1. Peer Networking
The most valued benefit that associations offer their membership is the opportunity to network with their peers from across the United States at Association meetings. As an active member of NBBQA, you will have numerous opportunities to talk to others and discover what is happening in the field of barbecue in other cities, then you can prepare for the changes that will be coming. Much of the benefit of belonging to an Association such as NBBQA takes place at association events in the hallways between meetings and in the evening during free time. You will develop life long friendships you can contact throughout your career when you are in need of an idea or solution.
2. Communications
Associations such as NBBQA deliver a lot of news to their members in the form of a regular tabloid newsletter, web site content, emails, faxes, letters, and phone calls. There is a constant flow of information available to members that the non-members usually do not share. Members have an opportunity to express their opinions in many ways with articles, contributions, news tips, and new ideas. The word "NEWS" came from the initials of North/ East/ West/ South so you will know what is happening in all parts of the USA as it is collected and distributed by NBBQA.
3. Online Membership Directory
With the use of computers, access to active members of NBBQA will be decidedly easier. A printed version is now published with advertising, but an electronic version is not far away. Presently on-line, you can locate members across the USA from the NBBQA web site. Active members will have the option of having a direct link to their personal websites from the NBBQA central locator.
The on-line directory is planned so you can access the information to find a name, but you will eventually be allowed to update your own personal information from your personal computer when your phone number, address or employment changes.
4. NBBQA Members-Only Online Forum
If the on-line directory works well, there will be member's only On Line Forum provided where civilized discussions on barbecue issues can be discussed at your computer. Efforts will be made to monitor conversations and limit inappropriate, obscene, or illegal discussions in violation of privacy or Federal Trade Commission rules of decency, especially regarding illegal discussions of collusion or price setting. The purpose is intended to be entirely educational and will focus on barbecue and association subject matter. Occasionally, there will also be Surveys and Opinion Polls taken on-line as well.
5. Annual BBQ Conference & Expositions
Eventually, there are two meetings a year anticipated for the membership of NBBQA. One meeting will be aimed entirely at providing BBQ information and education and the second will be a full scale Conference and Exposition with booths, speakers, possible entertainment and some fun. The two meetings will be staged about six months apart, but both will contain educational opportunities should you not be able to attend both meetings. Suppliers will be invited to develop new leads, show their products and support for the NBBQA by displaying their goods and services during the EXPO events. The annual conference and exposition moves across the country where BBQ is king, but focuses on the southwest and southeast southern climates since it usually meets in February.
6. Employment Information/Career Information
NBBQA plans to offer a web site where employers can post help wanted high demand ads for barbecue professionals in a central, nationwide location. New entrants into the barbecue industry will be able to locate jobs faster, and employers may be able to fill the vacancies quicker.. Want Ad advertising will also be solicited from major employers of barbecue specialists in catering, restaurants, product sales, and so on, and consideration is being given to direct links to major employers from their ads
7. Recognition & Awards
Members who act on behalf of the whole in membership activities are rewarded and partially repaid through the recognition of their peers with awards. A not for profit organization such as NBBQA can provide a public recognition and forum for its outstanding members and supporters. Normally during a reconstitution such as this, the innovative and energetic members offer their experience, expertise and efforts to help the Association grow by willingly attendance, membership recruitment,, and necessary word of mouth promotion of NBBQA. The Association asks that you be supportive and help us achieve significant relevance in record time simply because it is necessary to protect and preserve the barbecue interests across the country.
Recognition for the Awards of Excellence and People’s Choice for the best marinades, rubs and sauces is well known and winners are posted on this website annually.
8. BBQ Promotions Across the US
Every May is designated as NATIONAL BARBECUE MONTH by NBBQA and members of the Association display their association memberships and participate in promotions to increase awareness of the great taste of barbecue. This voluntary effort goes a long way to raising BBQ awareness, to promote visits to restaurants and calls to caterers. It makes the cash register ring also creates fun and goodwill. National BBQ Month launches the summer season with sales of grills, rubs, marinades, sauces, and new “secret” recipes. All the major vendors of summer time products like to tie into NBBQA’s promotional efforts since it is associated with families, fun and good taste.
9. Advocacy Role of the NBBQA
NBBQA has noted an increasing role of local governments to control air particulates and smoke across the country. They are passing ordinances and regulations against outdoor grilling or on apartment balconies, and sometimes in backyards. The Association office is regularly contacted about these regulations and provides advocacy in favor of the freedom to safely barbecue where one lives. Although well meaning in many cases, these are serious trends that cannot be dismissed or overlooked, so NBBQA intends to accept its spokesman role as the BBQ Advocate….and keep its members informed.
10. PUBLIC RELATIONS NBBQA is the
Public Relations spokesman for the barbecue industry. It provides
interviews, statistics, colorful perspectives, and useful information
to reporters and media sources around the United States other
countries interested in current BBQ trends and tastes. It also
fields questions from reporters even when indirectly related
events develop or occur around BBQ, such as: rules and regulations
by state and federal agencies, opinions about obesity class action
efforts, and federal advisories concerning over-cooking of red
meat. Maintaining a positive coordinated consistent outlook and
presentation for any entity is often a full time job in our somewhat
cynical and negative leaning world, so NBBQA provides this service
for the barbecue industry. Many reporters quote NBBQA in their
articles, so look for them as a benefit of your membership.
Summary
In summary, NBBQA will be working to help make your professional life better
with networking and the potential for group wellness, health and life insurance,
employment connections, continuing education and the all important advocacy
and public relations needs. Other associations have advanced the interests
of their members, and it is time for NBBQA to join them by improved service
to its members.
1. Peer Networking
5. Annual BBQ Conference & Expositions
6. Employment Information/Career Information
7. Recognition & Awards
8. BBQ Promotions Across the US