BPAA holds “Historic”Bowling Summit in South Carolina - USBC’s Headquarters Relocation Decision highlights Industry Event

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - The Bowling Proprietors' Association of America’s (BPAA) 2008 Bowling Summit Mid-Winter Conference and Membership meeting was held at the Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, S. C. from January 20th to the 24th. Sponsors of BPAA’s 2008 Bowling Summit included Pepsi-Cola, the official soft drink of bowling, QubicaAMF Worldwide, Brunswick, Anheuser-Busch, North Pointe Insurance, and Classic Products Corp.

The highlight of the Summit was the decision of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) board of directors to start negotiations with all parties involved to relocate its headquarters to Arlington, Texas. As stated in the USBC’s news release on the topic, "The decision … is contingent on negotiations for buildings and land near the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America complex along with any incentives offered by the City of Arlington and State of Texas." At its meeting on January 24th, the BPAA Board of Directors also unanimously endorsed the proposal for purchase of a building and land in Arlington, Texas for an integration of facilities with the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).

According to an initial registration audit, more than 300 attendees, made up of BPAA member center representatives, the association’s leadership, BPAA committee members as well as other bowling industry leaders, gathered in South Carolina at this annual event. This year’s attendance represented a 38% in participation over last year.

In addition, the Bowling Summit brought together State Bowling Association Presidents and State Executives, along with other state leaders, for discussion on association management topics and issues.

An BPAA update luncheon allowed attendees to hear a report from BPAA leaders. BPAA also conducted its annual town hall member forum, which provided members the opportunity to have open dialogue with the BPAA Board of Directors on issues affecting their businesses and the association. Committee meetings, industry organization meetings, various round table sessions and BPAA’s and IBPSIA’s Board of Directors meeting were also a part of the 2008 Bowling Summit program. 2008 also marked the first time NAIR’s (National Association of Independent Resurfacers/International Association of Bowling Lane Specialists) Annual Convention was held in conjunction with BPAA’s Summit.

Attendees enjoyed networking with many exhibiting companies during the welcome reception, and the next day’s breakfast and lunch hours. 38 exhibiting companies were represented. The educational sessions covered topics such as:

> Leadership: How to Make Great Things Happen by John Evans

> How to Click with Everyone Every Time by David Rich

> The Miracle of Goal Setting by Jeramiah Bacon

> Supersize Your Service by Russell J. White

> Effectual Budget Marketing by Henry Lewczyk

Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, the 75-year-old Bowling Proprietors' Association of America represents the business interests of bowling center owners worldwide.

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