance Chicago/Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center. More information will be available as it develops at bcasummit.com.

About Billiard Congress of America

Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, annual industry trade shows, tournaments and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s game. For more information, visit bca-pool.com or call 303-243-5070.

Billiard Congress of America Elects Mike Serra

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BCA Names Mike Serra of Championship LLC 2011-2012 Board Chairman

Broomfield, Colo. – July 25, 2011 – During its general membership meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 12, 2011, the Billiard Congress of America announced the results of the 2011-2012 Board of Directors elections, which are as follows:

During its general membership meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 12, 2011, the Billiard Congress of America announced the results of the 2011-2012 Board of Directors elections.

Category 1 (Manufacturer/Distributor)

Ivan Lee (Iwan Simonis, Inc.), three-year term
Mike Serra (Championship, LLC), three-year term

Category 2 (Retailer)

Jonathan Goudeau (Indoor Recreation Co., LLC), three-year term

In follow-up elections, Mike Serra (Championship, LLC) accepted a one-year term as BCA Board Chairman, as did each of the remaining seated officers: Vice Chairman Skip Nemecek (Tweeten Fibre); Secretary Martin Bloom (Olhausen Billiard Mfg., Inc); and Treasurer Ivan Lee (Iwan Simonis, Inc.).

The remaining directors include: Nick Alexander (Clicks Billiards); Elaine Gerber (Presidential Billiards, LP); Tom Gregory (Toltec Lighting); Thomas Rodgers (Robertson Billiards); Austin Rothbard (Brunswick Corporation); Tony Stick (The Billiard Factory); and Eric Weber (CueStix International, Inc).

“I believe with the new Board of Directors we will be able to get right to work and continue the momentum established from the previous Board,” said Chairman Mike Serra. “The ability for the new BCA Board of Directors to stay focused on the BCA mission and maintain the energy put forth by the out-going Board will ensure that the BCA will continue to move in the right direction.”

Also approved during the general membership meeting were several bylaw revisions that were recommended by the BCA Board of Directors. The new bylaws, which immediately go into effect, can be viewed at bca-pool.com.

“The most significant revisions to the bylaws will now allow for billiard media to join the Billiard Congress of America as a Category 1 member with the ability to vote in membership elections and bylaw revisions,” said Chairman Serra. “However, this new designation will still exempt them from obtaining seats on the Billiard Congress of America Board of Directors.”

About Billiard Congress of America

Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, annual industry trade shows, tournaments and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s game. For more information, visit bca-pool.com or call 303-243-5070.

Billiards Manufacturer Launches New Website

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McDermott Website Redesign

MENOMONEE FALLS, WI. – McDermott Cue Mfg., LLC is a leading manufacturer and world-wide distributor of pool cues, performance shafts and billiard accessories. McDermott is proud to announce a totally redesigned website to be launched July 1, 2011.

The new website features a simplified navigation that makes it easier to find information on McDermott’s 12 product brands. The user will also find updated G-Core and i-Shaft illustrations, as well as a shaft comparison page that quickly explains the benefits of McDermott’s high-performance shafts.

“Our customers come to our site for the latest news on our products, services and industry events. The simplified site structure and clearly branded product sections allows the user to quickly access the information they are looking for,” said Michael Slowik, Marketing Director.

The site features online cue and warranty registration, new featured products and an enhanced social media presence. McDermott’s new site includes a retired cue section, which is a great reference point for collectors and billiard players trying to identity retired McDermott cue models.

“The new site was designed with the consumer in mind,” said Derek Blaguski, Marketing Specialist. “Our goal was to streamline the content and navigation for a more user-friendly experience. The improved site structure makes it easier to update and maintain.”

McDermott Cue is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI markets under the brands of McDermott Cue, Star Cue, Lucky Cue, Element Cue, Wildfire, Pool Prodigy, Intimidator Shafts, G-Core Shafts, Big Boy Shafts, Sledgehammer Break Cue, Stinger Jump/Break Cues, and Elephant Balls.

For more information about this press release contact Marketing Director, Michael Slowik at mslowik@mcdermottcue.com or call 1-800-666-2283. More information can be found at www.mcdermottcue.com.

2011 McDermott New Product Line

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2011 McDermott New Product Line
For Immediate Release: 07/01/11

MENOMONEE FALLS, WI. – 7/01/2011:
McDermott Cue Mfg., LLC is a leading manufacturer and world-wide distributor of pool cues, performance shafts and billiard accessories. McDermott is proud to announce new products into their 2011 product line. The new products will be unveiled to dealers and distributors at the 2011 BCA Show in Las Vegas.

New additions to the McDermott line include: 2011 one-of-a-kind Masterpiece Cue; the 2011 Jim McDermott Cue of the Year and Cue.

New additions to the McDermott line include: 2011 one-of-a-kind Masterpiece Cue; the 2011 Jim McDermott Cue of the Year and Cue of the Year Enhanced limited edition cues; 3 shaft inlay cues that feature intricate inlays in the shaft that complement the cue’s design; a point inlay cue at an entry level price point. All new McDermott cues feature high-performance shafts. In addition to growing the McDermott line, Star also added 10 all new pearl cues that feature real pearl inlays and pearl butt plates.

“We are very excited about the new additions to our product line. Last year’s cue line was very well received and we believe the new products added in 2011 give our customers an even better selection with all the performance, value and craftsmanship they are used to from McDermott.” said Larry Liebl, McDermott Executive Vice President.

McDermott also added cases and accessories to the 2011 product line.

McDermott Cue is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI markets under the brands of McDermott Cue, Star Cue, Lucky Cue, Element Cue, Wildfire, Pool Prodigy, Intimidator Shafts, G-Core Shafts, Big Boy Shafts, Sledgehammer Break Cue, Stinger Jump/Break Cues, and Elephant Balls.

For more information about this press release contact Marketing Director, Michael Slowik at mslowik@mcdermottcue.com or call 1-800-666-2283. More information can be found at www.mcdermottcue.com.

Billiards Manufacturer Reopens Doors for Business

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Billiards Manufacturer Reopens Doors for Business

After closing doors on Pool Cue manufacturing in 2010, billiards leader Viking Cue has reopened under the leadership of local businessman Mark Larson.

Larson, a longtime friend of Viking’s 27-year veteran VP of Manufacturing, Rick Rolli, placed a bid on the business after a visit to the company’s facilities. “I really fell in love with the operation and the rich history of Viking. I knew that there was another chapter just waiting to be written,” said Larson, who purchased the company on May 9.

Founded in 1965 by Gordon Hart, who remains with the company as a consultant, Viking has a worldwide reputation for craftsmanship and excellence. “Viking has always had a superior product line and an incredibly loyal following in the billiards industry,” said industry veteran Rolli. “We’re going to breathe life back into this company. We’ve got the same facility, a great inventory of product, state of the art equipment and the same artisans, many who have been here for over 25 years.”

Since the company has rehired nearly all of the same employees, little will change within its basic infrastructure, though the company has plans for new initiatives. “We’re bringing back the family and the employees, and we’ll never lose sight of the quality Viking is known for. But we’re about to make big pushes in marketing and product offerings. It’s what this company needs to thrive.”

One of Viking’s main goals is to create a top-notch interactive website so that dealers and individual customers alike have easy access to Viking products. “In the past, Viking didn’t have a strong web presence. Dealers couldn’t just go online and buy cues. We want to make ordering easy for everyone, and create an online image that reflects Viking’s unmatched craftsmanship,” said Rolli.

The company also plans to reach out to new markets, and make the company’s products accessible to more people: plans for additional product and accessory lines with multiple price points to appeal to a broader audience. Though the goals are largely customer-focused, another main concern is giving dealers the tools they need to succeed.

Reflecting on his plans for the company, Larson stressed his interest in the company’s history and tradition. “The main thing we want to let Viking fans know is that the core product isn’t changing. The quality remains the same. But let’s put it this way — we’re racking up for a fresh new break. Our game is about to get a lot more interesting, and we’re more than excited to share what we’ve got.”

About: Since 1965, Viking Cue Manufacturing, Inc. has been an industry leader in two-piece Pool Cue production. With headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, Viking products are proudly made in the USA with commitment to quality, craftsmanship and time-honored tradition.

For more information about Viking Cue, visit http://www.vikingcue.com or call 800-397-0122. Inquiries may also be directed to info@vikingcue.com

Brunswick Billiards Announces Holiday Promotion

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Brunswick Billiards Announces Holiday Promotion
Pool Table Manufacturer Announces “Play it Your Way”

This year for the holidays, Brunswick Billiards is offering a consumer promotion that is fun and packed with savings. Brunswick Dealers all across the country will be asking customers to “Play it Your Way” for the holidays.

Brunswick Billiard has announced a holiday promotion.

“We’re excited to offer an opportunity for our customers to complete their gameroom,” said Austin Rothbard, president of Brunswick Billiards. “We’ve been connecting generations for 165 years and the holidays are a perfect time to start your own tradition.”

For a limited time, customers will receive free Brunswick merchandise with a qualifying purchase, up to a $1,200 value. Upgrade to Brunswick Centennial® cloth, a 100 percent luxurious Merino wool blend that is spill-proof and has professional playability and longevity (a $399 value). Other free product options include Centennial® or Contender® Floor Cue Racks and play packages, a choice of billiard lights, table tennis conversion top, dartboard cabinet and much more.

Total retail purchase will be calculated on Brunswick and Contender brand products, such as pool tables and game room furniture. Brunswick Home Theater products are not included in this offer. The “Play it Your Way” promotion is also available to those who prefer to shop online through the Brunswick Billiards website.

For more details or to see the full line of beautiful, high-quality Brunswick products, go to your nearest dealer or visit www.brunswickbilliards.com.

About Brunswick Billiards
Connecting generations through superior craftsmanship and innovation since 1845, Brunswick Billiards has been the leader in designing the highest-quality billiards and pool tables and game room furnishings preferred by experts around the world. Based in Bristol, Wis., the billiards division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), has more than 300 retail dealer locations across the United States and international distributors in more than 40 countries. For more information about Brunswick Billiards and its product line, visit www.brunswickbilliards.com.

ProPool.com Announces McDermott as Official Cue Sponsor

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Introducing “The Universal Challenge System”

ProPool.com has announced it has finalized an unprecedented modern hybrid system for managing and organizing pool player competition. Leagues and tournaments require a lot of pre-planning and involvement to get enough players together at one time. This system only requires 2 players, 1 pool table, and a Challenge card.

ProPool.com has announced it has finalized an unprecedented modern hybrid system for managing and organizing pool player competition.

The ProPool.com Universal Challenge System uses an unrestricted simple universal win-loss scorecard (The Challenge Card) to allow any two players to compete at their own schedule and delegate it to the host tournament. The match scores can be entered live online or later when internet access is available. If internet access is available at the venue, live scoring and a leader board can be utilized to display real-time stats.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for McDermott Cue. Increasing the participation of billiards and driving the profitability of pool room operators is critical for the success of our industry,” said McDermott Cue Promotional Director Jayme Cernicka. “Providing players with the superior product value that McDermott Cue represents is just one of the key benefits of this program.”

McDermott Cue Participation

Every player match dollar entry fee is returned in 100% payback with McDermott cues.

Share expertise and guidance to grow a successful program designed to increase your profits.

Participating Venue Benefits

This exciting new format allows any venue with one or more pool tables to be linked into large city/state/national contest with no set-up cost.

Use the Universal Challenge System as a qualifier to build large monthly tournaments.

With the simple Challenge Card any player can play at any time and link that match into the monthly contest, requiring minimal management.

Through the ProPool.com website your patrons will be kept current on all the latest events and promotions at your establishment.

ProPool.com offers a player networking system that is designed to drive new players to your events.

Player Benefits

Two players have the freedom and flexibility to schedule their matches anytime, anywhere, while still qualifying for a specific tournament.

The $1 challenge fee is returned to the prize purse in the form of McDermott cues. Winning 5 challenge matches qualifies the player into the monthly tournament at their selected venue. The more matches delegated to their preferred tournament venue, the larger the prize pool gets.

The player’s personal stats are recorded and updated every time they enter challenge match results.

Network and challenge other/new players within the ProPool.com database.

About ProPool.com

The concept of propool.con has been around since 1987 to collect and track stats like all the other sports since their beginnings. We are the only sport that doesn’t take stats serious. Every player has the immediate opportunity to participate by tracking all their personal lifetime activity, receive an accurate performance rating, and enjoy other hi-tech programs. This makes pool competition more fun, rewarding, and available. Plus players can easily compare their performance to the pros and other players.

About McDermott Cue

Since 1975, McDermott Cue has consistently raised the industry standard for what billiard players expect from a high quality Pool Cue. McDermott products use the latest technology in our state-of-the-art facility, along with the finest materials in the world. McDermott has been a leader in supporting the industry through tournaments and billiard events. If it’s important to our customers, it’s important to us.

Start participating today ProPool.com

Smart Phone App for Billiard Players Calculates Break Speed

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Smart Phones Are Getting Into the Game
And they know how fast you break

A new application is available that turns a cell phone into a break speed measurement device. The application, named Break Speed, uses sound to determine how fast the cue ball is traveling on the break. The first step in using the application is to set the cue ball breaking position and to select the size of the pool table. Once set, a recorder is started and the application saves the audio of the break shot. Using the tip hit and rack hit sounds the application is able to automatically calculate speed. Break Speed provides measurements to within a hundredth of a mile per hour. Results are available in seconds!

Break Speed is currently available for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile phones.

The average pool player typically breaks around 17mph. Many professional players break at 24mph or faster (anything over 20mph is good). Maintaining a square hit on the rack, breaking faster generally results in a better spread and more balls pocketed on the break. Using the feedback from Break Speed players can determine whether a slight adjustment in stance, grip or stroke helps or hurts their break speed. Developing a killer break is a matter of figuring out what works best for each player and Break Speed makes it simple to do.

Break Speed is currently available for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile phones. Visit MyBreakSpeed.com or the phones app store for more information.

CSI Inks Deal with Mueller Recreational Products

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Billiards Industry Leaders Join Forces

Mueller Recreation Products to Manage CSI Online Store

Two pool and billiards industry leaders, Mueller Recreational Products and CueSports International (CSI), are proud to announce they have inked an exclusive 5 year deal to provide the best in cue sport products at the lowest possible prices to BCA Pool League and USA Pool League members and all CSI affiliates.

Two pool and billiard industry leaders, Mueller Recreational Products and CueSports International (CSI), are proud to announce they have inked an exclusive 5 year deal to provide the best in cue sport products at the lowest possible prices to BCA Pool League and USA Pool League members and all CSI affiliates.

A family owned company based in Lincoln, Nebraska – Mueller has a 34 year history of providing a wide array of billiard and dart supplies worldwide. In the Mueller / CSI agreement, BCAPL and USAPL league members will be able to benefit by having the Mueller extensive catalog of products offered at exclusive pricing.

The CSI online member’s only store, Rackem’ Rewards, will be replaced and managed by the Mueller team. “We are excited to work with Mueller. They have a unique placement in the sport as they provide the largest and most complete list of billiard products in the industry. The volume of products Mueller’s sells ensures the best possible pricing for our membership,” said CSI CEO Mark Griffin.

Further details will be announced in the coming months as the specifics of the agreement are rolled out to the pool and billiard community.

CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the U.S. Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial and the U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.