Indianapolis, IN – The Chad Jester Memorial Chili Cookoff in conjunction with the Bel-Aire Music Fest and Car Show will be held on Saturday August 21, 2010 at the Bel-Aire Park located on Indianapolis’s Southwest side at 2915 S. Tibbs Ave. CASI chili and Show, Anything Goes, and Jr. Pepper Chili are the categories. Registration is at 9:00 AM, Cooks meeting at 10:00 Am with CASI turn in at 1:00 PM Fees are CASI - $20.00, Anything Goes - $15.00 ($10.00 with CASI entry), Jr. Pepper - $5.00, and CASI Show is free with CASI Chili entry. Come on out, and enjoy the music, take a trip back in time as you stroll through the classic cars. Questions can be addressed to Darin or Tonya Jester at flashoverchili@sbcglobal.net or crazyladychili@sbcglobal.net or 317-856-3231
 |
I would like to take a few moments of your time to address the comments espoused by Steve Nadeau.
Since the late 90s, I have been very unhappy with the utilization and recognition of the TICC champion. I do not think that is a secret. Public Relations is and has always been, in my view, the biggest weakness of CASI. The vocal nature of Mr. Nadeau's pleadings is just a more eloquent culmination of years of dissatisfaction by the champions. It has been my frustration to observe this discontent and not act on it accordingly. It is difficult to financially justify a PR campaign when our membership is spread so thinly over a vast geographic area. We have thus had to depend primarily on free press or public appearances in select venues. The cost of advertising is constantly brought up to the board and the cost usually does not seem to justify the anticipated outcome. We have also never been able to attract that special person to the board that would have a knack for making this magic. Perhaps some of the detractors would like to come over to the dark side and experience the reality of board/membership interaction. Remember, this is not a Margaret Nadeau issue, it is a CASI issue.
Four years ago, I was charged by the Great Peppers to come up with a way to fund and reward the TICC Champion in a monetary amount. I have submitted a proposal to address that issue. I also put together a package of gift items for the winner that I felt was long overdue.
Two years ago, I gained board approval to submit on a case by case basis, funding requests for the winner to travel to events I believe to be in the best interest of sponsorship. The board has gone along with these requests although sometimes the dollar amounts were not what they could have been.
I have always conveyed, as part of the sponsor presentation package, that CASI would be happy to provide the current or a former TICC champion at any event chili or non-chili where a benefit would be felt by that sponsor. The photo issue is a non starter as everyone knows that stage photos are a vital part of our ceremonies at TICC.I always emphasize that our representative would be glad to promote the sponsor and its association with CASI. In addition, I always remind sponsors that this feature is available to them after TICC. Below is the context of the email sent to some 50 sponsor representatives Dec 14 of last year immediately following Margaret's win.
Subject: Availability of TICC Winner
To all our valued sponsors.
Our 2009 Terlingua International Chili Champion, Margaret Nadeau, has graciously agreed to make her time available for sponsor functions or related cookoff events in the coming year. If you have something coming up that would benefit you by having this CASI Champion there, please contact Margaret and see if arrangements can be made.
Margaret is a two time Terlingua Champion, having also won it all in 2005, She is a beautiful and talented person who has much to offer in promoting CASI and our sponsor products.
As most of you know, CASI is a charity and we do not give prize money to our winners. If you would like an appearance, we would of course like you to help her with some of the expense she may incur.
This is a win win situation for your company and CASI and we would love to share our winner. Please contact Margaret at mnadeau@gvtc.com or myself at jezell8642@aol.com if this might interest you.
Thank you for your support, and Best Wishes for a prosperous New Year.
Jim Ezell
I guess the major thrust of where I am going with this is evidenced by the Four Point Proposal I have placed before the membership for consideration at the upcoming Great Peppers Meeting. Much of the thought and reasoning that went into this proposal came as a result of the situation outlined by Mr. Nadeau. I have been working on it since the early part of the year for submission at the summer board meeting and action at the GP meeting. The four points are:
Membership
Great Peppers Meeting
Scholarship Funding
Recognition and rewarding of TICC Champion
I will be available at the GP meeting to address this proposal and defend it. I welcome any comments or criticisms on this proposal by any member and have been attempting to travel as much as I can lately to interact with more members. The only other point I will address is the insinuation that sponsorship is somehow demeaned by not being handled as a board position. If there is discontent with this current status I can resign, as I serve at the pleasure of the board and membership.
In closing, lets use this situation as a positive and work toward the betterment of our organization. We are not perfect, but we have come a long long way since my early years with CASI. We have a limited, dedicated, diverse and sometimes vocal membership. Each and every member has earned his or her right to be critical of management. Criticism is part of the venue and comes with the job description each aspiring director must accept. Before you "Throw the Bums Out" make sure the talent pool is the real deal. All a former director has to show for countless hours of service is a plaque and a satisfaction that somewhere they made a difference. Please forgive the abundance of ( I's) in this memo, but I am not speaking for the CASI Board of Directors, but as a non-board contributing member that greatly enjoys my association with CASI.
I do not have a distribution list as to where Steve's memo went, so I would appreciate this reaching as many CASI members as possible.
Thank you
Jim Ezell
Sponsor Chair
Former CASI President and Director
POST SCRIPT: I sent out numerous Press Releases with her picture following TICC to announce Margarett as the TICC 2 time Champion to include the Boerne Paper. I followed up on those releases by accessing each paper's web site. I found that only 2 printed the release and they were both in West Texas. There also was a lenghty discussion during our January Workshop which is also documented in the January Board Meeting Minutes.
From Larry and Janie Burruss:
Wow what a weekend and congratulations to all of the winners! The First U. S. National Open Chili Championship was a great success. A HUGE thank you to all of the cooks, Dog Luhn for being head judge, Ed Blair and his tally crew, Donna Conrad & Dianne Stimson for the cooks party, to everyone that monitored, served drinks, judged etc. Thanks to Red Caldwell for being the M.C. Doc Kinnison for referring both days and Pat Pilchiek for assisting at registration and in the judging area. A big thank you to Robert & Connie Schrade and Roger & Cindy Patteson for being there from the beginning to the end and volunteering to help in every area without being asked. A "Special" thanks to Cabela's, Heb, Wal-Mart, Chili's Restaurant, Hampton Inn and Aces Pod for donations and offering discounts. Wendell Rankin donated a stove to the championship that was greatly appreciated. It is hard to list everyone that helps so please forgive us if we have over looked anyone but know your contribution was appreciated.
Saturday Results 113 Entries with 104 Chili's Judged
1. Brent Allen
2. Sherrie Davie
3. Vern Gilpin
4. Robert Talavera (Q)
5. Carrie Kinnison
6. Clyde Rogers
7. Karen Bains
8. James Benefield
9. Melodie Smith
10. Joe Trigo
Show:
1. Helen Conley
2. Jim Ezell
3. Marolyn Blair
Sunday Results 23 Entries with 22 Chilis Judged
1. Dianne Stimson
2. Donna Foley
3. Karen Bains
4. Kevin Foley
5. Debbie Tucker
6. Jason Kaehler
7. Bruce Jones
8. Joyce Keith
9. Dave Pitts
10. Janie Burruss (Q)
Show:
1. Jim Conley
2. Dianne Stimson
3. Larry Kinnison
Once Again Thanks, Larry & Janie Burruss
From Karen Bains (Nominating Committee Chairperson):
The following applications are currently being review by the Nominations Committee. Once the committe has reviewed these application and determined whether these individuals meet the requirements of a CASI Director, a report will be provided go the CASI Board and membership.
CASI Executive Director:
Janice Miller (Incombent)
Keith Karaff
CASI Board:
Ed Blair (Incumbant)
Roger Foltz (Incumbent)
David Sexton
Darin Jester
Don Hoy
Chuck Spishock
Dave Hewlett
From Dave Hewlett:
My name is Dave Hewlett and I am seeking a position on the CASI Board of Directors because:
I believe I bring a unique set of skills to the operations of the CASI organization and to its future success. I have been a leader and key manager in the business world for a long time and I have attended a lot of leadership and manager training in the public sector of business. I understand the value of teaming and working within the guide lines of good team building. I understand the value of respecting the management team and how to work thru issues and conflict to arrive at a solution that is acceptable to the management team and those that will benefit from those decisions. I listen well and am interested in the inputs of the CASI members.
I have deep skills in computer software and hardware, Leadership and Management skills, I did all the registration and financial planning for the 2007 Great Pepper meeting and the Salado 2010 GPM. I have access to the CASICIS Data Base(DB) and have been responsible for producing numerous extracts from the DB for labels and data for a number of requests from the CASI members. I believe in mentoring new cooks and helping them to become CCO winners. I support the CASI idea but will raise issues when they seem to need reviewing. I have deep management and financial skills working with the
full set of Microsoft office tools. I have 40 years of background in software programming. I ran a $2M business at Texas Instruments supporting
the many Semi-Conductor factories around the world. I have electrical and electronics back ground. I listen to the members of CASI and represent their needs as the needs prove to be valid and needed. Quote "Dave believes in the
CASI rules".
I believe in communications between the CASI board and the members of CASI and the Great Peppers of the CASI pods.
I have been cooking for 6 years and I have been the Pepper Popper for 2 years and the Great Pepper of the Dallas Area Metroplex for 2 years. I was the Great Pepper of the Thousand Trails Tawakoni for 1 year. I have been married to Nancy Hewlett for 32 years. I have 3 children, 4 grandchildren and 2 dogs. I am retired and have lots of time to donate to the CASI organization.
From Mike Mayorga:
Saturday and Sunday, Aug 21st & 22nd will be Bob -n- Jeans' Hotter -n- Hell Cook Off in Crosby, TX. There will be Beans $10 entry with 1st place guaranteed $50. CASI Chili $20 entry each day with turn in at 2:00 on Saturday and turn in at 1:00 on Sunday. Bob -n- Jeans will be feeding the cooks Saturday night with music and dancing, so come spend the weekend. RV parking is available - no hookups. For information call 281-421-5650 or Teena Miller at 832-414-9699. See you there!!
It is WEDNESDAY August 18, 2010. First I want to say Happy Birthday to Clifford P Miller. I love you and thank you for your support.
Now for the CCOs for this week. There are CCOs in almost every part of the States and plenty from which to choose. Some of them may provide HOT places to cook.
Aug 21, 2010-002 - Red River, NM CASI. Hot Chili Days..Cool Chili Nights Four Corners Regional Cookoff. This 3-day music and chili event will once in Brandenburg Park in downtown Red River. The weekend is comprised of the Larry Joe Taylor music festival and the Four Corners CASI red Chili cookoff, the State of New Mexico Green Chili Championship, the open" salsa competition and the "open" chili ompetition.. $20 dollars for the first chili or salsa category and $10 for every additional chili/salsa category. All cooks who sign up and pay prior to August 7,2010 will receive a $5 discount on their first chili/salsa category meaning the "first category" fee is $15 for those who sign-up early. Benefits the Red River Valley Charter School. Checks payable to the Colorado Chili Pod and can be sent to 1670 Broadway, Suite 3000, Denver, Colorado 80202. For information, please contact John Montgomery at 303-831-5000.
Aug 21, 2010-003 - Alpine, AZ CASI. 15th Annual Alpine Chili POD CCO. CASI chili turn-in 1:00. Other events: People's Choice, Spam, BBQ, and Beans. Cooks potluck Friday evening, meat provided. Dry camping. Contact Dick Seehusen, 928-245-5166 or 520-841- 2030.
Aug 21, 2010-004 - Crosby, TX CASI. Bob-n-Jeans 7th Annual Hotter -N- Hell Chili Cookoff. Entry fee $20, turn-in 2:00 p.m. Beans entry $10, turn-in at 11:30 p.m. Plenty of RV parking available - no hookups and no open fires. For more information call Teena Miller at 832-414-9699 or Joan Brack at 281-515-2839. Cooks party with dinner, dancing and music.
Aug 21, 2010-005 - Cedar Rapids, IA CASI. 27th Iowa State Championship CCO. Chromehorse Saloon 1202-3rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Benefits: Tanager Place. Turn in: 2:00 Fee CASI Chili $25, Junior chili $5, Salsa $5. Make Checks Payable to: Tanager Place Contact: Gary Christensen 3216 Iris Ave NW Cedar Rapids, IA 52405 319-365-2944. Junior chili is chili grind only. Salsa must be homemade, canned or fresh. Automatic Qualifier for TICC.
Aug 21, 2010-006 - Potomac, MD CASI. Mason Dixon Pod Backyard CCO. Held at 9701 Watts Branch Drive. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. Make checks payable to Mason Dixon Pod This is the Mason Dixon Pod Cookoff and elections for 2010-11 chili year. Contact Rick Sievering 301-938-4969, 301-460- 2522, nsievering@verizon.net.
Aug 21, 2010-007 - Everman, TX CASI. 3rd Annual Happy Armadillo CCO. Held at 1701 Everman Pkwy, one mile east off I-35 W, South of Fort Worth at Everman Road exit. Benefits Easter Seals of North Texas. Entry fee $20, turn-in 1 PM (CHILI GRIND ONLY). 1st 20 registered get goody bags. Jackpot Beans $5, turn-in Noon. Also backyard BBQ competition $20 entry (50/50 payback to the winners and the charity). Turn- in 2 PM. Backyard grills or small smokers only; no large trailer-type (we don't have the room). Open meat category; all submissions judged together. BBQ is non-sanctioned. Contact Gary Napier gary@happyarmadillo.com or 817-225-5930, or call Armadillo Club at 817-293-1402. Cooks party Friday night, Live Band Saturday night. RV's welcome, no hookups.
Aug 21, 2010-008 - Lebanon, TN CASI. 2010 Tennessee State Championship. Held at the Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon TN at the site of the largest county fair in Tennessee. Automatic qualifier for top three. Camp on site. Entry fee $25, turn-in 1 PM. Benefits Brooks House Homeless Shelter for women and children. Make checks payable to HOT POD and mail to 2003 Dorchester Dr. Lebanon, TN 37090. Contact Carol Knight, 615-449-6676. CHILI MEAT OPEN.
Aug 21, 2010-009 - Amarillo, TX CASI. Shriner Summer Chili & BBQ CCO. Date changed to August 28th.
Aug 21, 2010-010 - San Angelo, TX CASI. Hot Days In August Chili & BBQ CCO Held at 2400 Block of Sherwood Way,held on 3 different addresses Benefits Hospice of San Angelo 50/50 Drawing, Cake @ Pie Auction More on this cookoff in July Trails. FMI: Sammie 325-656-8299 email sanangeloplant1@msn.com. Entry fee $18 turn-in 2 PM.
Aug 21, 2010-011 - Indianapolis, IN CASI. Chad Jester Memorial CCO Held at Bel-Aire Park, 2915 South Tibbs Ave. Indianapolis I-465 to Kentucky Ave, on the southwest side of Indianapolis. Go North on Kentucky Ave, turn right on Tibbs. Registration 9:00 AM, Cooks meeting at 10:00 AM. CASI turn-in 1:00 PM. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Entry fee is $20.00 make checks payable to the Indiana Pepper Pod. Other categories include: Anything Goes $15 ($10 w/CASI entry), Jr's Division $5. Make checks payable to the Indiana Pepper Pod. Music Fest and Classic Car Show on site during the cook-off. For more information contact Tonya or Darin Jester at 317-856-3231 or crazyladychili@sbcglobal.net. Proceeds from this event to benefit Maywood Manor Park Association.
Aug 21, 2010-012 - Abilene, TX CASI. Shriner's Cookoff. Held at 5272 Jarmon. Benefits Shriner's Hospital. Entry fee $18 turn-in 2 PM. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Make checks payable to Concho Valley Chili Pod. Contact Tommy Haas 325-627-6006, call him for directions. Sherry Maus 325- 658-1364.
Aug 22, 2010-001 - Crosby, TX CASI. Bob-n-Jeans Day After Chili Cookoff Entry fee $20, turn in 1:00 p.m. Come Saturday evening for cooks party with dinner, dancing and music. Plenty of RV parking available - no hookups and no open fires. For more information call Teena Miller at 832-414-9699 or Joan Brack at 281-515-2839.
Aug 22, 2010-002 - Everman, TX CASI. 3rd Annual DayAfter Happy Armadillo Held at 1701 Everman Pkwy, one mile East off I-35 W, South of Fort Worth at Everman Rd. Exit. Entry fee $18 turn-in Noon. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Benefits North Texas Autism Center. Make checks paid to The Armadillo. Contact The Armadillo Club 817-293- 1402 or Gary Napier 817-225- 5744.
Aug 22, 2010-003 - St Thomas, VI CASI. Texas Society of the Virgin Islands 26th Annual Chili Cookoff. Held at #2 John Brewer Bay/UVI Campus. Entry fee $25. turn-in Noon. Make check payable to Texas Society of the Virgin Islands. Automatic qualifier for TICC. Contact Erik Ackerson P.O. Box 306926 St Thomas VI 00803. 1-800-524-2061, 340-473-8706. Benefits Queen Louise Home for the Aged American Red Cross, Dial-A-Ride,St Thomas Rescue, V.I Institute for the Performing Arts, The Family Resource Network.
