Bowlers Journal International - November 2008 - (Page 6) Opinion LEADING OFF BY KEITH HAMILTON { keithh@bowlersjournal.com } Here It Is Now Sit Back and Enjoy This Special Anniversary Edition IN YOUR HANDS YOU ARE HOLDING 18 months of hard work, as we celebrate the 95th anniversary of Bowlers Journal International — the oldest sports monthly in the world. We present it to the industry we serve as a way of saying “thank you” for 10 decades of support. How many industries could make such a statement? Anniversary issues take longer to create than other issues. The feature stories are more in-depth and the research is much more involved. But in the end, it is so worth it. I’ve been asked many times why we go through so much to develop just one issue. After all, a 95th anniversary is not as sexy as our 75th was, or our 100th will be. “95” doesn’t have that rhythmic jingle that marketers like to attach to products. But for us, the decision to provide this “above-and-beyond” editorial package was a no-brainer; we do it for you, our loyal reader. We like to think that every issue is special, but when our anniversaries roll around, we believe you deserve something extra special — a collector’s item, something you’ll want to hang on to for the rest of your life. I often wonder how many of our long-time subscribers still have the 75th anniversary issue, which featured “The 75 Who Made a Difference,” resting on their bookshelf or coffee table. It’s easy to get pumped up about playing a role in creating something special, something unique. Issues like this one remind me of how remarkable our staff is. When Mike Panozzo and I purchased Luby Publishing in 1994, we gained three magazines that produced 19 issues per year. Today, Luby Publishing owns five titles, and does contract publishing for four more. All in all, the company is responsible for generating 58 issues per year. Now, that’s growth. You can’t expand if you don’t have an exceptional staff. Nancy Dudzinski, our long-time business manager, has the operations department running so smoothly and efficiently that it has enabled us to grow the corporation without adding significant overhead. Bob Johnson, who had a byline in the 75th anniversary issue, not only quarterbacked the redesign of the magazine, but ultimately is responsible for this 95th anniversary issue. It has been a busy year for BJI’s new editor. From our award-winning art department to the company’s other editors and support staff, it has been very gratifying to watch this group of individuals function as a team in pumping out so much information to subscribers and the industries we serve. In developing the feature titled, “95 Bowling Centers You Must Visit Before You Die,” we sought the input of the entire bowling family — distributors, manufacturers, proprietors, bowlers and writers. It took months to compile the “starter list,” then to pare the list to 95, and finally to put the feature together. While most editorial concepts are driven by staff, some come to fruition because of suggestions made by readers. Craig Johnson, the Midwest sales representative for QubicaAMF, is a long-time subscriber to the magazine. He has been pushing me to do something like this for years, even though he acknowledged that it would be a most difficult project to pull off. Well, Craig, we found a way. Thanks for the great idea. I’m sure you’ll agree that the feature — which includes centers old and ultra-modern, in the U.S. and in numerous other countries — is fun to read. And it brings up the question: How many of these places have you been to? If you’ve visited at least 25 of the 95 establishments, please send me your list via email (keithh@lubypublishing.com). I’m keeping tabs. This also is a great time to pass along our congratulations to the Professional Bowlers Association. The PBA turned 50 this year. Rumored to be on its death bed many times, the organization has reached yet another milestone; it, too, has found a way. So, in this issue, we pay tribute to the PBA and its players with a feature titled, “50 Unforgettable Moments in PBA History.” Researched and written by reporters who were eyewitnesses to many of the events on the list, it’s sure to produce a flashback or two — or perhaps many more, if you’re a long-time fan. This issue also features the magazine’s “All-Time All-American Teams” for men and women. And sprinkled throughout the book, in places you may not expect, are some vintage photos culled from BJI’s massive archives. So sit back in that recliner, grab something to drink, and enjoy the 95th anniversary issue of Bowlers Journal International. You deserve it. 6 Bowlers Journal International | November 2008 www.bowlersjournal.com http://www.bowlersjournal.com
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