KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Barbeque Society and Sam's Club have kicked off National Barbeque Month in historic fashion. The world's largest barbeque organization has announced an exclusive sponsorship with Sam's Club that makes the world's largest warehouse club the "Official Supplier of KCBS."
"We are very excited to be working with Sam's Club and integrating them like never before into the world of competition barbeque," said Carolyn Wells, executive director of KCBS. "Sam's Club has long been a preferred choice of barbeque teams throughout our network, but this new relationship will bring additional benefits to the entire industry as we team up to promote 'America's Cuisine' and help educate grillers nationwide on barbeque tips, techniques and food safety."
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, KCBS is the world's fastest growing and most respected barbeque authority when it comes to competitive barbeque, which is a $250 million industry. The nonprofit organization has trained more than 15,000 certified barbeque judges and supports more than 50,000 active members and volunteers at its 300+ competitions throughout America.
"Teaming up with KCBS is the perfect complement to our industry-leading meat and fresh departments and will give us an opportunity to show our support while helping the competitors save on their competition needs," said Robert Fields, senior director of Meat and Deli for Sam's Club. "We are very excited about the season and to work with the teams, vendors and restaurant owners as well as budding enthusiasts and long-time fans."
As part of the agreement, Sam's Club will become a presenting sponsor at half a dozen of the barbeque industry's "major" events, including the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational BBQ in Lynchburg, Tenn. Additionally, Sam's Club will provide prizes throughout the season and for the prestigious KCBS Team of the Year competition series in 2010. Like many other sports, barbeque teams compete throughout the nation for points at each contest in their quest to become the annual Grand Champion of the KCBS circuit.
Aside from the competitive industry, the relationship will also feature new experiences for casual and at-home "grill masters." KCBS and Sam's will soon launch a "Club Competition and Expo" that will be held in the parking lots of select Sam's Club locations throughout its regional districts. The Expos will feature educational sessions and live-grilling demos to help Sam's members learn more about the "low and slow" method of barbequing, as well as other tips and techniques from barbeque pros. Additionally, Sam's Club members will have the opportunity to sample championship-style barbeque and get hands-on advice and experience from barbeque suppliers on the latest products in the BBQ industry.
According to Fields, Sam's Club and KCBS are currently in the planning stages for creating more programs through this new relationship, and that news of these developments will be released in the coming weeks and months.
More news about the relationship will be released soon, including new programs and online opportunities for both Sam's and KCBS members. To learn more, visit KCBS.us or samsclub.com.
Source: Kansas City Barbeque Society