May 12, 2010 KCBS Bod agenda posted

April BOD podcast and some thoughts

Bunny said:

Well, since I'm stuck at home after surgery I decided to actually sit through the complete podcast. Bunny

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No surgery but I did listen today. Can't wait to hear this months. And wasn't that a pretty long executive session?

1. It amazes me that the BOD allows a contractor to have full access to talk and argue with BOD members. I've never seen this with any organization I've been a part of.

2. I think MMA is doing a great job for the KCBS and is producing a strong revenue stream. That the KCBS can get a deal with SAMS is wonderful. Not sure why the announcement was so secret when the April BOD meeting talked about and around many details and was posted on-line on 4-16. And it's obvious that the presentation by MMA to the BOD included numbers for KCBS revenue in excess of $200,000 per year after the first year or they wouldn't have discussed both a hard number of $50k and a 25% number, Need to listen to the discussion before and after the executive session and I think you'll see what I mean. And that's just net revenue they were talking about.

3. Obviously some members want the KCBS to be run as a not for profit business using all the attendant rules and others like the idea of a small association with loose rules and no need to follow procedure. And it's obvious that there's no compromise on any side. It's maybe a bad thing that BOD members are not all in the room together. Some things probably would not be said in the same room that are said on the phone.

4. Sounds more and more like the idea of not voting for any incumbent or individual that has been on the BOD in the last few years is a good idea. (posted here earlier).

5. IMHO the KCBS as it exists is in it's death throws. We're too big, money is getting too big. There's tremendous opportunity for growth but to capitalize on many opportunities it will take a for profit business mentality and decision making structure. I hope I'm wrong but I think somebody is going to figure out how to take control with a buyout or whatever - have no idea how it could work but I think it will happen.

Jeff I agree we still must support our organization. Everyone has to make there own decision on whether by not renewing their membership will force the board to stop the fighting and attitudes! If enough do it I would say they would have to look at it but I don't think enough people will do it to make a big enough impact. Like Jorge I think we must change it through the elections! My 2 cents!

WannaBeBBQueen said:

I just renewed ...not sure what I'll do next year.

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Ditto, I just renewed Tuesday. WTF???

Jeff_in_KC said:

Guys, please don't give up on our organization. Remember, it is OUR organization. When you give up on it, it is no longer ours. During my campaign, I continually pointed out that the in-fighting and bickering HAS to stop! In addition to that, what has to be put to an end are the bad attitudes, the self-serving agendas and the "axe to grind" personalities. That won't happen until we have REAL term limits. When a problem arises, how does it help us to have the problem person sit out one term then re-run for a seat? The problem keeps on coming back. My belief is we extend to three terms of three years each and that's IT. Done. Forever. No running again in the future! We as competitors operate under a spirit of cooperation and helping our fellow competitors. So why do we continue to look away while some of the leaders of the very same organization act completely opposite and AGAINST the very reason the organization was founded?

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Jeff has it right. Walking away is the absolute last protest you want to use, because you have NOTHING you can follow up with. Success, accompanied by comparative wealth, always causes trouble in a service organization. You need to make sure the directors are taking the organization in the direction the membership wants it to go. That requires staying and voting and participating.

Has anyone considered that a majority of the members of KCBS do NOT frequent forums and are oblivious to the day-to-day items that occur? Their only source of news from KCBS is the “Bull Sheet.” If one must convey a message to the masses, it MUST be via the “Bull Sheet” or other media and if they let you take out an ad addressing these items and inviting the members to participate, it will fall on deaf ears. I cannot remember the last time I looked at one of the ads in the “Bull Sheet” and the only reason I go to the website is to look at upcoming events or check that my name was spelled right in the results.

Our, and I consider myself a breathern, goal should be to quit offering out a litany of problems but instead offering out a litany of solutions. If this means buying a mailing list of all KCBS members and doing mass MARKETING, then put me down for a share of the cost. You will notice that I used the term marketing and not complaining! I firmly believe that you are either a part of the problem or part of the solution. I for one wish to be a part of the solution and withholding my membership dues would nullify any and all things that I had to say as I would be an OUTSIDER looking in with ABSOLUTLY no say.

I’m off my very short (fits my stature) soap box and please forgive me if I offended or struck too close to home.

I will miss Linda and Jerry as well. When I got my 680 at Oink last year, they were almost more excited about it than I was... #1 - I didnt even get to my score sheets, before they shared that tidbit... #2... they were so excited, because it was a score that had not been seen in a KCBS event out there in what I believe she said was several years. They are all about expanding BBQ in the NE. Thier dedication to BBQ and the contestants was top notch. I cooked for the Placid Judges class last year also, and they were great to work with on that effort as well. Thanks Linda and Jerry!!

Jeff_in_KC said:

Guys, please don't give up on our organization. Remember, it is OUR organization. When you give up on it, it is no longer ours. During my campaign, I continually pointed out that the in-fighting and bickering HAS to stop! In addition to that, what has to be put to an end are the bad attitudes, the self-serving agendas and the "axe to grind" personalities. That won't happen until we have REAL term limits. When a problem arises, how does it help us to have the problem person sit out one term then re-run for a seat? The problem keeps on coming back. My belief is we extend to three terms of three years each and that's IT. Done. Forever. No running again in the future! We as competitors operate under a spirit of cooperation and helping our fellow competitors. So why do we continue to look away while some of the leaders of the very same organization act completely opposite and AGAINST the very reason the organization was founded?

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Jeff,
You are exactly right. You've got our votes for sure. And that's exactly why I quoted it was good to sit out after serving on the BOD. It takes a good year just to come down and realize there's a beautiful bbq world still out there. I wouldn't run again because we have too many great candidates out there that could contribute quality ideas for our future. Rich and I sure haven't given up on KCBS and never will. Let the bickering self-destruct those who speak it, but let's not stop fighting for the goodwill of our future. We have a superb society and it will get better by helping each other stand for what is true and right.

Rich and Bunny Tuttle
KCass BBQ established 1987

Plowboy said:

Jorge in 2011

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I agree, and Scottie too...

Jeff Hughes said:

I agree, and Scottie too...

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Hell has not frozen over Jeff!!!!

****I also withdraw my nomination of Jorge. Something about getting heavy equipment rental for me and Todd at Shannon.

My understanding is that Jorge owns the "heavy equipment", though I doubt he rents or loans...

Scottie, maybe you can get your buddy Steve to run, we need some straight up common sense on the BOD...

As I see it there are two options. If KCBS is "IT" then the norhteast needs to run, run hard with lots of grassroots effort. Not just one election but two or three. Get members on there and make changes.

Option two is to say we can do it better. Rival organization with the support and power of the northeast behind it. This is smacking of physicians and my situation in health care. They, both KCBS and MD's, have self dictated that they are the gold standard in their respective field. They are only the gold standard as long as we, the people, the consumers, allow them. Today we decide, is KCBS the only BBQ organization to exist to meet our needs?

As Yak said, "walking away" from KCBS does not neccesarily mean that you afre walking a way form your friends, your commitment to promotoing and advancing BBQ, the organization and conduction of contests, or the comraderie that is associated with those items.

Why reinvent the wheel though? There's no reason that, with proper leadership, that KCBS cannot meet the needs of everyone in all parts of the country. We, as members, just need to make it happen! And that's gonna take better than 20% voter turn-out! That was absolutely ridiculous!

I agree with Jeff. The organization, and infrastructure is there. IF the membership will make it clear that we require a change, and vote accordingly there is no need to start from the ground up.

On a level of how does this entire thing really affect you???????? Me, it doesn't. I use the KCBS for what it is. It is a governing body of BBQ comps, thats all. To get all worked up about stuff that goes on in a board room about stuff that will not tamper with your personal life is stupid. I am not sure why anyone would even want to be on the board, you will never make everyone happy and all you will do is make more enemies then friends. My take on the entire thing is let them do what they do and continue on with your life. There were BBQ comps before the KCBS and there will be after if something were to happen. Stick with BBQ for what it is, not for politics and nonsense.

This post contains my own personal views, and does not represent any organization whatsoever.

Here are some things to think about:

1) The Board members of any organization should not be arguing/fighting in public. It is unprofessional and has a negative impact on the entire Board. If there are arguments to be had, have them in private. After you have the argument: get over it, act like adults, and keep in mind that you are all there to serve the organization/membership.

2) Everyone should understand that any organization that grows from a being very small to very large is going to experience some growing pains. For this reason, I try to cut people some slack and I realize that mistakes are going to be made. But when I see people being fired without cause and people completely abandoning an organization (whether forced out or not), it makes me wonder what the heck is going on. And multiple times in the recent past? It also makes me wonder if there are certain personalities on the board that are just impossible to get along with and/or there are personal agendas in the mix.

3) I agree with G$. You can be part of other organizations that may be a better fit with your own personal views on what a barbecue organization should be...how it should be run, what the real objectives are, etc. The wheel doesn't need to be totally reinvented. I voted for change in every election since becoming a member. Nothing has changed, as far as I can tell. How long should I keep voting...and keep waiting? As long as people keep voting for the familiar names they see on the ballots, nothing will change. I know first-hand about the frustration people are experiencing.

Jared

How many of you have emailed the entire board on an issue? I have done it three times and all three and all three I have gotten a favorable outcome. I not saying this works every time but when someone gets a lot of respectful and intelligent emails from the members I would tend to think they will listen. They my not agree but at least they know there is a concern. In the long run it may make no deference but at least you can say you tried to do something about it.

Very Sad....

Very sad to hear about Linda's decision to resign... but I am sure she had good reasons for her decision. It is also sad to hear that both she and Jerry will no longer be Reps.

I still have fond memories of my KCBS CBJ class that they taught and the laughs that we had. I have enjoyed working with them at comps and wish them all the best going forward.

Now I MUST make a road trip to Pig Daddy's!

Jacked UP BBQ said:

On a level of how does this entire thing really affect you???????? Me, it doesn't. I use the KCBS for what it is. It is a governing body of BBQ comps, thats all. To get all worked up about stuff that goes on in a board room about stuff that will not tamper with your personal life is stupid. I am not sure why anyone would even want to be on the board, you will never make everyone happy and all you will do is make more enemies then friends. My take on the entire thing is let them do what they do and continue on with your life. There were BBQ comps before the KCBS and there will be after if something were to happen. Stick with BBQ for what it is, not for politics and nonsense.

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At this point, maybe it doesn't effect you. Who's to say that at some point in the future it won't get to a point where it does? Some people are just more interested in making OUR organization a great organization I guess. And KCBS means more to me than to have that kind of attitude about it. I guess if you understand where it all came from, it is more meaningful. That's why many people are up in arms over the bullchit going on now...

Jeff_in_KC said:

At this point, maybe it doesn't effect you. Who's to say that at some point in the future it won't get to a point where it does? Some people are just more interested in making OUR organization a great organization I guess. And KCBS means more to me than to have that kind of attitude about it. I guess if you understand where it all came from, it is more meaningful. That's why many people are up in arms over the bullchit going on now...

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Just give me one example how it could affect me? I think a lot of this is over thought. I don't have a negative attitude about it, but it is just an organization led by volunteers. Where did it come from that would make me more understanding. As far as I am concerned it doesn't matter where you are from, it is where you are at. Things grow and change, some people cannot accept it. As far as the fights go, PATHETIC!