History of the IBCA By Jeff Shivers, Executive Director
Because of the number of new members that we have gotten in the past year, I thought I would write a little background on the organization.
In 1988 nine (9) interested parties (Doug Beich, Terry Blount, Henry Cutaia, Jim Hudgins, Tom Kennedy, Obie Obermark, Charlie Rogers, Jeff Shivers, and Waldo Strein) met for the first time in Irving, Texas to discuss the possibilities of starting a new BBQ organization. We spent the first year writing a constitution, by-laws, and cook-off rules. The intent of the IBCA is to offer a set of uniform cook-off rules that are fair and “user friendly” for the cooks. In 1989 we opened up the membership in IBCA. We currently have over 600 members.
IBCA currently has seven (6) PITS (regional BBQ organizations). These are:
Pineywoods BBQ Assn. – based in Winfield, TX
South Texas BBQ Assn. – based in Goliad, TX
Southwest Arkansas BBQ Assn. – based in Delight, AR
Texas BBQ Assn. – based in Ft. Worth, TX
Third Coast BBQ Assn – based in Houston, TX
Western States BBQ Assn. – based in Indio, CA
Blackland BBQ Assn. – based in Cameron, TX
These PITS provide assistance and a Head Judge for events in their areas.
In the 2005, IBCA sanctioned 130 events in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Georgia. In 2006 we sanctioned 123 events – spreading to Richmond, Va. and Indio, CA. with new upcoming events in Greenville, AL and Phoenix, AZ., plus other new locations coming in 2007 at a pace of 130 events again this year.
IBCA is directed by an Executive Director, Secretary/Treasurer, two (2) elected Board of Directors, and two (2) representatives from each PIT.
As the sport of competition BBQ cooking grows IBCA has grown with it. From the beginning until now we have built a great reputation of assisting BBQ promoters, providing information and offering a fair judging system to all participants.
This is a membership organization with a goal aimed toward supporting “the best interest of our cooks.”
To all of our members, WE say keep up the good work and we appreciate your support.
Note from the Editor: For more information concerning the IBCA and the "Pits" listed in this article go to the IBCA website.
History of the IBCA
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
