KCBS News FeedKCBS membership continues to grow
March 30, 2010KCBS has hit yet another milestone. As of March 30, our membership surpassed 13,000 for the first time. That’s a jump of 1,000 members from Feb. 15! If the trend continues, KCBS membership could reach 20,000 by the end of 2010!
“It’s hard to believe that just a few short years ago, our numbers were around 6,000 members,” said Executive Director Carolyn Wells. “We doubled that number this year, and in just 43 days, we gained another 1,000 fans of America’s Cuisine. Our staff and membership have been so instrumental in helping promote KCBS as the worldwide authority on everything barbeque, and this growth is a direct result of their efforts.”
Additionally, Wells credits several focused efforts over the past few years in promoting KCBS and barbeque for the rise in membership. Certified Barbeque Judge classes, which are held all over the country, have seen increased attendance coast to coast. The same can be said for media attention, which has been stoked in the past couple of years due to a more aggressive marketing approach by KCBS and MMA Creative, the society’s marketing firm.
Another major marketing effort, the KCBS Great American BBQ Tour, is starting its third season on the competition circuit. As the tour stops at 25 of America’s greatest food festivals, audiences everywhere are treated to sampling and demo presentations that promote KCBS, barbeque and the American way of life.
“We’re seeing that KCBS members come from all walks of life. They’re full-time and part-time competitive cooking teams, restaurateurs, judges, caterers and backyard grillers,” explained Wells. “Basically, if they have a love for ‘Q,’ they’re joining KCBS because they recognize that no other society embraces barbeque like we do.”
Stay tuned, she points out. Even more membership privileges are planned for 2010, and that will certainly grow our numbers even more!
