BUSINESS OF BOWLING

TIMES MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

by Jim Goodwin

World Bowling’s CEO Andrew Oram

QubicaAMF inks historic deal with World Bowling, and then COVID-19 ensues

Pat Ciniello, chairman of QAMF

Interviews for this story were conducted amid government and private sector shutdowns and rapidly changing health reports from the U.S. and across the globe regarding the COVID19 virus pandemic.

“We are very excited about our new deal with World Bowling,” said QubicaAMF chairman Pat Ciniello. “I’m sure World Bowling CEO Andrew Oram can tell you much more, but we think this will be an enormous boost toward achieving bowling’s Olympic goals. World Bowling has come close in the past, and this time we want to help them cross the finish line. Our primary business is developing and selling products, but we are also passionate about the sport, and we believe together we can get it done.” By Jim Goodwin A

Chris Chartrand, president of Kegel

new partnership, which was explained in a Memorandum of Understanding, makes QubicaAMF the exclusive supplier of capital bowling equipment, lane maintenance and technology, and event venues for all World Bowling Championships and World Bowling Tour Finals, including Zone Championships, the QubicaAMF World Cup, and the new ParaBowling World Cup (PWC) which is officially recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The PWC will run as a stand-alone event in direct relationship to the QubicaAMF World Cup; the PWC will be in the same location as the QubicaAMF World Cup each year. In 2020, these two events will be hosted in Kuwait, November 8-21, 2020.

“This is momentous for World Bowling,” said World Bowling CEO Andrew Oram in the recent press release about the new partnership. He went on to say that QubicaAMF is an innovative leader in the industry that shares World Bowling’s passion for the sport, and looks forward to working with QubicaAMF centers across the globe to increase the awareness and participation levels in World Bowling events.

A THIRD PARTNER MAKES THE DEAL EVEN STRONGER In a later announcement, QubicaAMF Worldwide, in agreement with World Bowling, confirmed that Kegel will continue to be the official lane maintenance provider, including lane preparation and lane conditioning, for the following World Bowling tournaments: World Youth Championships, QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup, International ParaBowling World Cup, and World Bowling Tour Finals.

“As a partner to World Bowling for many years, we are pleased to extend this relationship as official lane maintenance provider for their events,” said Kegel president Chris Chartrand. “It’s clear World Bowling is forging [ahead] in an exciting, new direction, and when you combine three great organizations like Kegel, QubicaAMF, and World Bowling, I’m confident international bowling will reach new heights.”

CHALLENGING TIMES AHEAD

As this monumental deal goes forward, it is impossible to predict how it will be affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic crisis, but all three partners involved sound optimistic.

“The partnership with QubicaAMF has started off in a period where the world faces unprecedented challenges,” said Oram. “To be able to liaise and discuss the many scenarios facing the industry with QubicaAMF is such a valuable asset as we take this opportunity to consolidate our position today. Our focus is now to use our time wisely to engage with as many people as possible to mould and shape a strong future for the sport.”

With our nation and our bowling industry mired in uncertainty, Ciniello is on the phone, talking to fellow bowling center proprietors, to suppliers, to BPAA officials, and to members of the media. He has also been talking with his QubicaAMF partners in Richmond, VA, and in Italy. In Europe, Ciniello reports that the daily routine is virtually shut down. The partnership is huge news in the industry, but it will likely get delayed until the COVID19 pandemic is over.

“Needless to say, this is a very difficult time for everyone,” said Ciniello.

“We are doing everything we can to communicate with our bowling center customers and others, but things are happening so fast it is almost impossible to keep up. We are especially concerned about our senior league bowlers in Florida, and the majority of them have already suspended their season. As you know, many tournaments and events have been cancelled and postponed. We just cannot predict the future right now.”

“The COVID-19 [pandemic] comes at a time where there have been many changes within the bowling industry, but the main concern is the financial welfare and security of proprietors who will have been forced to close their doors for variable periods of time,” said Oram. “This virus also affects the athletes who travel the world to make a living from participating in global events. It is imperative that we spend time consolidating the remaining portfolio so that when we emerge from the current lockdowns there is a sensible and clear list of events that enable our member federations and hosts to welcome the sport’s best athletes.” “Across the globe, businesses and individuals are facing challenges like we have never seen,” said Chartrand. “None of us have experience with a situation quite like this one, so in the absence of experience, we’re leaning on our values as guidance. During this difficult time, we’re thinking about the health and safety of our employees, how to help our customers, and ways to creatively navigate the financial impact. Every decision is a delicate balance. We remain optimistic while still preparing for the less desirable possibilities we may face in the coming weeks and months. The bowling industry is incredible, and I’m encouraged daily by the strength and resiliency coming my way from across the industry. We’ll see everyone on the other side.” ❖

Jim Goodwin is the founder and president of the Bowling News Network and a former president and life member of the International Bowling Media Association.