The Illinois State Bowling Proprietors Association (ISBPA) marked a major milestone with its 75th Anniversary celebration at the elegant Hotel Arista in Naperville, Illinois, November 3-4, 2024. The event brought together members of the bowling community to reflect on the association’s storied history, as well as to honor 2024 award winners. The event opened on Sunday evening, November 3, with a dinner that filled two ballrooms with 190 people. After dinner, the association held its Annual Awards Ceremony by giving out two $1,000 SMART Scholarships to two high school students who excel in academics and in providing service to their local communities. The state’s highest honor – the Louie P. Petersen Award, went to the General Manager of Stardust Bowl, Jim Saffold, who operates the 84-lane center in Addison, Illinois. Others who received awards were: Coach, Proprietor, Salem Bowl, Steve Ludwig (Patrick Bosco Award of Merit), Proprietor, Liberty Lanes, Jerry Morano (Presidents Award), Storm, Gary Hulsenberg (Award of Gratitude), International Coach, Richard Shockley (Award of Recognition) and former proprietor, Four Seasons Sports Center, Marsha Royality (Lifetime Member Status). Following the Awards Ceremony, an 11-minute video paid tribute to the association’s 75th Anniversary which unveiled a list of 75 individuals/families that have made a positive impact in contributing to the success and growth of bowling throughout the state, from 1949 through today. The list consisted of current and former members of the association as well as coaches, pro shop owners, association leaders and media, all of whom comprise the industry, working together to make bowling in Illinois great. At the end of the dinner, each person received a 116-page, 6” x 9” booklet that featured the 75 and included information about the state’s history and current programs. For those who were listed in the group of 75 that were in attendance, each received an 11” x 14” framed keepsake displaying their story in the booklet. ISBPA Executive Director, Keith Hamilton, explained that a committee of nine was created to choose the 75 names. He noted that the group felt that non-proprietors needed to be included in the list because the ISBPA appreciates its partnerships with the different integers that comprise the industry — from the USBC who governs the sport to the coaches that create future bowlers. He also explained that come January, the booklet will be online where stories can be added throughout time because there were others who deserved to be acknowledged. After Hamilton spoke, Tom Doud thanked the committee members for their diligent work. The following morning opened with a seminar hosted by BPAA’s Member Benefits Director, Amy Arcuri, who spotlighted seven of the 146 available SMART BUY programs that she oversees. The general membership meeting featured presentations by BPAA Executive Director, Frank DeSocio, PBA Commissioner, Tom Clark, Molson Coors Senior Chain Sales Executive Justin Smith, BVL Board Member, Darlene Baker and the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame Curator, Kari Smith. Western Bowling Proprietor Insurance CEO, Cameron Linder, also made a special presentation and provided $24,000 to the association for commissions from the program. The association passed a motion combining the Secretary and Treasurer into one Secretary/Treasurer position; the membership also successfully voted to extend officer and board of director terms from two to three years. Mike Melone was elected the 38th president of ISBPA, replacing three-year president, Tom Doud. To close the meeting, QubicaAMF’s Dave Van Wyk held a raffle for members who participated in the 2024 pin program; River Rand Bowl had its name pulled and will have its 2025 membership dues paid for by the company. Following the annual meeting, a Strolling Lunch was incorporated into a visit with 15 exhibitors. The highlight of the lunch featured a rapid succession of raffle items, with nearly $18,000 being given to association in credit vouchers to purchase new products and services from ISBPA Supporting Members. A total of 14 different bowling centers benefited from the raffle. The meeting concluded with an inspiring talk from Jake Olson, a former completely blind long snapper for the USC Trojan football team. Jake, who is today the No. 1 completely blind golfer on the Adaptive Tour, shared his remarkable journey of perseverance and success. His story of overcoming incredible odds left a lasting impact on the audience.Overall, the ISBPA’s 75th Anniversary celebration was a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication of the association’s members and the continued growth and success of bowling in Illinois.
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Striking Spotlight 