SHORTS
ß BITS & PIECES ß ß ß
UK’s Hollywood Bowl is Up
Hollywood Bowl, a UK leisure operator, reported very strong trading for the six months up to March 2019. It has been noted that sites tend to perform better once they have been remodeled or updated. This bodes well for Hollywood Bowl as it is on track to complete between seven and nine refurbishments this year. While the second half of the year tends to be less strong, according to Shares News, with people spending more time outside in the summer, the company appears strong and, with a pipeline of new centers, future growth looks positive through the end of 2022. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Betson’s Portland, OR, office open
Over 800 people, including 10 manufacturers and customers from over 25 different companies attended Betson Enterprises’ new Portland office opening with a Spotlight Show and barbecue cookout. Betson sales and finance teams were on hand to discuss the new and exciting games’ offers. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ColorSplash
ColorSplash from ZOT has added six more venues to its growing family: The Alley, Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada; All Star Lanes, West Jordon, UT; Strike Zone & Sports Den, Williston, ND; Facenda Whitaker Lanes, East Norriton, PA; Andy’s Altitude 1291, Midwest City, OK; and Joliet Town & Country Lanes, Joliet, IL. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
BVL Exhibition
The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame announced its latest museum exhibit, spotlighting the Bowlers to Veterans Link. “This is a unique opportunity to display the accomplishments of this wonderful organization,” said Mike Aulby, president of the BMHF. The exhibition opened Memorial Day weekend and will remain on display through the Labor Day weekend. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global to represent Master Industries
Global Manufacturing has reached an agreement to represent Master Industries Worldwide. The agreement empowers Global to perform all sales and marketing sanctions for the Southern Californiabased bowling accessory manufacturer. “This is a very positive step for the future of both Master and Global,” stated Donna McDermott, GM of Master Industries Worldwide. “Our team at Global welcomes this opportunity. We look forward to adding Master to our offering of performance bowling products for bowlers and pro shops worldwide,” added Wes Pye, Global executive vice president.
8
IBI
July 2019
BOWLING BOOK CORNER It’s summer, time to sit on the patio and read a good book. Jonah D. Sandler, CEO of Scene 75 Entertainment Centers, has written a book directed to entrepreneurs: Before the Doors Opened, How One Entrepreneur Captured the Hearts of a Community and the Attention of Facebook, first published in 2014. This read chronicles Sandler’s last ditch effort to build a marketing plan after the entertainment center’s budget had been exhausted by construction and cost overruns. With only three months from opening, he had a plan. For younger readers who love bowling or just love a story about overcoming obstacles, Dan Gutman’s The Million Dollar Strike is a good summer read. Gutman, author of a series called My Weird School, shares the adventures of Ouchie and Squishy, two boys who love to bowl at the local bowling alley. When the Bowl-A-Rama faces the possibility of being condemned by the city, the boys work with the crazy owner Mr. Zamboni to restore the crumbling business. It evolves into a mystery that middle grade readers will enjoy.
MADISON COUNTY BA SHINES The Madison County Bowling Association (MCBA) held its eighth-annual Hospice Charity Bowling Tournament this past April. It was held at Galaxy Bowling Center in Richmond, KY, where the entire day was donated for the cause—Hospice Care Plus! According to reporter David Norman of the Richmond Register, over the past seven years, the event has raised over $60,000. This year alone, with the help of attendees and sponsors, over $22,000 was raised.