Approximately 440 Canadian Bowling Centers to become BPAA Members

ARLINGTON, Texas - In an unprecedented move, the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of Canada (BPAC) has entered into a 3-year commitment with the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA) to bring all of its approximately 440 bowling centers into BPAA membership effective August 1, 2008, according to BPAA and BPAC officials.

In addition to Canadian bowling centers having 100 percent membership in BPAA, they will also have a seat on BPAA’s Board of Directors during that same 3-year period.

"This agreement augments the growing relationship between our organizations and offers Canadian proprietors added value for membership in BPA-Canada," remarked Paul Oliveira, BPAC Executive Director. "We are looking forward to a healthy and mutually beneficial partnership with BPAA and its members and partners across the United States."

This agreement signifies the first time in BPAA’s history that an international organization or country has made such a commitment on behalf of its country’s bowling centers. Canadian bowling centers with tenpin, 5 pin, candlepin and duckpin lanes are all represented in this arrangement.

"This groundbreaking commitment from the BPAC will further strengthen BPAA and its vision to lead a united, growing, more prosperous and highly regarded bowling industry," stated Jim Sturm, BPAA President. "We welcome all the Canadian bowling centers and look forward to this new partnership with the BPA of Canada as we strive to build programs and benefits for the bowling centers across the North American continent."

About the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America

Founded in 1932 and headquartered in the Dallas suburb of Arlington, Texas, BPAA is a trade organization that represents the business interests of its 3,400 bowling center owners worldwide.

About the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of Canada

The Bowling Proprietors’ Association of Canada is a not-for-profit national association comprised of bowling centers across Canada. The aim of the association is to improve general conditions in the bowling industry, to promote the benefits of bowling, to create a better relationship between the many bowling establishments across Canada and to encourage any and all practices which are in the best interests of the game.

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