KCBS Board of Directors Campaigns

Something I mentioned about regular ol' cooks taking back the BOD got me thinking about an idea to help make that happen if anyone else agrees. I will be willing to donate my time to assist with the campaigns and create a Web site for any person nominated to run for BOD who is just a cook... no agenda other than returning the KCBS to it's original vision, stop the fighting, support the average Joe teams and basically do what's right! We don't need people elected because they are businessmen, attorneys or whatever. It is my opinion (and the opinion of several others I've talked to) that those of us who compete week in and week out are the best qualified to direct the organization we make up.

It's time to step up to the plate and make a difference. If you are seriously interested in running for the BOD, don't wait until the KCBS starts calling for nominations. Make a decision and let's get the candidacy out there ASAP. The more time folks know you're interested, the better chance you have.

Through all the KCBS BOD discussions here and other places, I've seen it frequently said that we just talk about it and don't really do much to change things and that if someone really wants improvement, to stop complaining and act. This is just an offer to help. I'll even pay for the Web site and promote it. I don't even HAVE to agree with all of your ideas (although it would help :lol: ). Let's try to make a difference rather than paying lip service to bringing peace and positive relationships back to the KCBS.

Slamdunkpro said:

Not having been a long time KCBS member I'm curious; what specifically needs to change? (honest serious question PM answer if you like)

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A lot may just be my opinion but here's my take on things...

First off, the way I see things from outside the board room perspective, the fighting, bickering and disagreements must stop. I've seen several comments both here and on at least one other forum stating that it's embarassing to the organization and its members that our board has these problems and I can't completely disagree. I'm not 100% sure that embarassing is the word I'd use. I'd probably call it "unsettling" to members. No one wants their leadership to be constantly at odds. Look what we get with the party politics in government! The result is nothing really ever gets done. I think the thought of that being the case with KCBS is a concern of membership. At least it is for a section of membership who have been vocal about it. I believe a large portion of KCBS members really just want the disagreements, threats, etc. to go away.

Secondly, the idea that board meetings should somehow be secret and unavailable to the members bothers me. I realize the last meeting became more open with some limited phone lines available. Is that going to be permanent? Are they working towards allowing more expansive use of conference lines, podcasts, Internet broadcasts? In the near future, we should have the ability to allow ANY member to log on to a Web site, pick up a phone, whatever, to listen in on board meetings. This is the 21st century. Let's get it done!

Third, issues such as and similar to the pork cooking discussion - this is ridiculous! And this issue makes me wonder if anyone on the BOD still competes!!! (actually, the answer is pretty much a solid no) We live in a world where germs and food-borne illnesses are major concerns. To disallow the pork you're turning in to be placed back on a smoker or grill to keep hot til turn-in, ESPECIALLY when all three other categories can be heated after cooking doesn't seem to show much thought being put into this. PLUS with many other important issues out there, I think priorities are put in the wrong place. I was not at this meeting so I don't know how much energy was expended on this topic alone but it seems there's too much micro-managing. Allow it the same as the other categories, if for no other reason than because it's a health issue, and move on.

My fourth issue is the marketing deal we have and where our marketing company seems to want to take KCBS. Used to be, this was my number one issue. Lately, there's not a lot of mention of it and as such, it's kind of on the back burner for most of the membership. While nothing seems to be being forced down our throats as many of us thought about 18 months ago, what exactly IS the situation? What benefits are we seeing? What's our return on investment?

These are just some things off the top of my head. The biggest thing, though, is to just try to do what one LONG time KCBS member told me this evening over a couple of beers and dinner -- he said "We just want to have fun. That's what it was always supposed to be about."

motoeric said:

Can you please post a listing of the current BoD and what category they would fall in (cook, interested fan, organizer, judge, etc.)?

Are cooks underrepresented on the board? Do you believe that there should be a certain percentage of BoD members from each 'category'?

What do you believe that a cook would bring to the BoD that others wouldn't?

Thanks!

Eric

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I don't know all of their "categories" but in my conversation tonight, my beliefs were confirmed when it was pointed out to me that since Rod resigned, the ONLY board member who really cooks is Mike Lake. Paul Kirk really doesn't compete much anymore. There are organizers and judges-turned-reps and just plain ol' reps. So to answer your question, less than 10% of the board is a current KCBS competing cook. So to answer your questions, yes, I believe and am sure cooks are WAY under-represented on the board... No, I don't believe there should be a certain percentage of each "category" on the board. I believe that ALL board members should be cooks or at least have at one time competed regularly. If you haven't, how can you know the ballgame from the cook's perspective and how can we expect them to represent our (as cooks) best interests? And what do I believe cooks would bring to the BoD that others would not? An understanding of what we cooks need and want our organization to be. As an example, I think COOKS would not allow the board to vote down allowing pork to be put back on the grill to set sauce or re-heat. Let me point something out to you - when I first got into competition BBQ, I quickly learned that comp cooks are some of the best people on the face of the planet! I was told this then, by virtue of competing regularly, the entire BBQ community proved it to me. Cooks help each other regardless of whether they're competing against each other. Cooks cheer for their friends when they win, even with the cook has had an off day. I think the Board should be the same way. If the same attitudes prevailed in the board room as they do at contests, this thread probably would not exist. So... I think that's what cooks could bring to the table.

The Pickled Pig said:

You seem passionate about it Jeff and you're certainly knowledgeable on the issues...why not make a run for the office yourself?

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Currently, I serve as president of the Park Board here... time might be an issue.

Rod is no longer on the board. Paul rarely competes these days from what I was told. I also was told Gene is mostly a rep but I am not sure. Linda is a judge turned rep. You left off Mike Lake (and a couple of others). Mike is about the only cook.

motoeric said:

From the best that I can tell, here is a breakdown of the BoD and where they fall if we were going to put them into specific categories. Please post if you have better info.

Rod Gray Cook
Carol Whitebook Event Rep?
Don Harwell Event Rep
Paul Kirk Cook
Gene Goycochea Cook?
Merle Whitebook Event Rep
Steve Ownby Judge?
Linda Mullane Event Rep
Wayne Lohman Judge?
Ed Roith Judge?
Tana Shupe Organizer?

It looks like out of 11 BoD members, we have 3 cooks, 4 event reps, 3 judges and 1 organizer.

Maybe we need more organizers on the board.

Eric

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Paul is old school cook but these days, I'd classify him more as a non-competing chef and BBQ author. On Gene, I have no idea how much he cooks. Maybe he'll answer himself. I'd still say based on most current activities, you're looking at two cooks tops (Mike and Gene).

The Pickled Pig said:

For the record, I think Paul Kirk has competed in at least 3 contests this year, the 2 sanctioned contests listed here and a backyard comp I was at in March. And there could very well be other non-sanctioned contests I don't know about.

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Ahh that's right! Forgot about the "Use Ta Waz" team name. Thought that was a funny name! I wasn't at Lenexa and the GAB is a blur. :shock: Also for the record (since the edit button is gone already), I'll amend here my comment above about who is currently cooking to add Paul.

The Pickled Pig said:

I think you should run Jeff. You have the passion, the knowledge, and the attitude of service a candidate needs. You have demonstrated these traits on the events you're involved with and I have no doubt you'd bring it to the board.

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Man, this thing took a 180! :lol: That really wasn't the idea. My time is pretty full these days. Me making a run would probably necessitate my resignation from the park board and maybe put another item or two on the back burner should it be a successful one. You probably know I don't do much of anything half-arsed! :lol: Stories I tell, organizing comps, everything I bring to comps (hi Steph! LOL), even vacations get planned beyond my family's belief! :lol: I don't know, Paul. I want to get involved and make a difference. Just don't know if that's the way for me to do so.