2013 BPAA Service Industry Award Winners Announced

The Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA), the bowling industry’s premier trade association, announced the recipients of the 2013 Annual Service Industry Awards. These honors will be recognized during the BPAA’s annual meeting June 24 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.

“Each year the Awards committee is challenged with many candidates in each category and this year was no different,” said BPAA President, Cathy DeSocio. “Each nominee is deserving on their own, which makes the committee’s work a challenge.  This year the BPAA Awards Committee has taken the opportunity to recognize those individuals who are dedicated and passionate about every aspect of the bowling industry from national league promotions to national media coverage, from grassroots legislative efforts to a grassroots ambassador of the game.  The list includes a new tournament concept for a growing segment of our bowlers, a devoted chronicler of our industry and gentleman whose tireless dedication to BPAA is unquestionable.”

The recipients each honor are as follows via bpaa.com:

Victor Lerner Memorial Medal and BPAA Hall of Fame– Jack Moran, Roseland Bowl, Canandaigua, New York

The award is presented to a proprietor for selfless service to the industry over a significant period of time. It is the highest honor in the bowling industry and represents induction into the BPAA Hall of Fame located in Arlington, Texas. The award is named after BPAA past President, Victor Lerner.

BPAA Media Award– Joe LaSpina, John LaSpina, Maple Family Centers, Rockville, New York

Presented to a proprietor or manager, or a national and/or local non-bowling media representative, who effectively uses print or electronic media to benefit the BPAA and to make significant contributions to further the sport and / or business of bowling. The LaSpinas garnered national, as well as regional and local media, attention on television and in print with their portable bowling lanes that were used on the Rachel Ray television show and at the Mommy Blog Her convention in New York.

President’s Medal– Dick Corley, Tim Corley, Bowl New England, Colchester, Vermont

Presented to an individual judged to have given exceptional support and/or made significant contributions to the BPAA and the industry. The Corleys are being honored for their work in developing the highly successful 8 For 8 program that has led to an increase in USBC youth memberships

V.A. Wapensky Award– Hero Noda, Fuji Toride Bowl, Irabaki, Japan

Presented to an individual who has made a major contribution to the advancement of the bowling industry. Named after long-time BPAA Executive Director, V.A. “Chief” Wapensky. Mr. Noda is a volunteer and a fixture at Bowl Expo where he has taken thousands of photographs of the event as well as many international tournaments. A proprietor himself, Mr. Noda’s work has been seen in publications and on websites all over the world as well as on many walls and desks in homes and offices of proprietors and industry partners.

Special Projects Award— Hall of Fame Xtravaganza

Presented to an individual/individuals recognizing their efforts and contributions on a particular special bowling project. The unique tournament format event was a huge hit in 2012 and sold out quickly for 2013, making it one of the most successful projects of the year.

Reuben A. Dankoff Award for Public Policy and Legislative Service– Bill DeDominicis, Sky Top Lanes, Torrington, Connecticut

Awarded to a proprietor or bowling industry leader who, or a proprietor organization which, provides outstanding voluntary service on the federal, state or local governmental levels in the development of legislation, public policy initiatives, or other political efforts, which benefits BPAA members, the BPAA itself, or the bowling industry as a whole. DeDominicis’ efforts in the Connecticut state legislature to convince lawmakers to lower the state’s special liquor permit to bring it in line with other permits resulted with the bill passing and Connecticut proprietors seeing their license fees drop over $1000.

Dick Weber Bowling Ambassador Award– Bob Hart, Storm Bowling, Brigham City, Utah

Named in memory of Hall of Fame professional bowler Dick Weber, bowling’s global ambassador, who spent a lifetime setting the standard for all bowling athletes by elevating the positive image of bowling and promoting the game and sport to all ages both on and off the lanes. For over 40 years, Hart, a member of six halls of fame, has tirelessly promoted the game and sport of bowling, especially to U.S. military veterans most recently through the Wounded Warrior project.

For more information, go to bpaa.com or contact Ron De Roxtra at 817.385.8472 or ron@bpaa.com