BCAW Elects New Board Members, Honors Excellence at 2022 Annual Meeting/Trade Show

The Bowling Centers Association of Wisconsin (BCAW) held a successful 2022 Annual Meeting, Awards Luncheon, Conference and Trade Show Oct. 3 at the Wintergreen Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells.

Outgoing BCAW President Erik Gialdella kicked off the meeting’s official business portion with opening remarks and an overview of recent Board actions. BCAW Executive Director Roger Dalkin provided a financial report and program updates. Guest speaker Don Hildebrand – Wisconsin State USBC Association Manager – discussed the schedule of Wisconsin USBC bowling events for the upcoming 2022-23 season including the State Open Championship, Wisconsin Women’s Championship, Youth Masters and Badger Queens. Hildebrand also presented information about the Wisconsin State USBC Scholarship Program for high school seniors ($50,000 in scholarship funds) as well as the USBC Tiered Center Certification Program launching in January 2023.

Posnanski, Jr., Patterson Lead Election Slate

The selection of new President Hank Posnanski, Jr. and Vice President Daniel Patterson highlighted elections that were conducted for the BCAW Board of Directors. In addition, elections were held for three director positions on the BCAW Board for a two-year term. With Patterson’s election as Vice President, his Board seat became vacant and will be filled by appointment from Posnanski.

The following were elected by unanimous action of the membership:

• • •  BCAW President: Hank Posnanski, Jr., Bluemound Bowl, Brookfield
    • Vice President: Daniel Patterson, Buzz Social, Green Bay
    • Directors (1-4):
      • Steve Cieslewicz, Whitetail Lanes, Amherst Junction
      • Cary Serwe, King Pin Lanes, Campbellsport
      • Chuck Torosian, River City Lanes, Waterford
      • Vacant seat to be filled by incoming President

Luncheon honors Awards of Excellence winners

The 2022 BCAW Award of Excellence recipients were recognized at the “Celebration of Excellence” Luncheon.

Proprietor David Bardon, Youth Bowling Directors John Breunig and Cher Breunig, and former BCAW Executive Director Yvonne Bennett were honored as this year’s recipients based on their outstanding dedication to center promotion, youth bowling, coaching and raising awareness of the sport.

Honorees shared inspiring personal stories as well as keys to their success. Joshua Bardon accepted the BCAW Award of Excellence (Over 12 Lane centers) for his father, David, a longtime proprietor with Bardon Bowling Centers who has maintained an active role in the bowling industry at all levels. The Breunigs – who together earned a Special Award of Excellence – shared their passion for coaching youth bowlers and how rewarding that experience has been in their lives. Accepting a Special Award of Excellence on behalf of Yvonne Bennet was her husband, David, who shared a heartfelt story about how the couple met at a bowling center and told the audience of the incredible dedication, commitment and passion Yvonne has displayed for the sport of bowling.

Informative seminars hit the mark

Two educational seminars gave proprietors and guests a chance to learn about hiring the right employees and lane topography.

Kelly Bednar of The Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA) outlined strategies proprietors can use to hire and keep staff members in his session “Talent Acquisition – Recruiting, Training and Retaining.”

In a concurrent seminar, Silas Whitener and Brad Mezo from Bowling Voodoo discussed lane topography and what it means for bowling centers. It’s important for proprietors to consider that the overall shape of their lane beds affects ball motion, fair play and lane maintenance, they said.

Exhibitors Shine At Trade Show

The day wrapped up in the late afternoon with the BCAW Trade Show. Exhibitors, suppliers, proprietors and guests had a chance to mingle and discuss how the wide variety of products will improve the bottom line for their bowling businesses and provide an even more enjoyable experience for league and recreational bowlers.

The BCAW would like to thank these valued Trade Show exhibitors that played a significant role in making this year’s event a big success:

• Alliance Insurance Centers
• BBBI/ Kids Bowl Free
• Bobs’ Business
• Bowling Voodoo
• Brunswick Bowling
• Classic Products
• Drink Wisconsinbly
• Qubica AMF
• Schemm Bowling
• US Bank
• Wisconsin Souvenir Milkcaps
• Wisconsin State USBC