GILLESPIE SELECTED FOR RIP VAN WINKLE AWARD

Rory Gillespie, who led the initiative for the American Bowling Congress to be able to communicate directly with members rather than through its local associations or leagues, has been selected by the International Bowling Media Association to receive the Rip Van Winkle Award, which honors those who have made major contributions to the sport of bowling but have been overlooked or under-appreciated for more than 20 years.

After beginning his journalism career in Beloit, Wisconsin, Gillespie joined the ABC as editor of Bowling Magazine. He later was promoted to assistant public relations manager and then public relations manager before serving as marketing/communications project leader and publications manager for Bowling Inc.

Gillespie orchestrated several innovative programs, including one with Merit cigarettes that paid for all ABC membership cards. He also created an initiative enabling companies to secure advertising for all ABC, Professional Bowlers Association, Ladies Pro Bowlers Tour, Women’s International Bowling Congress and Young American Bowling Alliance publications with a single buy.

In 1997, he co-founded Sleeping Dogs Communications which, among other projects, managed Bowling Magazine and American Bowler magazine. He also served as executive director of the Bowling Writers Association of America from 1998-2000.