Networking

There were several topics/questions of discussion during this seminar. One topic was “What successes has your association had recently?”. Our association had success with the 700-800 tournament with several items raffled. Another success we had was the increase in numbers for the Mixed Doubles Tournament where we saw an overall increase in bowlers.

Some of the successes other associations had were putting together brackets for youth tournaments where the money was placed into a scholarship fund for the bowlers. Another association allowed their youth to be “Caddy’s for Cash” in which the youth offered to bring in the ladies balls for a tournament; the ladies paid them what they felt was worth it for them to be “ball free”! Another association had a raffle at their youth tournament with the money going towards their scholarship funds. Most, if not all, items were donated.

Another topic discussed was regarding a local awards program. Wisconsin has what they call a “challenge coin”. It’s a very nice looking coin and they place a clear removable label on the back of the coin with the achievement. If the bowler chooses to have it engraved, it is a cost the bowler will have to bear because the cost to engrave was too prohibitive. While we are using up the stock we have, we are looking into a new awards program. Please be patient as this does take time. We want it to be right and we want it to be what you, the bowler, would be happy with.

There were many ideas bounced around with a lot to digest. There were 10 tables of 10 association representatives sounding off. While it was very noisy with all the different discussions, it was also very informative. I would very much like to attend next year and be involved with Networking if it is offered.

Submitted by Fran Reus