NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR INDUSTRY SERVICE AWARDS

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Bowling Industry Service Awards, which will be presented at International Bowl Expo next summer in Nashville, Tennessee.

In addition to the President’s Award, which will be selected by BPAA President Tyler Herreman, the awards include:

• Victor Lerner Memorial Award — Honors proprietors for selfless service to the industry and represents induction into the BPAA Hall of Fame. It is BPAA’s highest honor.

• V.A. Wapensky Award — Recognizes an individual whose overall major contribution to the advancement of the bowling industry involves endless good nature, remarkable business savvy, love for bowling and continual promotion of the game both locally and nationally.

• Proprietor of the Year Award — Presented to a proprietor for outstanding contributions to the industry and the sport of bowling. One who “pushes the envelope” of the industry, is successful at it and willingly shares their knowledge with others to make the industry better.

• Ruben A. Dankoff Award — Recognizes a proprietor or bowling industry leader who, or a proprietor organization which, provides outstanding voluntary service on the federal, state or local government levels in the development of legislation, public policy initiatives or other political efforts that benefit BPAA members, the BPAA itself or the bowling industry as a whole.

• Dick Weber Award — Presented to a bowling athlete who has consistently shown grace on and off the lanes by promoting the game and sport of bowling in a positive manner.

• Special Projects Award — Presented to an individual or individuals to recognize their efforts and contributions on a particular BPAA and/or bowling project.

• BPAA Media Award — Presented to an individual who or an organization which has helped bring awareness to and promoted the bowling industry through media efforts.

• BPAA USBC Association Award — Recognizes exemplary USBC associations that demonstrate a high degree of cooperation and collaboration with their local proprietors.

The honorees will be selected by the BPAA Awards Committee, which is chaired Herreman. To nominate an individual, individuals or organization, email BPAA Executive Director Frank DeSocio at frank@bpaa.com, Executive Assistant Laurie Clower at laurie@bpaa.com, or Herreman at tylerherreman@yahoo.com. 

For lists of past recipients, visit the BPAA website or reference the January issue of BCM.