Page 68 - BCM June 2024
P. 68
MILESTONE
he average American small business
lasts only eight-and-a-half years be-
fore either the money or the passion
T or both runs out. For any entity to
make it to 75 years, by any measure, must be
considered a success. e Bowling Centers
Association of Indiana celebrated such a
milestone in early May, attracting an all-star
cast of state and national industry leaders to
the French Lick Resort — itself a survivor in
the business world, dating back to 1902.
“ is anniver- through the glass ceiling to become
sary is a testament the association’s rst female president.
to the enduring • ree other women have followed
spirit of our in Wilbur’s footsteps: Cathy Cooper
association and (2008-09), Sarah French-Malott
the dedication (2020-21) and the current president,
of its members,” Williams.
wrote IBCA • Cooper also was part of a presiden-
President Casey tial couple, as her husband Denny rst
Williams in a welcome letter
Williams in a welcome letter took o ce 16 years before she did.
to attendees. “Over the past 75 • ere also have been father-son
to attendees. “Over the past 75
years, the IBCA has been a beacon
years, the IBCA has been a beacon presidential combos: Carl Hindel
in the bowling industry, fostering
in the bowling industry, fostering (1964-65) and Jerry Hindel (1982-83),
a sense of community, collaboration
a sense of community, collaboration as well as Dave Kerschner (2012-13)
and growth. We have collectively
and growth. We have collectively and Collin Kerschner (2016-17).
weathered challenges, celebrated
weathered challenges, celebrated • e Indiana BCA’s highest honor is
victories and built lasting relationships the Hy Delman Award, named after a
that have strengthened our bowling former Chicago newsman once nomi-
community.” nated for a Pulitzer Prize for crime
To mark the anniversary, the asso- reporting. He moved to Indianapolis
ciation dug deep into its archives and to be closer to his wife’s family, and
also solicited assistance from mem- entered the bowling business with his
bership groups to compile a 165-page brother-in-law. He’d eventually own
document that — through letters, lists, three centers and became active in the
other documents and photos — tells state association, known for chal-
the story of bowling in the Hoosier lenging the norm and always working
State. to promote bowling.
A few of the highlights: • e rst Hy Delman Award was
• e association’s articles of incor- presented in 1983 to Russ Neathery,
poration, dated Feb. 23, 1949 — under and the 2024 recipient was Mike
the name Indiana Bowling Proprietors, Aulby.
Inc. — listed the Post O ce address as • Don Mitchell was the man behind
Indiana BCA President Casey Williams 632 Indiana Building, Indianapolis 4. the Royal Pin Leisure Centers chain in
presents the 2024 Hy Delman Award • It took more than a quarter- Indianapolis and was a strong advo-
— the association’s highest honor — to century, but during America’s bi-cen- cate for the sport of bowling — which
Mike Aulby. tennial year, Pat Wilbur nally broke explains why Royal Pin hosted PBA
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