Bowling Writers Association of America is going international
07/05/12
Members attending the Bowling Writers Association of America Convention held in conjunction with International Bowl Expo, voted unanimously June 26 that the time has come for the organization, founded in 1934, to go global.
The historic decision was made following strategic planning meetings with the Bowling Proprietors Association of America and the United States Bowling Congress in October 2011 in Arlington, Texas.
During those meetings, and in the weeks that followed, it became clear that the BWAA needed to expand its horizons and take steps to embrace all aspects of media in a global marketplace where media and communications has become virtually instant.
In the coming weeks, after input from all members, BWAA will announce a new name, along with a new slogan, vision and mission statements; and a tentative agreement has been reached to encompass the World Bowling Writers group, founded by Mort Luby Jr. in 1977, into the new international media organization.
"We could not be happier that our members have understood the reasons, and have had the vision and courage to take this bold step into the future," said outgoing BWAA President Jim Goodwin.
"Change is not always easy in our industry, and we are very excited about where this decision can take the bowling media, business, and the sport in the years to come."
Elected to become the 68th President of BWAA and the first of the new International group is industry Public Relations expert Joan Romeo, Van Nuys, California. Romeo, who is the mother of professional bowlers Robin and Tori Romeo, was the Director of Client Services for the Pearlman Group of Los Angeles before starting her own marketing company, The Marketing Team.
She serves on numerous industry committees, and recently chaired the BWAA Pezzano Youth Scholarship and Expo committees. She is a member of the BPAA International Relations Committee, and serves on the Event Committee for the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.
Chris Beard, Gardnerville, Nevada was elected Vice President, along with five more directors – Mark Miller, Flower Mound, Texas; Elaine Hagin, Castro Valley, California; Brandy Padilla, Winter Haven, Florida; Jackie Wyckoff, Campbell, California; and Frank Weiler, San Bernadino, California.
BWAA's 78th convention kicked off June 24 with its annual Hall of Fame Dinner. More than 100 guests attended the gala, which honored over 30 Hall of Famers, including this year's BWAA and BPAA inductees, R.F. Corderman and Jeff Boje. The finale of the evening was a one hour stage show by sensational young singer Mitch Franco.
Mort Luby Jr. was honored with two awards at the dinner – The BWAA Crowe Award for Meritorious Service, and the Remo Pichietti Humanitarian Award, presented by Ebonite's Columbia 300 brand. Former BPAA president John LaSpina was chosen to receive the BWAA Hennessy Award of Merit.
Other highlights of BWAA Convention week included exclusive press conferences with the Professional Bowlers Association about the new World Bowlers Tour, and interviews with the top five finalists from Bowling's U.S. Women's Open before the finals, and with winner Kelly Kulick after the exciting outdoor arena finals in downtown Reno.
The third annual BWAA Radio Stage was a part of the Expo Trade Show June 27-28. BWAA Radio hosts Len Nicholson, Jim Dressel, Ken Van Baber, and Bill Zuben interviewed 38 industry guests over the two day show. Videos of the interviews will be ready for viewing on several industry websites the week of July 9.
BWAA, under its new international name, will join many other industry groups at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for its 79th convention in 2013.
BWAA News
BWAA will announce a new name in the coming weeks; Joan Romeo elected 68th President at 2012 BWAA Convention in Reno
Members attending the Bowling Writers Association of America Convention held in conjunction with International Bowl Expo, voted unanimously June 26 that the time has come for the organization, founded in 1934, to go global.The historic decision was made following strategic planning meetings with the Bowling Proprietors Association of America and the United States Bowling Congress in October 2011 in Arlington, Texas.
During those meetings, and in the weeks that followed, it became clear that the BWAA needed to expand its horizons and take steps to embrace all aspects of media in a global marketplace where media and communications has become virtually instant.
In the coming weeks, after input from all members, BWAA will announce a new name, along with a new slogan, vision and mission statements; and a tentative agreement has been reached to encompass the World Bowling Writers group, founded by Mort Luby Jr. in 1977, into the new international media organization.
"We could not be happier that our members have understood the reasons, and have had the vision and courage to take this bold step into the future," said outgoing BWAA President Jim Goodwin.
"Change is not always easy in our industry, and we are very excited about where this decision can take the bowling media, business, and the sport in the years to come."
Elected to become the 68th President of BWAA and the first of the new International group is industry Public Relations expert Joan Romeo, Van Nuys, California. Romeo, who is the mother of professional bowlers Robin and Tori Romeo, was the Director of Client Services for the Pearlman Group of Los Angeles before starting her own marketing company, The Marketing Team.
She serves on numerous industry committees, and recently chaired the BWAA Pezzano Youth Scholarship and Expo committees. She is a member of the BPAA International Relations Committee, and serves on the Event Committee for the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.
Chris Beard, Gardnerville, Nevada was elected Vice President, along with five more directors – Mark Miller, Flower Mound, Texas; Elaine Hagin, Castro Valley, California; Brandy Padilla, Winter Haven, Florida; Jackie Wyckoff, Campbell, California; and Frank Weiler, San Bernadino, California.
BWAA's 78th convention kicked off June 24 with its annual Hall of Fame Dinner. More than 100 guests attended the gala, which honored over 30 Hall of Famers, including this year's BWAA and BPAA inductees, R.F. Corderman and Jeff Boje. The finale of the evening was a one hour stage show by sensational young singer Mitch Franco.
Mort Luby Jr. was honored with two awards at the dinner – The BWAA Crowe Award for Meritorious Service, and the Remo Pichietti Humanitarian Award, presented by Ebonite's Columbia 300 brand. Former BPAA president John LaSpina was chosen to receive the BWAA Hennessy Award of Merit.
Other highlights of BWAA Convention week included exclusive press conferences with the Professional Bowlers Association about the new World Bowlers Tour, and interviews with the top five finalists from Bowling's U.S. Women's Open before the finals, and with winner Kelly Kulick after the exciting outdoor arena finals in downtown Reno.
The third annual BWAA Radio Stage was a part of the Expo Trade Show June 27-28. BWAA Radio hosts Len Nicholson, Jim Dressel, Ken Van Baber, and Bill Zuben interviewed 38 industry guests over the two day show. Videos of the interviews will be ready for viewing on several industry websites the week of July 9.
BWAA, under its new international name, will join many other industry groups at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for its 79th convention in 2013.
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