Page 9 - NOV2020 BNM Digital Issue
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competition BBQ world. This year, both PRO and back- yard teams were offered the opportunity to have a team of KCBS judges stop by and share all things that happen “in the tent”.
There was no doubt that the program begun in 2019 was a huge success and valued by everyone who partici- pated. But, does mentoring matter?
By the Numbers:
• Number of Backyard Teams participating – 25 teams (80% of 31 total teams). This was up from 17 in 2019. • Number of PRO Teams participating (including re- serves) – 29 teams (60% of 48 total teams)
• New this year - Judge team visits – 19 visits – 6 PRO and 13 Backyard
• Number of Judges participating - 14
The results speak for themselves. 100% of the backyard teams receiving a call had a mentor. Similarly, nearly 2/3rds of the backyard teams that got a call were visited by the judges. Yes, mentoring absolutely matters!
It was impressive that the PRO teams were more than
willing to participate – in fact, I had extra PRO teams that were willing to step in if needed due to ever chang- ing complications due to COVID. Their willingness to share their expertise and help grow the sport of BBQ is key to the program’s success. The judges were also willing to make the additional trip to the event site and spend the evening sharing their knowledge and answer any questions the teams had about the judging process.
The most important part of the mentoring/visits pro- gram was the breaking down of the perceived barriers between the groups. Yes, you can “cross the road”! It was heartening to see teams checking in with each other during the course of the competition day – in- cluding judges stopping by after the competition to see how the teams did. These interactions are what the mentoring/visit program was all about. The continua- tion of the mentoring program and adding the judge visits was a huge success.
Both programs will continue when Minnesota in May returns in 2021 (hopefully in May).
 Thankful for the following Board Members
It's the time of year when we begin to look forward to planning for 2021. A big part of the success of the Min- nesota Barbeque Society is the involvement of its mem- bers. Each year we hold elections to fill open seats on our Board. Individuals from the general membership in good standing are elected to the Board for a term of 3 years.
We would like to thank the following outgoing Board members for their contributions and dedication to the society, it's mission, and membership.
John Scharffbillig
Nate Berg
Kristen Spain (Interim)
With their departure it is our duty to fill the open seats. If you would like to be considered for an open board po- sition, please submit a short bio and picture to mnbbq- society@gmail.com by November 30, 2020 to be placed on the 2021 MBS election ballot.
David Ellis, MBS Secretary
 Minnesota Upcoming Events
Check back later for future events.
JOIN US • #MNBBQCREW • Facebook.com/mnbbqsociety
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