USBC AND BPAA TO STUDY FEASIBILITY OF INTEGRATING OPERATIONS

In order to achieve the goal of growing the sport of bowling more effectively and efficiently, the United States Bowling Congress and Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America have jointly announced the intent to study the degree to which the operation of the respective organizations can be integrated.

Integration of operating functions where feasible has the potential to significantly increase the efficiency of the operation of both organizations. Included in the study will be the opportunity to, and benefit from, physically locating both organizations in a common location. The decision to explore the concept was recently approved by both the USBC and BPAA board of directors.

“Since growing and administering the sport can best be achieved through a united effort between the two organizations, the ability to take advantage of each group’s synergies and resources is an opportunity that we cannot look past.” USBC President Jeff Bojé said. “We will not allow this effort to take our eyes off the ball of our vision to grow the sport. This is simply part of our quest to provide a future where the sum is greater than the parts. The outcome is undetermined but all possibilities will be considered.

“While this possible infrastructure improvement would not be as visible as many of our numerous efforts to grow the sport, it has the potential for these organizations to also reap many financial benefits.”

Joe Schumacker, President of BPAA stated, “The concept of integrating the operation of the BPAA and the USBC is a concept that makes sense. Bowling has changed dramatically over the past 25 years. It is imperative that the organizations supporting bowling change so they can continue to professionally support their individual constituencies.” Schumacker further stated, “Integration of operations can be achieved without the loss of identity or control of the individual organizations. We currently work together on a number of strategic initiatives. Integration will allow us to expand our joint efforts while fulfilling our individual missions.

Headquartered in the Milwaukee suburb of Greendale, Wis., USBC is the national governing body for the sport as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and serves more than 2.6 million members. Because of the integration imperative, the construction of a new USBC Training Center at USBC Headquarters in Greendale has been put on hold.

Founded in 1932 and headquartered in the Dallas suburb of Arlington, Texas, BPAA is a trade organization that represents the business interests of more than 3,300 bowling center owners worldwide.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jerry Schneider (USBC) (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3227 or
Cary Richmond (BPAA)(800) 343-1329

(11-2-2007)

President's Message

Competitive bowling is alive and well! Contrary to reports about the drop in numbers we hear from the membership organizations, competitive bowling is booming.

In the last three months, I’ve attended the U.S. Women’s Open quarterfinals, the Pan American Games, the U..S. Women’s Open final and the USBC Masters. One hundred thirty-two women participated in the Women’s Open and 65 paid an additional entry fee for the PBA Women's Tour Trials. Sixteen countries from the Americas participated in men’s and women’s singles and doubles at the Pan American Game’s bowling competition, which was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Two hundred twenty-five women from 43 countries competed at the World Women’s Championships held in Monterrey, Mexico. Nearly 490 professional and amateur men and women participated in the USBC Masters.

What a great opportunity for those of us with the privilege and responsibility to report on these great competitions. I believe we have an obligation to show the world (not just the bowling world) that for the most part, these competitors are athletes competing in a sport that requires many of the same skills in order to succeed, as other sports–physical fitness, eye-hand coordination and mental toughness.

The BWAA Planning committee and board of directors held meetings in Milwaukee prior to the Masters final. Much was accomplished and your board representatives will be working hard in the coming months prior to the USBC meeting in Kansas and Bowl Expo in Orlando to develop activities to help you enhance your skills and membership enjoyment. Stay tuned!

Hazel McLeary, President Bowling Writers Association of America