BPAA APPOINTS STEVEN D. JOHNSON AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

VETERAN SPORTS INDUSTRY LEADER TO HELP DRIVE BOWLING INDUSTRY'S CONTINUED RESURGENCE

Johnson to Spearhead Growth Strategies, Partnership Marketing Programs and Nonprofit Initiatives

ARLINGTON, TX – July 10, 2009 - The Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA) announced today that it has appointed Steven D. Johnson to serve as its Executive Director, effective August 3, 2009.  In this role, Johnson will lead association efforts to help the $10 billion bowling industry build upon its resurgence in popularity and maintain continued increases in consumer participation through a strategic vision that includes further domestic and international growth, as well as expanded partnership marketing and nonprofit initiatives. 

"Steven is joining BPAA at an exciting time and a critical juncture in bowling's history.  In recent years, bowling has enjoyed a tremendous resurgence in popularity fueled by the emergence of 'entertainment' bowling centers and increased participation across all age levels, particularly among youth bowlers," said Jim Sturm, BPAA President and United States Bowling Congress Director.  "We now have a unique opportunity to channel this momentum to take bowling to greater heights than ever before and I'm confident that Steven is the man to help us get there.” 

Johnson, who brings 20 years of senior-level management experience, joins bowling after a decade in the racing industry.  He has been instrumental in leading the growth of some of racing's largest brands, serving as President and CEO for such entities as Heartland Park, CHAMP Car World Series (CART) and Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). 

"I feel very fortunate to join BPAA during this time of growth and opportunity, and to be part of such an incredible team," said Johnson. "Bowling has proven to be one of the few recession-resistant industries and an activity that transcends boundaries of age, race and geography. We can also offer a platform that is unique in any industry, access to more than 68 million bowlers and 3,400 centers across virtually every U.S. market. This industry is primed for even further growth and I'm proud and excited to play a role in helping to lead the next chapter."

Johnson joins BPAA after serving for more than a year as President and CEO of Heartland Park, an internationally recognized multi-use entertainment complex.  Previously, he spent three years as President and CEO of CHAMP Car World Series (CART), a leading global brand in sports and entertainment and the longest running global racing series in the world.  Prior to CART, Johnson acted for four years as President and CEO of Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), the leading automotive nonprofit membership organization in the world, consisting of 110 regions, 64,000 members and two for-profit subsidiaries.  He previously held senior-level management positions at National Hot Rod Association, Honeywell and Master Lock Company. 

"Steven's appointment follows an exhaustive search that began more than six months ago.  Our goal was to find a sports industry leader who brings vision, a proven track record for success and a passion for bowling.  We found all of these qualities in Steven and are confident that he is the perfect person to usher bowling into a yet another phase of growth," said Cathy DeSocio, Secretary of the BPAA Board.

Johnson will relocate to Texas along with his wife Cheryl and son Alex.  He succeeds John Berglund who is retiring at the end of 2009 after having served for eight years as the organization's Executive Director.  Added Sturm, "We would like to thank John for his leadership, years of service, support during this transition and tremendous contributions to our great sport."

About the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA)

Founded in 1932 and headquartered in Arlington, Texas, BPAA represents the business interests of bowling center owners worldwide.  BPAA's mission is to enhance the profitability of its member centers and its vision is to be an essential resource to bowling centers and to lead a united, growing, more prosperous and highly regarded bowling industry.