BPAA Announces 2008 Bowling Industry Service Award Winners - Howard Baum to receive 2008 Victor Lerner Memorial Medal and BPAA Hall of Fame Induction

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - The Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA) announced the recipients of the 2008 Bowling Industry Service Awards, the most prestigious awards presented by the bowling industry, at its recent Town Hall Membership Meeting held in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on Tuesday, January 22nd.

Howard Baum, longtime bowling industry veteran and former BPAA Board Member has been selected as the 2008 BPAA Hall of Fame Inductee and recipient of the Victor Lerner Memorial Medal. The Lerner Medal is the highest honor in the bowling business and is awarded for a lifetime of service to the bowling industry and represents the recipient's induction into BPAA's Hall of Fame located at the International Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Louis.

Mr. Baum is cited for his lifetime of service and ‘grass roots’ leadership to BPAA on all levels including, and not limited to, his many years serving on BPAA’s Board, numerous committees, serving as the Carolinas/Georgia BPA executive director as well as his leadership of the many past tournaments BPAA conducted over the years and his intricate role in the evolution of BPAA’s Annual Convention into what is now known as International Bowl Expo, the bowling industry’s premier annual event.

Ed Zitnik, Past BPAA Officer, board member who served on many committees in the past and was currently serving as co-chairman of BPAA’s Military Relations Committee in addition to running Bell Wick Bowl in Hubbard, Ohio, will be awarded the 2008 President’s Medal for his role in bringing in and sustaining our military members over the past several years. This decision was made prior to the untimely passing of Mr. Zitnik in December 2007, so unfortunately this will be presented posthumously. Ed’s immediate family will be approached to accept this award in his memory.

Bruce Davis will receive the coveted V. A. Wapensky Award, named after BPAA's long time Chief Executive Officer, "Chief" Wapensky for his many years of volunteer service and sharing his marketing expertise to the bowling industry.

BPAA’s 2008 Dick Weber Bowling Ambassador Award, which was unveiled in 2005 and named after the legendary bowling icon, will be presented to Carmen Salvino recognizing his current and past contributions to the image of bowling. The Dick Weber Bowling Ambassador Award is given to a professional or amateur bowling athlete who has demonstrated Mr. Weber’s grace on and off the lanes.

The Ruben A. Dankoff Award for Public Policy and Legislative Service will be presented to BPA of Minnesota Executive Director Kenn Rockler for his continuous work on legislative issues, both state-wide & nationally. This award is presented to a proprietor or bowling industry leader who, or a proprietor organization which, provides outstanding voluntary service on the Federal, state or local governmental levels in the development of legislation, public policy initiatives, or other political efforts, which benefits BPAA members, the BPAA itself or the bowling industry as a whole.

Walter "Wally" Hall, BPAA Past President and Hall of Famer, will receive BPAA’s 2008 Special Projects Award for his service as Dean of the new BPAA Management School and for being instrumental in its development and initial success.

BPAA's 2008 Media Award will be presented to Matt Fiorito of the Detroit Free Press for his unprecedented coverage of both the 2007 North Pointe Insurance Group $100,000 High School Bowling Championship and the 2007 QubicaAMF International Family Tournament held in the Detroit area. He published stories pre-tournament, during and post tournament and was onsite every day to cover the events.

These awards will be presented during International Bowl Expo 2008 on Monday, June 23 (Wednesday morning, June 25 for the Lerner Memorial Medal presentation) at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort Hotel in Orlando, Fla.

"We are very pleased to announce this well-deserving group of 2008 award recipients," noted Joe Schumacker, BPAA President. "Every one of these distinguished recipients are and have been true models of leadership, service and dedication. We congratulate all of them on their accomplishments and contributions to BPAA and the bowling industry."

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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