To the Association & Guild Members:

I'd like to explain the structure of our organization: The over-all umbrella is the Central Texas Barbecue Association (CTBBQA). The Association has a Board of Directors that sets policy and direction. We are governed by our Bylaws. There are three distinct groups in our organization. The first is the Business Members. These are Barbecue Retailers that operate within a 10 county area defined by the Bylaws as Central Texas. The second group is Associate Members, who are made up of wholesalers, manufactures and other BBQ related businesses.

The third, and largest, group is the Barbecue Guild, an all volunteer arm of the Association. The Guild is made up of individuals rather than businesses. It allows barbecue lovers to interface closely with something they love, and its mission is to raise funds to advance the mission of the CTBBQA. Each of the first two groups has at least one representative in the Guild. There are approximately 80 members in the Guild, with a Planning Committee that consists of nine members. This Committee is busy planning and staffing events that relate to the Association and the Guild, such as The Hill Country Wine and Food Festival, Founders Day and ,of course, our own Texas Barbecue Festival. These events are an opportunity to sell merchandise, recruit members and volunteers, and increase awareness of the CTBBQA.

The Board of Directors is currently in discussion with the Austin Chronicle concerning their position as title sponsor of the Barbecue Festival. We should have a date and location soon for this years event. To that end, were placing a call now to all our Guild Members to help in staging the festival. You can sign up by sending us an e-mail at ctbbqa@gmail.com. We'll send you a short form to fill out, to discover your individual interests.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: Currently, we need volunteers to staff the booth at Founders Day Festival in Dripping Springs. The dates are Saturday and Sunday, April 8th & 9th. We need volunteers on Saturday from 11:30am - 3:30pm and from 3:30 - 7:30pm. On Sunday, we need staff from 11:30am - 2:30pm and 2:30 - 5:30pm. Booth staff will talk to attendees about the Guild, sign up new members, and sell CTBBQA merchandise. A planning committee member will head your team each day. E-MAIL US (ctbbqa@gmail.com) AND SIGN UP TODAY! Find out more about the festival at: www.foundersdayfestival.com. They have a cook-off competition, arts and crafts booths, music and much more!

Welcome to new Business Members: Inman's Ranch House Bar-B-Que of Marble Falls and Duke's Smokehouse of Georgetown.

I have written the Side Dish for about 2 years now and Im somewhat sad to say this will be my last. I have accepted the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Association, so my mission has changed. The GREAT NEWS is that Paula Bales is taking this on beginning with the Spring Newsletter. I dont know if it will even be called the Side Dish any longer. I have seen a mock-up of the new Newsletter . . . and its awesome. Your Association and Guild are growing and maturing. I bid you adieu in this capacity.

BBQ Still Rules!

Luke P. Zimmermann, Chairman Board of Directors The Central Texas Barbecue Association