Who are We, and Where have We been

[BOBSTER]

I have spent the last two day at the Texas Trophy Hunters Show in Houston and a few poeple come up to me and ask "I have been bowhunting for the last 10+ years and have never heard of you so, What do you do besides let kids shoot bows?"

Where have we gone wrong in letting eveyone that shoots a bow know who we are, and how can we fix this?

I started bowhunting in 1975, around 1980 the LSBA sent me a letter telling me who they were and what they did. I really thought that was great and joined. They (LSBA) got my info from TPWD because at that time, I had to start buying the archery stamp to hunt in the Special Archery Season that the LSBA asked for and had established. Now days with the Super Combo license, the LSBA cannot tell who really is hunting during the bowseason, so a mail out is not afforable for the LSBA.

PLEASE, it is very important for each member to let other bowhunters know WHO and WHAT the LSBA is all about. "PRESERVING AND PROMOTING BOWHUNTING IN TEXAS.

Bob Kana

[ldt]

It is sad, but that is the way it has been for since inception. That is why we only have 1100 menbers. I tell everyone that I know that bowhunts about the LSBA but they still fail to join. or if the join the do not renew. We used to be able to tell them about the Archery Only season but that has dwindled down to a mere formality now, so that option is no longer a valid point to get people to join. Only when they feel threatened will they seek us out. Even our association with TTHA and Bass Pro Shops does not seem to help membership. If someone knows the answer let me know what it is.

[Walking_Eagle]

Bobster,
We have not gone wrong, that is the way it has always been. I think the LSBA has done everything possible to spread the word. As Idt said, this has been happening since day one of the association. We are a "Hard-Core" group, talking, eating, amd sleeping bowhunting. and only those that share our passion will be prospective members. My guess is that amounts to about 5% of the "all american sportsmen" that hunt the once "special archery season".
The 5% understand the need for repersentation to protect the sport, and are not won over by beads and bangles. A patch, window decal and a magazine iare good advertisements to promote the association.
The LSBA offers a website with a discussion forum for the publics use, not just members, that is not appears not to be popular. I guess maybe we need to have more threads about trucks, guns, etc. instead of just bowhunting.
The LSBA started and maintains a records system that is available to the public, not just members, and has "actively persued entries from bowhunters state-wide. But even a large number of our own members don't support it.
I don't have the answers to the problems that have plagued the LSBA forever. I think that we need to insure that the sevices we offer our members, such as the magazine, are of the quality to relay the message that we are "The only spokes-person for the bowhunters in Texas.
I do know that in 1990, we had almost 2300 members and the banquet that year drew over 330 guests. One of the reasons is that we spent the money to have national known speakers at our banquets.
We have not "gone wrong", we just need to tune-up the motor a little bit. It is not a matter of where we have been for the last 10 years. Where have they been?
Ron

[Shane]

The big thread on TBH a month or so ago had some good ideas in it. I think the idea of having lots more regional reps, even one in every major city (especially in West Texas) would help facilitate more LSBA activities and visibility everywhere.

As it is with most things, it probably boils down to a "what's in it for me?" question for prospective members. Finding ways to answer that question for people is the key. I don't have the answers, but that's the question.

[Walking_Eagle]

Shane, you are absolutely right, but if is a matter of "whats in it for me", we will see very little response until we have a major crisis develop. I think we need some insurance salespersons on the E.C. to convince the bowhunters that they need an LSBA policy to protect their sport.
We have known the "answers" for 35 years, we just need to ask the right question.
Thanks for your input,
Ron

[axisbuck24]

The big thread on TBH a month or so ago had some good ideas in it. I think the idea of having lots more regional reps, even one in every major city (especially in West Texas) would help facilitate more LSBA activities and visibility everywhere.

As it is with most things, it probably boils down to a "what's in it for me?" question for prospective members. Finding ways to answer that question for people is the key. I don't have the answers, but that's the question.

Shane,
As a current EC member, I feel that the thread was helpful and provided some great ideas.

I do not know what the answer is to informing the bowhunters in Texas that we exist.

What other activities do you feel might help with educating bowhunters about this organization?

What do you think would draw a larger crowd to the annual banquet?

What national known speaker do you feel would draw a larger crowd to the banquet? Please keep in mind that national known speaker also come with a special price tag.;)

[Shane]

Ron, you are right when we're talking about protecting bowhunting in the state laws and regulations - the main purpose of the LSBA. But I'm also talking about other things that are related to bowhunting that are always on people's minds. The youth hunting opportunities are a great example of that. That's one of the biggies for me with the LSBA. For others, things like 3D shoots are big. There is "competition" with ASA, TBOT, and other great organizations for shooters, but 3D has potential to be a big draw. Maybe if there was a drawing for a hunt or two for an adult, more people would join just for the chance at that. Things of that nature are what I had in mind when I said "what's in it for me?".

Jo, I think a big key to getting more people informed about the LSBA is local regional representation, and a lot of hard work by dedicated volunteers, which are hard to find. If every major city had at least one LSBA rep and that person was active and visible around the local ranges and archery shops, then that would do a lot towards getting more people introduced to the LSBA. With more reps scattered around, it might be possible to sponsor and organize more youth archery instruction, bowhunters safety instruction, 3D shoots, and all that kind of stuff.

I'm on the board of a non-profit, and I know how hard fundraising is. The banquet is great, but it could be built upon and grown to attract larger crowds I'm sure. I don't know if a big expensive speaker would be the draw or not. It probably wouldn't be THE thing that would make me choose to drive a few hours and stay in a hotel and all of that. The activities surrounding the banquet could be the biggest draw. This year's banquet was my first, and the dinner and banquet and auction were all great. We got there early in the day, as I was expecting a much larger crowd to be there for all the activities of the day that were advertised. There wasn't much of that going on though, for whatever reason. If it were possible to get more activities - maybe even get some "celebrity" bowhunters to be there and have them involved in seminars, shooting/equipment demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and things like that.... Maybe even a pro/am type 3D shoot where a celebrity archer and a regular LSBA member team up in the competition.

The charity I'm involved with here puts on a celebrity quail hunt every year. It's not cheap for us to fly in celebrities and their spouses and put them up in a hotel for a weekend, but we net $100K or more most years, and it's great PR for the organization. If there was kind of a mini-SHOT show for bowhunting put on by the LSBA, maybe some of the TV personalities would come to promote their show and/or products. If so, they'd pay their own way. Getting them involved in some of the activities would be a big draw. Get Tiffany there, and you'd have a few hundred guys show up. :D :D Maybe partnering with Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops to put on such an event would make it more doable. It would certainly get you more publicity and draw a bigger crowd.

Seriously, though. I think turning the annual banquet into a bigger event would be the best way to get bigger crowds. Of course, it would be even more work, requiring more help and more money. No easy answers.

[Death from Above]

Personally I believe that the state of our country has a lot to do with membership and attendance at events. If I have to choose between actually being able to sit a stand or attend a few functions across Texas.....thats an easy one. I believe haveing more reps per zipcode is a good idea. That way folks may be able to pool resources for their district and put on more local events.

Me .... well my family is one of those "hardcore" spoken of earlier. We will bowhunt regardless. As to being members, I joined a few years back to be able to get the discount at BAO. Been a member ever since.

The LSBA is relative to my families lifestyle and we will continue to support.

[Speak The Language]

I have a thought or two: At events such as the TTHA Show, we need one person who explains LSBA to the parents while the kids are shooting. I also think we need to redesign the membership brochure...it is very bland and doesn't catch your eye. Lastly, we need more meetings for adults and youth.

One guy at the Houston show asked what the LSBA did other than youth hunts, and the annual banquet. Bobster was able to give him the additional info.

[ldt]

Shane, I sent a e-mail invitation to Lee & Tiffany asking if they would be interested in being guest speakers at this years banquet and never got a reply from them. Not a big enough draw or pay out I suppose. They are big business now and everyone wants a part of them because they will draw a crowd. As far as having someone at the TTHA shows to explain what the LSBA does, that is a great idea but we usually have to beg to get enough help to run the booth much less have an extra person there just to give information. We have some plans this year that might make the Banquet bigger, like more advertising, different raffel prizes Etc... but bottom line is we need more word of mouth spreading the news about what goes on within the organization and at the banquet to get the interest up amoung bowhunters. If we can ever get enough bowhunters involved we will grow and the banquet and other events will grow also.

[axisbuck24]

I like the idea of redesigning the brochure. I also agree that getting enough individuals to volunteer at TTHA is very difficult. It would be ideal if we could get enough help to have someone talking to the parents about the LSBA. I know that we all try to engage the parent whenever possible;however, when you have a long line and you have no other choice but to direct your attention to the kids.

[RB Walker]

I think you should still have kid booth but have a seperate booth in another area just for adults

[axisbuck24]

I think the idea of having lots more regional reps, even one in every major city (especially in West Texas) would help facilitate more LSBA activities and visibility everywhere.

Since the addition of regional representation has been brought up on several occasions, I would like to ask the following question: Would you be interested in assisting your regional representative in some capacity in your home area? What LSBA activities would you be interested in hosting in your area?

[rbiceo]

I realize this probably isn't the first place I should post...but...

I just joined the LSBA about 10 minutes ago. Alothough I have been shooting a bow for 2 years and have been active in 3d competitions and am at a local shop 3-4 times per week. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT LSBA WAS UNTIL A FEW WEEKS AGO!

Didn't mean to shout, but sometimes answers are even more simple than that suggest. I have seen the LSBA shoots posted and signage at IBA where I am a 2 year member. I thought the LSBA was some field archery group. Sometimes doing something as simple as paying a bit more for a sign or taking the time to type out Lone Star Bowhunting Association can make all the difference.

I saw a post where it was typed out on TBH...that was all I needed to get me to join. You can thank TBH screen names...Cameron, for original post, Shane, BoneDigger for some history and WCB for input.

I will be ordering a couple shirts and stickers for the truck to help spread the word.

Sorry if I offended anyone. I am have a strong passion for this sport and want it to grow. Just wanted to throw in my "newbie" thoughts...guys in my position are who you are seeking out!

[axisbuck24]

Rob,
Thanks for joining and looking forward to meeting you in the future. I agree typing out the full name of our organization does help especially on other forums.

On the thread Cameron started on TBH, I did see the post asking what is LSBA. I have made an effort to type out the full name of our organization when I post on other forums;however, sometimes I am guilty of using the abbreviated version.:o

[BOBSTER]

Maybe if there was a drawing for a hunt or two for an adult, more people would join just for the chance at that.

Jo, I think a big key to getting more people informed about the LSBA is local regional representation, and a lot of hard work by dedicated volunteers, which are hard to find. If every major city had at least one LSBA rep and that person was active and visible around the local ranges and archery shops, then that would do a lot towards getting more people introduced to the LSBA.

Seriously, though. I think turning the annual banquet into a bigger event would be the best way to get bigger crowds. Of course, it would be even more work, requiring more help and more money. No easy answers.

1. We just done that and had a few members to join or renew for it. These always help a lot.

2. I guess that is were I really cannot do a lot. My days off are Tuesdays and Wednesdays so I cannot make most of these events. Not much happening on my days off but I do make what I can which is not more than one 3-D shoot a year.

3. We keep trying to do this. I have been attending banquets now for the last 10++ years, and even though they might be different and in different locations, the attendence really do not change. Some times you get a new face, but mostly it is our dedicated followers and then they talk someone else into coming.

Keep the good ideas coming, we really like hearing from our new members on their ideas, and rbiceo, you are so correct, we do need to always spell out the Lone Star Bowhunters Association. I am bad about not doing it, but that is the only way a new person reading a post will know who we are.

Bob Kana
LSBA Region 77 Rep.

[Shane]

Since the addition of regional representation has been brought up on several occasions, I would like to ask the following question: Would you be interested in assisting your regional representative in some capacity in your home area? What LSBA activities would you be interested in hosting in your area?

Jo, I would be happy to help where I could. My problem is the same as everybody else's: time. I wouldn't be able to make board meetings across the state regularly. With two teenagers at home right now, we rarely have a day that doesn't require us to be somewhere for at least one of our kids. Add my local board commitment and several things at church... Just like you and everybody else, I'm sure. On the big thread about all this on TBH, somebody mentioned utilizing online board meetings for folks that couldn't travel. I'm sure that could help more folks like me get more involved.

Zach and I really enjoyed the 3D shoot here in Abilene, and it was good to meet you there. I would be glad to help with that and anything else that I could here locally.

I hope nobody thinks I'm criticizing anybody. I'm not at all. I don't know how you guys get so much done in the first place, especially with no more help than you have. It's utterly amazing to me what you guys accomplish. I'm just saying that if you want to do even more, you're probably going to have to have more help. It's a lot easier to recognize that than it is to find the help - for sure. But I'd bet there are at least a few folks scattered around the state that would be willing to pitch in where they could.

[bountyhunter]

I really think there are a lot of bowhunters out there that would join if they knew about LSBA. This was the case with me, I've been bowhunting for 30+ years but it wasn't until 2007 that I even heard of LSBA and that was from a direct invite from Mark (Chunky) on a different forum. Once I checked out the website and saw what we are all about, it was no doubt I was going to join. I know there are a lot more folks out there just like I was 3-4 years ago.

Getting the word out is the big issue you here, but doing it effectively is the most important question. Word of mouth is the best method and has been proven time and time again. We all visit archery shops and most of the time there are other people there, so I try and wear one of my LSBA shirts. I also try to strike up a conversation with folks and bring up the subject of LSBA. The only problem here is, I don't have all the answers to their questions. If I had something like business cards that I could give them with the web site and contact information of the local Reps, that would be a big help. That way if they are really interest they can get more and correct information.

We all also visit a lot of different forums and it would hurt to post up about bowhunting even on a fishing or other type of forum and then tell folks about LSBA and give them links to the web site. Every little bit helps.

As far as volunteering to help, I'm all for that. We all need to volunteer every chance we can. I know that not all dates and times fit, but when they do jumb in with both feet. If you truely love the sport and you care about the future of the sport, you can no longer just set in your arm chair you have to get active.

Ok, there are my two pennies. Bob you can call on me anytime and if there is any possibility, you know I'll be there.

Derek

[BOBSTER]

I really think there are a lot of bowhunters out there that would join if they knew about LSBA. This was the case with me, I've been bowhunting for 30+ years but it wasn't until 2007 that I even heard of LSBA and that was from a direct invite from Mark (Chunky) on a different forum. Once I checked out the website and saw what we are all about, it was no doubt I was going to join. I know there are a lot more folks out there just like I was 3-4 years ago.

Getting the word out is the big issue you here, but doing it effectively is the most important question. Word of mouth is the best method and has been proven time and time again. We all visit archery shops and most of the time there are other people there, so I try and wear one of my LSBA shirts. I also try to strike up a conversation with folks and bring up the subject of LSBA. The only problem here is, I don't have all the answers to their questions. If I had something like business cards that I could give them with the web site and contact information of the local Reps, that would be a big help. That way if they are really interest they can get more and correct information.

We all also visit a lot of different forums and it would hurt to post up about bowhunting even on a fishing or other type of forum and then tell folks about LSBA and give them links to the web site. Every little bit helps.

As far as volunteering to help, I'm all for that. We all need to volunteer every chance we can. I know that not all dates and times fit, but when they do jumb in with both feet. If you truely love the sport and you care about the future of the sport, you can no longer just set in your arm chair you have to get active.

Ok, there are my two pennies. Bob you can call on me anytime and if there is any possibility, you know I'll be there.

Derek

Derek, you have said it the best. There are a lot of people that do not have the time to volunteer to help or just bad timing when we have or events. But everyone does see other people and and visit other websites and this is what they need to be doing. You can always request a brochure and it states everything that the LSBA has done in the last 35+ years and you can make copies, or I will send you copies and this is what we need to tell everyone about. Then push the recruitment of new bowhunters by having our kids archery range at events. Derek, thanks for the great idea. Bob

[bountyhunter]

Here is what I posted up on a few different forums I post on regularly. I haven't had any direct reponses, but a lot of folks are reading the post. So maybe some of them will come to the web site and think about joining.


Lone Star Bowhunters Association
Who here are members of LSBA?

If you are not a member and you are a bowhunter you really should think about joining. The LSBA is your voice in the state for all issues regarding bowhunting. They also have some great events including youth hunts. To check out LSBA here is your starting point.

http://www.lonestarbowhunter.com/index.php (http://www.lonestarbowhunter.com/index.php)

If you have any questions, please let me know and I'll get you an answer.

Derek

[BOBSTER]

Thanks Derek, if everyone would do the same, we might be able to get our membership up. Bob

[treed]

Any thoughts about putting some LSBA magazines in news stands or magazine racks at Wal-mart or grocery stores and such. Maybe buying a page add in the TPWD regulation books that come out ever summer, or their magazine. As close as the LSBA and TPWD work together they may even donate a page. Just a thought.
When I first joined, the LSBA had access to a ranch that offered hunts at Batesville,TX. What ever happened to that?

[BOBSTER]

treed, the TPWD annual is to big of an expense for us. Our banquet doesn't clear that cost most of the time. Not sure how it would work out by putting the magazine in Wal Mart or what it would even take. I have always thought that we needed to advertise in our biggest Bowhunting Magazine. Not sure on the ranch in Batesville. It has not been around since I have been a Rep. Bob

[bountyhunter]

I've been getting some responses to the post I put up on some of the other forums I frequent. One of the folks said he joined last night, so one down about 10K to go.

[rtread]

Some good ideas here about printed material.....business cards, pamphlets, fliers, etc. to give people.

I know of two archery shops that I frequent that would probably be glad to have some of this material on their sales counter for customers. After all, anything that promotes more bowhunting and more bowhunters means more business for them.

[BOBSTER]

Some good ideas here about printed material.....business cards, pamphlets, fliers, etc. to give people.

I know of two archery shops that I frequent that would probably be glad to have some of this material on their sales counter for customers. After all, anything that promotes more bowhunting and more bowhunters means more business for them.


This is how we are going to get the word out. By members letting others know who the Lone Star Bowhunters Association is and what we are about. Anyone wanting pamphlets or fliers, pm me. I can either send you some printed copies in the mail, or I can email you the electronic version and you can print out a few to hand out.
Bob

[peon]

Has anyone looked at other states bowhunting organizations to see what they are doing. Alot of times good ideas come from looking around to see what others are doing or have done. I just glanced at the Idaho bowhunters organization newsletter and found it interesting. They had articles from each region and a tresuary report. Maybe we could add something like that to the magazine so that members would know where and what their monies go towards. The EC to my understanding gave out funds to a couple of great causes this past month but I did not see it mentioned in the magazine. Maybe it was to late to be in it? Also they published pics of their banquet. I understand all to well about how volunteers make all of this happen and everyone is busy and may not have the time to sit down and write a short article but it was just a thought.

[Tomme]

OK I'll throw in my two cents worth. I've been around since 1990 and was on the EC from 1996 through 2009 in one capacity or another. This comment of someone coming up and saying they'd never heard of the LSBA is not new and there have been a lot of things that have been tried. I agree with Walking Eagle that we are a hard core group. Here's a few thoughts.

1. I hope we can get the Regional/area reps idea to work. Something similar was tried in the mid-1990s and didn't pan out. I think there has to be a local focus. Ducks unlimited and even the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation does a lot better than us. We tried "local chapters" around 2000, again with little success, but we really need something at the local level. Two regional reps in areas that go from just north of Austin to Wichita Falls (note that includes Waco, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Arlington, Denton, etc.) is just an impossible job. Again how does DU do it?

2. Perhaps a focus could be LSBA dinner in each city of each region sponsored by the local archery club, etc. I think we could almost do a "free" dinner with a donations jar. Key would be getting local clubs/folks to do most of the work, but for a free dinner they might. Even if it cost us $200-$300 on each of these, it could be cheap advertising and would help get the word out.

3. If we hook in with archery in the schools, this would be a way to help spread the word over the state.

4. It might be worthwhile to look into an at least one public lands hunt in each region. This could be for hogs, like at Georgetown.

5. Obviously talking this up on every site is a good idea.

6. We need ads in at least the public service part of magazines such as Lone star Outdoor news". Course this means that someone has to do it.

7. I agree that looking at other states could be worthwhile. Louisiana, if I recall correctly has more local reps than we do and it's a much smaller state.

OK, that's a bit of a ramble, but bottom line is that until there is some mid-level structure to LSBA this will always be an issue. Texas is just too big a state. Even if every member of the EC works there tail off, you can't cover it all.

Final word too. We need some mechanism for keeping people involved after they get off of the EC. I know most are tired by then and feel that they've paid their dues, but come on, too many just go away. Today I ran into a past President in the Rockport HEB. Haven't seen of heard of him for over 10 years. When he was no longer on the EC, he vanished. Still think local is the key, but retention is important too.


PS -Treed, you go back a long time, the Bates hunts were in the mid 80s. We do have a big spring hunt for turkey and hogs and have done it for 10 years.

[BOBSTER]

Tomme, You are so correct. I wish we still had more of the orginial or past EC members still posting and communicating with the LSBA. I always enjoy your History of LSBA. I have been a member for a long time, but was not active in the LSBA until the last few years.

I would like to remind everyone. You do not have to me on the EC to have an idea and present it. All you have to do is come to a EC meetiing let us know.

Our biggest problems with our fellowship hunts is there is not a lot of places that can get a large group together for a hunt. If someone knows of a place that would like to support a fellowship hunt, contact Brad Adams or Ronny Strickland (Hunt Committee) and lets get some more hunts together.

Last but not least. Who would like to be on the Region 77 committee? All you have to do is let me know, and then we can start getting things done. The biggest thing you need to help me with would be to Spread the Word about the Lone Star Bowhunters Association. That would be by telling everyone that you talk to about the Lone Star Bowhunters Association, getting our application out to the archery shops, and any sporting goods store in and around you. If all possible, help out at some of our youth events. Start signing up new members to the Lone Star Bowhunters Association. We have a yearly membership contest for the person and sponsor that signs up the most members in a year. Normally the prize is a hunt from one of our sponsors. For our sponsor that signs up the most members, recieves a quarter page ad in the magazine.

I guess this is the last, we are sponsoring a school this year with the NASP.

Bob Kana
LSBA Region 77 Rep.

[axisbuck24]

I think lot of great ideas have been proposed. I like the idea of dinners at local level. Meet and greet is how to spread the word along with advertisement.

If you are interested in participating in the Region 78 committee, please contact me or Brad Adams.

[Pick A Spot]

Here is my .02 cents on this issue from my prospective.

I've been a member off and on for maybe 25 years. I've never once participated in any hunt or banquet. I did work the TTH show many years ago in Fort Worth. I would like to do more but it's never worked out with my schedule. I also think that the Association for most hunters feels (for lack of a better term) remote. I will be the first to say that I feel this is not fair. Nor do I believe it to be really true. But regardless it feels that way due to it's purpose and mission IMHO.

I also do not think that for the vast majority the associations purpose is not enough to generate continuous interest. Most bowhunters have a lot of interest about 4 months of the year. The LSBA needs something else to pull in members and keep people engaged all year long. Only a small percentage of members do so it seems.

I also have a strong interest in skeet shooting and in the past two years have put together a club. We have about 50 members. That in itself would not be a big deal but all 50 live in my neighborhood. If you know anything about skeet shooting you would know that numbers have declined over the years. The fact that 49 new shooters have come together out of one neighborhood has generated a lot of "how is this happening" questions from folks around the country. What is the trick?

I think the answer is that it's become almost a social club with skeet shooting on the side. Yes we shoot each week for 6 months with several thousand dollars spent but we also plan a lot of other events. Parties, horseshoe tournaments, happy hours, chili cook offs and more. We keep it fun.

I realize that a state wide organization makes that tough to do and I know that the fellowship hunts and other events are efforts to do the same things but if it was organized into regional events ( participate closer to home) with activities throughout the year it might keep folks engaged and motivated. There are numerous die-hard bowhunters but there are many more die-hards at having fun.

I also realize that it takes a lot of work to plan events and get the word out etc. The fact that it's a state wide organization makes it more challenging. I certainly do not have all the answers but if activities were close to home and fun (regional activities) more would participate and others would hear about it and membership would grow.

[AWMiller]

Yeah I'm in the same boat with member 'rbiceo'. I've seen signage but until I started digging around on the internet, only then did I find out more about the site and its mission. Having been heavily involved in my event planning/coordination for fishing events (shows, seminars, presentations, etc) I really fell away from my hunter heritage and upbringing (fishing was a huge part of my upbringing as well...). After coordinating a few shows recently, I've begun my return to the hunting life that I once loved so dearly. So it's really a process for me of finding various groups that focus and/or support the types of hunting that I enjoy, getting involved and then helping out wherever I can to further their cause.

I know LSBH has its presence at various events and on the web, but how much thought/emphasis has gone into printed materials? Something small that is concise and to the point of LSBH's mission and where to go to get more information? Something along the lines of business cards, pamphlets, etc. I'm sure that they are already being employed but I was just curious.

Another big help is getting a presence at the various shows/seminars wherein they allow vendors to set up and meet-n-greet the event attendees. Case in point... our church just finished hosting its 3rd annual Beast Feast and we had vendors there promoting their goods and services. We had some 750 event attendees and events such as these are quite beneficial to get involved with and getting the group more exposure. So I was just curious to know if LSBH gets involved in venues such as that. If so, I can help in that area if y'all are interested.

Just thought I'd toss out my 0.3142465664322 cents worth (with this economy I cain't afford 2 cents!!) on this topic. Hope it was of some benefit in some small way!!