AUSTRALIAN BOWLING PROPRIETORS’ ASSOCIATION TO JOIN THE BOWLING PROPRIETORS’ ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT: 

First-of-its-Kind Agreement Signals Worldwide Boost in Consumer Participation; Reflects Bowling Industry’s Vision of Increased Solidarity

ARLINGTON, TX, January 12, 2010 – The Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA), the bowling industry's premier trade association, announced today that it has inked a global partnership agreement with the Australian Bowling Proprietors’ Association (ABPA).  The first-of-its-kind agreement, unprecedented in its scope and scale, brings together two of the largest entities in the bowling industry, immediately offering unrivaled business-building services to ABPA member centers.

“The ABPA has done tremendous work to advance the bowling industry throughout Australia and we’re extremely proud to welcome each of its member centers to the BPAA family,” said Steven Johnson, executive director of the BPAA. “This unprecedented agreement signifies both the surging worldwide popularity of bowling and increased interest in the BPAA’s multinational branded products.  Our partnership with the ABPA is a major first step as we expand our international services and tap into the burgeoning global market for bowling.”

“We’re thrilled to join the BPAA, a true leader and innovator in the bowling industry.  The steady growth in bowler participation throughout North America – a 4.5% increase in the past year alone – is a testament to the impact that the BPAA has made through its investment in bowler and proprietor development products and services,” said Gary O’Neill, chairman of the ABPA.  “This agreement enables the ABPA to offer our member centers an incredible range of new offerings that will enhance the growth of their businesses.”

Through the partnership agreement, the ABPA’s members – more than 100 bowling centers across Australia – will now reap the membership benefits provided by the BPAA.  The ABPA’s members will be entitled to take full advantage of programs that include:

• Marketing tools such as the Bowlopolis brand youth development program
  
  
• Management, education and training programs including “Bowling University” (online accreditation) and “Coach it Up” (casual bowler training and in-center training courses)
  
  
• Web services & hosting, BowlerTrac (database software) and a soon to be announced innovative new online reservation system
  
  
• Numerous development, marketing and communications tools

“This historic agreement between the BPAA and ABPA marks an exciting milestone for the bowling industry, while creating a host of new business and consumer opportunities for ABPA members,” said Jim Sturm, president of the BPAA and a director of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).  “Now is a very exciting time for bowling.  From the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, we’re seeing growth across the map in consumer participation and a true spirit of solidarity across the industry.”

About BPAA

Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, the 77-year-old Bowling Proprietors' Association of America is a trade association representing the business interests of bowling center owners worldwide.  BPAA’s mission is to enhance the profitability of its member bowling centers. 

About ABPA

Headquartered in Queensland, Australia, the Australian Bowling Proprietors’ Association is a trade association representing the business interests of ten pin bowling centre owners throughout the country.

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