OB Cues welcomes Shane Sinnott to the OB Cues family

OB Cues is proud to announce that Shane Sinnott, a 15 year veteran of the billiards industry, joined OB Cues on Monday, January 2, 2012. Shane joins OB Cues in the position of Sales and Marketing Director.

OB Cues is proud to announce that Shane Sinnott, a 15 year veteran of the billiards industry, joined OB Cues on Monday, January 2, 2012.

“We have been looking for just the right person to take charge of our Sales and Marketing focus, and Shane will fit that position perfectly”, says Royce Bunnell, co-owner of OB Cues. “Within our industry, very few people have represented all aspects of the Billiard business like Shane has. He brings an understanding of not only the industry but the people, and that is very hard to find.” “OB Cues is in the position of high potential growth, and Shane is just the right person to take us there.

About OB Cues
Since 2005, OB Cues has been pushing the limits of technology in billiards and pool cue and pool cue shaft design.

Starting with the OB-1 cue shaft, its premier product, OB Cues has been at the forefront of “Low Deflection” development. The complete line up now includes 5 Low Deflection cue shaft designs offering modern day performance for all styles and types of play.

From the time tested J-line and the OB Break cue, to the soon to be released OB Cue Line, OB Cues is now advancing into the complete cue like never before, and bringing all new technology with it.

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.

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.

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.

The Billiard Congress of America today announced it has finalized an unprecedented national partnership with Coca-Cola that provides pool room members of the association with national account pricing on the Coca-Cola family of products.

“We are thrilled that the recognized global leader in the beverage industry has committed to being the ‘Official Soft Drink of Billiards,’” said Billiard Congress of America CEO Rob Johnson. “A partnership with Coca-Cola enables the Billiard Congress of America to better fulfill our mission of ‘enhancing the success of our members and promoting the game of billiards.’ Pool room operators will realize bottom-line savings and outstanding support and partnership from Coca-Cola, while the entire industry is going to benefit from Coca-Cola’s commitment to promoting the game of billiards.”

“This is a very exciting opportunity for The Coca-Cola Company. Providing superior customer service, beverage category expertise, and leadership results will be our commitment to the pool room operators and the billiard industry,” said Coca-Cola Enterprise Account Executive Ed Naudin. “Growing the entire beverage category and driving beverage profitability with relevant programming will be critical to our future and long term success.”

More Benefits Than Just Coca-Cola

Other new membership benefits and direct savings available to Billiard Congress of America room operator members include a First Data merchant credit card discount program, Sysco Foodservices rebate program and a Web site development and hosting service.

First Data is offering Billiard Congress of America room operator members exceptional rates and service for credit card processing. At a rate of cost plus 5 cents, Billiard Congress of America members taking advantage of the program are directly improving their bottom line.

“We have provided more than 50 analyses of merchant card statements from pool room operators and in every instance our First Data program provides more than $450 in annual savings to our pool room operators,” said Johnson. “These programs are aimed at providing real, tangible savings.”

Billiard Congress of America room operator members who purchase products through Sysco Foodservices are eligible to receive rebates, or FREE money, on many of the products they are regularly purchasing.

For as low as $380 a year, Billiard Congress of America room operator members receive a Web site template and yearly hosting fees. The Web site template is designed with the most critical features important to a pool room. The features include the following options: event listing and calendar, video and photo gallery, couponing, custom forms, custom pages and an email list manager.

Pool room operators interested in learning more about the Coca-Cola, First Data, Sysco Foodservices and BCA Web Services member benefits program are encouraged to contact Billy Yinger at 1-800-343-1329, ext. 8432. More information can also be found at bca-pool.com.

Membership Savings Guaranteed
The Billiard Congress of America is so convinced pool room operators are going to realize significant savings through these programs, the association is guaranteeing a return on investment by participating in the programs. As such, if a Billiard Congress of America member participates in the Coca-Cola and First Data programs for one full year and doesn’t realize more savings than the cost of a Billiard Congress of America annual membership, the Billiard Congress of America will refund their annual dues.

The partnership with Coca-Cola, First Data and Sysco Foodservices is the direct result of BankShot Entertainment. BankShot Entertainment is the new marketing and activation division of the Billiard Congress of America.
About Billiard Congress of America

BCA
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 through education, marketing and promotional efforts, an annual industry trade show, tournaments and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s games. For more information, please visit bca-pool.com or call 303.243.5070.
About BankShot Entertainment

Created in 2010, BankShot Entertainment is the BSE logomarketing and activation division of the Billiard Congress of America. BankShot Entertainment has the responsibility of helping increase the profitability of billiard businesses, including pool rooms and retails stores, by researching and negotiating partnerships with nationally recognized companies that offer discounted products, services and rebates. BankShot Entertainment will also secure marketing partnerships outside the billiard industry that will help increase participation in, and awareness of, pocket billiards. Through the BankShot Entertainment group purchasing and rebate programs, pool rooms and retailers will enjoy the same purchasing power normally reserved for Fortune 500 companies. For more information, please visit BankShotEntertainment.com or call 800.343.1329 ext 8432

THE IRISH OPEN: PRO 9 BALL TOUR – EVENT 7

Downey’s Bar, Londonderry October 2nd 2010

Cue King Promotions (CKP) are extremely honored to announce the inclusion of The Irish Open to its European Pool Billiards Promotions in association with McDermott Handcrafted Cues. CKP has been recognized for undertaking a series of promotional and consultant roles for leading Pool Billiard market leaders and International tournament directors.

“This is a great commercial opportunity for Cue King Promotions and will also provide lots of fun and entertainment to the Londonderry public. The Irish Pool players are an inspiration to us and we look forward to further develop their playing experience.” Explains Cue King Promotions; CEO Jason Lawrence.

Cue King Promotions (CKP) are extremely honored to announce the inclusion of The Irish Open to its European Pool Billiards Promotions in association with McDermott Handcrafted Cues.

McDermott Cues announced as sole major sponsor of The Irish American Professional Pool Tour – Event 7.

Since 1975, McDermott Cue has been recognized for prestigious craftsmanship and revolutionary vision in cue technology. McDermott cues are highly respected in billiard industry by professional players and cue collectors as one of the best performing cues in the industry. McDermott recently added new shaft technology by introducing the new G-Core shaft, a perfect blend of performance, affordability and the newest technology available.

Tournament Director Sam Gibson explains “This will be our Seventh instalment of the Irish Professional Tour and it is great to have this affiliation with McDermott Cues as they are gargantuan in the American Pool Billiards industry worldwide. For Irish Pool this is a fantastic leap forward in our Pool Billiard promotional ventures and we should like to thank McDermott Cue, European Product Developer and CEO of Cue King Promotions Jason Lawrence for showing such enthusiasm in making this a reality”.

The event will see professional players such as Paddy McLouglin, Garth Deegan, Willie Dines and up-coming juniors like Mark McDonald battling it out for the Irish silverware.

For further tournament Information please contact Tournament Director Sam Gibson at: Sampoolplayer2003@yahoo.com

June of this year marked the end of an era as Bogies Billiards & Games was forced to close due to financial difficulties displacing a vast number of Houston area billiard enthusiasts. Bogies, a 20 year fixture in the Houston billiard community, was the state’s only 24 hour pool room and was known throughout the city as a place “where everybody knew your name.” When the doors locked permanently, there was widespread disappointment and utter disbelief.

Bogies Biliards

And so begins the tedious task of restoration. In the process of reinventing the room formerly hailed as one of the greatest pool rooms in the country, Mr. Rone has several ideas. The new Bogies Billiards & Sports Bar will include much needed upgrades to the air conditioning system, new carpet borders around the tables, bathroom renovations and modernization of the bar architecture. Bogies will boast (18) 4×8 Gandy tables, (6) Valley bar tables, (5) 4 ½ x9 Brunswick Gold Crown tables and a 6×12 snooker table and will remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mr. Rone assures this room, like his others (Q Stix Billiards www.q-stix.com, Houston’s Billiards Saloon), will sport the latest in entertainment technology including an internet jukebox and touch screen video games, and will play host to numerous added money billiard events.

The new BOGIES BILLIARDS & SPORTS BAR (formerly Bogies Billiards & Games) still located in North Houston at 3040 FM 1960 East, will officially reopen on September 15, 2010 and will join the Lone Star Billiards Tour tournament rotation playing host to the tour’s GRAND FINALE on December 11th-12th. Billiard enthusiasts from all over highly anticipate this revival along with the entire Houston billiard community and beyond. There are positive changes ahead and optimism is high for a renaissance in Houston’s pool scene which may prove to be the best ever!

Written by Kim White

Broomfield, Colo. – July 28, 2010 – During its general membership meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 13, 2010, the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) announced the results of the 2010-2011 Board of Directors elections, which are as follows:

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.

* Austin Rothbard (Brunswick Corporation), three-year term
* Elaine Gerber (Presidential Billiards, LP), three-year term
* Martin Bloom (Olhausen Billiard Mfg., Inc.), three-year term
* Thomas Rodgers (Robertson Billiard Supplies), three-year term

Category 2 (Retailer)

* Tony Stick (The Billiard Factory), three-year term

Category 3 (Room Operator)

* Nick Alexander (Clicks Billiards), three-year term

In follow-up elections, Ivan Lee (Iwan Simonis, Inc.) accepted a one-year term as BCA Board Chairman, as did each of the remaining seated officers: First Vice Chairman Karim Belhaj (Predator Group); Second Vice Chairman Kathy Vegh (Danny Vegh’s Billiards & Home); Secretary Skip Nemecek (Tweeten Fibre Co., Inc.); and Treasurer Mike Serra (MBS Group).

The remaining directors include: George Darafeev (Mikhail Darafeev, Inc.); Tom Gregory (Toltec Lighting); Danny Kuykendall (Danny K’s Billiards); Fred Cohen (D&R Industries/Championship LLC) and Eric Weber (CueStix International, Inc).

“I look forward to teaming with a very experienced and talented group of individuals who are committed the Billiard Congress of America and its mission to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards,” said Chairman Lee. “The additional representation from the table manufacturers is welcome and their support and input will be invaluable over the next three years.”

About Billiard Congress of America

BCA logo
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 through education, marketing and promotional efforts, an annual industry trade show, tournaments and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s games. For more information, please visit bca-pool.com or call 303.243.5070.

The Virginia State Pool and Billiards Association is pleased to announce that Simonis Cloth will be the Official Cloth of the 2010 Virginia State 9 Ball Championships. The event features a $10,000 prize fund and will be held on July 17-18, 2010 at Diamond Billiards in Midlothian, VA.

Joshua Dickerson, Founder of the Virginia State Pool & Billiard Association and Director of the Virginia State 9 Ball Championships is extremely pleased and excited about the Simonis sponsorship. “The sponsorship of the Virginia State 9 Ball Championships by Simonis Cloth only adds more prominence and notoriety to the event. I would like to personally thank Ivan Lee, President of Simonis Cloth, for his continued support of our sport.

Simonis Cloth is the Official Cloth of the 2010 Virginia State 9 Ball Championships. The event is produced by the VA Pool and Billiards Association and will be hosted by Diamond Billiards in Midlothian, VA.

The event will be streamed live for free by Inside POOL Magazine. For more information about the event or to watch the free live stream, visit VA-Pool.com.

About Simonis Cloth
The balls are in constant contact with it. Your game is measurably determined by its accuracy. Your game is literally riding on it. The craftsmen at Simonis have been making superior cloth for over three centuries. Simonis is the oldest company in the billiard industry and the only textile mill in the world dedicated solely to the production of cloth for cue sports. Being the oldest company in the billiard cloth business didn’t make us the best… being the best has made us the oldest. Simonis makes the most consistent and truest playing cloth available. We get it right. Every time. So ask a player. Ask a Pro. Ask anyone who has experienced the difference that Simonis cloth brings to the game.

About the Virginia State Pool and Billiards Association
The Virginia State Billiards Association is dedicated to the professional promotion of pool and billiards with a focus on events that showcase billiards in high profile and upscale establishments around the great state of Virginia. The events currently being produced include the Virginia State 9-Ball and the Virginia State 14.1 tournaments. For more information, please visit the web site at VA-Pool.com.

Viking Cue Mfg., Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Brian Rosselli to our sales and marketing team. Brian will be servicing Viking Cue dealers on the East Coast, Florida and Tennessee.

Brian joins Viking Cue as a sales professional with over 15 years of experience in the Billiard Industry. He has firmly established himself as an industry specialist through his knowledge of sales, marketing, advertising, merchandising and customer service strategies for the Billiard market.

Viking Cue Mfg., Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Brian Rosselli to our sales and marketing team.

About Viking Cue Mfg., Inc.
In the early 60’s Viking Cue Mfg., Inc. founder Gordon Hart began making two-piece Pool Cues in the basement of his poolroom in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Viking grew steadily through the 1970s and early 1980s. At that time, Gordon’s children, Robin, Barry and Darcy became involved with the business. As the 1980s came to a close, Gordon began updating machinery and investing in state-of-the-art equipment to ensure a quality product. Vikings efforts coupled with significant product quality enhancements, positioned the company as a leader in the billiard industry. By the mid-1990s, Viking hired a full sales staff to handle the needs of their constantly growing list of distributors and dealers throughout the world. In 1994, Gordon was honored with the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Cue Makers Association.

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. In the 2000’s, Barry became active in the Billiard Congress of America, serving on its board of directors. Grandson Justin joined Viking to continue the tradition of the family business.

As one of the oldest manufacturers of two-piece Pool Cues in America, Viking blends time-honored craftsmanship with state of the art machinery to produce the flawless addition to your game.