Bowlers Journal International - April 2008 - (Page 6)

PERFECT FIT The only ball ﬁtter designed to accurately measure the off-set grip! LEADINGOFF BY KEITH HAMILTON JERRY HALE Los Alamitos, CA 714.309.7587 TOM KELLEY TOM KELLEY’S PRO SHOP 3401 S. 84th St. Omaha , NE 402.397.5555 FAREWELL, MILWAUKEE USBC's move to Arlington is bittersweet. I'VE BEEN ON EDGE LATELY. (EVEN MORE THAN USUAL.) I'd been so consumed with the state of the industry — which group will end up where and why and how — that my stomach was temperamental and my fingernails gnawed. Finally, the news came that should have helped my plight: USBC announced that it will move its headquarters to Arlington, Texas, sharing office space with BPAA (see the story in this issue). Jeff Bojé, President of USBC, was quoted as saying, “This is a great day for bowling.” I’m not certain everybody would agree with his assessment — just check out the posts on Bowl.com — but you can't deny that Bojé’s vision, mirroring that of a very powerful and influential few, is coming to fruition. Now that USBC will be headquartered in “The House That Bojé Built,” we should expect BPAA to implement projects designed by USBC to drive and increase membership. Otherwise, the move to Arlington becomes worthwhile only from a financial standpoint — and that gain won’t be realized until well into the future. One day, perhaps through hypnosis, I'll understand why Arlington was chosen over Milwaukee, which clearly made a better offer. But location aside, USBC and BPAA operating in the same building should have a positive impact on membership and bowling. USBC opened its doors on January 1, 2005. It took at least a year to realize the efficiencies gained from the merger, as well as to rebuild the organization. Philosophical changes can be difficult to implement, but USBC had been doing a generally good job in that regard. Meanwhile, USBC's tournaments continue to be successful. Communication has never been better. The hiring of Tom Clark has helped elevate bowling's visibility nationally. Women’s bowling, dormant for years, is making a comeback. For all the criticism I hear about USBC, the organization is actually having a pretty good run. From a selfish standpoint, I will miss having USBC's headquarters in my backyard (Luby Publishing Inc. is based in Chicago, 90 miles from Milwaukee). I'll miss the USBC employees I've met — folks who sometimes have gotten a bad rap in the industry. USBC will morph into a new type of organization, one infiltrated by proprietor influence. It could end up being a better organization; it could end up being worse. USBC was stopped dead in its tracks from turning things around after barely three years of existence. Let's hope the same doesn't happen with this move. Meanwhile, my nails will still look like they’ve been run through a Veg-O-Matic. “This is one of the greatest innovations in professional ball drilling! We approve!” Also, try these new products! PTF-Perfect Thumb Feel The thumb sleeve with built-in texture for a perfect “Feel”. The optimal device that gives more control and roll while protecting your hand! No more callouses! WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Pat Holseth 612.532.1518 email: PTF@comcast.net fax: 763.529.8981 6 bowlers journal international APRIL 2008 http://Bowl.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Bowlers Journal International - April 2008

Bowlers Journal International - April 2008 Contents Leading Off Letters Bowlitically Incorrect Calendar Par Bowling The Coach Frame of Mind Inside Line The Truth Be Bowled Tournaments Pro Bowling PBA Bayer Classic PBA Pepsi Championship PBA Don Johnson Classic Regional Roundup Cover Story Up Close Senior Tour The USBC Move USBC Convention Pattern Play Anniversary Flashback Time Capsule Media Beat No Holes Barred Shop Talk Spotlight Marketplace Hall Marks Profit Prophet Advertisers' Index Classified Advertising Intelligencer Business Calendar Business People Strikes Me

Bowlers Journal International - April 2008

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