BWAA, NWBW MERGER EFFECTIVE JAN. 1, 2007
By a vote of 31-19, Bowling Writers Association of America delegates to the annual convention in Las Vegas voted Monday, June 26, to merge with the National Women Bowling Writers. The new organization, which retains BWAA as its name, becomes effective Jan. 1, 2007.

BWAA’s new officers assumed their duties on Aug. 1, 2006, and will serve the organization until its transition into the “new” BWAA on Jan. 1. From left are President-Elect Hazel McLeary, Vancouver, B.C.; President Jerry Ramig, Clinton, Iowa, and Vice President Bill Zuben, Largo, Fla.

NWBW delegates last April voted to merge and change the original bylaws to make BWAA the official name of the organization.

BWAA President Bill Vint announced that the joint task force members, led by BWAA chairman Lyle Zikes, explained to the Las Vegas attendees the reasons for the merger and the amendments to the original tentative document created at a meeting in June 2005 in Orlando. There was general agreement that all men and women who promote the sport and provide information for their readers should be in one organization. Vint added that those who had questions, or who were opposed to the unification, had ample opportunity to ask questions, make comments and generally receive a full understanding of the new organization.

NWBW and BWAA have voted to have eight members of their previous organizations serve as the first board of directors. They will elect officers for the first year. During next year's convention, new candidates will be able to challenge those elected to a one-year term.

The terms of office for board members will be Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, which also will become the organization's fiscal year.

Jerry Ramig of Clinton, Iowa becomes BWAA president later this summer and will serve until Dec. 31, 2006. Steve James will continue as BWAA executive director until Dec. 31 when the new board will determine all new offices.

At the Columbia 300 writers' dinner at the host Hilton Hotel, the three previously announced award winners were honored-Carmen Salvino with the John O. Martino award; Al Matzelle with the Rip Van Winkle award, and Joe Gennaro with the Mort Luby Sr. Hall of Fame award.

Minutes and highlights of the convention will be sent to you as soon as James recovers from total knee replacement. Board chair Mike Hennessy filled in for James at the Las Vegas convention.
(6-29-2006)