Page 36 - BCM May 2024

HONORS

A Collaborative Cure Cuomo to allow their businesses to
reopen.
“We own two bowling centers in
for COVID Pandemic New York State, one in New York City
and two in Florida,” notes LaSpina.
Relentless work and a willingness to help others “During the pandemic, it was like we
were in three di erent universes. e
brings Joe LaSpina the Ruben A. Danko Award. guidelines for closing and reopening
were very di erent, depending on the
BY BARRY SPARKS location.”
Frustrated after being excluded
oe LaSpina will receive the from New York’s Phrase ree
J BPAA’S Ruben A. Danko Award reopening program, proprietors were
for Public Policy and Legislative concerned they wouldn’t be included
Service at International Bowl Expo in in Phrase Four reopening plans,
Denver on July 2. either.
LaSpina is being recognized for LaSpina and other members of the
his “relentless advocacy work to help New York State BPA reached out to
proprietors in New York and other state lawmakers and presented their
association legislative representatives case for reopening centers in a safe
develop their state programs.” environment. ey emphasized the
“Winning the award was a surprise social distancing and disinfecting
and a great honor,” said LaSpina on protocols in place.
the day before he left for a three-day Joe LaSpina says those who get in- LaSpina had developed a 30-page
government a airs meeting in Wash- volved with public policy — or almost reopening document that under-
ington, D.C. He and several other any other volunteer e ort — will always scored customer safety, employee
proprietors met with a national lobby get back more than they give. safety and exceeding the Centers for
group to discuss timely issues that Disease Control guidelines.
could impact the bowling industry. president of Maple Family Centers. “We were ready to embrace testing
LaSpina, 46, is president of the e ve centers, three located in and social distancing,” he says. “A
New York State Bowling Proprietors New York and two in Florida, have pair of lanes is 11 and a half feet wide,
Association and takes every oppor- been family owned for three genera- and we believed that was ample
tunity to “tell our story” to state and tions. Joe is the vice president of the space for social distancing. Our
national legislators, as well as the company and proprietor of Coram bowlers were aching to return to the
media. Country Lanes on Long Island. center.”
“ e bowling industry has Over the past decade, LaSpina has By sharing bowling’s story, LaSpina
some amazing stories to tell,” he spearheaded a number of e orts, helped gather the support of local
stresses. “Bowling centers are great either opposing or advocating for politicians. e New York State BPA
employers, assets to their communi- legislation in the best interest of sent letters to state senators, assem-
ties, friendly gathering places, host bowling. He says when the state blypersons and the governor, as well
frequent fundraisers and are venues budget gets tight, bowling often is in as press releases to the media.
for an a ordable activity that appeals politicians’ crosshairs. Local Assemblyman Stephen
to all ages.” “Politicians often look to see how Hawley wrote a letter to Governor
LaSpina knows, however, that if the they can generate more tax revenue Cuomo advocating for a Phrase ree
story isn’t constantly told, bowling from bowling centers,” he points out. reopening of bowling centers. It was
and its contributions get overlooked. LaSpina believes that “pester signed by 17 other state legislators.
at’s why he has focused on public power works.” He adds: “ e idea is Long Island Assemblyman Joseph
policy and legislative services the to politely overwhelm state legislators DeStefano hosted a pair of video
past 10 years. He says public relations with stories and facts. at generally press conferences, during which
often blends with politics. gets their attention, and then they’ll local politicians made a strong case
“Often times, a bowling center’s listen.” for reopening centers.
impact isn’t noticed until it’s gone,” He was particularly e ective during e e orts paid o as the bowling
he says. the COVID pandemic. New York centers were allowed to reopen in
LaSpina learned the value of telling State bowling proprietors worked Phrase Four.
bowling’s story from his father, John, hard to convince Governor Andrew (continued on page 68)

34 • BCM • MAY 2024 www.bcmmag.com

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